Hot times in Texas

It seems lately that all we do is travel, and fly on planes. Which is always exciting with a one year old! For Thanksgiving we got to go to Georgia. We spent time with Kevins parents, sister, uncle and cousin. It was a nice quiet Thanksgiving, and Annalise thought it was awesome getting all the attention everywhere she went. 

 Last week we went to Austin, which was a lot of fun. Kevin had and interview at Univ of Texas, and we got to spend the weekend with my sister and her family, which is nice since we hardly see them anymore. Annalise had a lot of fun with her cousins, and it was very nice to be in warm weather again. It was quite the wake up call when we got back and it was 22 degrees outside!! Man that is cold. 

Fortunately we were not traveling anywhere this week, and I say fortunately because all of us got sick this week. Annalise was sick 0n Thursday, then on Friday Kev and I thought we had flown under the radar, until we were not feeling so hot on Saturday morning,  and ended up missing our ward Christmas Party. I heard it was a great party, but I am sure everyone is grateful we were not there getting them sick also. 

So the countdown to Christmas continues! Only a week and a half to go, and I know that I am not ready. We are excited to finally be visiting Kevins parents after five years. (Well we have seen them frequently, as most of you know, we just have not been out to visit them for a long time, and it is always nice to go to LA, where the weather is great and usually in the 70's.) So yay for warm(er) weather. Oh, and that reminds me! I am sending out Christmas cards this week. So anyone who would like one please give me your address. You can either leave it in the comments, or just email me at lawrencekelsey@gmail.com , even if you think I already have your address, please give it to me (if you would like a a christmas card.) 

Well if I don't get a chance to post again before the end of the month, Merry Christmas to everyone! 

PS- Blogger is not letting me upload pictures, so if you want to see pictures from these last couple of weeks go to our picture albums here: http://picasaweb.google.com/lawrencekelsey/Annalise#5279831973767124322

These Boots are Made for Walkin

I have had some requests from family to post a video of Annalise Walking around with her new found legs. So here is a video of her walking back and forth from Kev and I. It is a little long, so of course if you get board, move on to the next most interesting Blog. 

A remarkable recovery

The Northeast Times ( a local newspaper here in Philly) did an article about Annalise. The article just came out today, so I thought I would share it with you all.  Enjoy! ~Kelsey

(For the original article you can go to: http://www.northeasttimes.com/2008/1120/baby.html,)

(Also for the pictures from the photographers blog you can go here: http://photogjenn.blogspot.com/2008/11/annalise-lawrence.html

A remarkable recovery for the miracle child

By Tom Waring 
Times Staff Writer

During her pregnancy, Kelsey Lawrence scheduled all her appointments with a midwife at the Birth Center in Bryn Mawr and was scheduled to give birth at the facility.
However, when she was two weeks overdue, the decision was made to induce delivery at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Lawrence prepared for an otherwise normal delivery. She continued to work as a musical therapist, and ultrasounds were good.
"Everything looked fine," she said.
Everything was not fine. Baby Annalise was born with a diaphragmatic hernia, a rare birth defect caused by an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle used for breathing. It is seen in one out of about 3,500 births.
The opening causes part of the abdominal organs, such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, liver and kidney, to be pushed up into the chest.

After she was born, Annalise developed severe breathing problems and required emergency surgery.
The baby was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children within hours of her birth on Aug. 30, 2007. Kelsey Lawrence and her husband Kevin, of Bustleton, were obviously concerned.
"It’s shocking because you think you have a healthy baby, then they take her away," she said. "It was very overwhelming to see such a little person hooked up to all these things."
Dr. Matthew Moront, chief of the trauma unit at St. Christopher’s, explained to the Lawrences that he could do the surgery using the traditional method of making a large incision in the child’s chest and abdomen.
Or, he could do the surgery by inserting a 5-millimeter camera and two small surgical instruments in her chest and abdomen to push down on the bowel and suture the diaphragm openings from the inside of the body.
The incisions would be painless and a fraction of the size of the traditional procedure and would leave much less bleeding. The scarring would be minimal, the healing time shorter and the chance of infection less.
Moront said the optional surgery is not for everyone.
He would perform the surgery only if the parents understood the risks and benefits. He put the Lawrences in that category. He also would operate on an infant only if she had good vital signs.
"She was a very stable baby," he said of Annalise.
The Lawrences agreed to the surgery, which was performed on the fifth day of their daughter’s life. According to Moront, the surgery was the first of its kind in a Philadelphia-area hospital.
The surgery lasted for about two hours, but it seemed endless for the Lawrences. It was a success, and Annalise was released from the hospital two weeks later after her lungs expanded and recovered and she was able to breathe without assistance.
During her recent one-year checkup, she was found to be totally healthy.
"She’s just done perfect," Moront said.
Moront said the cutting-edge surgery was a success because of the combined efforts of the neonatologist, anesthesiologist, nurses and operating room staff.
"I’d definitely do it again and again," he said.
While all has turned out well for Annalise, her condition could have been life-threatening.
"It’s a very serious congenital anomaly," Moront said. "The mortality can go anywhere from twenty-five to sixty percent, despite our best efforts."
Though Annalise was recovering nicely for 15 days after the surgery, the Lawrences were overjoyed when they received word they could take their first child home.
"It was like we won the lottery," Kelsey Lawrence said. "We were so excited."
Kelsey Lawrence learned the seriousness of the condition while searching the Internet, after her daughter’s successful surgery.
"It’s a good thing I didn’t know that then," she said.
The Lawrences had a lot of support from their family and from fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who fasted and prayed for Annalise.
As for Moront, the parents call him an "amazing doctor" and appreciate the fact that he detailed their choices.
"He didn’t beat around the bushes," Kelsey Lawrence said.At 14 months, Annalise is a friendly baby who is walking, though she still likes to scoot on her bottom. She has two small scars, on her side and back.
"She’s very social," her mom said. "She loves to smile, talk and wave at anybody who comes by."
On Oct. 31, she attended the Phillies World Series championship parade and later that day dressed as a punk rocker for Halloween. She also attends a mom-and-tot group.
Most importantly, she is a healthy baby.
"Everything is now back where it belongs," her mom said. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com

