Day 99 – The Big Day

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6:00 am

We’re here at the hospital! All checked in and hooked up. Thanks, Maggie for the beautiful hospital gown!

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Check back to this page. I will update as regularly as I can. Thank you again for your prayers!!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. (Psalm 46:1-5 NIV)

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9:00 am

Contractions have been coming pretty regularly for a little while now! I imagine I’ll be asking for that epidural soon!! Nora’s steady little heartbeat plays over the fetal monitor. Our sweet nurse, Amy thinks Nora might be here by early afternoon. 🙂

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10:00 am

I just asked my sister to turn the radio on here in the room. The song “Strong Enough” that I shared yesterday was on the radio. So perfect. No coincidence.

About to get my epidural!

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11:00 am

The epidural has been administered successfully! “I. have become. comfortably numb.” – Pink Floyd

Still at 1cm, but pitocin drip has been upped which should progress things a little further. In about an hour Amy will check me again and will then break my water.

Surrounded by my beloved friends and family, heavenly saints and angels, I am completely blessed. I’m so encouraged by everyone cheering me on with your comments and prayers. Thank you for sharing in this with me!!

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12:00 pm

My water broke on its own and I’m at 3cm. Nora’s heartbeat sounds great and she’s enduring labor just fine! 🙂 My kids are here and sweet as heck.

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2:00 pm

Nora is taking her time! Still 3cm, but proceeding!

We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4 NIV)

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3:00 pm

4cm. Taking a nap now.

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4:45 pm

8cm. Should be soon!! They’re setting up. Please pray!! 🙂

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5:20 pm

She is here!!! Big healthy cry!!! 5 lbs. 2 oz.

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118 thoughts on “Day 99 – The Big Day”

  1. One of the most beautiful pregnant mama’s ever! Nora is a lucky little girl to be loved by you…thinking and praying for you all minutes today

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  6. You are an inspiration and a testimony to what having Jesus in your life can look like. Praying for you and your family now!

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  7. Alesia, You are in my thoughts and prayers, especially for today. Nora is especially blessed to have you for a mother. You are such a shining light for Jesus. A picture of his peace and strength. May He walk boldly before you today and encompass you in his love for this most special day with Nora. May all glory be to God! Love, your sister in Christ , Shari Murray. Psalm 121: “I lift my eyes to the Hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”. Amen!

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  9. I am echoing shauna, Emily, and Stella! Can’t wait to see Nora’s precious face and we are all so there with you in many prayers.

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  13. Aleisa, even in a hospital gown, you look absolutely beautiful! Lots of prayers for you, William, and Nora this morning.

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  14. Lovely to hear the joy in your words! I am so glad Amy is your nurse! Praying non-stop! Thanks for the updates!!

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  15. I speak WHOLENESS to Nora. PERFECTION. I come AGAINST the plans of the enemy to striker her. I COMMAND, by the resurrection power of JESUS CHRIST, COMPLETE HEALTH and PERFECT chromosomal arrangement in Nora’s body. I ask for supernatural faith to believe that this is done ON EARTH as IN HEAVEN. Let many see the work of your hands today, Jesus~! OH GOD, FAITH TO BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS BEEN DONE. Greater works than these, said Jesus. Thank you that you are the great physician Jesus!!!!!!! And all Glory to You, God!

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  16. You, William and Nora were in our prayers last night and all through the night as I woke up. What a blessed day~blessed family of God!

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  19. Aleisa i do not know you personally but have found your blog through Melanie and had heard of your baby’s diagnosis through SHS (saints helping saints)!!! Know that you and your family, and your precious baby girl are all in my constant prayers today. I can’t even imagine being faced with such a challenge and your unrelenting faith and positive attitude is most inspirational and amazing! I wish the best for you and your family and look forward to hearing updates :o)
    Luv, a fellow Seton Saint

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  20. We have been thinking and praying for you throughout this journey and especially these last few days. Little Nora has been an inspiration to us all!

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  22. thinking of you today and baby nora. sending hugs of friendship to our sweet maggie too. much love and mommy hugs.

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  24. Aleisia,

    You look so beautiful and glowing! You are in our hearts and prayers and we cannot wait to hear about sweet Nora’s arrival. God bless you and your family.

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  28. I learned about your story & journey through Shelly Nicoloff & Emily Chestnut. I, like them, am the PRIVILEGED Mom to a child w/DS. Our angel is named, Jack Edward. He turned 3 on 03/20. I call him my “heaven on earth”! Yes, we have had our struggles (but we did w/our other amazing “typical” child as well, I believe all kids have their unique challenges), and we “mourned” during our pregnancy for a short while for the child we thought we were being given by God. However, what an unbelievable blessing Jack has been to not just our immediate family, but to our entire family. I’ve always said, “How did God know that what we needed is a child w/DS?”. He is our God afterall & knows us better than anyone! The song that I always think of is by Garth Brook, “Unanswered Prayers”. I love the verse, “Some of God’s Greatest Gifts Are Unanswered Prayers”!!! Sooooo true! God knows what we need & will take care of us. Please know that we’re praying for you & your entire family. Little Nora is so loved. She has already made a mark in this world, even before she was born! God’s blessings to you! Hope to meet you & your family one day. ~Lisa Robison (Humbled & Blessed Mom to Vaughn & Jack)

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  29. Julie and I are praying for you all today. We are very moved by your strength and will be there for you if need us. Fiona was talking today about Greta, she just thinks the world of her!

