The Kelleys of Wembley Court: January 2013

Mary Kate's 3rd Birthday

January 19, 2013

Saturday we celebrated Mary Kate's third birthday with most of our family and friends. It was hosted at a local church that has an indoor jungle gym play area and party room. The kids ran, climbed, jumped, and played to their hearts content. Then we moved to the party room for cake and ice cream. Mary Kate had chosen a Dora the Explorer theme for her party so we carried that over to the cake too. After her cake, we opened presents. She got lots of neat Dora stuff, an RV, a play tent, leotard, and lots of other fun gifts. Then the attendants painted the kids faces, made balloon animals, and gave out fresh cotton candy. She had lots of fun and enjoyed being with all her friends. Thanks to everyone who made this day special for our "Dora Kate!"

Mary Kate and Sawyer

Callie Beth and Carson

Max and Tristan

Sawyer and Micah

Sully and Logan

Trace, Callie Beth, Kayla, and Ashton

Ami and Bella

Sawyer and Mary Kate

Mary Kate, Kerrigan, and Sawyer

The Party Crew

Mary Kate and Kayla

Brotherly Love

Cake and Ice Cream

Lily, Alicia, Bella, and Grant

Yum yum Logan

Popsey! I got an RV like you!

Kirland getting her face painted

Ella the kitty cat

Kerrigan the puppy dog

Christa with Coleton tasting cotton candy for the first time

Kerrigan and her Aunt Lori

Christa being attacked by the boys and their swords

Enjoying some cotton candy with Big Daddy

Young Love

January 19, 2013

Logan and Mary Kate were sharing some love as we celebrated Charlotte's birth.

Our Niece has Arrived

January 17, 2013

On Thursday, Mom's birthday, Josh called me at 12:15 as I was clocking out for lunch. He has the news we were waiting for, "We're having a baby today." I was ecstatic!! I immediately went and found my supervisor and told her that I had to leave work. She was understanding and gracious and let me leave to attend the birth. I called Max's teacher to let them know that I was on the way to get him. When she got off the phone with me she looked at Max and told him "Max, we're having a baby today." She told me that he beamed with excitement. After picking up Max, I went and got Mary Kate and Jay. We ran by the house to change clothes and by 1:20 we were on our way to the hospital. We got there around 2:00 and she was still dilated to a six, but really starting to hurt. We visited for a few minutes and then took our crew to the waiting room to wait and wait. I'm not use to being in the waiting room so it was a total new experience for me. For my family, I have always been the one having the baby or the big surgery. Max and Mary Kate were very patient and well behaved during the wait. We ate snacks, played on the iPad, played beyblades and babies, and talked about the arrival of Charlotte. Finally we got word that she was here. She arrived at 5:23 pm and Holly was able to do it all on her own. She wanted desperately to have a natural labor and was successful in her plan. After what seemed like forever, we were able to see her in nursery window. Then we decided to go grab some dinner and come back for a visit. After dinner we headed back to their hospital room and waited for Charlotte to return from the nursery. Upon arrival to the room Holly got her and nursed her. Mom and baby seemed to do really well. Holly loved having her snuggled up against her. Since it was after 10:00pm at this point we decided to head home for the night. The kids were really sad that they didn't get to hold her so I let Max stay home from school the next day. We got up early and went back for another visit. Max and Mary Kate were so excited to see their baby cousin again. They both patiently waited for their turn to hold her. When the moment arrived, you could see them both just beaming. They loved snuggling her, touching her cheeks, rocking her, singing with her, and holding her tiny hands. It was fabulous to witness as a Mom how attached they immediately became to her. They were sad to leave again later in the day, but understood that we had to get back home. We had Mary Kate's birthday party the next morning to prepare for that night. I am thankful that God has given our family another baby. Babies are such special gifts from heaven and bless a family in so many ways. I look forward to watching my kids grow up with her. I pray that God looks over Holly and Josh as they learn the role of parents. It can be a challenging one that sometimes doesn't go as planned, but the rewards of raising a child definitely out weighs the rough moments. We are so blessed to have this bundle of pink, sparkles, and grace in our family. We love you Charlotte Anne Parsons!