We finally have our baby home and we are so incredibly
grateful. What an amazing, terrifying, wonderful journey it was to get here. As
thrilled as I was to leave the NICU, I was a total wreck yesterday, bursting
into sobs every time I saw any one of the dozens and dozens of people who have
been involved in keeping Charlie alive all these months. I don’t think I’ve had
that many tears since this whole ordeal began. As Charlie got placed in the
cute departure pram they use to escort the babies out of the building, our
nurse Christine paraded him through all six of the NICU bays. In each one,
nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors came rushing over to see him and
say good-bye. There were many hugs, tears, and promises to come back and visit.
Some of those nurses are so special to me I still well up every time I think of
them (tears flowing right now). We got to see many of the talented doctors who
saved Charlie’s life again and again. In addition to the nurses, I came to feel like the neonatologists,
surgeons, residents, and hospitalists were members of our family. It was hard
saying good-bye to our brilliant occupational therapist Jean and our social
worker Alva who was there with us every step of the way and who I practically
used as my own therapist throughout this process.
It’s now the next morning and I am still too filled with emotion to adequately write about these fantastic people and what they meant to us over the past four and a half months. As Charlie saw them all leaning over him on his parade out the door, he waved and seemed to be sending his own thanks. While there was plenty of paperwork, medications, and follow-up appointments to go over, I was a little surprised at how easy it was to get out of there. “They’re letting us just walk out with him?” I kept thinking to myself. Charlie enjoyed the ride home, his first exposure to sunlight and fresh air, and he seemed immediately at home in our house, even with our excited dogs trying to lick his face at every turn (can I Purell our dogs’ tongues?). Last night Leah cut off Charlie's hospital bracelet and he was a free man for the first time in 137 days! I just gave him his 6 am feeding and he’s now resting happily between me and Kendall who is sleeping after waking up for the 3 am. Charlie’s screechingly loud apnea monitor went off several times during the night (all false alarms) reminding us of the constant barrage of beeps and alarms in the NICU and how great it is to be in such a calmer, more serene environment. Right now Charlie is hearing the morning birds chirping for the first time ever and stretching out on our bed next to his mom, one hand resting on my computer and his little feet hiked up on my leg. It’s a whole new world over here with many new routines we need to figure out along with countless new joys and challenges. Again, I thank all of you for the life-saving support and concern you’ve shown to our family over these months. I am bursting at the seams with gratitude on all fronts.
Yay!!!!! We are all so thrilled for you all!
Posted by: Pam P. | September 12, 2009 at 08:23 AM
At last!! Look at Kendall's face, I don't think I've ever seen such joy in anyone's expression before. And that photo where you & Charlie are looking at each other -- Wonderful!
Congratulations to all three of you!
Posted by: Edelweiss Transplanted | September 12, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Bawling my eyes out.....
Posted by: your sister | September 12, 2009 at 08:28 AM
We couldn't be more happy for you! You made it Charlie (and parents!!)! Way to go!!!
Posted by: Lisa D | September 12, 2009 at 08:30 AM
So happy for all of you!!!
Posted by: Brett Hickman | September 12, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Wow wow wow!!! Congratulations to all of you. My heart sings! What a beautiful post, what a beautiful day.
Posted by: Adriana Bliss | September 12, 2009 at 08:38 AM
Woke up this AM thinking of you and Charlie and wondering if you would have had the energy to actually post something after your big transition. Now I am crying, too, feeling grateful to all those people I don't even know. Also recalling the days after I brought my oldest home and my husband & I realized we were a family now, not just a couple - it was about way more than "us". Even with a "normal" childbirth and just a day in the hospital, I was also shocked they just let us out of there... Anyway, now you've got lots more adventures ahead of you & I wish you and your family all the best!!
Posted by: K Wild | September 12, 2009 at 08:39 AM
S'Wondeful S' Marvelous! Congratulations and may he stay healthy and continue to grow and thrive every day! Amen!
Posted by: susie specter | September 12, 2009 at 08:41 AM
OK, you guys and Charlie are my heroes... but so are those nurses, doctors, social workers, etc. Lamed vavniks all.
Welcome home.
Posted by: david | September 12, 2009 at 08:47 AM
What a triumph!!! Kendall looks absolutely blissed out. And the NICU people look so triumphant -- how they must love winning one like this!
can I Purell our dogs’ tongues?
It's probably good practice for his immune system!
God bless!!!! Welcome home, Charlie.
Posted by: amba | September 12, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Such wonderful news! The part about his hearing the morning birds chirping for the first time really got me. The joy and emotion you're feeling right now must be overwhelming, but my heartfelt hope is that this will all become commonplace before you know it.
