You might think there was something going around the Green/Bush families when you hear the number of babies joining our families this year. On the Green side, 4 of the 5 of us girls are pregnant. That means there will be 5 new babies this year, starting with Audra who is due in just a few days. Then there's me and the twins, Laura and her second baby, and Annie with her third in October! For the Bush side, we've got Melissa who just had a beautiful baby boy this week, me (with the two), and Natalie with her fourth in August.
Grand Total: 7 babies
My sweet sister-in-law, Melissa, had her sixth little bundle of joy a few days ago on the 30th of March. He is so precious. Melissa found out after a few months of her pregnancy had passed that the baby had Down Syndrome. He also has clubbed feet, meaning his feet rotate inward at his ankles (the cutest little feet you've ever seen). Needless to say, it's been a difficult journey for her and her family to adjust to the reality but what a blessing that little boy is! He's been in the NICU since he was born trying to gain his strength and things are looking really good for him. Jon and I were able to drive up to the hospital yesterday to visit them and to see the baby (he's still nameless ;) ). Melissa had requested that I be there at the birth to document for them but that little guy decided to come a few days earlier than scheduled!
Being in the NICU was a new experience for me. If you've never visited one before, here are a few things I observed. First, you have to scrub in (yes, I was living my Grey's Anatomy fantasy). Being in the NICU is an emotional thing. All of these babies wouldn't have had a chance 100 years ago. It's a miraculous thing. It's kind of a solemn, peaceful place with dimmed lights and angel nurses tending to these little, tiny humans--some with feet no bigger than my big toe. I'm grateful that those babies and families have the second chance a NICU offers. I also know that I don't ever want my babies to have to go there. It's emotionally draining and difficult to see your tiny baby with countless tubes and wires connected to their little body. It seems unfair. Looking back on the births of my two kids, I'll always be grateful for those first hours I could spend immediately after birth holding them next to my skin and nursing them and enjoying them. With NICU patients, most are whisked away immediately after birth to start treatments, often without the mom ever touching them.
Baby McKrola was born on March 30th, 5lbs 9oz.
Welcome to the Bush family, little guy! We love you!
