She's heeeeere...welcome, Naomi Ann!

After what seemed like forever, Allison and her hubby Andy welcomed their baby girl, Naomi Ann into their arms and hearts one week ago today. 

I think it's felt like forever because Al trusted me with her pregnancy secret very early on, and man oh man was it hard to keep it hush-hush until she decided to make her news public.

In true Allison fashion, everything went perfectly according to plan, from the name to the date of birth, and of course what baby N would wear home from the hospital.

We are so excited to have yet another baby in our lives, and I certainly can't wait to watch this little one grow into a latte-loving shopaholic like her mama. Congratulations Andy and Allison. Crazy Aunt Kate is ready to babysit! 

Super-duper proud "auntie" with one-day-old Nay-Nay (I doubt her mama's going to like that nickname!).

And, some Allison-related photos from the weeks prior to Naomi's birthday party!

Andy's surprise 30th birthday casino night party. Wonderful party planning, as always.

The rest of the snaps are from Al's perfectly executed baby shower, organized by lovely big sis Ashley. 

"Big brother" Hunter the golden.

Mama Fenton in the house!

So. SO sweet. Allison's grandma Naomi. She was THE BOMB. Lovely, lovely lady.

Ohhh baby! Birthdays galore

How have I not blabbed about this yet?

Emily and Greg (often featured on this very blog) welcomed their baby girl into the world March 7. I wished and hoped and prayed to God she would come on my birthday, but little Lily Marie had other plans. Lucky 7 it was. Her Coug aunties welcomed her home with a stork! I just remember new babies in the neighborhood being announced like this, and I thought E and G would get a kick out of it. We are over-the-moon for this little lady, and we can't wait to meet her. Hopefully we can make that happen before May!

In other birthday news, my girl Leslee had a birthday last week, and we celebrated with some of her lovely friends at Pix Patisserie in SE Portland. Leslee is a consummate spoiler--always gifting--a best friend, and a great mom. She has a million friends, and I'm so thankful to be among them. Happy Birthday, Schady Lady!

Remember: A food photographer (or photographer in general) I am not. This was my dessert--a pumpkin creme brulee with edible gold. Fancy schmancy! 

Cute sparkler action for the birthday girl!

A nice show of support from some of Leslee's main gals...although many, many more couldn't make it! :(

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!!! 

Welcome to the family, Hazel Diane!!!!!

Fashionably late to join the party, little miss Hazel Diane DeVries came into the world Friday, September 16!!!

Although she was due about two weeks ago, she decided Friday would be the day. 

She is perfect with tons of hair and plenty of meat on her bones, weighing in at more than 9 lbs! She may have inherited some Benz height, too, because she was 22 inches long at birth. 

My sister and Jordan are doing great, and my parents are heading down to meet the new bundle this weekend.

I really thought Stef was having a boy, so I was doubly surprised when I received the news "it" was a "she"...and we're all pretty pumped to start picking out dresses and bows. Elizabeth said she freaked out and went straight to the mall to buy girlie outfits. (This coming from someone who has two boys.)

Congratulations to Stefanie and Jordan! Welcome Hazel...you already have a lot of nicknames and a whole lotta love coming from your aunties, uncles, and grandparents.

Love, Auntie Kate