We are home!

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Bella's Hospital Photo shoot

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Bella was discharged Monday afternoon and we got home just before the torrential rain hit East Orlando. Leaving the NICU with Bella was quite emotional. We were leaving our safe haven that kept Bella safe for 10 days and now they were trusting us to take her home. We built even stronger relationships with the doctors and nurses that took care of both Gabi and Bella. The fact that they took care of both our daughters meant so much to us! For some reason saying goodbye was hard to all of them, and Kristen was crying as transportation took her to meet me at the main entrance of the hospital.

The drive home was a little scary. We had no idea if she was in her car seat right. I mean, the car seat is installed right but she is so tiny, she just didn't look like she was in right. The alarm went off twice in the car, but Bella was fine. We have to keep reminding ourselves that we need to look at Bella first and not get fixated on the monitor. We got home and Jupiter was oblivious to Bella. Within 2 hours, Bella peed on Kristen, spit up a bottle, and we noticed a large water stain on the ceiling of Bella's room from all the rain we had. But Bella is home so it was okay. We did manage to get 3 hours of sleep. Kristen thinks the transition of the drive home, and being in a new environment was a big deal for her...so we just roll with the punches. I would get up with Kristen to change Bella's diaper and Kristen would nurse her.

The Apnea Monitor is great but we do feel a little captive with the monitor in the house. The reason is, the monitor should be plugged in at all times. It does have a battery of 18 hours but they say save that for when you are out and about. So we feel like a camera crew. If we need to take Bella into another room, I follow behind Kristen with Bella while I carry the monitor on my shoulder!

She had her first appt with the pediatrician Tuesday and I am happy to say that she weighs 6lbs 4 oz. A whole ounce bigger than when she was born! So she is definitely getting enough of Kristen's Boob juice. The doctor said Bella looks great and we have another follow up just for a weight check next week.

Many of our friends and family have asked how we feel now that we are home. Well of course we are ecstatic! At the same time things feel so surreal. Almost as if..."Is this really happening to us?" We waited so long for this, and after a 10 uncertain days we are home! As soon as she was born our life totally changed. The only thing that matter is the health and livelihood of Bella. The days go by fast and I feel like I have not done nothing but take care of Bella and make sure we are ready for her next feeding. I would not have it any other way. At the same time it is a change for all of us. Even Jupiter.

Enjoy the new pictures of Bella. They took them at the Hospital. I have a feeling it will be tough to pick pictures of her as she grows up. You can also read more about our 1st days @ UCFCouple.com.

Well more later. Have to check on Bella....