October 12, 2010

Dear Lucia,

I haven't written in a few days because I've been busy now that you're home! They told us Friday morning that you could come home on Sunday, 10/10/10 (what a lucky number!). We had a lot to learn so we could take care of you well. You are still feeding on the NG tube but you took 15 mL by bottle last night with daddy! I'm so proud of you. We will work with you on the bottle and every day you will get stronger and you can do it. Now you are home. You had your first bath last night. We are getting to enjoy the things we've waited so long to do with you! I enjoy just sitting with you in the middle of the night and even though you're on the tube and I'm breast pumping, it is nice just to sit in the quiet, the two of us. I'm glad to just be with you and touch you. I'm so overwhelmed. 4 weeks ago yesterday you were born and I didn't think I would have these opportunities. I'm so blessed. You are such a wonderful little angel baby. I have a hard time reading your discharge papers because I see how sick you were at birth, how low your Apgar scores were (2 and 7!). I don't want to dwell on those things though, because you are so much stronger and healthier now. They wouldn't have let you come home to me if you weren't. It is hard to see what you went through though. But you are so amazing and resilient. You have your first pediatric visit tonight! I look forward to you passing all your milestones gracefully and with the strength that you display over and over again. I am stronger because I am your mama. I couldn't be more proud of you, and you give me strength every day.

I'm so happy to be home with you and just sit with you. I love you.

Love, Mama