Juliette is Here!

Juliette Taylor Velikonia arrived at 12:42 pm on Monday, July 20th. She weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and is 19 inches long. She's absolutely beautiful... she looks like her big sissy except for dark hair and dark olive colored skin. She couldn't look any more Italian! We can't get enough of her. So far Jordan and Juliette are opposites in almost every way. Jordan came out quiet... Juliette came out screaming! Jordan loved her first bath... Juliette hated it! Juliette SLEEPS! Jordan didn't... at all! The last few days have been so amazing. Brady, Jordan and I can't get enough of this beautiful new member of our family. I've been able to sleep (who knew)... I guess babies DO sleep 16-18 hours of the day... Jordan would only sleep about 10 (and that was a maybe).

Our family feels more complete. I can't get over how much of a blessed time this has been the last few days. While labor and delivery was very, very hard and long with Jordan, it wasn't that way with Juliette. The labor was long (not 36 hours long, though) and in 2 pushes Juliette was out! Can't complain there!

Both Brady and I have constantly prayed over Jordan and how Juliette's arrival would impact her. Thanks to Brady's parents and Kendra, the transition so far has been a smooth one. Jordan spent lots of time with Ammie and Auntie "Tit Tit" (d0n't ask... that's what Bella calls her), while Mommy and Daddy were at the hospital. Since coming home, Jordan has been nothing but sweet and adorable to Juliette. She loves to help when she can and overall, she's trying very hard to be a great Big Sister. Brady and I just have to remind ourselves that she's not even two yet and can't be expected to know how gentle to be with the baby. She's trying and that's all that matters. :)

Another answer to prayer has been her kidney situation. While we still don't know what the future holds, she's healthy! No driving down to UC Davis yet! AMEN! I have an appointment with her pediatrician and he'll make a referral to have her see a pediatric urologists in Davis. The plan is that they will run tests and probably a few scans and determine what to do from there. Please pray that there will be no need for surgery (which at this point looks like a strong possibly). God is SO GOOD!

Thanks to everyone who came and visited us, have sent and set up meals, prayed and sent messages of encouragement and blessings. How blessed we are to know that our girls are so well loved.

3 cm and Almost 100% Effaced

Here are some pics of Brady's b-day dinner last night. I wish I had taken more, but oh well.

Well, I had a midwife appointment yesterday. Apparently, I'm 3 cm dilated and almost completely effaced. My midwife stripped my membranes a little and basically said that if I was ready to go into labor it would help it along, if not, then it won't do anything. LOL! Well, so far... nothing!

But on a more positive note... I'm going swimming at the Wion's (which is fabulous because the girls will help with Bella... all I have to do is float). After that Brady is coming home and taking me to see Harry Potter. Yay! I might not see the whole thing because of preggie potty breaks but at least I'll see most of it. Once Juliette comes there will be no movies for a long time! Anyway, looks like it's going to be a great day!

Happy Birthday Brady!

So today is Brady's 26th birthday! It seems like just yesterday that we were both 18 and had just graduated high school. It's crazy how time flies! Although Brady has always seemed matured and very much a man to me, I'm blessed as I reflect on how God is molding him into the man He wants Brady to be. I'm also blessed to know that God chose me as his wife. So as the years continue to roll on faster and faster, I realize the importance of stopping and reflecting on what God has given me... and right now I'm happy to say I'm married to the best husband, best friend, and father a girl could ask for. It doesn't get much better than that!

Walkin' Her Out or NOT!

So apparently one of the best ways to encourage the start of labor is walking. Well, I've walked and walked and walked! LOL! She's isn't here yet. I don't believe it matters. But this morning I woke up full of energy and wanting to be outside. Since being on bedrest, I feel like I've wasted most of my summer. I wanted a little adventure... and since I can't go very far from the hospital the closest place I could come up with was Paradise Lake. I know... exciting! Anyway, here's some pics! Jordan had a blast commenting on the "big pool", watching buggies and climbing up stuff way too big for her.

Waiting

Well, for all the drama that has occured over the last few weeks with this baby it looks like she might be late! I can't believe it! Actually, I have a few weeks until my due date (July 22nd), but still. We had quite a run to keep her in and now she doesn't want to come out! Everyone keeps asking me how I feel and when I think she'll come. Well, the answer is... I feel like I have a watermelon in between my legs and I have no idea when she'll be here! I know, it's probably more information then you needed.

For the time being it looks like I'll continue the life of walking, cleaning, more walking, drinking my nasty Raspberry Tea and eating lots of pineapple. Besides that there's not much more I can do! (Who knows if any of it works anyway!)

First Blog

Since a few of my friends have blogs, I decided to join the club. It's fun catching up... even if it's through random postings. A lot of us don't have the adequate amount of time to call each other or visit. Hopefully this fulfills that need to stay in touch, especially since we have a little one coming any day now. I'll try to keep this thing fairly updated as to what's going on in the lives of the Velikonia Family. So! To those of you who actually care... cheers and much love!