Happy Birthday, Nolan!
I’ve gotten lots of emails in the last few days and realize that it’s not clear what happens to the blog now that Nolan is home. Don’t worry, we’re not going away! As there is less and less news (and thankfully fewer crises to ask for support through), I’m sure we’ll post less often, but we’ll keep updating because Nolan’s story is not over by a long shot. It would be very ungrateful indeed to receive such amazing support through rough times and then not share the joyful times as well, so we will make sure to share the pictures and stories of the fruits of all the prayers, love and energy that saw Nolan to this point.
Kara and Ronan don’t have internet access set up at their house at the moment (part of rearranging to get ready for Nolan to come home), so they probably won’t be posting much for a while. I’ll try to take up the slack there…
Now, on to the news.
Nolan did come home on Sunday afternoon, and it was a joyful day all around. There were beautiful colorful greetings and banners and treats and gifts from friends, and Nolan slept through being held by many happy family members (all grandparents were present, plus Deb and myself). Neaka and Sambuka (the canine kids) were unimpressed, having been well-prepared by five months of scent-filled clothing brought home by Kara and Ronan. In the evening, David (Kara’s brother) and Leon and their daughters Coleman and Logan came to visit. Coleman and Logan were Nolan’s only close family members who hadn’t met Nolan (NICU rules, again), so they were very excited to see him.
The forward change in the schedule for him to leave the hospital happened quickly enough that several of Nolan’s primary nurses didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to him. Hopefully they’ll check in here and follow his progress like Tara has! We can’t thank the staff enough for the loving care they gave Nolan on his journey.
Nolan has had two full days at home now, and has had his first trip to the doctor (though the hospital was kind of a five month long “trip” to the doctors’ office). He’s already grown (in length, not weight) since leaving the hospital! So much accomplished since the four month birthday… In the last month, Nolan has tacked 25% more onto his weight (now at 5 lb, 13 oz, I think), said goodbye to the ostomy bag, broken in his new g-tube, kicked the supplemental oxygen entirely (hurray!), and COME HOME! Happy Birthday, Nolan! Good work, little man.
For some reason, I can’t insert into this post the pictures I just uploaded, so you’ll have to visit the gallery to see the pictures of Nolan’s homecoming.
-Maria
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 4:22 am
Ahhhhhhhhh! It’s so great to see Nolan in his home environment. I know that this place (I’m at work now) gets VERY VERY old! I hope all is well with my little guy, and I can’t wait to see yall again soon. I will have to bring my busta a treat at the circle. Until then, enjoy my love without me.
Tara
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 7:48 pm
HEY YA’LL JUST WANTED TO WISH NOLAN HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR HIS 5th MONTH. LOVE YOU ALL AND HOPE EVERTHING IS WELL. PAPA & MAMA PETERSON
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 7:49 pm
YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!! This makes us feel all sunny inside! What a joy to see the pictures of you in your happy new home.
Thank you for sharing and keep growing!
Love,
Devon and Deborah
Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 9:39 am
I am just crying seeing these pictures of Nolan with you at HOME - That is a loved baby-and he’ll feel that powerful love and support from you - his whole family and all of us his whole life - that’s powerful strong love energy magic lifelong for a completely special little person. What joy for all of us. With so much love - Heather
Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Welcome Home, Nolan!! Happy Birthday and Hallelujah! You are SUPER_and your Mom and Dad,too!
Friday, February 16, 2007 at 6:58 am
Wow! What a beautiful smile you have, Nolan! Glad you’re home. You absolutely ROCK, kid!
Friday, February 16, 2007 at 10:54 am
Calling all local Chefs (or Whole Foods Café shoppers)! The Food Brigade is starting up again to help out with the home transition. If you can deliver a meal in the coming weeks, I will happily add you to the schedule. Contact me for details about the non-intrusive system we have set up. Kirsten Krueger kwkrueger2003@yahoo.com; hm 942-4376; cell 259-8080. Thanks!
Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Love to all the family in NC who are supporting Nolan’s transition to home. We are sooooooo looking forward to seeing this little guy in his home environment. Our pups were glad to see the pics of your pups loving the little guy. Growth and abundance always…
Monday, February 19, 2007 at 6:45 pm
WOW guys!!! Hope ya’ll have had a peaceful week getting to know one another in your home. Thinking of ya’ll and sending lots of love,
renee