Your Baby is Ready for Pickup

As I have mentioned in previous updates, it has been difficult to determine exactly when Shepherd and Jackson would be coming home. Before the boys can leave the NICU, they must be able to maintain their body temperature, pass a multitude of exams (hearing, eye, car seat challenge), and most importantly drink their entire bottle in less than a half an hour / 8 times a day. Only when these benchmarks are consistently met do parents get to bring their children home.

On Wednesday (11/25/09), after almost six weeks, Vicki received a call from one of the neonatologists informing her that Jack was ready to go home. This incredibly important call, which we have been anxiously awaiting, was surprisingly similar to the call you would get from your local dry cleaner or bakery, letting you know that your order was ready for pickup. We knew Jack was getting closer to going home, but we had no idea it was going to be on Thanksgiving.

So on Thursday (11/26/09), Vicki and I headed to the hospital to celebrate Thanksgiving with the boys and then bring Jackson home. Needless to say, Vicki and I have had an amazing and somewhat exhausting Thanksgiving weekend. Jackson is adjusting incredibly well to his new home. He has already called dibs on a crib and is hanging posters on his side of the room.

At the moment, we are still unsure about when Shepherd will make his trip home. We think of ourselves as being on the baby installment plan. It's basically like those sketchy late night infomercials - we will try Jackson at home for a week and if we like him, we will receive another baby just a few days later. The doctors and nurses continue to be impressed with Shep's progress and believe he will not be in the NICU much longer.

Though they are in two different locations, both boys continue to do well (both boys are over five and a half pounds) and get stronger. Jack's homecoming was definitely a great way to kick off the holiday season and to remind us of all we have to be thankful for. I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day! Please know that Vicki, Shep, Jack and I are thankful for the love and support we continue to receive.

-The Brittons

Kodak Slideshow of Jack's Homecoming