Monday, February 16, 2009

Sleeping in the hospital

Here we are, for the first time, a family with its first child sleeping together. However, we are in a small hospital waiting room that is ours for the night. This is not exactly how I imagined our first night, at least not before Loki was born. Yet it is exciting to have Loki sleeping here between us, in a little bed, with no wires or tubes connected to him.

Yes, the situation is exciting, as many people have asked me if it is. But it also two other emotions. First, it is also intimidating. Of course, caring for any baby can be a bit scary. But being responsible for a baby who has had so many problems until now is intense.

Second, it is also a bit surreal. Just like when Loki was born so early, the situation feels somewhat not like reality. We have grown so accustomed to the lifestyle and rhythms of the NICU that I can't fully imagine otherwise.

It is going to be a rough night with little sleep - the first of many. I should sleep while I can. Little Loki is likely to wake up in an hour, wanting to be fed.

Kyra, Mom's close friend from the Netherlands, and Erwin, her husband, were finally able to meet Loki. That wasquite a treat! We are glad to have them around now, and for Loki's homecoming.

Our room:

Other side:

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow--that looks pretty small. You guys are really going through major trials to get this little fellow home...sleep when you can, and remember that you have the bond that will tell you when Loki needs help--just trust it.
Night night, baby Loki and parents.
Cheryl

Mascha said...

No, this is not your cozy bedroom at home. But at least you have doctors and nurses at hand to give you a feeling of security.

Anonymous said...

Yeah I can't believe it, you guys will be great and I am so happy for the three of you!!! It seems just like yesterday that I was walking into room three and he had his first little outfit on and I will never forget the night you asked me to be his primary who would have imagined everything to come! I feel so honored to have been apart of your lives for that time! I am so proud of you Loki, it was a tough start but you hung in there the whole way! I send you guys my thoughts and prayers and can't wait to see you soon!

Love,
Nurse Amber

marieke said...

I can so feel with you about the changes who are coming up. It must feel unreal and strange after the "normal" scedual the last months. Sleep well though in the little room.
Big hug, Marieke

Anonymous said...

Hallo lieve schatten,
I think it's great that you have the opportunity to try out a part of the home situation.
(The room reminds me of a Formule ..(something) Hotel, but half the size).
Don't be afraid for your home situation. Loki got over a lot of problems and so did you. I'm sure you all will do just fine. And Janie will be there for some time, too. Happy home-coming!!
See you within 6 weeks or so.
XXX
Oma Heleen en opa Frits

Anonymous said...

Misschien is deze wens wat prematuur( mag ik ook 1 keertje, Loki?)maar: but: WELKOM THUIS LOKI
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We zijn zo blij voor jullie!
Heel veel liefs van Muus, Willem en Edith

Anonymous said...

Loki, Lijn & Jesse,
while you're trying to sleep and caring and feeding Loki, and experiencing this new and still 'unreal' situation, all your Dutch-based family and friends think of you and send you love and rest for this 'proef' (test)- night, wishing you all the luck and health Loki needs on his trip home, real home-home. There is nothing that will do Loki better than being home with you two sweet loving parents. Now it is still weired. But I imagine a time within a couple of days or weeks, when the hospitalized weeks and months have sank to the background of your memories, and you enjoy your new parent's daily life-- just Loki and you!
You'll make it a wonderful cosy and loving home for Loki, where he will grow and develop better than ever! Heel veel liefs en kusjes,
Steffi

berkeleygal77 said...

It may be a transformed hospital waiting room, but somehow the mural on the wall makes it feel home-like to me. I hope the night went well! Are you guys going to have a neonatal follow-up nurse a la Blanca from either CHO or ABH?

Anonymous said...

lieve ouders, het lijkt wel proefslapen, thuis gaat het vast beter, heerlijk morgen naar huis. spannend maar ook geweldig.ik weet nog hoe spannend het was toen ik met Jacco thuis kwam die eerste nachten, maar het went .
sterkte , geniet veel liefs van Greet

Anonymous said...

Yes, it must be exciting and challenging and weird and all those things, and it's also so great that you can take Loki home and try to live a normal life (as normal as life can be with a newborn baby). The last few months must have given you also trust: you know Loki very well and you see when he's not feeling right. And then you know some good places where to go. I wish you a very warm welcome home with the three of you!!
Heel grote knuffel van mij, Maaike.

Unknown said...

I'm so happy that you got to spend a night with Loki. It isn't home but that will happen very very soon I'm sure. You're almost there! Progress is being made! :)
Selena

Anonymous said...

simply amazing! the little guy's a comin' home! i am so happy that kyra is there to be a part of the celebration. loki's a strong little dude and will take to him new home very well, esp given the amount of love and comfort felt there. good luck tonight; i am sure all will be fine. much love to you guys. xoxo. courtney

About Loki Sky

Loki Sky is a special little man. He was a very early micropreemie, weighing only 610 grams (1 lb, 5 oz) after 24 weeks, 3 days gestation, born to an American Father and a Dutch Mother in Berkeley, California on October 18, 2008.

On January 11, 2009, while still in the hospital NICU, his one kidney stopped working. It was repaired after three surgeries. After spending time in three hospitals in three cities, Loki came home on February 17. He struggled with eating, and then stopped in July, leading to 8 days in the hospital, a failure-to-thrive diagnosis, and a NG feeding tube. On October 10, a minor surgery installed a G feeding tube. Another procedure replaced it with a new one, and then again with a Mic-Key button in Jan. 2010.

In August 2010, he and his parents moved to the Netherlands.

Read about his first name.
Read & hear about his middle name.
See photos.
See videos.

Subscribe via email

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Loki's Holiday Gift Drive

Please consider donating to Loki's Holiday Gift Drive for the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center NICU. You can donate by Paypal or credit card here:





Click here for more information, including how to pay by check. For all posts on the Gift Drive, click here.

Blog Archive