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  31. Praying, praying and more praying. You look absolutely beautiful! Can’t wait to see pictures of sweet Nora. Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many!!!!

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  32. Aleisia, I too learned about your blog from Melanie, but also from someone that works with your dad. So grateful I got to read your blog and very priviledged to be praying for you and your family today!

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  35. I feel the same as Elizabeth!! I am so excited to see her!!! Praying!!! Thanks for the updates! I just sent Paula a text to let her know the noon update!! You look wonderful and I so enjoyed seeing your smile on the picture of you with Greta!! Love you!!

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  39. Aleisia –

    You are amazing! I learned about your blog from my sister, who works with your dad. Her daughter, my niece, is experiencing a pregnancy such as yours, and believe it or not, she is naming her little angel, Nora Rose. Your strength and faith in God and the journey that he has led you on is absolutely unbelievable. I will continue to pray for you and your family, and for baby Nora.

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  40. what a blessing to be able to meet you today and tell you in person how much you are loved by all of us. You, Nora and William have my whole heart today in prayer! Please reach out if you need anything. God bless!

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  42. I don’t even know you, but have been following your story from another friend, Shelly. God Bless you and your family. Nora is a lucky little girl to have you for a mom. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and best of luck.

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  43. Aleisia, I don’t know if you remember me, we have met a couple times. I’m Kerri Metzger’s sister in law. I just wanted to tell you that I have been following your blog through these last few months. Your family has been in my prayers all day. “He knows the path that I take, and when He has tried me I SHALL come forth as gold.” Job 1:10. Love you. – Hannah Jenkins

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  44. You don’t know me, but I heard about you from a dear friend. I have been praying for you, Nora, and your family ever since! I have been praying all day long for you today, and so has my church :). Thank you for your updates! Praying for God’s will for all of you ❤

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  47. I was only introduced to your journey today, through my friend Michelle posting it. She’s been posting it, but today was the first time I’ve read it. Once i started reading, I was moved to tears for so many reasons. I don’t know you or your family but my heart, love & prayers go out to you. Just one more person eagerly awaiting the arrival of your sweet baby Nora. Thank you for your courage to share this. It is inspiring. Best of luck & strength ❤

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  49. Sweet Alisa, you looked beautiful when I saw you earlier today. May the peace of God, which defies explanation, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. May you feel the loving arms of Jesus gently wrapping you in His love. With much love and many prayers,

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  52. Love you Aleisa! Been praying for all of you all day today! May you feel His arms wrapped tightly around you right now!

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  53. Praying. Thank you for letting us share in your journey to meeting Nora (I love that name). Thinking of you as I treasure making dinner for my 2 beautiful boys. God bless.

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    • When I saw your last blog that it was time, it was 5:13. I began sobbing to our ever loving God that He would be with you, your family and Nora. The time you have patiently waited for has come and I pray that you find comfort in those around you and in all those praying for you. Praying continuously for you while we wait for further news.

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  57. thank you for being a vessel for God. You have taught us so much about Love and Grace. You are in my prayers and thankful you are in my life. God continue to bless you all.

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  70. The power of prayer is an amazing thing!!! She is so beautiful, congratulations! I was feeling frustrated today with my three year old who poured a whole pitcher of red Kool Aid on the floor. Mind you this was after a night where she threw and broke a nail polish bottle leaving a mess on the carpet, and just this morning dumped coffee grounds all over the floor. For a moment I was upset and so very frustrated with her and then I thought of you. Instead of being mad I told her it was okay, hugged her tightly, and decided to clean the mess up with a SMILE while praying for your family and sweet Nora. The I gave her a long bubble bath to attempt washing the red dye off! I am so blessed to have my sweet Leightyn (who was born with Trisomy 21 and a heart condition) and sometimes when she is driving me crazy, like today, it helps to put things into perspective! I am so lucky to just have a rotten toddler (and a 3 month old) to clean up after. Thank you for sharing your story so openly and honestly. My prayers today, tomorrow, and always. Enjoy every moment with precious Nora!

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  71. Nora is so breathtakingly beautiful! We are continuing to pray and hope you all are enjoying yourselves right now!

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  75. She is beautiful! I am still praying for the time she has on this Earth. I almost forgot about the Trisomy 18…love you bunches! Thank you for sharing this journey.

