Kaylie came home a year ago today. This was the day we became a family under one roof. She stayed in the NICU a week longer than her brother only to learn how to drink from a bottle and gain some more weight. We took her home under 5 pounds. I think she was 4 lbs. 10 oz. at the time. That in itself is scary to contemplate. Preemie clothes were big on her.The NICU doesn't allow discharged babies back into the NICU so Bob waited with Ryan in the waiting area and I got Kaylie. I was a pro at taking kids home from the NICU-- I knew the spiel. To be honest I just wanted to get the hell out of there and never return.
We brought them home in our newly purchased minivan. In the week we brought Ryan home, Bob got us a minvan. I sat in the 3rd row and watched them as Bob drove us home--of course still being careful to avoid any bumps. Kaylie was awake for just about the whole 45 minute car ride-just trying to figure out where the heck she was. Even when we got her home in the house, she didn't sleep much. She was looking around. To this day she is nosy and very into her surroundings. I remember just watching the two of them laying in the pack n play bassinet--together at last. I still wonder whether they even missed the other twin while in their isolettes or did they not even "know." I don't see a real strong bond (I think there is something there but not STRONG) between them and often wonder if it is because they were separated early on. Maybe that bond develops later in a pregnancy. Who knows. The point is that they were finally together as brother & sister and we were a family under one roof--finally able to make our start. That is all that mattered this day.
As they get older, I am thinking that July 11 and July 18 will be "their" days--they can chose to do whatever they want to do on their day. Since they share the same birthday, it would give them their own special day. Still toying with this idea because I'm just not sure if I want them to be reminded each year that they were preemies--or maybe I do so they never lose sight of how much they have overcome. Parenting is so hard...
sorry....had to edit. Bob FINALLY (been busy with work. I know.) got around to getting me the picture of Kaylie actually coming home in her seat.
6 comments:
awwww sweet little kaylie :)
I love the idea about having separate days for them to celebrate, awesome idea liz.
I know this day was a happy day for you and bob.
What a great idea to have the day they came home be "their day". I wrestle with the same birthday thing, too and I think this is a fantastic idea. In fact, I think you should share it on the board. If you already have, I'm sorry. I 'm a little busy right now to read every post. :-)
blueladybug
oh, congratulations on a year ago today! i must have missed ryan's post...so sorry :( i love your idea, that is exactly what we are doing too...i figure since they share a birthday it will be nice for them to have their own special day! so we decided to use their homecoming days!
I have a lump in my throat. They just look so fragile at that weight don't they?? I like your idea about the homecoming days. so glad you are all home safe and sound. I know after being a NICU parent that you don't take things like that for granted :)
I think that's a great idea! Mason came home on July 15th, 2005, and I dub that day the "snuggli-versary". :) It was the happiest day of my life!
What a wonderful idea to have their own days that they can do whatever they like. Such a great way to remember their coming home.
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