It's quite possible that Thea will never get any cuter than this!
A quick update from dad. Thea is still in the NICU, but her breathing is much better. She took a bottle this morning, and Nikole and I will be going down shortly so Thea's mom can bottle feed her for the first time. If all goes well, we'll go back at three so Nikole can learn to nurse our baby! Keep on cheering the new mom on; she's been doing so great, and is filled with quiet courage (as you all know so well).
Nikole and Thea hold each other for the first time ever! It was love at first sight for Nikole on Friday, and love at first sight for Thea yesterday morning.
Thea and her Omie (John's mom) meet each other late Saturday morning, while the best neonatal nurse in the entire universe, Lindsey, adjusts Thea's little IV.
Omie's got a girlfriend!
Nikole's mom spent an hour-and-a-half with Thea and Nikole yesterday evening.
Mother and daughter, together forever.
The baby does not have her father's nose!
Dad and baby after he lulled her off with a rendition of a Swell Season song -- "I don't know you/but I love you/all the more for that."
Nikole,
congratulations, again. She is so beautiful! I am in awe of your strength and courage and I am so happy for you!!
Posted by: Kelly | April 20, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Nikole-- you both look wonderful--
about breastfeeding-- at least for me-- the first few hundred times I did it-- I was glad no one was grading me--helping this amazing little creature to get nourishment from your body can be frustrating-- but just remember to BREATHE-- relax-- and enjoy the snuggle skin to skin time-- you are just what Thea needs-- you are giving her just what she needs--She of course loves being so close and snuggly to you her mama-- it will calm her down-- and your skin will seem like the softest thing ever to her so even if the first few times it seems hard--there will be many more next times to perfect the art of feeding your precious baby-- I will be thinking of you alot..
Posted by: catherine illian | April 20, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I love all the updates and pictures! What a sweet babe!!
Posted by: Lesley | April 20, 2008 at 02:14 PM
A lurker from South Africa,
Congratulations! I have ben checking back for a while now, and seem to have missed the miraculous moment!
I am so glad all went well and you have a gorgeous and healthy, and beautiful baby girl!
Well done! You have done such a great job the both of you!
Enjoy the newborn delicious smell! It is the best!
Love Nicola
Posted by: Nicola | April 20, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Simply gorgeous...so happy for you all. Congratulations!!!!
Posted by: Crista | April 20, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Hi Thea!!! Welcome to the world!
Posted by: Dr. Grumbles | April 20, 2008 at 04:38 PM
that's wonderful. glad she is here. glad everyone is okay.
xoxo
Posted by: christina(apronstrings) | April 20, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! I have been following your journey for some time although I rarely comment. Just wanted to pass along how absolutely happy I am for y'all. Welcome to the world, Miss Thea. No doubt, your mom & dad will create a beautiful one for you.
Posted by: Ms. Planner | April 20, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Oh Nikole! She is beyond words! So, So beautiful - just perfect, precious. Congratulations doesn't quite convey the way I am feeling, but tears of happiness are flowing over here for you and your family. I am so happy for you. Love, M
Posted by: mollyk | April 20, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Hi Nikole! We all missed you so much today but I'm so happy to see things progressing well with your new sweetie. The show was really great, despite the rain. Get some sleep and enjoy your new daughter! I hope you get to take her home soon.
Posted by: Adrien | April 20, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Nikole,
In looking at her picture again, I have to say...she almost doesn't look like a newborn. She looks...wise. She looks SO alert! She looks so happy. I've had 2 babies and I have never seen that expression on a baby's face before...its hard to articulate. She just has a light in her eyes. I think you'd better buy her some sudoku puzzles for her 1st birthday. She already looks so strong...and I am not surprised. She just doesn't have that bleary, puffy, red, wrinkly look of a newborn. I think she's going to talk soon. LOL just my joyful observations. =)
Posted by: kelly | April 21, 2008 at 01:08 AM
OK, guys, NOW I'm crying. Happy now??????
I couldn't be more thrilled for your family. Hoping little Thea can leave the NICU today.
Posted by: Kath | April 21, 2008 at 03:47 AM
Dad, sure she's cute now but wait until she smiles with her entire body simply because you walked in the room. Or wait until she calls you "Daddy" for the first time. Your little one will grow more precious with each passing day.
Be patient with breastfeeding. Keep in mind that both you and Thea have to learn how to do it. The reward for your patience will be phenomenal.
Congratulations again!
Posted by: Colleen | April 21, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Wow - Nikole, I hadn't checked in for a while, and there she is! Congratulations - it's been such a long wait for you, and such a rollercoaster of a ride, I am so glad it has all come right at long last.
She's beautiful.
Bizarrely I have just called my little adoptive boy 'Theo' - which is not actually his real name, but came to me as the right thing to call him for blogland. Then I came here and found your little girl is called Thea - I must have been psychic or something! Our journeys have certainly had quite a lot in common.
All the very best to you, Thea and your family.
Vivien xxx
Posted by: Vivien | April 21, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Congratulations on your new addition! She is beautiful! Congrats also on keeing your head about you through all the trials of this journey. You are truly an inspiration. All the best!
Posted by: Rainmaker | April 21, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Nikole~
She is finally here and ooohhh so perfect! I loved seeing the pictures of you two together...your DH is so very right in saying love at first sight. I am so happy for the three of you as you now begin your lives together as a family. Congratulations!
Bridget
Posted by: Lillian_Mae | April 21, 2008 at 09:30 PM
she is just beautiful you guys! thanks for the updates- i can't wait to hear more in the days to come!
she is here! she looks absolutely perfect! i am so happy for you three! <3
Posted by: Harmony | April 21, 2008 at 09:40 PM
she is just beautiful you guys! thanks for the updates- i can't wait to hear more in the days to come!
she is here! she looks absolutely perfect! i am so happy for you three! <3
Posted by: Harmony | April 21, 2008 at 09:42 PM
my goose bumps have goose bumps!
Your sweet bambina, is a very lucky girl to have such love! All my best to you and yours.
The show went great, we missed to terribly. I have a kick butt swag bag for you! We pimped one out just for you!!! I can't wait to meet your little bundle of joy. Just let me know when you all are ready for visitors!
Nicole you have been through so much, I am so proud of you. I am glad she is in your arms, that is the payoff. What a sweet payoff!
xoxoxxo, Kelly
Posted by: Kelly, Modern June | April 22, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Tears of joy here. Overwhelmed. God bless your new family!
Posted by: Andi | April 22, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Gorgeous and Beautiful!! Welcome Thea and great job Nikole and John!! I'm so happy that all are doing well. You have waited far to long for this moment. I know you will relish evey moment with your little lady.
Posted by: Heather | April 22, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Congrats to all of you!!!!! I am so excited to hear that Thea (beautiful name for a beautiful girl) has entered the world safely and that Nikole is also doing well. You guys look deleriously happy. You should be. This is so awesome!!!
Love, Julia
Posted by: Julia | April 22, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Yahoo...........Congratulations on your new beginning's
deb
Posted by: Deborah | April 22, 2008 at 06:20 PM
That is such a beautiful girl!! Oh my you two, she is simply divine!! Wow. I can't wait to snuggle her. She's simply elegant.
Posted by: themonkeyandme | April 22, 2008 at 08:30 PM
BEAUTIFUL!! Congratulations all! :)
Posted by: Krystle | April 22, 2008 at 11:21 PM