Catching Up is hard to do...

Wow! I've not blogged in a week and soo much has happened! I hope I can hit the highlights, not bore you, and manage to catch you up on the Kepleys happenings this past week!

To begin with I want you to know.. I love holidays and I love traditions. I have a hard time letting go of my traditions and accepting changes in the traditions I enjoyed as a young tot! That may seem somewhat selfish, but its even hard to let go of those after losing Mom. Luckily, my loving husband didn't grow up with annual traditions.. at least not to the extent I did and he doen;t wants that for Grace Anne. So, he and I agreed to start those traditions now, not next year or the next... so that is much needed info for explaining whats to come...
My Mom was quite the baker and always made candies and cookies among other things at Christmas time. I didn't get the head start Mom always had, but nonetheless I introduced Grace Anne to baking Christmas cookies! (She spent most of the time in her bouncy seat sleeping)

Christmas Eve is always the big day. As a kid I hated waiting until that night, but loved every moment of it once the festivities began. I am continuing the traditions that were established in my childhood. Mom would always fix finger foods and we opened our presents. See Santa only brought one big present on Christmas morning. All the other presents were exchanged Christmas Eve -- and that tradition continues. This year the Rigglets were the only present spectators. (we have people come watch us open presents.. does that tell you anything? I was an only child.. I was spoiled.. no lies) But, now they come to see Grace Anne. This year they even helped her open presents-- well lets be honest-- they took turns opening her presents for her! She got some neat toys that Mommy really liked shopping for... and she got a few new outfits -- of course.



Santa came to visit our house (we left him cookies). He brought Grace Anne a really cool UT Vols Rocking Chair. It's adoreable. Daddy had no idea what Santa was bringing and he was super excited for Grace Anne!



Christmas morning is always spent with the Riggs. For several years we have gone next door to see what the Riggs got from Santa and then watch them open the presents under the tree. This year was no different.. well with the exception of our newest addition. The rest of Christmas Day is laid back and no firm traditions are in place!
Typically we go to my family's farm for Christmas on the Saturday before Christmas. This year we had a conflict that made for justifiable "tradition-changing"... Kris' graduation. Growing up we always went on Christmas Day, right after Santa came! It was so hard to leave my toys and make that 4 1/2 drive to Hopkinsville, KY. I never wanted to put my kids through that and I'm very thankful we have changed that tradition.

We had a good time in Kentucky and even got to actually surprise Aunt Beth!! We showed up on Christmas night at about 9pm. She wasn't expecting us that early, but we wanted her to get a little extra time Grace Anne.

Grace Anne got lots of goodies for Christmas. Mommy and Daddy racked up as well. We are so thankful our family and wonderful friends. We wish everyone a happy new year!

Postpartum Visit..

At 6 weeks you go back to your postpartum visit.. I'm telling you this because I went yesterday and that in turn means my baby girl is 6 weeks old (well she will be Friday). I can't believe it!!! My doctor said everything looked GREAT! That I was doing well... Now, for my sake and sanity, I just need to lose the rest of the baby weight... which isn't much, but it seems like quite a daunting task! Although, my doctor did pretty much tell everyone in the office my secret shopping obsession (as if its a secret). I was actually shopping, and we aren't talking grocery shopping, the Monday after Grace Anne was born.. the day after being released from the hospital-- well she happened to be shopping too.... and well I got caught.

So the weekend was great. After graduation festivities we got to celebrate Christmas with Grammy and Papaw at our house. Poppy also came over. Grammy tried and tried to get Mommy and Daddy to go to dinner and a movie together. We thought we might be able to do dinner, we knew a movie was out of the question-- well neither happened. It had nothing to do with her staying with her grandparents, we just couldn't leave her! We will eventually..

Mommy and Daddy again racked up on Christmas presents. Daddy got new Ray Ban sunglasses. Mommy even got a David Yurman ring from Poppy! Of course Grace Anne continues to be spoiled by all! Grammy bought her tons of goodies and basically a new wardrobe! haha We just have to get to 0-3 sized clothing (which should be soon.. I think!)

SNOW?

