07/27/2007

So, I've been so out of it lately actually trying to process that they really do want to discharge Emery that I forgot to mention some interesting stuff. First, for all who care to, home training is Monday at 1 p.m. I do not know what time discharge is on Tuesday. I don't even think they know. This morning I walked into the NICU, and his nurse said "would you rather worry about nothing or..." so I stopped her and just told her to tell me what it was. He had an 'odd' stool that need lab testing but it was all normal. The social worker says this stuff happens all of the time. The babies start to realize they are getting discharged and then do funny things that keep them in a little longer. I think we'll know on Tuesday what time he leaves on Tuesday. I might have a 'general idea' on Monday. I also forgot to mention the GI doc who did Emery's PEG tube. She said once "I was reading your chart.." I instantly fell in love with her and wanted to ask her to marry me. I LOVE it when the docs actually read MY chart, too. She then went on to talk to me about my job, so I know she really did read my chart. Anyway, she said "you've got yourself a real miracle baby there." If the docs think he is, then there must be something to that. The urologist came back up to see Emery yesterday and said all looks well and he wants to see him in 6 months, so thus far no more kidney stones which is a good thing. Emery also has taken to rolling over with the physical therapist! I cannot wait to get him home on floor mat and watch him go to town. On a funny note, the U of I opened up another NICU bay here in the hospital and Tuesday was the ribbon cutting ceremony. The Children's Miracle Network called and asked me if I was willing to come and be a part of it and if I was willing to be interviewed. This initially worried me as I only had one clean Grateful Dead T-shirt left, and I really did consider blacking out a tooth (I never did bring any nice clothes up here because I've just been sitting in my room or in the NICU) but it went well. I wasn't on the news or anything like that, but it was neat that they asked me. We've been busy trying to get home care in place, insurance taken care of, high-risk clinic followups, I had PEG tube training, etc. It's been a challenge to try and do all of this and finish my last few days of work, but it's official. I'm on maternity leave as of right now!! It only took nearly a year. I think that is all for now. Again, my mind is moldly from anticipation and weariness, so I don't kow if I've missed something or not. Again, thanks for all of the prayers and please keep praying for us. I'm a little afraid to go home. I've been 'NICUtutionalized.' (I'm a huge fan of Shaw Shank Redemption, and there is a scene where Red talks about becoming institutionalized, how in prison they first hate the walls that keep them in, then they get used to them, and then they depend on them.) That's what it's like here. I've become dependent on this place. I asked again. They're still not planning on sending me home with any Valium.