Day 26: Happy 1st Birthday to My Niece

One year ago today we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new niece! My younger sister, Ashley, was in labor with her first baby. At the time we didn’t know if she was having a boy or a girl. Ashley has always been a very dedicated aunt to her 7 nieces and nephews. She was at the arrival of each niece and nephew’s birth. I was so anxious and excited about the arrival of my new niece or nephew, and I couldn’t wait to show my support to my sister and brother-in-law, Jake. I wanted to share in the excitement of meeting him/her in the hospital. Unfortunately, COVID hit the week before, and it broke my heart that my sister would not be able to have the same experience as my older sister and I did; with the whole family eagerly gathered in the waiting room anticipating the announcement of whether the baby was a boy or girl, and taking pictures as a family with the beautiful new addition. It was hard, but we made the best out of the situation. All that truly mattered was that the baby was healthy and Ashley was doing well. 

I remember Jake, sending a text to the family, “The baby is here! Everyone is doing well and is healthy! We will be facetiming each family member separately to share the exciting news!”  

Oh noooo! That means I would have to wait to find out if the baby was a boy or a girl a bit longer. 

We waited…

And waited…

And waited…

It literally felt like a lifetime of waiting.

They first called my parents first, then Jake’s parents, then my older sister, then Jake’s older brother. I finally couldn’t take the anticipation anymore!! It was FINALLY our turn…

My phone began to ring. It was a facetime call coming through. “It’s Ashley! Come on you guys!” I shouted at my husband and the kids! 

When I answered the call there on the screen we saw Jake, Ashley, and a beautiful baby in my sister’s arms. “Theo! Bradley! Harper! You have a beautiful new cousin. It’s a girl! Her name is Heidi!” Ashley shared excitedly. 

It was such a special moment. I remember crying as we talked. I was so excited for my sister and Jake. She had always wanted to be a mom, and her dream was now a reality! I was also so excited my daughter, Harper, would have a best friend for life!

Happy Birthday to my sweet niece, Heidi!