Home Sweet Home

It's been a few weeks since we have arrived home with our sweet Ava Grace and I've been asked many times by many sweet individuals how we are doing. So I thought what better way to update everyone than with a blog post.

When I sat down to write this post, I wasn't sure what direction it would take- Sentimental? Sweet? Sassy? Real? Focus on the positive? The difficulties? 

The reality is, it's been all of this. It's been an absolute dream come true, but it's also been really hard. 

Bringing home any baby for the first time is hard, but our baby? She's a whole different level of hard, but she is also incredible and amazing and every thing I've ever dreamed of. 

First day at home in her room ❤️

Today I'll choose to just update on what exactly it is we've been up to and maybe if I can find the time, I'll write about some of the realities of bringing home a medically complex babe. 

Since being home, we have dove into life...and it's been fabulous. 

 This is what we have been waiting a long 8 months for: being able to walk across the hall into her bedroom to say goodmorning, cuddle on the couch, walks around the neighborhood, bathtime and bedtime, highchairs and family BBQs. And we have been soaking it in!!

Some challenges that remain are the fact that she is a medical baby and I can't just throw her in the car and do a target run. 

She requires another set of hands (and a ton of equipment) especially in the car. If something were to happen and (God forbid) she plugged or decannulates in the car, someone trained would have to be able to get to her right away. This does make it hard as most days it's been just me with her.  

But I know you're all here for baby girl,  so in true photo documentation, here she is and all she's been up to! 

Gracie loves the bath. 
She splashes and plays with her duckies.
 She is always all smiles during bathtime! 

Gracie has also been working on eating purees. 

Many trach and/or gtube kids develop oral aversion, 

where they have a really hard time with things in and near their mouths. 

Thankfully, Gracie shows no signs of that and actually LOVES to eat. 

 

Gracie also loves going in the car. 

This was also a big unknown, as most babies ride in their carseats at just a few days old, 

Gracie has never been in one or on a car ride. 

She loves to look out the window and hold my hand. 

 

We've also been to quite a few doctor's appointments while home. She goes to the pediatrician once a week to do a weight and health check-in and we've seen our pulmonologist. 

So far, great reports from all and Gracie has rocked her visits! 

 

Of course, Gracie also does a lot of playing at home! She is exploring her surroundings and enjoying not being tied to one area. She has dedicated play spaces in multiple rooms and has gotten so strong! 

 

While home, Gracie also turned 8 months old! 

It's hard to believe so much time has gone by since she joined this world! 

And, we've also been taking a lot of naps. Mommy has been waiting a very long time for some snuggle naps, so while I know she will get spoiled sleeping on me, I fully intend to soak it all in! 

Lastly, we will leave you with this new trick she learned. When we tell her to say cheese, she often tucks her head and gives the biggest grin..... yes, we know we're in for it when this little lady gets older 😅