I knew the routine now, so I knew that there wasn’t much need for me to get up at the crack of dawn to check on my little man, so I slept a bit longer. I took advantage of the room service and took my time getting ready for the day. Jess was supposed to be discharged in the morning and I couldn’t wait for her arrival. Her mom flew in the prior evening, providing us with some extra support.
It was a rough day…
In the NICU, Elijah had been extubated and put on a lower form of therapy. He was struggling a bit, but they hoped he would improve throughout the day. I’d like to say he did, but it was a rough day for the little guy. Things were status quo until Jess finally arrived in the afternoon.
I went out to the front of the hospital to meet them. Jess nearly flew out of the car and into my arms, sobbing tears that came with the weight of being separated for the past day and a half. I slowly escorted her to the NICU, giving her an orientation along the way. I took her straight in to where Elijah rested. He was a bit swollen from all the IV fluids, but was still a cutie. Jess told him “mommy is here, mommy loves you!” She was shortly introduced to the nurse and set up with a quick consult with the lactation nurse to get set up on their system.
…look, but not touch
We introduced Elijah to his grandma, grandpa and auntie. It’s a bit hard to see your loved one, let alone your progeny, in an acrylic shielded case, machines working around the clock to keep them alive. I think it was hard for them as well, even harder when they don’t know all the details and especially when you can only look, but not touch.
Upon our last visit, Elijah was still having a hard time. They were fairly certain he would need to be intubated again. I was glad that he would be getting some relief, the day had been hard for him. It was good to have our little family at least in the building. I am so grateful to God for the gift that is my wife, she really is an amazing woman! Her strength is a testament to her love and dedication. That night we lay on the twin bed in the family room, our little family closer to being together.
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