Two Out Of Four Steps Closer To Home

Artwork by Miranda Martin

In order for Eli to come home from the hospital, we were told he would have to meet four criteria:

So how are we doing?

1. He would need to maintain his temperature, in an open crib, wearing normal baby clothes. 

So far he has been doing this for about a week.

2. He would need to show sustainable weight gain.

4 lb 4 oz! And growing.

3. He would have to take all feedings by bottle.

We're not quite there yet, but he is taking every other feeding now, (5/2-Taking two out of 3 feedings by bottle), and they are going to try to move to every feeding in the next few days.

4. He would need to be off oxygen.

Originally this was one of the criteria they gave us, but he also could come home with oxygen. Frankly this scares the heck out of me, but I know many people do it, and we will be able to learn how to use the monitors and equipment if we need to.

So now he's getting ready, the question is are we ready?

1. Nursery Ready

Well we're close. We have a crib, mattress, dresser, rocker, beautiful wall art made by Miranda Martin. (featured photo at top)

2. Stuff for Eli-

We have bought a few things, but also we have registered for a lot of what we need. We have been told not to go out and buy a lot of stuff because we don't know what we'll get at the shower. Our problem is that Eli may be coming home on or before the date of our first shower. 

3. Financing- 

We have made our payments as needed to the adoption agency and still have about $5500 plus lawyer fees to pay over the next few months. In addition we might have a significant hospital bill. Our more immediate problem is that in order for Meagan to stay home with Eli, she will have to take leave with no pay. If he comes home on the 15th this would translate into about a $2500 loss of salary. Which is money that will be hard to lose at this time.

We know that we will make it, and that it will all work out. But we do not know how it will all come together. We thank you for your continued prayers as we prepare to finish this phase of our adoption journey.