Brett's 1st Baseball Game!

Brett went to his first baseball game today to see Dad play against the Mets! He didn't seem all that amused though... he slept through the ENTIRE game! Dad went into the game in the 8th inning and played 1st base. Unfortunately he didn't get any at-bats. We went down to the field after the game and were able to steal Donnie away from the autograph seekers long enough to get a few pictures! Tomorrow, Brett will go down to Bradenton to see Daddy play against Uncle Neil! Hopefully there will be some good pictures to share!

Brett Walker Kelly is here!!!!!

Donnie and I are so excited that our little man is finally here! He arrived two day before his due date... and one day after Donnie's birthday!!! He apparently was dead set on having his OWN birthday!

I woke up at 3:45am on Monday, Feb. 16th with some strong contractions. I decided to try to go back to sleep. That really didn't work! By 4:15am I woke Donnie up and we called the Dr. We were told to come in and were admitted around 5:30am. The rest of the day is kind of a blur. My parents had arrived in Florida just the night before! We called them and they drove up from Bradenton right away. Around 5pm, the fetal heart rate monitor started to go a little crazy. We knew that something was up when the Dr. and a bunch of the staff rushed in. The baby's heart rate had dropped considerably when he descended into the birth canal. I was given oxygen and we were told that it as soon as Brett's heart rate stabilized, I would start pushing. Around 5:20, it was go time. I only pushed for 15 minutes because Brett's heart rate was skyrocketing with every push. With a little help from the Dr. (and a good pair of foreceps), our big guy came into the world around 5:35pm. He weighed 8lbs, 10ozs and measured at 21 1/2 inches long! He had the longest arms and legs and a FULL head of black hair.

We are finally getting adjusted to life with a newborn. We aren't getting much sleep yet but we are figuring Brett out and I think he's getting used to us as well. My mom has been with us the whole time and has been a lifesaver. She's been cooking meals, doing laundry, going to pediatrician apptointments with us, and giving us a break whenever we need some help! I honestly would have been lost without her here! I don't know how long she'll stay but we certainly aren't showing her the door! Donnie is adjusting to baseball all day and baby all night. He is a natural as a dad... as if there was any doubt!

We are so excited for everyone to meet Baby Brett!

Super Bowl XLIII Champions!!!!

Donnie and I are all settled into our new place in Lakeland! FINALLY!!! Being so close to Tampa gave us the opportunity to take advantage of the Super Bowl festivities! On Saturday, we headed down to Raymond James to take in the 'NFL Experience.' The lines were incredibly long and punt, pass, & kick games weren't really my bag at 38-weeks pregnant but the atmosphere made it well worth the trip. The Steelers fans so outnumbered the Cardinals fans that it almost felt like being at home in the 'burgh! It was a blast to meet up with Neil and a bunch of friends from home who were down to see the game.

On Sunday, GAMEDAY!!!, we started out the day tailgating on the top of a parking garage about a mile away from the stadium. We ended up walking about 10 miles that day (and no, I am NOT exaggerating!!!) to meet up with friends and try to scalp some tickets. After tailgating, we hung out by the stadium till 6pm and were pretty bummed that there was not a ticket to be had. Again though, being outside in the amazing weather with so many Steelers fans and the buzz that is Steelers Nation made the whole day worth it! Donnie and I finally decided to cut our losses (ie: make it home in time for the game!) so we headed back to Lakeland. We had to listen to the pregame festivities on the car radio and we missed some of the first quarter to pick up some takeout but we were home in time to catch the rest of the game. Surprisingly, the drama and suspense of the 4th quarter PLUS all of the walking I did that day did not bring on labor. HAHA! We DID sleep well that night though!