She gets cuter every day!

Here are some more pictures. It has been awhile, so I am posting a lot. The one picture is of her yawning, in case it is not clear. And she has quite the compeition for college loyalty. We both support Tech, so here is evidence that it is never too early to start. Of course, she will have quite the Notre Dame and University of Florida influence as well.

It's a jungle in here!

So when Nick built the fake murphy bed he wanted me to pick something for him to paint on it. I, in typical fashion, was indecisive, which turned out to be a good thing. Our pediatrician's office had the best animals and they were even on some of their forms, so Nick used those and painted these animals on the panels. They look so awesome and I am sure Sam will love them. Nick is so wonderful. He is a great dad and a huge help to me. He is so busy with school and still takes time to paint these and stay up with sam so I do not always have to do it. I am so lucky with a great husband and perfect child! Hugs and kisses to both.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's day. We enjoyed our day with our Valentine baby. She is so sweet and doing well. Still eating all the time. Check out those chubby cheeks. I also realized that we had not posted a family picture, so here is one of the Kelling Family!

More pictures for your viewing pleasure

Here are a few more pictures. She is already good at moving her neck and even holding it up, which she really likes to practice, as evidenced by the last picture and my not so good timing in snapping it.

Every time a baby is born, so is a grandparent

I thought I would post some pictures of the proud grandparents that live in Atlanta. They have been such a wonderful help, both with Sam and around the house and feeding us. Thanks to both of them! It is such an exciting time and I am glad they are so close to be able to share it with us. My mom tried a long time to be happy with just the grand-dogs, but there is no comparison with a real grandbaby.

THe blue light special is over!

So we finished home phototherapy yesterday and after one more doctor visit she got the all clear for the jaundice. Finally, no more heel sticks every day. But Sam has been a trooper. So far she has been very laid back and although we are not sure if it will last, we are enjoying it while we can. She is also back up to her birth weight, which many babies do not reach until 2 weeks. Already ahead of the curve! We laugh some at her double chin and fat rolls, but we are really thankful she is so healthy. The only time in life when you want your child to be fat.

Hard to believe she is already 1 week old! We are thoroughly enjoying her. It is already hard to imagine life without her. She is our bundle of joy.

Sam's Grand Entrance and if its not one thing its another

Samantha finally made her grand entrance in style. I started feeling pains at 8:30 Sunday night and assumed they were Braxton Hicks since they were about 2 minutes apart and I was like who starts labor at 2 minutes apart. So I tried everything to make them less painful, but to no avail. They started radiating to my back and getting more intense, even though they were not totally regular we decided to call in and were told that I was in early labor and to hang out at home until the pain got too intense. I went for a long walk and felt a little better so I tried to lie down to at least rest, as it was now about 1:30. I told Nick evidently lying down was not the answer as they got more intense and then my water broke, which meant we needed to head in. We got there at about 2:30 am and I was almost 5 cm. I got the IV and epidural (praise to the person who invented that) and then was fully dialated at 6:30, but we waited an hour because her head was not all the way down. I started pushing at 7:30 and she finally arrived at 9:31. Turns out she thought you should enter the world head and arm first. Plus she was pretty big, 8 pounds 4.3 ounces, 21" long, and her head was 14.5 inches. I am pretty proud I even got her out.

She is pretty healthy other than jaundice, which required a night in the nursery, which was really difficult on me. So we did not get home until wednesday, and since her levels went up a little more, she is now on home light therapy. But everything should be resolved by tomorrow.

The other interesting one is that Wednesday night after a few hours home, our dog Phoenix had some episode which may have been a seizure. That was a little rough, but she seems fine now and the vet said it is nothing too serious. we think it may have been the overstimulation, but both dogs seem to be adjusting well now.

Thanks for all the well wishes. Sam sends her love.