Instead of being born on Flag Day (the date Dr. Mason set before she diagnosed pre-eclampsia), we went home on Flag Day: Thursday June 14, 2012 @ 11:30 am.

Before departing, we got you into your car seat, took a picture with your guardian angel bird Cheep Cheep (sent by SPL to keep us safe), Nurse Laura (who was awesome) and also out in front of the hospital (with SPL’s balloon :-).

Driving home, your dad and I were both overwhelmed with all the newness and it felt like we were seeing these familiar sites for the very first time: palm trees on Palm Drive, pavement of the road, street lights, stop signs, bicycles, cars, pedestrians, grass – even just being outside.  All of it was new and still is new, relatively.  Amazing.

We were welcomed at home by Nan and your adoring brother, who had decorated the door with a sign saying “Welcome home mom and ZBL!”.  SPL came to the van door and climbed in to see you, gave you a kiss and smiled really big.  He was (and still is) so excited to have a brother.