I'm not really sure how I missed the weather, but at about 8pm on Thursday I found out that winter weather was on the way. Now, I do love snow and any other day the thought of snow would have elated me... but, this day I had more of a "uggh hmm snow.." reaction, and let me explain why! We were leaving on Friday morning for Johnson City because Daddy was graduating!! He had actually already finished this summer, but he wasn't able to walk until Fall semester was over. So, nonetheless, we had family coming from Louisiana, North Carolina, and Georgia.. snow wasn't a good idea. On Thursday night Mommy packed the car with presents for Christmas, a pack n' play, Daddy's grad attire (which included a selection of 3 dress shirts, 4 ties, his suit, his dress shoes, robe, cap, etc. etc.). It looked like we were driving a combination of Santa's sleigh and a U-Haul-- of course with a BMW flair.

So Friday was a mess, it all began with just rain and turned into lots of snow and slush . The NC family saw lots of cars going into ditches, but in the end everyone arrived. We decided to go to the big, impressive (sarcastic) Johnson City mall with the Kepley side of the family. We were having fun just strolling along with the last weekend before Christmas shoppers. Kris glanced out the window and noted the big huge snow flakes falling. We were in no rush to get back to our hotel so we strolled another 30 or 45 minutes. Long story short, in less than 2 hours there was 3 inches of snow with lots of slush and pathetic, inexperienced drivers... We decided returning to the hotel was a must, obviously every other soul in that mall decided to leave as well. There were people going in every direction! Unfotunatly, the BMW didn't like when the folks in front of us stopped in slush and we were stuck! BUT, luckily enough we could roll backward, get enough traction to turn the wheel and get in the other lane. We were successful at getting around the stopped cars and we returned to the hotel without injury-- we just had a very hungry baby!

Friday night Kris and his Dad went to get Ruby Tuesday's To Go. We were very thankful they braved the cold and walked, yes walked, to the nearby Ruby Tuesdays. (we have a picture on Darlene's camera.. I'll update this section when I recieve the picture.) After filling out tummies, we all went down to the lobby of the hotel by on e of the fireplaces to open presents. Lets just say, these Kepleys racked up! Grace Anne is so spoiled by all her grandparents... and her Mommy and Daddy can't complain about that. Mommy got the Ugg boots she was wanting and Daddy got the Wallabees he wanted. Mommy also got BMW floor mats among other things. Daddy of course also got UT paraphernalia!

Saturday morning came very early. After Friday night's fashion show, Kris knew which shirt and tie he'd wear. We got up early to pack up. There was about 8 inches of snow.. it was beautiful. Daddy got all spiffed up and went on to the dome line up. The rest of the clan walked over a little later. Daddy looked awesome and we were all very proud. We all went to lunch after

and celebrated Kris' achievements. Even though he has been done, there is something about walking across that stage!

PS- I started blogging Thursday and just posted it last night.. sad it took so long, but that is why the date is the 17th!

The LITTLE runt is GROWING!

I know everyone wants an update and everyone is having Grace Anne withdraws!
I should be better at this and I keep promising myself I will be and then look.. its been another 4.. almost 5 I guess... days! Ahhh! I won't even waste your time with excuses!

Grace Anne is doing fabulous! We went to the doctor this morning and she is up to 7lbs. 15 oz. She is almost a pound over birth weight which is not that much apparently for a month old, but for our little runt we are very excited about the growth!! And yes, she is a month old.. you read it right. Can you believe it?!
After the doctor check-up, Mommy's friend Jennifer came over to visit, camera in hand. She took lots of pictures of GA! Yesterday we were talking and decided Grace Anne needed a tutu. Tutu's are super easy to make too which made the whole process of creating one that much more fun! I have a feeling my child will end up wearing tutu for quite some time. Jennifer also brought us our first pair of baby legs, not that they would fit now, but they will look so cute under the tutu when she is bigger! So, back to the original thought--I can't wait to see the pictures.. Jenn has a very creative eye and I've loved all the work I've seen her do.. and this time was shooting my kid so it can't be bad!

Oh and our newest pass time is playing in our little activity mat gym thingy. She loves throwing her arms about and hitting the toys. Also, we have two toys that play music.. those are by far her favorite!

