A couple days at home now, and it is finally starting to sink in we are here to stay 😊 We miss our PICU family to pieces, but not quite enough to go back 😁 

Thursday was bitter sweet as I wasn't quite sure if I myself was ready to care for a medically complex child without a nurse right around the corner. We hit the ground running and it's gone pretty well so far. It helps I had a bit of practice before we left. 

Before we left the PICU the staff had a mini celebratory "parade", if you will, for Sammy's big walk out of the unit. So many medical professionals took time out of their busy days to wave some streamers, cheer and say goodbye to our little Sammy. Many of them had worked directly with Sammy in his 2 months there, so it was great to get to say bye. My heart was overwhelmed by their kindness and we will always be grateful for the incredible care he recieved at American Family Childrens Hospital. Tim and I always said we knew we were in the right place for Sammy's care and we never had to question that. Even with every complication, we knew that he was where he needed to be. They saved our rainbow 🌈 baby more than once, and there are no words meaningful enough to thank them.

The ride home Thursday was great! We got discharged earlier in the day so my mom helped me pack everything and Tim did not have to come down, just come straight home. Sam was awake most of the ride, just taking everything in. He did amazing in the car! When I got home Tim's parents (and brother Dan helped too) had surprised us with decorations outside the house to welcome Sammy home! It was a wonderful surprise and they got to snuggle their grandson, that they had not gotten to hold since he was a month old. It was a great way to come home! Tim got home from work and was able to see Sam instead of video chatting! Winnie (our dog) was even excited to see Sam!!

Our hearts are so full and we could not be more grateful for everyone that has followed Sammy's story,  kept him in your thoughts and prayers, and donated to him. I thank God for answering our prayers and allowing us to bring our baby home. We are now going to start the next chapter of our lives as a family of 3 plus a Winnie 🐾 🥰 I'll be bombarding facebook with pictures of our little ham, so you can still keep up with him as for now this will be my last  caring bridge post ❤

So for one last time #sammystrong #tetralogyoffallot #gowiththefallot #titaniumman #hehasgreathair #sammycamehome #gtubebaby #americanfamilychildrenshospital