These last few days have been a whirlwind! We started this journey and are ending it in the same way - fast paced and with a mix of emotions. This time, happy tears and with joy! The neonatologist team suggested just yesterday that Hazel could leave as early as today or Thursday. The only thing she had to do was gain weight. And sure enough, she gained 5 grams overnight! It is normal for babies to lose weight after they transition off of the tube feeds since it’s a significant change in their volume intake and they have to spend energy to eat. Fortunately Hazel’s weight stayed the same over the last few days and she never dropped weight. Last night was the first time her weight increased since Saturday. We can expect her weight to continue to increase at this point. She will get stronger and more efficient with breastfeeding and the two bottle feeds per day that it won’t impact her weight as much anymore. 

To say that we are excited is an understatement. We are so overjoyed to finally be taking her home after her 23 day stay in the NICU. The neonatal team has been excellent here and we are so grateful for the nurses, lactation consultant, dietician, and other support staff. We want to thank ALL of you supporting us through this arduous journey. You all gave us hope and encouragement to keep our spirits lifted. Thank you to all who provided food and gifts as well! We are so grateful! Everyone has shown so much compassion and kindness that we feel that we don’t deserve it! Ryan and I have learned from this experience and will be sure to pay it forward in whatever ways we can. We wish the NICU upon no one. However, if you or a loved one endures the NICU know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that your baby will be a fighter through it all. Ryan and I are here for you and would love to help you through your journey. We hope that everyone stays healthy during this 2021 year. 🙏 

I can post a few updates on the CaringBridge site once we are settled. Feel free to reach out to us at anytime! Love you all  💕