I have FINALLY made it near the end of the first trimester. It definitely has been more difficult this time but it is nice to know I am about a third of the way through this pregnancy! I had a doctor appointment today and I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat - it was in the low 150s - right where Morgan's heart rate was (are we having another girl?). We won't find out the gender for another eight weeks - it seems like a long time away but we are content waiting as if we found out sooner it probably would indicate a problem (you usually don't get too many ultrasounds unless the doctor's think something is wrong). I guess the next thing I need to do is to tell my boss and coworkers. I can finally share my secret!
On a different note - today's is Granddaddy's (GDaddy) Birthday. Morgan has a special message:
Monday, August 27, 2007
Summer Thunderstorms
Last Thursday we finally had rain and thunderstorms (it feels like it has been months since it has rained). Of course, it came on a day the weatherman says will be dry with no rain, but we'll take what we can get. Even though we were pleased with the rain, Morgan was not pleased with the thunder. Somewhere along the way she picked up this fear and really is unsure of the noise thunder makes. Brian and I try making it fun for her (cheering when we hear it or practicing counting when we see the lightning until we hear the thunder) but it really doesn't work. You can see the very unsure expression in her face below. However, a little loving and tickling by her Daddy solved the problem and her beautiful smiling face returned!
Yesterday we went to visit the newly expanded Norris family (BTW, the twins came home yesterday!). Morgan absolutely loved the babies and is very interested in holding them, kissing them, and loving them. This is something I am very happy about and hoping she still enjoys when our baby comes. However, we realize we will really have to watch her as she is very curious and very hands on. The twins are doing great though - they are just tiny!
I really enjoy watching the little mother in Morgan come out with her dolls and other kids. Her teachers at school take her next door to the younger toddler class and they say she has a favorite little girl she loves to play with and help take care of. The little mothering instinct is just awesome to watch. Before we left, I caught Morgan playing with Jackson's twin baby dolls in Jackson's room. Her conversations with the dolls are so cute. Halfway into the video Jackson comes in and they have a very interesting interaction themselves - they love each other dearly but there is almost some sibling-like rivalry there!
Morgan, Jackson, and the dolls. Click here if it doesn't appear below.
Morgan is doing great in her new school. Brian said he dropped Morgan off this morning and there were no tears (yeah!). Hopefully, the major adjustment period is over. We are looking forward to MaMa and Papa's visit this week (Morgan will receive all sorts of attention and hopefully Brian and I can FINALLY watch the new Bourne movie). Morgan also turns 2 on Saturday - where has the time gone?
Yesterday we went to visit the newly expanded Norris family (BTW, the twins came home yesterday!). Morgan absolutely loved the babies and is very interested in holding them, kissing them, and loving them. This is something I am very happy about and hoping she still enjoys when our baby comes. However, we realize we will really have to watch her as she is very curious and very hands on. The twins are doing great though - they are just tiny!
I really enjoy watching the little mother in Morgan come out with her dolls and other kids. Her teachers at school take her next door to the younger toddler class and they say she has a favorite little girl she loves to play with and help take care of. The little mothering instinct is just awesome to watch. Before we left, I caught Morgan playing with Jackson's twin baby dolls in Jackson's room. Her conversations with the dolls are so cute. Halfway into the video Jackson comes in and they have a very interesting interaction themselves - they love each other dearly but there is almost some sibling-like rivalry there!
Morgan, Jackson, and the dolls. Click here if it doesn't appear below.
Morgan is doing great in her new school. Brian said he dropped Morgan off this morning and there were no tears (yeah!). Hopefully, the major adjustment period is over. We are looking forward to MaMa and Papa's visit this week (Morgan will receive all sorts of attention and hopefully Brian and I can FINALLY watch the new Bourne movie). Morgan also turns 2 on Saturday - where has the time gone?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Struggling with infertility is difficult, and this video does a great job of conveying what many people I know (including myself) have faced and even conquered. After watching this, I understand even more the two miracle blessings I have in my life --- Morgan and our new 'lil peanut.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JqfGqOx2iDQ
Her story is below...
Kellie Coffey reveals how fertility struggle inspired new song
By Angela, CBB Sports Contributor
http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2007/08/kellie-coffey.html#more (August 23, 2007)
Academy of Country Music award winner Kellie Coffey, 36, always knew she wanted to do two things with her life...be a mother and a singer. Little did she know that her journey to become a mother would produce "I Would Die For That," a song about her struggles with infertility. The song, which is featured on her new album Walk On, is now one of the top videos on YouTube.
With all the success of the video, Kellie felt it was time to share her story in her own words.
Click below for Kellie's story and for a new picture of her little miracle, now 20 months.
