In case anyone is wondering what a baby born 15 weeks too soon who stays in the NICU for 17 weeks and becomes the "nurses' pet" looks like on the day he goes home, check this out. He's wearing a preemie outfit, but after staying almost 4 1/2 months and celebrating four major holidays in the hospital, the outfit wouldn't fit-- the neck wouldn't close in the back!
In case anyone wonders if a baby who weighs so little at birth and suffers from a staph infection, double pneumonia, and months on a respirator has any "bonding" issues once he gets home, this picture should clear that up.
And in case anyone is wondering what a baby who scared the living daylights out of his mother for 17 weeks looks like eleven years and many pounds later, check out this guy:
Pretty darn good looking if I do say so myself. But I would be remiss not to mention that a baby who weighs just 1 lb 13 oz doesn't come home this healthy and happy without lots and lots and lots of prayers (from folks near and far, people we knew and many we didn't), an awesome group of nurses who loved on him when Billy and I weren't there, and a Neonatal staff that to this day holds a special place in my heart.
Happy 11th Birthday, Tanner! You take my breath away:-)
