The Journey ~ 9 January, 2011: Introducing our Three Little Ladies

After a day and a half of going nameless, we’re proud to introduce the world to our three little ladies.

Baby A – Riley Grace --  She is named after Derick’s grandma Billie Riley.

Baby B – Josie Rae --  She is named after my grandpa Ray Horn.

Baby C – Ella Madeline -- Ella’s name includes names that we both liked.  However, my great aunt’s name was Madeline.

All three are in the NICU and will be for several weeks.  However, they are already meeting several milestones and are doing really well.  In the first week or so of being in the NICU, they were off of their IV’s, out from the bilirubin lights, wearing little clothes and having their isolette temperatures turned down so the girls can start taking over maintaining their body temperature a little at a time on their own.

It has been so amazing to see their little personalities emerge already.  Riley is our chilled out girl who loves sleeping and having her arms up over her head.  Josie is our kicker, but also seems to be a bit timid like she’s not so sure of this big new world yet.  Ella is bright eyed, very awake and loves having more room to stretch her legs out now.

It’s also neat to see Derick interact with them.  His girls, as he calls them have captured his heart already.  We both have so much love for them and can’t wait for them to come home so the real fun and craziness can begin. 

I give thanks every day for the three little miracles God has entrusted us with.  It was a long journey to get them here, but worth every prayer, tear, doctor visit, blood draw and long conversations contemplating next steps.  I also feel that this journey has brought Derick and I so much closer as we were so united in our efforts to make our family a reality. 

Thanks so much to everyone who has been praying for us and the safe arrival of our little ones.  God definitely heard us and has blessed us beyond measure!