🎄 Holiday Featured Story of the Week

Celebrating Scotland Fernandez

3 Months Old • Phoenix, Arizona

This week, we are honored to shine a holiday spotlight on Scotland Fernandez, a brave and beautiful 3-month-old from Phoenix whose gentle spirit and bright determination have already touched so many hearts.

A Journey That Began With Courage

Scotland spent the first 20 days of her life in the NICU, facing challenges with breathing and eating. Miraculously, within the first 24 hours she was strong enough to come off the CPAP machine—but eating remained a struggle. She didn’t show hunger cues, didn’t take a pacifier, and doctors weren’t sure why.

It wasn’t until Scotland left the NICU and began seeing specialists that her family first heard the words Moebius Syndrome. After multiple tests and an MRI, her medical team confirmed Moebius Syndrome along with Poland Syndrome.

Her parents describe that first month as a mixture of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and worry. But as the diagnosis brought answers, the fear began to fade. Little by little, clarity replaced overwhelm, and hope grew stronger.

Overcoming Challenges With Holiday Hope

During her NICU stay, Scotland was often described in terms of what she couldn’t do—no eating cues, no binkie, no signs of interest in feeding. But since coming home, she has been rewriting her own story.

Today, Scotland:

• shows hunger cues like crying at mealtime

• brings her hands to her mouth

• absolutely loves her binkie

• lifts her head independently

• is beginning to roll to one side

• is working hard in feeding therapy

• is growing stronger every single day

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Her family feels hopeful that one day she will be able to eat fully on her own. Each new milestone feels like a tiny holiday miracle—one more moment of strength, one more reminder of the warrior she is becoming.

A Day in Scotland’s World

Most mornings begin with cuddles from Mom—and from her English bulldog, Jazz, who has quickly become her loyal companion.

Many days are spent at Phoenix Children’s Hospital visiting specialists and preparing for therapies that will help her meet milestones and support her physical development. On quieter days, Scotland enjoys time with friends and family, soaking in all the love around her.

What Brings Her Joy

Her family says, “Scotland smiles with her eyes,” and everyone who meets her agrees.

She is happiest when being held and cuddled, loves relaxing in her swing, and—unlike most babies—adores tummy time, often falling asleep during it. She kicks, coos, and makes the sweetest noises while playing on her mat.

What’s Hard for Her

Scotland gets upset when she hasn’t been held for a while. And if she is being held but not receiving attention, she makes her voice known until someone looks at her. She may be little, but she has a big personality—and she makes sure the world knows it.

A Holiday Message From Her Family

“To families still in the early stages of getting a diagnosis: we know it feels scary and overwhelming right now, but it does get easier. Scotland lights up every room she is in, regardless of her differences—and your child will, too.”

This season, we proudly celebrate Baby Scotland—her courage, her emerging personality, and the light she brings to everyone around her.

💜 Come Home for the Holidays. Come Home to MFOMS.