Jukie comes to visit!

My amazing Mom traveled all the way from Russia (where she and my Dad are currently serving a mission) to be with me, Ryan, and Ivan after he was born. She had to purchase her plane tickets months ago and based on my due date of January 20th, decided on the 15th to fly home. When I went into labor on January 9th, we figured we would have about a week at home with Ivan before my mom flew in. But after Ivan ended up in the NICU for about a week, her arrival date couldn't have been any more perfect (or inspired!) 

She flew in to Salt Lake the night of the 15th, rested at home that night, then headed to Provo the next morning. Ryan and I had spent the night in a room at the hospital in the Ronald McDonald suite, so we could be with Ivan and I could be there to nurse him through the night. When I met my mom outside the NICU the morning of the 16th, I was filled with so many emotions. Excitement to see her! Happiness that she could be there to see her grandson. And relief to have my Mommy there after giving birth, and currently trying to get my baby home from the hospital!

Ivan ended up only spending one more day in the NICU. That night, my mom went home to our apartment while we stayed at the hospital. She stayed up late cleaning and preparing for us to bring sweet Ivan home the next morning. It couldn't have been more perfect! Love you, Mama!