Today is Tuesday, February 6, 2007 – the day Levi comes home. Levi has been in the NICU for 11 days now. That’s about 10 more than we were initially expecting and 11 more than we would have liked. The NICU is a terrible place and it is a great place all at the same time. It is terrible because you are separated from your baby. Unlike the regular nursery where everyone can come and peer through the window and see your little baby being bathed and swaddled right after birth, the NICU is securely behind two sets of doors. You have to give the secret password to get through the first door and you have to scrub your arms and hands for 1 minute before going though the second. You know how it is completely unwise to separate a bear cub from it’s mother? The NICU is exactly the same thing when it comes to babies and their mothers.
It is also a terrible thing for your baby to be in the NICU since you have to basically live at the hospital in order to feed and see your baby every 3 hours. We live 20 miles from our hospital, so this was especially bad for us. Driving to and from the hospital all the time really begins to get old in a hurry. Luckily, our cousin Kevin and his wife Joanna live very close to the hospital and gave us a key to their place. So we got to go crash at their place in between feedings, and that was a real life saver.
But the NICU is also a great place. You have around-the-clock expert nurse care that you would not have otherwise. In our case, we learned a ton of stuff from these nurses that we would have been forced to learn on our own. Stuff like proper feeding, burping, bathing, sleeping positions, and other little tricks of the trade they shared with us will sure come in handy once we get Levi home.
Speaking of getting Levi home – today is the big day. We will finally be bringing him home this evening. We can’t wait! We can’t wait to show him around his new home. We can’t wait to introduce him to Cosmo and Kramer. And most of all, we can’t wait to just get him home and into a normal routine. No more scrubbing in to get into the NICU. No more driving 20 miles just to see him. We just can’t wait!
I’m so happy to hear the news. Congratulations!
Dear Brad & Jessica
We are so happy that Levi is home with you. It has been a hard time but I know it has drawn you closer together. You have been in our thoughts and prayers everyday and we love you all so much. God Bless you as you begin the next days of having him with you all to yourselves. You will always be in our prayers.
Love you all,
Sherry and Sid
Brad, Jessica and Sweet Little Levi,
I’m so happy for you and glad your home. Time to get a little rest and get use to the new routine. First of all get as much time as you can from those sweet new grandmothers. Speaking from experience you will be very thankful. Especially, at 3am no need to worry they have lived for this moment. Besides Marilyn said 1 wk. before Levi was born she could hardly wait. Watch out he is already listening to her. I can’t wait to see him and thanks for posting the pictures. He is Sooo!!!! cute. And Aunt Kristi was right that premiee outfit is so cute on him. Jessica take care and get as much sleep if you can. And don’t feel guilty at all for that. Your body is extra tired right now. Sorry, must be the 8 yrs. of OB nursing coming out of me. Brad he’s a keeper I really feel OLD now. Your a DADDY now and I know you will do great . Give LEVI a Big Kiss and Hug from one of his many admirers and adoptive aunts. I know he has plenty Especially Kristi.
I still remember when she called me I’ll never forget it “Hey, I’m an Aunt”.
I was totally surprised. Well you know me long winded everyone probably needs a nap after reading this. Best of Luck and Jessica take care and spoil him rotten. Oh, tell Grandma M Hello. Ya’ll have been in our prayers and always will be.
Love,
Lora and the (Guys)
Dear Jessica, Brad and precious Levi,
So glad to read that Levi is home! Yeaaa! His picture is adorable! I can’t wait to meet him! Good luck! You guys will do great in his care! Remember, you can never spoil a baby! Call me if you need any help at any time!
Love,
Lani, Mike and Makena
We are so glad everyone is home and doing well. We can’t wait to meet Levi! He is sooooo cute!!!
Love you all!!
Carrie & Chris Williams
Welcome home, Levi! We are so happy to hear you are doing well. Be nice to your mom and dad and sleep for long stretches at night!