{Wee Ones} My 2nd niece Stella

I can’t believe I’ve never blogged this! I mean, gosh…it’s only been 3 months since I shot this sweet lil’ thing! ha And she’s one of the most important new human beings in my life.

Meet Stella. She’s my 2nd niece. Last fall, my family found out that my brother, Troy, and his wife, Wendy, were expecting a baby in June. Elated and excited we all were! The lil’ pickle (as my brother and sis-in-law call her) was even more excited. So excited that she decided to come into the world when no one was expecting it. She was born on April 5. Eleven weeks early. She weighed in at 3 lbs, 4 oz.

Being born early has its own set of challenges. Troy and Wendy proved to be trooper parents from the get-go. Their courage, their optimism, their steadfast commitment to their precious early gift was admirable. And Stella was truly a born fighter. And an eater. In no time she was off her breathing tubes, and home from the NICU at a speed that impressed even the nurses.

I wasn’t surprised though. She had amazing hospital care, two loving parents, and gobs of support and love from all of us. I got to meet her when she wast three weeks old. She already looked so much bigger than the photos that Troy and Wendy had been sending. And I was smitten. These first few pics are of her in the NICU in late April.

And then 3 months after she graced us with her tiny presence, I did a photo shoot in Troy & Wendy’s home. Stella was so alert, not sleepy at all, so we had some fun with her wide-eyed expressions. 🙂

And last weekend, I was home in Omaha. I snapped these three pics on my cell phone, so excuse the quality. 😉 She is much loved by her cousins Cailin and Weston. Weston can even say her name…and Troy says it sounds like the way ET would say it: Stelll-a. Isn’t she delightful! ?? so yep. As you can imagine, my mom and dad are incredibly happy and sappy grandparents!!!

Troy & Wendy–belated though this post may be…. I am so happy that your growing family is one small body closer to complete. She fits in so well with your two fur babies. 😉 I can’t wait to watch her grow up…and soon, she’ll be climbing all over Weston, while Cailin pulls on both of their hands in her never-ending maternal way. 😉 Love to you all! xo