Hello baby,
You had another great day. We are so proud. We made it down to see you at 7 am touch time. You amazed us again. Your mom and I were both on your right side as a nurse was on your left. We were both saying our good morning I love you to you, when out of nowhere we could see you move your head slightly toward us and try to open your eyes. With a little straining you opened you left eye half way. You were looking right at us. Your eyelids were fused together before this and it totally surprised us both. We weren’t expecting it and it immediately threw mom and I in to a fit of elation. It was the best moment either of us have had yet. It was so special to both of us that you looked at us and clearly had recognized our voices. Your first glimpse into this beautiful world. You will see so much in your lifetime. This world is full of beauty and colors, joy and pain, love and hate. Its a confusing place at times, but no one sees this world more clearly than children. The excitement from seeing trees, grass, snow, clouds, sunrises and sunsets fill children up while adults often run around staring at phones and watches. The beauty of this world can drift into the background in the hurry of life, school, work and responsibility. Stay calm, slow down and enjoy the beauty. Walk, don’t run. The beauty in this world is the creation God has given us, not the man made timelines, bridges and buildings. His greatest beauty is us. Humanity. Love and appreciate it all. Its always a struggle to focus on it, but something like seeing your child’s eyes for the first time is a moment that clarifies so much.
We had other great stuff today. We learned you were drinking mom’s milk today. The joy on Mom’s face when she heard that was awesome to see. She loved it. She is always pumping. It looks painful and definitely time consuming. She loves providing for you. I brought Kathy’s husband by to see you today. He was amazed by you and shared his love. He cant wait to show you his rock collection and pictures he has of himself. He reminded me of how seeing me being a new father reminded him of his first fatherhood moments too. Everything changes in a moment.
The nurses told us you may have had a seizure last night. That really scared us, but it happens to lots of preemies.We both focused on handling that as well as possible. About lunch time you had a spinal tap and the procedure took about an hour. The nurses said you did great. It was one of their easiest taps they remember. They are checking for meningitis. The result will be back tomorrow.
Mom got discharged from the hospital today! We are both very happy and excited to spend a night in our bed. We still come see you a lot. This evening we brought big sister Rowan to come see you. She was telling everyone one we saw she is a big sister. She and Grandma made a picture for your room. It has lots of stickers. That means a lot because she loves her stickers. We can’t wait to see more of you two together. She is proud of you and loves you. She promised to teach you how to climb on her bed and how to play with toys. We brought Daddy’s good friend Wes to see you too. He loved you immediately. He is one of dad’s favorite people. He is extremely kind and smart. He helped entertain Rowan while mommy changed your diaper. I got a picture with you and Wes. He is the tallest person I know and you are the smallest. It was cool.
Thank you baby for another great day of parenthood. Your mom and I are grateful for every second with you.
Letters to Holland 