They're Home!

As much as we appreciate EVERYTHING that the NICU team and hospital staff has done for the girls, I can't say enough how great it is to be home! As you know, on Friday I camped out at the hospital all day and the girls had a total of 8 feedings in a 24 hr period, 6 on the breast and 1 by bottle and 1 by tube.

The pediatrician came in the next morning and told us that we were ready for our 24-hr stay at the hospital, which would be all day Saturday. We would offer the breast at all feedings and also allow the girls to wake up when they were hungry instead of insisting on a schedule. That meant we had to be a little flexible and allow them a little extra time to wake up between feedings but no more than four hours. They successfully woke up every four hours and had six great feedings!

On Sunday, the pediatrician said that they could go home with us!!! He said that he trusted that we would monitor everything closely and that he trusted us as parents. I guess that was something I was taking for granted but I bet hospital workers have seen some pieces of work take these little precious babies home; it meant alot that they could see we were trustworthy.

After checking in with the hospital staff and signing off our paperwork we packed up the babies and their new belongings (the Napa Valley Adult College had quilted blankets that sat on top of their incubators that became ours, as well as crocetched hats and blankets that the girls wore to keep warm, as well as diapers, pacifiers, nose sucker things...man! it was like a goodie bag!).

Annabelle Lily in pink

Abigail Novella in purple

Then we dressed the girls up in the amazing crocheted clothes you saw from my second shower, done with love by Wendy Daniels. We rolled them down to the "Well Baby" nursery and took their "hospital" shots in the cute outfits. Of course by the time that was all done, it was time to eat again, so we fed them and then finally went home with the girls for the first time.

We videotaped our journey down the corridors, saying goodbye to nurses, and saying hello to the rain. Sunday, of course, was THE rainiest day of the week. But Charles parked under the overhang and got the girls in the car and drove us all, safely, slowly the 1.5 miles home in pouring rain.

Amy, Charles, the girls and the pediatrician

P.S. - Forgive the delay in posting, but taking care of the babies at home, eating, and sleeping was my top priority this week! :-)