Monday, February 15, 2010

Home Sweet Hard


Rooming in was quite an experience. We got to be with B all on our own in order to get a feel for the real situation at home with the convenience of nurses close by. It was really tiring having a grunting baby next to us all night, but it was the most wonderful noise all the same. Mommy dressed B in an over sized outfit thinking it was much cooler outside than the 65 degree day that was reality, but who cares, it was stinking cute outfit.
Braden came home at 38 weeks and 2 days weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces. A long way from his birth at 27 weeks 6 days at 2 pounds 9 ounces. It was a little surreal to be in our house with him. Realizing quickly we were responsible for a human life was quite overwhelming. It feels so good to have him here and equally as nice that this will be the first day in 120 that we will not be up at the hospital!!

Staying with him the first night was really so much harder than I expected. Mostly because you feel clueless as to what to do and you quickly realize you must exercise an unbelievable amount of patience as you get to know the ins and outs of what makes Braden comfortable and more important, what does not!

You would think after being in the hospital with him for 73 days we would have it all figured out, but the change in environment to home has definitely affected Braden. He is having trouble getting comfortable therefore not sleeping and he also grunts and strains constantly due to his reflux. As a result he was not taking much of his feedings which is frustrating for us but probably equally for him. Today was a little better as we experimented with bottles and nipples... who knew there were so many options!

We have had at least a few dozen moments where we just want to say, "talk to me buddy!" but knowing that is not an option :) we just do the best we can. After a night of little sleep Dad looked at me this morning and said, "this is going to be hard". But the kind of hard that is more than worth it given the kind of hard that is behind us now.

7 comments:

  1. It is going to be hard for a while, but Braden will get comfy and cozy in his new digs in no time . . . and you and Betts-y are fantastic parents already. No one knows what they're doing until they have to do it! Hang in there. We love you. : )

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  2. Welcome home Braden!!!

    Best of luck adjusting to this new, great time in all of your lives. I have no doubt you guys will make the best parents ever, and we will all be here to help however we can! Love you guys!

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  3. As you relax, he'll relax. You and he will be fine! He will adjust to his new environment and that will make it better for you. Sorry to hear he's still having reflux. I know your home is just overflowing with love and thanksgiving. Hey Brian, this part may be hard, but you ain't seen nuthin' yet... just wait until he starts driving!!!!!!!
    Love,
    Nana

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  4. ditto the above comments. They sent us home with a 4lb 12oz baby after only 5 days in hospital...typical for c-section. We had NO clue what we were doing. She was so tiny. I seriously said...don't they have to be 6lbs to leave?? It will all come in time. You've had nurses for SO long doing things that you may not have been able to since he had to stay in-hospital so long...so it's your turn to find your own way to soothe and get things done. He'll get used to it probably quicker than you will know. :) Good luck and CONGRATS on being HOME finally!!

    :) Brian's friendly neighbor, Erin

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  5. His little, fuzzy outfit is adorable! It's perfect for the Olympics -- like Quatchi. :)

    So glad Braden is home with you guys. Just in time for March Madness maternity leave, mom.

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  6. OMG! The little brown suit is the cutest thing I've ever seen!! So glad he's home with you guys!
    Veronica

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  7. Welcome home! The pictures are so cute...did you think about that this was the first time Braden was outside in the sun...that is so special to bring them home from the hospital and you get to take care of them...all parents go through what you are experiencing...it will get easier and you think that you love him now, the love only gets deeper...you will do great and be amazed at what you accomplish in the coming weeks...give him a kiss from Aunt Bonnie...I can't wait to see him.
    Love you!

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