Feeling blessed.

Yesterday, we made a return visit back St. Vincent's..The hospital we so anxiously left 7 months ago. And when I thought about this as we walked through the doors, I was in disbelief that it was really that long ago. And even after 7 months, I still got chills as I walked through the halls--a pit in my stomach. Having to leave my baby in the hospital and watching her fight through the first few weeks of her life was one of the hardest things I think I've ever had to do.

Looking back now, I'm also realizing it was one of the most rewarding times as well--watching her grow and thrive, overcoming so many obstacles. Experiencing the amazing power of prayer firsthand. Growing in my faith more than ever and learning to trust God even in the hardest times.

Not to mention having the opportunity to meet so many amazing people..

My nurse, Sue, who hugged me and prayed with me during the days leading up to Lillian being born, who assured me I was in the right place and I was going to be ok, and more importantly, so was my baby.  She even rushed in at 5:00 in the morning on her day off when she heard I was about to go in for an emergency c-section so she could be my attending nurse in the delivery room.

The other attending nurse, Hope, who held my hand and cried with me when they told me they were going to have to deliver the baby NOW, at 29 weeks.

The doctor who took our last ultrasound right before the c-section. His comforting smile and the warmth in his eyes as he said she "looked beautiful and perfect", as though he hadn't delivered dozens of babies just like her before.

And the amazing NICU nurses and doctors, who took care of Lillian around the clock, who cheered her on and rejoiced in her milestones with us, and who were always assuring and encouraging us.

Yes, it was a very hard time, but God knew exactly what was to come. He had a plan beyond anything our minds could comprehend at the time. And we are so thankful for all we gained through the experience.

So yesterday we went back for Lillian's neonatal 6 month adjusted age clinic. They evaluated her and said she looked great. Other than some physical things we've been working on through physical therapy, they didn't see any concerns for her neurologically--a wonderful thing for us to hear! She is up to 11lbs 8oz now, which puts her in about the 3rd percentile for her adjusted age of  6 months. She's petite, but she's thriving. And that's more than anything we could ask for.

A successful appointment for Lillian, and another reminder of just how blessed we are!