Jordan Watts thought she was having a normal, healthy pregnancy until an anatomy scan changed everything.
“I had a great pregnancy, no issues,” Watts said. “We shared with family and friends, and then, at our anatomy scan, they noticed that our daughter’s heart was a little bit shifted to the right.” Watts was nearly 24 weeks pregnant when doctors told her the risk of preterm labor was high.
A week later, she went into labor.“It was kind of scary because they immediately have to take our child and put her in this recovery bed,” said Justin Watts, Ada’s father and Jordan’s husband. “So there’s no holding. There’s none of the traditional clipping of the umbilical cord.”“She was born without her esophagus connected, and then it was also fused to her trachea,” Jordan Watts said. “So when they were attempting to intubate her, she had a blind pouch at the top that it would stop at.” Because of those health issues, the Watts family said they were not able to hold Ada for the first 133 days of her life.Justin Watts said everyday moments outside the hospital became painful reminders of what they were missing. “We couldn’t go out,” he said. “If we left and went to dinner and small children would come running through, or a baby and there’s a stroller, I could see Jordan, and just everything was crashing.” In Alabama, teachers can donate paid time off to other teachers in need. Watts said that support made it possible for her to remain with Ada through a long and uncertain NICU stay. “I am incredibly grateful,” she said. “In the beginning, when we first got to the hospital, I just thought I’d have to go back to work.” With PTO donations from teachers at her school, and other educators across Alabama, Watts said she will be able to stay with Ada through the beginning of the next school year. After that, she is considering taking a leave of absence. Watts said additional donated PTO could allow her to continue receiving pay while she remains at her daughter’s side. Ada now weighs more than 9 pounds, her parents said, but she remains on IV nutrition and 100% oxygen.The Watts family said they believe they will eventually be able to take Ada home and enjoy the everyday family outings that once felt out of reach.. For those who aren’t teachers, Watts said sharing Ada’s story is one of the best ways to help.New COVID-19 variant, ‘Cicada,’ spreading in US, health officials saySavannah Guthrie apologizes to mom in first interview, blames herself for kidnapping
Alabama News Story Teacher Donation PTO Reeltown NICU Jordan Watts Ada Wsfa Wfsa
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Main Street Montgomery holds 2nd annual 'Pints & Plans'Montgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Alabama Blues Project fundraiser supports music educationTaylor Desert, a TSA agent at the Indianapolis airport, says she may look for another job if the shutdown reaches 60 days. “I don’t want to have to spend my entire savings just to afford to keep living,” she said. (AP video: Obed Lamy)
Read more »
Barry Moore Takes Lead in Alabama Senate GOP Primary After Crypto Cash InfusionRep. Barry Moore (R-AL) surges ahead in the Alabama Senate GOP primary, fueled by cryptocurrency-backed funding and President Trump's endorsement, according to a new poll.
Read more »
Will Rockies’ Zac Veen or Jordan Beck ever become an All-Star?Zac Veen is an intriguing player because he was a first-round draft choice — No. 9 overall in 2020 — and because he has prodigious power potential.
Read more »
Alabama QB Ty Simpson: I'm 'Absolutely' a 1st Rounder in 2026 NFL DraftAlabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson feels that he's 'absolutely' a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Read more »
Alabama vs Michigan Prediction, Picks & Odds for Friday's March Madness GameGet the best Alabama vs. Michigan predictions ahead of Friday's Sweet Sixteen matchup in Chicago. Free March Madness picks for March 27.
Read more »