John David Pate-3years old

James Daniel Pate-3years old

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Bittersweet Day

We finally left the hospital this afternoon around 1:30 and are home for the first time since November 23rd. So glad to be leaving with my wife, healthy and feeling better. So sad to be leaving my sons in the NICU hooked up to life sustaining machines, without the luxury of walking downstairs to check in.

We saw the doctors this morning and he basically said he had no new news which was great news. Both babies still prefer to rest on their bellies and seem to breathe much easier this way. James was still doing well on the CPAP, no news on the renal ultrasound, and was tanning under the billirubin light. John David was doing better on the ventilator (Doctor says may try to come off tomorrow), and he was also under the bili light.

Dana was able to touch John David for the first time this morning which was special to witness. She said his skin felt paper thin, but he just lied there and let her rub his arm and cheek. He was fidgeting with the ventilator tube in his mouth and Dana asked the nurse if he was trying to suck. She went and got a pacifier and the little guy actually sucked the pacifier with a ventilator tube down his throat. It was unbelievable.

The nurses continue to tell us that John David is "fiesty" and will be a handful. He does not like to be jostled around and lets the nurses know this. On the other hand, James has a laid back disposition and always looks so peaceful when we visit.

Please be praying for my wife as she is home for the first time in 3 weeks for comfort and peace for being away from our babies. As always, I can not be any more thankful for you all lifting our family up in your prayers.

4 comments:

roy/elisabeth dean said...

WOW! Could it be that John David has Dana's personality and James has Rob's????
I know it must have been so hard for you to leave the babies, even knowing that they are so much better off there! Get some much needed rest, play with your girls, set up the nursery and let us give you a baby shower so that everything will be ready when the boys come home!
We'll pray for a good, peaceful nights sleep for you both tonight. I'll check on you tomorrow!
Love, Elisabeth

-Ronda said...

What joyful news to hear that they're on the progress side of stable! I'm glad you're going to get to be in you own bed. I'm praying for rest and peace in your house tonight. Dana, I'm thrilled that you got to touch your miracle today. What a blessing!!! Love and hugs to you all.

Lea Smith said...

I agree with Elisabeth....sounds like John DAvid is you! We can hear you shouting "John David Pate!!"
Prayers continue...I know it's bittersweet to be home. But, before you know it (Okay, you'll know it and it will be forever to YOU!), they'll be home sleeping in their beds.
I want to come help you!!
Lea

Rebekah Austin said...

It has been amazing to see God's miracles in your life!! I can't wait to see Cooper's new buddies!! The pictures are so sweet. Get some rest - you need it now, and you'll definitely be needing it soon (and missing it)!