John "Huntley" Spell

One week ago today I got the call I had been anticipating over the last few weeks...Allison is in labor and Huntley will be arriving soon!!  I was thrilled and sad at the same time as I quickly realized all flights from Nashville to RDU were booked on Sunday.  So I quickly booked a flight for first thing Monday morning and waiting anxiously by the phone for updates from my parents.  10 hours later and numerous updates from mom and dad I got the call that he had been born.  Allison was a trooper after pushing for nearly two hours and then having to have a C-section Huntley arrived safely.  I got a few cell phone photos to hold me over until Monday morning and briefly was able to talk to my brother.   went to bed happy but barely slept due to the excitement and anticipation of the next day.  The next morning Troy and Grace drove me to the airport and Grace was asking 101 questions all the way there.  My favorite question was "Mom, will Huntley be able to swim with me at the beach."  I chuckled and said no.  She quickly came back with, "I am sure granny can buy him some floaties like mine."  The kid cracks me up!!  I arrived at RDU about 10am and dad picked me up.  After a quick pit stop at home, he took me to meet my nephew.  Little did I know at that time, but I was the first family member to hold Huntley since he was in the special care nursery.  Matt took me down and I got scrubbed in to met Huntley.  Allison was already there nursing him and I must say, other than the birth of my own child, it was the best moment ever!!  He was perfect!!  The next 3 days were a blur as I spent most of my time loving on him and visiting with Matt and Allison as the began their new life as a family of three.  Below are some photos, some are from what Matt took before I arrived and others that I took during my visit.  ENJOY!!

First time as a family of THREE!!

This is going to one well documented baby!  Because of the C-section and Huntley having to go to the Special Care nursery, this was the only look most of them got on Sunday night after he was born.

After being cleaned up a little

PUT ME BACK!!

Proud daddy

It was love at first sight for Aunt Heather

Already talking to him about Carolina basketball?

Matt changing his first diaper and it was a POOPIE one!

Proud grandpa

Matt and Spencer showing off the lovely gowns we all worn when we went in to the special care nursery.

Some of Matt and Allison's friends who visited on Monday evening.  It was great to see them all.

Tuesday night Huntley was released from the special care nursery and was able to join Allison in her room.  The grandparents quickly got out their phones to have a picture or two to carry around with them.  No need for those old brag books these days!

I got to snuggle with Huntley on Wednesday morning while Matt and Allison got some rest.

Mommy looking beautiful with her little man

Granny getting some snuggles with Huntley

Matt and Allison doing their first tag team diaper change.

Now that they are home and resting, I have gotten a few text photos.  This is my favorite so far.

Catch-Up Time

I just realized I have not update the blog in over a month!!  I think that is the longest I have even gone without posting anything...SORRY!!  We have had a busy summer.  Enjoy the photos as I to catch you up since my last post.....

On Flag Day she had to dress up for school.  She looks so grown up!!

Grace playing with "Uncle" Trey at the ball field.  We enjoyed an evening watching some of our friends playing softball.

Proof of "Monica" playing ball.  

Yes Susanna, I am finally posting these so you now have proof!

"Monica" has a good stance!!

After the game Grace asked to run the bases

Posing with daddy before heading out to dinner to celebrate Father's Day.

Daddy's girl?

Ready to help daddy open his presents

Who wants some ice cream?

Playing some frisbee

Cutie Pie

Our flower beds are looking good

A small attempt at planting a few veggies

It was at least this hot for about two weeks!  UGH!

The only way to handle the hot days!!

We enjoyed celebrating with our friends Crystal and James as Kinslee turned 1.  Where has the year gone?

Big girls enjoying their pizza at the party.

She finally got her hands in the cake and loved it!!

That is one cute cake face

Grace ready for the outdoor fun

Fun on the slip n slide

Exhausted from all the party fun

Silly kid trying to eat a muffin as big as her head

One of her many patriotic outfits during July 4th week.

On this morning she asked for a picture with the garden.  You can see how much our veggies have grown.  As of today, we have had one tomato, 3 squash and we now have a watermelon on the vine.

Ready to go see some fireworks

She wanted to color a flag on July 4th so thanks to google, I was able to find plenty of July 4th coloring pages.

Troy made his first batch of ice cream on July 4th

The best vanilla I have ever had!

Another birthday to celebrate with Becca!  One more year until she joins us in the 30's!

She loves her leap pad.  Helped to entertain her at the birthday dinner.

The gang

Photo with the birthday girl

After dinner we took the birthday celebration to the bowling alley.  

She was so excited and cried when we left at 10pm which is way past her bed time.

Kyleigh excited about her roll

This past week I spent about 3 days in Durham as we welcomed Huntley to the family!!  We are all truly blessed by his arrival and I a thankful I got to spend the time with him, my brother and Allison during the first few days of his life.  I am going to post a completely separate blog about Huntley, so stay tuned!

Yesterday was a washout so we spent some time at home relaxing.  At one point I went in Grace's room and found her with her ear muffs on.  She promptly told me that the thunder was too loud and those were helping her ears.  Funny kid!!

THE END - I promise it will not be another month before I send another update!!