Full Breakdown
Oregon Couple Welcomes Preemie Twins Amidst Snowstorm
1/25/2026, 4:15:12 AM
Unexpected Birth in Adverse Conditions
On Christmas Day, Lexi Armstrong and her fiancé Zachary Johnson faced an extraordinary challenge when Lexi, 25 weeks pregnant with twins, went into labor during a severe snowstorm in North Dakota. The couple was en route from Portland, Oregon, to Grand Forks, North Dakota, when Lexi's labor began unexpectedly on a treacherous roadway. Zachary described the situation as "the worst ice storm of the year," with the couple only five minutes away from the hospital when their son was born in the backseat of their vehicle.
In a critical moment, Zachary performed CPR on their newborn son, who was born too early to breathe independently. The couple managed to remain calm as they awaited the ambulance, with Zachary recalling the intense pressure of the situation. "I've been CPR certified 100 times... but never does anybody ever prepare you to do it on a 25-week-old baby," he stated. Following the emergency birth, Lexi underwent a C-section to deliver their daughter, Zaylee. Both twins, named Zachariah and Zaylee, were born safely despite the challenging circumstances.
Ongoing Challenges and Support
Currently, Zachariah and Zaylee are receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), each weighing just over a pound at birth. The couple has been spending every moment by their children's sides as they continue to fight for their lives. However, they now face significant financial challenges. Having just moved to North Dakota, they lacked health insurance and their savings were intended only for their initial relocation expenses.
Zachary's mother, Marne Carstens, has taken the initiative to support the family from Portland. She has started a GoFundMe campaign to assist with their living costs, stating, "Your support will help Zachary and Lexi pay for housing, food, and other essentials so they can focus on their babies' care." As the couple navigates these difficulties, they remain hopeful and are eagerly counting the days until they can bring their twins home in the spring.
Verbatim Quotes
- "It was the worst ice storm of the year, the roads were horrible, and we're about five minutes away from the hospital." — Zachary Johnson
- "I've been CPR certified 100 times... but never does anybody ever prepare you to do it on a 25-week-old baby." — Zachary Johnson
- "I told Santa Claus, I said, 'I just want this pregnancy to be a little bit easier on me,' the night before Christmas." — Lexi Armstrong
Conclusion
The story of Lexi Armstrong and Zachary Johnson highlights both the resilience of new parents in the face of adversity and the challenges that can arise unexpectedly. As they continue to support their premature twins in the NICU, the couple's journey underscores the importance of community support during difficult times.