Posted by: B | September 12, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Congratulations! That is wonderful news. Good luck settling into your new life at home -- I'm sure it'll be a huge relief as much as a challenge.
Posted by: Michele | September 12, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Bursting with joy for all of you!!!! Welcome home Charlie!! :-D
Posted by: Jeryl Chico | September 12, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Danny,
How great! I love all the pictures. Have a good time seeing your home through Charlie's eyes. Love to everyone.
Love,
Julie
Posted by: Julie R. | September 12, 2009 at 09:09 AM
I am so happy for you all!! Charlie is home!
xoxo,
Bulia
Posted by: Julia Adams | September 12, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Fresh air! No more cafeteria. No more scrubbing-in. Smiling, beaming, so thrilled for all of you.
Posted by: sweetsalty kate | September 12, 2009 at 09:39 AM
What wonderful news. Charlie is looking so good and I bet he is happy to be home, away from all those alarms blaring. I love him listening to the birds chirping!
I remember that strange feeling, how easy it was to leave in the end. I remember my husband and I speeding up ever so slightly once we got out of the door. Just waiting for them to call us back!
This has made my day. I'm so pleased for all of you. xo
Posted by: Catherine W | September 12, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Did you drive home like a Grandpa? Sooo happy for you all. Love, Julie
Posted by: Julie Levin Freireich | September 12, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Never commented but congratulations!! This is so fantastic and well-deserved!
Posted by: Tove | September 12, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Yippeee! Congrats! We can't wait to meet him; of course that's going to mean Purell-ing my son from head to toe! ;)
Posted by: franknotes.wordpress.com | September 12, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Exhaling.
Posted by: Erica M | September 12, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Thanks for sharing all these pictures with us Danny. Love the one of Kendall watching over Charlie in his car seat. All those little simple pleasures that you will all get to enjoy.
Posted by: Maria Sosa | September 12, 2009 at 10:22 AM
You don't know me, but I found your blog through a friend (Lori) and have been reading, hoping, and praying for y'all all the way from North Central Louisiana. I am so happy to see Charlie has left the building! Good job, little man!
Posted by: Nikki S. | September 12, 2009 at 10:33 AM
New beginnings. Welcome home, dear little Charlie. You are part of a very big world, it's a huge honor, thank you for lighting it up and firing up our emotions. Power to you, and take good care of your parents and family, they'll need you a lot!
Posted by: Otir | September 12, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Welome home, Charlie and may this be the first of many happy, sweet and healthy New Years for all of you.
Love,
Marilyn
Posted by: Marilyn Molnar | September 12, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Spectacular! Marvelous news!
Posted by: jason | September 12, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Congratulations to you all!!! What an incredible journey you have been on, and it's just the beginning. =)
Posted by: Anna Marie | September 12, 2009 at 11:11 AM
You almost owed me new keyboard, but so far, wiping the tears off the keys has actually worked better than any approved cleaning methods I've tried.
The peace and the joy in Leah's, and Kendall's eyes is priceless. I don't know how to describe the emotion in your eyes in the first pic, but I have a pic of you making the same face at Leah when she was a baby!
Now quit making me cry!
Posted by: Your Big Brother | September 12, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Crying, heart bursting. Oh Danny--so much love in these pictures. You've gotten home together.
Posted by: Margie | September 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Chills and tears!!!!
What a blessing to see the words "NICU discharge".
I am beyond thrilled for you.
Posted by: Lori Kirkland Baker | September 12, 2009 at 11:15 AM
This was lovely to read. My thoughts are with your beautiful family.
Posted by: Maria | September 12, 2009 at 11:17 AM
I have been reading your blog for months and even though I don't know you I am so happy for you and your family. The pictures of you, Kendall and Leah with Charlie brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful little boy. Home just in time to spend Rosh Hashanah with his family. Great timing little guy.
Posted by: Debbie Botwin | September 12, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Oh Danny, this made me cry. Very, very happy for you and yours.
Posted by: V-Grrrl at Compost Studios | September 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Welcome home, Charlie! We are so happy for all of you!
Andrew, Rosalinda, Elisa & James, Sophia & Stephen, Joseph, Gina (and Mia)
Posted by: Andrew Forsythe | September 12, 2009 at 11:56 AM
This is such great news, Danny! And such a miracle story. May Charlie enjoy many many years of a great life with his mom and dad, half-sister and other relatives. He is so cute! And congratulations to all who cared for him for a job very well done!
Posted by: Elisabeth | September 12, 2009 at 12:06 PM
It's been a helluva road and I'm really happy that this new section has led you all home together.
