Thursday, January 29, 2009

Homecoming, anticipated

Things are moving fast! The doctor told us today that he expects to release Lila on Saturday. This Saturday! This is sooner than we would have expected, but she's been ahead of the curve all along and, once she got out of her isolette and into an open crib (earlier this week), we knew it was just a matter of time.

So, barring any changes, Lila will be home with us in just 2 days. It looks like it could still be a week to 2 weeks for the boys. This would not be uncommon, as it's widely known that preemie girls do better than preemie boys. Brandon is not quite 4 lbs yet, and Alex is just over 4 lbs. Both are making steady progress but have not yet come out of their isolettes. It's amazing to think that you can bring home a baby that's only about 4 lbs and just 34 weeks (gestational age). Needless to say, I've already outfitted the house with enough hand sanitizer to last us until the kids graduate high school. Did I mention I'm slightly germaphobic? Not like Howard Hughes germaphobic, but I did wash my hands about 15 times before I finally got the turkey in the oven last Thanksgiving.

Actually my paranoia serves a purpose. The doctors explained that preemies are especially susceptible to something called Respitory Syncytial Virus or RSV, which is prevalent during the winter until early spring. So I was online ordering hazmat suits for all visitors... okay, just kidding. Hand washing and Purell will be sufficient.

We're really excited to have her home. It will be hectic with one kid at home and two in the NICU, but we'll manage (with help)!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

On a serious note, as an ER doctor, RSV is a big deal. So hand washing and limiting the amount of visitors is a BIG deal.
Love,
Dr Jaime

Anonymous said...

Girls rule, boys drool...LOL

Soapchick said...

That is such wonderful news Abby! I'm so happy that Lila will be coming home this weekend! Yes as Kris says - Girls Rule!! haha.

Good idea on the hand santizer, but just be sure to slather your hands in body butter or shea butter at night and put gloves or socks over your hands so your skin doesn't get chapped in this horrible winter air!

Stephanie said...

RSV is horrible stuff. I know of two babies that have it right now. Both cases are horrible and I hear that if they get RSV, they are likely to get ear infections. So yes, be super safe. I wouldn't take them out because they could pick it up anywhere (Walmart, grocery store, etc).

So exciting that Lila is coming home!!! My baby brother died because his lungs weren't developed. My mom went into labor at 7 months. The doctors said if he were a girl, he probably would have made it...

Jennifer said...

Hi Abby and Sam!

This is Jennifer Driscoll. I so look forward to photographing your three little bundles! Please keep me posted on when all the kids are home and ready for some photo time. I can come to you to make things easier. They are adorable!! Congratulations!

Jennifer

www.photosbyjennifer.com

Anonymous said...

Oh, what wonderful news. . . Lila JOY going home and soon the boys will be joining her. They are three very precious great-grandbabies.

Love youse,
Great Grandpa John & "GG" Yvonne

Sam's mom said...

OKIE DOKIE, here we go! Glory be! Help is on the way! Love, Mom/Nana

Sam's mom said...

OKIE DOKIE, here we go! Glory be! Help is on the way! Love, Mom/Nana

Anonymous said...

Grandmom is on her way. This is going to be a very long airplane ride for me thank goodness I was able to get a nonstop. Bonnie get the tissues ready! I haven't held any of them yet.
Love,
Grandmom/Mom