Family of Four - Home at Last!!!

We are celebrating - Brady was able to come home today. It was a long six weeks, but worth every stressful moment. It was great to spend the evening at home, with all four of us under the same roof. Carly is eager to help, which could present a challenge at times. This afternoon she was ready pick him up and take him to his room to change his diaper. We are glad she is interested and, for the most part, loving. She loves to cuddle with him and call him sweetie. Tomorrow will be the first day we haven't been to the hospital in over six and a half weeks and we are looking forward to staying at home!!!

Unexpected Weekend

As you can guess, our holiday weekend got off to a very unexpected start. I had a routine doctor's appointment on Friday morning that turned in to a hospital admission. The doctor was concerned about some lab work and wanted to monitor me for at least 24 hours. Twenty-four hours turned in to waiting for more blood work both Saturday and Sunday. Then it was announced on Sunday morning that it was delivery day - 9 weeks early. It was scary and memories of our experience with Carly quickly entered our heads.

We have had a few bumps in the road with my blood pressure, lab work, and medications. I was finally able to get off the IV and out of bed today. Sunday and Monday were rough days for me. I was unable to get out of bed for over 48 hours and was able to see Brady only once each day, around 11 pm. I was able to see him then because the intensive care nursery was less busy and the nurses had room to push me, in my hospital bed, to his side. We were very excited when I was sent to the postpartum floor today and now have a room across from the nursery.

The doctors were able to remove Brady's vent tube last night so he is breathing on his own. They said he didn't need much help, but he has one small issue with his left lung that they are monitoring. So far we have received a lot of positive feedback about his condition and are hoping he continues to progress with strength at a pace that he can handle and sustain. We do know that he will probably stay in the ICN for about five weeks. I am already struggling with leaving another newborn as I return home, but I know it is a necessity.

Carly is doing pretty well with everything. This afternoon Jon and I introduced her to Brady and her facial expression was priceless. You could tell she was really soaking it all in and the wheels in her head were spinning. I was able to get some cuddle time in with her this morning - we both needed it after not seeing much of each other since Saturday.

We really appreciate all the good thoughts and prayers coming our way. We wouldn't have made it through the weekend without our family and friends, so thanks to everyone!


PS - we were able to complete our 2nd and final move on Wednesday, 6/30. We are excited to be in the house! We feel so fortunate we got the move completed before the weekend. Needless to say, lots of changes in our lives this week!!!

Potty Update

We have a little more progress on the house, a short break in the cold weather allowed them to pour the concrete in the garage and for the patio. Now they should be able to get going.

I mentioned Carly's interest in the potty in the last post and we haven't really been very successful. It's sort of hit and miss. Some days she is interested in going and will pee several times and some days she doesn't think about it much. When she does go, she never seems to forget the m&ms. Sorry, but I am not above bribery. M&Ms are much cheaper than diapers :)

This morning she wanted pig tails. This is my sorry attempt . . . as you can see I need lots of practice in the hair department. Maybe, hopefully, I will improve with the years of practice to come. I really need someone to teach me how to frenchbraid.

Slow, but Progress

The cold is holding us up some, but we are seeing some slow progress!

Two Favorite Things

These pictures illustrate two of my favorite things . . . mornings at home and pajamas with feet!