our birthday gal...

EIGHT IS GREAT!
Kennedi Ellen was born on

Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 12:59 pm

at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho.

Almost 4 weeks early,

she weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches long.

She had brown hair and dark blue eyes.

Cute pictures:

2 weeks old

snuggling with Kerianne - 2 weeks old

blessing day - 2 mos.

hanging out - 3 mos.

little goofball - 6 mos.

comfy in the basket - 7 mos.

having fun with grandpa - 8 mos.

isn't she cute!

Your story...

Kennedi, you were quite the surprise! We were not planning to have any more children, after I had been diagnosed with Lupus. But after meeting with a special high-risk doctor he assured us that you and I would be fine. I had to see three specialists every month during your pregnancy (maternal/fetal high-risk ob/gyn, nephrologist, rheumatologist) which quickly became very daunting! But I was surprisingly very healthy through it all. Other than a nasty case of "morning sickness" (yah right, 24-hr sickness!) we did pretty well. Because I had to have a lot of ultrasounds we found out you were a girl early on. We loved the name Kennedi (just for the record, I wanted to spell it Kenadee!) and chose Ellen after your Grandma Waters (Blanche Ellen). By the end of August I had had enough of all the appointments and tests. I was trying to run a daycare at home, was so uncomfortable, and Labor day was right around the corner, which meant some of our family from Utah were driving up to visit and celebrate Kerianne's birthday. My protein count was really high, so I demanded to have you early! They agreed and we headed for the hospital two days later. On Thursday morning Dad took me to the hospital really early and they induced labor at 8am. One hour later things took off. Other than my nurse and Dr. Blea, Dad was the only one there with me -- it was really nice and relaxing, and also very quiet! I believe that I pushed for quite some time to get you out - you were stuck! Your face was up which made it harder for you, and caused me horrible back labor. I was able to hold you on my chest while the nurse cleaned you up, which I had never done before. Dad thought you were so beautiful and even shed a few tears! I was exhausted and just glad you were finally here with us :) You and I stayed in the hospital for two days (I only stayed one day with the others kids). When we got home, there was a lot of family there to greet us and spoil you rotten! Your sisters held you all the time, especially Kerianne. We called her your second mommy! Kameron was only 2 1/2, but loved to kiss and hold you. Aunt Lori lived with us for a week to help take care of you. I had some complications and had to take it easy, and really don't remember that entire week! She became your "mommy" and that is why you have such a strong bond with her. Kennedi, we are SO lucky to have you in our family! You have completed us. You are so fun and have always been so happy. It's exciting to have you turn eight years old. Your decision and excitement to be baptized makes us so proud.

We love you, Kenner-bug!