We have a very busy week ahead. Daddy finished his bachelor's this summer and will be walking at graduation Saturday. Grace Anne and I bought Daddy a new suit for graduation so its only fitting that Grace Anne get a new outfit as well. Poppy bought her a dress, tights, and really cute shoes. She will look adorable... I tried it on last night the only flaw I foresee is that the tights are huge! I don't know what we will do instead-- stay tuned.

Finally, I like to refer to myself as Mommy in the blog, but I have noticed that I switch back and forth to Mommy and I which in turn makes me jump from third person to first person and back to third. I want you all to know that I DO know better. I am about to have a graduate degree and I don't want anyone to think wow she can't even get the basics down. I may really work on sticking to first person, but then again... I may not! NOW, that being said-- spelling errors don't count. I am a terrible speller and if spell check doesn't catch it.. then we are out of luck. Oh and within the blog...punctuation, especially commas, have no rules!

DON'T GIVE UP ON US!!
Keep coming back to the blog!

My deepest apologies! I went a week.. no blog.
What you may not know though... the Mommy behind this blog has had to be more than just a Mommy this past week. As of yesterday though-- I'm able to be 100% Mommy and wife! I finished all my course work, my exit interview, my portfolio.. I'm a licensed teacher now! I also have all my coursework finished for my master's and I'll take my comps in the Spring-- so by May I'll have my M.Ed :) So, now I no excuse not to blog, right?

Anyways, on to the important things... Grace Anne went to the doctor Monday. She gained 9oz. She is up to a big 7lbs. 6 oz. and 19.5 inches! So, she's still small. We think the most noticeable change is that her hair is growing!

Today I picked up the pictures from last week. Daddy hadn't seen them and loved them. I have a feeling he will be showing her off again tomorrow at work.

So, here are some of them for your viewing pleasure:

SAY CHEESE!

Yesterday Grace Anne had her first big picture day! Okay so technically she had pictures at the hospital, but yesterday was her first true photo shoot! She is going to be a superstar! She did really well considering she slept most of the time.. thankful she loves the camera.. and we seem to think it loves her-- but it might be us being partial. The picture above I took on my phone, but I'm very excited about the real pictures. They took one with this rose mat thingy-- sounds super tacky and honestly I didn't think it'd be cute... I was just going with it since they had been so nice and bragged on how beautiful she is (of course we all know that). Well, my friends, the rose thing turned out to be adoreable! I loved it she was so sweet and her expressions were great--she was showing more of her personality (that we are really picking up on now that she is nearly 3 weeks old-- can you believe it!?)

After seeing how well she did yesterday I'm very anxious for my friend Jenn to take some pictures of her! I think Jenn will have good ideas and she may be able to capture some unique shots! We might as well start building her portfolio now... give her a few years and Vogue will be calling.. :)

OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE!

Well December has arrived! We put the Christmas tree up and got a few decorations out of storage. I must admit, I didn't deck the halls to their fullest. There is just so much going on right now.. a newborn, finishing my portfolio, preparing for Daddy's graduation, etc. etc. etc. Honestly, these may be nothing but mere excuses for the fact that I couldn't get but about 3 weeks worth of mileage out of them and then I have to clean them up. Thanksgiving has been too late the last couple years...

So, the Christmas tree looks good! We have lots of travel related ornaments from Kris and I, Mom and I, etc. They range from Santa climbing the Eiffel Tower to a lovely map of the Pondarosa (for all the Bonanza fans out there-- yes I've been to the infamous Ponderosa ranch where the Cartwrights and Hop Sing did their Bonanza thing..) The tree is always so fun to put up for the mere fact that I'm flooded with many great memories and stories. Unfortunatly, this year I noticed our tree is tiny and that is going to have to change.. especially as we add mroe ornaments and travel to more destinations. Not to mention the space we put the tree in needs to grow-- next year Santa might need more space for Grace Anne! This year I think we will be okay!

This year Grace Anne was defiantly present for the decorating of the tree, but we look forward to the time we can tell her about the ornaments. We want to tell her about the Effel Tower ornament that Mommy and Daddy got when she was in Mommy's tummy and we didn't even know! We want to tell her about the pirate ship ornament from the Virgin Islands, and the slot machine we got in Vegas. There are so many memories to be made and we can't wait to spend time with our baby girl-- as long as she doesn't grow up too fast!!

