Friday, March 11, 2011

loving life at home

Coming home has been so wonderful. As we walked out of the NICU with Charlie, I felt slightly panicked. Suddenly I thought about leaving the security of having him on monitors, loud alarms if something should go wrong with the little ones, and nurses and doctors a plenty.

The NICU nurses were so wonderful. Charlie had his very own nurse that would check on him all of the time. One told me that when she was feeding him, she just rocked him and kept telling him how beautiful he was. I, of course, got emotional. I just knew he was taken care of when I couldn't be there.

So as we were pulling out of the hospital a little panic filled my body. I was worried he wouldn't make it through the night. I wanted to take his EKG machine home so that I could look up in the middle of the night with his heart rate flashing.

We came home and had a wonderful dinner dropped off, and several offers. We were completely taken care of. 

The first night home he woke up about every hour and a half. Each time I heard his little cry, I was so happy to get up. I was so happy to have him sleeping next to us for the first time. I was so happy that he was living. Every time I hear his cry it makes me calm, because after he was born that's all I wanted to hear, and never did. Hearing him cry makes me know that he is living, breathing, and getting better each day.

The first full day at home, the hospital sent a nurse by to check his vitals and to weigh him. He tested perfectly. He cries each time he is checked by someone, but calms when Sean and me talk or hold him. Grandma Joanie came out to stay and arrived that evening. We also had another good friend drop by groceries and another sweet gift. We have been taken care of.

The second night, Charlie went four and a half hours between feedings! I woke up and freaked out cause I thought he must have struggled and I slept through it. Nope, we just learned to swaddle better, and he had a much more full stomach. It has made the world of difference having him be able to eat and have such a full tummy.

The second day home, Sean and Grandma were able to care for him and I slept in until ten in the morning when I needed to feed him again. We then went to the pediatrician for a thorough check-up. He passed with flying colors, and has been gaining weight. Since he is still under his birth weight, we have to go in for another appointment in three days.

We have been smiling and so much calmer than we were when we were at the hospital. We love being parents and can't stop staring at our little miracle. He brings such a sweet, calming spirit to our home.
removing his EKG stickers and wires
Wearing the shirt Sean came home from the hospital in. I was sure it would be too small for him, but it's a bit too big.
This picture makes me laugh-- so tiny. His pacifier is almost as big as his face.
First night home
and this is why we can't stop staring at him
His hands are ALWAYS up near his mouth. During ultrasounds he had his hands up by his face too.
For some reason I thought we would have a bald headed child. I love this head of hair!
My boys
Meeting Grandma Joanie and her camera.
I hated all of the pictures of me at the hospital. I was on magnesium, swollen, and very emotional. Made for lovely photos!!

19 comments:

rjd said...

Hurray! I have been checking your blog every couple hours today hoping to see some new pics of the little guy. I especially loved seeing you and Sean in the pics. I got emotional (again!) reading your thoughts. What an experience! Love you -- all three!! --Mom and Dad

Brittany Collier said...

Congratulations on making it home with a healthy baby! He is adorable and you look great too!

DeFreese said...

I'm SO glad you are enjoying your first days home! He is SO cute and i love his hair. You are such a good mom. Love ya!

Chelsea said...

Sorry I keep commenting on your blog, but your little guy is just so cute! I love the hair! You should get the Angel Care baby monitor- it monitors their breathing and an alarm goes off if they stop breathing for a few secs. It is the ONLY way I can sleep at night. What a miracle your little boy is. So happy for you that everything turned out okay.

Dana said...

He is SO adorable! I'm so glad you're posting so many pictures!

Bre And Drew said...

I'm so glad you have been updating! I'm so happy for you and this special time in your life! He is absolutely adorable.

The Way I See It said...

I can identify with many of the feelings you described. Life is a miracle, a gift, and I'm so happy for you. I love checking your blog each day to see if more pictures are up. Charlie is a darling baby. Isn't being a mommy the best?!!!

Shawna and David said...

Congratulations Rachel!! Your little Charlie is adorable! (Just like his mama :) His eyes are beautiful! I'm glad you are both doing better.

Jenna said...

So glad he is home and doing well. It is hard when they are first born and you fear something is wrong if they are actually sleeping. Oh the joys. Well he is beautiful and I love his hair!

Becca said...

Wow, he's such a stud. You guys look amazingly good too for having a newborn! I looked like death warmed over for a week or two, seriously. I'm glad you're doing ok; hang in there -- it gets amazingly better after the first 6-8 weeks. Lots of love to you guys.

Just the Seven of Us said...

Oh, how we love you and have had you in our prayers! Congratulations!

Jenni said...

Rachel- Congratulations!! So excited to read about your baby and how happy you are. It's been a long time since I've seen or talked to you. I got your blog address from our ward RS newsletter (they announced the birth). Anyway - I also caught up on a few of your other posts - you are such an entertaining writer! I added your blog to our list so I'll visit again. Feel free to do the same if you wish! Good to "see" you!

erika herman said...

He really is beautiful. I am glad you guys are home and doing well. Congrats again!

t's mom said...

Congrats. It is so good to hear that you and baby are doing much better. You are in our prayers with a big smile because he is very cute.

Brittany Barnes said...

So happy for you! He really is a cutie!

Da Denninghoff's said...

congratulations!He's lovely:)

Liz Morrill said...

Rachel and Sean and Charlie,
Congrats!
what a beautiful little one!!
love you all!
Liz

Jenn said...

I've been so behind on reading your blog! What a crazy experience with your baby. I had my first taken away right after she was born too because of medical issues. It's so sad not holding them in their first few hours. I'm so glad it's all worked out for you guys. I'm sure you guys will make amazing parents. Congratulations!!!

Jessica said...

Cutest Mom Award goes to you. Congratulations!