Meet the Littlest Shero!

Hello My Wonderful Friends,

There's a "little" project that my husband and I have been working on behind the scenes. We are quite overjoyed to share that it is now complete!

Introducing the littlest Shero, Miss Hollis Angela McKinney! Born on March 1st at 6:01pm, and weighing in at 7 lbs, 11 oz, and 19" long. She is snuggling, nursing, and cooing well. She is our scrumptious little love bug and we are quite smitten!

My Sheroes, I am beyond thrilled to share this news with you, and prayed I would be able to do so.

I realize that to many this will come as a surprise, as I intentionally avoided social media and big announcements. This has not been an easy journey and while many days were filled with excitement, they came with fear too. Pregnancy after loss and pregnancy in your 40’s is not a “normal” pregnancy. Taking it one day at a time and daily, audible, rehearsal of my mantra “Everything is fine,” along with many, many deep breaths, were dedicated elements of my routine.

There are so many things I want to share with you (5,000 pix, for example, LOL) and so many things I've learned, such as...Breastfeeding is wonderful. Pumping is a little strange. Her little squeaks are the best. Her screams can be something! 

I'm completely in awe of what the human body can do, particularly the female body. It's truly miraculous what we can do, isn't it, ladies??

I thought you might enjoy a few light-hearted answers to questions I’ve found myself answering frequently.

Jamie, how are you feeling? Are you getting any rest?

Hmm, well, it’s no secret that living the newborn life comes with little sleep, so I reframed the word “rest” to mean…
Really

Exciting

Special

Time

…And in that case, yep, getting plenty of it!

I am blessed to have several helping hands too which are incredibly appreciated.

Did your birth plan go as you thought it would?

Nope, not at all! Leading up to Miss Hollis’ arrival, I prepared. I practiced. I listened to meditations intended to distract me from labor pains. I hired a doula. I bought an online course called, “How to Have a Practically Pain Free Birth.” NONE of it played out as I envisioned! What did, though, was bring home a happy, healthy, sweet baby girl…my most important goal of all.

Did you know you were having a girl? What’s the meaning behind Hollis’ name?

We decided not to find out baby’s gender and decorated the nursery with a forest theme. My husband and I love the Colorado outdoors and know that spending time in nature will be a big part of our kiddo’s life. Hollis is a name that has always stood out for me and when I looked up its origin, I learned that it means one who plays among the holly trees. Perfect to follow along with the nature theme! Also, when I researched renowned people with the name Hollis, I found no train wrecks (whew!), mostly accomplished businessmen or scientists, and one woman who is a neuroscientist. (Go, girl!)

 Are you taking time off?? What happens next?

Yes, my newest “client” has captured my heart. She and I are currently spending lots of precious time together and in the background, I have a great team who is keeping the communication, weekly emails, and a few other items running.

Come late spring/early summer, VIP invitations and exciting announcements will be coming for new and empowering programs to be offered this summer! Are you ready for an “Ask For It!” Challenge? It’s coming!

 ❤️❤️❤️I do want to acknowledge that if you're reading this with mixed emotions, perhaps with loss and infertility struggles of your own, please know that I see you. My heart is with you. I’ve been there, my eyes welling up with tears upon seeing someone else’s birth announcement. Then feeling like a terrible person because while excited for her, I simultaneously felt my own heart hurt.

If you are on this journey, don’t give up. Have hope. Surround yourself with support (emotional, physical, medical, whatever you need) and explore your options…perhaps in ways you’re not envisioning right now. This path can be the hardest you’ll ever endure. I recognize your path and I extend my heartfelt love to you. I know that you are strong beyond measure and for whatever it’s worth, I have a huge hug waiting for you at any time. ❤️❤️❤️

My Sheroes, be brave, be strong, extend beyond your comfort zone, and take courageous action. Every step you take, no matter how terrifying, is preparing you for something bigger, something audacious, something beyond your wildest dreams. Go for it and you will not have one single regret. I believe that to my core and know that Miss Hollis will tell you the same!

With overflowing love,

💗Jamie, Rob, and Hollis💗