After 40 days in the hospital, over 3 weeks of postpartum night sweats for mom, several oxygen dips, too many Bradycardia episodes, bilirubin treatment, a failed car seat test, gavage feeding tubes, and of course lots of progress and growth along the way, Genesee was finally approved for discharge!

Prior to this much-anticipated moment, on the eve of Genesee’s homecoming, mom performed a trial run, where she “roomed in” with my sister at the hospital, just to make sure they liked each other.

Here’s Genesee without licensed supervision

Yikes! Mom is initially nervous.

Don’t worry mom… you got this!

At peace.

There you go, Mom! You’re a natural; It’s like riding a bike. (Disregard the fact that you’re not a graceful bicyclist.)

Cuties!

Adored.

Spoiler alert: They loved each other! And since mom was also successful at keeping Genesee alive without tubes, machines, or 24-hour medical care, it was time to pack up our bags and bring little G home… so long as we could get past the nurses who were plotting to steal her.

But just as the NICU staff hated to see sweet Genesee go, we couldn’t stand to see her stay another minute. And so, just like that, on August 29, 2017, we buckled our precious, premature bundle of absolute joy into her car seat and took the fastest, safest, and most direct route to the Onalaska Culver’s Restaurant. (Because turtle sundaes, duh.)

G is sooo happy to come home!

And here she is sporting a cute vest and skinny jeans for the ride home.

Family photo!

Genesee’s head is so small, we had to put towels on each side of the headrest for added support.

Ready!

Our lovely escort

Yay! I have a back seat buddy!

Love her already!

This photo was a re-creation of one that was taken of me when I left the hospital as a baby.

We can cause a lot of trouble back here!

Then, at long last (and upon completion of a romantic drive-thru lunch as a fully intact family of four), Genesee had arrived home. Finally. Just where she belonged.

This is my first time holding Genesee!

How am I doing?

We look good together, hey?

Of course, I immediately assumed my big brother role: helping with sponge baths, discarding diapers, patting for burps, exchanging snuggles, taking G for walks, and modeling shopping cart etiquette.

I help with the sponge bath.

And I can be the diaper assistant, unless it’s a poopy situation.

I’m good at snuggles too.

Watch out! Me and sis have places to go.

Here’s our first trip out of the house!

We visited the Lunda Community Park in Black River Falls.

We also braved the busy aisles of Wal-mart. Genesee was a champ!

Being the lovely assistant is great and all, but the best part of having a little sister is the bond we already share. In fact, you’ll often find me holding her hand, kissing her forehead, or just loving on her like only a big brother can.

Genesee’s homecoming was a long time coming, but it was definitely worth the wait; she fits right in and completes our family that didn’t even feel incomplete until she came along. Adding two feet to our house was the ultimate home improvement!