Her 'would-be' birthday!

Today was the day I was scheduled to have my C-section with Mary Cate. So in honor of her 'would-be' birthday (she was actually one month old yesterday!) we brought her home from the NICU!!! HOORAY!
It was a crazy busy morning. Dustin dropped Zack off at school, and then they called and said she was all ready to be discharged, so of coarse I had to get there right away. I made arrangements for Zack to be picked up by someone else from school and dropped Courtney off at my friend's house, then went down to the hospital. I'm not quite sure why, but I was sort of emotional getting her ready to bring home. It is the only place she's ever known and I've only really associated her with being there and being sick. I've been fine ever since I got home though. Today she is a beautiful 5 lbs. 14 oz.
Nothing like hitting the ground running though. Dustin had to stay at work because of an emergency add-on, so I just left with MC. I had to run and pick up Zack and then reschedule Courtney's speech therapy until I could pick her up and get her home. Quickly fed MC, changed her diaper and Courtney's too just in time for her speech therapist to arrive! What a busy morning, but she's home and home to stay! I am so excited and just overwhelmed with gratitude that she is healthy and strong and now home.
She is by all means a miracle baby. I had about 4 different doctors tell me she's lucky to be alive and by all medical explanations shouldn't be. Most women who develop Mirrors Syndrome (what I got) end up delivering still borns because their babies die before they even realize they are sick. Mary Cate is our little angel who was given to us and we feel so blessed to have her.
Here is the photo finish of her stay in the NICU.
Mary's "spot", bed 2032, we won't be missing this place at all

Her last picture in her crib this morning, sleeping soundly

Getting all squared away in her car seat

Saying goodbye to her favorite nurse, Katie. She took such good care of Mary during her time there.

Loaded her into the car... and off we went!

First time Courtney has gotten to see her little sister. I tried to let her hold Mary, but she didn't really want to, so she just sat by Zack while he held her.

Here she is without any wires, lines, or monitors, nothing! I attempted to put a bow on Mary, yeah...the bow is about as big as her head and it kept falling off because her head is too small! Maybe I'll try again in a month or so!