Commencement

Now that we're in a very different place, it's a bit easier to reflect back on the first few scary days of Maddie's life. The nurses are the main reason for this. They've all been coming by this past week to visit with Maddie. It's been a non-stop parade of nurse visitors for her. Each one wants to cuddle her and remark on how far she's come. When Maddie is snuggled in their arms, they kiss her and talk about how none of them expected her to survive. Her heart was constantly stopping. Her lungs kept popping holes. She couldn't breathe on her own and one night, the nurses gave her CPR for 12 straight hours. I don't know why, but they never gave up on Maddie. And look at her now - in her car seat on the way home.



How do you thank someone for saving your child's life? There aren't words, there isn't a present great enough or a hug long enough. We just thank them with everything we have. I am so grateful to them that my soul aches. I will actually miss seeing the nurses every day, and I know they'll miss Maddie. I know, though, that they will always be in our lives. There is a reunion every other year for NICU babies, and we plan on bringing Maddie to it every time, and hopefully she'll be bringing her own children someday, too, so they can hear about how their mommy is a miracle.

This blog started as a way to keep everyone updated on my pregnancy and Maddie's hospital stay. Now it will keep everyone updated on the Spohrs as we start our lives together at home. Just like we are indebted to the nurses, we are indebted to all of you. Your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are what allowed us to stay strong for Maddie. You are part of the reason we finally got to take her home.