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  76. She is beautiful!!!
    “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16

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  77. She is absolutely beautiful! And you didn’t have to wait until 1 a.m. for her:) Our prayers are with you and baby Nora Rose. Congratulations to you and your whole family.

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  79. She is so beautiful….I too am praying she gets to spend a lot of time on earth with her wonderful family. God bless all of you!

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  80. She is absolutely beautiful! Another one of God’s Masterpieces. Congratulations to all of you! Prayers will continue for Sweet Nora, & her brave & beautiful Momma!! Thank you for sharing her picture!

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  81. Congratulations! Found out about your family from a mutual friend, Tonya Borgatti, and have been praying for you all ever since. So happy that your sweet little girl is finally here. I couldn’t help but think how fitting it is that with it being “tax day” that this verse comes to mind…”render unto Ceasar that which is Caesar’s and render unto God that which is God’s”. I know from your written testimony that you rendered your precious child to our Lord and Savior months ago and here she is today. God bless you on your journey. Your family will continue to be in my prayers.

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  83. Have been thinking of you all today and am so glad Nora has arrived. God Bless you all! Please call if I can help with Greta (and Gavin is welcome, too)! Enjoy this special family time.

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  84. I have been praying for you and your family all day! I’m so glad she is here. I saw your blog on the T18 Facebook page and have been following your story. Our little girl was stillborn in October after being diagnosed with T18. Best wishes and prayers to you! Amanda

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  89. She’s so beautiful, Aleisa – bringing me to tears!! Much love to you all – kept dreaming about you and the baby last night and checking back on the updates today – thank you for keeping us posted! Prayers continue to be sent your way!!

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  90. She is BEAUTIFUL! So glad she’s here, and so glad you’re sharing this journey with us. Still praying fervently for you all. He is faithful. Much love.

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  91. Congratulations on your sweet precious Nora! A friend (Jesica Jehn) has been posting about your blog for a few weeks now. I have been meaning to check it out, but life is hectic with 2 little ones. Today, another friend (Sarah Walther) posted about it. I figured it was a sign to take the time to sit and read. I am moved to tears about your story. A few months ago, I found out I was pregnant. As most people do, I assumed this would be like my other two and was excited to see the little one. My husband and I also decided that we would wait to find out the sex. I went to the doctor for my 11 week check up and was devistated to find out that I miscarried. My doctor tells me that most of the time that this happens in the first trimester, it is because of a “chromosome deformity”. I have my degree in special education and currently work with adults with disabilities. Working with the disabled community, I always knew that if I ever had a child with a disability, then it would be a no brainer…we would have the baby and love it no matter what. As I read your story, I know without a doubt that this could have been me in a few months. In some way, i am envious that you got to have more time with sweet Nora. But mainly, I am so excited and happy for you and your family today! I look forward to hearing more about your journey!

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  100. Aleisa,
    “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
    Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord & his strength; seek his face always”. Psalm 105: 1-4
    A perfect picture of your journey. Praising Him with you in the birth of Nora Rose – she is delicious! Wish I could take a bite of those adorable cheeks!
    Love & hugs to you!
    Angie

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  102. For you created my inmost being; you knit me (Nora) together in my mother’s (Aleisa’s) womb. I praise you because I, (Nora) am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, We know that full. ~May the Lord Bless you and keep you!~ Stacy T18 Foundation Parents Connect

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  104. Aleisa & William —

    So happy for your family. Nora is just beautiful. Enjoy your little sweetie pie!

    The Pack Family

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  106. Aleisa,
    I read your blog on a friends FB page. I have spent the last several hours reading your story and the many entries you made throughout your pregnancy. I am amazed, touched, humbled, thankful that through your testimony I/we are reminded of the Love our God has for us, his children. Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite verse and it has gotten me through both good and bad times and I saw where you referenced it as well. I have learned through my own experiences over the past 3 years to trust in God more and know that he has a much bigger plan for all of us and he is the one in control. It is absolutely amazing to see God at work in so many different ways through your pregnancy with Baby Nora and now her arrival. I pray for overwhelming Love, joy, peace, comfort and strength for all of you! She is a beautiful angel! Thank you for opening yourself up to share your experiences with others!
    Praise be to God,
    Lauren Emmons

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  108. Congratulations! I checked out your blog through a friend’s link on Facebook, and have been praying for you and your family all day! I wish your family good health now and forever… God Bless.

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  113. She is absolutely exquisite! May our Lord bless her with tender love and care as she enjoys immeasurable love flowing from those around her as they delight in her tiny presence. I will remember her and all of you in my prayers. God bless you all! Praise Him for His perfection in all things!!

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  114. Congratulations to your entire family! God Bless you all. So happy Nora made a safe and healthy delivery! Still praying 🙂

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  116. I have said many prayers for Nora and your family. Maggie has kept me informed . Nora is beautiful and so lucky to have you as her mother. you have done a brave and wonderful thing.

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