I am so happy to announce that Olivia finally came home today!  I was nervous about calling the NICU this morning because I feared that something would delay her homecoming.  At first the nurse told me she failed her car seat test (NICU babies have to sit in their car seat for an hour without having their oxygen levels go down), so I instantly thought she wasn't going to be able to come home.  But instead the hospital gave us a special car seat designed for preemies that allows Olivia to lie down while in the car.  It's like a little portable bed.  She will probably have to use this for 4 - 6 week and then we can retest her for her regular car seat.

Anyway, as soon as I got the word that we could come and take Olivia home, we all got dressed and headed into the hospital.  My mom was in town helping with the girls, so she got to go with us too.  As it turns out, we really needed her help because the girls were super tried from a long day yesterday and they were quite restless and whiny during all the discharge paperwork.  In fact, Chris and I's stress levels rocketed trying to get everything around, sign everything, make sure we had all of Olivia's orders and all of her gear.  We made it home in time for lunch, and luckily Olivia was pooped out from all the excitement and slept through her arrival home.



The girls got a much-needed nap this afternoon (and so did Daddy!) and everyone woke up in better moods.  We enjoyed dinner together and even headed outside for a bit to play.  I grabbed a little sun hat to put on Olivia since it was so bright, which made the girls want to wear hats too.  So, all of the girls had on cute hats.  Avery said they were "triplets."  I loved sitting outside watching our whole family together.  I have to admit I got a little weepy-eyed for a second

The girls are quite excited Olivia is home, and are constantly kissing on her and wanting to see her.  It is a little overwhelming at times, but I know that soon they will understand what they can and cannot do.  This is a big adjustment for them too, and I am trying to remind myself of that amongst the chaos.  Chris and I are truly relived to have her home (and not having to travel back and forth to the hospital twice a day!)

Olivia has done great being home.  She is eating wonderfully and sleeping well.  She hasn't seemed too bothered by the louder sounds and the brighter lights.  I am sure she is wondering what happened to her spa-like atmosphere of the NICU - ha-ha!

I know so many of you have prayed for this day, and praise God, it has come!  Thank you to everyone.  Olivia would not be home and safely in our care without all of your love, prayers and help during these last several months.  Olivia has a lot of wonderful family and friends to meet!