Felipe’s Story: Coming Home

Felipe came home just in time for Christmas—and we were incredibly happy. After six intense months in the NICU, our greatest gift was finally being able to bring our son home.

The reality, though, was overwhelming. Our house quickly became a kind of medical station. Felipe had a G-tube and needed medications almost hourly. We taped a detailed schedule on the fridge with times, dosages, and notes to keep track of everything.

Reflux was a major concern. Every feeding required close monitoring. Marcelo and I took turns staying up all night—literally. One of us was always awake, just watching over him, ready to act if something didn’t feel right.

In the NICU, we were surrounded by nurses, doctors, and machines that tracked every heartbeat and breath. At home, it was just the two of us. No monitors. No beeping machines. We were cautious, alert, and constantly adjusting. The shift from hospital to home was not easy, but we were driven by joy and gratitude. It was mostly just me, Marcelo, and Felipe—learning how to care for him on our own.

There were no big holiday gatherings that year—just the three of us, trying to adjust. And we were so thankful to have him home.

Despite the fear and the steep learning curve, bringing Felipe home was a beautiful milestone. It marked the beginning of a new journey—filled with doctor visits, therapy sessions, and the quiet victories of everyday life. Still, we did what most parents do in hard moments—we kept going. Slowly, we found a rhythm. And that was the start of life at home with Felipe.

Those early days were intense, but they were also full of love.