A NURSE has adopted a little girl who had no visitors for five months when she was in hospital as a baby.
Liz Smith, 45, checked on baby Gisele every day at the end of her shift after the infant was born at just 29 weeks.
Liz Smith
Little Gisele was diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome due to her birth-mother’s drug use during pregnancy.
After the baby was taken into the state’s custody in Massachusetts in October 2016, Liz offered to take her in as a foster parent.
Now Gisele, who will celebrate her third birthday in July, is officially Liz’s daughter after her adoption was finalised in October last year.
Gisele, who was born weighing less than two pounds, spent three months on ventilator support before she was transferred to Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Boston.
Liz Smith
Her condition caused her to develop an oral aversion, meaning she was unable to eat or drink.
The infant allegedly had no visitors during her time in care except for nurse Liz, according to the Franciscan Children’s blog.
With support from family and friends, Liz – who had been told she could not undergo IVF – decided to foster Gisele who was then nine months old.
Gisele’s birth parents at first began attending weekly visitations but they became more infrequent – to the point that adoption was the only option left for the girl.
Liz Smith
Liz, who had fallen in love with little Gisele, said: “When I got the call that the parents’ rights were terminated, I imagined that it would be a day of relief.
“And it was a day I was really sad. I was really happy. But I was really sad for them.
“I was gaining her but they were losing her.
“And to try to battle addiction and being a mom, that’s impossible.”
Since the moment I met her, there was something behind her striking blue eyes capturing my attention. I felt that I needed to love this child and keep her safe
Liz Smith
Liz said that the judge heaped praise on her when he granted the adoption on October 18 last year.
According to the mum, he said: “When a judge walks in the room, everyone stands out of respect.
“But today I stand in respect for you, Liz, because you deserve the respect from this room.
“A birthing day is a miracle. But adopting a child from miles away is destiny.
“That’s what brought you two together.”
Gisele has since thrived under Liz’s care and has begun eating some solid foods like avocado and pizza – although still receives her nutrition through tubes.
Liz told the Washington Post: “Since the moment I met her, there was something behind her striking blue eyes capturing my attention.
“I felt that I needed to love this child and keep her safe.”
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