Chiara's First Graduation!

We were so happy to see Chiara graduate from the Incubator to the "Big" bed for Premies!  Thankfully, she no longer needs climate control or I.V. fluids.  They are still monitoring her vital signs, but she should get to go home in a few days.  You can check out the progression in the "Three Great Days" pictures along the right sidebar of our blog.

Mom (mostly) and Dad are pretty much taking care of her full time now.  However, the care and guidance we have received from the NICU has been outstanding!  This experience has reaffirmed what a blessing it is to be born in the U.S.A.  It also reaffirms why so many people come here for medical treatment.  God bless our healthcare system and all of its providers.  Let's also hope it stays the same for generations to come.

For those fortunate enough to not experience the NICU, it is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  We now know first hand how intense the care is there and feel it is aptly named.  Dear friends of ours experienced the same exact NICU as Chiara for their little boy.  In addition to the constant monitoring of your baby's heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level and pulse, they also run all of the tests and blood work right there.  All along, they also provide continuous training on how to care for your newborn.  If that's not enough, they have private rooms, so you can stay and sleep with your baby while they are getting healthy and strong enough to finally come home.

I am starting to sound like the late Billy Mayes or the Sham Wow guy!  It is just hard to curb your enthusiasm or appreciation for a system and group of professionals that help bring a child into the world and make sure they are safe and healthy enough for you.  The only downside is that you hope you will quickly learn to live without all of the monitors and experts when you bring your bundle of joy home!