March 22, 2023

Julie, 2:06p 3/22

Today has been a big day of paperwork and planning. I wanted to get a jump on Blue Cross (our insurance) and make sure they had everything they needed, knowing that there will be a lot of claims coming their way in the coming days and in the future, as we will definitely have a lot of therapy sessions from here on out. I was able to get connected to a personalized case manager for Emmy’s specific situation, which I am anticipating to cut down on a lot of stress because I now have one direct person I can go to for everything. This was actually recommended to me by the hospital here, and I’m so thankful they told me to look into that!

The hospital has also given us a therapy coordinator, who has already made a couple of appointments that are outpatient for us and has connected us with some excellent medical facilities near where we live. The coordinator was adamant that she did not want us to drive too far for treatments because we have a life, and she wants us to live our regular life without disrupting it too much. She has tried to combine as many sessions together in one day, and advised that I advocate the same thing when it comes down to Greg or I making future appointments because a lot of these facilities will combine efforts if we ask.

It’s so crazy to me how simply advocating a little bit really can open some doors, or when you aren’t sure what to do, just ask questions. So far, I have never been told that I have asked a stupid question. All of my questions have been accepted and answered in a very kind and gracious manner, even some of my fearful questions like “will I be able to go to playgrounds with my other two older daughters or will we be in therapy every day from here on out?” Things that are unfounded, but still cloud my mind. I feel so prepared to take Emmy home, thanks to the wonderful hospital staff here at St Joseph Womens!

Emmy is looking great, as long as she can hold on for one more day, then we are going home! The physical therapist came in today, while I was with her, and showed me some very simple exercises to do with Emmy when we are home to strengthen her muscles. The therapist was really impressed with how much Emmy has gained strength just in these last couple days, and was very confident that these exercises should not become too stressful for anybody. Even the big girls can help out, which of course makes it all that more fun!

Julie, 7:20p 3/22

I’m listening to “Beyond Me” by TobyMac on the way home from the hospital, thinking of the fact that starting tomorrow, I’m on my own with Emmy, and starting next Monday, I’m on my own with all 3 girls for the first time. My mind was starting to feel overwhelmed already, and then it was like God tuned my ears to hear just exactly what the song was singing. 

“You gave me the stars, put them out of my reach. Called me to waters just a little too deep. Oh, I’ve never been so aware of my need. It’s like you’re making me see it’s way beyond me…Take me to the place where I know I need you. Take me to the place that I can’t handle on my own.” 

I mean, I’ve prayed that in days where I was in control. Sure, you always pray that when you can handle it. I don’t know how serious I actually was, though, but here we are - an answered prayer 🤦🏻‍♀️😆 But in all seriousness, I’m very thankful for where we are and the fact we have such an amazing support system should we need help, but also God equips the called, and we are no different. We can do this. God will see to it. 

Greg, 11:16p, 3/22

I was able to get over to the hospital this evening after work to see Emmy and get some snuggle time with her. When I started back to work yesterday, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get back to the hospital because my days can go long sometimes. But thankfully, I was able to make it work today and see her one last time in the NICU before, Lord willing, she goes home tomorrow afternoon.

Slept like a baby for her 90-minute car seat test.

When I arrived shortly after 5:30p, my mom, “Grandma Dee” to my girls, was hanging out in the room with Emmy. The nurses had just put Emmy in her car seat for her Car Seat test. She had to be strapped into the car seat for 90 minutes so the nurses could ensure she could stay in that position and not have any events where her O2 dropped below 90%. Julie was busy tracking down medical records for Emmy, and my mom was going to head out. I was excited to sit with Emmy while she did her test.

That excitement turned into an anxiety-filled 90 minutes. As I sat in their room fiddling on my phone or watching TV, EVERY TIME the monitor made a beep or a blip, I looked up to see if she was dropping her O2 and had failed the test. I thought about leaving the room and sitting out in the lobby for those 90 minutes, but I wanted to be there with my girl as cheer her own and pray over her test.

With about 10 minutes left, Emmy started to make grunting noises, and I could see her moving around a little bit. I was beginning to get nervous she was in distress. However, the monitor indicated she was doing great. Before I knew it, the nurses were coming to get her out of the car seat and confirmed that she had PASSED!

What a relief. At this point, the car seat test was probably the biggest hurdle to overcome in being able to be discharged from the hospital. We are all so very ready to have Emmy home! Her big sisters have been with their grandparents these past two weeks, and we are all ready to be a family of five - together in one place.