Discharged

Dearest Gifts from God~

Guess what happened today .... Grace and I got discharged from the hospital!  Woo hoo!  :-)

First off, I have to say congratulations to Joshua .... daddy said you slept all night in your own bed!  It's a miracle!  What are the chances of you sleeping two nights in a row?  :-P  Mimi gave you breakfast (yogurt, fruit medley, and puffs), but you apparently just wanted to play.  ;-)

The OB came by to see me early this morning.  Today, Dr. Rush was on call.  She said Grace was beautiful and couldn't believe how big she was compared to Joshua!  Remember, she was the one who caught the pre-eclampsia with Joshua and likely saved his life.  She said I was healing ok from the C section incision and was impressed that I was already up and moving around (albeit with the help of pain relievers!).  Generally, with a C section, women stay in the hospital for three nights.  However, if patients are doing well, they some times discharge them after two nights.  She knows I already have a child at home and was anxious, so she was comfortable with discharging me today if I wanted to go home.  :-)  Yippie!

We waited for the pediatrician to take a look at Grace to make sure she didn't need to stay.  She passed her tests and even passed her hearing test from the specialist.  So, I called daddy to let him know that we could go home today if we wanted.  He called Penny to watch Joshua and then he came over to pick us up.  

We had to play the waiting game at that point.  Our car seat had to pass inspection before we could leave, and the car seat guy was slow about getting to us.  :-P  In the meantime, daddy and I were getting hungry, so we split a sandwich that was sent to our room.  

I dressed you in a little Christmas outfit that you got from Gigi.  It's newborn size, so you won't be able to wear it for this coming Christmas .... so I figured we should use it now!  It's warm, so I know you liked it.  Joshua went home from the hospital in a little penguin outfit that Gigi got him .... but his was size preemie still!  

While we were waiting for the car seat inspection, daddy delivered cookies to the ICN nurses that Mimi had baked!  We wanted to give them something to thank them for everything they had done for Joshua 16 months ago!  They were so appreciative and remembered all of us.  They got to see Grace and were amazed and excited for us.  

Once we were cleared to go (we weren't worried about the car seat since it was the same one we used for Joshua .... which actually belongs to cousin Stephanie and Charlie!) we packed everything up and a nurse pushed me in a wheelchair to patient pick up.  I held Grace in my lap.  :-)  Daddy drove the car around and we officially started our new life together with the hospital behind us!  

Penny and Joshua were busy around the house making a little sign to welcome us home.  Penny even picked a few flowers from outside to decorate our table.  ;-)  Grace, you then got to meet Penny for the first time! 

Mimi came over later in the afternoon and helped me with you two while daddy filled my prescriptions.  It was so nice to see the two of you together!  I can't believe how precious our little family is!  

Grandpa Mike came over and met us for dinner.  He had been out of town this week, so it was his first time meeting Grace.  :-)  

Once we all got settled for the evening, we went upstairs and watched the UNC basketball game .... this was your first UNC game, Grace, and we won!  ;-)  Joshua will have to teach you all the cheers.  :-)

Since I still can't move around much with the stitches and staples, I stayed in the bonus room to sleep on the rocker.  Grace, you stayed in a bassinet next to me so that I could nurse you during the night.  Joshua, let's see how well you stay sleeping this evening.  :-P

I love you both so very much and am so happy to be home!  :-)

~Mommy