What a transformation he has gone through!
Ellie's mom in for a few.....
What a great morning we had. First of all, Reid slept all night! Yipppee! In fact, he almost slept TOO long if that is possible. He went down a little after 9 last night, and I woke him this morning at 9:45. Yeah, crazy. huh? So, since his schedule was WAY off today, I decided to mix it up a bit. I usually stay home in the mornings to keep Reid at home and scheduled for his AM nap. Since he was so late this morning, I decided to try and hold him until early afternoon to nap, and so I needed somewhere to go. No problem! I have been so antsy to go back to the hospital where Reid was born. The nurses there have stayed in touch with me and have really been great on keeping on top of us all. I have a friend who works there who helps keep everyone abreast of our situation, and actually, a mom of a student of mine works there as well and keeps the dept. posted. Oh, yeah...and the head of the nursery goes to our church. So, she knows our story as well. So, many of them have continued to keep our family close to their hearts. We appreciate them so very much. Since Reid's cleft was a surprise, the nurses were so very supportive and wonderful with us. I think most of them cried as I cried when we first found out of the cleft. They became very important to me...almost as important as our doctor (who was absolutely MORE than I ever could have asked for) and continue to have a big place in my heart....and they always will. So, we went to visit!!!!!
I had to replace Reid's stints and tape across the lip today as usual in the morning. I have it down to a science and do well with it now. Since I was planning on heading out, I left the tape across his lip off. I wanted to really show off his lip repair because I knew they were going to be blown away. How could you not be? Remember....they hadn't seen him AT ALL since Nov. when we left the hospital to head to the NICU in Cleveland. It has been a long time. I was so hoping that I would find the nurse who delivered me. She was fantastic, and I so hoped to see her. I also found out that my doctor that delivered me was on call.....so she possibly would be at the hospital. I hoped as well to see her.
I headed down the hallway of the hospital with butterflies in my stomach and Ellie skipping the whole way saying, "Remember when you were in bed here?" I cracked up. That's what made the biggest impact on her. I was in bed. Not that she had a new brother that had medical issues...no....just that I was in bed. Ahhh....that's Ellie for you. Never thinking what you think she is thinking! So smart.
We headed in the double doors...and immediately we went to the viewing area of the nursery. Only girls in there today.....we saw 2. Very sweet...so tiny. I NEVER remember Reid being so small. Then again, at 9 lbs. 6 ozs. he really wasn't EVER small. I was brought back to the memory of him being in that exact nursery. I don't think he was ever in view of many there because of his cleft being so large, and they wanted to really watch him closely because he wasn't eating well. We saw the gal that goes to our church and she waved and smiled at us. We headed to the front desk where I was asked by the nurse how she could help us.....then she waited....looked at me....then Reid....and said, "OH MY GOODNESS!!!!" I knew she remembered us. She wasn't even a nurse that was involved in my delivery, but she knew immediately. She called some of the other nurses over, and over walked my delivery nurse. She about jumped over the counter to hug me....and then grabbed Reid. I had tears in my eyes. She did, too. Others came over, and just were in awe of the medical miracle they were a part of. Then, I heard a voice say "What's all that racket?" in a teasing voice. I looked over to see my OB that delivered me. She hadn't seen me.....and I hadn't seen her. She came over immediately and Reid gave her the BIGGEST smile ever. He laughed and just was flirting like mad. She was in awe as well and asked how we were. She was the biggest blessing to our family at such a stressful time, I can not put into words what she means to me. As I saw her, I was so pleased to show her how beautiful Reid is. She always said how beautiful he was from the start....and was a pillar of support for me. I am grateful for people like her in our lives. I don't think coincidences happen. I think she was supposed to be a part of our lives from the start. I will forever be grateful for her, and the nurses at our hospital. So, we talked a bit, wiped tears from our eyes, and just oowed and awwed over Reid. I was so glad that I had decided to take him in. They were grateful to us....as I was grateful to them.
I truly believe that things happen for reasons. Reid was given to us for some important reason. I do think he is here to teach others. I think he had done that a great deal already, and I know there is much more to come. I also believe that the many people that have been a part of our lives from the very start, like our doctor and nurses, were hand picked for us. How lucky we were. I just hope they all know what they mean to us. They were our beacon of hope.....and we will forever remember them for all they did those first days after Reid was born. Today was such a blessing. I am excited for the next visit we take there to update them again on Reid's progress. I have a feeling, we will be going back for years to come. It was a great day to say the least.
3 comments:
What a wonderful morning! I want to take the babies back to the Special Care Nursery they were in some time. I think doctors and nurses are amazing and such comfort during tough times!
I know Reid has taught me some things...really, your whole family has taught me a lot about love, compassion, positive outlooks and faith. You are all a cherished blessing to me and many others. Hugs!!!
Janeen, thank you for sharing your special visit with Reid and Ellie at the hospital. You have an amazing ability to communicate your thoughts and feelings so that we, as your readers, can "feel" what you're experiencing - at least as much as we can, considering most of us haven't walked in your shoes. I honestly believe you should contact a publisher. I know there must be many parents (and parents-to-be) as well as families and friends of cleft kids who could benefit so much from your experiences and insights. As they say, knowledge is power, and you have educated all of us about issues cleft families deal with as well as the medical miracles available. Most of all, the faith you share thoughtout all of it, is something we can ALL learn from, regardless of what we face in life. You are a blessing to so many, as I've told you many times. I'd love to see you share all of your insights with a much bigger audience. So....when you are published and go on Oprah, remember to tell your friend and neighbor 'hello'. :0)
Love ya! Vanessa
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