Monday, August 1, 2011

He is here!


Noah Atticus arrived at 1:51 a.m. this morning.  

The first time I held him, I bawled like a baby.

Katie was in labor for over 24 hours, and she did the whole thing without an epidural.  SHE IS AMAZING, and I cannot express in words how much I love her.  I am in awe of her strength, beauty, courage and selflessness.  It was an amazing experience to be there with her, Drew, and their moms as she delivered Noah.  The moment was sacred.

As the sun was rising this morning, I sat on the window sill with Noah in my arms and showed him the new day.  "Welcome to the world," I said to him. "It's your first big day."

This is the best day of my life.








More photos to come...maybe in a few days.  :)
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65 comments:

  1. ElizabethAugust 1, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Noah Atticus!!! How perfect. We love you already little man!!! Thanks for sharing those first intimate moments, Rach. Beautiful pictures

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  2. ANJAugust 1, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    okay, those pictures made me cry. your dream has come true! i'm so so so happy for you :)

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  3. Benjamin & KadeeAugust 1, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Congratulations! That is amazing...kinda gives everyone else hope!

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  4. TylerAugust 1, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    Congratulations!!!

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  5. The SpannsAugust 1, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    ditto ANJ! So so full of joy for you guys! He is beautiful!

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  6. Mike, Kalie, Jason, Lexie and ColdenAugust 1, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    I'm bawling too! Congratulations Mommy! He is so beautiful, and I just love the name you guys gave him! I can't wait for more posts!

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  7. faithAugust 1, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Rachel, I am so excited for all of you! Congratulations! He is beautiful and you all look wonderful.

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  8. NatalieAugust 1, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    I cried again looking at these pictures. I couldn't be happier for you.

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  9. JoshAugust 1, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    So happy for you, Ryan, and Noah! This day's been a long time coming and I'm thrilled he's finally here!

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  10. MelanieAugust 1, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    yay!!!!!!!! congrats!!!!!!

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  11. Jen and Joe.August 1, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Congratulations! I'm just thrilled for you. THRILLED. What a joyful day for you--Noah is a blessed baby, for sure. Surrounded by the love of you and Katie and so many others.

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  12. AshleyAugust 1, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    He is perfect! Can't wait to meet him in a few days!

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  13. Dave and BristeAugust 1, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    How Exciting SO SO SO Happy for you guys! Enjoy!

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  14. DenyseAugust 1, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    I'm crying tears of joy right now for you! He's beautiful, congrats momma!

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  15. AnnieAugust 1, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Congratulations Rachel and Ryan. What a miracle little Noah is.

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  16. Mike and Tia FamAugust 1, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Best day! I am so happy for you. These pictures are beautiful. Noah is so cute.
    Katie is an amazing girl. I will keep her in my prayers this week, she is so tough.
    Love you all little Nielson family!

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  17. ChristaAugust 1, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Congrats Rach!! He's beautiful!! And don't worry all mom's ball like a baby. :)

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  18. Stephanie EvansAugust 1, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I AM SO HAPPY!!!! Many tears! Thank you for sharing these with us. I LOVE that his middle name is Atticus. Very appropriate. With parents like you two he will definitely live up to that name. Congratulations! We love you 3!

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  19. amylouwhosewsAugust 1, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    Rachel, I'm so so so happy for you! These are precious moments you've captured, thank you for sharing.
    hugs
    Amy
    (Laura's sisinlaw)

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  20. NatalieAugust 1, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Oh so much happiness! Congrats! I always cry when I read your blog!! These are definitely happy tears!

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  21. LaceyAugust 1, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Congrats mommy and daddy! He's perfect! What a special day. Soak it up. I'm so happy for you!

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  22. ErinAugust 1, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you guys! He is so precious!

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  23. MegAugust 1, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Congratulations! You made me cry just with your post. I'm so happy for the both of you. You will be great parents. :) Noah is a great name!

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  24. LaceyAugust 1, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    PS. Much love to Katie. What an amazing women! No epidural? Holy cow!! Love his name too!

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  25. Elise B.August 1, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    congratulations!!! I was just thinking about you last night and wondering if your little one was born yet. We're so excited for you two (three!)