On her official site, Kellie recalls her struggles to be a mother:
I knew it was happening to me…but I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it. I went to my writing session with my producer, Wayne Kirkpatrick, anyway. When I got there, it got worse. I was really cramping and bleeding now. I looked at him with tears in my eyes and said, “I think something bad is happening.” He was looking at his computer trying to bring up some sounds for a song we were working on…"Huh?” he said and looked up as he asked, “What’s wrong?”
I heard myself say the words, “I think I'm having a miscarriage.” He stood up and hugged me. He was very comforting but I said, “I have to call my husband, Geoff [Koch], I have to go home.”
I wondered if I had worked out too hard. Maybe I ate something bad. Why was this happening to me? Was I too stressed out? Did I wait too long to have a baby? I was getting hysterical. Maybe it will stop and the baby will be alright.
Geoff answered the phone, “Hello?”
“It’s getting worse,” I blurted out, sobbing.
“Where are you?” he asked.
“I'm driving.”
“I want you to calm down. Do you need to pull over?"
“No. I just want to get home and lay down.”
“You are closer to the doctor’s office. Can you drive yourself there? I will meet you. You have to calm down first, though. It’s going to be alright.”
Geoff has this way of making me feel like it’s gonna be okay. He is a rock.
Kellie and her husband, Geoff, had decided to wait to have a family while Kellie's career took off.
My career was all encompassing. It was like stepping onto a moving train. I was working so hard. I was so focused. There were two things that I wanted in life more than anything. One was to be a singer and the other was to be a mom. I kept telling myself (and my husband), we’ll get pregnant after I can get established in the business, after this next single, once my second album hits retail…after I get a hold of this thing.
Like most women I wanted to have it all: a great marriage, fulfilling career and be a hands-on Mom. The reality is there is a price for everything. I knew there was discrimination involving female artists getting pregnant in the recording industry. It was looked upon as a lack of commitment. You’ll lose your edge. You’ll get fat and have to take a break from touring and promoting your records.
My record label executives never directly said that I would be putting my career at risk by getting pregnant. However, the rampant negative comments about other female singers that were having babies made their position clear: You’ll seriously damage your career.
So I put it off. I didn’t start my family when I wanted to…I kept working. I was touring with some of the biggest names in country music and hearing my songs on the radio but something was missing...children. I looked up and I was 32.
At that point, the songstress knew that she had a decision to make - her career or a family.
So, I had a choice to make and for me there really was no choice. As a newer, non-established artist I knew what I was risking but I knew what I wanted. Because I was so excited, I let it slip out at a business dinner with my manager that my husband and I had been trying to get pregnant. Within a month, my manager was gone and so was my record label. I was surprised at the speed with which I found myself on the outside.
While I tried to pick up the pieces of my career, I turned most of my attention to preparing myself for motherhood, at least the getting pregnant part. I read everything there was to read. Mostly, I worried that somehow it wasn’t going to happen for me, that I had waited too long and I wouldn’t be able to conceive. It wasn’t rational but it was a real fear.
After a year of trying, it all poured out in a songwriting session. I laid my soul bare with my co-writers. Within a couple of hours we had written, “I Would Die For That.” I wasn’t sure I could ever sing it in public because it made me cry every time I just read the lyrics.
The amazing thing was that I found out I was pregnant within a few days after writing the song. My husband and I started dreaming about a child. Was it a girl or a boy? What would we name him or her? I was walking on a cloud. I poured myself back into my songwriting with a vengeance. I could have it all and it was full speed ahead. Then came the worst day of my life.
Sobbing while I drove myself to my doctor’s office, I kept saying out loud, “No. This can’t be happening to me. I already love this baby.” Within a few days, we left for Oklahoma to spend Thanksgiving with my family, where I had planned to tell them all I was pregnant. At least I was surrounded by my family that weekend.
Kellie and her husband decided to try again and she was soon expecting.
My doctor assured me that nothing I did caused my miscarriage. Still, I decided not to try to be superwoman during this pregnancy. I slowed down. Having this baby was the most important thing in my life. “I Would Die For That.” Not only did I not want to do anything to put the pregnancy at risk, I wanted to enjoy it.
A few months into my pregnancy, I started writing and recording again and it felt different. The songs came from a deeper place. It was as if I was being reborn as an artist and as a person as my baby grew inside me. Most of the final vocals and many of the songs on my album Walk On were written and recorded while I was pregnant.
The couple welcomed son Jackson Geoffrey Koch on November 15, 2005. He is now 20 months.
