A Homecoming Fit For a Princess

After 64 long days in the NICU, Lea finally came home today weighing a whopping 4 pounds and 15 ounces and at the gestational age of 38 weeks and 4 days. In true princess fashion, she chose to arrive home on the most extravagant holiday in New Orleans, Mardi Gras! While others crowded the streets to watch the parades this "Fat Tuesday," we proudly paraded our baby girl home for the first time in nine weeks. The term "I got the baby!" had a completely different meaning this holiday. No Mardi Gras has ever been so memorable.

Happy Mardi Gras! 4 lbs, 15 oz

We'd like to thank everyone who has said prayers, sent well-wishes and gifts, cooked us meals and supported us through this amazing journey. You have no idea how much each of your kind words and thoughtful gestures helped us cope. I have been blessed to have witnessed the beauty in others and the power of God. Because of this experience, I am forever changed. My family is forever stronger. My faith is as strong as its ever been.

As I sit here typing this, Lea is wrapped up in her moby wrap, against my chest skin-to-skin. She no longer has to listen to the loud dings of monitors. Even better, I no longer have to fall asleep at night wondering if she's crying or if she's fast asleep. Tonight, for the first night, she will sleep in the bassinet that has sat empty for the past few weeks beside my bed. Now I can watch her fall asleep, and comfort her if she cries. Although she is still hooked up to a breathing monitor, life finally feels normal. We are finally a family, and we're ready to begin our new journey!

Happy Mardi Gras everyone!
View a slide show of Lea's time spent in the NICU here

On our way home...