I think that it is particularly touching--I too am crying--that you took the time to document for Charlie, all your readers, and, perhaps, your future medical team readers the faces of your medical team and that you continue to acknowledge all that they have done for Charlie, you, Kendall, Leah, and your extended family.
I don't think that they get this kind of coverage often. Not because people don't appreciate and depend on them but rather because people are so ground down by the traumatic nature of what they are being required to live through that they don't have the presence of mind and the wherewithal to thank them as much as they would like. Congratulations on having been able to do that as these 137 days have unfolded.
Now, to turn an old curse on its head, "May you live in boring times."! I think you've lived through enough interesting ones to last a lifetime.
Bonne continuation, Danny.
Posted by: La Framéricaine | September 12, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Congratulations! So wonderful to see you all so happy! We made it out of the UCLA NICU after 3 months on Thu. Our daughter Annalisa is almost 6 pounds, 38 weeks. Looking forward to your future blogs - and sharing the journey outside of NICU. I will keep my prayers at night for all the NICU babies and parents we have met - in person or via the net.
Lots of love,
Helena Seli
Posted by: Helena Seli | September 12, 2009 at 12:19 PM
I never saw such a joyful blog post title!!!
Posted by: maggie may | September 12, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Yay!! I'm so happy for you all.
Posted by: Nichole | September 12, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Many blessings to all of you!!
Posted by: Linda Zumoff | September 12, 2009 at 01:12 PM
Your joy brings us joy. Go Charlie!
Posted by: Jan | September 12, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Danny, I've followed your blog throughout the past hundred and thirty-something days and have felt so invested in Charlie's life just from reading along. I had to finally post and say congratulations on making it through and for getting to take your baby boy home where he belongs! This is the best news I've heard in a long, long time. I wish you and your family nothing but the best and can't wait to see little Charlie grow up!
Posted by: Morgan | September 12, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Waiting for this day...
How do you make hearts on the computer? Anyway, here's kisses,
xoxo xoxo xoxo
Fake Grandma
Posted by: Elaine Soloway | September 12, 2009 at 01:56 PM
Congrats.
Posted by: Kirk Jusko | September 12, 2009 at 02:00 PM
Welcome home sweet precious boy!
G-d Bless!
I'm still praying for your whole family!
Posted by: Heather P. | September 12, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Congratulations. My eyes are full of happy tears as I read this. I wish you and your family many years of happiness and joy. You all deserve it!
Posted by: Laura | September 12, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Great day! Great pictures! When is your "Charlie's Story" book being published?
Posted by: Marilyn Reynolds | September 12, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Such a great thing to be home for shabbat!
I am happy for all your family. Enjoy all the moments
Posted by: Sam Wengroff | September 12, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Hip Hip Hooray! I do not encourage Purell-ing your dog's mouth. But I highly recommend REQUIRING Purell for every single person who enters your home.
A thousand congratulations, and enjoy every second.
Posted by: Dr. Judy | September 12, 2009 at 03:33 PM
yay yay yay. could not be happier for you all..
Posted by: Diana Geherty | September 12, 2009 at 04:12 PM
I'd write something more profound, but my eyes are all wet.
Posted by: Jane | September 12, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Dear Danny,
Thanks for your generosity in sharing your homecoming joy with all of us. Are you going to blog again after Charlie's 6 pm feeding? Just kidding. I'm thrilled for you and Kendall and Leah.
Love,
Cynthia
Posted by: Cynthia Reich | September 12, 2009 at 05:00 PM
Yay! I am just speechless, bursting with joy! Mazel Tov! What a wonderful way to start the new year.
Posted by: Barbara | September 12, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Danny~
What a wonderful extended family you ALL have! I am sooooo happy for you, Kendall, Leah and Charlie and your entire family in Chicago also.
Love, Health and Happiness~
sandy
Posted by: sandy martin | September 12, 2009 at 07:17 PM
How Thrilling and Touching this is Danny & Kendall & Charlie & Leah....YOU ARE HOME...HOME HOME--There is no place like HOME....!
What a wonderful thing, Danny, to let us see so many of the Nurses and a Doctor or two and other care givers who have so lovingly taken care of Charlie in these most difficult and important first days and months of his life....ALL of them have such sweet faces....
And Dear Dear Charlie...right there in your bed and next to your blog....I know Kendal and you have to be Kvelling, to say the least....
I am so truly Happy for you all....!
Mazel Tov.....