In November 2005, I gave birth to my son. The lyrics of the song, “I Would Die For That” still echo and feel real each time I sing the song. Now when I sing it, it's filled less with a haunting personal desperation and more with a complete understanding and empathy for the women who are still on that journey and have endured far more pain than I have.
While I am still an artist and still pursuing my career, I now know that there is nothing more precious to me than my son and I was right -- I would die for that.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JqfGqOx2iDQ
Her story is below...
Kellie Coffey reveals how fertility struggle inspired new song
By Angela, CBB Sports Contributor
http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2007/08/kellie-coffey.html#more (August 23, 2007)
Academy of Country Music award winner Kellie Coffey, 36, always knew she wanted to do two things with her life...be a mother and a singer. Little did she know that her journey to become a mother would produce "I Would Die For That," a song about her struggles with infertility. The song, which is featured on her new album Walk On, is now one of the top videos on YouTube.
With all the success of the video, Kellie felt it was time to share her story in her own words.
Click below for Kellie's story and for a new picture of her little miracle, now 20 months.
On her official site, Kellie recalls her struggles to be a mother:
I knew it was happening to me…but I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it. I went to my writing session with my producer, Wayne Kirkpatrick, anyway. When I got there, it got worse. I was really cramping and bleeding now. I looked at him with tears in my eyes and said, “I think something bad is happening.” He was looking at his computer trying to bring up some sounds for a song we were working on…"Huh?” he said and looked up as he asked, “What’s wrong?”
I heard myself say the words, “I think I'm having a miscarriage.” He stood up and hugged me. He was very comforting but I said, “I have to call my husband, Geoff [Koch], I have to go home.”
I wondered if I had worked out too hard. Maybe I ate something bad. Why was this happening to me? Was I too stressed out? Did I wait too long to have a baby? I was getting hysterical. Maybe it will stop and the baby will be alright.
Geoff answered the phone, “Hello?”
“It’s getting worse,” I blurted out, sobbing.
“Where are you?” he asked.
“I'm driving.”
“I want you to calm down. Do you need to pull over?"
“No. I just want to get home and lay down.”
“You are closer to the doctor’s office. Can you drive yourself there? I will meet you. You have to calm down first, though. It’s going to be alright.”
Geoff has this way of making me feel like it’s gonna be okay. He is a rock.
Kellie and her husband, Geoff, had decided to wait to have a family while Kellie's career took off.
My career was all encompassing. It was like stepping onto a moving train. I was working so hard. I was so focused. There were two things that I wanted in life more than anything. One was to be a singer and the other was to be a mom. I kept telling myself (and my husband), we’ll get pregnant after I can get established in the business, after this next single, once my second album hits retail…after I get a hold of this thing.
Like most women I wanted to have it all: a great marriage, fulfilling career and be a hands-on Mom. The reality is there is a price for everything. I knew there was discrimination involving female artists getting pregnant in the recording industry. It was looked upon as a lack of commitment. You’ll lose your edge. You’ll get fat and have to take a break from touring and promoting your records.
My record label executives never directly said that I would be putting my career at risk by getting pregnant. However, the rampant negative comments about other female singers that were having babies made their position clear: You’ll seriously damage your career.
So I put it off. I didn’t start my family when I wanted to…I kept working. I was touring with some of the biggest names in country music and hearing my songs on the radio but something was missing...children. I looked up and I was 32.
At that point, the songstress knew that she had a decision to make - her career or a family.
So, I had a choice to make and for me there really was no choice. As a newer, non-established artist I knew what I was risking but I knew what I wanted. Because I was so excited, I let it slip out at a business dinner with my manager that my husband and I had been trying to get pregnant. Within a month, my manager was gone and so was my record label. I was surprised at the speed with which I found myself on the outside.
While I tried to pick up the pieces of my career, I turned most of my attention to preparing myself for motherhood, at least the getting pregnant part. I read everything there was to read. Mostly, I worried that somehow it wasn’t going to happen for me, that I had waited too long and I wouldn’t be able to conceive. It wasn’t rational but it was a real fear.
After a year of trying, it all poured out in a songwriting session. I laid my soul bare with my co-writers. Within a couple of hours we had written, “I Would Die For That.” I wasn’t sure I could ever sing it in public because it made me cry every time I just read the lyrics.
The amazing thing was that I found out I was pregnant within a few days after writing the song. My husband and I started dreaming about a child. Was it a girl or a boy? What would we name him or her? I was walking on a cloud. I poured myself back into my songwriting with a vengeance. I could have it all and it was full speed ahead. Then came the worst day of my life.
