Pathway to Parenthood

Home for Christmas?

It's been four weeks since Aurora's operation to place her NG tube and Matt and Rosie are trying to make a plan for Christmas which is just a week away.

"How's this meant to work?" Matt sighed as he crossed out the date on his calendar.

"I mean, your parents will obviously want to see her, and so will mine!" Matt says as he frowns frustratedly.

"If and when Rory is home, you know you're welcome any time at mine. And you're coming to mine for Christmas. It's the least I can do." Rosie said firmly.

"Are you sure?" Matt asked.

"Matt, you've given me the most incredible gift, our daughter. The least I can do is cook you a Christmas dinner." Rosie chuckled.

"As long as you're sure. You're still recovering." Matt says softly.

"Matt, I'm not made of glass, I won't break! The doctors have signed me off and given me a clean bill of health. So please come for Christmas dinner?" Rosie pleads.

"Now come on. Let's go check on our little princess." Rosie smiled as she stood up and left.

Upon their arrival, the two were directed to Mr Bellingham's office.

"Is everything okay?" Rosie says frantically.

"Absolutely. Aurora is fine." Mr Bellingham smiles, as the two parents let out a breath they weren't aware they were holding.

"As you know Aurora was born with undiagnosed Ventricle Septal Defect, and we performed the repair just over three weeks ago and she's made a full recovery. She's also gained back the weight she was loosing. And she's not only gaining weight but maintaining it too." Mr Bellingham smiled.

"The only thing she really needs to work on is her breathing. With support from our Cardiac team and annual check ups, I'm happy enough for her to go home."

"So she can come home?!" I exclaim.

"Yes. And better than that, it'll be permanent. I'll still need to see her at least twice a month for six months but this is a huge step in the right direction for her." Mr Bellingham said proudly.

"Can we take her now?" Matt asks quietly, slightly stunned at the news.

"Of course. Have you been shown how to manage her oxygen, should she need it?" He checks as both myself and Matt nod.

Since Aurora was so premature, they want her on oxygen at night only as that's when her levels tend to dip below normal. Thankfully they believe it's something she'll grow out of eventually.

As we leave the consult room myself and Matt squeal with excitement and hug each other.

We quickly walk down to the NICU and spot that Rory is already, ready to go. The nurses have dressed her in a cute cap and gown and have a sign on the side of her cot saying 'I graduated the NICU today!'

Seeing g that brings tears to my eyes. I never thought this day would actually come.

Lifting Rory into my arms, she mews slightly, unhappy about being moved around. I quietly shhh her and her eyes soon fall back asleep.

I absentmindedly grab a blanket from the side of the chair to tuck around her inside her car seat.

Lifting it up to my line of sight, I gasp.

"You okay?" Matt asks and all I can do is show him the blanket.

"I'm loved by many' adorns the blanket. Not only that but it has the faces of myself and Matt on.

I saw a note on the floor and I gather it must've been attached to the blanket but came off.

Reading it I start to sob.

'You guys did it! So proud. Can't wait to squish my unofficial niece properly. Love you both, and give lil Rory bear a cuddle from her Auntie J."- Janeece.

"Oh that's so sweet!" Matt said as I wiped my eyes.

"Come on then Rory. Let's get you home." I say as myself and Matt both take hold of the car seat and walk out of the hospital.

And that's when I know we'll be okay.

We've made it.