Ohiiiiiiiiiiiio!

For the first time in a gazillion years (ok, so maybe just over a year), Kevin and I got  a weekend to ourselves. We drove up to Columbus, Ohio for Kevin to spend the weekend checking out OSU and their MBA program. 

My parents met us in Columbus and took Annalise for the weekend to play with Grandma and Grandpa near Cincinnati. Yay!

Although I spent most of my time by myself, it was still quite the adventure. Especially when the power went out on Friday night and didn't come back on until Saturday morning. So besides hanging out in the dark I also got to go walking around the city and I can tell you one thing I discovered, Columbus is not Philly. It was so strange walking around a city where everything closes at 5 and the streets are empty. How weird. (This would definitely take some getting used to if we moved here.)

Well all in all it was a very nice weekend (despite the freezing rain and snow.) I got to sleep in for the first time in a long time, and I also got to sit and relax in hotel that I didn't have to worry about doing the dishes or vacuuming the floor or picking up toys. How great is that. Kevin also enjoyed himself, especially learning about the MBA program their. He said the only thing they did not sell him on was the city of Columbus and Buckeye Football....

 can you blame him, he will always be a true Hokie Fan!!

Speaking of Birds.......I can't wait for Thanksgiving! Next week we get to fly down to Georgia to spend time with Kevins family, and I hope it is warm, because I am so not ready for this cold stuff we are getting here right now. Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone (well next week that is,...... since Thanksgiving is so late this year). And we all know what Thanksgiving is really about.......Food and Football. So I hope you all will enjoy your turkey and your turkey bowl games as much as I do! TTFN

Our Collection of Cousins!!

I love that all of my siblings are all grown up and married now, because we all get to have babies together! For anyone who has not met my whole family, I have a twin sister- Corinn 

(Here is her cute family dressed up for halloween) 

 and I have three younger brothers, Steven Brandon and Matthew.

 Stevens wife Ellie had an adorable little baby, Lilly, born one month ago: 

Then Brandons wife Heather had  cute little William just today (Nov 5th):

It is so exciting!! They are both so precious, and I can't wait to meet them. 

So Matt............You are next in line! 

Well, congrats to the new parents, and I am looking forward to many fun holidays with lots of kiddies! 

Punk Rock Princess!!

Halloween has come and gone........and I didn't get to carve a pumpkin!!! Oh well, we have been busy keeping up with life. We had a great Halloween and I enjoyed dressing Annalise up in her cute little Punk Rocker outfit. I was inspired by her wild hair and her whild personality, and you can see why:

Well this last week we have been busy playing all over the city. We had mom and tots on Tuesday and got to dress up in our halloween costumes,

 all of our little tots were adorable.

 Then on Wednesday we had our Hallween Party at church, which was a great little party. We had all kinds of events and of course trunk or treating. But most importantly on Wednesday night the Phillies won the World Series!!! That was awesome!!! I didn't get to watch the whole three and half innings that were played on Wednesday, but I caught the end. 

Then on Friday Annalise and I went into the city to join all the other crazy people going to the Parade. It was a whole lot of people, and the subway was stuffed full. Luckily I had a cute little person....which meant people treated us really nice. 

Annalise wasn't really into the parade, especially since we were all so squished in there and you couldn't really see anything, but she loved being in Center City and walking around and talking to people. 

