So Very Thankful

Dear Tatum,

Today is the one year anniversary of your homecoming. It was one year ago that I explained to Daddy that I would be unable to celebrate the holiday anywhere beside by your side in the hospital. The thought of attending any of the family gatherings without you, broke me down in tears.

I woke early that morning, made my early morning phone call to the nurses station, had a tall glass of water and pumped as it had already been 3 hours since the last time. Although I was not expressing much milk, I kept at it every 2-3 hours for two weeks hoping that my milk would come in so that I could nurse you once you were home.

I began getting ready for the day, as I just wanted to get to the hospital by you, when the phone rang. It was one of your nurses. My heart was pounding out of my chest since the nurses had never called the house before. Nurse Kelly explained that the pediatrician had come in early and signed off on your discharge papers. I will never be able to explain how I felt at that moment. A tingling sensation charged through my entire body. I couldn't speak for what felt like forever. When I finally did speak, it was a tearful sobbing thank you.

I could not believe we were going to finally bring you home. Daddy and I were told many times during those two weeks that you may not be released until your due date of December 24th. You had done so well and made such great progress that they were releasing you a month early.

Daddy and I scrambled to get ready and we couldn't get their fast enough. I remember looking at the speedometer several times as I wanted Daddy to drive as fast as he could. Once we arrived, Mommy nursed you and then we met with a technician to review the functionality of your heart monitor. We were also given a crash course in CPR, should you stop breathing.

We dressed you in your little soft pink preemie outfit, which was too big, placed you in your car seat and drove you home. I remember smiling all the way out of the hospital and and all the way home. Complete opposite of my departure two weeks earlier. Finally, it all felt so right.


The three of us spent the rest of the Thanksgiving holiday together in your new home, our home. It was the second best day of my life, marrying your Daddy was the first. I will forever be thankful for the day in which we were able to bring our little baby girl home from the hospital.

Looking back instantly makes me cry. It was such an emotional time for me and still is. I am so very thankful for the health and happiness we share today.

The Thanksgiving holiday this year was much different, as we attended four family celebrations. You were able to visit with almost all of your family members. Mommy and Daddy will always celebrate your homecoming on this holiday. It definitely brings new meaning to our holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving.

I love you,
Mommy