One Year Home From the NICU!
Our First Year After the NICU
September 30th will forever hold a special place in our hearts. One year ago today, we finally walked out of the NICU doors with Bailey in our arms, ready to begin life at home. I remember the day so vividly — the excitement, the nerves, and the overwhelming feeling of gratitude. After 192 days of monitors, beeping machines, and daily hospital routines, it felt surreal to buckle her into the car seat and drive away. The whole ride home, I couldn’t keep my eyes off my baby girl—one of the best days of my life.
The Joy of Firsts
This year has been filled with so many firsts, and each one has felt extra special. Bailey’s first Thanksgiving, her first picture with Santa and the Easter bunny, her first time trying solids, her first time crawling, and her first steps. All of these moments that I once wondered if I’d get to experience outside of the hospital. Celebrating milestones at home, without wires and monitors, has been the greatest gift. Even the simple things, like waking up to her little stretches or holding her without cords attached, have felt like victories.
The Challenges We Carried
Of course, the first year after the NICU hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been doctor’s appointments, developmental check-ins, and we also had a weeklong readmission to the hospital, only after being home for two months. So many moments of anxiety that snuck up on me. Sometimes, certain sounds or smells would bring me right back to those hospital days. And if I’m being honest, there were times I worried if I was doing enough or if NICU life had left lasting marks we couldn’t see. But with each hurdle, Bailey reminded me of her strength, and I was reminded of mine too.
Lessons From the Journey
This year taught me that healing takes time, for both babies and parents. It taught me to celebrate progress in every form, no matter how small. It showed me the importance of slowing down, being present, and savoring the little moments. Most of all, it reminded me that the NICU journey doesn’t end at discharge; it continues in new ways as we adjust, grow, and learn together.
A Message to Other NICU Parents
If you’re reading this and your baby is still in the NICU or you’re newly home, I want you to know this: you are not alone. The mix of emotions you’re feeling is valid. The road ahead may feel uncertain, but there will also be so much joy waiting for you. Celebrate the little things, lean on your support system, and never forget how strong you are because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that NICU parents are built with a resilience like no other.
Looking Ahead
As I sit here a year later, watching Bailey grow and thrive, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. This journey has stretched me, challenged me, and changed me in ways I never expected, but it has also given me a new perspective on love, strength, and hope. I’m eager to see what year two holds.
Here’s to our first year home and to many more milestones ahead.