Lula Mae

Lula Mae arrived on Friday, April 17 somewhere between 4 and 4:15 (not sure exactly), and we were notified of her presence via a text from Jay that said, "baby is here, pray for her." All the grandparents and I had been waiting anxiously right outside of the delivery room door for the first cry, and when we got this message, we hadn't yet heard it. We all hurriedly entered panic mode, and tears were impossible to hold back. We were each praying fervently for this little baby's life, and before too long another text came from Jay that said little Lula was just fine. A sigh of relief and praise flowed over us, and we were then able to rejoice at baby's arrival. Soon after, Sarah and Jay invited us into the room where we got our first look at her. She was healthy and beautiful (and still nameless at this point), and after the initial scare, she was just a blessing to see with our own eyes. Jay and Sarah were so taken by her, and I felt so blessed that I was able to witness some of their first moments with their daughter. The next day, we all huddled around Sarah, Jay and Lula in Sarah's postpartum room at the hospital. When I arrived, Sarah was nursing Lula while drinking a latte, and I about lost it...are you kidding me, I thought!? She acted like it was no big deal. Like she'd been breastfeeding her whole life! Don't get me wrong; I'm glad she picked it up quickly, but boy do I feel like a slow learner in comparison! Geez...

That same morning, Sarah's parents, Nana and Papa Jack, walked in with full hands. Sarah had gestational diabetes the last 10 weeks of pregnancy so she had requested Andy's Frozen Custard instead of flowers...and let's just say her parents took her at her word! Along with a bunch of goodies, they also brought some adorable gifts. Throughout the day, we chatted about labor, Lula's health, Sarah's health, and many other topics as guests came and went.

Sarah's parents below... Jay's mom below... On Saturday night, Jay was hyped about putting Lula in one of her cute little sleepers. This is one of his favorites, and he and Sarah both dressed her for the first time. Lula doesn't love changing clothes, but not many babies do, and if she's anything like her mama, she will one day LOVE new outfits! After she was dressed Jay said, "she's even cuter in cute clothes."

On Sunday, the pediatrician along with Sarah's OB gave them permission to go home. Jay and Sarah were SO happy to be heading home, and so we said goodbye at the hospital. What a joy it was to be a part of Lula's entrance into this world. If Sarah's initial interactions are any indication of her mothering skills (which of course they are) then this little one is growing up with the best. I was and still am overwhelmed at Sarah's calm confidence with Lula. She's already such a good mommy, and I'm so happy that we get to raise our babies at the same time. Now if only we lived closer to one another...