We were afraid Drake would be scared and cry as we were leaving in his carseat, but he was eating up the attention from the NICU staff who came to see us off. It was bittersweet saying our goodbyes to so many of our NICU friends who have been more to us than just their roles as doctors, nurses and respiratory therapist...they have been a huge support system for us all along the way. Two of our goodbyes today were to a transport nurse and RT who flew to Tyler to pick up Drake and Kennedy back on June 23rd. They have been witnesses to our little miracles journey through the NICU.
His first car ride was a success! Drake was wide awake the entire ride from the hospital to Gran & Poppy's. He looked out of the window and all around the car. When we arrived, he was all eyes again trying to take in and interpret his new surroundings. Once he was settled and surrounded by loving caregivers (Gran, Poppy & Uncle Mikey), Brian and I headed out to another hospital. It was time to meet our new nephew, Jacob. We knew he was a big baby, but seeing him in person we were still surprised by the size of this newborn. It is exciting to know that Drake and Kennedy will grow up with a cousin so very close in age. We can't wait to take pictures with all 3 babies together soon!
Now it is time for mommy & daddy to settle into our first night with our two little babies. I'm not sure how much sleep we will actually get, but we are all together and that is all that really matters.
Pictures:
1) Brian & baby Jacob
2) Drake
3) Daddy, Mommy & Drake
4) Aunt Meredith, Uncle Aaron & baby Jacob
5) Daddy, Mommy & Drake
6) Annie & baby Jacob
7) Kennedy
Congratulations to your wonderful young family. What a joyful happy day to meet little Jacob and bring Drake home. Thank you for sharing these joys with us. Prayers continue for all of you.
ReplyDeleteThe Gilstraps WIN the superbowl!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I am so happy for you all. What a joyous day! I hope you continue to update the blog when you guys are all home because I love reading about your little miracles.
ReplyDeleteI hope your first night was exhaustingly joyous. I am so happy for all of you. What a tremendous journey, what a courageous testimony to you each of you, what an awesome God we serve!!!
ReplyDeleteI am anticipating so much joy to come from Drake and Kennedy...I can't wait to watch them grow. Enjoy your first hospital free day!!!
This post has brought tears to my eyes. I have followed you since Sarah first told me about your precious family and your beautiful babies fight. Thank you for sharing your story with us all, I know I am very excited to read about the next big chapter in your life - Life at Home! Still sending you, Brian, Kennedy and Drake lots of prayers and hugs from across the country!
ReplyDeleteLOVE!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are all four an amazing inspiration and I am still addicted to your sweet babies and reading of their daily accomplishments. Congratulations on your first chapter in the book of mommy and daddy. I sure hope you are able to share the next chapters with us. Much love and prayers to you all,
ReplyDeleteSandy Burnett