Tumbling into Fall 2013

Summer has officially, if not literally, come to a close.  The calendar and The Weather Channel would have us believe fall is a long way off, but... school has started, a few leaves have been spotted turning colors, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back and the idea of apple-everything is quite exciting again.

Two very exciting things happened for our family in August:  Van started Kindergarten, and Kaity & Abe welcomed their first baby, a little girl, Ainsley Irwin Weagraff.  Van's class is quite large, but his teacher seems to have some good methods and we're very hopeful for his success this year.  He's making new friends, is quite a hit with a few of the girls (he's oblivious, so I say, "Let her mother worry.") and is learning new songs, games and asking to read lots of new books!

Van's first day of Kindergarten

Ainsley... oh my little niece!  Everyone is so excited to have a little girl in the family!  Kaity and Abe worked very hard together and put a beautiful nursery together for the baby's arrival!  Very feminine without looking like it was doused with Pepto, and uniquely stylish a la Kaity.

A short synopsis of the birth story:
Ainsley was born ON her due date!  Wednesday, August 21st.  Nana and PopPop had been in town for a few days, and Kaity and Abe had been staying close to home just to be safe.  Wednesday morning Abe went off to work and Kaity went out with Nana & PopPop to run a couple little errands.  Right after breakfast she felt "crampy" but continued on her way.  About 11 or so I called her to see what they were up to that day, and she said she was definitely having contractions, about 7 minutes apart.  Holy Toledo!!  They were in the car heading straight home.  Abe had been called and was on his way back to the house as well.  By 3 p.m. the parents-to-be were on their way to the hospital, with contractions about 5 minutes apart.  We headed up to the Weagraff house to hang out with Nana & PopPop and wait for the good news together.  Every now and then we'd get a text message from Abe or Kaity with a little update - all good news.  She had her epidural and was resting, waiting patiently.  We got a text around 10:00 saying little Ainsley was born just before 9 p.m. (8:56) with no complications.  She was 7# 15 oz. and 21" long, just perfect.  PopPop had to leave just three days later, but Nana stayed for another week to help out at home.  Both of them were so thrilled they could be there, and I know both Abe and Kaity were happy to have them (and hey, we loved having them around, too!)

The Weagraff Family:  Abe, Kait and Ainsley

And needless to say, but the boys love their new cousin!  Wesley likes to pet her soft little head and say "Aweee - sweet baby Ainsley!"