Fruit of the Womb: July 2015

The Nocera Baby blog is back! Introducing Cala (Cal-ah) Lucille Nocera. Born July 4^th 2015 at 8:22am, 7lbs 11oz and 19inches long. My favorite holiday just got infinitely better! Cala is absolutely adorable and the perfect addition to our family.

Overall Nicky’s pregnancy went great (her words). Nicky was glowing with beauty throughout. More importantly, she felt good most of the time and was able to stay active- which was critical because Bristan is NON-STOP these days.

Labor and delivery were eventful but I guess they always are. We left for the hospital the night of the 3^rd and, of course, the 3-minute interval contractions completely stopped once we arrived. However, even though not much was happening the doctor suggested we stay since we live quite a few miles from the hospital. That night things continued to slow so much so that Nicky was actually able to get some sleep. That lull came to a grinding halt at about 7am when things got going- FAST! At about 8am the doctor came in to check on the progress and then sternly told the nurses to get a delivery cart “STAT!” At 8:22 we welcomed Cala. Like I said- FAST! Nicky was very grateful for the speed of this delivery since Bristan’s was about 24 hours. The best part for me was watching fireworks from our hospital room that night with my new baby girl.

Bristan came to the hospital a few hours after Cala arrived with Grandma and Auntie Autumn. He was SO excited to meet his baby sister. In fact, our only disappointment of the entire process was that we didn’t record Bristan when he walked into the room to meet Cala. His voice was so genuine and filled with excitement when he walked in and said, “I am a big brother and have a baby sister.” Since the moment he met her he has just wanted to snuggle her and help out with her. He would change her diapers if we let him! It is not to say he hasn’t provided new challenges. Being 3 he only has one gear (full go) so when he wants to snuggle her it is usually pretty rough and more like a tackle. She is going to be a tough girl with him as a big brother.

Since bringing Cala home we have had a blast. I was able to take a week and half off of work so we have had a lot of quality family time together. We tried to stay home as much as possible but we are busy bodies and Bristan loves doing stuff so we have been on a few family outings- lunches with friends, a hike up Stone Mountain and the laser show, as well as a day trip to Athens.

Hope you enjoy the pics!