Okay I know I am behind. The weekend was a whirlwind!
We had a great Thanksgiving with family in Cookeville!
Grace Anne was a great little traveler in the car both ways and of course she was a hit with her cousins she met for the first time! Thursday night Mommy and Aunt Beth stayed up with her ALL night. (mostly because time got away from us and by the wee morning hours we didn't want to go to bed and have to try and get up a couple hours later.

Daddy watched Grace Anne the majority of the day on Friday! She wore him out, but we were very thankful he was off and could spend time with her!

We don't go to the doctor again for a week and we will see if our little girl is gaining any weight! She is eating well!! She is changing a lot in such a short time! She touches her bottle and paci a lot and she's developing more of a distinct face. She looks very much like her Mommy from her nose down. She looks like Daddy from through the eyes and her upper face! She is still in newborn sized clothes so we have a very limited wardrobe!

Daddy went back to work today. He had a very, very hard time leaving! He made me promise to text him throughout the day and let him know how she was doing! (which of course she is fine! she has her Mommy-- duh!)

Well the pretty girl is ready to ear so it's time to stop the blogging and tend to the number one priority. I have every intention of doing better this week! Thank you all for still watching and following our baby girl!

OUR LITTLE RUNT...

Let me begin with my deepest apologies.. it has been days since I've blogged-- but hey, you understand.. we have a 12 day old baby in the house! It is slightly hectic! Grace Anne seems to be doing much better with the stuffy nose! Thank goodness! Mommy and Daddy are still lacking sleep, but Daddy has been doing the first half of the night so he actually gets a decent amount of sleep because he has been able to sleep in. BUT, Daddy requires more sleep than Mommy and Daddy hasn't had 9 months of sleepless nights so he isn't used to a messed up schedule. (Not to say that Mommy enjoys a messed up schedule or lack of sleep!)

Today we went to the doctor for a weight check. The pediatrician had told us from day one that she'd lose some weight (from birth weight) and would be back to birth weight by 2 weeks old. Last week she had several visits to the doctor and she was a consistent 6lbs. 11 oz.! He had also said she'd start gaining about an ounce a day -- well, no such luck! She is now a whole 6lbs. 13 oz. Yeah so 7lbs and 2 oz. is a long shot for Friday. Her doctor wants to see some more weight game... but as for now, Daddy has determined that we have a runt!

So, back in September we went to Nashville for a weekend getaway. Daddy bought Grace Anne a precious onesie that said "Daddy's Little Pumpkin." Of course we had no idea that she would be swallowed whole by a 0-3 month sized onesie. As previously mentioned, she is much smaller than we anticipated and she has been wearing the same clothes A LOT! So back to the onesie-- Kris told me at the time she needed an outfit for Thanksgiving. Kris' favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and was totally bummed when we discovered that our sweet little baby would be lost in the onesie. No matter how cute it is, it just won't work! Mommy's concern became more like "OMG! WHAT IS SHE GOING TO WEAR?"!! Just think, she is going on her first trip (only to Cookeville for the day- but still!), she is meeting more family for the first time, and it is a stinkin' holiday! I began to think long and hard about turkey attire. Unfortunately, there aren't many options for newborn sized clothing! Etsy has a lot of cute stuff, but time was the issue considering we made this discovery on Monday! In the time of need, Mommy had to be crafty! Now Grace Anne has a Turkey Tee.. crafted by yours truly! (if you don't think it looks like a turkey or you aren't a fan-- I don't want to know!) She will be sporting the Turkey Tee proudly tomorrow..

Oh and another milestone!!! Grace Anne had her first baby tub bath tonight. Sadly, no pictures. Daddy was mopping the kitchen and it wasn't very conducive for Mommy to take pictures while the baby was in a tub of water.. go figure! But, she liked it.. for a few minutes at least. I will say, we registered for this cute little fish thing that you use to keep the baby's body covered when bathing her... I am really thankful Meredith got it for us! It really helps!

TAKE NOTE: DADDY STAYED HOME DURING A HOME GAME!

