As I type this I am sitting in my living room watching my baby boy sleep...that is right, BENJAMIN IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!! After spending 103 days in the NICU (but who's counting?) we are home at last, and 1 day before his original due date!
The past few days have been a blur of activity as we prepared for Benjamin's departure. We had to meet with numerous doctors and specialists for final instructions, trainings, etc. We have been saying goodbye to the staff, which has made leaving bittersweet. These are the people who saw him come in as a 1lb 9.6oz baby with multiple complications. They used their talents to keep him alive, but they were more than just hospital staff. I cried on the shoulders of more than one nurse there. They made me laugh when I needed it most, they celebrated milestones, both large and small, and gave encouragement when things didn't look so well. His primary nurses became almost like family and even went together and bought him a going away present. It was definitely strange to walk out those doors with Benjamin, knowing we would not be back. I savored the moment. I so vividly remember walking in the NICU for the first time and seeing his first nurse Linda. Oddly enough, it was Linda that discharged him and escorted us to our car.
So, now we are trying to figure out how to be full time parents of a preemie with some special needs. It is pretty challenging to get around with oxygen and a monitor, but we will figure it out. Hopefully I will not panic every time the monitor goes off for very long!
A few things to pray for...that Benjamin will grow and gain weight well so we can start reducing the fortification of his food. It is really thick and makes him spit up more. That we will adjust to having him around and doing a lot of the things the nurses used to do with grace and joy. For continued protection over Benjamin in regards to health and breathing.
I can tell it will take time to adjust to this...it has taken me about 6 hours to complete this entry!
Congrats on getting home! Thanks for the continued updates. I pray ever time I get them! Thinking of you out here on the East Coast! Angela W.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you all are home. Kaitlyn prayed last night that Benjamin wouldn't get scared on his first night home. We will continue to pray for all of you and are ready to help so just holler.
ReplyDeleteI'm a blumbering mess as I type this. =) We are sooo thrilled that Benjamin is HOME!!!! It's been such an amazing ride to see God's hand from the very beginning. This little guy is soooo very strong and God has already used him for so much and will continue to use him for so much more. We are praying for you as you adjust, we remember our first days bringing home Elijah and how nerve racking it was, I'm sure it's WAY more with lil' Ben. God is good and He'll give you the strength, the peace and the patience you need for each new little challenge and adjustment. We love you guys so dearly and can't wait until we get hold that sweet precious lil man of yours. (sorry for the novel). ~Joce for the fam
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