Palm Coast Couple Holds NICU Baby for the First Time on Easter Sunday

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., April 9, 2018 Palm Coast residents Carli (25) and Addison (26) Wieda had originally expected baby Sloane Olivia Wieda to arrive on May 5, 2018, the same day as their sons first birthday. However, little Sloane decided to arrive nearly 6 weeks early on March 27 instead. Born at 34 weeks, baby Sloane weighed in at 5 lbs. and 4 oz., and was 18 and inches long.

On March 27, Carlis water broke while her husband Addison was working at Washed Out, a local power washing, roof and gutter cleaning, and paver sealing company. Addison quickly left work and met Carli at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach while Carli's doctor admitted her to the hospital.

When I went to the hospital to be examined, I did not expect them tell me my water had broken and I was being admitted, Carli said. I was both excited and anxious to know our daughter would arrive in 24 hours or less.

We were anxious, of course. Six-weeks early is nerve-wracking, but we were optimistic, Addison said. It was scary at first, but after she was delivered, we felt really good. Her vitals were good, she was a healthy weight, and she was vocal.

Because Sloane was born prematurely, she was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center. The 16-bed Level II NICU at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center opened in August 2016 to care for newborns 32 weeks and older. It is the only NICU in Volusia County with private, family-centered rooms, allowing parents to stay 24 hours a day with their babies.

This was not the first NICU experience for the Flagler-Palm Coast High School graduates (Carli graduated in 2011, Addison graduated in 2009). Their older son, Addison James Wieda, was also a patient in the NICU for five days nearly a year ago.

Our son had an infection and had to stay in the NICU for five days, so we had a sense of comfort there, having been there before and already knowing Sloane would get the best care in the best atmosphere, Addison said. Carli and I take turns staying overnight with Sloane. One of us stays in the hospital with her, and the other stays at home with our son.

Easter Sunday held a particular significance this year: the couple were able to hold Sloane for the first time.

She was born on March 27, and for five days, we weren't able to hold her, Addison said. On Easter, we brought our son and the grandparents to see Sloane. When we were given the good news, that we could hold Sloane finally, it was a very emotional moment. I called Carli, so she could be the first to feed and hold her.

After five excruciating days of only being able to touch Sloane, we were finally able to hold and feed her. It was at that moment that I knew she was going to be okay; it was pure bliss, said Carli.

A few days after Easter, the Wieda family received more good news: Sloane went home on April 4 and Carli is feeling really good with no complications after the delivery.

Seeing Sloane with her big brother, Addison, is the most endearing thing we have ever seen, Carli said. It truly fills our hearts with joy and love and we cannot wait to watch them grow together.

About Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center

Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center is a member of Adventist Health System, a faith-based health care organization with 46 hospital campuses in nine states, serving more than 5 million patients annually. With a mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center includes the 327-bed facility in Daytona Beach, as well as Florida Hospital Oceanside with 80 beds in Ormond Beach. Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center and Florida Hospital Oceanside are two of the seven Florida Hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties that composes the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region. As the largest hospital system in the area, the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region has 1,226 beds and more than 7,800 employees.