Returning Home

It was with great apprehension that we left the hospital that Monday afternoon. It was December 10, and it was FREEZING outside. The nurse, Wendy, helped us out the door, and we got you into the car in a panic. I could barely sit comfortably, but we got all packed in and on our way home. I remember every little bump on the ride home. For one, I was extremely sore still and for two, I thought you were going to be uncomfortable or somehow hurt from a bump in the road. Or the sun was going to burn your newborn skin through the glass. But you slept the entire ride, quietly in your car seat. (And thank God for Wendy - she helped me figure out how to work the darn car seat so you were plugged in safely.)

We pulled into the garage and while I waddled to the door, your Dad released the car seat and followed behind me. I wanted to be sure to acknowledge Buddy and let him know that I still love him and to have him welcome you to the house and to the family. He was a little suspicious and had to smell you numerous times in numerous ways, but he has yet to be mean to you. Pacha, avoided the whole confrontation from the beginning. She's slowly warmed up to, just like she did with your Dad, but she'll always be Pacha - avoiding interaction until SHE'S ready for it.

Your Grandpa was staying at the house when we got home to help us out, and thank God for that because we needed it. We were unsure about whether we should have family stay with us, because we weren't sure what condition we would be in. But thankfully he was there and cooked every meal we needed for the few days that he stayed with us. Also, since he knew I had some complications during delivery, he had moved all of your baby equipment upstairs so that we could sleep in the spare room and be close to the kitchen and I wouldn't have to negotiate those stairs. I didn't go downstairs for TWO WEEKS. I can't even believe it now that I'm typing it.

It seems that as soon as we brought you home you were ready to test out your vocal chords. Our once sleepy little Maxwell was now up every two hours, sometimes, less, ready to eat. AND EAT NOW. If there was any delay, we paid for it in decibels. Breastfeeding became very tough for me in your second week and we had to use the bottle and formula a bit to help me out. You switched back and forth like a champ. I think as long as you were getting food, you were fine with however it was delivered. JUST DON'T DELAY THE PROCESS. Your Dad was so helpful during this time. We were both so sleep deprived, yet he'd take you and walk around with you while you screamed, so I could get some rest. What a life saver he was and is.

We celebrated our first Christmas together as a family. That December. How wonderful it was. Yes, it was a difficult transition. A transition that no one could have prepared us for, but what an amazing experience.