3 weeks old

Granmare and Pop-Pop - we had lunch in the park across the street...I was all bundled up and very happy. What a beautiful day!
Grandma and Grandpa Carrolla - I loved it when my Grandma held me. Grandpa is going to hold me next time...he was busy helping Dad get lunch together. It was a rainy day so we stayed inside - much cooler in side, anyway!

I had just eaten and was content. Auntie Ashley made this blanket for me...it's so soft!

Here I am at the pediatrician's office. I just had my wet diaper removed and was weighed. I'm gaining weight rapidly weighing in at 6 lbs. 3 oz. - measuring 20.5 inches. I was just laughing and smiling while we waited for the Dr.

***********************************************************

hello everyone! I've been keeping my Mom & Dad very busy...I really like to be awake and cry whenever it seems like dinnertime. (for them!) :-)

We are all settling in nicely to our new home. We are starting to come out of our shells and see the world. There is lots to see and do in our new neighborhood/city so we have been exploring quite a bit.

This past weekend my grandparents came to visit...it was so nice to see them and and it seemed that everyone had a nice time. My mom's parents came on saturday and my dad's on sunday. Even my aunt elizabeth was able to make it to see me. I got lots of attention - which is pretty common. I love being held!!!

I went to my first Waterfire event on Saturday and got to see it from the baby bjorn...actually, I slept while mom, dad and tucker enjoyed it.

A few more pics for everyone to see. My mom and dad especially like the one of me at the pediatrician's office on the bed...i was smiling!

mommy and daddy are enjoying their last few days with me before daddy starts school. we will miss him a bunch, but it's only for 1 month and then he has a bit of a break before the semester starts.

we're home...

a few pictures from Friday - we're home now!!! Check out the update on the left hand side. It seems that all of the time in the day melts together...in fact, it's time to feed Zac, again...the ongoing cycle! We're already have having so much fun with him and he doesn't even know it!

Mom, Dad and Zac at Yale - getting ready to head home
Pretty cozy in this seat...in fact, I think I'm going to like my new adventures.
A close up of a content baby...

i've been released...and some new pics

Just a few member's of the team who took such great care of me during my stay. I wish we could have captured a pic of everyone...so many people pitched in on my behalf.
Stephen has the cart loaded up with all of my "stuff" - please give me some credit - I was there for 24 days!
This sign was made by a friend of Zac's who was parked next to him since he was born - Eitan and Zac both got moved to a step down unit on another floor and they were happy to stick together - Eitan went home today!
I love my thumb, but wish that this outfit wasn't 10x too big...
Sleeping so peacefully in dad's hands...too precious!

Well, the time finally came when I was given the o.k. to check out of the Maternal Special Care Unit. It was very difficult leaving without Zac, but nice for me to get a taste of the real world prior to bringing another human being into it...

We (both Stephen and I) realized within 24 hours that we weren't meant to bring him home, yet...we managed to lose a pair of sunglasses, a set of car keys and the keys to Ashley's apartment...yikes! All of the mentioned items did re-surface, thank goodness!

We are residing temporarily at Casa de Ashley - thank you, Ash. She offered for us to stay at her place in Guilford so that we can be closer to Yale and also so that we can have a place to call home. Our home in Essex is barren and Ashley's is stocked - we are so grateful to be able to get to Yale within 20 minutes.

Zac is doing great! He had some issues with eating/digesting and a bigger issue with sleep apnea on Friday morning so as a result he has earned himself another 7 day stay. We've since had words with him and told him that he has a cool new home and a very excited big brother awaiting his discharge (Tucker!). Since the conversation he has been eating like a champ, which is a lot to be said for a little guy like him. We can't wait to bring him home...

Although this might seem repetitive...it's so important - Thank you to all of you who have reached out and offered your support and love - we are so grateful - please keep the prayers coming as we're aiming to take Zac home by the weekend.

52 hours old...

