Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Free At Last!

After thirteen weeks, nineteen and a half hours - Gus is HOME! This weekend has been a whirlwind of getting things ready for his departure from the NICU. Gus was 5 lb 8.5 oz and 18.3 inches long for his discharge and still two weeks from his official due date of June 11.

We were blessed to have Nurse Susie as Gus' nurse today for his discharge. All the NICU staff and nurses came out to wish Gus the best and say goodbye. A few tears were shed by everyone involved. Here are Jill, Susie and Gus ready to get into the car and make a break for it! The pack over Jill's right shoulder is Gus' home monitor. Leads are attached to him that pick up his heart and respiration rates.
After the 30 minute ride home Gus was ready for a nap. Actually, he slept all the way home and then continued to sleep until it was time to eat again. He is getting used to his new surroundings - new sights and smells and also less ambient noise from all the other people and babies. The nurses said that sometimes the babies who spend a long time in the NICU have a hard time adjusting to the "quiet" of home. Gus seems to be doing OK so far.
Gus is showing how we all feel after our first night together at home. We are all a little sleepy and ready for a nap. Gus slept just fine but Jill and I were awake with every little "grunt" he made - and he makes a lot of them! He is used to eating every three hours so that takes a little out of us as well. So far no monitor alarms other than loose leads - that helped us to sleep a little.

The next few days will involve a lot of getting used to our new routine. As much work as a baby can be we were pretty exhausted going to the NICU for 3-4 hours every day too. Gus has a follow-up exam for his eyes on Friday and sees the pediatrician on Tuesday. We will keep praying for a good result for the eye exam.

Friends have been great. Trent W, on behalf of congregants from SB-UCC, brought out a "Welcome Home Gus" sign and friends Matt, Jen and Cameron (who was a preemie himself) brought out some balloons and a sign too. Friend Kim H (who had a preemie only three years ago) brought out a glider rocker and footrest - THANKS! A few friends and neighbors stopped by to see the miracle of mighty Magnus last night. We are so thankful for all the people who have been supportive through our experience. We will make sure Gus knows the stories of how many people journeyed with us as he grew into the little man that he is.

Surprised and blessed,
Gregg, Jill and Gus

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is so great guys !! I am so happy ! I just found out today since my internet has been out that you are home now !!

Anonymous said...

I'm happy to hear your first night went well. Enjoy your first day of not having to make a trip into Dayton! Give Gus a kiss for me~susie

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! I heard when I went to work lastnight that yesterday was the big day for you guys!! That is wonderful news. As one of the night nurses who watched you grow, it is great to see you be such a big guy at home now. Tina

Anonymous said...

I've been checking your blog because I had a feeling Gus would go home before I saw you guys again...I'm so happy for you! How far you all have come and how exciting it is to finally take him home! Best wishes and please let us know how Gus is doing. Kelly RN

Anonymous said...

What a happy day!!!!! We are stoked! We haven't checked the site in a few days since we've been out of town and logged in to see this wonderful, splendid news. Congratulations Gus and Jill and Gregg! Wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Hey Gus,

We are really happy for you. It is great you are home. You have many adventures ahead of you, and we hope you enjoy them all.

Matt and Jodie

Anonymous said...

I wish I could have stopped over last night to see you and the little guy, but alas, I guess I'll have to wait until this summer... (sigh)

Aunt Melissa

Anonymous said...

Gus we are sure glad that you are home. Don't be to bad and keep your parents up all night. But a little bit of spoiling is alright, not that you aren't already spoiled from all your nurses. Love you so much. Grandpa and Grandma Brekke

Anonymous said...

What a blessing--it is so great to see you guys make the trip home from the NICU. You can tell by Jill's big smile how exciting it was. We must have missed your departure that day and it sure hasn't been the same in the NICU. We don't look to see if you signed in and I am sure you are happy not to be signing in. No more going to that parking garage on a daily basis. No more asking permission to enter the place where your baby is. No more scrubbing in for two minutes using your leg to control the water. No need to wear an ID band!!! Did you have your cutting off ceremony:)? Well, we sure do miss you guys but are so very happy that you are home!! You guys are such wonderful people and we have been blessed to know you. Can't wait to come visit all of you outside of the hospital! Hugs from the Kills:) p.s. Kenyon is on the cannula today

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! A miracle prayed for everynight has just happened!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us(even us total strangers) Little Gus is a beautiful blessing! I pray that he grows big and strong. God Bless you all!! I am doing a Happy Dance for you all!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Gus we are so very happy for you and your Mommy and Daddy. We know what it's like to not sleep for very long stretches - having been awake at 1am and 4am last night. . .

Anonymous said...

Out of the blue tonight Evan wanted to see Big Gus's bellybutton on daddy's puter. It is pretty amazing to see how Gus has progressed in a months time as we went back through the pictures. Congratulations, Gus looks like he is doing super. Dave (MN)

Anonymous said...

wow!!!! what a miraculous journey you all have experienced. hope everyone is adjusting well at home. truly a joyous new chapter to begin....