*EARLY ACCESS* My First Week As A Father

Thank you for sharing your story with us! I'm so glad Wes is doing well. :) Best wishes, happiness, and good health for Wes and the whole Fulmer family!

Emily

Agreed!

Emily

so happy baby wes is healthy and happy <3

Crtny EP

Thanks for sharing your story, ned. Glad you and the family got to pull through safely in this challenge 😊

Marga Sayo

I so understand what you are talking about. You are the greatest.

Jt Anglin

I cried so hard. Ned and Ariel, you are incredibly brave, awesome, kind people.

Baudlairean

Man, I cried at this video! But he's a strong baby, he'll do great! Also a tip to avoid being peed on while changing the baby: when you change the diaper, put a little towel over the "groinal area" (keeping a hand at the top of it against his belly (that way it stays in place and you feel if he starts rolling). In all the babies I've changed it's worked, maybe because of the sensation of the towel, I don't know but it works great! 😁 And again congratulations! You're already amazing parents, any parent who starts reading to their child that early is heading for success! (PS. I'm a librarian, trust me on this!)

Sweet little bean. Glad he's doing fine!

Sweetz (GFPR)

Wow!!! Amazing story and I think its brilliant that they do a carseat test. As far as I know that isn't done here in San Antonio. Thanks again for sharing.

Erica Olvera

Thanks for sharing your story Ned and congrats on hitting 3 million subscribers!

LJ Luna

I'm so glad you made this video! My mom worked in the NICU as a Respiratory Therapist for 18 years. I don't have any personal experience in the NICU, but I have heard many stories from my mom over the years. Thank you again for this video!

Becky Harrill

I understand how hard it is have to be in the NICU. I don’t have any children but my sister does, her daughter came 4 weeks early. She went to the NICU as soon as my sister gave birth. My niece had all these cords hooked up to her, a IV, a breathing tub, etc. It hurt as her aunt so I can’t imagine how my sister felt. She had to be in the NICU for about 2 weeks before we could take her home. Those 2 weeks were the hardest weeks of my sister life. My niece just turned one a couple of days ago, I still can’t believe how big and smart she is. Ned your baby is so beautiful and I hope he continues to be a happy healthy baby

Jasmine Maldonado

Thank you for sharing Ned; I know that couldn’t have been easy. Wes is a beautiful baby boy and is clearly very loved ❤️

Pam Smiley

I'm so sorry, Ned & Ariel. I can't even imagine how scary that is. ♥

Tiffany Atkins

Such an amazing and real video. Thank you for sharing Ned. I hope things have settled down for your family and that you are enjoying each other <3

Mercedes Stevenson

My advice is keep this video - or I imagine one close that you made just for you and Ariel, - close and accessible. Remind yourself when things get hard, what began this journey. You think that you JUST love him now, but wait till he's 3 and breaking your video equipment :P If you're having trouble with the transition, look into post-partum doulas in your area. They'll help you TONS if you can find the right one. My mom was a photographer in Hawaii until I was 5, I know the life-long shame from breaking a _favorite_ camera! xD Sending love for you all, I really hope Ariel is doing well! It'd be pretty cool to see a series from her eventually :)

Myrriadne

The car seat test is SUPER important to a baby's life. The reason is because of SIDS, which is HIGHLY more likely in preemies. I'm a doula-in-training, the car seat test should be done _everywhere_. (Ned, don't read this!) It's not about the baby being "happy". If a preemie like Wes gets put into a car seat without this test, they can wind up breathing in their acid reflux (they can't always turn or lift their head to get around that), stop breathing (apnea), have their heart pump too slowly, or just not be able to get quite enough oxygen. NICU babies are weaker than most, and I'm not sure about the UK, but I know _here_, twins at 36 weeks are generally considered full term. The placenta tends to get used up earlier with multiples :)

Myrriadne

This is so beautiful, Ned, I'm so happy that Wes is okay and I could not be more excited to see you and Ariel's journey as parents! Sending love!

Zoe Lee

You are so brave. You are both amazing parents, and this made me cry, and I'm not mad at it, and I cannot wait to see little Try-Baby Wes grow up to be a strong little person like his parents.

