Little Lillian's Big Weekend

What a wonderful day! Lillian went into her big-girl crib this morning and has maintained her temperature all day! Our evening nurse even wheeled out Lillian's isolette, so now it's official! Lillian is one very big step closer to coming home. She's up to 4 lbs., 6 oz. and is 16 1/2 inches long now. She's catching right up with Breanna - I suspect that soon we won't be able to tell them apart!

If she continues to thrive, DW, Breanna and I will be able to stay over for a room-in night on Tuesday and then take Lillian home on Wednesday. Wow! I can hardly wait to put our two girls together and see how they react. They really haven't spent any time physically together since they were in the womb.

After a hot, sunny day at Battle Lake, DW returned from his fishing contest with no fish, no prizes, and no comfort. He has quite a sunburn. (Too bad he didn't use the sunscreen that I packed for him. Hopefully he'll learn some day.)

We came up to the hospital in the evening so DW and Lillian could be on the telethon for the Children's Miracle Network. The interviewer was a bit on the flaky side (but really nice), but despite the handicap of her, everyone did really well. Lillian's nurse had fed her a multivitamin a couple hours earlier than normal (it ended up being right before she went on air), so of course, as the camera zoomed in on her, she started puking on poor Dad. He maintained his composure like a seasoned veteran, though. He commented that it must have been stage fright. Breanna and I watched it live on TV in the waiting room just outside of the NICU. That was exciting!

After that, we went to our first real family outing. (Church last Sunday doesn't count.) We were invited to a barbecue and bonfire at DW's new friend's house. The hosts had adorable twin boys last spring who spent a long time in the NICU, too. They showed us how great it is to use a video monitor. (We tested it out with Breanna staying in her carseat in the kitchen while we sat outside at the fire.) This will probably be our next purchase.

DW met the dad on a ski trip this past spring and enjoyed sharing the bond of twin parenting. We really enjoyed that fire, as well as the visit. Though I had to wash my hair three times this morning to get the smoke smell out, it was well worth it. I hope we get to know this family more in the months ahead.

Today, we stayed in jammies until close to noon. All of us. And it was great! DW and I haven't had a lazy Sunday since our vacation in February. DW's sister and her family stopped in for a visit - they were in town for a graduation party. They seemed to enjoy meeting Breanna, and the boys seemed to really enjoy terrorizing our dogs. It was nice to see them all, but also nice when the house quieted down again. Tonight, I'm writing from the waiting room at the hospital. I came up to feed Lillian at 8, and DW and Breanna came with so that Dad can spend a little time visiting Lillian. So, I'm out here with Breanna, listening to the wonderful sound of the rain splashing against the windows.

Friends, it's been another great weekend. I hope it's been terrific for you, as well. Enjoy the week ahead! I think summer has officially started!