Of course we all know that Kris lives for college football! Having a fall baby was not in our plans--mostly because the fall is reserved for football and Kris wouldn't want a baby to disrupt attending games. I didn't want a baby to grow up dealing with Daddy's football mood if heaven forbid UT loses a game. How do you have a kid's birthday party if Saturdays are tied up with football? Obviously some weekends would be more of a problem than others. For instance, when I was having consistent contractions in October I feared I'd deliver the 3rd week of October -- that would have been terrible -- afterall, a Bama loss could ruin any kids birthday party-- and if it were a home game would Daddy even show? Okay so it sounds extreme, but I knew what I was getting into when I married him. After all, I'm from Knoxville we are orange (in every shade mind you), and we know football! Anyways, back to my point. This week Kris mentioned he might not go to the game, I didn't really buy into it but told him to so what he wanted to, he was welcome to go and I told him Grace Anne and I would hang out at home. Well, yesterday he decided to call the cable company and add the sports tier channels so he could get the game... and Kris Kepley skipped an attendance to a home game so that he could stay at home with his wife and baby girl! So, my point in having said all this is.. Kris is now a Daddy and some priorities may be changing. So, please take a moment to recognize this monumental moment!

Grace Anne is still very stopped up and it sounds like she needs to blow her nose :(.
She did have a bowel movement, well more like a blow out, t today which excited Mommy and Daddy. Tonight Patrick was over watching the football game and he had Chinese food. After the diaper surprise, Kris joked that Grace Anne doesn't even have to eat Chinese just smell it.

Oh finally, I was thinking today- don't tell my child I blogged about the regularity of her bowel movements. I can only imagine that at about age 13 she would be mortified!

ONE WEEK OLD ALREADY?!

Wow! I’m pretty sure that I am behind and must catch up! This may take a little while.
The last few days have been good, busy and tiring as any new parent would expect and any experienced parent would remember.

We had a little issue with bowel movements, or should we say the lack there of. It was very frustrating to her, you could tell- poor baby was stressing and straining! On Wednesday night it had been 24 hours and she couldn’t take it—tears were rolling off her face and we experienced the first 1 ½ crying session. I will say, her lungs were clear and I wouldn’t doubt the whole neighborhood heard her! Unfortunately, her diaper was still clean. Thursday morning didn’t bring any diaper surprises. Daddy was starting to get very concerned since she had been so routined up until this point. But, hours later while changing and dressing her for the pediatrician we were pleasantly surprised! Yes, you guessed it--- a bowel movement! It might as well have been her first word—we were so very excited! The streak has not continued, but after a 36 hour wait we were elated! And, ease to your curiosity, the doctor wasn’t concerned, just urged us to keep an eye on it. She had a good appointment. She is still at 6lbs. 11 oz. – so no weight lost, but he wants to start seeing gains.

After the doctor, Kris checked the mail. He walked in behind us and said.. “Oh no!.” I had no idea what he was referring to, but he followed his comment by telling us that Grace Anne got a gift in the mail—from a boy! The Andersons sent Grace Anne a sweet arrival gift and Kris joked that Davis (who is 52 whole weeks and 1 day older than her) was already making a move! I’m sure Davis had a lot to do with buying a Zutano bib and hat (if you aren’t familiar with Zutano, you are missing out! It is adorable!) The Andersons also got Grace Anne a Sophie Giraffe. She is one hip kid with all the latest in toys and style.. well she is getting there at least. After Daddy’s concern about boys passed, the whole entire Kepley family took a nap! It was a much needed nap at that. Everyone says sleep while the baby sleeps-- and let me tell you, that’s nearly impossible with everything else you have to do! But, we let those things go and it was a fabulous plan!

When we woke up from our nap, it was feeding time! Kris got her started on a bottle. She apparently was sucking on the bottle, but not swallowing what was in her mouth. All of the sudden Kris jumped up and said she looked very uncomfortable; she spit up a little through her nose and mouth about that time. I grabbed her and went to the nursery to get the suction bulb from the hospital. I just start sucking everything out of her nose and mouth and she grew redder. Kris went to get a cold washcloth. Her sweet little body started to feel limb and her body began to turn purple from head to toe. I was scared at this point, I had been calm but calm was out the window. I continued to suction and took her clothes off to cool her down and hopeful calm her down from the panic. The purple didn’t last long and she soon began to get some sort of a normal skin tone back. I was relieved to see red versus purple. Kris called the hospital and they said we handled the situation perfectly, they had us count her breaths per minute and told us a few tips.. we were thankful for their reassurance. We had a major SIGH of relief. Luckily, the eventfulness slowed down. She was resting and sleeping peacefully within an hour.

