07/24/2007

Hi everyone. I apologize for the lack of updates. I've had several people making sure that Emery is okay, and yes he is doing well. In fact, fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, this is the post you have all been waiting for............... ****************************** EMERY'S DISCHARGE DATE IS NEXT TUESDAY!!!! Okay, has the collective screaming stopped yet? Now, then, I would love for this post to be full of my dramatic (and sometimes borderline hysterical) fare, but we've got a lot to do. We were told over the weekend that Emery needed to go from 1-1/2 liters to 1 liter and from high flow cannula to regular nasal cannula. We were told that this would take a few weeks. Instead, they did it all at once Monday. His nurse Karen (the one in the picture) called me to tell me she finally got to be a part of one of his milestones. I thought maybe he rolled over or said "cheesecake" but instead, it was his final step from a respiratory standpoint. We've started to get home care in place, we've been moved to an apartment room, family training is on Monday afternoon, and then... if all goes well, if he stays infection free, if there are no tornadoes, and if there is no flesh-eating streptococcus, then we will be driving home Tuesday!!! Now, for the business part. Tomorrow (Wednesday) night, Erik will be having people over to help move furniture and clean. We have also found a home for Chloe. She will be leaving us tomorrow to go live with a friend who will take very good care of her (and I'll get to visit). Anyone who wants to help him clean can go over tomorrow night after work. He will provide pizza. This weekend we will be cleaning as well. It's an open free-for-all for anyone who wants to show up. Next, we aren't having a shower until later (but swallowing all pride and facing reality here), and blessedly my aunt and sister went and got us a car seat tonight, I am registered at Target (it says the birth state is Iowa - because technically it is). Erik and I were not prepared for him coming home *at all*. Yes, I know we should have been. I thought we had some more time. Next, all family who will be watching Emery will need to be here Monday afternoon for CPR and O2 training. This means ALL grandmas (except it's okay Mom, you can stay home - I'm pretty sure she knows how to use O2 lol - and *maybe* even CPR - what do you guys think?) grandpas, aunts, uncles - anyone who will take care of Emery. I am capable of teaching people, but the CPR training will be invaluable as it will be with a doll. I suppose Craig and Missy can be stay behind as well. I *think* they might have an idea on how to resuscitate as well. Also, if anyone is wanting to caravan on Tuesday, I'm not sure exactly what time we will be leaving. I will know more as the week progresses. I will be going home on Friday to get the house ready and *message to work personnel* I'M GOING ON MATERNITY LEAVE BABY! ~ Well, at least I will be after the weekend. Please, keep us in your prayers. Let's keep him healthy and doing well so that we can finally, after 225 days, take our little love home. Thank you all for staying with us through this journey. You have all stuck by us, cried with us, loved us, and lifted us up when we couldn't make it. God bless you all! Love, Sarah, Erik and MY MAN EMERY!