NICU Reunion

Edward Hospital's Neonatal ICU had a reunion this Sunday and we were thrilled to be able to go. We haven't been able to attend in the past but have always wanted to. Evie spent her first 10 days of life there and the nurses were amazing!

The reunion was held at the DuPage Childrens Museum, which we have also wanted to take the kids to but we have held back because of germ worries. After all, it's a place where kids are encouraged to touch EVERYTHING.

It was packed with families (I saw a lot of twins in double strollers) and it was really noisy. The hospital had rented it out as a private party for the families of NICU babies, but there were still so many people there. I talked with two of the nurses who assured me that on regular weekdays, the Museum is nowhere near that crowded. Evie was overwhelmed and mostly wanted to be held. Gavin had the time of his life!

Both kids liked playing with these glow sticks and putting them in the black honeycomb. I had the flash on so this picture doesn't give the true effect, but you can imagine the scene. Darkness, glow sticks, and toddlers - everyone had fun.

Gavin loved the water area. Francis was in charge of him at this point, so Gavin got away with not wearing the recommended plastic apron...and was completely soaked as a result.

Luckily, the water was our last stop. Francis got a towel from the staff and dried Gavin off. The kids were both tired and had a little touch of "sensory-overload," so we went home. We would like to go back to the Museum someday but it may be awhile. We are heading into cold and flu season and need to be extra careful, as usual.