Graduation Day

Hi, All,

Yesterday was graduation day from the NICU. The Little One's nurse called M&D in the afternoon with the news that Bea was headed downstairs to the Infant Special Care Unit (ISCU). Very exciting, but, as we wrote yesterday, a little daunting.

As it turns out, the ISCU is a much more serene setting for our Lil' Princess. Although the neighbors are a little noisier (lots of crying), the adult population is much calmer: No major episodes and fewer alarms to attend to. The ISCU has smaller rooms with just parents, babies, and the occasional nurse. Although the front-desk staff seem a little annoyed by our presence (and our lack of official wrist-bands), M&D are grateful to be able to hang out with the Little One in this environment.

We haven't yet received an official briefing about next steps, but we think that Bea may still be a few weeks away from heading home. She's taking about two feedings per day via bottle, but she still needs a fair amount of O2. (She needs to take all feedings through a bottle). Although M&D would like for Bea to come home ASAP, they are scared to death of having to deal with an oxygen tank at home. The nurses say it's not a big deal, but we beg to differ.

One step at a time.

Team Beatrice (Ian)

P.S. Thanks so much to E.J. for chauffering D to the dump, Goodwill, etc this morning. Very, very appreciated. Thanks also to GD (Granddad) for coming over to help with shelves. And thanks so, so much to so many others. (Belated thanks to J&J for offering use of a truck via our Comments section). My apologies, as I know that I am leaving a lot of people out: family, friends, and even strangers who have helped out us immeasurably.

And speaking of gifts/help: We received our first "I Love Daddy" shirt, which will be washed and worn nearly every day, just as soon as Bea is big enough to wear it.

P.P.S. M&D have been told that they need to get out of town for an evening before Bea comes home. As we haven't left the city limits (other than trips to Babies r Us) in two months, this is probably a good idea. If anyone has any good ideas for one-night escapes, let us know. We want to get as far away from Seattle as possible without actually going all that far away (We need to be present for morning cares on Day 1, and evening cares on Day 2). Talk amongst yourselves.