NICU Reunion

Today we attended our very first NICU Reunion. The nurses did an amazing job pulling this all together for the families that were there. We got to see lots of our nurses who took such great care of our babies way back when, and we even ran into another family that was in the NICU the same time we were. To be in that room today was an honor and blessing. Surrounded by miracles.

Here's the photos from today - There's us in front of the model of the hospital.
Bottom left is Dr. K (I call him Addison's lifesaver)

Above that is Dr. D (she was in the OR with me and gave Addison her first breaths)

Top left corner is Nurse M - She always kept it real and kept a smile on my face

Top right corner are some of the night nurses L & T - L prayed over Addison one of the very first nights and we'll forever be grateful for that.
And last but not least Sister C - She was sent to pray with us before my csection and visited the NICU often to pray over Addison and Blake. She was also an amazing support and comfort.

I am so glad we got the opportunity to attend today and see everyone. Dr. K kept saying how remarkable it was to see Addi and Blake and how well they are doing. He also said that sometimes the toughest part of his job is to save these babies as small as they were and then learn that they live with a lifetime of disabilities, but you never know going into it what the future might hold. So for him to see such a positive outcome it was rewarding for him. He gave us a great reminder of just how fortunate we are to have Addison and Blake and the strides they are making. I will never ever forget meeting him for the first time, the night they were born. He rushed into our room to tell us that Addison may not make it and ask just how far we wanted him to go. Dr. K remained by her side that night and was still there the next morning. He did all he could for her, and the next morning all he could say to explain was "she is still here and we will take it minute by minute". Minute by minute is how many of our NICU days went - and the fact that he was there made a huge impact.

Next to Dr. D - Dr. K probably spent the most time with Addison (and Blake) in the NICU, so much time that I am will to bet A & B recognize his voice. He also became a huge support and insight later down the road and I will forever be grateful. Not just for Dr. K but for Dr. D too. As well as all of their support staff. 

If any of my Mercy "family" is reading this - let me say it again. We love you all, for all that you did for us - and all that you continue to do for those families who need it most. We'll never be able to repay you for the amazing gift of life that you gave to our children and cared for them in the most precious ways. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. I sincerely hope that each and every one of you knows how much you mean to us. (UMMS family this goes for you all too - you all played a BIG hand in Addison's care during the end of our NICU stay as well.)