5 years ago

Around this time five years ago I was finally moved off of my “temporary residence” room at Mercy and moved to labor and delivery. I was there for a good four weeks before that happened. I also should add-if you’re having a preemie you don’t deliver in the actual L&D room-but instead get to go into the OR! Who knew birth could be so chilly. I was legit freezing during Adrian’s arrival. It was a very long and very painful labor, but a good quick delivery. 

I’ll never forget my experience with him. From being totally shocked that I was pregnant, to complications with bleeding and then my water breaking at 27 weeks...this boy kept us on our feet from the day he was made! Being stuck in the hospital for a month though, when you have three other kids was so hard for me. I was so mentally drained. Constantly worrying about the unknown of when he’d actually come and if he would be ok. 

You see when you go into early labor the NICU staff will come in and tell you everything you need to know with zero sugar coating. I was oblivious to anything about preemies because I never thought it would happen to me. When you’re told you might not get to hold them for weeks because the slightest move could cause a brain bleed...you panic. When the nurse got me back to my room I cried and cried. 

Luckily for us though-Adrian made it to 32 weeks which is a HUGE milestone in a NICU! That’s like full-term baby for them! Ok. Not quite, but it was huge. He only needed to be on what they call vapotherm: definition here- Hi-VNI reduces work of breathing (WOB) by providing high flows and high velocities of heated and humidified breathing gas through a simple nasal cannula. Patients experience acute symptom relief, and mask-free delivery improves patient comfort and simplifies nursing care. 

He was only on it for 24 hours!

Then he just needed to learn to eat and grow. He threw codes a few times. Meaning he quit breathing and kept his nurses busy by storming in every now and then. In all though, we got SO lucky. Adrian busted out after 19 days. That seems so short now, but looking back it seemed like it would never pass. Not getting to bring your baby home-I don’t even have words to describe it. It’s hard. Whether it’s a day or months in the NICU-it’s not easy and it’s lonely. 

He was SO tiny. 

This was his bed. The call them isolettes. It’s also a big day when they get moved into a big boy bed! 

So yes. After 19 days we finally brought him home!! 

I remember one time we had to run to the store after Adrian had come home and a woman legit asked me if I was toting around a babydoll because she didn’t think Adrian was real. Pretty sure I’m not a weirdo like that!  But we took this pic just to see if it was true! I can see it now. 😂

Adrain was the final piece to our crazy puzzle. He is SO busy. Keeps us guessing all the time and is really starting to come around with his shyness. He is talking a little more at daycare now, and I’m hoping the repeat of preschool will do wonders for him. He is one to always take his time and do things his own way. Tomorrow he gets to go be spoiled by Ryan’s parents and Saturday is his party! 

Still can’t believe he is five.  

His present he got before bed tonight. He was in love!! 

Until next time.