Tallon James’ birth came as a surprise to everyone, including parents Kassey and Joe James.
Kimball’s first baby of 2012 arrived on January 1 at 12:33 p.m. in the Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff--eleven weeks before his expected due date.
Soon after the delivery, Tallon was whisked away on another first--a plane ride courtesy of ‘Air for Life’ from the First Presbyterian Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Tallon is no longer in the severe NIC-U (Nepean Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), he is now in an up-graded NIC-U. He is breathing on his own, but requires oxygen is make sure that his lungs are inflated to where they need to be. He is no longer on a ventilator. He does have a feeding tube, but is trying to suck on the tube, which is a “good sign,” according to the medical staff at the hospital.
All-in-all, things are going well for the New Year’s baby. The medical staff at the Presbyterian Hospital has given the family a ‘thumbs up’ on Tallon’s health.
The boy’s grandmother, Dawna Schmidt, described Tallon as “beautiful, blond and strong.” Kassey James said they decided on the name “Tallon” because it translates as ‘warrior’--and a warrior he is, even though he was the smallest infant in the neo-natal ward at the hospital.
Schmidt rode with the newborn Tallon on the care flight to Denver. Tallon’s mother was not able to make the trip because her doctors wished to make sure she was stable enough to leave Regional West before being dismissed. The boy’s father decided to stay with his wife, keeping her spirits up as she recovered.
‘Grandma’ didn’t mind making the trip with her grandson. Indeed, she felt it was a privilege to do so.
Tallon is showing steady progress, but will not be released from the hospital until he successfully reaches his expected birthday--March 15. As he matures and grows stronger, the doctors will graduate him to different levels. He will eventually be taken to the hospital nursery in preparation for his release and long awaited homecoming.
“It’s going to be a long road for the kids, but we greatly appreciate any and all help that the community can give us right now,” said Schmidt. The Kimball Lions Club donated some money toward travel expenses from the Jenna Lee Fund and others in the community have chipped in when possible.
“I would like to think that someday, we will be able to ‘pay it forward,’” Schmidt said of the assistance.
An account set up for those wishing to help the family with their expenses in the name of Tallon James, care of DawnEtta Schmidt, at the FirsTier Bank in Kimball. The family is also requesting gas company credit cards so that Tallon’s father will be able to visit more often. Joes James is employed at Curley’s in Kimball.
Address for donations can be sent to Dawna Schmidt, Stahla’s Trailer Court, 1 Amanda Street, Kimball, NE, 69145, or you can contact Dawna at 308-235-8917.
