Finally home

We were released from the hospital around 7pm Tuesday, after our first TPN change on Terran to his home machines. We had been running through the steps in our heads all day, which made us extra prepared when the big moment finally came. The home care nurses watched us + came to watch the first turnover at our home the next day.
Since the ride home was going to be Terran’s first time in a car seat, he did a 45 minute “challenge” in the hospital, sitting undisturbed while his vitals were monitored. He was so hilarious during the test – wide eyed and rolling his eyes all around like “are you seeing this?!” 😂 Later on in the car, his bright eyes scanned the objects out the window before falling asleep to the vibrations. He’s definitely a car kid!

At home night #1, Moxie dog greeted us at the door, sniffing all over Terran’s tiny face and wagging her whole body with excitement. Once we were settled, she went and got her bone, brought it to Terran, dropped it as his feet (!!), and wagged her tail. It was a heart-melting moment ❤️ We were finally together as a family and Moxie showed her acceptance of her new baby brother the best way she knew how.

The rest of the week we organized everything… his TPN equipment, changing stations, efficiencies for pumping, feeding, and recording things like vomits & poops. I can’t wait for the day when there’s more of the ladder…

Some favorite discoveries: [1] a boba wrap keeps Terran skin-to-skin, upright, wrapped tight, and mama’s hands free all at the same time! [2] oxy clean removes bile stains [3] Walker & I are great central line partners, we’ve done both TPN and dressing changes without the nurses and while scary, we’re getting more confident every day [4] Terran’s bassinet next to our bed means more sleep for us because we’re able to soothe him without getting up.

No matter how much we keep Terran upright throughout the day, he still has a large volcano / projectile vomit sometime in the evening. It’s like x amount is going to come out every 24 hours, no matter what. If it doesn’t happen in small bursts, it’ll be one big bilious explosion. His first “developmental leap” is coming up where his organs will get a boost. I’m hopeful we’ll see some improvement in the vomiting then.. but maybe not. The LIFT team said most babies turn a corner around 6 months of age, and 90% by 12 months. That seems like so long from now! At least he seems to be handling it well so far.. It’s still hard for Walker & I to hear him swallow down his spit ups and we really feel for him when he has a big one. But Terran seems to find relief, and that’s what matters.

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11 thoughts on “Finally home”

  1. We are so glad you all are home. The car seat photo is adorable, the look on his face is perfect. You guys are wonderful parents. We can’t wait to hear about the adventures you have showing Terran the world.

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  2. It’s very sweet that Moxie is stepping up and doing her part being the big brother. The very sweetest thing is you both parenting as a team and loving and supporting each other as new parents.Terran is going to have an adventurous year with mommy and daddy. All my love and many prayers. Aunt Lindy

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  3. Welcome home, Terran❣️ It’s so great to see your excitement about your new experiences. The world is indeed full of wonder; your loving mama and dada will help you discover more. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures, finding the weird, fascinating, and wonderful!

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  4. So glad you are finally home, will be so much easier on all of you. You all look so happy and he looks amazing. You would never know by looking at him that he is having such struggles. A really strong boy. Wonder where he gets it????Take care, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob & Linda and of course Stephanie

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  5. Margaret Ellen Jones

    Huge step coming home! You guys are going to be great. The love on your faces is so wonderful. Thanks for sharing your journey!

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  6. CONGRATS!!!! Finally Home! Beautiful family. Moxie, I see, takes her role as ‘big sister’ seriously, right at your feet. Caution! don’t trip over her. Love the pictures! You have a great adventure ahead of you. xoxoxo Gramma Goodwin

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  7. Dear Jacqueline and Walker,

    It looks like you are pros with line management and dressing changes. Good for you! Those pictures are adorable, especially the funny one with Terran reacting to Walker. Terran looks like he’s adapting well and enjoying all the new sights and sounds. Wow, baby things have certainly advanced since you were newborns. Have fun as a family. We love you so much, Mom (Grammy) and Dad (Grumpy), I mean Grampy.

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  8. So glad you are all safe and sound at home–no better place to be! And now the real adventures will begin! Love all the photos–Terran will have books and books of pictures documenting his first year! He is definitely a charmer and a very active learner! Looking forward to spending some time with Terran…so glad he loves the car–It allows for you all to travel in peace and spend time learning about all that makes up the world.

    When you are ready, we are ready to welcome you to California…take your time, but know we are here when you are ready to venture out…

    We love you!

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