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.