Nellie Jo // A Birth Story
There are moments in life where time stands still, moments of joy, fear, excitement, and adventure. Those moments of significance are the ones that are permanent memories, ingrained in your being, there to replay for a lifetime.
The moment I met this special friend was one of those moments. It was almost like I knew that God had a story written for my future that had her playing a major role. I met this very special friend on a very special day. She was a +1 at our wedding, and in the 2 minutes I had to chat with her, I knew we were the perfect fit. I married my best friend, met a forever friend, and she met her husband all in the same day.
From the start, Kelsey was the friend that conversation had a constant flow, and oftentimes ended in tears, laughter, and hugs. She and Will were the first people we called when we found out we were pregnant for the first time, and I Facetimed her immediately after Seth was born, even before he met his Grandparents. She is a person I can count on to pray for me, encourage me, and love my kids as her own.
When a friend like this feels something, you feel it deeply in your bones, in your innermost being. The joys of life, trials, and everything in between, you feel it right alongside them. A few weeks ago I had the most beautiful opportunity to experience their journey into parenthood. This journey is not something that came easily; Kelsey and Will have had to lean into God and on each other as they walked a long road of infertility. Their journey was hard emotionally, physically, and spiritually, but I can say that by watching them the day that Nellie Jo was born, that journey grew the strongest bond you can imagine.
When Little Nellie finally made her appearance, time stopped and the air was full of pure bliss and fear. Nellie ended her birthday with an ambulance ride to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital where she spent a few hard days. Those days were long and tiring, but Will and Kelsey leaned on each other and their confidence in God’s overwhelming goodness. I am honored to call these two my forever friends and I am amazed by their strength, openness in weakness, and God-filled, redemptive journey into parenthood.
Nellie Jo, the day that you were born was a culmination of years of emotions, fear, and joy. The waiting weighed on us all as we anticipated your appearance into the world. Your mama was the strong, focused, dedicated women she always is. Your Daddy was the loving, supportive, steady man he was born to be. Together they make the perfect pair who have always dreamt of you and prayed out to the Lord in confidence that in time, He would place you in their arms.
Sweet girl, know that whatever God has in store for your future, you are loved, perfect, and oh so cherished.
Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
1 Samuel 1:27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.
Psalm 139: 13-14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
