NICU Reunion

Today we took Marissa to her NICU reunion.  We were able to see a couple of Marissa's doctors and nurses.  There was tent with pictures of the current NICU nurses on a billboard and I was disappointed that I did not see a lot of the nurses who cared for her on there.  They either didn't have their picture taken or they no longer work there.  :(  

But other than not being able to catch up with many of Marissa's great nurses, we had a good time.  We met up with our good friends Milo and Kevin (and their awesome parents, of course! :)

Here are some pictures of the day:

Marissa:  Hey Milo, something's different about you but I can't figure it out."

Milo:  "Here's my nose!!!"

Marissa:  "Yeah great, you have a nose, but something is different about you man.  I mean, just look at your neck..."

Milo:  "There's Marissa's nose!!!"

Marissa:  "OK dude, enough with the noses!!  Ah-ha!  I figured it out!  You got your trach out!! WOW, you look great!!"

Milo and Marissa:  "Something is also different with Kevin.  WOW, he is not on the ventilator anymore!!!  Wow Kevin, you look great!!!"

Kevin:  "Nothing gets past you two, huh?"

The adorable shirt Marissa is wearing was made by Milo's mom, Janay.  On the back it says "I am a neck breather"

This is Dr. Bob.  He is the one who was instrumental in getting Marissa home without having to wait months and months for private duty nursing.  Thanks Dr. Bob!!

This is Nurse Sue.  She was Marissa's nurse quite a few times before Marissa was sent to Denver.  After we got back, Marissa never had her again.  Sad because we love Nurse Sue!!

This is Dr. Mary.  We loved her because she always brought such a calming presence to the NICU.  She re-intubated Marissa after she self-extubated one time.  She asked me if I wanted to step out (watching your baby be intubated is not a pretty sight) but I decided to stay.  She then encouraged me to help out by stroking Marissa's head and let her know she was going to be OK. She helped me feel calm during a very tense situation.  Thanks Dr. Mary!! 

I didn't get a picture of her, but we also saw Nurse Victoria.  Funny thing is, in the entire 2 1/2 months Marissa spent in the NICU, Nurse Victoria was only her nurse once, the second to last day she was there.  But, she was primary for a little baby who shared a pod with Marissa so we were always around her.  Even though she was only Marissa's nurse the one time, she always came over and checked on her.  She really cared about our little girl.  Thanks Nurse Victoria!!

Riss Riss just being her cute little self.

Headed home!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!