100 Days

Today we have spent a total of 100 days in the NICU.  Amaree spent 77 days and Dashiell just made 23.  It is a really big milestone for us.  I have mixed feelings about it. It is really hard to say that you have spent 100 days in the hospital, I feel like I should get a medal or a badge or something.

We have learned so much and have grown more than we could ever have imagined.  We have had to work so hard to have our two little miracles.  It is bittersweet because these 100 days are totally worth it to have them the rest of their lives.

Yesterday I listened to a nurse explain things to a new Dad.  "This monitor does that, this machine does that..."  All of that is completely standard for us now.  Things that freaked us out in the beginning with Amaree don't even phase us now.  There are things that we don't know, which is fine...We don't need to experience every bad thing that happens to preemies.

There are things I feel like I have had to go the the NICU to learn, like how to swaddle a baby, (I totally suck at it) you shouldn't rock a baby that has reflux in a rocking chair, and how to properly label your milk.  Joking aside, what we have learned is patience, how blessed we are, how much we are loved by those around us, the power of prayer and the priesthood, the blessings of being a member of the church, how much we miss home, to accept the service of others, to be humble, accepting the circumstances that we are in, to count our blessings, how much our faith supports us, the strength of our relationship, how precious each life is, and our own strength.  There are many more things that words can't describe and we haven't recognized or even realized yet.

If you have followed our journey, thank you.  We appreciate the love, prayers,  phone calls, comments, texts and even thoughts that have been sent our way.   It has helped make our journey easier.  You have no idea what it has meant to us and helped us keep going.  We have felt your love.

Weight 4 lbs 13 oz