Today was a day I’ve been looking forward to since January 18th. The hospital Maddie was at for the first ten weeks of her life held their NICU reunion. The reunion is every other year, so they are always a big deal. When Maddie was sick, I used to tell myself, “just wait until October. She’ll be better and you’ll be showing her off.” But, even though that was my mantra, I can’t believe that it’s already October, and I was showing off my ELEVEN month old daughter today.
It’s been California-cold the last couple of days (you know, like in the low 60’s…heh), so I dressed Maddie in a sweater, tights, and a skirt. Poor thing was SWEATING at the party, because in typical California fashion, the weather was in the 80s today. It really was perfect for a picnic.
When Mike, Maddie and I walked into the picnic area, we were blown away by how ALL OUT the NICU staff had gone. There was a petting zoo. Pony rides. A bounce house. A Sundae station. Three hot food stations. A candy bar. A candy sculptor. Face painting. Puppet shows. Maddie will have a BLAST here in two years. This year, she just took it all in.
Shortly after arrival we were approached by a former “roommate” of Maddie’s from the step-down unit. It was so great to see him doing so much better. It’s almost impossible to remember people from the NICU, especially when you’re there as long as Maddie was. So many people come and go that you stop trying to even get to know them, mostly because it’s just too damn painful when they inevitably are discharged before you. Luckily, a few parents remembered Mike, Maddie, and me, so they came up to us.
Of course, as nice as it was to get toys and see former friends, Mike and I really wanted to see the people who saved Maddie’s life – her nurses and doctors. We had to make a few laps around the picnic, but finally we came across the nurse that was there the first night Maddie was transferred to the NICU. She was so kind and considerate that she became a favorite of Mike’s and mine. She volunteered to be one of Maddie’s primary nurses, which made Mike and I so relieved. When you can’t take care of your own baby 24hrs hours a day, it’s nice to feel comfortable with the people who CAN.
I’ve always struggled with how to thank all the amazing people who saved Maddie’s life. The doctors and nurses who pour their hearts and souls into the unit are 100% responsible for my daughter still being here today. Two little words don’t seem like enough. But today it occurred to me. Just sending them photos and updates and occasionally bringing her by is the perfect way to show gratitude. They want to know that Maddie is crawling, teething, and a terror at night. When they hear those stories, they know they succeeded.
I wish that parents with babies currently in the NICU could attend the picnic. I can’t tell you how much it would have helped my morale to see so many healthy babies. Every day in the NICU seems like a year, and it’s hard to ever imagine that you’ll have a life outside of the unit. I want to give all those parents a hug and show them Maddie. I want to tell them that someday they’ll be at the NICU reunion, too. That no matter how hard it it seems, there is a smiling baby only a few months away.
midwest mommy says:
What a great idea!
I am sure it is so rewarding for all the doctors and nurses.
midwest mommys last blog post..I Heart Fall!
Anna Marie says:
I am bummed that, due to a lack of availability in the NICU, Thomas was in the PICU at Duke. Since the PICU is home to the sickest kids in the hospital, the ones that often don’t make it, there are no reunions and it is a sad, sad place. I’ve always been jealous of the parents that get to attend those NICU reunions. What a celebration!
Danes says:
I can’t believe that day already came either! What a special tradition for the Spohr fam for years to come ~ Maddie is so lucky to have such a special ‘second’ fam that loves and supports her too. She is one loved lil lady!
Ms. Moon says:
That was a beautiful post. There are angels on this earth, aren’t there?
Ms. Moons last blog post..Oh Sarah Palin
maya says:
I wish my hospital had a NICU reunion! I truly dont ever think that two words are EVER enough. When I will take Soleil to the hpspital next month for her check ups, I have to go by the NICU with photos.
mayas last blog post..Show & Tell
Maria says:
Oh man I think I would have walked around crying the entire day. Happycrying, but wow! What a cool thing that your NICU does this.
Congrats, miss Maddie!
Marias last blog post..brighter than sunshine
Christy says:
How fun! Glad you got to see some of the angels who helped keep Maddie alive!
Andrea's Sweet Life says:
Look at that Super Star – regardless of whether she was sweating, she looked cute and matched the balloons perfectly – so SCORE!
It’s great that the NICU has a reunion so you can all show off your healthy babies and see the staff that worked so hard to get them that way.
Andrea’s Sweet Lifes last blog post..Forget Diamonds, Coffee is This Girl’s Best Friend
patois says:
What a great idea for a party. She will be so thrilled to run amok in two years. And all those wonderful caregivers will be just as thrilled to see her.
There’s a foundation which honors extraordinary nurses. I don’t know if the hospital Maddie was at is a part of it, but you might want to check it out and nominate the nurse who holds a special part in your hearts for all she did for Maddie, you and Mike. It’s called the DAISY Foundation. Here’s a link if you want to check it out: http://www.daisyfoundation.org/exnurses.htm.
patoiss last blog post..When is it Called "Theft"
HeatherPride says:
Every day TOTALLY seems like a year!! Our daughter was born in April and stayed for 2 1/2 weeks. It doesn’t compare at all to what you guys went through, but man, it seemed like 6 months. It was horrible. But then, you know that. I’m so glad you got together with everyone. I don’t think our hospital does that.
Becky says:
Dude. I am CRYING now. And I hate crying. But I love Maddie and I’m so proud of how well she’s doing. And as a nurse, there’s no better way to say thank you than to just show off how far she has come.
Beckys last blog post..I Done Brought Sexy Back
Anissa@Hope4Peyton says:
Heather,
What a day of memories it must have been. God has a special place for nurses, I know ours have been the difference between making it through the hardest times and curling up under the bed, wanting the fight to be over. I’m so glad you got this day to celebrate Maddie’s life and how far she’s come and to thank the people who dedicated their lives to giving her a shot.
Anissa@Hope4Peytons last blog post..I think we need a different toy
anymommy says:
I am SO incredibly happy for you today. Beautiful post.
anymommys last blog post..First Born
Jackie says:
So great. I remember talking about this reunion in the very beginning days of Maddie being home. Has it really been almost a year?
And, yes, nurses are the only thing that make hospitals bearable. Thank goodness for the people dedicating their time to help others. Thank you nurses!
Daddy Dan says:
What a great event! I think you’re thanking them in the right way. Thank God for those doctors and nurses.
Daddy Dans last blog post..Angels Fall Short Again
Rebecca says:
that sounds awesome. it is so rewarding being able to say thank you and show the staff a happy healthy baby.
Joe says:
I’m so happy for you and Mike (and Maddie, obviously). It’s awesome that the NICU does the reunion thing. What’s going to be real awesome will be in 2 years when you go back and Maddie will be able to say “Thank you” to the people that cared for her during those 10 weeks.
Joes last blog post..It’s midnight already?
LiteralDan says:
That looks like a great party! I only wish we weren’t so far from the NICU where my son was born, so we could go to the reunions. I think you have a fabulous idea of inviting current parents to mingle with the veterans, to buck up their spirits. Odds are good everyone would find at least one healthy baby who came through whatever each of them is going through.
Did you suggest that to whoever coordinates it?
LiteralDans last blog post..Important Questions: Paper, Liner, Hover, or Madness?