One year ago today, we dressed Levi in his going home outfit and waited for three hours for the pediatrician on call to clear him for going home. Laura, the nurse we saw the most of, prepped us with the paperwork and junk we'd need to take to our pediatrician the following day. She stuffed prescriptions for painkillers in my hands and then she took the staples out of my incision – which, the mere thought of having them removed, ironically made me more frightened than the c-section itself.
The pediatrician finally came by and declared Levi perfect. As we were wheeled out, I saw the outside of my room for the first time and was surprised that there was a kind of small kitchenette area right outside my door. I had refused to walk the halls and opted, instead, to pace in my room during my recovery. While I’m sure I got the same amount of exercise either way, the cabin fever was INSANE. I vowed right then that I won't do that if there's ever a next time.
Sitting in the wheelchair, holding my son, we waited for my husband to pull the car around from the garage. While waiting, two women approached and cooed at Levi. They asked, politely, if they could ask why he had been in the hospital. When I looked at them blankly, trying to figure out what they meant, one said, "Did he have surgery?" I laughed and said, "Oh! No, he was just born. We're going home." They were shocked - big baby is big, apparently.
When we got home, we introduced the cats to the newest household member. They were happier to see us than him. ;) Then my husband made me take a nap and said he'd be on baby duty. I don't remember how long I slept, but it felt good to be home. I didn't sleep too long because, as he is fond of remembering, I told him I couldn't sleep without hearing Levi's coos and gurbles.
My parents called and asked if we needed anything, soI unloaded a huge list on them. They totally stepped up and brought everything I asked for: diapers (I asked for size 1 - ha! he didn't fit in those for a while), formula, *bottles* (was unprepared for how poorly breastfeeding would go from the start), the breast pump recommended by the LC (seriously, that's love right there) and they chose to bring dinner, too - rotisserie chicken and trimmings. And, oddly, they also brought a Costco super pack of butter. I’ll always remember that – I used it all, so it’s not like it was wasted, but who brings butter? LOL We celebrated Levi's homecoming and it felt so good to be home. Did I say that already?
After everyone left, we settled in to our new life. Feedings, diaper changes, naps. We started to watch the shows TiVo had built up while we were in hospital and, normal is as normal does, AGT was at the top of our priority list. As we settled in to watch Grandma Lee flirt with Piers, I looked down at Levi who was napping on the boppy on my lap. I couldn't believe that the little guy I would dream about as he performed sea monster rolls in my belly was *on* my belly. As I was watching TV. Like normal.
This, this wonderful new life, was my new normal.
We stopped at the meerkats, fed some parakeets, got a peek at the baby giraffe and stopped to pet some goats.
