Patrick's First Day at Home

We were being released from the hospital on Monday and heard that there would be really bad storms in the afternoon. We were hoping that we could check out early, but Patrick had to have his little boy's surgery around lunch so we weren't able to leave until late afternoon. We were a little worried about the storms, but thought that we lived so close to the hospital that it wouldn't be a problem. As soon as we are about to be released an announcement comes over the loud speaker that the hospital is under a code grey lockdown. Patrick had all of his security and identification tags cut off of him in preparation to go home. This is important because they do not allow you to see a child that you do not have the same number and name on your wristband as the baby. The baby nurse for the day, who we were not fond of anyway, is terrified of tornadoes and freaks out. She starts running with Patrick's cart and rams his cart into the side of the wall and then keeps running to the nursery on the other wing of the hospital. Michael and I realize that he doesn't have any identification on him and Michael starts running after them. We end up sitting in the nursery with every other new parent with no air conditioning for about 30 minutes. It was not pleasant!

Picture with Dad before being strapped into the carrier to go home

Ready to go home

Turk and Bailey checking out Patrick

We were finally able to check out and take Patrick home and we were so excited! However, when we drive up our driveway we notice that our mailbox is completely torn down from the storm, there are branches and debris everywhere and we have no power. Neither Michael parent's nor my parent's have power either. Being new parents, Michael and I are pretty concerned about caring for a newborn in the dark! We decide we are going to try and wait a few hours in the dark and if the power isn't back on we will go to a hotel. Our prayers were answered and within a few hours the power was back on! We were so lucky because we had heard that West Meade, Hillwood, Bellevue and Belle Meade were all without power. Since my parents and Michael's parents still did not have power they all came over for pizza and to dote on Patrick. It will be a great memory of both of our families being here the night we brought Patrick home! Michael's mom and sister ended up staying with us that night (which was a big help!) because they didn't get power back for 48 hours. My parents power was out through the night as well. I guess someone up there was watching out for us!