Announcing the arrival of Andee Grace!

I've been so emotional the last couple of weeks...with the arrival of my niece, the marry-ing off of another dear friend, and now, the arrival of the most highly anticipated baby in all of Raleigh Hills!

Congratulations to one of my nearest and dearest friends Leslee, her hubby Troy, and big brother Barron! 

Andee Grace is absolutely perfect. 

When Barron was born, I had just started grad school and coaching, and life was a wee bit hectic...not to mention the threat of swine flu forced visitors to stay home from seeing the newborn. So, I was pretty pumped to be able to see Leslee and baby A on her actual birthday! And, I'm even more excited to be a part of this chick's life!!!

Les and I became friends through my mom. She used to see Leslee at the gym, grinding it out on the Stepmill while simultaneously studying for nursing school, or busting out a spin session. As chatty as my mom is, she got to talking to Leslee and found out she used to be a pro snowboarder, and even won the X-Games. Yeah. So this is what my mom told me, and do you think I believed her? No way. I totally thought she was exaggerating and just had her facts mixed up, until one day I met Leslee while with my mom at the grocery store.

I remember thinking Leslee was so nice and pretty, and yes, we should totally hang out. So, I started by visiting her at Starbucks, where she worked while plowing through nursing school. Our friendship grew slowly, as I moved away to Texas, but we stayed in touch through letters and e-mails. When I moved home, we picked up the heat, and we started having tae bo and coffee dates on Saturday mornings. 

Now, years later, Leslee is a nurse (Taylor says people probably fight to have her as their care-taker), and now a mom of two. I am so fortunate to have her as a friend, mentor, and constant source of inspiration.

We love Team Schady! Welcome to the squad, Andee!!!