From Tiny Miracles to Holiday Magic: Former NICU Families Reunite at Houston Methodist The Woodlands
This past weekend, the usually quiet halls of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital were filled with laughter, joyful tears, and the pitter-patter of little feet — many of whom began their lives in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
In a space once defined by beeping monitors and hushed prayers, families returned to celebrate how far they’ve come. The annual NICU reunion, held inside a transformed winter wonderland, welcomed dozens of former patients and their loved ones for a day of connection, celebration, and heartfelt gratitude.
Since opening in 2017, the NICU at Houston Methodist The Woodlands has walked alongside more than 1,500 families, supporting them through some of the most delicate moments of their lives. This yearly gathering is more than a holiday party — it’s a testament to the deep bonds formed between families and the doctors, nurses, and staff who became part of their stories.
The hospital was alive with festive activities: cookie decorating, ornament crafting, balloon art, and even a snowy play pit delighted children and parents alike. Santa Claus and The Grinch made surprise visits, bringing wide smiles and plenty of photos.
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For Katie Moyer, returning to the NICU reunion with her three sons — including twins Sam and Jack, born at 34 weeks — was emotional. “The medical attention that they got, I truly believe saved their life, saved my life. And we're just so grateful and grateful that we get to come back and visit and be a part of the reunion,” she said.
She remembers the weight of those early days — the fear, the hope, the unknown. “There’s so much that’s unknown in the first few weeks and months of life. I have a new perspective on the miracle of life. I know that’s not everyone’s story and so grateful that it is ours”.
Carly and Matthew Mayer, who spent 36 days in the NICU with their son Luke after an unexpected early delivery, now look forward to this reunion each year. Carly, a nurse at Houston Methodist herself, shared: “After 36 days we got to bring Luke home, so he was our little Christmas present to bring home. So we love the hospital, the staff. Last year of course was our first year coming to the NICU reunion and this year would be no different”.
Matthew added, “There’s no book on parenting, but with the NICU and stuff, everybody became family and helped us through it. We were very, very blessed, very fortunate to be able to go home and know what we’re doing with our first child”.
The Prentiss family’s journey was marked by both heartbreak and healing. After delivering twin boys at just 23 weeks, they lost their son Hudson on day eight. But their surviving son, Easton, fought through a 171-day stay in the NICU.
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Morgan Prentiss spoke candidly about their experience: “Our NICU experience was an absolute rollercoaster just because he was so premature… The staff, regardless if they were a nurse or a doctor or the cleaning staff or the cafeteria crew, everyone became family to us”.
As they walked the halls of the hospital once more, she reflected, “It’s all of the emotions when we come back. It takes us back through every emotion, but ultimately, it’s just still the deep gratitude that we felt when we left here, and the deep appreciation that we have for everyone here at Houston Methodist”.
The NICU reunion at Houston Methodist The Woodlands is more than just a holiday get-together — it’s a beautiful reminder of how far these families have come and how deeply the NICU team cares. In the middle of the holiday hustle, this event created space for something truly meaningful: a chance to reconnect, reflect, and remember the journey that began in those early, uncertain days.
Some families returned with toddlers running around in festive sweaters. Others carried memories of babies who couldn’t come home. But every story was met with open arms and shared hearts. For the community, this reunion has become a cherished tradition — a moment of joy, healing, and hope. It’s proof that even the smallest lives can leave the biggest mark.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
