Wednesday, February 25, 2009

HOME AT LAST!

WOW! Brynn is finally home. After a long day of paperwork and last-minute reviews of Brynn's care procedures, we made it out of the hospital. I won't have time to write much because I'm working really hard to get some semblance of a system down but I just wanted to share the good news.

She did come home with an NG tube, oxygen tanks, and a REALLY loud monitor (that alarms only if her breathing or heart stops). So along with the pumping, the bottle feeding, the NG tube, and being attached to both a 25-ft oxygen chord and a monitor at all times, each feeding is going to be quite the process! Hopefully I'll figure out some shortcuts or realistic multitasking that can reduce all my steps down to a manageable routine. Whew! After all this, a normal baby is going to be a breeze!

When I get the chance, I'll post some photos. If I'm really ambitious, perhaps an edited video.

I must say, before I end, a big thank you to everyone who reads this blog. It's funny because many, many times it was tempting to get discouraged and throw myself a pity party--but I had the accountability of the blog, knowing people were counting on me to write something uplifting. Just thinking of what to write has often been the very thing to motivate me to BE happier. Trying to stay positive for the sake of you, my readers, has made this cross much easier to bear.

So thanks. Thanks for your comments, your questions, your concern, and most of all for your prayers. I love you all!

Natalie

25 comments:

Bodacious Barlows said...

Oh little Brynn, congratulations on getting home!!! We're so excited for you and your cute family.

Lori said...

I called Jessica last night and told her to sign me up for a dinner to bring to you. I owe you big time, and you are going to be busy enough with little Brynn. Hurray! I'm so excited that she is home with you. Too bad her best friend can't come play with her for a little while longer... We love you guys! Let me know if there is anything I can do - or anything you need to borrow or anything like that!

My Three Sons said...

Yea! I am so happy for you - let me know if you need anything AT ALL! We love you guys and are so happy you get to be a happy little family at home now!

Jenalyn and Mike said...

Wow! I'm so excited for you all, and I don't even know you. (I commented on a previous post.) I know it was always a relief to finally get my babies home...no matter what requirements and things they brought with them. That is great!

Ryan, Melissa, and Family said...

Way to go...what a relief that must be!! You are such a strong example to me...I pray that things continue to go well for your family:) I am SO HAPPY for you guys!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Natalie!! That sounds like a handful but you can do it you are a pro already!!I look forward to the pictures!!

tristanandtricia said...

SO SO glad for you!! All home together. :) I always look forward to your updates. :) I'll have to chat with you soon since I've been so neglectful, but I'm always thinking of you all!

Emily said...

HURRAY! Welcome home, Brynn!
We're so happy for this good news.
Congratulations.

Leslie said...

That is the most exciting news! Congratulations on bringing your baby home! What a marvolus day for your family!! Enjoy every moment!

Monique said...

That's awesome!

Hooray! I'm sure it's overwhelming, but what a huge step for the three of you.

Congrats.

Marie said...

Yay! You guys must be so happy to be home! And with all the challenges you have gone through, I'm sure you have already surpassed most of us with your mothering skills! All I have to do when my kids get sick is think of you guys... what a strength you are!

Kirsten said...

Congratulations Brynn on making it home! Yay for you Nat and Matt as well. No more living at the hospital. Wishing you the best of everything as she continues to grow and get stronger!

The Lingo Family said...

How Wonderful!!!! I really am so happy for you guys. Thank you for BE-ing such a happy and positive person Natalie, your words mean so much to me. xoxo

Anonymous said...

At Rotary today Myron shared the good news about your home coming with the club. I thought you'd like to know that Brynn got a round of applause for being such a good little fighter! Can't wait to see more pictures of her, thanks for taking the time to post the good news!
Angela Augur

Olivia said...

This news has made my day, week, month...you name it, this news has made it better. I am so happy for your little family that this beautiful little angel has gotten to come home! CONGRATULATIONS a 100 times over!

Lots of love

Devin Wilkes said...

Congratulations Hunsaker family. We're all very excited for you. I'm sure Brynn is thrilled to get out of the hospital!

Steph Bowen said...

Congratulations! We are so excited for you. I'm sure it seemed as if this day wouldn't ever arrive. Our best wishes are with you. Tyler and Stephanie

Account of the Condie Clan said...

That is wonderful news! We have been praying for you all, and we know the Lord is watching over your sweet family. We couldn't be happier. Thank you fo rbeing such a faithful blogger, we've really enjoyed going on this journey with you, it almost feels like we are there with you. Good luck with your new homelife. We love you guys!!!
The Condies

Erica said...

So exciting. We are so happy for you guys. Wish you all the best!

Alison Ward said...

Yeah! I'm so glad for you and your little family. What a trooper! and you're right, a normal baby will be a breeze for you!! I did some craft work for a lady who knows you, Pat Sullivan? she said she knew you and followed your blog. Small world! Good luck in the coming weeks.

Unknown said...

WE have quietly been following your blog and praying for you all since Diane told us Brynn had come to join your little family. We are SO excited to hear that you are all home and together! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Matt and Tommi +4 said...

Yeah! It has got to be so wonderful to have her home with you full time now. What a blessing! We are so happy for you guys!

Nelsonranch said...

Congrats on Brynn coming home. Hopefully you will have help at home, because it can be difficult to do it all on your own. Brnn is beautiful and I am so happy that everything is working out.

Autumn said...

Congrats! How exciting that Brynn is finally home. I've really enjoyed reading your blog about your family. Thanks for sharing.

Brady and Rachel said...

Congrats on Brynn coming home. You guys are a great example of strength and courage and faith. thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I know they will strengthen many people. Brynn is beautifuL! Hope she continues to improve for you guys. I have a very good friend who can relate at least somewhat to all that you guys have been through. If you are interested, check out her blog. Her little guy was born at 28 weeks, and is now I think 14 months. www.ryderpage.blogspot.com. You both are great examples to me.