Adelyn Nicole Bal

Adelyn Nicole Bal arrived at 8:04am on 8-25-11. She was 8 lbs even and 20 3/4 inches long. I had a c-section that morning bc the doctor's didn't want her going through the stress of labor. The delivery room was crowded with too many people, doctors, nurses, the NICU staff, etc. I remember the second she was born Adam's first word's were "oh baby, she's perfect." And she is. The anesthesiologist also said the same things, she's beautiful and just perfect. She was born with a head full of black hair and looks very much like her older brother. Her delivery was uncomplicated and I got to see her for a short amount of time before they took her to the NICU for observation. She spent most of her first day in the NICU but by that night, they were letting her stay in the room with us. I was lucky that I got to spend all day Friday with my girl and then Saturday morning, they transported her to Medical City Children's Hospital so she could get ready for her MRI and surgery. Luckily, my sister came and stayed with me, so that Adam could go with Addy. It was really hard on me to be at a different hospital than her even though I knew she was where she needed to be. The heaviest burden was put on Adam's shoulders. I think for this 24 hours he was worn out. We didn't want her on formula, so Adam had to make multiple trips a day to pick up breast milk from me and transport it to the NICU where Addy was at. I was released Sunday morning and we headed straight to see Addy in the NICU. It's hard to see your baby hooked up to machines and monitors when you just want to be home with her and adjusting to a normal routine. Monday, at 5 days old, was her surgery. The waiting after they took our sweet baby girl was brutal. We grabbed some lunch and sat in the waiting room with friends and family, to try and keep our minds busy. Nothing really worked, we just wanted an update that our baby girl was going to be ok. When the neurosurgeon finally came out he said the surgery was successful and that Adelyn had done great. He actually said "she is a rock." They expected her to have to be on a ventilator after surgery and she wasn't. She just soared through the surgery with flying colors. She amazes me. She was only in the NICU for another 3 days and then we were discharged home. Born on a Thursday, surgery on Monday, and sent home on a Thursday. It's amazing what they can do these days and we are beyond thankful for our perfect little girl.

This was right after her birth, the first time they let me hold her in the NICU. They wheeled my hospital bed into the NICU and I got to hold her out in the hall. They said she was the biggest baby in there :)) 

 All we are missing is Garrison! My sweet family

 This picture was after they let her come stay in the room with us. She was definitely more at peace when she was around me.

 This picture was taken right before they took her to Children's. She didn't even seem bothered by the IV they started in her hand.

 My favorite picture of all time!

 Getting settled in at Children's

 This was when I first got to hold her at children's after being away from her for over 24 hours. torture!

 Morning of her surgery, resting peacefully.

 Picture right after her surgery. We weren't allowed to hold her yet

 This picture melts my heart. Adam reading to Addy. Precious

 First time I got to hold her after surgery.

 Us right before they were going to come and get her ready for surgery. I didn't want to let her go

 This morning was great bc I showed up and all her wires/IV's were out!!

 Going home!!