Posted by: OldOldLady Of The Hills | September 12, 2009 at 07:20 PM
This is such fantastic news and I agree, Kendall is glowing beyond belief. I am so happy for all of you and am looking forward to blog posts about Charlie's first b-day, first cupcake, first home run, prom, wedding... hehe.
There is so much crazy nasty stuff going on right now but when I see the smiling faces of all these people... thank you, Danny, for reminding us what it's all really about.
Posted by: Shannon | September 12, 2009 at 07:25 PM
so happy for all of you. thank you for sharing this amazing journey. charlie is adorable!
lo-he-ha,
jennifer
Posted by: jennifer | September 12, 2009 at 07:53 PM
Hurray, Hurray, Hurray! What a triumph! So exciting, such good news. Very very happy for you guys. Yay!
Posted by: Kitty | September 12, 2009 at 08:38 PM
I have a similar picture of you with my son Adam when he was baby. Time goes by so fast. The love that shines through in those pictures from you and Kendall for your son is so heartwarming. He is so blessed to have you as parents. Hallelujah.
Posted by: Laurie | September 12, 2009 at 09:12 PM
YAY! What more can I say...best news ever! I am overjoyed for you all! xo...Julie
Posted by: Julie Schreiber | September 12, 2009 at 09:27 PM
When I saw the first picture, with you and Charlie, it brought tears to my eyes- there is so much in that picture. And the rest of the images are just wonderful. I can't tell you how happy I am for you and your family. Thank you for sharing this part of your life, the ups and downs, all the good and sad parts- your writing is so moving.
Posted by: mary | September 12, 2009 at 09:43 PM
I was thinking about all the people responsible for helping our Charlie on his long journey from birth all the way to going home.
A lot of genuine heroes and heroines go to work every day. And, if you asked them, I'm sure they'd say that they were "just doing my job." But, it's so much more than that. They truly perform miracles, they give hope when all seems hopeless, they train and educate, provide love and comfort, and give and give and give.
Welcome home, little Charlie Miller !
Posted by: Gordon | September 12, 2009 at 10:40 PM
I thought of you all yesterday and couldn't wait to read that Charlie's homecoming is official! Yay! So excited for you all!
Posted by: Beth | September 13, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Congratulations!!! I keep you all in my prayers and thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself and your family with all of us.
There is so much more I want to write, but will leave it at that. Again, congratulations, I am so happy for all of you!
Posted by: Dave | September 13, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Charlie is home!!!! The best news ever!! I didn't comment before as I don't know you personally but after all these months reading your blog, Danny, your family has become also a part of my everyday life and a part of so many people's lives... We've been sharing your worries, hopes and finally great success in bringing your litle boy home! I'm really happy for all of you and I'll keep reading with tears of joy in my eyes his next steps in this crazy world we're living in! Lots of LOVE to you all!!!
Posted by: Cristina | September 13, 2009 at 04:05 AM
Wonderful photos. Congrats & continued good luck.
Posted by: Pam G | September 13, 2009 at 05:31 AM
Tears of joy are falling for you here in Maine! Congratulations!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sally | September 13, 2009 at 05:58 AM
Welcome home, little man.
Posted by: Cindy in Canada | September 13, 2009 at 06:26 AM
This is AWESOME! I can only try to imagine how you feel about the NICU professionals. I love them now too!
Welcome home, sweet boy! Congratulations!
Posted by: Chris | September 13, 2009 at 06:47 AM
Now I am weeping with happiness too! Just the beginning of a whole new adventure in which Charlie is sure to bring as much joy as is reflected on the faces of his adoring mother, father, and sister.
Mazel tov from a lapsed Presbyterian who has been praying for you all along.
much love,
Susan
Posted by: Susan Buckley | September 13, 2009 at 07:08 AM
Congatulations!!!! Wonderful news, thank you for sharing this wonderful pictures. Just the best for all of you!
Posted by: Reto | September 13, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Ben has that exact same outfit! God, I hope both Charlie and Ben don't show up to the same social event wearing that--how gauche!
Posted by: Sarah | September 13, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Welcome home, you big gorgeous boy. You couldn't have picked a better family.
Posted by: quinn cummings | September 13, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I hope that all of you will be getting some R&R at home with soft lighting and great music!
Posted by: La Framéricaine | September 13, 2009 at 10:29 AM
This message is for Charlie:
Baruch haba...and zei gesundt.
Posted by: Pearl | September 13, 2009 at 11:45 AM
ah, so happy for you all! Congratulations, family!
Posted by: Jen | September 13, 2009 at 01:09 PM
OH MY GOD! Congratulations!!!! WOO HOO!!
Posted by: Leightongirl | September 13, 2009 at 01:13 PM
Charlie! You are a hero. We are so happy for you all. And we can't wait to meet you in person.
