Leaving NICU

Wednesday morning finally arrived. At the time it had felt like forever before that day came. But in reality it wasn't very long. The day before I had spent my time being chauffeured around by my dad (Brandon had both sets of my car keys) to and from the hospital so that I could be there for her day feedings. I was still trying to nurse her and it was becoming very clear that she was going to be difficult. I am sure getting a bottle from them was not helping either. I would try for a good 15 -20 mins on one side (she seemed to favor one over the other) and then when it came time to switch she would have nothing to do with it. It was quite frustrating to me. I didn't understand why she was struggling with it. So after 30 mins or so the nurse would bring in the bottle and I would feed her. Which I know must have confused Emmaline even further but I also wanted the time with her. They fed her every 3 hours on the dot. So afterwards I would go home and then return just before it was time to feed her again. It was a very long day, but it was worth it. The nurses and doctor were very helpful and informative. They were also very thorough. They ran all their test and such and found nothing wrong. They told us as long as none of the tests came back positive and she put on weight she would be able to go home. We prayed, and prayed and ultimately knew she would be fine. Weds morning arrived without any phone calls of distressing news. When I got there I wanted to try nursing her again, so the nurse did the exit procedure stuff with another family that was also taking their baby home. Unfortunately, they hadn't watched all the required videos, so they did that first and THEN she went through her check list. UGH Brandon and I had taken the time the evening before to watch those videos and go through most of the check list that we could so we didn't have to wait to take her home when she was ready. I arrived there around 9am and didn't leave until almost one!! It was great to spend the one on one time with Emmaline but I would have preferred to just take her home. The one thing that really got on my nerves is that by the time I was ready to leave it was getting close to Emmaline's next feeding time. I knew it would only take me a few minutes to get to my parents and she could just wait. So while I went out to move my car to the front of the hospital the nurse held her for me. I was gone no more then five minutes, when I walk in I see her feeding Emmaline a bottle!!! She says she was getting fussy and probably hungry. Really lady??? U knew I would be right back and that I could feed her at home!!!! UGH. She told me she was just going to give her a little, but she sucked almost all of it down!! Seriously?!?! @#%$!! Anyway, thus began my WONDERFUL nursing adventure. In case you couldn't tell I am being completely sarcastic. But I digress, that part of the Emmaline saga is to be continued!
Being able to bring my baby girl home was the most wonderful gift ever. That Christmas, the only thing I wanted was my baby girl home with us and now I finally had her!! I know that Heavenly Father was watching over our little Angel. Monday evening my brother came out and together with Brandon they gave Emmaline a blessing. I know that our Heavenly Father lives and is my constant companion in everything I do whether it be trials or blessings he is there. Without him I know my life would be totally different. Though I was unable to be in the room while they gave her the blessing (Some malarkey about 2 guests per infant), I am grateful to have men in my life who honor the priesthood so they can bestow our Heavenly Father's blessings!!

 Dad and I in NICU holding Miss Emmaline

 I know it's dark but it was a really good picture of us!

 Little Emmaline

  All ready to go home, this is just after she was fed too. (Looks mighty content don't you think. :/ )  She is so adorable!! We love her so much. I can't believe that I have another girl!! Still a little shocked. But it was a great surprise, all orchestrated by my little Miss Emmaline!! Thanks!!