115

115 days old. 115 days of heart ache and joy. 115 days that we would not change. Today we are taking our Miracle home. I honestly was not sure this day was going to come. Truth be told Levins was born with a major birth defect. Not being able to swallow and constant aspiration can be fatal. I will never be able to thank the team at Levine Children's Hospital enough. I have said this before but a part of us will always be in the West Nursery.

We have made friends that will last a lifetime. They have seen us at our most vulnerable time. They watched over Levins for 115 days. I'm not going to lie we will miss the West Nursery. It has become our life. We have been in and out of here everyday. Cullie has been here everyday. The team here are not friends, we honestly consider them family. Thank you from the bottom of my hearts for giving Levins the opportunity to come HOME.

If you are ever in a similar situation, be there. What I mean is be there for rounds, be there to change diapers, be there to snuggle your child, and be there to thank the team. Be there to pray. You are going to hit rock bottom one day at the bedside and ask God how in the world are you going to get through this. I did it. I can tell you that if it is His will you will be in a similar spot soon. Your cart will be packed, car seat will be ready, travel oxygen and feeding pump will be there. Stay the course and never quit. If you quit how will your child make it HOME? I am not telling you it will be easy because it has been the hardest 115 days of my life. It is all worth it sitting on this extremely uncomfortable chair at room 7660. Your day will come. Stay the course.

There have been a lot of things I have been looking forward to. One being seeing Rett with Levins. I know it will be a transition having her sister home, but Rett will be so excited. I can't wait till they have bunk beds and this is all just a good memory.

Now for the mushy stuff. There is an old saying about behind every strong man is a strong woman. I don't agree with that. I would not be here today if that was the case. At our house we play as a team. Cullie is the quarter back. She drives us up and down the field. She keeps our ship going. She is our rock and is always where she needs to be. God honestly really knew what he was doing. He put a strong gorgeous woman in the life of a flat billed baseball player who needed her. I wouldn't have made it through this with anyone else. It has not been easy on our marriage by any means but it has made us stronger. Our love is deeper than before. We have seen each other at our lowest points and pulled each other through. I hope one day I will be able to thank her for being her.

Family is our life. But our Family has made our life their life the past 115 days. They have been there for us every step of the way. From getting Rett to and from, sitting for hours at the hospital, taking a shot of bourbon with me when I needed it, retail therapy, hugs and I love you's. We would not be taking her home if it wasn't for y'alls support.

I will be a wreck today. I cried a little on her final rounds. Not because I was upset but because I was thankful. Today was just as important of a rounding day as Day 1. That meant the world to me. The team was still discussing different options for the day even though we are leaving in an hour. They do this hospital thing right. Thank you.

Pray for us during this transition. Pray for Levins and her adjustment. Pray for Rett and her adjustment. Pray for our patience. Pray for Cullie. Pray that she will continue her strength. Pray for me. Pray that I will be the rock we need. Pray for the other children, families, and hospital team at Levine.

The car ride HOME will be amazing. I can't wait to see the wind on her face. I can only imagine what the sun will look like for the first time. Thank you God for giving us the opportunity to take Levins HOME!