No your eyes are NOT playing tricks on you! ;)
I took a MUCH longer blogging break then I anticipated! I can't think of a better way to come back to posting then by writing a post to celebrate Olivia's Homecoming Anniversary!!
Olivia Adele,
I can NOT believe it was 4 years ago that we walked out of those double doors as a family of three. People ask me all of the time what it felt like, and I can only describe that it felt like a dream! For 80 days I dreamt and thought about what the day would be like that we would FINALLY get to graduate from the NICU and start our life, together, at home. Honestly, the day was better than I could have EVER imagined!
Bringing you home felt like time stopped. I could finally breathe and have never in my life felt so complete and at peace! The love we have for you (and your sister) I can not compare to anything else in my life.
I can not wait to see what you have been put on this earth for. You have already taught me so much! I admire so many qualities about you already and you are only four! You have always been SO determined, ready to prove people wrong, stubborn and sassy! Most traits most would think "you admire those?" The answer is Yes! :) If you are a parent of a NICU grad you would understand that these traits are what got my girl home!
Bringing you home felt like time stopped. I could finally breathe and have never in my life felt so complete and at peace! The love we have for you (and your sister) I can not compare to anything else in my life.
I can not wait to see what you have been put on this earth for. You have already taught me so much! I admire so many qualities about you already and you are only four! You have always been SO determined, ready to prove people wrong, stubborn and sassy! Most traits most would think "you admire those?" The answer is Yes! :) If you are a parent of a NICU grad you would understand that these traits are what got my girl home!
You are the little girl who made me a mama and you have taught me SO much! I love you more than words can say my little tree frog!
"Sometimes the smallest things take the most room in your heart!" -Winnie the Pooh
I recently (as in last week) reconnected with one of the nurses that helped deliver Olivia. Hearing how she remembers the day of Olivia being born seriously made me cry!
" I will never forget your delivery, and I will never forget how strong your family was that day. You and Jeremy are simply amazing people. I will always remember both of your optimism, strength, faith, and support for each other that day. You both shed happy tears that your baby girl had arrived; I remember you didn't know the gender until she was born Jeremy was, to date, one of the happiest dads I've seen at a delivery. He didn't show us he was scared. He stayed strong for his girls. Truly admirable. You. You are a beautiful mother that despite what Dr. Bradley told you took everything in stride and it was almost like you knew everything was going to be okay. Yes, it was a very, very scary day. But you guys, all of you, overcame that fear and instead were so strong. Olivia was strong that day too, breathing on her own and all!! I am SO happy to hear that both of your experiences were great despite what you had to endure the first time around. Do you mind if I show the other nurses pictures of Olivia? Every one of us there that day remembers her And most importantly that day it was evident the LOVE you had for each other, and for your Olivia I am so grateful to have met you all that day. That experience has humbled me and like I said I will never ever forget you guys "
I will always be forever grateful to EVERYONE (nurses, doctors, our family, friends, strangers) who showed us so much kindness, who prayed for us and with us, who sent us cards, who called, texted, sent messages, bought gifts, sent us dinners, flowers, and most of all helped us get where we are today! Thank you to all who have followed our journey! It has been QUITE the adventure! :)
