One (Small) Foot Out The Door - 5/05

Today is the day that half asleep begins to take on a more literal meaning.  Last night we stayed in the hospital's "family room" where we had the privilege of practicing parenthood through the night.  The cribs were rolled, monitors intact, into the dedicated, private bedroom for us to make into our temporary home and take charge of all feedings, etc throughout the night.  After a long week for Mom and Dad, Madison wanted to party and wouldn't take "no" for an answer.  Still, a nice way to ease into everything and a big indication that our girls are close to graduating from the NICU entirely.  Brooklyn could be home in as little as one day but may decide to hang with her sister for a few more.  

(New, temporary home in the NICU "family room")

Graduating from the NICU is only the beginning.  In fact, Madison has her sights set on graduating from medical school already as she continues calling the shots regarding her own medical care illustrated by her recent decision to remove her feeding tube so that she can take all feedings exclusively through the bottle, which her and her sister are doing quite well.  Brooklyn waited more patiently for the nursing staff to make that same decision though.  

(Madison, feeding-tube free, only with oxygen)

For Brooklyn, going home wont be accomplished without passing a series of rigorous tests.  Aside from the bottle feeding, today, she passed her "room air challenge" which, despite still being on oxygen, proves she wouldn't find herself in a predicament should she start making medical decisions of her own and remove her tube unnoticed at home.  She was only required to maintain her oxygen threshold for 40 minutes but did so for 2 hours.  Next up will be the "car seat challenge" where she must maintain her oxygen well while positioned as she will be in her carseat.  If she continues to forgo additional Brady episodes, she can go home at her leisure after passing this test tomorrow. 

(Brooklyn just kickin' it)

(Bonus Pic: Madison on left; Brooklyn on right, shortly before she had her feeding tube removed)