Sobbing while I drove myself to my doctor’s office, I kept saying out loud, “No. This can’t be happening to me. I already love this baby.” Within a few days, we left for Oklahoma to spend Thanksgiving with my family, where I had planned to tell them all I was pregnant. At least I was surrounded by my family that weekend.
Kellie and her husband decided to try again and she was soon expecting.
My doctor assured me that nothing I did caused my miscarriage. Still, I decided not to try to be superwoman during this pregnancy. I slowed down. Having this baby was the most important thing in my life. “I Would Die For That.” Not only did I not want to do anything to put the pregnancy at risk, I wanted to enjoy it.
A few months into my pregnancy, I started writing and recording again and it felt different. The songs came from a deeper place. It was as if I was being reborn as an artist and as a person as my baby grew inside me. Most of the final vocals and many of the songs on my album Walk On were written and recorded while I was pregnant.
The couple welcomed son Jackson Geoffrey Koch on November 15, 2005. He is now 20 months.
In November 2005, I gave birth to my son. The lyrics of the song, “I Would Die For That” still echo and feel real each time I sing the song. Now when I sing it, it's filled less with a haunting personal desperation and more with a complete understanding and empathy for the women who are still on that journey and have endured far more pain than I have.
While I am still an artist and still pursuing my career, I now know that there is nothing more precious to me than my son and I was right -- I would die for that.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Welcome William and Maggie
William Ross and Margaret Grace joined the world yesterday at 5:40 and 5:41 pm. Both babies are receiving some extra TLC from the NICU, but both are expected to be fine. Please visit their Family page for regular updates.
William Ross - 5lbs. 12oz. (left)
Margaret (Maggie) Grace - 4lbs. 15oz. (right)
Congratulations Brandon, Christy and Jackson!
Summer Fun!
We've been keeping busy this summer. We went to a Braves game on Saturday night with Brandon and Jackson (we left Morgan with Nene - she isn't quite ready to sit through a baseball game yet!). It was a great evening (minus the rain delay and the Braves losing big time). After the rain, the weather was awesome--a nice break from the heat!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Wow - Thank You!
It really feels great to be blessed with such caring and supportive family and friends! You all helped Brian exceed his fund raising goal and gave him even more incentive to train for the Chicago Marathon. Because of your support, Brian increased his goal to raise money for liver research. We feel so powerless with the PSC diagnosis - but raising money for research gives all of us the power to prevent this disease from claiming and disabling any more lives. Even if you cannot donate, we definitely appreciate the support you have shown us though thoughts and prayers.
My sister is designing a racing shirt for Brian. She is working on a special design that will include all of his 'sponsors'! Pictures will be posted after the race.
Thanks to you all.....
My sister is designing a racing shirt for Brian. She is working on a special design that will include all of his 'sponsors'! Pictures will be posted after the race.
Thanks to you all.....
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Morgan is Almost 2!
We will be celebrating Morgan's 2nd Birthday at 1:30 on September 1. Please come to celebrate and to beat the heat with plenty of ice cream and toppings! Invitations have been sent - if you didn't receive yours and plan to attend, please let me know.
The menu of Birthday treats are below!
Thanks to Aunt Mimi for making the invitations even though she can't attend!
Monday, August 13, 2007
School Time!
Morgan started her new school today. She wasn't bothered a bit when Brian and I left her alone in her new classroom (she didn't know what to think when we dropped her off for orientation a few days ago). I didn't think I would feel sad when I left her, but I have to admit I did get teary eyed when I left this morning. I really like the idea that the school has observation rooms just off of the classrooms. I was able to stay this m.jpg)
orning and watch Morgan play and eat breakfast without her even know it! I did learn that she does listen to her teachers much better than she listens to her mom and dad :)Morgan also had her first gymnastics class on Saturday morning. Although Morgan had a great time, Brian and I were a bit disappointed. We felt like they were herding cattle. There were two large toddler classess at the same time - add in some parents and it felt like chaos! Our plan is to keep her in gymnastics as she seemed to love it (and I love that it is a mommy and me class) but to find a different class or place so it is more enjoyable for all.
After gymnastics, we headed to Auburn for the rest pf the weekend. The weather was HOT so we played in the backyard in the babypool an.jpg)
d sprinklers - Morgan and Jackson loved it. It was a great way to beat the heat and burn some energy at the same time. Peppy bought the kids a backpack with their own sleeping bag, flashlight, and water bottle. Peppy and Kim even pitched a tent inside so the weekend was filled with lots of fun at Camp Peppy and Kim.
