...after 94 days in the NICU, we finally brought our baby home.
I remember when I longed to hear his tiny cry during his seven-weeks on a respirator, one of the nurses joked: "Just wait, you'll be tired of hearing him talk before too long."
I couldn't imagine it.
Couldn't picture myself escaping the house on my bike so I could get away from his constant questions and demands.
I just wanted to hold him to my heart and never let go.
Within an hour of getting home from the hospital Elias and I fell asleep together for our first co-sleeping nap.
Seven years later, he just started sleeping in his own bed through the night, waiting outside our door for us to rise.
And, I guess the fact that nowadays our hearts aren't always aligned, that he frustrates me often and I look forward to closing his bedroom door at night so I can unwind, alone, speaks to how far we've come.
He's a kid, not a medical emergency.
And I love him despite it all.
With it all.
Happy Homecoming Day Elias!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautifully awesome! Happy Mother's Day, with hugs!
Posted by: Karen Erickson | 05/05/2011 at 10:11 PM
Happy home from the NICU anniversary! It was great to see Elias from over the fence tonight! Sorry we missed you for more time together. So happy to have Elias and your family in our lives....
Posted by: ann | 05/05/2011 at 10:37 PM
Happy homecoming anniversary Elias! I'll never forget the day we brought our 24-weeker home from the hospital after 117 days in the NICU. Now he's 14 years old, and tonight he's appearing in his middle school production of "High School Musical." Next year he'll be off to high school.
I too remember feeling that I never wanted to let him go. So weird that he's a teenager now.
Posted by: Marie | 05/06/2011 at 02:57 PM
Isn't it funny how as parents we cannot wait for the milestones then immediately wish in a way that we could take them back.
I can't wait until she walks...hey, come back here!
I can't wait until he talks...oh, my, please be quiet for two seconds!
I can't wait until kindergarten....what high school already?
I can't wait until she can drive to help cart around her brother and sister....wait, come back!
Congratulations family! Look how far you all have come!
Posted by: Shelley | 05/06/2011 at 05:31 PM
I have to admit I like the baby stage better, before they realize they're separate from you, that they can leave you, defy you, hurt your feelings, drive you crazy, actually GROW UP. Sigh.
Happy Mothers Day!
Posted by: DiVaughn | 05/06/2011 at 10:07 PM
beautiful post. i work in a nicu and your post really resonated.
Posted by: ot-mom | 05/07/2011 at 04:42 PM
happy mother's day!!! xo
Posted by: elizabeth | 05/07/2011 at 06:17 PM
I start to type this with tears in my eyes Christy - congratulations to you and Nick, you both deserve to walk proud with your heads held so HIGH!! I can't believe its been 7 years already- I remember standing in the hallway at PNA with all staff surrounded in one big group as we bowed our heads in prayer for Elias' health and also strenth for you and Nick...AMAZING!!! He was no bigger than a ruler then, and look at him climbing mountains now! WOW - I really can't say anything else, except KEEP up the GREAT work and may God continue to Bless your family as you bring so many others blessings through this blog - you are wonderful person! HUGS!
Posted by: Paula :-) | 05/09/2011 at 10:29 PM
As always, your comments lift me on my hardest days. Thank you to all of you for your support and understanding and wisdom and stories and humor and prayers. Love and hugs all around!
Posted by: Christy | 05/09/2011 at 10:38 PM