Life of the Lewis's: 9/5/2008 to 9/11/2008

On Friday, Mom arrived to find that Taylor had a bradycardia over night, which meant that she would not be coming home. She had not had one since 8/22, but she must have been telling us that we were pushing her too hard and she was not quite ready. She had been working hard, as she was moved to a crib, laying flat, and increasing feedings quite a bit over a short period of time. So we were extremely disappointed, but realize that we want to be sure that she is ready to come home when the time arrives.

However, both Taylor & Madison had passed their car seat exams (had to sit in them for an hour w/ no episodes) and were given their Hepatitis B shots in preparation of coming home. They said that Madison would probably be home on Saturday. We were feeling torn because as bad as we wanted them home, we did not really want them separated. Also, once Madison left she could not return to the NICU, so to visit Taylor we would have to leave Madison at home. However, the doctors said it was not really up to them, that it was up to the insurance company.

Early Saturday morning we received a phone call from the doctor stating that Madison had now had a bradycardia over night. She had not had one since 8/9. However, she had spit up and was probably just choking, so they were not concerned, but thought that we should keep them both there awhile longer to be sure that they are ready and also we could try to get them home together at the same time. We think that was her way of staying with her sis!

They sailed through the rest of the week with no problems and continued to eat well and gain weight. We were thinking that they may be coming home Tuesday or Wednesday because the guideline is 5 days without any episodes. But then midweek we were advised that it would probably be over the weekend, but to be ready at any moment to bring them home. Mike had taken off Wednesday through the rest of the week in anticipation of them coming home. He ended up getting to play in a golf tournament on Wednesday - had to get it in while he could!Then he decided not to go in on Thursday because he had a feeling that they just may be ready discharged. We had been expressing to the doctors and nurses that we were anxious to get them home. We had a car seat safety inspection at 10:00 am and we were on our way to the fire station when we received the call! The girls were sitting in their car seats with their thumbs out waiting to be picked up on Clearavista Drive (the street the hospital is located on)! We were so excited! We couldn't get through the car seat safety inspection quick enough!

We arrived at the hospital and decided to go ahead and bathe and feed them one last time, as they would be way off schedule if we waited to feed them at home. We quickly learned how many items they require and accumulate as we began packing their room to leave. I keep telling Dad that we need a minivan, but he has yet to accept the thought! On our way out we were able to snap a few family photos! As nice as everyone was in the NICU, I don't think any of us will miss being there!

Upon arrival at home they met their big brother, Indy (our Weimaraner whose life just changed dramatically). He was curious and sniffed, but kept his distance. He has adjusted well considering! He does seem genuinely concerned when they cry out loudly. Otherwise, he pretty much just sniffs and then leaves them alone and I'm sure that he is jealous. In his defense, I do feel bad when he is seeking attention and Mike and I are both holding/feeding one of the girls. But he is slowly adjusting over time and doing great! I told him before long they will be his best friends, as I'm sure they will leave behind many crumbs and share snacks with him!

The first day/night went great! We are feeding the girls every 3 hours (9, 12, 3, 6), which is a tough schedule to keep, but they are doing well. It is hard to sleep or take your eye off of them too long due to worry. We had grown so accustomed to the monitors that we worry that they could experience a bradycardia or sleep apnea when we are not in the room. However, we found that we quickly adjusted and no longer worry quite as much. We are so thankful & happy to finally have them home & healthy!

Friday, September 5, 2008