.jpg)
d sprinklers - Morgan and Jackson loved it. It was a great way to beat the heat and burn some energy at the same time. Peppy bought the kids a backpack with their own sleeping bag, flashlight, and water bottle. Peppy and Kim even pitched a tent inside so the weekend was filled with lots of fun at Camp Peppy and Kim. More pictures of Morgan's school orientation, gymnastics class, first day of school, and Campy Peppy/Kim are here.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
EDD 3.09.08
Things have been tough, but we have exciting news to share! We're expecting!
Brian and I are blessed to be expecting baby number two early next year!
Brian and I are blessed to be expecting baby number two early next year!
The King Family
This past weekend the King Family (except Grayson) came to visit us. Peyton had a doctor appointment in Atlanta on Monday, so they stayed the entire weekend. The weekend was filled with watching movies, shopping, pedicures, and having lots of fun. Peyton smiles more than any other baby I know - she smiles all the time!Brian, Katie, and Collin went for a run Sunday morning (Brian ran 13 miles - his 
marathon training is coming along great and I am so proud of him!). Morgan and I babysat Peyton while everyone was on the run (I was looking forward to taking naps with the kids!). Morgan absolutely loved having Peyton visiting. She always knew where the baby was and loved kissing the baby and pushing the baby in the swing. While we were babysitting, Morgan was very helpful in fetching diapers or blankets for me. Although I am still quite nervous about having two children (see post above!), it was a blessing for me to see how much Morgan loves being around babies. Although I am sure the novelty will wear off for her when we bring our baby home, I have hopes that she will be just as excited having a brother or sister. Morgan did spend most of her weekend getting in and out (and in and out) of the bouncy chair. Good thing we have two because when the baby comes I am sure we will have to designate one for Morgan so she doesn't get jealous.
marathon training is coming along great and I am so proud of him!). Morgan and I babysat Peyton while everyone was on the run (I was looking forward to taking naps with the kids!). Morgan absolutely loved having Peyton visiting. She always knew where the baby was and loved kissing the baby and pushing the baby in the swing. While we were babysitting, Morgan was very helpful in fetching diapers or blankets for me. Although I am still quite nervous about having two children (see post above!), it was a blessing for me to see how much Morgan loves being around babies. Although I am sure the novelty will wear off for her when we bring our baby home, I have hopes that she will be just as excited having a brother or sister. Morgan did spend most of her weekend getting in and out (and in and out) of the bouncy chair. Good thing we have two because when the baby comes I am sure we will have to designate one for Morgan so she doesn't get jealous. Morgan is now able to count to ten, give or take a little help (usually numbers six and seven) from Mommy or Daddy. She loves having 'two' of things now - it is so much more fun than just having one. Also, Morgan enjoys playing with trains. We don't have one at the house yet so she uses her imagination and plays 'train' with her crayons and markers on her craft table while repeating "Chooo Chooo." Too cute!
Her new favorite 
'toy' is Blues Clues Diapers. A frustrating experience when you are potty training. She discovered these diapers at her babysitter's house. When I picked Morgan up on Friday of last week her first words to me were "Mommy, Blues Clues diapers. Buy some!" I guess Brian told her we would buy her some when we dropped her off that morning and she waited all day to remind me. Anyway, she loves moving the diapers from point A to point B - especially the pink ones. I guess characters on diapers DO matter! I am trying to convince her that Blues Clues panties are much cooler than Blues Clues diapers, but so far she could care less.
'toy' is Blues Clues Diapers. A frustrating experience when you are potty training. She discovered these diapers at her babysitter's house. When I picked Morgan up on Friday of last week her first words to me were "Mommy, Blues Clues diapers. Buy some!" I guess Brian told her we would buy her some when we dropped her off that morning and she waited all day to remind me. Anyway, she loves moving the diapers from point A to point B - especially the pink ones. I guess characters on diapers DO matter! I am trying to convince her that Blues Clues panties are much cooler than Blues Clues diapers, but so far she could care less. 23 Months
Morgan will be two in less than one month!
We celebrated by going to Town Center Park to play in the fountains (and to beat the heat).
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Run for Research - Chicago, IL
As many of you know, Brian has been training hard to run the Chicago Marathon in October (his first marathon). As part of his run, Brian is raising money for the American Liver Foundation. Because of his PSC diagnosis, the cause is now very important to the both of us. There is no known cure for PSC, and treatment options lack. Further research is needed to prevent this and other liver diseases from claiming lives every year.
http://www.active.com/donate/run2007/blemmings
Brian's training goal is $500.00 (and for your donation, Brian will run 26.2 miles just for you!).
Go Brian and Brea - you will do great in Chicago!
http://www.active.com/donate/run2007/blemmings
Brian's training goal is $500.00 (and for your donation, Brian will run 26.2 miles just for you!).
Go Brian and Brea - you will do great in Chicago!
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