Our friend Rusty came to visit and she had the nerve to sleep through most of the time he was here. Haha. But, he understood completely!

Last night and this morning she sounds like she has a snotty nose and her stuffiness really took a toll on her sleeping. Laying flat in the bassinet was impossible. Daddy got up with her about 4 times before 3am. Mommy got up with her 3 or 4 times after 3 am. Mommy gave up about 6:30. She will sleep in the Boppy pillow sitting up, but she doesn’t do well flat. But, of course, we have to keep an eye on her in the Boppy so no sleep for us.

Even with all the events and lack of sleep I wouldn’t trade these days for anything! Mommy and Daddy are loving parenthood! It’s so hard to believe she is a week old. This week has flown by and I sure hope that slows down because I love her being so tiny! I know the days ahead will be just as exciting, but there is no rush for them to get here! We are loving this time together as a family and we are thankful to report that UPS won’t be seeing Daddy next week--- he is all ours!

WE ARE GLAD TO BE HOME!

I must apologize to the fans and followers, Sunday was too hectic for a blog. We had a very rough night Saturday in the hospital! Grace Anne wasn't a happy camper and we didn't get much sleep. Luckily, we got to come home Sunday afternoon and sleep a little in shifts. We were glad to be home but sad to see all our family start to disappear. We wanted this week alone and we are excited to be together, but it was nice to have so much support and smiling faces!

Grace Anne left the hospital wearing the same outfit I wore home... how cool is that?
I'm in the first picture on the and Grace Anne is in the second. The bonnet was big on us both as you can see! She adjusted well to being home and the night was much better! I actually took her to the nursery and stayed in there so that Kris could sleep the night through. I know he was tired and I knew I'd need him to start the week out well rested! Tonight, he might be getting up. I've tried to really not take much pain medicine but I'm really going to be taking some tonight! The whole birthing of a child or possibly the episiatomy have actually made me a little sore. I am lucky to have a high tolerance for pain, and from what I've heard I'm just lucky to not be overly sore.

Today was a good family day. Kris took his mom to the airport this mornign. She tried to smuggle Grace Anne into her luggage but she wasn't successful. Kris and I took a nap with Grace Anne this morning and then we all went to the doctor this afternooon. The nurse told us to get her down to a clean diaper. Well Kris handed me a diaper, we undressed her and I put on the clean diaper. They told us to hold on to the dirty diaper. As I began fastening the new diaper she wet it! So as I was going for clean diaper #2 and Kris was watching her. Before I turned around she projected spit up across her mouth on to Kris' arm. So we then had a naked baby with spit up coming from her mouth. We didn't want the pediatrician to miss the spit up moment. Nonetheless, they didn't even act like we were total idiots! She has lost a few more ounces-- we go back Thursday for another weight check, but the doctor wasn't concerned!



As far as the dogs go....We still aren't sure how they are handling the new addition. One moment Brewski seems to careless and the next he is growling. Heidi doesn't seem to mind and oscar hasn't shown much emotion, he just won't stay out of the way and he keeps whining which is driving me nuts! So, we are being very cautious! I don't understand why Brewski can't be as sweet as the male schnauzer my parents had when I a baby. Is this picture not precious? I can only hope that one day I'll be able to blog about brewski laying beside sweet Grace Anne and protecting her. I don't think it'll be too soon though!

And on that note, I'm going to tell you folks, Grace Anne is ready to eat and when she calls Mommy and Daddy jump! So much has changed in the last several days and its been great. We feel truly blessed. We already dread her getting bigger and growing up but we know each stage will be exciting and we know she won't always be little and the growing up thing would happen.. We are 100% responsible for a little one now and don't want to miss a moment of the joyus time. Though my blogging fans and followers are important-- my sweet baby girl is #1!

Aren't the pretty? Daddy-o sent Mommy and Grace Anne beautiful flowers. 11 pink roses and 1 yellow in remembrance of Gran Gran Grace! The card was sooo sweet too! "For the two loves of my life! Love, Daddy/Kris"..... Okay enough on the sappy note- we all know I'm not sappy!

