Baby Spot Baby of The Week is Nikki from blogger Momma Braga. Momma Braga is also our Blogger of the year!
*Photo Credit on the featured photo is Kelly Middleton Photography*
What is your baby’s name and why did you choose this name for your baby?
Our daughter’s name is Nikki and no it isn’t her nickname as often people ask if it’s short for Nicole. We just loved the name Nikki and it has such a nice ring to it. It was also an easy enough name for my parents to say and pronounce (English is a second language for them so this was important in our decision). When we researched the definition of the name we liked it even more and the character behind the name were all qualities that we valued as well.
The meaning of Nikki is “victory of people.” We went a little further in our research and found the character meaning of the name which was really beautiful. It stated: “You desire to inspire and lead, to control other’s affairs. You are giving, courageous and bold, action oriented, energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics, social issues, and cultivation of your creative talents.”
We were sold by this powerful meaning behind the name of Nikki and it became her name as soon as she was born.
How old is your baby now?
Nikki will be turning 3 on August 1st and we can’t believe how quickly the years have gone by already.
Tell us about your baby’s birth story…
Credit: Kelly Middleton Photography
On July 31st I went to see my OB for our scheduled appointment and I was told that I had started to dilate. My blood pressure was extremely high and they found protein in my urine which gave me the diagnosis of preeclampsia which is a condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, sometimes with fluid retention and proteinuria.
Due to these conditions, the OB informed me that I had to be admitted to the hospital and prepare to greet my daughter. I called my husband who was at work and said that he needed to bring my bags that I had already packed to the hospital as we were going to have our baby. I also messaged my immediate family and closest friends to let them know what was happening. Everyone was surprised that the day already arrived as I was only due on August 13th. But my only worry was if I was going to be able to deliver the baby ok. All the doctors and OB were not sure if I was able to deliver as it depended on the size of my daughter. The hospital that I was at were truly kind to me and I just kept as calm as possibly. Funny thing is that this day was the less stressful from the whole pregnancy. I just focused on greeting my daughter and knew that I was surrounded by professionals who will do everything they can to help me.
I was admitted to the hospital at about noon hour and was examined by a doctor who informed me that I would be delivering today. It appeared that the day I was admitted was a busy baby day as there were no rooms available for me. I waited patiently and luckily I was not in any pain since I wasn’t in labour yet. At about 6:30 pm a room was available and it was worth the wait as it was a beautiful room. Since my water wasn’t breaking, I had to be induced.
At 7 pm, a doctor came in to break my water and I have to say that it was a painful experience. After my water breaking, a rush of feelings and emotions went through my body. My husband did an amazing job at keeping me calm and my nurse was like an angel by my side. She guided me through the process and ensured that she never left my side. I informed her of my concerns with the delivery and my fear of having a C-section. My amazing nurse told me to not worry that we are going to get through this without a C-section and I just need to follow her guidance.
I did opt for an epidural and my nurse knew when it was the right time to give it the moment I told my husband not to touch me. Both the nurse and my husband laughed as they knew I could not handle any more of the pain. My husband had to leave the room and my nurse stayed with me to ensure that I didn’t move and I got the epidural. I have to say that it worked out for me and I was thrilled to have taken it. A few more hours passed and I was almost fully dilated. At exactly 3:12 AM my nurse instructed me to start to push and then stop. She monitored and made sure that I pushed at the right time. The doctor informed that he needed to make a small incision in order to give my daughter more room to come out which I approved (required 10 stitches afterwards).
After 45 minutes of pushing when I was instructed to and at exactly 4:03 AM, Nikki was born.
I remember as soon as she was born wiped her a bit before putting her on my chest. This little 5lb 9oz little human looked up at me with her tiny sparkling eyes and I said, “Hi! We are finally meeting. Welcome to the world Nikki! We have been waiting a long time for you and there is a lot of people waiting to see and love you.”
After her birth, we both stayed in the hospital for an additional three days due to my high blood pressure. I had a hard time keeping it down due to the overwhelming stress that I was in. I knew that once I was in my own home, it would help bring my pressure down and once I was released and a week later, my blood pressure was back to normal.
Nikki’s blood sugars were a little low when she was born so she had to have her blood checked often which was so hard to watch. They would prick the bottom of her foot to get the blood they needed to check and Nikki cried (and so did I). After the second day, Nikki’s blood sugar was normal and the foot pricking was no more.
I just felt fortunate that we were both doing well and we had great people to help us through it.
What is your baby’s personality like?
Two words: Energy Ball. Nikki is a full of energy toddler who loves to play and have friends. She is polite and has a bit of spunk when she doesn’t get her way but what toddler isn’t like that?! She is caring and loves to cuddle. Nikki loves to dance and sing and of course watch WWE wrestling. Her smile is contagious and she has a larger than life type of personality. Let’s just say that she keeps us very busy.
Social Media Accounts
Twitter: @melmbraga
Instagram: @MommaBraga
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MommaBraga
Blog: www.mommabraga.com
Will your baby be our next Baby Spot Baby of the Week?
Because they will always be our babies!
