FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — The tiny ring bearer wore a borrowed tuxedo-style onesie and snoozed through most of the celebration as his parents got married in the neonatal intensive care unit of Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.
Kristi Warriner and Justin Nelson hope to take their premature baby, J.J., home to Midlothian soon. In the meantime, they exchanged vows Tuesday in their son’s hospital room.
J.J. was born Sept. 2, about 15 weeks early, at 1 pound, 13 ounces, and has breathing problems due to underdeveloped lungs. His twin brother, Colt Austin Nelson, was stillborn.
J.J. was listed in good condition Wednesday, said Missy Staben, a hospital spokeswoman.
“We thank God every day for J.J. getting better and stronger,” his mother said during the wedding put together by hospital staffers.
Area businesses donated the bride’s strapless gown and flowers for the celebration. The couple’s son, still attached to monitors, mainly slept in his crib.
The baby’s big sister, Carissa Warriner, 8, served as flower girl. Members of the media helped record the nuptials.
The Nelsons are optimistic that they will be able to take their growing son home by Christmas. He now weighs more than 6 pounds.