NICU Day 76 ~ (February 21st)

If yesterday we were weary, then today we are on top of the world!!  We are back "home" and could not be happier to see our tiny girl so comfortable and already settled back into her surroundings.  The transition back was an absolute breeze, and all afternoon she slept deeply (like I have not seen all this past week).

~Pleasant Dreams~

We had planned on going in today and speaking with our neonatologist about the events of the past week and requesting to be transferred back, but we did not have to do any of that.  Noelle's eye exam was complete before 8:00a.m., and the results were very positive; so when the doctor came over to meet with us, she immediately told us that Noelle was cleared to go back!!  We were surprised because the opthamologist had told us not to expect any improvement before next week.  God was so good to us though and had already clearly paved the way for us to return "home" today.  We arrived back early this afternoon, and she obviously was so comfortable being back in her onesie and snuggled in again.  She slept extremely well and thoroughly enjoyed being free of heel sticks and IV fluids.  Now she just needs to sleep, eat, and grow!!  We truly believe the requirements she has to meet for coming home with us will fall into place as she gets bigger and puts on some weight.  She has been breathing really well the last couple of days and has weaned on her oxygen nicely.  The next few days, we'll be trying to get her back on track with her feeds and starting up her bottle feeds and nursing again.  

 ~Snuggling with Daddy~

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her tonight.  She was so calm and opened her eyes wide like I have never seen with her before!!  I could even see the iris in her eye, whereas before they have always just looked like black spots.  I couldn't quit snapping pictures, so here are a couple:

 ~Sweet Baby Girl~

 

We were welcomed back with arms wide open, and we cannot say thank you enough to the people who facilitated her transport,  to you for your prayers, and ultimately to God for His sovereign hand through this process.  I think all three of us will sleep well tonight!!