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!!