Zac is 52 hours old and has had the NCPAP removed (device that pushes air in to the lungs). He is making great progress. He eats through the feeding tubes, but doesn't digest anything so for now he'll need to stay on this routine. Until he can digest we can't try to move to the next phase...all is good, though. We are pleased with his progress and the nurse's and docs down in the nicu are absolutely amazing. I give them so much credit for the patience they have and the love and devotion they give to each child.

Here are a few new pics - Zac absolutely loves his Dad and makes me (Mom) melt when I see them together.

zac...

Zac - 12 hours old...prior to the bells & whistles getting attached



A very proud Dad - admiring his son



Mom - minutes after delivery...


We are so proud to welcome Zachary Andrew into our lives. On Monday morning, July 9th - ZAC arrived at 8:20 - he arrived crying and active. Dad was able to hold him right away while Mom was sitting still for the post-op work. What an amazing experience. One that we could never forget...
We are blessed with this precious little boy who has already proven to fill our hearts with love.

Above are a few pics. Unfortunately, he is receiving his food through the small tube in his mouth, but the goal is to have him eating on his own by the close of this week. He also has a bit of help with some Oxygen (none of those pictures are included) - nothing too concerning, just a common focus for an early arrival. He's in wonderful hands in the NICU and making great progress.

the move...

Ashley and Dempsey unpacking and organizing the kitchen - thank you, ladies!



Peter getting the A/V components all in order...thanks, Peter!







Tucker's just wondering if we're really moving and making his place amidst the boxes so he's not forgotten.


The movers arrived at Ox Bow on Friday morning and by noon all of our belongings were moved into the new place. A few challenges surfaced, but nothing that couldn't be resolved - the large couch took quite a bit of manipulating and the armoire wouldn't fit, but Stephen and Michael (his Dad) got everything figured out. Rumor has it we're 90% settled...I was obviously uninvolved in the entire process due to my confinement here at YNHH! On Saturday morning, Ashley, Peter & Dempsey made the trek to the new pad and helped Stephen and his Dad to get us settled. So much was accomplished and we are truly grateful for their help. Friends are amazing and I know we can't repay them for their time...Thank you to all 3 of you!!!
Here are a few pics from the big day and we hope that we have visitors as they travel through the area.

tucker's sleepover...

Happy 4th of July! I have had the greatest views for 2 nights worth of fireworks. I highly recommend Rm. 1052 if you are ever here for the 4th of July (I hope none of you ever are!)Nothing new to report on my front - still pregnant and feeling great. The doctor's are taking everything day by day and we're comfortable with that...for now! :)
Stephen stayed the night with me last night, so Meg & Bret took Tucker for the night. Tucker obviously made himself right at home and invited himself right up on their bed. As you can see, he enjoys Belle's company...he's really flirting with a younger gal.
Thanks Bret, Meg, Caroline & Grace for taking Tucker. We really appreciate it.

My boys!

Stephen & Tucker arriving!



Gretchen & Tucker - Tucker not too happy about having to pose for the pic



Lounging in the grass...



Tucker towing the wheelchair









Stephen and Tucker arrived at Yale this morning with breakfast and Willoughby's coffee (Yum!). We were able to make our way out into the great outdoors for a few hours. Across the street from the hospital we found a nice plot of summer grass (Yale School of Medicine) where we landed ourselves to soak up some sunshine, enjoy our breakfast and share quite a few laughs. As you can see from the picture above, Tucker was towing my wheelchair around the grounds while I was enjoying some time lying in the grass. If I knew how to attach the video to this, I would - it was really funny - especially seems how he didn't even notice it was attached.
The fresh air, laughter and time they spent with me was exactly what I needed...Thanks Stephen (and Tucker!) for making my day! Soon I'll have 3 boys in my life, making me laugh...

room with a view...

So although it is summer and I am here at Yale - you can see for yourself that my views are pretty spectacular. This picture was actually taken from my bed. That's Long Island Sound in the background and further on you can see Long Island. I'm guaranteed to have the best seats in town for the fireworks this week. I'll be able to see W. Haven on Tuesday night (7/3), New Haven on Wednesday (7/4) and perhaps even catch some of Long Island's if it's a clear night...not bad, right?