One Year Ago Today

Mommy's turn...


Dear Carter,


One year ago today we finally got to bring you home after 99 long days in the hospital. There were times in the hospital that we didn't believe that we would ever be able to bring you home. But, you are such an amazing little man and proved us all wrong. We just had to wait for you to show us when you were ready to go home. 


When we put you in your "going home" outfit and took off all your monitors that morning it was so hard to believe that we actually got to bring you home. We put you in your stroller and walked you right out of that room. You were not happy at the moment and I was worried we were going to have a tough time getting you home in the car. I think you were still going through withdrawal from some of your meds, which made you very irritable at times. I remember waiting in the front lobby for Dad to come with the car and it was so weird to have you out of that hospital room. I stared at you all the way home and Dad kept asking how you were doing. Finally, we made it home and that was so weird as well. I didn't really enjoy the moment because I was so focused on you and making sure you were okay. It was a bit scary because we were now totally in charge of your care. That was an interesting night as well. I held you the entire night and didn't get any sleep. I was so worried something would happen and I wouldn't notice. 


Since, that day, you have never looked back. You got to meet all of your furry friends (cats and dogs) and see what being home was all about. I don't think you missed all those beeps and sounds and people messing with you one bit. You got to use and play with all your own stuff and mommy and daddy got to put you in cute new outfits everyday. You were only 9 pounds when we took you home at 3 1/2 months old and now you weigh 22 pounds! You never were admitted back into the hospital, as I think many docs thought might happen in your first year home.  


There have been so many "firsts" in this last year and we look forward to many more to come. You are so strong and have come so far. You make your mommy and daddy so proud! 

Exactly one year ago today...what a difference a year makes!