Happy Baby

Caroline has been a smiler since our first night together in the hospital.  I didn't know babies smiled so early!  She then began to smile with her eyes open.  Now she smiles so wide that her gums show and she follows her smiles with a coo and other conversational notes.  Adorable!  Enjoy the smile in action above...

Busy Baby

This baby is on the move already.  The arm and leg action can be constant sometimes.  Now she adds a variety of facial expressions and jabber.  She must work off that big formula belly, I guess.  Go Caroline, go!

Party Girl

Siblings and spouses- Ted, Cassie, Brad, Shannon plus Caroline all dressed up and ready for the party.

Caroline's first friend is unofficial family member and true partier, Mason.  Pictured: Mason and his mother, Tara; Charlotte and grandaughter, Caroline

Sherry (Shannon's IUPUI colleague) and Caroline

Ted, Caroline and I (Shannon) have celebrated Caroline's birth with family and friends over the last two weekends- first on Sunday, August 5th with my coworkers and then with family and friends at my parents' house in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, August 12th.  There was lots of food, smiles and encouraging words.  We played pass the baby... you needed a number to cuddle with Caroline- and there was a time limit since she was in such demand!  She slept through both parties for the most part, but looked adorable as she snoozed.  We thank our gracious hosts and everyone else for the good wishes. 

Baby Olympics

A yawn or a burp?  You decide!

The happy Baby Olympian, Caroline Feeney

These last few days, Caroline and I (Shannon, that is) have had the Olympics on during the day instead of one of our usual Pandora music stations.  Caroline likes loud music... if you aren't one of our neighbors and hence haven't heard.  She is a social gal too... thus the constant Olympic commentary seems to work well as nap time background noise.  

Ted and I have decided that Caroline would be a medal contender in the Baby Olympics.  I, therefore, declare Caroline the gold medal winner of burping in the 2012 Baby Olympics.  She has always been a hearty, consistent burper- but how those loud noises come out of that little body, I am unsure.  Yesterday, she was a contender in the non nap marathon.  How does a child who is less than one month old not sleep during the day?  Thankfully she slept well at night (as did I, as I passed the baton to Ted in that relay)- she always sleeps well at night.  Is that a category in the Baby Olympics too?  If so, we are lucky competitor's parents!   

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!