The girls did not become ready to leave the hospital on a timetable that suited my emotions.

They progressed through their care separately.

I learned to hear good news without adding a date the team had not given me.

I learned that a quiet day could be a good day even if nothing happened that would fit in an announcement.

Discharge planning was not a door opened with three babies placed in my arms at once.

It was teaching, practice, questions, and checks that I understood the instructions.

It was making sure I knew the feeding plan, the follow-up appointments, the signs that required a call, and the practical arrangements for getting home safely.