Speaking of outfits, luckily, a very thoughtful and generous mom, whose twins are graduating from the NICU and going home tomorrow, donated her preemie clothes to the NICU. In turn, the nursing staff is passing the clothes to us. When the time comes we will do the same and pay it forward.
Every time the nurses tell us that it could be "X" number of days until we . . . (fill in the blank) . . . it ends up happening significantly sooner than we anticipate, which makes every milestone so much more exciting. A nurse told us that Siena is doing so well and that it could be 12-15 days that she could be coming home. Siena could be coming home real soon.
I'm very excited to bring Siena home. I'm also very scared. Her environment is so safe, so controlled, so sterile . . . I'm not sure if we're ready to bring her home to 2 energetic big brothers, a dog and cat, and the culmination of germs that come from brothers and pets. I know she'll be fine. The thought of taking her home is exciting and daunting, but I'm not worried.
Tonight a woman from housekeeping was emptying trash and she shared with us that her 3 year old was a 7 week preemie. Now she is bigger than most kids in her preschool. With all three kids, there are a lot of things that we have tried to rush forward such as I can't wait:
- to to take her home.
- until we don't have to get up every 3 hours.
- for them to walk.
- for them to talk.
- for them to be potty trained.
There is only a limited time to:
- spend uninterrupted one-on-one time.
- change their diaper.
- cuddle and fall asleep together
- to feed them a bottle.
- to hold their hands or carry them on my shoulders.
I am committing myself to slowing down and moving to the right lane of traffic from the left lane. I'll have greater appreciation for the dedicated one-to-one evening conversations with Dre during drives between the hospital and home, because soon we won't be making that nightly drive. I'll cherish the time I have at the hospital with Siena, because soon she'll be 30 lbs rather than 3.0 lbs. Soon her preemie clothes will be baby clothes, then "tot" clothes, and I don't even want to think about what comes next. Before I know it, my "tots" will be "big" kids and I won't be able to lie them on their backs, change their diapers, play head-shoulders-knees-and-toes, and then tickle them. With each passing day it will be one day closer to when the kids will not want to hold my hand or ride on my shoulders.
Brothers and pets and germs, OH MY! . . . we're in no rush, so we'll just take our time.
YIKES! my last couple posts have been kind of serious . . . I'll try to share more humor in the next post.
Posts
So I knew you were blogging and I made myself stay awake to read it. I'm glad I did. Once again you have given me perspective... That's really what life is all about. The small things.
ReplyDeleteHey guys! Wow man, what a freakin journey indeed! With the lack of access to a computer on a daily basis, I admittedly was a little behind on the fine details. And once I had seen the extent of your blog, I thought it to be a little bit of a daunting task to get caught up. Quite the contrary! When I finally sat down and started from the bottom, it was not long before I found myself anxiously scrolling up for the next posting, virtually wide eyed and grinning from ear to ear. One of my favorite things about your blog is the overwhelming sense of joy and graciousness that abounds from your words. There is a vast beauty in the creations of a family that as Shayne said, will make other worldly events seem pale by comparison! I send this message with the greatest of excitement and with all my heart I pray that your journey ahead will be even half as amazing as the path already traveled!
ReplyDeleteJustin
Glad to hear she's doing ok ... and yes, please slow down and enjoy these little moments ... they'll be gone before you know it!!! ;0) And yes, these preemies do grow bigger ... amazing, isn't it? And germs are not always that bad ... you build up resistance to it and by the time she's in first grade, she'll be a pro at fighting off them germs. ;0) Enjoy these milestones because they'll be a distant memory and you'll be busy chasing that little girl all over the place. ;0)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mike and Rachel & boys
I would be SO nervous to bring such a little baby home. All mine were 8-9 pounders!! I'm so glad to hear that she is doing so well! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteShayne, I have really enjoyed your last few posts & have been brought to tears. Our 2nd son will just be 4 months next week, so we have been in transition with having two boys & I often am stressed & tired. But hearing about your journey with Siena has very much humbled me & has put life as a parent in deep perspective. I look forward to showing my husband the blog - what a loving father you are! I can't imagine experiencing the rollercoaster you all have been on. Hearing how you & Andrea have accepted this challenge with such determination, dedication, faith, courage, compassion for the other NICU parents, appreciation & gratitude of others, mixed with humor. . . it's truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear Siena is doing so well. Sounds like she is going to be one fiesty, strong-willed little girl, no one will be able to tell her she can't do something. I hope you will be welcoming her home soon. I continue to prayer for her & your family.
~Katie (Rodabaugh) Campbell
Shayne, reading your blog prompts me to reflect on many memorable moments that I shared with the three of you boys; how with each tick of the clock precious moments slip away into the past. As a parent, I can attest to the fact that time with your children is indeed short and precious. I hold close the memories such as how I used to hold you in my arms and dance around the living room singing John Lennon’s ‘Beautiful Boy’.
ReplyDeleteThat is the same song you chose for our Mother & Son dance at your wedding. You were no longer my little boy in my arms. Instead you were this strong handsome young man beginning a life and journey on his own, no longer needing to hold my hand. Though I yearned to recapture those memorable and precious moments, I looked upon this young man leading me across the dance floor with great pride and joy. My wish for you and your brothers is to find in life that sense of happiness and joy that you gave to me.
You are so fortunate and wise to have realized so early on that your time with your children is but a moment in the scheme of life. I can assure you that even when they’re all grown up they will continue to bring you joy and enrich your life and inspire you. You will learn life’s lessons from them as they will from you. Although you will yearn for the times when you held their little hands in yours, you will also beam with pride for who they are and what they have become.
I have watched you and Dre grow as individuals, as a couple, and as a family through time and especially over these last few weeks. I am so proud and inspired by both of you. Braydon, Brody and Siena have been blessed with two wonderful parents. You are truly a beautiful family.
Carla,
ReplyDeleteEver since Siena's birth, I haven't cried at the posts, I have laughed, felt concern, worry and been prayerful. When I read your post, I cried tears of shared parent feelings as only Moms of grown kids can do. You have raised a caring, sensitive son and should be very proud of the man he has become. He is a model of what all Dads should be. They are indeed a good pair as parents. I always felt fortunate that our grandchildren have had Andrea and Mr. Shayne to watch Annie and Nathan while Kelly works. I wouldn't want anyone else to be there for them as "second parents." (Except of course Sarah and Brian who are filling in these days).
Andrea and Shayne- St. Gerard School is praying for your family. I got on the morning announcements via TV (produced by the 8th grade under the watchful eye of Pat Buzard,) and told all of the kids about little Siena. Kids have been asking how she is doing. I will get back on there tomorrow and give them all an update. Remember childrens' prayers are best.
Thanks for helping us to slow down and enjoy the little things in life. We are here to prepare ourselves for eternity and what better way than to pray for Super Siena. Peace and love to all.
Mama Barb aka Mrs. Flynn