Triplets who were born 12 weeks early, but powered through to survive, were finally reunited Wednesday, when the last of the three left the hospital to join his two sisters for the first time in six months.
Mother Catie Ketcham called it the “ultimate Christmas present.”
Father Tyler Ketcham said, “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
The beaming parents were finally able to bring their son Cody home to Otisville to be with his sisters.
Triplets Cody, MacKenzie and Abigail Ketcham were born March 18 at 27 weeks gestation.
What You Need To Know
- While his sisters were discharged, Cody, at just one pound, five ounces and on a ventilator, had to stay longer while he fought chronic lung disease, a condition common in babies born prematurely
- Since then, Cody has gained 12 pounds, and was cleared for release Wednesday
- “Once we leave here, we’ll be heading home and reuniting them for the first time since Father’s Day weekend,” mother Catie Ketcham said
They were transferred from the neonatal intensive care unit at Westchester Medical Center to Blythedale Medical Center, where they underwent therapies to help them grow.
Weighing two pounds, MacKenzie was cleared to go home June 19.
Abigail — at two pounds, six ounces — was released from Blythedale on the Fourth of July.
But at just one pound, five ounces and needing a ventilator, Cody had to stay longer while he fought chronic lung disease, a condition common in babies born prematurely.
Since then, he has gained 12 pounds, and was cleared for release Wednesday.
“Once we leave here, we’ll be heading home and reuniting them for the first time since Father’s Day weekend,” Catie Ketcham said.
The parents admitted there were moments when they were not entirely sure Cody would survive. Today, they and their doctors are much more confident.
“Cody will lead a totally long life. He’ll live 110 years by the time he grows up,” Cody’s physician, Dr. Dennis Davidson, said with a laugh.
Perhaps it was Cody’s cool demeanor that helped him recover.
“The journey that he’s been on, you’d be amazed with how mellow, relaxed and happy-go-lucky he is,” Catie Ketcham said.
She was eager to see how the triplets interact with one.
“They’re all very different, and their personalities are very different," she said.
She could not give enough thanks to her support system, including “the grandmas” who watched over MacKenzie and Abigail when the parents were at Blythedale.
“It’s been a journey, one you wish you didn’t have to experience, but we’re grateful for all the people we’ve had at our sides,” Catie Ketcham said. “Family, friends, staff, who have really helped … just to get our little guy home before Christmas.”