There's No Place Like Home

Dorothy, you weren't kidding sister!

What a day it has been. It felt a little like a do-over of last Thursday, when we first brought her home. I had the same nervous feelings riding in the backseat next to her, the same excitement turning into our neighborhood, the same relief as we pulled into our driveway. Happy one-week birthday, Baby Girl! You're home!

Walking through the halls of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital today on our way out, I finally saw what a great place it is. We've spent the last four days there, and yesterday- day three of our stay- I left room 7310 for the first time to walk around the corner to find the family laundry room. I had to ask a nurse for directions and she tried to start by telling me go back to the elevators... excuse me? There's an elevator here? Where is that? It was a short walk, and as much as I enjoyed the fresh air, I couldn't get back to Sydney's side fast enough. Anyway, if I had ventured out any further, I would have seen a remarkable facility that doesn't feel like a hospital as you walk through. But while I was impressed, if we never go back there again I'll be totally fine with that.

As I mentioned earlier, all the doctor really could say this morning is that Sydney was looking great and they had no more reason to keep her in the hospital. While it's a little scary and frustrating to have no concrete explanation for the distress Sydney experienced over the weekend, we're just so thankful that the problems seem to have completely gone away. Two of doctors who treated her both said, "It is better to see a patient get better and not know what the problem was, than to know what the problem is and not see a patient get better." I have watched Syd like a hawk today, and I'll probably sleep with one eye open tonight, but all we've seen today is a content, sleeping, pooping, precious little girl!

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I am thankful for a healthy baby who has changed my life forever in the longest and shortest week ever. I am thankful for an incredible husband who I love even more every time I see him holding our daughter. I am thankful for the doctors, nurses, ER team, and other caregivers at VCH who have taken care of our whole family this week. I am thankful for friends, acquaintances, and strangers who have stopped in the midst of their busy days to pray for Sydney. I am thankful for a Great Physician Who is all knowing and Who allowed us to witness yet another miracle this week. I am thankful for the journey we've been on the past few days, because my faith is stronger and  I have a better understanding of Jesus' love as a result.

There aren't enough words to say thanks to all of you who are reading this message- you found this blog because you cared about our Sweet Sydney. Thank you for lifting her name up to heaven on our behalf.

I hope you find yourself surrounded by blessings this Thanksgiving with much to give thanks for!