Isabella Danielle, born at 24 weeks and 1 day, 1lb 11oz, 12.5in

Zachary Michael, born at 36 weeks, 5lb 13oz, 18.5in

Alexander Charles, FULL TERM, 7lb 1oz, 20in

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Baby Bella Day 95

LAST NIGHT: Little sleep, screaming baby, many dirty diapers, multiple feedings...what more can you ask for! Isabella and I had a great time last night. We got into the room about 9pm and settled in nicely. The rooms are fantastic, actually about the size of our apartment with all the same amenities. (Too bad the apartment doesn't come with a full medical staff!) I curled up on the bed with the chunky monkey next to me. She slept while I watched TV as I relaxed with our angel by my side. She did cry quite a bit till about 3:30am, but it was so worth it. I was very sad that Chris couldn't be there with us to share that experience, but he will get his chance this weekend...oops, did I say that...

















YEP, IT'S OFFICIAL!!! Isabella is being discharged this Saturday. We finally have a concrete plan in place and the Delange Family will be exiting the NICU. It has been an interesting, eye opening, aw-inspiring, enlightening, educational, and spiritual experience. The thought of no monitors, no beeping, no doctors, no nurses, no pumping room is just surreal. After a while you start to think "this is the way that having a kid should be" or "since I have a preemie, this is what life is always like now". Praise the Lord Isabella will have a short stay in the NICU for a preemie of her age and medical history. God is GOOD! And Chris and I spend so much of our day thanking God, talking to Him, praising His love, and praying from the deepest depth of our hearts. We cannot thank all of you enough either for all of your comments, emails, phone calls, gifts, and most importantly PRAYERS. Without the love and spiritual uplifting that has been spread through our network of family, friends, co-workers, and new found preemie family, Isabella may have had a different start to this world. Chris and I will be eternally grateful to every ounce of your being and second of your day that you have put forth following Isabella and us on this journey. This definitely isn't the end, it is just our beginning and we look forward to sharing so much more of it with you.

Peace & God Bless!

12 comments:

Candice said...

Oh wow! Congrats to you guys. I know the feeling well, it was a long time coming. Silly question, but are you driving back to Texas? :o)

AJU5's Mom said...

Congratulations! By my calculations, this is before her due date, which is totally awesome! Hopefully the trip back to Texas will be uneventful and you can enjoy being a family!

Parker's mom said...

YAY!!! What a great day for you and Bella! The count down is on! Here's to an uneventful next few days and a safe trip to her permanent home!

KCWoodhead said...

How exciting! I am so glad to hear everything is going so well. She was a rockstar from day 1 and continues to prove to be one. That's because her parents are such rockstars too!

I love when you can so clearly see God's work - when it is right in your face, there is no denying it. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. Funny how they will change though - first it was just to keep Bella strong and fighting, then it was to speed up her time in the NICU and now I will be praying for sleep for the both of you!

Shauna said...

That is awesome news!!!
You look great in action Mom!!!

Andi Gaspard said...

I am super excited for you guys!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! It's so exciting that you are finally going to get to bring your angel home!
Feazy

Ana Banana Jewelry said...

Hi, I found Baby Bella's website through Baby Kayleigh's... My daughter was also born at 24 wks and weighed 1lb 0.6oz and she too has a colostomy. I'd love to swap ostomy (horror) stories if you're interested. (Does she still have her's or did she have the reversal?) It's not every day you find another baby w/ one! Feel free to check out Ana's CaringBridge site and contact us if you'd like to chat. It's "Ana's Story" on Kayleigh's blog or www.caringbridge.org/visit/anacoy

Amanda Pieper

Anonymous said...

WOHOO!!!!!!!!! That is the best news ever! Congrats on your long awaited wish! May everything go smoothly for you all - many prayers!!!

Love ya and miss ya,
Kim

Debbie said...

WHOOP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah said...

Yay for Bella! That gal must be as strong as her mama!! I am so happy for you all.

Jodi said...

That is amazing!!! I am so very happy for you. It's tough when you go home because it's like you're a mother of a newborn and experience all of that on top of what you have gone through, but how wonderful it is to bring them home. Sounds like she'll beat Olivia out by less than a week. Olivia came home after 105 days. What miracle girls we have! Great job Bella!!