Thiago has been charming his NICU nurses since July, but soon he will be going home.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
Talk about a cute little pumpkin. Thiago Iribe Gonzalez got into the Halloween spirit last week, promising no tricks, only treats for his family and care team.
The 3-month-old preemie has been in the NICU at Riley Hospital for Children since his birth at 29+ weeks in July at the Riley Maternity Tower.
His mom, Idania Iribe, and grandmother, Norma Sandoval, couldn’t wait to dress their little prince in his pumpkin suit, complete with a tiny hat and stem, for photos.
Thiago responded with his best scary face and side eye, but really, he just wanted to be in his mom’s arms.
“He’s my little miracle, Iribe said as she snuggled her squirming son while his grandmother hovered nearby. “He’s strong, he’s been through a lot of ups and downs.”
Thiago, who recently marked 100 days in the NICU, was born 10 weeks early, weighing 3 pounds, 9 ounces, but was doing well in the NICU until he developed NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), a serious gastrointestinal problem that mostly affects premature babies. The condition inflames intestinal tissue, causing it to die.
He suffered other setbacks but has come through like a champ and is nearing the day when he will go home, much to the delight of his dad, Armondo Gonzalez, and his mom.
Iribe has stayed by her son’s side throughout his hospitalization, having to be gently reminded to take breaks for her own health.
“I have to ‘mom’ her sometimes,” said Chelsea Finnegan, one of Thiago’s primary nurses. “She’s my patient, too. She sometimes needs a reminder to go eat or take a breather and I will entertain him while she does.”
Finnegan’s support and that of the other nurses has helped give Iribe the strength and confidence to advocate for her son.
“They listen to me, even if they don’t see a huge difference the same as I do,” the young mom said. “They are very supportive.”
For Finnegan, encouraging parents to trust their gut and speak up is part of her job.
“She’s been very, very good at noticing the smallest differences in him, from being at the bedside all day,” Finnegan said.
Norma Sandoval has been by her daughter’s side throughout the months in the hospital. She is keenly aware of how much this little baby means to his parents.
“He has a little brother (Liam) in heaven,” Sandoval said. “We lost him four days before his due date. Everybody says Liam is holding Thiago’s hand through this, telling him to stay with mom and dad.”
Iribe doesn’t want to miss a moment with her baby, and she captures some of those moments with him from behind the camera, planning elaborate photo shoots and dressing him in cute costumes.
When asked how she has remained strong throughout his ordeal, her gaze lands on him.
“My baby is alive,” she said. “He has a heartbeat. If he is strong and fighting every day, why not me as well?”
Photos submitted and by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org
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