After 16 days in the NICU, we are home as a family of three! We arrived home Wednesday, December 21 to a home filled with Christmas decorations and love. Big Thank Yous to the Vowler / Turse families who made our home feel extra loved as soon as we walked through the door – a fully decorated Christmas tree, Christmas cookies in the freezer, poinsettias on our kitchen table, and hugs from the Baringer family awaited us. We are truly blessed when it comes to family love.
Our first night was probably exactly what you might expect – basically no sleep and our eyes popped open with every peep and squeak from our sweet Regan.
Leaving CHOP was like leaving a luxury hotel. You’re so happy to come home to your own bed but you know you’re leaving behind the best of the best experts and all resources at your fingertips. The doctors, nurses, therapists, consultants were all fabulous and we are immensely grateful for all of their watchful eyes taking care of Regan in her first weeks of life.
I’ve said it once and I’ll continue to say it – thank you to all of our family, friends, acquaintances and anyone who has offered up a part of their hearts this holiday season thinking of us and Regan. We are still settling in, but we’ve had check ups and check ins with visiting nurses (sent to us via CHOP) and we just had our first Pediatrician visit today. All is well; they’ll continue to monitor her weight gain to make sure she’s growing big and strong!
More updates to come – Mitch and I are still catching up on sleep and trying to wrap our heads around this new little love we have. We couldn’t have hoped for a more beautiful Christmas gift.
I want to congratulate you both and wish you nothing but the best. I am friends with your neighbors, Ray and Karen Croker. They told me all about Regan, as they are aware of my son Brett who has Down Syndrome and Apraxia. Please feel free to reach out at any point with questions. I am proud of everything Brett has accomplished in his young 12 years. He is truly my inspiration and keeps me going daily.
I went through 3 weeks in the NICU right after he was born and heart surgery at 4 months. We also had feeding issues and many doctors appointments in the first 6 months.
Brett now attends a regular charter school and does really well in school.
Please feel free to reach out to me or ask Kimberly for my phone number
Thank you so much, Ryan! I did talk to
Kimberly briefly about Brett – he sounds like such a great kid! Thank you so much for reaching out. I love hearing other parents’ stories. Happy new year!