Bits and Pieces

Bits and pieces of what normal life would be like was what today was all about. Emma didn't have any 'procedures' or exams today so we tried to have a 'normal' day. Jeremy and I went to the hospital together early this morning. She was just waking up as we got there. We got her ready for the day by giving her a bath, changing her diaper and putting on a cute new outfit.

Then we brought out the Tummy Time mat and set it up in her crib. We put her down on it with some toys and tried to do a little bit of play time.

She was getting fussy and tired of play time so it was time to eat. She was still awake after her bottle, so we got to take her for a walk!!! Yesterday, her nurse brought in a stroller and told us that in an effort to make us more comfortable, and since Emma is a 'well' baby, we could take her for a stroll through the NICU and to the Family Resource Room for a change of scenery! We strapped her in and walked her up and down the hall and said hi to all the nurses and doctors. They were all excited to see her 'out and about'. She loved her walk!

During the stroll, we stopped in the Family Resource Room and took turns reading to her from a children's book. While Jeremy continued to read, I went to 'Rounds' with the team taking care of her, among the things they discussed, they said she is a very healthy baby. They also told me that they tested her spinal fluid after they drew it yesterday and it was crystal clear! No more red blood cells and no more signs of infection!! When I got back to her room, Emma and I looked at a picture book together in her rocking chair.

All the excitement tuckered us all out. Emma took a nap while Jeremy and I read quitely. Ok, I may have dozed off, as well, for a few minutes. When she woke up again, she gave us a VERY poopy diaper and just as we got her cleaned up, but before the new diaper was in place, she decided to pee everywhere! So we had to change her outfit again and give her some new blankets. She had a late afternoon snack and dozed off again, so we said good night to her. Fairly normal ... until we had to say goodbye and go home.

In other news, Jeremy has been informed of his next duty station. Many of you may not know that following graduation next summer, Jeremy will go to Iraq for about 7 months. We're not happy, but he will be in the green zone and will be there to help rebuild infrastructure, so he will be relatively safe. We will be able to keep in contact with him very regularly and although he won't be with us, we'll make sure he gets to see Emma grow and change as much as possible. While he is away, Emma and I will move in with my parents in Sewickley, PA. We will miss Jeremy more than anything, but are looking forward to spending time with my family in Pittsburgh. When Jeremy arrives home, we will be moving to Portsmouth, NH. It is about an hour north of where we are now. It's beautiful, but even further from home for me. Despite its distance, it will be a good place to raise Emma.