Born at just 23 weeks, weighing barely a pound, baby Mateo entered the world far too soon — fragile, tiny, and fighting for every breath 💔🫁. Doctors warned that his chances were nearly zero. He was left alone in the NICU, surrounded by machines and the quiet hum of survival 💉🕯️.

But destiny had other plans 🌟. Among the nurses caring for him was Shelby, whose heart couldn’t let go of the little boy no one came back for 💙. Together with her husband Stuart, she made a choice that would change all their lives forever — they chose Mateo with love ❤️, not because he was strong, but because he deserved to be loved.

In 2024, after years of hospital days, sleepless nights, and prayers whispered through tears 🙏, Mateo officially became their son. He was no longer the baby abandoned in the NICU — he was home. 🏡✨

Now, nearly 3 years old, Mateo continues his brave battle with cerebral palsy, feeding tubes, and more hospital stays than most will ever face 🏥💪. But through it all, he smiles — a small, radiant smile that lights up every room 🌞💫.

To Shelby and Stuart, he is their miracle, their warrior, and their reason to believe in love again 💕. Every milestone — every sound, every step, every heartbeat — is proof that hope never gives up 🌿🌈.

As his birthday draws near 🎂, their only wish is simple and pure: to have him home, safe and surrounded by love 🕊️💖. Because family isn’t written in DNA — it’s written in the courage to choose love, again and again. ❤️✨