adjusting

"Meet the new boss, Same as the old boss" - The Who, Won't Get Fooled Again

What was new three weeks ago is now the new normal. We have adjusted to new life with our baby Riley Grace. Now that we are home the only thing new is responsibility for the late feeds. Last night was smooth with only a small bump in an otherwise perfect night. The bump turned out to be a bump in her diaper around 4am.

I just finished the midnight feeding and it was awesome. 40+ ccs in 15 minutes and she never once opened her eyes. Sheri is on for the 3 and 6. Right now the house is quiet and both baby and mom are soundly asleep.

Our first pediatrician office visit today was a blast. Just introductions mostly and a little medical history (22 days worth - a short story). Dr Sudah is a hoot. I think we are really going to like her. Our peanut weighed in at 4lb 6oz - Wow!

Tomorrow we have more of the same planned; Eating, sleeping and gaining weight for Riley Grace.

back to normal

Today is just another day in the office. Well, sort of.

leaving the nicu

After 21 days Riley Grace left the NICU at Chandler Regional Hospital today. It will be difficult to properly recognize everyone in the NICU that had a significant impact on us these past two weeks, but here goes.

Thank you to everyone that prayed for Riley Grace. God answered your prayers and sent a host of angels to protect her. He also sent a whole bunch of caring, loving, people. His people.

Thank you Dr. Zozobrado our advocate and fellow adoptive dad. We will remember forever what you said to us the night of her birth and everything that you did for her.

Thank you Dr. Stola our dear friend and fellow adoptive mom. We will never forget the tears that we cried together. You are amazing.

Thank you Joan, Deb, Laura and Tracy our nurse practitioners. How you do all you do is still a mystery to us.

Thank you to all of Riley's nurses. Thank you Sepna for teaching Riley Grace (and her parents) how to be feisty. You were there in a big way on Cry Thursday and Emotional Breakdown Friday. Thanks to Dawn for being so kind and understanding. Thank you Erin for sharing so many milestones that I can't remember them all. You always seemed to be there when a tube or hose was removed. Thank you Cennille for all the bows. Thank you Allie, even though you were never Riley's nurse. How was it that you were still always there for us? Thank you Vicki, Pat, Sandi, Karen, Theresa, Kathy, Jean, Kelly, Ashley and Holly.

Now get back to work.

coming home in a pretty dress

going home

"we have run out of excuses to keep Riley Grace here." - Dr. Zozobrand, Medical Director, NICU Chandler Regional Hospital

Riley Grace comes home with us on Monday. What is it about this kid and Mondays?

Monday July 13, born at 4:57pm

Monday July 27, becomes our daughter

Monday Aug 3, Comes home to her new home

We love you with everything we have Riley Grace. Love, your Daddy and Mommy

getting ready

We praise God and thank him for great news. Riley Grace is getting ready to go home. It is looking like early this week. Woo-hoo!

life in the nicu

We have spent the last 19 days in the Chandler Regional Hospital NICU. In that time we have grown very close with people that are there: The patients, nurses, doctors and staff. We have celebrated victories together and encouraged one another through the challenges. Our family in the NICU has shared every one of the milestones in Riley Grace's life.

One of the babies that has been in room #2 with Riley Grace developed complications over the past few days. He received a blood transfusion yesterday and was transported by helicopter to Banner Desert today. Despite the heroic efforts to save him, he died on the way.

Tonight I am writing this because I hope that Riley Grace will one day read this story and understand what this day was like.

Every night since you were born I hold you and thank God for his amazing gift. This week we spent some special quiet late nights together and we prayed for each of the babies that are in the NICU. Tonight we thanked God for one baby boy in particular.

I know that God loves you Riley Grace because he sent his own son to die for you (John 3:16). No matter what happens God makes it all work for good for everyone that loves him (Romans 8:28) and there is nothing that can separate you from his love (Romans 8:37-38).