Greeted jovially by his crib mates today, Emmett wrapped up his first night at home with copious poopings, feedings, and effectively zero sleep for all involved. Some would say it’s rude to be so demanding as a house guest but, hey, perhaps manners develop in week 2.

One week in the NICU later, tiny (well, not-so-tiny, as it were; this is a sizable baby) Emmett was able to get dressed in some sensible attire, hop in his car seat, and take his inaugural car trip home.

This morning I was puked on, pooped on, and sneezed in the face; best morning ever.

I’m already very much changed. I’d instantly take a bullet for the tiny little boy in my arms, tethered to a litany of beeping machines and fluid pouches. These precious moments mitigate hard news of late; hearing the doctors’ plan to draw fluid from the vicinity of Em’s spinal column to test for meningitis, for example. He is strong, he’ll be fine.