Day 23: Facetime

When Monroe was born, I was very much a part of the experience (Thanks again Ashley...I love being part of Monroe's life).  I was at the ultrasound where Ash and Stu found out they were having a girl, in the delivery room for the birth, spent a lot of time with Ash and Stu after the birth, and really bonded with Monroe. 

Little Boyd wasn't a surprise, so I knew I wouldn't be able to be able to be at the birth or meet him immediately, but my head and my heart were saying conflicting things.  My head was saying "You have a plan to meet him on 8 March (airline ticket booked and paid for) and you get to spend 11 days with him.  That's soon enough."  My heart was saying "Book yourself on the next flight to Dallas and see the little guy."  Needless to say, my head won out and I have been in San Diego the past few days waiting for pictures to arrive and Ashley to get home from the hospital with the little bundle of joy.  Officially, I haven't even seen Boyd, except in pictures, so I was excited to do a little video chatting with Ashley and the family tonight. 

First, I had the opportunity to do a little IPhone Facetime with Monroe (my favorite niece...my only niece, but still my favorite :)).  She was taking a bath and told me all about her day.  It was so great to see and interact with her in a way not possible a few years ago.  As Monroe gets older, Ash and I use Facetime more and more because Roe likes to interact with me on the phone.  She enjoys showing me her clothes, toys, and whatever else tickles her fancy at the moment. 

Then, I got to meet Boyd for the first time.  He had just peed all over his outfit, so he was only in a diaper...so adorable with all the rolls.  Boyd has a head full of dark hair and the chubbiest cheeks I've seen in a while. He wasn't too happy to be on display, but I think he'll get used to talking to me over the phone or computer (at least I hope so).  Ashley thinks he looks a lot like Roe when she was born, but I think he's distinctly himself.  I can't wait to see who he looks like.

Day 20: Brand New Nephew

Around 8AM this morning (10AM Texas time), I received a call from my mom, Judy.  My mom is not normally awake at 10AM, so I knew something was up if she was calling...Ashley was being admitted to the hospital.  If you don't already know, Ashley is having a little baby boy (name TBD before birth) due January 22.  Apparently, he decided he wanted to arrive a couple days early.  This morning, Ashley had her normal OB appointment and her DR said her amniotic fluids were low, so they were inducing.  Stuart immediately grabbed Ashley's stuff and left to meet her at the hospital, while my mom and dad stayed with Monroe until closer to the delivery. 

Ashley called me about 9:30AM: 4 centimeters dialated, IV in, and getting ready for the epidural.  As I tried to work throughout the day, my mind kept wondering to Ashley in labor.  I hoped and prayed everything would go smoothly for her and little baby boy (please, have a healthy baby).  I texted her around 12:45PM to see how everything was going and received a response 15 minutes later..."8 centimeters dilated, so getting close. Today is definitely the day.  I will keep you posted." I called Ashley again at 1:36PM, Stuart answered the phone and said "Congratulations, he was just born."  I cried a little and told all my coworkers like the proud Auntie I am. 

The pertinent statistics: Born 1/20/12; 3:13PM (CST); 8lbs, 13.2oz; 21 inches; dark brown hair; Blue eyes

Baby Boy Keller Right after birth (No name as of yet)

Baby Boy Keller Being Held By Mama

Papa's first grandson...finally a boy :)

  

He already holds a little piece of my heart.  I talked to Ashley tonight and Mama and baby are doing great.  Monroe was very excited to meet her baby brother and told me all about how he has BIG eyes :)  I can't wait to meet him in March, but hopefully I can call him by an actual name soon! 

Day 17: My Sister Ashley

This morning, I was feeling a little bit down about life.  Work is good, church is fulfilling, great friends, awesome family, but I still feel like something is missing.  I am not unhappy with my life, but I know I could be happier (Thanks Happiness Project for showing me everyone could be happier).   On my way to work, I called Ashley for a little pep talk.  I am so thankful I have a good relationship with my sister.   

Ashley and I have always been close.  One of my earliest memories is playing with my mom while she was pregnant with Ash and I wanted to be pregnant, too, so I stuffed my shirt with a towel (apparently I've always wanted to be a mom).  We were always each other's playmates, best friends, and worst enemies growing up (anyone with sister's can understand that one).  I was the Maid of Honor at her wedding and am a pretty rocking Auntie Coco to her daughter, Monroe (if I do say so myself).  I miss her like crazy since she moved to Texas, but I know it's where her family is supposed to be right now.  I can't wait to meet my new nephew currently cooking in her belly.

At Ashley's Wedding

The Bickmore/Keller Girls at my 30th Birthday Dinner

I love you Ash! Thanks for always being a great sister.

Day 1: Monroe's Laugh

Happy 2012!!!  Recently, I began reading "The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun." I've only read a couple chapters so far, but one of my happiness projects is be more grateful for all the amazing things in my life. My plan is to record these things on my blog daily. With the new year, I am revamping my blog and focusing on thankfulness.

According to the dictionary, the word "Thanks" has 2 different meanings...

1. Expression of gratitude

2. Gratitude for something

Today, I am thankful for my niece's (Monroe) laugh.  Monroe has an amazing laugh, but she laughs at the oddest things.  She covers her mouth with her hand and laughs with her full belly.  Currently, her favorite game is "Stealing Your Seat."  When any person gets up from thier seat, Monroe likes to "steal" it.  She thinks it's hilarious.  I love Monroe and her adorable laugh :)