Finally

Last Saturday we took Emma down to Thanksgiving Point to the little farm. Since we figured it would be our last few days as a family of 3 we wanted to do something fun. Emma loved seeing all the animals. She gobbled at the turkeys and loved the horses. She got slimmed by a cow tongue and wanted to chase the ducks. We went on a wagon ride and got put in jail. Emmas favorite part was the pony ride.

On our way home we got a phone call from the NICU.  I figured it was just an update and Colt answered it as I was driving. Since I could only hear his side of the conversation all I heard was:
"Hi Joanna, We're good. Tomorrow? Sounds good, what time? Okay great see you then."

When I heard the word tomorrow and he looked at me and smiled I knew it was good news. The tears of joy began to overflow and I was elated. Emma was worried I was sad but I reassured her that they were happy tears because we could go get Katie the next day. I don't think I slept a wink that night. It felt like Christmas. Sunday morning I called and checked on Katie and figured out what the days schedule would be like. We got bathed and dressed and left for the hospital at around 10. Emma loves to wash her hands in the big sink. We walked back to Katelyns room for the last time. Marcie was our nurse and I was so thankful it was her. She has taught me so much about my abilities as a mother. I love her. I sat in on rounds for the last time with Katie in my arms wide eyed and curious. I got last minute instructions and dr appointment information and signed on the dotted line that I was taking my little miracle home. She looks so cute in her car seat.
 

 

 Katelyn got to meet her cute cousins David and Claire.
We went to dinner at Colt's parents house and she got loved and cuddled by Chase and Chantelle. I just couldn't find it in me to lay Katie down or let her out of my site. I was in heaven. I loved having her with our family and feeling her breathe as I held her. It didn't seem real at first I couldn't stop kissing her little head. She is perfect and best of all she has no additional oxygen needs.

 The first night as a family was so good. Bedtime for Emma was a little challenge. The four of us went in for story time and prayers. I held Katie as Colt read about Tinkerbell and her friends. We said goodnight and got the baby ready for bed. I put the playpen in my room next to my bed and put a monitor that alarms if the baby stops breathing under the blanket. I settled in my covers and pulled the playpen right next to me. I turned on the mobile and a little light and gave Katie her binkie and counted each breath she took. It didn't take long for me to turn off the monitor. It was making me crazy and wasn't helping my anxiety. Can I just tell you that this tiny little girl is so noisy! She grunts and burps and toots all the time. Just as I would drift to sleep she would grunt or cry and I would immediately jump up and check on her. By 2am I had had enough and retired to the couch with Katelyn on my chest where we both snored away.  Don't judge, I was exhausted and needed sleep so bad. I have started my nights in bed and after 3 hours of hearing her grunt and gag on her spit up I end up on the couch. 

Emma has been so good with her baby sister. She asks me each morning where Katie is and has to give her kisses. She calls her sweet girl and darling and is very helpful. It warms my heart at how cute they are together. Colts parents took Emma up to Bear Lake for the weekend. She is having a blast and we are trying to get used to a routine with a new baby at home. I have missed my Emma-bug and each night when we have called to check on what shes done that day it makes me miss her more. She has been swimming, riding in the bike trailer behind grandma and she is getting better at her scooter and Ariel bike. I hope I am ready for the challenge that will come with being at home alone with a grunty baby and a big girl who has been spoiled the past 5 days. I got to show Katie off at a family wedding Saturday night and everyone was so excited to see her. I enjoyed being able to show how far shes come since being born 15 weeks ago. This week is full of  Dr appointments and getting Emma used to a new routine. I hope the weather is nice so we can play outside, I'm gonna need it.