Going Home

Today was a wonderful, yet hard day as well. We packed up everything in our little room that had become "home" for the past 5 days and checked out of the hospital. It is wonderful to be out in most ways, but it was hard to leave Kaela behind. I do think it was a little easier this time around knowing in general what's ahead of us, and also having a rambunctious toddler at home to focus our time and energy on as well. I have missed seeing Christopher and am amazed at how much his vocabulary and type of play has grown since I've been "gone." I definitely now have a little boy and a baby girl...it's wonderful.

During our last visit before heading home this afternoon, Andy and I were blessed with an unexpected gift. We were told we probably wouldn't be able to hold Kaela for a week or so because of the arterial line in her umbilical cord, but the nurse was getting her out of her incubator and all swaddled for us to hold when we walked into the room! It was a precious time to share with each other.

Mommy and Kaela Ruth.















She felt weightless in my arms.






















Kaela wearing Daddy's ring. We were trying to help everyone get an idea of just how small she really is by including something of a "known size" in the picture.















Andy holding his daughter for the very first time. I cried.















Daddy and Kaela. She snuggled right down against him and wanted the blanket touching her little mouth. Each time we moved it away to see her face, she would wiggle her head until the blanket was up against her lips again. We laughed, because Andy always sleeps with the sheet touching his mouth too. Already 'like father, like daughter.'















Perfect, little face - almost her whole head is as long as Andy's thumb!!!!! Tiny.















Kaela was not very happy with the nurse when she unwrapped her to put her back in the incubator - she was quite comfortable and content in her Daddy's arms.





















After our special visit, we drove home to meet our Monkey. Anna and my Mom were there to help us unload and settle in, and Cortney brought us a delicious supper - so we were set for the evening. Thank you.

We brought pictures and video of Kaela to show to Christopher. As he sat beside Rachel on the couch and watched Mommy and Daddy holding Kaela, he suddenly wanted to turn around and put his arm on me and rub my neck (his way of showing affection.) Then he wanted me to say hi to him and hug and kiss him...guess he was feeling a little insecure and jealous already. I'm sure that's going to be challenging to deal with and quite a shock for him, so please keep him in your prayers as well.

It was wonderful to be able to sit and play with Christopher again, snuggle on the couch, and sing and rock him to sleep. I couldn't understand how a mother could love two children equally - I loved Christopher so much...but in an instant of time, I fully understood.

UPDATE: Kaela now weighs 2lbs 9oz! She is so amazing and we are so blessed!