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  26. betseyAugust 1, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    I am just so happy right now! Thank you so much for posting so quickly~ Noah is perfect and beautiful and I can't wait to meet him! All our love to you guys, and especially to sweet Katie! XOXOXOXO

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  27. AmyAugust 1, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    BBBAAGGHHHHH!!!!!! YAY yay YAY YAY!!! I am SO ecstatic for you! He is darling and perfect and so TINY! I want to know stats! How big is he? You all look great! I know you are going to love every single minute!

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  28. Rachel and TylerAugust 1, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Congratulations! I am so happy for your family. Give Katie lots of love. I am sure this is an emotional day for her as well. You are all amazing.

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  29. Candi & EzraAugust 1, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    He is absolutely perfect...so happy this day has finally come! Enjoy every moment!!

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  30. Melissa NielsenAugust 1, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Yeah!!!! I am so excited! I almost cried with you in your picture! I am SO incredibly happy for you and for the strength of Katie. Happiness!!

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  31. JackieAugust 1, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Congratulations you two!! I am so happy for you. What a long, bumpy ride you've been on. So glad it's over and you have your cute little guy in your arms at last!!

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  32. Sean & KendraAugust 1, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    So exciting!! Congratulations!! We are so happy for you both! And what a lucky little man he is. I absolutely LOVE the name!!

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  33. Sara LeeAugust 1, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    He is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations, and of course you know how I feel about the name. I love all his dark hair. What a cutie! You are going to be a great mother and we will keep Katie in our prayers. What a wonderful girl she is.

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  34. The Carlson CrewAugust 1, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Wow, can't believe he's finally here! Love the name, and the darling pictures. HOORAY for all of you! Good luck with the next few weeks!

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  35. RebekahAugust 1, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Rach, how exciting for you and Ryan! Liz just forwarded on your news and I was in tears as I reached the bottom of your pics! I love his name (Ive been trying to convince Dan about Atticus for some time ;) ) We'd love to bring you dinner sometime when you get back to Denver!

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  36. RaCHeLAugust 1, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Oh Rachel he is beautiful! I too like many other am shedding tears of joy at this very moment. I couldn't be happier for you & Ryan. Katie is one amazing girl that is for sure. Can't wait to see more of this little guy. :) XOXO

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  37. GrampsterAugust 1, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Wonderful news Rachel and Ryan! We are so grateful to see the and happy for you! Our hearts are full to see this blessing come to all. Hallelujah! Paul and Rosalia
    (Tia's folks)

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  38. Cleat, Ida, and the crewAugust 1, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Congrats!!! Motherhood looks beautiful on you :) Ryan looks darling in these pics as well.

    Your son is quite the handsome little man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and Katie.

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  39. BrettAugust 1, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    THAT is a handsome handsome baby. Congrats you guys, I'm over the moon for you both and grateful you found someone as kind and generous as Katie to share this piece of her life with you. I'm thrilled for every last one of you and glad that Noah has three such loving people in his life.

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  40. TashaAugust 1, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Congratulations!!! Those pictures made me bawl, thank you for sharing them. I'm so happy for the 3 of you, and admire and respect Katie so much.

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  41. Emily in WonderlandAugust 1, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    That is so beautiful! What a beautiful moment! I love the pictures of you holding him! Congratulations! Congratulations to all of you! We love you! Welcome from Heaven Noah! <3 We love you too!

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  42. Diane DimondAugust 1, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Congratulations! Noah is beautiful, and love the name- Welcome to this world little man!

    I am so happy for the growing family.

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  43. sugaryfrogs.blogspot.comAugust 1, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!! He is beautiful and perfect!

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  44. RozannahAugust 1, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    As I was trying to read the news through the tears Solomon kept yelling "Cute baby! Cute Baby!". I must agree, he is handsome. I love you soo much and I can't wait for the full update. Please give Katie my love.....I knew she could do it!!

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  45. Kristen PerilloAugust 1, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    So, so happy for you... and so sure that there just couldn't be anyone who is more deserving of this than you and Ryan.

    <3

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  46. Courtney LeeAugust 1, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    Rahel, I cried right along with you when I saw you holding your precious son for the first time! I am SO happy for you. There's something about going through a similar journey that makes my heart ache when yours aches and rejoice when yours rejoices. I'm so happy to rejoice with you during this most exciting time!

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  47. TiffanyAugust 1, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Oh my gosh I haven't cried that hard in a long time! I love you all! CONGRATULATIONS rach and ry! Tell Noah his Aunt Tiff is coming down to meet him as soon as his mom and dad will allow her to visit. I love him! He's beautiful....And you are an incredible, incredible person Katie. I love you too!

