Our NICU Story

What a rollercoaster, welcome home Kelso

#DudeDad #NICU #NICUBaby #BabyNumber4 #BirthStory #Birth #Baby

About Dude Dad:
Hi! I'm Taylor Calmus, a Colorado-based actor/comedian. I started Dude Dad© two weeks before my son Theo was born as a way to stay creative while learning to be a father. My wife Heidi and I now have 3 kids and over 300+ videos. My purpose for the channel is to entertain, enlighten and inspire.

In addition to Dude Dad©, I have been in numerous TV shows, commercials, and have regular appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live. I will also be hosting my own TV show called "Super Dad" on the new Magnolia Network / Discovery+. Heidi and the kids will also be a part of the show. I am originally from the rural community of Howard, South Dakota.

Our NICU Story

Dude Dad

[DudeDad]

SUBSCRIBE to follow along with our crazy family of SIX! We're so glad to all be at home now...

[melissaprice]

I have been a NICU nurse for 15 years, and this is the best video I have ever seen! You explained all of the equipment in way that’s easy to understand and added great personal moments. I couldn’t stop laughing during “NICU cribs” part. All of it is so true!😂. I wish you and your family the best!

[sahmnancy]

My baby girl weighed 2.5 lbs at 31 weeks and was in the NICU for eight weeks. That was 34 years ago, and now she is a mom! It's scary but modern medicine is a miracle. Congratulations!

[Curly.Leigh]

My son was a 22 weeker! We’re home after 161 days in the NICU! So thankful for the Drs and nurses that supported his fight to live!

[jackielopez]

My youngest was born at 25 weeks and spent 150 days in the NICU. It's amazing how strong babies are. We are so thankful for the staff that saved our baby's life.
Baby Kelso will do amazing things!

[isacecil]

Our twins were in the NICU for 134 days — no matter the length of the stay, NICU parents are just as much warriors as their NICU babies. Congrats on your little one going home, Calmus Family!!

[nakamakai]

Leave it to our Taylor - he takes a heavy, dark, stressful dose of real life, and uses his Special Magic to spin it in appropriate ways to make us laugh and cry tears. Always the best family to see, gifted communicators and presenters, and I'm so glad things are working out. You have soooo many of us rooting for Kelso and all of you, roll with it.

[CWall-tvgm]

We were in the NICU for 9 days. You could have told me it was 3 months and I would have believed you. That moment that my baby latched after being on cpap was literally the most amazing moment. I cried so hard, the nurse asked me if it hurt or any kind of discomfort-she was asking why I was crying. I told her it wasn’t painful at all it was just such a beautiful moment.

[parkerellis]

I’m a pediatric radiologist and have seen many many cases of meconium aspiration. I just want to say, I think you did a fantastic job describing what it is and what it meant for Kelso in the short term. I also think you and Heidi did a standout job coping with something so difficult using humor. Prayers that he continues to improve daily!

[nicoleewing]

I work for a medical company here in Colorado that manufactures several pieces of the equipment you showed and explained. It's stories like yours that remind me why I chose this career and this company. I'm so glad you are all well and home now.

[raimeyewens]

It was sweet to try and cheer up Heidi. I was in the hospital on bed rest for 5 weeks. My husband brought in a life size cutout of himself and stuck it to the wall in front of me. Not creepy at all 😂 He is 6’7” and so many of my doctors and nurses were scared when they saw it. Sometimes being silly helps when your in the hospital.

[townsend]

I had my son at 28 weeks. He spent 62 days in the NICU. Dosen't matter how many days your baby in the hospital it's still heartbreaking. So happy Kelso health, happy and home. Congratulations

[rebekahmiller]

YouTube is such a strange thing, we (your viewers) get to know you over the years, through the ups and the downs. It’s strange feeling like I know you but I don’t. I call people I watch my “YouTube friends”. This video was heart wrenching and beautiful. I’m so happy for you all and that Kelso is home. Thank you for sharing your lives with us.

[DropDMurphy]

My second set of twins stayed in the NICU for what seemed like eternity.. These nurses and doctors are so amazing..

[julianeturner]

Heidi's laugh is just adorable.... she is a shining example of a wonderful mother !!!

[NovaLeeNation]

I’m in my 1st trimester of a high risk pregnancy and this made the possibility of a NICU stay feel a little less scary. Congrats you guys! And welcome home baby Kelso! 💕

[JillKinsley]

2.14 lbs. in NICU for 35 days. Now a thriving 7 year old. I still cry thinking about the whole experience. Stay strong NICU mommas! 👼

[alexap]

I’m surprised at my reaction but when Taylor busted through that curtain in his hilarious getup my eyes welled up with happy tears. Heidi explained it well - it’s so important to have laughs when things are heavy! Congrats on the perfect little addition!!

[reneparfait_]

Otto reminds me of how Theo initially was hesitant about Juno. Hope the transition to a family of 6 is going as smoothly as it can with lots of cuddles all around! 😁💖

[i.am.heather]

As a nurse and fellow NICU parent, thank you for bringing a bit of humor to an otherwise awful situation. ❤️ Congratulations to y’all! Kelso is precious!