Emery Ralston

Thanks for sharing this experience with us! As a parent, I can only imagine how scary that must have been, on top of everything happening so early. Glad he's healthy and thriving now!

flibbertygibbette

As mum-to-be, the husband and I really appreciate the parenthood videos and seeing your and Ariel’s journey with Baby Wes. Thank you for sharing what must’ve been really difficult to film/edit. ❤️

Yee-Ling Wong

I’m from England and live in Ireland and I can’t believe the car seat test, there’s nothing like that over just go home and have visits from the midwife. It seems a bit over the top putting him in nicu for not being able to sit still and be happy about it for 90 minutes. Anyway, I’m pleased he’s well and ok and he is just gorgeous but I do feel the experience was a little overwhelming for you when it needn’t have been. Things like that stay with you. My twins were 4 weeks early and one was in the nicu for a day but the other twin actually needed surgery at 1 year old for a kidney problem which thankfully she’s a happy healthy 10 year old now.

Kate Curley

Thanks for sharing your parenting experiences!

Avia Lewis

I'm not crying! You're crying! Ok we're both crying!

Baylee Munson

awh this was such an amazing video :) I can't wait to see the beautiful person that Wes is going to become with two amazing parents!

Grace Mcguigan

Sleep for parents is overrated!!! LOL! Enjoy that little blessing.

Cheryl Shoup

Ned this was so beautiful, I am sat in my house sobbing. I wish you, Ariel, and baby Wes all of the happiness in the world. So glad to hear that he is doing well xx

Charlie Sheargold

I'm the eldest of three, and my youngest brother is the only one out of the three of us who wasn't sent to the NICU. I was severely dehydrated, and my brother had a problem with a bone in his head. But both of us are healthy and functioning, and I'm so glad Wes is gonna be okay too.

Kate Ozawa

Awww so glad you are enjoying parenthood. Sorry it got off to a rocky start. Our daughter was also early (thanks to HELLP syndrome). She also failed her car seat test.... at like the 85 minute mark according to the nurse it's because she pooped lol. Thanks for sharing your journey so happy for you all enjoy your snuggle baby!

Meghan Herrera

He is such a beautiful baby. Congrats on all the many new changes in your life.

Justin Wardrip

And now it's raining in my apartment, as the kids say.

Noelle Krumbhaar

Thank you so much for sharing this Ned! My nephews were born just last week at 31 weeks and are currently in the NICU. You sharing your story makes such a difference and your baby is beautiful and healthy and strong! There are so many of us here that understand part or all of what you went through <3

Jess Damour

Thank you for sharing this. I was a NICU mom. My little guy was born at 35 weeks, was small and had a few tummy problems at birth. He was in there for 11 days. It's the hardest thing you'll ever do as a parent. But now he's almost 6 and in the 95th% for w/height so you wouldn't even know. Wes is loved and so lucky!

Steph B

First, I'm so happy everything has worked out and that Wes is healthy. Thank you for sharing this story. My daughter is 23. We didn't have such a thing as a car seat test when she was born. I have type I diabetes. I had a C-section, the nurses held her close to my face so I could kiss her (not hold her, just kiss her cheek), then she was whisked off to the NICU for her sugar to be stabilized after living with mine for 9 mos. When we were able to visit the NICU, we saw the IV had been inserted into her forehead. To see her like that, knowing it was because of me (well, I had the diabetes and she'd be fine if I hadn't)broke my heart and I couldn't stop crying as I held her, still hooked up to the incubator. When she finally could join us in the maternity ward, we saw she had bruises all over both arms. Whoever had tried to give her her original IV had failed MISERABLY. The pediatrician saw that and we could tell he was headed to rip someone a new one. The staff was great and we did end up bringing her home healthy and also diabetes free. (A HUGE PLUS.) She's my only child and I love her to death and beyond. Thank you again for sharing. Someone understands seeing all those tubes and freaking out.

Dawn Milam

Wes is going to look back at these videos and realize that he seriously has the best dad ever. All of the things you’ve done to understand what Ariel was going through and to make sure that Wes is okay—it’s awesome. He’s so lucky to have you for a dad.

Natalie Chipping

This made me so teary. Wes is so adorable!

Kinshi

It looks like you’re doing an amazing job so far! Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with all of us! ❤️

Allison B

That must have been terrifying! You had me in tears!

Mickey Blake

This was so sweet and emotional (made me cry Ned! Dammit! 😉) and I’m always humbled as a fan how much you’re willing to share with us. Wesley is so cute and adorable and so is Bean (clearly loving being a big brother) and I really just love how much you love your family Ned. I love seeing that big heart of yours on display. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Brittany Mosley

You guys had such a scary experience! I was born 3 months premature and my mom spent 3 month at the NICU with me. She always cries when she recalls that time. Being a parent isn't easy at all.

