Happy Homecoming, Reese!

After 17 days in the NICU Reese had passed her hearing test and car seat test and was ready to come home on Tuesday, October 23.

That morning I received a call from the NICU. I was worried that something had gone wrong and that she wouldn’t be discharged. 

Addison, the receptionist at the NICU, called and had one question for us…She asked, “Can you bring in Zane’s car seat today when you pick up Reese?” Of course!!!! This was the best call!!! We would only have a day with Reese home and Zane still in the NICU. 

I spent the day before Reese’s discharge shopping, making lasagna, running last minute errands and dying of excitement! I could barely sleep the night before her discharge.

On Tuesday, I drove to the NICU. This time was so different than all of the others. I had a large grin on my face just thinking about my drive home with Reese in her car seat…in my car! 

I arrived at the NICU to see the red wagon in Reese’s space. I took her temperature, changed her and fed her before doing the same with Zane. I called Grant and he came in from work to be there for Reese’s big moment! We took a few photos with our favorite nurses and, for the first time since they were in utero, we put Reese and Zane together. I had tears in my eyes seeing them together, finally after 17 days apart. Zane was passed out, but Reese was wide awake.

We put them both in Zane’s bed and then I was able to hold them both together for the first time.

Hello, Brother!

Me holding back the tears holding my twins together for the first time :)

Reese and Zane with two of their favorite nurses: Nurse Manager, Jennifer and Nurse Andrea

This was something I thought I’d be able to do at birth…but since both babies were taken to the NICU I had to be patient and wait until they were ready. It was an AMAZING feeling, holding them both.

 Reese's last feed in the NICU :)

With Nurse Katie :)

It was quickly time to load Reese into her car seat and wheel her downstairs. We said our goodbyes to Zane, feeling at peace knowing he’d be making the trip home the very next day (as long as he passed his car seat test). Then, we took Reese on her journey out of the NICU, down the elevator and out to the car. This was her first time in fresh air, feeling the sun shine. We loaded her stuff in the car and then put her car seat in the back seat. I drove her home while Grant followed. We were now a family of three for one quick night.