Love,
Kate, Teresa and Enzo.
P.S. You are so fucking handsome I can't stand it!
Posted by: Kate | September 13, 2009 at 02:17 PM
I'm welling up at the idea of your little man hearing the birds chirp and feel sunlight for the first time. k xxxx
Posted by: Kimberley | September 13, 2009 at 03:01 PM
I remember bringing my kids home from the hospital. It seemed like yesterday and also,a million years ago. Enjoy each and every day. Welcome HOME,Charlie!!
Posted by: Alan Spector | September 13, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Yes, yes, yes!! Way to go, Charlie! We are so happy for you and your parents! Blessings to all!
Posted by: RD | September 13, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Starting the new year with a new life. Your cousins wish you, Kendall & Charlie years filled with health, joy & love. Love, Lydia
Posted by: Lydia Karoll | September 13, 2009 at 05:39 PM
congratulations on bringing your son home! I've learned alot from your blog about preemies. I met a woman who was the daughter in law of an "incubator baby" on display at coney island as part of the carnival side show in 1940. Dr. Martin Couley used to display preemies for kicks! I am looking forward to reading more about charlie and his family in the coming days --
Posted by: Ingrid | September 13, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Mazel Tov!
Posted by: Peggy Larson | September 13, 2009 at 07:57 PM
"Mazel tov!" says the Protestant. Best wishes to the whole family. Now Charlie can start watching those wonderful movies and hearing those show tunes first hand.
I found your blog because I loved Kendall's first book, but I stayed for so many more wonderful stories about Hollywood and Jewish life and the Hailey-Millers. I'm curious about so much, and you show me things I didn't know I wanted to learn.
I've been apprehensive whenever I click to Jew Eat Yet, [toss salt, spit thrice, etc.] but I am so happy for you all that Charlie is home.
Posted by: Heidicrafts | September 13, 2009 at 08:10 PM
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Ana | September 13, 2009 at 08:54 PM
137 days, it seems like a year ago, but it seems like yesterday.Maybe that's what they mean by time is relative. Fresh air! Sunlight, moonlight,starlight! Welcome to the world Charlie! You have a lot of people in your corner and if wishing wells,crossed fingers, prayers, lucky charms, and wishing on stars mean anything at all, you have an amazing life ahead of you, now the adventure begins, God Speed.
Posted by: john armstrong | September 13, 2009 at 09:19 PM
Congrats Danny. I've been following the blog since your nephew linked to it. We had our baby at Cedars too. I remain in admiration of you and your wife's strength. We uncle and aunt were having a baby around the same time as us and had a still birth at 7 months. Our son was born two months later. The mix of tragedy and joy is hard to deal with. You guys are inspirational.
Posted by: Ethan Kaplan | September 13, 2009 at 09:49 PM
So happy for you all Danny. Lots of love.
Posted by: heather... | September 13, 2009 at 10:57 PM
CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family! I'm so happy for you all. I wish your son continued good health and your family joyous moments ahead.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 14, 2009 at 03:42 AM
Welcome home, Charlie!
Posted by: Candi | September 14, 2009 at 05:45 AM
typing through the tears! I'm so incredibly happy for you guys!
Posted by: gorillabuns | September 14, 2009 at 07:07 AM
I'd stopped reading your blog for a while, since the birth of your children. It was simply too painful to read daily. I can't imagine what it's like to live through.
Mazel Tov and congratulation on bringing Charlie home. It's been a long road.
Posted by: jodi sh. doff | September 14, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Congratulations! I am so happy to hear that Charlie is at home.
Posted by: Ginger | September 14, 2009 at 08:14 AM
What an amazing blessing.
So much love and happiness--
Felicia
Posted by: Felicia Park-Rogers | September 14, 2009 at 08:54 AM
This is a beautiful thing for a beautiful boy in a beautiful family. I am so honored to be a part of it. Hooray hooray hooray!
xxo Aunt Lex
Posted by: Alexis Sanford | September 14, 2009 at 09:09 AM
I'm wiping away tears of joy as I type this...MAZEL TOV CHARLIE, DANNY, KENDALL AND LEAH!!!!
Posted by: Elise | September 14, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Hooray! He's finally a free baby. I'm so excited for you and your family.
Posted by: churlita | September 14, 2009 at 12:04 PM
My heartstrings are pulled.
Posted by: Patsy | September 14, 2009 at 12:14 PM
I am so happy for you! I have been praying for you and getting updates from Neil.
many blessings and Charlie looks so good.
Posted by: sarah g | September 14, 2009 at 12:35 PM