Live Blog #13 5:00pm Friday

We have cleared all of our stuff out of the room and rolled back into the NICU for Thomas' car seat test. Basically they put him in the car seat and I stand behind and make car noises to see how we will react. Actually, its just to make sure he can breathe and such while strapped into the seat.

We've gone through all of the discharge information, signed the forms and taken down all off the pictures and signs. Its really starting to hit home that this place and the staff that have been a significant part of our lives for 5 months are about to not be. So there's a lot of happy/sad going on. Several nurses that have taken care of Thomas have come by one last time. There are many others that we may not get to say goodbye and thank you to, but we can't possibly thank everyone enough for what they did for Thomas and for us. We weren't the patients, but they truly took care of us and helped us through a very trying experience. Thank you to each and every one of you.

Unless something interesting happens, the next blog you will probably get is from our house.

Live Blog #12 1:00pm Friday

Freedom? Or should I just look at it as house arrest. We've made the determination that all 3 of us are going home today. The doctor made the very astute observation that after 5 months and 10 days, one more day at the hospital isn't going to make a bit of difference. I can also safely say that after 5 months and 10 days, we're not ready. We just rattled off 5 or 6 things that we still need to get done. But what's done is done.

We're going to feed Thomas one more time here ( he totally went comatose and slept his way through the last one) and then we'll begin the discharge process, which includes the car seat test. More updates to come.

Live Blog #11 10:06am Friday

Boy, things just happen fast around here. While I was typing the last entry, the doctor came in and did his assessment. He was pleased with how things went last night and would like to talk about the possibility of us leaving...today...with Thomas...basically, its our comfort level. I'll let you know.

Live Blog #10 9:40am Friday

Single dad.

Thomas and I have been alone for almost an hour now. Forging ahead against the elements, living off the land. we've fashioned a shelter out of trays from the cafeteria and we've set a trap in hopes of capturing a wild pig or some chicken mcnuggets. Its indeed scary. I hope we can make it until Rebecca gets back in an hour.

Live Blog #9 8:15am Friday

I'm the worst parent ever. Slept right through the 7:30 feeding. I did sort of acknowledge things occasionally, but for the most part I was out. I guess the old saying is true. a man isn't a man without his 3 hours of sleep.

To give you an idea of the size of the room, the chair folds out into small bed, about half the size of a twin. When its open, it blocks either the sink, the bathroom or the front door. We took the lesser of the evils and blocked the sink, which means every time we needed to use the sink, we have to climb over the bed. Its a comical scene. Its our little efficiency.

Live Blog #8 5:10am Friday

Thomas took another bottle with minimal discussion. He's a big fan of playing possum, where he'll instantly fall asleep and close his mouth. Ironically, the easiest way to wake him back up is to lay him back down in the crib. So technically I'm off duty til around 10. If I can help it, I'll sleep through the next feeding. As Thomas and Rebecca are a distant 3 feet from me, that should be no problem at all.

Live Blog #7 4:10am Friday

Well this one sucks. First really interrupted sleep. So much for taking turns. Super mom got up and supervised all of my prep. Bottles are warming. I'm going to wake and feed him now.

Live Blog #6 1:20am Friday

Alarm went off at 1. I was dosing off, Thomas and Rebecca were both asleep. Thomas appears to be the one least excited about being up. Rebecca is taking the first watch. She's gotta give Thomas vitamins on top of his feeding, it looks a lot like wheat grass and smells almost as good. Normally they put it down his feding tube. We're just supposed to mix it with a little milk. It looks awful. I suspect he will not like it very much.

I'm going to wait here and see how this goes...

Yeah, he hates that. We're switching to the normal feed. Happier, but tired.

Live Blog #5 12:40am Friday

Just escaped our little prison to check on the dog and rabbit, and it was heaven. Lingered a little while on the couch. So nice to be away from here and its only been 8 hours. 40 more to go...

Fairly tired now, but fortunately they have provided furniture that is equally small, lumpy and hard. There will be little sleep between feedings.

Live Blog #4 10:00pm Thursday

Second feed done! It was my turn this time and I was awesome. Thomas was weighed before the feeding and weighs 6 pounds, 10 ounces.