So the parade was the same day as halloween, whew. So we eventually got home later that afternoon and got all ready for trick or treating. Annalise got to go with her little friend Oakley who is 4 1/2 months, and the cutest baby ever. Now you can't really tell from these pictures, but I promise Oakley is in that little pea pod.  

Today we got to take a walk in Pennypack Park and it was gorgeous. 

The trees are beautiful this year

 and Annalise loved playing with the leaves. 

This is such a wonderful time of year.  

Go Phillies!!! Were going to the World Series!

I can't believe it! The Phillies actually did it, and they are going to the World Series. The last time that they were in the World Series I lived here in Philly, so maybe I bring some good luck? Who knows.......Well we have been watching the games and Annalise has been doing her part by eating her Pretzels...It was Kevins Birthday a couple of weeks ago....He turned an old 34.....just kidding! He turned 28 (if he was 34 what would that make me? Come on people)  We got to go bowling, which we had not done is a long time, Kevin got some new shoes that Annalise was breaking in for him... (with a horrible shot of me in the background....yeah I should really edit that out)

and of course enjoyed General Conference like we do every year for his birthday (poor guy), it is not as bad as having his birthday on a holiday, but it usually means we can't celebrate as much as we would like. However at General Conference they did announce that we are going to get a Temple here in Philly! Yay!!!! I am so so so excited, however Kev and I probably will not be here when it if finally is up and running, but it is still exciting to be invlolved in getting the area ready for a temple. So I guess Philly is just on a roll, first we are getting a temple, then we are going to the world series....next the Eagles will win the Super Bowl...(okay maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself here.) 

We have been getting ready for Halloween, and I am so excited that Annalise will not be sleeping through Trick or Treating this year. She is going to be a punk rocker baby, and she was trying on her accessories a couple of days ago....

she is definately going to be a cute rocker baby! Especially with these guitar skills: 

Apple Picking...

Autumn is such a great time of year. The temperature is great, football begins, and all the Holidays are around the corner. 

Today Annalise got to hang out with Andrew (her little boyfriend), and the rest of the Nelson crew (Heather and Jo Jo) when they brought us Apple picking.

We took a hay ride...       

Picked some Apples...

(Annalise started eating the apple as soon as I picked it off of the tree.) 

Then we took some pictures as fruits and veggies, which the kids loved. 

It was a fun day, and I can't wait to go back and pick out some pumpkins!!

(Hopefully Annalise wont pick up the pumpkin and eat it like she did the apple!)

Look Whos Walking!!

Annalise started balancing yesterday while we were at a birthday party, and she took a couple of steps. Then today after dinner we got her to walk back and forth to us... and now she has come to the realization that she has the ability to walk!! Here are a couple of videos right when she started to to come to that realization....

Our first steps!!!

So on Sunday we got up in the morning and went to church. I was teaching the young women class and my sister had Annalise out in the hallway because all she wanted to do was scream. Annalise was walking around the building holding Corinn's fingers. Then all of a sudden she saw Keith Hitchner and she just let go and took her first two steps.
As soon as it happened Corinn said Oh My Gosh! Which meant, oh no, I am in trouble....she took her first steps and Kelsey was not here. But I am not too dissapointed, and it is fun to have Annalise walking everywhere. She still has not taken steps in front of me yet, but in a couple of weeks I think I am going to have my hands full.

And on top of that Annalise has also been growing four teeth in all at the same time. Who's idea was that? I just hope they come in quickly so I can begin to get more sleep. But look what a cute movie star smile she is making:

Kids are too fun! I love being a mom!

Here is a video of Annalise trying to walk....she is getting close!

One year older and wiser too.....

I can't believe it. My baby is already 1. Annalise had her birthday on Saturday and she is officially no longer my little newborn (I am in denial.)

So two nights before her birthday we went to Nifity Fifties, and the servers came and sang happy birthday to Annalise. Here is the before picture:

Here is the after:I don't think she likes the Happy Birthday Song.

The morning of her birthday she got to go swimming with Grandma and Grandpa Lawrence and Auntie Amy....

She loves swimming, so it is too bad that the summer is coming to an end.

Annalise had her birthday party on Saturday......

a ladybug birthday party. It was so fun making the cake....

We also had a lot of fun with her friends. We played some music...

Then we read........and made some ladybugs out of plates.

Then we ate some Mac N'Cheese and Chicken Nuggets while Annalise opened her presents....

And of course ate some cake....

We sang happy birthday one more time with her 1 year candle....I tried to get her to blow it out...she wasn't interested. Maybe next year. It has been an awesome first year as a mommy.....and I can't wait to see what Annalise will do next. (which will probably be walking.....ahhh!) She is a blessing to our family, and I hope for many more birthdays to come.