A New Creation in Christ

Sarah Anne was baptized on the morning of November 4,  2008 in the NICU at Loudoun Hospital. This means that her baptism will be recorded at St. Theresa in Ashburn (I'm jotting that note here so I can remember when I need to one day). It was a very brief ceremony and we can "provide the rite" at a later date. Fr. Peter is the Campus Minister at George Mason University. All of our children have been baptized by campus ministers  (or former campus ministers). Father Peter was a huge support to all of us in the days before and after Sarah's birth. I'll tell you more about the prayers and action of campus ministry in a LONG post telling the story of Sarah's birth.

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I got to hold her for a few moments after her baptism. Later that day, she was able to take a whole feeding from a bottle. From there, she made continuous, steady  progress.

All grace.

My baby was baptized on Election Day. We count the day victorious in our family.

Homecoming

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After all his hard work, his careful protection, his heroic transport to the hospital, and his bedside vigils in the NICU, Daddy missed homecoming. We were surprised by an unexpected discharge order this morning. Daddy's in Phoenix.

This is for you, dear ...

She was wearing her handknit pumpkin hat this morning and Diane, my favorite night nurse, had chosen a coordinating outfit. But, best of all, no wires, no tubes!

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Mary Beth was with me and we were thrilled to learn that the discharge papers had already been signed

I could hardly believe we were really headed home. Sarah weighed in this morning at 5 pounds, 2 ounces. Her feeding instructions were "Breastfeed on demand." Yippee!
Maybe we will actually get a real nap together today.

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At last, she is home and snuggled on my chest. In our bed.
And we will stay right here until you get home. Then, we'll stay here some more.
With you...

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...and Karoline.

Where were you...

...when Barack Obama was named President-elect?

I was in the NICU, surrounded by heroic people who dedicate themselves to protecting and defending the lives of the tiniest babies. Good to know they'll still be there, hard at work, tomorrow.

My Heart's in the NICU Daybook

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Outside My Window ...
I am in an interior unit. The windows look out into the nurse's station and the well baby nursery. It's nine months since Valentine's Day--the nursery is full of plump, happy babies.

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I am listening to...
La Traviata. Earlier, it was 1980's Lite Radio love songs. Slow dance, anyone?

Towards a daily rhythm ...
I visit Sarah. I return to my room and try to rest. I pump. I repeat the pattern. But tonight, I go home..

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I am thankful for ...
the incredible hearts of the neonatal staff.

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From the kitchen ...
blech. Thank God my brother-in-law lives a mile away and brings me real food.
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To live the liturgy...
I had a baby on the vigil of All Saint's Day. Time stood still.
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I am wearing ...
a pink nightgown, my medal necklace, fuzzy socks and four hospital bracelets.

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I am creating ...
memories. It will take me years, I think, to sort them.

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Towards a real education ...
Ahhh...all my children are learning is this crash course in fetal development outside the womb and tricks on their cousins' trampoline.
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Bringing beauty to my home ...
I miss my home. I desperately miss my home. I want to bring my daughter home and hunker down for the winter. I want to hold her and nurse her and let my children snuggle in close to us. And then I never want to leave.

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I am reading  ...
Preemies, by Linden et all. It was in the NICU library. I heard Dr. Sears has a preemie book. Wish they had that one.

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I am hoping ...
Sarah can come home soon.

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Around the house ...
Ah, the house. See above.

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One of my favorite things ...
good news.

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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Sarah is writing the plans. We'll do whatever she tells us.

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Here is a picture thought I am sharing~
 
   
No pictures this week. I have the camera but no cord and no photo program on this computer. Trust me, there is a deluge of photos coming in the not-too-distant future.

Please keep praying!

So much to say...

...but my heart's too full to talk.

I have a moment on the computer in the hospital. Thank you for your prayers and your kind messages. Sarah Anne is well. The medical phrase of choice here is, "She's doing exactly what she should do for her gestational age." And when I ask when we will be able to take her home, everyone answers the same way: "It's up to each baby to write her story."

Sarah's story has had one new chapter after another and each one has spoken a message of  trust. At the end of every chapter, we see so clearly the blessings of our good Lord and we feel the comfort of His abundant grace. I am learning to trust. Admittedly, I am not a quick study.

One day, I am certain I will tell the story of her birth. For now, though, thank you for the prayers. It was, indeed, a happy, healthy, holy delivery and recovery. It was a miracle really and we are so grateful.

And one day, I might even write about our NICU experience. Tonight though, I am content to ponder those things in my heart. We continue to ask the intercession of St. Sarah, whose laughter reminds us to embrace the joy; St. Anne who comforts us with grandmotherly grace; and Our Lady of La Leche who has protected us within the fold of her mantle and who knows so well the heart of nursing mothers. Jesus blesses our every moment and we are so grateful to Him for the precious gift of our beautiful baby. Please keep praying!