The party was a blast, but the really big event was two days later when Eli officially turned one. We wanted to mark the occasion by doing something special, so we decided it would be fitting to pay a visit to the place where Eli began his life and--most importantly--to the people who made it possible.Unfortunately for us, but probably a good idea for the patients, the hospital has a new policy which prohibits visitors under the age of twelve. The security guard was unmoved by my pleas for special dispensation (and subsequent thinly veiled threats), so we had to settle for seeing a handful of the nurses in the lobby. No worries, that allowed Eli the extra treat of being serenaded by Ethel, the night custodian ("happy birthday dear Shorty...") astride her hospital version of a zamboni.
It was a very happy reunion. I loved seeing how excited the nurses were to see Eli, and he them. And it really meant something to Paul and me to be back at this place where we spent so many emotion-filled hours one year ago. When the clock turned 6:52pm, marking the exact one year anniversary of Eli's birth, it really seemed as if something magical happened. Paul and I both breathed a sigh of awe and relief. At times during the past year, we thought we would never see this day. But we made it. We now have a perfectly healthy, extremely happy one-year-old who is crawling, standing, babbling and starting to develop a real personality. We would have never gotten here without the help of these amazing women. So three cheers for the birthday boy, and at least another three for the nurses. We love you!
2 comments:
The NICU nurses are the best. We are sad to know we won't be able to bring Colin and Martin up, but maybe once Colin's better, they'll come down and say hello. What a wonderful way to spend the birthday!
The party was so special. Seeing Eli thriving, and so happy, and seeing you two, surrounded by such a large and loving group of family and friends was so great. Thanks so much for sharing the occasion, and for posting the great pics from the party and his day of hospital celebration.
much love
Abi
p.s. get ready to rearrange all your stuff now that he's pulling himself to standing. It's amazing how his expanded reach will uncover all sorts of previously unreachable hazards.
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