Kennedy -- Aug. 2, 2001

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy 

We announced my pregnancy with Kennedy (baby #2) at Kaleb's first birthday party, crazy right??? I technically already had a baby and now I was not only having another one so soon but I was still incredibly young and naive. Truth is I was already wanting another baby when I got pregnant with Kennedy. Kaleb was such a tremendous joy, I figured what better way to add more joy than to double it.

My pregnancy with Kennedy was another perfect pregnancy. I was never sick, tired, or achy and I can actually say I loved being pregnant. I did take a different approach and stayed much healthier with Kennedy. I walked everyday pushing Kaleb in the stroller and only gained 10 lbs, thank goodness because I was still a chubby butt from my pregnancy with Kaleb. I spent the later part of my pregnancy trying to prepare Kaleb for big brotherhood. I was elated to find out she was a girl now our family would be perfect!

At 38 weeks, my doctor decided to induce labor thinking that the baby was getting too big and I was already dilated to a 3. The night before induction I was scared to death, all of the pain from Kaleb's labor came back ten fold preventing me from getting an ounce of good sleep. To top it off I was sad to leave Kaleb and worried as to how he would feel about this little human temporarily ruling our household.

Turns out labor with Kennedy was a walk in the park. They ran me through the same induction process that they did with Kaleb but the pain was so completely mild. After I hit 7 cm I finally started feeling some good contractions but elected to have a healthy shot of demarol instead of the epidural. I basically sneezed her out she came so fast I didn't have more than 2 seconds to think about how painful it truly was. The doctor flopped Kennedy up on my belly and she took one look at me and started screaming. In my mind all I could think was oh my goodness she is so tiny and looks just like a mini Kaleb. Well who knew your capacity for love could double in seconds? Kennedy was so tiny and had all of the perfect little features any mom would hope for in a sweet baby girl. With those little girly screams I became completely smitten with her and couldn't wait for big brother Kaleb to meet her.

Kennedy was also a wonderful baby she hardly cried unless she was hungry and always had a happy demeanor about her. Kennedy became what most parent's would consider a nightmare when she grew mobile. She was so curious and always into something, whether it be pulling all of the books and movies off the shelf or climbing the handles of the kitchen drawers to get on the cupboard. I loved dressing her up in cute outfits and adored all of the snuggle time we got when she was sleepy and wanted to be held. What I wouldn't give to turn back the hands of time and hold her in my arms once more cherishing everything from her sweet peach cheeks to that baby lotion smell.

To date Kennedy is still full of life and generally into something. We tease her about being like a tornado when she comes through the house dropping little pieces of herself in piles from the front door to her bedroom. She is a vivacious, sneaky, tender hearted, sensitive, and moody piece of art. She has so many interests at times its hard to keep up with her but we manage to do it. She is passionate about her friends, school, dancing, singing, art, and so many more countless things. She does have a knack for drama and is the queen of gossip. Her heart is broken easily and she hibernates when she feels blue. She forgets as easily as she remembers which is a blessing as much as a curse. I can't picture a world without her smile or cocky attitude. She has tendency to spread sunshine and has many high hopes and aspiritions in life. Tears fill my eyes as I think of the day when I get to watch her with her children, she will be a great mom and have so much to offer a family. I wish her the best things in life and pray that she is wise enough to learn from my mistakes. Kennedy teaches me lessons about life daily, she makes me more patient and silly. I adore Kennedy with all of her little quirks and cherish the day she made me a mother of 2.