Adjustments

After 11 long days in the NICU, Grace got to come home with us on Wednesday, 9/29. It was both a huge relief and scary bringing her home. With my other kids, I was with them pretty much 24/7 before leaving the hospital. We already knew each other and had somewhat of a routine down. With Grace, it was much harder. She was already used to someone else's routine, a different environment, and a different way of eating (she was bottle-fed breastmilk I had pumped) The adjustment period has been longer and a bit harder than I expected. She normally only sleeps if she's being held and breastfeeding is taking some extra work since she's so used to the bottle. But we're figuring it out together.

The other kids are doing well adjusting to their sister. Having three little ones has been a little challenging (that would be why I haven't posted anything for a while!). I'm learning to prioritize in a whole new way and working hard at not always putting Grace ahead of the other kids. Brenna is warming up to her new sister, but is still a little thrown off by everything.

I had long forgotten how DEMANDING newborns are! My body is quickly being forced to work on much less sleep. I just keep reminding myself that this stage does not last forever and I will be able to put coherent thoughts together again someday.

This whole experience has taught me so much and I can't wait to share some of it with you. I know that this is only the beginning of a new chapter in my family's story. I hope to start posting regularly again, but I'm sure you'll understand if that doesn't happen - right?