It’s no doubt that we are incredibly grateful to have our sweet Addie home. It’s been over a month now and I honestly still can’t believe it some days. We spent 10 months total in the NICU and PICU (minus a few days) with doctors telling us many times they didn’t know if Addie would “make it” or be able to live a fulfilled life outside of the hospital. I don’t know about you, but I draw my strength from my family, and I’m stubborn. If someone tells me I can’t do something, I go out and do it…especially when it comes to Addie. Now that we’ve proved doctors wrong, I’m on a mission to make sure Addie has the very best days at home. My days start with Addie at 7 am and end at midnight, despite having a night nurse. It’s tiring but SO rewarding, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A typical day at home:
Our days start out with the nurse and I moving Addie to the living room. She loves to lay on the couch while I sit next to her and snuggle. Then, I move her to the floor for playtime while I draw up her many medicines, do her trach and g-button care, dress her up, and give her freshly pumped milk. Y’all know I’m an exclusive pumper, but did you know Good Start® Gentle has certified Lactation Consultants that can help you if you have questions about breastfeeding? As a pumping mama, I think that’s an awesome resource.
Usually Addie’s work outs tire her out and she takes a nap in her 4 Moms Breeze Pack and Play. We love it! While she naps, I really work hard to clean up the kitchen from my mess of syringes and bottles, pick up her living room toys, do laundry, make or reschedule appointments, or pump again. If I’m lucky, I’ll even get time to blog for a few minutes! Then, it’s time for her Occupational Therapist to come and work with her. It’s an hour of playing and hard work but somebody’s got to do it! I help along while they work with her so I can learn techniques to practice with her during the week.
Around this time we usually have company join us for an hour or so (depending on the day) and we play some more. Addie practices standing in her Bright Starts Sweet Safari exersaucer and also plays in her Snugabug swing. Her therapist wants her to practice being in her swing to feel more movement, sit up more, and become aware of the world around her more! We have fun whether we’re alone or with friends during this time!
After bathing Addie, we have to do trach and g-button care. Trach care consists of cleaning her trach area, drying it, and having one person hold her trach completely by itself in her neck (without letting go) while the other person dries her neck and puts on new trach ties. It can be very scary if Addie gets upset and cries because she likes to hold her breath. When that happens, we have to be incredibly careful not to lose the trach, but be fast enough to finish up quickly so we can calm her down. Trachs are serious things and letting go of the trach could result in an emergent trach change or a call to 911 if her emergency trach were to be unable to get in. Luckily, we know Addie pretty well and know when we should take breaks during her trach care and when to just hurry up and finish.
Bedtime can be hit or miss. Sometimes, Addie is so tired she knocks out before I can get her adjusted in bed (or even IN bed like the other night when she slept on her lamb mat for several hours. Other nights, it’s torture and the nurses say she will be up until 1 in the morning just wanting to play.
Good sleep for Addie, for your baby, and your family is an essential component of enjoying the journey through motherhood. That journey isn’t always perfect, but getting support every step of the way helps. That is why Gerber® Good Start® Gentle has a Certified Sleep Consultant for your little one’s needs. I try to get Addie to sleep through the night, and we’re getting there, but she’s almost 11 months old and finally getting the hang of it.
If you’d like to know more about Gerber and want to make a free appointment with Gerber® Good Start® Gentle’s certified baby sleep consultant or lactation consultant be sure to visit their website!
Kelly Harris says
Thank you so much for being so transparent and sharing your journey with us. It’s amazing at what all you do in a day. God knew Addie needed such a awesome mommy and daddy that can handle everything life throws at you. You are in prayers every single day and you are such a inspiration of Gods mercy and love! You are such a example of how God shows us he will never give us more than we can handle. Even though at times it feels like we can’t make it through another day. Addie is so very blessed to have such amazing parents, as well as you and Mathew are blessed to have such a precious little fighter. Sending you lots of love and continued prayers! FOREVER & ALWAYS A #pinkninjaprayerwarrior????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Kelly Harris says
My oldest daughter is pregnant and I will absuty be getting her a the info for Gerber® Good Start® Gentle’s,! Thank you for sharing! #pinkninjaprayerwarrior????????????????????????????????????????????????
Tamar says
So glad you’re in a great routine with Miss Addie!! She is just precious and you are a rockstar mommy to her! Enjoy your HOME days!
And just curious – is her button used for meds since she’s eating and drinking so well?
Tamar recently posted…Song-osity: Stop and smell the roses
Sharon Hines says
I just adore that precious baby, and admire you so much. I didn’t realize that y’all were told Addie might not make it or be able to live outside of the hospital. I’m so glad y’all proved them wrong. I think Addie has her Momma’s fight in her. She is such a trooper.
I just can’t believe it’s almost been a year! One of these days I want to meet y’all in person and hold that baby!
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Fran says
Good morning, Stephanie.. I have been following Miss Addie’s story for about 4 months. What a beautiful
little. The bond between you is visible. In the last chapter of Malachi, the prophet reports that when speak of the good things God has done for us, He calls an angel to get The Book of Remembrance to record our action.
You have certainly been recorded countless times just since Addie arrived. Many blessings to you and Mathew as you care for your angel. Prayers from Mississippi.
Doria says
You’re an awesome mama! I applaud you as a fellow former full-time pumping mom–there can be some tough/tiring moments. Both of mine were born early and my oldest had some issues with his mouth so I pumped for the first 10 month full-time. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep your chin up. Your daughter is beautiful <3
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The Curvy Girl says
Addie is simply beautiful. xo
The Curvy Girl recently posted…The Picky Pantry: Chicken Quinoa
becky says
addie is so cute and GOD blessed her with a beautiful family
GOD bless you all
Deb- It's me, debcb! says
So glad you’re home and I’m happy you’re sharing your normal with people. You’ll be able to help a lot of them.
Deb- It’s me, debcb! recently posted…Getting ready for the first week of high school
Phyrra says
The trach looks so scary! I’m so glad that you’re able to be home with her and play with her. Being a new mom sounds so exhausting!
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Kendra says
Love all your photos 🙂 So glad you guys are finally home.
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ashley says
I’m so happy that she is home with you, Stephanie! You are obviously the perfect mother for her and it’s so fun to watch how she is growing 🙂 Adorable photos!
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Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
Wow, mama! I am so glad you all have Addie at home now, but you definitely have your plate full with her care. She is such a sweet little girl and has an amazing mama. <3
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Lani @ Life Anchored says
What a cutie!!
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Doria says
Keep doing what you’re doing! You’re Wonderwoman 🙂
Doria recently posted…Mike’s Pastry North End Boston Lobster Tail Review
Brooke @ Blushing Noir says
Such a busy day for that lil gal 😉 I love the pics, and baby gums! It’s such a milestone to get teeth but I LOVE GUMS! lol
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Maya says
Addie is so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing these precious moments with us!!
Maya recently posted…Only 10 Days Until It’s My Birthday
Jess Scull says
She is so precious! Sounds like you guys have crazy busy days!
Chelsea says
Oh sweet little Addie! You’re getting so big so fast!
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Carly says
It makes me so happy to see these photos of her at home!!!
mp3juice says
Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better!
Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
He constantly kept talking about this. I most
certainly will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a
great read. I appreciate you for sharing!
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