The Feeney and Schornhorst Gang is in the House!

Grandmom and Caroline converse.

Mary Beth is popular with the cat AND the niece.

Strolling cousins!  Kim, Caroline and Katie

Awwww... how cute!  Caroline and Kim are cuddly cousins.

We call this photo "Kitty, Katie, Caroline".

The paparazzi was in the house!  Mary Beth photographs Uncle Eric and Caroline.

This weekend, Ted's mother, sister, brother-in-law and nieces traveled to Indianapolis to meet Caroline.  We took Caroline to her first restaurant, wandered Georgia Street (the street that was renovated downtown for the Super Bowl) during loud evening festivities, went for a neighborhood walk and took turns passing her around for cuddles.  There was lots of quality cousin time with Katie and Kim.  Grandmom, Aunt Mary Beth and Uncle Eric proved that they still have "it" after 16 years of no babies in the family- whether cradling Caroline on their shoulder or singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider".  Caroline was her wonderful self through out it all (sleeping through the good stuff!) until the tears flowed when it was time for them all to leave.

Week of Firsts (First of Many!)

Smiley Caroline

Ted, Caroline and the stroller outside of Butler University's Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Ted and Caroline read "Mr. Brown Can Moo. Can You?"

Thanks for the cool stroller, Mom F.!

 



Age two to three weeks old was a week of firsts for little Miss Caroline.  She took her first bath.  She responded to the act of reading a book.  She went for her first stroller ride around the neighborhood.  Both were a hit.  She is a good natured kid, but she seemed extra enthralled by both the bath and the stroller ride.  Her smile is ever present- but was truly on display during the stroller ride.  With our super duper stroller (see photos), Ted felt the need to off road it a bit.  I even caught him doing a "wheelie" or two and, as a conservative rule follower, felt the need to scold him.  Ted said to Caroline: "Mommy is no fun sometimes, is she?" to which Caroline broke into the largest smile.  Ahhh... they are already ganging up on me.  I am hoping that smile was just gas. 

Time with the Grandparents

Charlotte, now known as Grandma, enjoyed her time holding Caroline.

Ron, now also called Grandpa, reads the all important guppy bible to his new granddaughter.

The latest version of the Kelley family- back row: Ron, Charlotte, Brad; front row: Ted, Shannon holding Caroline, Bella and Cassie

Caroline had the opportunity to spend some time with her grandparents on Shannon's side- the Kelley side- of the family- and likewise.  The new "Grandma" and "Grandpa" offered lots of cuddle time (Grandma) and even some light reading (Grandpa).  At the conclusion of their visit, we quickly took a new Kelley family photo.  The most outwardly enthusiastic family member was definitely puppy cousin, Bella, who could not offer enough kisses or attempts to steal socks.  Kelley family gatherings will never be the same again! 

Caroline- the clothes horse

Caroline wears the same outfit that Shannon wore home from the hospital in 1972. She is vintage!

Thanks Tim, Tammy and the boys!

A wink and a smile!

A sleepy kid...

Thanks Francia and Bob!

You all have spoiled her!  Caroline's wardrobe is seemingly endless!  As of this writing, she has yet to wear the same outfit.  And that is with multiple changes a day- oh my!  My mother nicely reminded me that, as a child, I never liked to dress up dolls.  However, this is fun!  Thank you all for your generosity. 

Meet and Greets

the "C" in Aunt Cassie's crafty "Welcome Home" pennant banner

Uncle Brad and Aunt Cassie meet their first niece!

The first week plus of Caroline's life was occupied with many "meet and greets".  Her Uncle Brad and Aunt Cassie were the first to welcome her home with banners and decorations and also the first to meet her a day later.  Since then she has met her grandparents- spending a week of quality time with her grandma. 

Home

Ted, Caroline and Shannon ready to head home from the hospital.

Caroline arrives at home with her eyes closed.

Ted and I were granted legal and physical custody of little Caroline less than 24 hours after her birth.  Fireworks very fittingly marked our trip home late in the evening on July 4th.  

Birth day!

Caroline was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on July 2, 2012 at 8:45 p.m.  She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches long.  Caroline's birth parents very graciously asked us to join them at the hospital during the entire labor and delivery process.  I (this is Shannon writing) was even able to be present in the delivery room, hearing her first cry.  In fact, I was given the opportunity to cut the umbilical cord!  Ted joined us soon after.

Welcome to our blog!

Shannon, Ted and Caroline in the hospital on the day she was born.

You have found the home for photos and tales of the ever amazing Caroline and her lucky parents, Shannon and Ted.  Welcome!  We plan to use this blog to post recent pictures and share stories of life's happenings.  Check back often (or subscribe at the bottom) to share our life as it changes.