Hello!

My name is Emily C. On December 7th my life and my boyfriend Alex's life changed, drastically and forever. Although we never intended on having any children, nor planned for it whatsoever, we sit here today with a beautiful healthy full term baby girl.

Arabella Opal Reichanadter

As crazy as it seems to some, I truly didn't find out I was pregnant, until I was actively in labor in the hospital. What was originally an ER visit for "stomach and tailbone pain" escalated quickly when my the urine sample the triage nurse took included amniotic fluid. I was informed I was in labor, rushed to the OB and in about 2 hrs later was holding a whole baby with no pain killers (I felt so tough ).

The 1st pictures of our family

The surprise of motherhood has made things easier in some respects, much more difficult in others. No doctors appointments, no testing, poking, or prodding. I lived my life, a bit chubbier than I was happy with but I chalked that up to stress and just lived with 'my gut.'

No prenatal care means I did not take prenatal vitamins. I didn't take the precautions and measures most pregnant women take in preparing for a healthy delivery. Despite my less than totally healthy lifestyle leading up to her birth she is perfectly healthy. One week in the NICU for preemptive care and some minor breathing concerns, but Arabella has been home for almost 3 weeks now and is a healthy, beautiful baby.

We've received so many gifts of baby care items, clothes, diapers, and truly from the bottom of our hearts appreciate those gifts, and the friends and family that have given them.

Right now we are asking for help towards our mounting bills. Shut off notices are mounting. And it will be a few weeks before I can get back to my tattoo work. (Clients: call Urban Discipline to get set up for your tattoo appointment in the coming weeks! Let's get some work done!)

Alex has had to take off work to help take care of both myself and Arabella.

The months leading up to our daughter's birth were difficult financially when it was just us. Now we are starting to feel the strain. We are both proud people, and it's hard to ask for help with money. But we need to keep our heat going for this snuggly bug, and need to keep phones on to keep track of doctors appointments.

Thank you for reading this little story about our new lil family. If you are able to help in any context, we are so appreciative.

Happy new year all,

Arabella, Em, and Alex.