Oh to be a dad...again!

December 31, 2008 started out like every other New Year's Eve - giving my beautiful bride a good morning kiss to celebrate her birthday.  She was turning 31 this year and looking forward to spending it with some friends here in Jacksonville (watch a movie, go to the spa - you know, girly stuff).  I had planned to watch some college football and chill.  

Our plans quickly changed!  

After going to the doctor that morning, Frances was told that she was 3 centimeters dilated and was going to deliver Madelyn Kate today!  And sure enough, at 1:24 p.m. at the Family Birth Place in Jacksonville, FL Madelyn Kate Kelley arrived!   Although she was 4 weeks early (leave it up to a Kelley girl to come early) she was 7.2 lbs and 19 1/2 inches long!  Whew.  

As I write this, she is still in the NICU because her lungs need to develop a bit more.   We are just thankful that she is a healthy baby girl.  She has a big sister who is dying to hold her and take good care of her.  It is so cute to see Caroline pray for baby Maddy every night.  

Well, off to sleep.  You know it's a commodity these days :)