Home!

This morning the neonatologist came to our room at about 10 am. At this point we knew her bicarb level that they wanted to monitor for another day, was lower than the day before. That was the first victory of the day. We also knew she gained almost 2 ounces to weigh in at 6 lbs 3 ounces! Second victory of the day. The other labs were send outs that will take several days to process and they will be followed up with the pediatric endocrinologist as well as her pediatrician. We knew that the combination of gaining weight and a lower bicarb level meant that this was going to be the day...the day we got to bring Madelyn home!!

Here are a few pictures to show you what we have been up to so far today...No strings attached for the first time in Madelyn's life!! This was the very first time we held our girl and did not have to worry about pulling her leads off! Before this moment we could not move more than 2 feet away from her monitors. It was so amazing to cuddle her close and walk to the other side of the room. More than walking to the other side of the room...it was the best feeling in the world to walk through the doors of that hospital with our little one.
Me and my girl in our "going home dresses". I realized this morning that hers cost more than mine! Ha! She was worn out from all the picture taking.

"Who wants out of here??" While everyone that we encountered during our stays at ETMC and the NICU at Mother Frances were amazing...it was time to head home and we were more than ready.
Once we got Madelyn strapped in and ready to go, she conked out. She is such a good rider (so far). I guess we have many more trips ahead of us to determine just how great of a rider she really is!
Luke probably drove 5 miles per hour the whole way home. Not really, but it was more than likely the first time in his life that he has driven UNDER the speed limit. I guess children really do change your life for the better. Maybe now we won't have to budget for an annual speeding ticket :) I love you, Luke!
Don't you love the scenery?? We pulled in to the garage and were about to walk through the door for the very first time.
I think her favorite place to be is in her daddy's arms. She is always so content with him. I know that she feels loved and secure in his arms.
Within about 30 minutes of being home...we took our first family nap. Can I tell you that it was amazing?? I woke up from this nap in my bed not knowing how I got there. We only woke up when the little one was hungry. She loved her bassinet as much as we loved climbing in to our own bed!

It is hard to believe that 12 days ago we walked out of our house in anticipation of Madelyn's arrival thinking that we would only be gone a couple of days. 12 days does not sound that long, but it was by far the longest 12 days of my life. So much happened. Some moments that I hope to remember for the rest of my life. Others I hope that I am able to forget. For now, we are celebrating the homecoming of our little miracle. Madelyn Kate has changed our world forever. We are thankful that we never had to walk through the doors of our house without her. We are excited for the future...in awe of God's goodness.

We are looking forward to an evening surrounded by our family...relaxing at home...breathing deep and taking in these precious moments we have been given.

*Kathryn