Olivia's Homecoming!!

We almost can't believe it finally happened, but it did...Olivia came home today! After 8 long weeks of being in the NICU at Texas Children's, our sweetpea finally got discharged. It was such an amazing feeling to have our nurse disconnect her from the monitor that's been tracking all her vital signs for the last two months, and to finally get to put her in her car seat and stroller. I can't even explain how happy we were just pushing her down the hallway toward the parking garage, as we finally felt "free" of the confines of the hospital (great as they've been) and were able to expose her to an environment other than the NICU, which is all she's ever known. I think tomorrow we'll attempt our first outdoor excursion--maybe a little stroll around the block, nothing too crazy, but just to let Olivia feel fresh air and sunlight on her skin will be so wonderful!

So after we drove home very carefully and got Miss Olivia home safe and sound, we basically just reveled in having her at home finally. We hung out with her for about 10 hours straight, just trading her back and forth between the two of us. We held her on our bed, rocked her in the gliding rocking chair, propped her up in her Boppy on the bed, etc. We did some tummy time on the bed, played with her with some of her toys, and Chad even gave her a little massage. Today was all about enjoying Olivia and making her homecoming as fun and comfortable for her as possible! And she really seemed to enjoy it all--she was more alert today than we've ever seen her before. She was awake almost all day, just looking around our room, taking in all the new sights and sounds, etc. Every time she seemed to be about to doze off, she would get a new burst of energy! It was awesome just seeing her soak it all in for the first time. I can only imagine what she'll think of the great outdoors tomorrow!

Here are some pictures of our big day...

Olivia in her car seat, getting ready to leave the NICU


Daddy, Mommy & Olivia right before leaving the hospital


Mommy & Olivia hanging out on the bed


Daddy & Olivia doing the same


And finally...bedtime! All swaddled up and comfy in her Pack 'n Play bassinet next to our bed.

And this little video below isn't from today, but it is just so cute and I have been meaning to post it, so I figured I'd slide it in too...

Thanks again to everyone for all your prayers for Olivia's health and well being and for this much anticipated day to come...it all paid off and the big day finally came! We'll keep you posted on life at home with Olivia, but so far it's all we've been dreaming of and more!