These are the pictures taken tonight, exactly one week after the birth of my first, Gunner Isaiah @ 26 weeks and 5 days. He was a micro-preemie and weighed 1 lb 13 oz and was 13.25 in. long. I had a normal pregnancy right up until I went into labor. I was thick before pregnancy and gained 10 lbs total. You can see in the pics that my navel piercing scar stretched a great deal. My unfinished tattoo on my ribs was not affected at all. Pumping so that I can eventually breastfeed has started to cause stretchmarks on my breasts, but other than that they look AMAZING! I am loving how big they are right now. 
The old stretchmarks I had on my hips and thighs had just started to extend, but it’s barely noticeable in the pictures. In a lot of ways I envy the moms who have stretchmarks to show. Since my son is in the NICU, the only physical indications that I even HAVE a baby are the hospital bracelets I refuse to take off. I would have rather had my whole lower body covered in stretch marks than have my son so early.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I’m so sorry! You must be very frightened. I hope that your baby boy does alright in the NICU, and can come home soon.
Good luck, you will be in my thoughts.
November 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Hi,
You look great! I also had my baby early (34 weeks though) but I know it can be quite challenging (mentally, emotionally, physically and otherwise) to have a child in the NICU. Through my own experience, I have run into many other mommies who had- or know others who have had very premature babies who are now amazingly happy and healthy adults. And, that was back before all of the wonderful technology we have at our disposal today. Some things that helped me get through the NICU time and raising a preemie afterwards was: taking ME time (make sure you spend some time having fun and/or doing something relaxing- especially when you are mentally stressed and to break up the hospital visits), accepting help whenever it is offered, and reminding myself that the hospital was the best place for her at the time, even though I longed for her to be home with me.
You’ll get through this and come out a stronger mommy for it! As you watch your son grow you’ll appreciate his little achievements and smiles all the more. Take Care!
November 17th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Congrats! My bf went into labor with her first at 24 weeks and had her baby at 26 weeks a day before xmas eve in 2005. She had her second at 32 weeks. Both are perfectly healthy and striving!
November 18th, 2008 at 2:45 am
While your body may not show the marks of a full term pregnancy you still have a little one to nourish. Good luck to you and to Gunner. I hope that you get through this difficult time and have him home lying on your unmarked belly as soon as possible!
November 18th, 2008 at 8:29 am
good luck!
I had preemies at 24 weeks.. the NICU is rough. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
November 18th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
You look beautiful! I hope that your baby comes home soon!!!
November 19th, 2008 at 9:46 am
If it gives you any hope, I was 1 lb 13 oz exactly. I’m 22 now with no problems or complications growing up. I wish you the best.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
This is Ashley, and those are my pictures up above. My son passed away a week ago today but I want to thank everyone for the wonderful comments. And I want to tell everyone who has a preemie to keep their heads up and never give up. Although not every story has a happy ending, so many do. And the advances in technology mean that every year these bavies have an even higher survival rate.
November 21st, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Ashley, i am so sorry to read about your loss. You and your son are in my thoughts.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I continue to think of you and just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss.