NEW parents Jenna and Levi Martin received a Christmas present they dreamed of: a happy, healthy baby boy.
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Jimmy, their first child, was born on December 18 at 32 weeks at Ballarat Base Hospital. His due date was January 20.
“We weren’t quite expecting him this early, but he is our beautiful Christmas present and we couldn’t ask for anything more,” Ms Martin said.
“He’s our Christmas miracle and it makes our Christmas all the more special he’s here.”
He was born weighing 2060 grams, but has since dropped to 1935g and is being cared for in the special care nursery at the base.
“It’s to be expected in his first week, but hopefully he gains some weight and fattens up now.”
Mother Jenna went into a threatening premature labour at 28 weeks.
“From there, I was in and out of hospital and up and back from Melbourne over the next few weeks, before they eventually decided to induce me.”
Ms Martin said she did not know how much longer Jimmy would be in hospital, but he would have to weigh at least 2200 grams before they could take him home.
She said she was visiting Jimmy every day and spending as much time with him as possible, including most of Christmas Day.
“I don’t mind spending Christmas Day in the hospital,” she said.
“All my family will be in town, so I’ll duck out for a quick lunch and I think Jimmy will have lots of visitors to wish him a Merry Christmas all day.”
Ms Martin said when she and her husband realised that they would have their child before Christmas, they did go out and buy him a couple of
presents.
“We’re just so grateful to have a happy, healthy baby.”
She said even though it would not be a Christmas Jimmy would remember, it would be an extra special Christmas that would stay with her forever.
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au