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  48. Lindsey, J.D.August 1, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Oh my goodness Rach!!!! I can't believe he is here!! I'm SO SO happy!! I can't believe how cute he is. I can't wait to meet him! Love you and just enjoy your sweet precious Noah. How very wonderful!!!! So glad Ryan to could be there too. Oh and let me know if you need anything and when I can come see you!!!

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  49. ChristieAugust 1, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Rach & Ry, oh my! Love you, love his name....you'll never have time to read all these comments because you will be to busy kissing on that baby! I know you will cherish every moment. Can't wait to see you!

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  50. Sarah McKAugust 1, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    This post made everyone in the family cry. Every time I look at the pics of you crying I tear up. You're amazing, sister. I admire you deeply and can't wait to snoog that little son of yours!!! xoxo

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  51. ChelseaAugust 2, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    Look at all that black hair! I LOVE the pictures you shared on here. I love you, and I'm so happy you finally got your little son.

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  52. BossAugust 2, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    I think those might be the happiest mom-meets-baby photos I've ever seen. That little nugget is one lucky lucky boy, to come into the world to so much love. And that hair! I've always wanted a baby with lots of hair! He's precious. And you are beautiful. (And Ryan's nice too, I suppose.) Congratulations!

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  53. Kent and LeisyAugust 2, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    so so so excited and happy for you guys!! you deserve such great happiness!

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  54. Littleton Young WomensAugust 2, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    Rach and Ry! I just saw your post and could hardly wait to open up your page and see your son! I am beyond thrilled for the two of you and wish I had your number to call you and hear all about! I am sure that is what everyone wants to do right now! Man I am so thrilled! He is a handsome little bugger and welcome to motherhood! Its the best!
    kell

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  55. AndreaAugust 2, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    What a wonderful, wonderful day! I'm so happy for you and Ryan! the wait is over!

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  56. BrittaAugust 2, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Ok, I almost bawled too. Congrats! I'm sooo happy for all of you. What a beauty.

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  57. CrescentAugust 2, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Ohhh!! I broke down in tears looking at these pictures! He is perfect! I am soooo happy for you guys. I love the picture where Ryan's arms are around you both and you are both looking so lovingly at sweet little Noah. It is the most precious thing ever! Congrats!!!!

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  58. kandis August 2, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    I'm SO happy for you guys! He is such a cutie! I Loved the pictures! The ones of the 3 of you and your emotion brought a tear to my eye. Congrats! You guys are going to be great parents!!

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  59. die FrauAugust 2, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    I'm so unbelievably happy for you and Ryan! It's the most amazing experience in the world. Call me or e-mail with ANY questions-=since I'm a scant six weeks ahead, I'm a good person to ask about baby boys! Plus I'm happy to help.

    Congratulations. Take lots of pictures and enjoy every second. I can't believe little J is six weeks already--it flies by!

    p.s. LOVE the name!

    xoxo,
    Kary

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  60. www.ackfam4.blogspot.comAugust 2, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Thanks for sharing this experience.. i was completely touched as I have followed you and have watched what you have been through to get to this moment. It is so awesome and what a beautiful little son. Can't wait to come and meet him.

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  61. BeckerAugust 2, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Of COURSE you bawled when you held him for the first time! I bawled just looking at the pictures!! Rachel, congratulations. What a gift. Your story is so inspiring. I can't tell you how thrilled I am for your family. Enjoy the sleepless nights, the softest cheek snuggles and kisses, the new baby smell, getting peed on, the teeny tiny things you dress him in and all the joys and crazies of being a mama! You will be wonderful! You already were. :)

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  62. WhitneyAugust 2, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    I'm so happy for you two. I can't help but tear up looking at those beautiful pictures. Tearing up actually may be putting it mildly. Crying my eyes out is more like it. I just can't help it, I'm so happy/grateful/excited/ for you guys! The look on your face is pure love. Congratulations sweet friend!

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  63. rachie_leleiAugust 3, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Of all the wonderful people that I know that are truly deserving to be parents, you are at the top! Congratulations! The joy you are expressing is wonderful and exciting and contagious! Love you!

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  64. SowellsAugust 6, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    I'm sharing tears of joy for the three of you!!!! Such a happy day!

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  65. DosboogesAugust 6, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    So, so happy for you all. Enjoy every moment.

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