Yesterday, on August 19th at 1 pm, one day short of Greyson's six week mark, he was discharged from the hospital. This ended 11 weeks of daily jaunts to Alta Bates for me (because it's all about me). Special thanks to HealthNet for picking up the $750k (and counting) tab. Two clueless parents packed up their carefully nurtured package and inserted him into the car seat that installed in 17 easy steps. We drove him to the in-laws where we are staying while the remodeling project, that was supposed to be done before he was born, is completed. It was the first time Greyson rode in a car, it was the first time he was outside. It was the first time Trish and Karl were responsible for a child.
The night before being discharged, Greyson had undergone a "car seat study" where the plug him in to all the monitors and have him sit through a 90 minute practice run of sitting in the car seat.
We had many good-byes as we embarked upon the next chapter of being parents. Among them were Louella, our favorite nurse at the the NICU. Louella was amazing. Not only is she one of the more senior staff, but she has amazing compassion for what she she does. She really made us feel comfortable about leaving Greyson at the NICU. We were really blessed to have crossed paths with her.
**Note that "we" constitutes the three of us, and "eight hours" is the total between the three of us. That eight hours occurred in 15 - 20 minute intervals through out the evening.
Since you were offline for a few days, we figured Greyson was home and you two didn't have a minute to spare. We're thrilled that your ordeal is over and now you can begin this whole new chapter in your life together. Many good wishes.
ReplyDeleteAs for the expense (whew!), I'd like to include mention of it in a series of health care reform stories I'm writing for my blog. What do you think? No names, of course, just a mention of the amount and the circumstances.
Love to all three of you,
Paula and Dave
Wow. What a journey for you all. And its really just starting, as unbelievable as that must be. He looks great...so cute and normal and beautiful and alert and healthy. You guys will do fine with him alone, its amazing how much you know somehow even when you've never done this before. (although it is pretty amazing how they send you on your way home with this little person and bam, you're now totally responsible!)
ReplyDeleteTrish, I am sorry you had such an awful pregnancy experience. And I thought mine sucked this last go-round! It must have been so scary for you both. Thank god that part is over!
I'm glad he's doing so well and I hope to see you guys around the neighborhood.
Amanda
Wow! So glad he's out and about and ready to check out the wonders of the world. What say we start by introducing him to the bars of Rockridge? Hmmmm... ok, guess that might be a while. But we're still looking forward to coming for a visit. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteHey does Greyson like being home? Is he letting you get any sleep?
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