12.20.2010: The day that changed my life.

[Hannah Rose Monson]

       Today is Monday, December 20th, 2010. The day that has changed me forever. Today, at 11:57 a.m., my niece, Brenna Sadie Lynn Nieman was born. She weighed 3 lbs 11 oz and was 16 inches long. She already had really dark hair. And a lot of it! (:

       My sister, Julie, wasn't due until mid-February, so as expected, everyone was a little nervous going into this. Julie had been in a Rochester hospital to be monitored due to her high blood pressure. After running some tests, the team of doctors working with her decided it would be in both of their best interests to deliver the little one now.

       Julie and her fiancee wanted to be surprised, so they declined any offers to learn the sex of the baby. I, personally, think that she just wanted to spite everyone, but she still denies it. I seemed to be the most annoyed by this decision because I'm the type of person who can't stand it when they don't know something. Some say it's a control issue, but I just don't like being left out of the loop. Thankfully, today that loop was opened up to the world as we welcomed little Brenna Sadie Lynn into the world.

       It's nice to have a little baby girl in the family again. It's been so long. I come from a family that is predominately boys, so it's nice to even out the numbers a little. I have 4 brothers and 2 sisters, & I also have 8 nephews and now, 5 nieces. Brenna is my sister's first child, and the family couldn't be happier. My other 4 nieces are closer in age to me, so I didn't get to spoil them. This one will be so much different.

       I haven't had the chance to meet the little one yet, but from what I've heard from my parents, she's the most gorgeous little girl anyone has ever set eyes on. I know my sister will be a great mom, and I have all the faith in the world in my (almost) brother-in-law, Greg. I love you all, and I wish you luck as you go through the many adventures that parenthood will bring you.