Never the same again

I feel at a loss to try to catch you up on the past week of my life.  There's just no way to completely sum up how much has changed.  There really isn't.  So, I'm mostly going to stick to pictures in this post.  Words will have to come later.  Anyway, it's 2 am and I'm not exactly coherent.  

I will say that Nick and I are happier than we've ever been.  We had NO IDEA how much it was possible to love another person until now.  I am so thankful for her--I feel like I am constantly giving thanks to God for this beautiful little girl. We are also SO thankful for the prayers, emails, visits and encouragement we received from so many friends and family members.  We have been surrounded by expressions of God's love through so many of you.  Thank you so much!

Here are some sweet pictures of Julia.  

with Memoe and G-pa

Meeting her Grammy

talking to her Mimi

Pops and Aunt Jami 

Sadly we are missing Aunt Stephi, Uncle Remi, her cousin Camille and her soon-to-be Uncle Andy.  They will be meeting her very soon and I will definitely put those pictures up too.

Aunt Whitney and Uncle Michael

Aunt Becky

Uncle Jeremiah

  

Nana (and Dad)

Hopefully we will have pictures of her with her Uncle Andrew and Aunt Emily very soon, too.

Here she is with our doctor and friend, Christi Hunt.  We are so thankful for her! 

Hanging out in the bassinet

I love this picture!  She was totally out of it, almost asleep and unaware that she's even smiling but it's still so cute.

This is a family picture with the pink dogwood tree that my parents planted for Julia.  We love it!

So sweet.

I plan to get better about posting now that I have such an interesting, ever-changing subject and no shortage of pictures to choose from.  So, stay tuned.

Today

Just talked to Niki and they were able to get a little more sleep last night. They would love to accept visitors today. They are probably checking out later today, but would love to see you before hand. Call Nick or Niki's phone if it's later in the day just to make sure they are there. They are in Room 525.

Some more pictures from today

One of the perks of being related is that you get to go to the hospital on days when they say that just family can come!

Niki and Nick are doing great, they are such natural parents and it's obvious how thankful they are for this little girl. Today were able to pencil in a nap, and catch up ( a little from the no sleep the night before. Julia is eating wonderfully and is just as cute and perfect as she can be! Pray that they are able to get some rest. And thank you for all your kind words and prayers so far!

Ok so I had to put one of me up too! We are BFF already!

Some pics from Aunt Jami

Here are some Pictures Jami sent me. They are in room#525 but are requesting that there be no visitors today. Niki is doing fine but is very weak and is having to be given alot of fluid. So they had a pretty tiring night and want to make sure they get rest. They are so thankful for all the prayers and love you all have sent their way I will try and keep you updated!

Julia just oh so precious Julia

Jeremiah, Whitney, Michael and I got the late late shift of seeing precious Julia. Niki had to take a little while to get her sea legs, so we waited awhile before we snuck in and got to hold her for a minute.
She is so precious. I think she is absolutely beautiful and I really think she looks like Niki, but this is my opinion. I didn't get alot of pictures. Niki and Nick really needed to rest but I wanted to post one before I went to bed. I Promise to post more later, I am drained.
So pray for rest for the new family of 3. So far she is eating great and they are just so happy to have her in their arms.
Goodnight sweet Julia!

soon

I'm about to leave to go to the hospital and I talked to Niki's mom and she has her computer so we will upload some photos when we get them!

stats

7lbs 11oz, 19 inches and PERFECT

Julia

She is here!!!!!!!!!!! She's here!!! Way to go team Niki! Our little Julia has arrived. Nick wants to be the one to tell everyone in the waiting room the size of Julia first so unfortunately this is all I know. But everyone is doing great!! Thank you all for your prayers

this one is for Mari who is hitting refresh

Hey Mari, it's Becky...I too am at home waiting Ellen has a fever from getting shots yesterday so she is not up for hospital visits currently. So I am waiting and will post with anything as soon as I hear it. I promise.

in 15 min

she is going to start pushing

think of a number between 1-10

Niki is at 9 cm!!!

what is up

Nick just called me and Niki is at 6 cm!! and 100% effaced and Julia is in 0 position. So basically things are a-coming along. Nick and Niki are doing great and Niki is staying rested!