Today was very busy! It may seem somewhat impossible that a baby could meet so many people in the first 24 hours. But, then again look at who we are dealing with.. Mommy knows quite a few people, but Gran Gran Grace was like the record holder for knowing and meeting new people. Why should Grace Anne be anything less than Miss Popular!?

Also, it was game day! We had a mini football party in our hospital room (or so it seemed). Grace Anne ended up not being able to wear her game day pants, she did wear her hat even though it was too big too. She unfortunately didn't see the best game for her first football Saturday of her little existence. But, I guess she wasn't 100% engaged in the game considering she her self was being passerd around the room like a football.

We have visitors from 4 other states.. pretty amazing! We have representation from North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and Louisiana (of course lots of locals too!). I must say-- it has been quite exciting to have rotating faces because I, Liz Kepley, have now been out of this hospital since Thursday. I think this may some sort of world record as so many people think I'm a road runner. But, luckily, I've not been in bed much. After pacing the room last night... the Kepley family started walking the halls! I've been in motion a lot today and we've already warned Grace Anne that this family stays on the move!


Baby update wise, Grace Anne is still a perfect 10. The pediatrician (who was so cute in his bow tie, cardigan, and penny loafers) agreed she was pretty amazing! He didn't have any concerns when he came in this morning! I really liked him a lot. He had a somewhat old-fashioned demeanor , seemed to really truly care about his little patients, and had just an all around good attitude. And, well he did say Grace Anne was beautiful and insisted he had seen enough babies to know. So, why wouldn't we like him? He must be a pretty smart man.

This afternoon our little sweet pea got her picture taken in the outfit I wore coming home from the hospital oh so many years ago! Her Poppy recognized it right away and her Aunt Beth said she looked all too familiar. She was precious with her little puckered out lips-- I don't think the actually picture could do her justice! The nurse we had yesterday was with us again today and she was nothing less than amazing. Kris, "Aunt" Christy, and I all got to trot back there for the photo opt. The nurse gave her a little sugar water and Grace Anne ate it up!

Looks like we will be headed home tomorrow!We are super excited about taking her home and spending quality time with her as our little one!

As for now this post must come to an end. I know I am lacking the ample amount of pictures, but Grace Anne will be back from her midnight check up soon and honestly I'm just too tired-- no naps for Mommy and Daddy with all our company today. I hope that I have no disappointed any of our fans or followers! P

welcome to the world little one!

SHE HAS ARRIVED!

After a very interesting and exhausting pregnancy, Grace Anne arrived easily today! Little to her Mommy's knowledge, the contractions she experienced for 2 hours were INTENSE! I mean how would I have known since she is our first! But, the doctor said that contracting 2 cm in 2 hours that early in the process required some mega contractions. Unfortunately I was trying to convince myself that it was only going to get worse and I had to be strong.. it is all about the attitude right?

Daddy didn't exactly do well with Mommy dealing with pain and he was so concerned. He obviously didn't like me feeling so bad and was mortified by the look on my face! He made himself sick! Poor guy! He had to be forced to leave my side to throw up in the bathroom and not on me! What a great husband... don't you think? I'm so lucky... and so is Grace Anne! We have an awesome "man of the house."

Soon after that I had an epidural and life was good. I dialated to 10 cm in no time and by 12:45 I was ready to push! My OB was in a C-section so I had to hang tight a few min. They prepped our room and by 1:30 there were ready for ME and Miss Grace Anne. The first push was at 1:32 and Grace Anne came into the world at 1:50! It was fast, I laughed and joked with the nurses-- actually had a good experience. Thanks to the epidural and the amazing nursing staff... AND my awesome doctor-- who assured me I deserved an easy labor since my pregnancy was anything
but easy!

I got to hold her first and the picture is RIGHT after she was born... fortunately I don't even look like I just had a baby!! Daddy cut the cord and was quick to take her off my hands! He was so excited and I will never forget the look on his face! :)



We are all happy and healthy. Grace Anne was a PERFECT 10 on the Apgar! We feel she is a perfect 10 in many more ways than that, but we might be a little partial!