Yana Synogub

He is perfect!! And what a strong little guy that he lifted his head that young!!! I feel for you and any parent with babies in the NICU---a very good friend of mine had twins born very early---she was only 5 months along. They were deemed micro premies, smaller than light bulbs. Their first year was very touch and go with multiple surgeries for their son. Their daughter seemed to mature and deal with her many conditions with medication. I am very happy to say both of those little ones will be turning 5 soon. It's amazing how hard they fought---and how tough they are, and how BIG they are! They are also perfectly healthy. :) Hahhahah. Enjoy Wes as a little wee baby, because they don't stay babies for very long. Love and hugs to you and Ariel and Wes! (And Bean!!)

Darkhorse3211

Wow, this caught me right in the feels as I started my anti-depressants (woo for mental health!). Thank you for sharing. My younger sister was born 2 months early and had to stay in the NICU for multiple complications that made her stay there for about a month or so, with constant revisits back to the hospital. She's now turning 13 this year. She does have a sucky immune system (HELLA allergies and asthma). BUT she is healthy and going to start varsity basketball as a freshman this upcoming year in high school. You and Ariel will be great parents, and Wes is so lucky to have an amazing (extended) family.

Kerynne Tejada

Thank you for sharing your experience. I was a preemie baby (6 weeks early), and I had to stay in NICU for a week or so, then went home on oxygen. But now I’m healthy (besides some asthma and allergies), and I turn 24 in a few weeks. My mom still has some trouble talking about some parts of my NICU stay, but highly praised the team at that hospital. My dad happened to be the first one to hold me, as they had to rush me away, so that was hard on my parents. I’m so glad little Wes is happy and healthy and everyone is home. He’s more than welcome in the NICU graduates club.

Rachel Longnecker

So sweet Ned! Happy for you 😊

Jessica Haburchak-Medina

Wes is so lucky to have you as a father Ned 😭❤️

Holly Tomlinson

Thanks for sharing your story. People don't talk about these experiences enough. Our baby was born 6 weeks early and was in the NICU for 10 days. And, our house was under construction too! Yikes. Glad Wes came home and is healthy - congratulations. Thanks again.

Paige

That was lovely, Ned. It was really touching to see you share not only your story but your emotions. Someday you can show Wes this video, which is precious.

Laurie Swenson

OMG!!! So sweet! I'm at work, bawling my eyes out! You and Ariel are such sweet parents and Wes is going to grow up incredibly loved by you two!

Jessica Burks

Thanks for sharing this! Stories that expose and normalize the vulnerability of parenthood aren't told enough. You're not alone and your story will help other parents know their journeys are OK too. Our little guy was 5 weeks early and spent a week in the NICU. The cords and IVs are SO terrifying and you're SO right, the 24 hour care is so great so you can sleep. You two are doing a great job!

Carrie Bennett

As a nursing student that wants to work in paediatrics, I just want to thank you for sharing this with the world. It's a tough thing to do. I'm excited to see how you and Ariel develop into even more amazing parents than you already are!

Caroline Muir

Thank you Ned, for sharing your story of such a rough time for you and your family. Wes is a beautiful baby and he is lucky to have two such loving and caring parents. Wishing all the best for you, Ariel, and Wes! <3

Arianna Drake

Thank you for sharing that Ned. I wish all the best things for baby Wes. He's starting out with two great parents!!!

Julie

You got this Ned! You and Ariel are doing amazing. Wes will have an amazing life thanks to his amazing parents.

Isabella A.

You (I was going to say "are going to be" but you already) are a great father, Ned! This had me in tears omg

TheSPAMi

😭😭😭 Thank you for sharing with us Ned My nephew was born at 28 weeks, he had to stay in the NICU for a few months. It’s definitely scary, but that experience is what inspired my sister (his mom) to be a nurse. He’s 13 now (totally healthy and was “caught up” at just a few years old) My sister is now a registered nurse and loves it.

Shana McCord

Thank you for sharing your story, you & Ariel are & will continue to be wonderful parents. Wes is a lucky boy to have you both 😊

Gabriella Novello

Thank you for sharing your story. You guys are already such strong and loving parents, and Wes is such a lucky baby! I wish your family nothing but health and happiness.

Holly Carroll

Thank you for sharing such a special and scary moment. You and Ariel are wonderful parents.

Anxious Tamagogo

Ned, you and Ariel are great parents. Thank you for sharing.

Amanda Rose Mitchell

Thank you Ned for being so brave and sharing your story with all of us!

Amanda