Waiting for Joaquin to come home

As an adopted Californian, not only did I want a natural birth, I wanted a total natural experience for my baby boy - he would be placed on my chest right after birth, skin to skin, breastfeed and then cuddle with me and dad, before taken for the routine hospital tests. Our little one would then come to our room and stay with us during our stay at the hospital. 

Unfortunately for Joaquin and me, that is not what happened. Since he was born with a Cleft Palette and Pierre Robin Sequence, he was take directly to the NICU right after birth. Although Jose was able to cut his umbilical cord and take pictures of him, I was only able to see him for about a minute, kiss him and off they went to the NICU. 

That is not how I imagine it all and I was pretty confused about the whole thing. It took a while to be able to digest what was happening and to understand Joaquin's health conditions. 

It has been almost six weeks since Joaquin was born and the little fighter has already been through a lot.  In order to help him breath, he had a tracheostomy. We are thankful to the Lord that since his trach, he is able to breath well and can safely lay on his back. He has also been learning to feed via a bottle. Unfortunately, he has not been able to learn to feed enough via the bottle, so he under went a procedure today to place a g-tube from his tummy to his stomach. With the g-tube, we will be able to feed him at home and still practice bottle feeding. 

This has been quite a journey for our family. Daily hospital visits, learning to care for Joaquin and his trach and now his g-tube. Meeting numerous doctors, nurses, case workers, social workers, occupational workers and cranial facial teams...an overwhelming situation but God has been good. He has provided us with a loving and supportive family. He has blessed us with very knowledgeable Drs and very caring nurses. Also, we are so thankful for the caring church family and friends that have blessed us with meals, play dates, encouraging emails and messages. Thank you all for your support and care.

Six weeks ago, I felt like was couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel but this week, I finally see the light...Praise the Lord for his mercy and grace! Thank you Lord for our little miracle Joaquin! 

Enjoy the pics of our little boy and his big sister Elizabeth: 

Elizabeth holding Joaquin for the first time - her face expression is priceless

Mami, Elizabeth and Joaquin 

Peek - a - boo...here is baby Joaquin

 

Papi and Joaquin taking a nap :-P haha

God bless you all! Hugs from the Honduricans!