She's Here!

Chelsea Hope has arrived! She was born on Saturday, June 5th at 7:48 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 20 1/4 inches long. We are so happy to have her here and love her more than we imagined possible. Unfortunately we're dealing with some minor problems right now. She is in the NICU to be treated for fast breathing and grunting, which basically means her lungs aren't quite dry enough and she's having a difficult time transitioning from life in utero to life here in the real world. We pray that this will be a short stay and she'll be able to go home very soon.

Yesterday morning was one that I'm still trying to grasp and understand. You see, June 5th was already a special day for our family. This was the day that Olivia went to Heaven. This wasn't planned, at least not by us. I KNOW that God and our sweet angel had a hand in all of this. Four years ago we experienced the greatest loss imaginable and here we are today celebrating life on that same day. There are no words. I'm in awe by His AMAZING grace.

However, I will say that hearing we were going back to the NICU on June 5th wasn't an easy pill to swallow. I've cried. I've asked why is this happening to us. I've been scared to death again. But when we saw Chelsea hooked up to one little IV and nothing else, it really put the situation into perspective. This is a totally different experience. She's in intermediate care and her needs are minimal. Most of the doctors and nurses know our story and have been extremely compassionate and reassuring of our current situation.

So yesterday was a day of great joy and some sadness. Today is a new day and we're at peace. I'm ready to visit our girl and hope to hear that she had a good night. I'll update as often as I can, but bare with me as life is a bit hectic right now.

Thank you so much for your wonderful support throughout my entire pregnancy. You guys have been amazing.


First picture with Mommy and Daddy. Unfortunately, J.K. hasn't met Chelsea yet and probably won't until we bring her home.


Proud Daddy.


My first time to cuddle with my new girl.


Cici and Pawpaw with their 5th grandbaby.


Our first visit in the NICU.