Anna comes home!

Anna came home with us on 9/25/2015.  She spent the first 8 days of her life in the NICU at Rex and although it wasn't ideal, we couldn't have asked for better nurses and doctors.  They taught us so much over those 8 days and we are thankful for everything!

This was her room... We didn't see the daylight very much and poor Anna actually got a touch of jaundice while staying there.  She is already looking better at home though :)

 

Borrowing another NICU room for some going home pics in natural light

Nurse Andrea carrying Anna out.  Andrea was actually at Anna's delivery (it's standard practice when there is a known complication with the baby for the NICU nurses to arrive at the delivery for a quick check-up).

 Car ride home- while only a 20 minute drive it seemed more like 2 hours!

Showing Anna her room and introducing her to Chase and Tom

Our first night at home was a bit of a disaster.  Anna threw up half her bottle at both night time feedings so then she screamed most of the night because she was hungry.  Once we finally got her to sleep I peeked over at her every 2 seconds, so there wasn't much sleep but that's ok.

Saturday morning Anna had her first Pediatrician appointment.  She did such a great job- didn't cry once!  She also gained an ounce, so she is to 6lbs 2oz now.  She was born at 6lbs 9oz so we need to get her back to that weight by this Thursday's doctor appointment.

Saturday Chip, Lauren, Caroline, Abby and Renny came up to meet Anna.  Caroline was so excited to meet her baby cousin! We had a great time!

 

 The new family of 5 (well...3 plus 2 kitties)!

 Chip took some family pictures for us and they came out great

 Sweet baby Anna- we love her so much!

 

And Ren documented us giving Anna her first sponge bath

 We have been having so much fun with Anna!  She loves to sleep with Chris and has been enjoying meeting lots of visitors!

 Ren made this cute door hanging for Anna's Homecoming

Beautiful Flowers from the Ladies Lunch Crew :)

 Missing Carrie in this pic!

We have a busy week coming up.  I am so excited for our newborn pictures on Tuesday morning and on Wednesday Anna will meet with the Duke cleft team for half the day.  I am looking forward to them meeting her and getting a game plan together.  The next few months will be tough, but we know everything that we are doing will help give her a better life!  More pictures and updates to come soon.