When I arrived in Spokane yesterday I gave my parents big hugs as they were waiting for me at the airport. We then drove to their house and I dropped off my lugguge. After a few minutes of getting situated, my mom and I drove right over to my sister’s home so I could finally meet my niece.

My mom and I reunited in the airport.

If you are a frequent reader of my blog, especially my Thursday posts, you know I have counted down the days for several weeks until I would finally get to hold Mikayla Joy Koutecky. I have devoted a lot of word space and picture space to this special little baby. No question about it, I definitely set myself up to report to all of you on my first ever meeting between Uncle Brent and Niece Mikayla.

We arrived at my sister’s house and went downstairs to where mom and baby were. After seeing hundreds of photos of Mikayla and viewing countless videos, suddenly she was right in front of me. It was a surreal moment but also a very joyful one. She was even more precious and beautiful in person as she was through the various media I watched. My sister brought her over to me in her arms and I got my first up close view. My mom then held her for a second. They then asked if I was ready to hold her. I said yes.

My mom held Mikayla first.

Wish I could say that our first moment together was full of smiles and peace but that would be a lie. Seconds after she came into my arms she started to cry. Even with her tears though, it was so nice to hold the little angel. After a minute or so I relinquished her to Miranda. Mikayla calmed down and I was able to hold her again. This time around she felt very comfortable in my arms and we shared several sweet moments.

Mikayla cried the first time I held her.

My sister then put her on the floor with her back down underneath this contraption that had stuffed animals dangling and music playing. With all this stimuli for Mikayla to enjoy she started to kick her legs and flail her arms. It was so cute and I absolutely loved it.

Mikayla was so cute laying on her back and kicking her feet.

I then got to hold her once again. By this time Mikayla felt completely at home in my arms and I had the opportunity to really talk to her and introduce myself. I received several smiles out of the gorgeous baby girl and I felt so lucky that I was finally able to meet her.

Mikayla warmed up to me and was all smiles.

I won’t have to wait long to see her again. In about 90 minutes, Miranda is going to come pick me up with baby in tow and we are going to go eat lunch with my brother on his work break. The rumor is that Mikayla is wearing her Coastal Carolina University outfit so I will be sure to get some great photos of her and I. What a special Thanksgiving holiday this is for our family. Don’t Blink.