UPDATE

Ellen and I just got back from the hospital. So here is what is going on. After breaking Niki's water the labor did not start, So they made the decision to go ahead with the Pitocin to start contractions. At noon Niki got her epidural and is now resting! So pray she can get good rest today before Julia comes. She was at 3 1/2 cm when I left at 1:00.
So keep praying. I saw Nick and Christi, Niki's doctor, and everyone says she is doing great. Nick seems to be doing great too. I just know they are ready to have this baby!!!

Just in

I just talked to Patti, Niki's mom and they broke Niki's water 30 minutes ago. Niki's parents were there with them and prayed with them, and everyone is doing good and just excited to meet Julia!

Julia journey to the world Part 1

Aunt Becky here, I wanted to let you all know that Nick and Niki went to the hospital this morning at 6:00 am to induce labor. I'm sure they are doing all sorts of check in things etc. So I haven't heard anything other then that they are there. But wanted to start updating so you can start being updated:)
Stay Tuned....

Remember to be Praying!!!

40 weeks and 2 days...

Well, I truly hoped I wouldn't be blogging again before Julia got here, but, what are you gonna do?  I have been getting so many texts and phone calls from friends wondering how I'm doing lately that I figured an update might be necessary.  So, here you go:

Our last doctor's appointment yielded the report that I'm 2 cm and 70% effaced.  Julia is still just as happy as she was last week, and she still seems to be in no hurry to join us here on the outside.  She has plenty of room, fluid, and nourishment where she is.  You know, I don't think I'd be in a hurry to come out either.  Maybe she is just laid-back like her mama.  We did schedule an induction for Wednesday.  So, she will definitely be here by then if she doesn't get motivated and come on her own. 

So, in the meantime, we are hanging out and trying to keep busy.  I feel like I've walked more miles in the past 3 weeks than I have throughout my entire pregnancy up to that point.  (with absolutely no apparent effect other than giving me something to do:).  But, Nick and I did get to go on a fun hike in Montreat last weekend and took some pictures with our new camera.  It's appropriate that they mostly feature Jack because it might be the only pictures you get of her for awhile.  I know that will be devastating news for those of you who visit my blog solely for the purpose of keeping up with her busy and exciting life.  I'm sorry.  Hopefully you will enjoy this little tribute.

 

39 weeks...

I wanted to lead off with this: probably, hopefully the last belly shot you'll get of me.  And also definitely the best one yet.  This morning, my very talented friend Sunday came over and took some beautiful maternity photographs of me.  I'm really not bragging by saying that, I promise.  She is a fabulous photographer and she really has a gift for making all her subjects look amazing.  If you haven't, please check out her new photo website.  You will not be sorry, I promise.

 Onto the next photo...I know this picture is not at all recent, but I was moving all my old pictures onto my NEW computer (a birthday present from my wonderful husband) and I found this one.  It's was taken last summer when Nick and I went to the beach with my family.  It just brings back some really good memories and I decided I wanted it on my blog.  Doesn't it make you want to go to the beach?

 

Well, I guess that brings us to the baby update you are probably here for.  We are getting very close to Julia's big day!  Only 1 more week. We had a really great report at our doctor's appointment today and learned that Julia is actually quite satisfied in her little home in my belly.  We had an ultrasound and got to see how BIG she is getting.  They estimated that she is about 7 lbs. and 11oz.--Can you believe that?  It's pretty scary for me, considering she might be in there another week or two.   She also has alot of hair and it looks pretty long.  You could see it in the ultrasound! Nick and I loved seeing her again and finding out that she is happy and healthy.  Even though we wish she was here with us already, she is in the safest place she can be.  

As far as my progress goes, I am almost 2 cm dilated and about 60% effaced, if that stuff means anything to you.  I've had the same report for the last few weeks, so I'm starting to think it's pretty arbitrary, too.  She is going to come when she is ready, despite all my hoping and walking and red raspberry tea.  You just can't rush this girl.

Okay, one more belly shot.