Unconditional Love

Yesterday would have been my parent's 35th wedding anniversary. Growing up, I was so lucky to have two loving parents who truly showed me the meaning of what a good marriage should be like. When I think of my parent's marriage, I remember them always putting their children first. They were so good to us and gave us everything they could. More important than any material possession, they gave us unconditional love. My mom and dad did everything together. They were truly a team and supported each other. When my mom was sick, my dad was her rock and held her hand every step of the way. Even though my mom is no longer with us, she has left me with an image of a wonderful marriage that I can carry with me. Thank you mom and dad for setting such a great example for me.

Miss Photogenic

Kelsey has sure taken to the camera these days. Today I went to take her picture and the smiles just came pouring out of her. You can't beat these faces!

This past weekend we went to Matt's cousin's wedding. Here is our latest family picture we took that day, along with a picture of Matt and Kelsey's first father/daughter dance.

This week is very busy for Matt because it is homecoming week. Between school events and football, his time will be filled up. Both his B-squad and varsity football teams continue to dominate the Big 9 conference. Kelsey and I are so proud of Coach Skala for all the work he does for the Owatonna football program. Let's hope their domination continues through the playoffs.

As for me, I just try to treasure everyday that I get to spend with Kelsey. Only two weeks of maternity leave left :(

Aunt and Uncle--Again :)

We received wonderful news that my brother and sister-in-law are expecting their third child at the end of April! They have two girls, Lauryn (4 1/2) and Miranda (3), so we are hoping for a boy! We cannot wait for another little one to join the Smith Family! Kelsey will get to be a big cousin already.

Double Digits

Kelsey had her 8 week check-up today and she has made it to double digits for weight. She weighs exactly 10 pounds and is 23 inches long. This puts her in the 75th percentile for height and 3oth for weight. She is long and skinny :) The doctor checked her over and she is doing great! She also had her first round of shots. I don't know who was more upset--Kelsey or mom? She actually only cried for a little while. What a trooper. She must have Daddy's pain tolerance because Mommy is a wimp when it comes to that stuff.

After bathtime on Friday night, Kelsey and I listened to Matt's football game on the radio. Here is a picture of Kelsey in her Owatonna Huskies shirt that is WAY too big for her as she listens to Daddy during the halftime show. She even has her arms up as if she is saying touchdown!

On Saturday, Kelsey and I made an unexpected trip to Pulaski. My brother and sister decided they were going to Pulaski with their family to see my dad. Since I had not seen my dad since Kelsey was born, it worked out for Kelsey and I to go as well. We were able to ride home with my brother too which was great. I could take care of Kelsey as we drove then.

Matt could not go along because he had football all day on Saturday. While in Pulaski, we just hung out at my dad's house because the trip was so short. We arrived Saturday at noon and left Sunday at noon. It was a quick 24 hours. Here are a few pictures from our time with Grandpa and Grandma.

First Video Attempt

Here is Kelsey all tuckered out from a hot day at the apple orchard. Hopefully the video works!

Weekends Go By Too Fast

Our weekend began with a good ol' Husky football game. Matt's varsity team is 3-1 and looking really good! They have steam rolled over their last three opponents by a large margin. Kelsey and I even got to stay for the entire game since the weather cooperated. Kelsey did a great job during the game and Daddy was glad to have his #1 fan in the stands :) After the game, we celebrated with the other coaches and their spouses with a post game party.

Saturday mornings are always busy for Matt because he has to watch game film to critique Friday night's game and also watch the upcoming opponent to prepare. He also runs a youth football camp for first and second graders. So after all that was finished, we headed up to the cities to spend the afternoon with my family. It has become a Smith family tradition to go to an apple orchard every fall. We have chosen a different orchard each time, and this time we went to one in Apple Valley. It was fun picking apples and watching all the kids do the same. However, it was very hot out and we were all pretty warm by the time we were done. I spent most of the time trying to hide Kelsey in any shade we could find. After the orchard, we went to my sister Jolene's house to have dinner and make apple pies. Although I did bring my camera to take pictures, we ended up using our video recorder instead.

On Sunday, we went to church and Kelsey slept like a champ during mass. Later that afternoon, our great friends, the Malo's, came over to visit Kelsey and spend some time with us. After that, we went out to dinner to celebrate Matt's sister's and mom's birthday. Sunday evening is always unwinding time and getting ready for the week.

I have been starting to think more and more about the fact that my maternity leave is slowly coming to an end, and I will be back to work before I know it. Ugh! Although I do love being a teacher, staying home with Kelsey sure sounds like a better idea. I guess I will just have to start buying lottery tickets! Wish me luck!

Kelsey's first pair of jeans and one of her many expressive faces!

Six week update

Kelsey is six weeks old. It is amazing how quickly she has already started to change. I try to take a picture every other day to keep up with her.




Matt had a football game on Friday night, so Kelsey and I listened to the game on the radio. Daddy even said hello to Kelsey during his halftime show he performs on the radio. Lucky girl! Saturday mornings Matt watches game film from the previous night, as well as film of their upcoming opponent. In addition, he runs a football camp for 1st and 2nd graders. It is a four week camp that teaches them basic football skills. This year he has 100 participants. Needless to say, when he gets home Saturday afternoon, he is pretty tired. However, he is such a trooper and took his wife and daughter shopping this past Saturday. We needed to buy Kelsey a few long sleeve and pants outfits that fit her now because it has gotten so cold so quickly. Let me tell you, shopping for Kelsey is dangerous! There are just so many cute outfits for her that it is tough to choose. After shopping we went out to dinner and then spent some time with the Ginskey boys and Natey. Sunday we had Connor's fifth birthday party. While there, we were able to get a new family picture, as well as a four generations picture with Kelsey, Matt, grandpa Skala and great-grandpa Skala. Sunday evening brought masters homework and time to relax for Matt before he starts another crazy week.