Day 150

I hear people say, "You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have."

Today marked 150 days in the NICU. I'm not one to count or keep track, but this place makes you do things you wouldn't normally do. Now, I keep track of everything, and I can't help it.

I've changed in a lot of ways. 

"And once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won't be the same person who walked in."

We're so used to being here with Arabella. We can't imagine it any other way. The NICU is like our second home, but in the next day or two we will be moving to the Pediatrics floor at Sick Kids. It's time to slowly transition home. 

A new chapter awaits - won't you come and join us?

We're one day shy of 5 months since this adventure began, and Arabella no longer requires intensive care. She's finally ready to graduate. 

Get your cap and gown ready Belle 😊

We're praying that things go smoothly from here. Hopefully no more set-backs. Only forward momentum.

On the Pediatrics floor, Arabella will continue to be followed by all of her specialists. Not too much will change, to tell you the truth, but we'll be away from the NICU and focusing more on her breathing, feeding, sugars and bones. 

As parents, we'll have a lot more freedom and control. It's really good for us. We're excited, but we know that every transition brings a little bit of anxiety. 

We've started saying 'farewell' to the entire NICU staff, but especially our favourite nurses. We'll hardly see them now. They are very attached to Arabella, as you can imagine. 

We've all had time to form a lot of great relationships, but we need to move on. We need to make new memories. 

Here's to the future.