Helping hands

Belle got a new soother. The plush hippo comes attached, and it helps her keep the soos in her mouth. Kind of 😁

Just another weekend with mom and dad. Man, it feels good being so close to her.

We make sure to give her time off her back and alternate her positions. Belle usually enjoys laying on her side, but only if she's in the mood. 

She's quick to tell us if she doesn't like something 😊

In the NICU we had bean bags to keep Arabella snug in certain positions. We couldn't take them with us to the new unit, so now we roll up a few blankets to keep her somewhat in place. 

We give her more time on her tummy. We pick her up more often, too.

We hold her up and walk around the crib. We go as far as the tubes and wires allow. 

Sometimes we'll even let her watch a few minutes of cartoons.

Do you think she likes it? 😅  She's mesmerized huh?

I'm not going to lie to you guys. We still go through some very anxious and frustrating moments. Sometimes you just want to cry for no specific reason. You get a little sad. It's usually very brief but it's never any fun. Being in this environment takes its toll on you.

That's when you need to take a break. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, escape to the gym or to the park, take a nap or go get a coffee. We encourage each other to take breaks. You come back so much stronger and more willing to take on the rest of the day.

It's a lot easier with both of us here. We can always alternate or offer each other a helping hand. 

It's hard when only one of us is here. Sometimes it's not even about the physical help. We find we need the other person here to share in the emotional and mental anguish. It's overwhelming for one person. 

I have so much respect for parents doing this alone. I don't know how they do it. All single parents out there, really. In the NICU or not, single parents are true heroes walking among us.