Our amazing support system

Here a quick post from Mom, finally, between pumping, napping, and, yes, taking a bath to deal with some soreness in the milk-makers. I would love to tell you about the craziness of the last weeks from my perspective (which for part of the time has been colored by some pretty nasty drugs), but need to keep it short.

Despite the shock of Loki coming into our lives so very, very early, I am so incredibly grateful for who he is. He is such a beautiful and sweet little person, and I cannot get enough of looking at him and touching his tiny body, while he is asleep in the isolet, or while he is attempting to look around. What a blessing it is to have this wonderful human being in our lives. Being his mommy is better than I would have ever imagined, despite the fact that the circumstances are far from ideal, and even very scary at times.

Also, I want to thank you all for the amazing support you have given. I am simply blown away by all the sweetness we are receiving consistently. I cannot tell how much that means to me. Even though you may not hear from me, I do very, very much appreciate every single attempt to communicate with us and help us out! Without this support it would be much more difficult moving through this difficult time.

Finally, I feel we owe a special thank you to the staff at Alta Bates Hospital. From the minute we entered the hospital, most staff has gone above and beyond amazing care! We are very happy with the devoted and wonderful care Loki is receiving at the NICU, and the support Dad and I are receiving on a daily basis as well. I walk in plenty of times feeling sad and overwhelmed; there is always a staff member asking how I am doing, and ready to listen. In addition, Loki's nurses are very, very skilled and impressive! Each nurse has her strengths and we are very happy to have the team we have. It is so hard to leave the hospital and say goodbye for the day, but knowing that he is in such good hands makes up for some of the pain. All nurses give this extra bit of attention to Loki or us, for example, by their enthusiasm about Loki's cuteness, giving advise on how to communicate with our little guy, leaving a nightly-night book, or making Dad his first birthday card from Loki. (shown below) (Dad's birthday was on crazy day three, and seeing the card with Loki's picture and his tiny handprints was a wonderful symbol of the best gift ever for him.)

Needless to say, this is a very challenging time with many ups and downs, but the extra care of all the people around us makes a difference! Thank you folks!

Book for Loki:



And a card for Dad: