Happy 5th Anniversary!

My wife and I just had the pleasure of celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary at the Murphin Ridge Inn. The experience far exceeded our expectations and quickly moved into a tie at the top of our list for favorite B&B/Inn. It was the perfect blend of historic farmhouse, cozy log cabin and mouth-watering farm-to-table culinary creations.

The cabins have been eloquently designed to blend rustic appearance with modern architecture, amenities and comfort. Almost more impressive than the sunken whirlpool tub, two-person rain shower, vast windows and exposed beams and the double sided fireplace, was the immaculate cleanliness of the cabin. I have honestly never stayed in a cabin that didn’t have at least one cobweb. Before drifting off to sleep for my afternoon nap, I stared hard at the ceiling, but never located even one remnant of cabin critters. Other small pleasures about the cabin included a checker board painted on the table, a black hand towel for makeup removal, comfortable bed and pillows, coffee mugs and wine glasses (both came in handy) and well thought out placement of lighting controls and dimmers.

For our anniversary, we sprung for the added feature of fresh garden flowers in the room and an awaiting plate of fresh fruits and cheeses. We snacked on the cheese and crackers for two days. Well worth the special treat.

Culinary delight is an area of special appeal (and weakness) for my wife and me. The meals at MRI left our palates thirsting for more of the amazing flavors while our stomachs were maxed out on available space to store the delicious foods. A treat at Murphin Ridge is being able to dine on such culinary pleasures for both breakfast and dinner. If it were not for the relaxation of the pool and much needed afternoon nap, I might have tried to spend the entire day in the restaurant. Honestly, ever item that was served, from the muffins, to the soups, to the seasonal watermelon salad, down to the raspberry ice cream, each plate of food and ever side item was worthy of praise, comment and a strong desire for a second helping.

Owners Sherry and Darryl McKenney go out of their way to meet and spend time with every guest. Their exceptional hospitality and attention to every small detail is the obvious cornerstone of success that makes Murphin Ridge so well rated and visited. A testament of this success is the number of return visitors that proudly boast the number of return stays that each trip marks. While we sheepishly confessed our “newbie” exposure to Murphin Ridge, we are already looking forward to progressing to the classification of “alumni” for our next visit. After only being home 6 hours, we are already looking for dates on the calendar to return to Murphin Ridge Inn.

Birthday Party Saved from Dispair

After some last minute scrabbling, we managed to pull off a fun (and slightly warm) 2nd Birthday Party for Evan.  We found ourselves throwing together a party at home because the local Gymboree Play Center notified us three days before the party that our reserved date and time was no longer available.  Fortunately, thanks to great family and a rainless sky, we were able to throw a fun party that Evan enjoyed.

We relied on a bouncy house from my father and a few pool/water toys that we own.  Mix in a few balloons and streamers and you have the perfect party for a two year old.  The weather was a bit warm and muggy, but we used a couple of tents for shade and a few fans to create our own breeze.  With a cold beer in hand, it was actually pretty tolerable.

Amy's mother, June, came down from Northern Ohio to lend a hand in the preparation, celebration and clean up activities.  As always, she is a blessing to help out with all of the details.  There is one thing for sure, my mother-in-law is a hard worker.

We were also fortunate to have help in the kitchen from my cousin Alicia.  After hosting her nieces for a few nights, she headed out the the country and started dicing tomatoes for our taco bar.  She does a great job putting up with our insanity and silliness.

Evan really enjoyed the party.  He spent a lot of time in the small pool with Carter while other kids jumped in and out of the water.  Honestly, the kid could spend an hour playing with his watering can.  The highlight of the party (at least for me) was watching Evan crack up while his basked in the serenade of "Happy Birthday" song from family and friends.  While he did not try one taste of his birthday cake or cookies (he has a strange uninherited aversion to sweets), he thoroughly enjoyed open presents and playing with his toys.

As always, we are truly blessed to have such an amazing family.  Obviously, not all of our extended group could be here for the party, but we recently spent some great time with the Parris and Ault families.  The Rozek clan was here earlier this summer and will soon be in town to move Ben into college (at The 'Ville).

Thanks to all of our family and friends for the help, well wishes, presents and memories.

First Fire Truck Ride

This past Saturday morning, I was honored to have Evan join me for his first ride on a fire truck.  We supported the North Oldham Fire Department on a parade detail in the annual Oldham County Day's Festival.  Amy was kind enough to shuttle the boys over to La Grange to meet our crew before the start of the parade.  Evan was able to sit in the rear crew compartment and wave to all of the parade watchers along the route.  He even tried out the headset and talked to Daddy through the truck radio.

After the parade, Amy returned the boys back home for naps while I remained on duty in the heat for a few more hours.  Overall, Evan's first fire truck ride was a success...no tears and no tantrums.

Great Weekend Fun

We enjoyed an amazingly fun weekend full of activities, including the zoo, Huber's Orchard, a farmer's market, two trips to the pool, a great dinner at home and an entertaining Friday-night movie.  Even though the local weather included heat advisories, we made the most of it and filled the weekend with fun.

On Friday night, we ventured out with the boys for an early-crowd dinner at P.F. Chang's.  That place must be a goldmine.  By 5:30, there was already a 30 minute wait for inside seating, so we opted for a patio table and wasted no time.  Evan was treated to "chicken nuggets" with "dippy sauce" (Kid's Honey Chicken).  Amy and I passed on contemplating the menu and quickly ordered a pair of Kung Pao Chicken (our weak spot).  The boys did great, but it was time to stop playing with chopsticks before someone lost an eye.

After the kids went bed, Apple TV treated us to a captivating movie called "The Adjustment Bureau".  It was an interesting twist from Matt Damon.  It was nice to finally rent a movie that was worth the $4.99 charge.

After some early morning computer and reading time on Saturday (post diaper change), I headed out to the St. Matthew's Farmers Market before it got too busy.  Thirty minutes after the 8:00 am opening, it was comfortably busy and full of lush, fresh produce.  I probably went a little overboard with purchases, but Amy wasn't there to stop me.

The highlight of the day was a trip with the boys to the Louisville Zoo.  Since we buy the family pass every year, it is a frequent destination for our family.  I was amazed out how engaged Evan has become with viewing all of the animals.  He constantly gave the subtle order of "see more animals".  I had the fortune of being Evan's Sherpa.  With our great backpack, Evan was able to tour the zoo at 5'9" and minimal effort.

On Sunday, we ventured over to Indiana to visit Huber's Orchard.  A recent commercial on TV promoting their seasonal peaches was enough to lure us in for the spending.  Once again, Evan enjoyed being toted around in the backpack.  The highlight of the trip was treating Evan to his first pony ride.  Much to my surprise, he sat up tall in the saddle with a big grin and asked for "more" when the three laps around the corral were finished.  He really enjoyed his first pony ride and, within minutes, I had proudly posted the pictures for the Facebook world to see.

Henry participated in all of our adventures, but his involvement was slightly limited to the 2'x2' confines of the stroller.  However, he was a trooper with the heat and sun.  We are blessed with such an easy baby.

It was a great weekend with the boys.  It was nice to get out of the house and put the chores on hold for a couple of days.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July to everyone!  We had a great time last night with family and friends.  It was a hot evening, but the grill was full and a cold beer was never far from reach.  Evan really enjoyed watching the fireworks show (what we could see over the trees).  He likes the colors and loud booms.  Henry could care less at this point, but I was glad that the loud noise did not upset him.  He stayed content the whole time.  We had to cut our viewing short because of a rapidly approaching thunderstorm (and the accompanying light show).

Today especially, thanks to all of the past and present service men and women for their valiant efforts to keep our great country free.  All politics and economic woes aside, I am frequently reminded how great our country is and how blessed I am to be living in such an opportunistic place.  As I watch the news of political strife and unrest in countries all over the world, it amazes me how many freedoms that we take for granted everyday.  I pray frequently that these freedoms will continue long into the future for my children and their children.

Happy Fourth of July!!

Late Father's Day Posting

As usual, I'm running a little behind on my blog updates.  While it was a few weeks ago now, we celebrated a GREAT Father's Day with my two amazing sons.  It is truly a blessing to have such wonderful children...well, mostly wonderful.  Evan is jumping right into the Terrible Two stage with mischief and malice.  A stern "no" from Mommy or Daddy is almost like an accelerant to his naughty behavior.  My own father laughs and says it's payback for my youth.

Regardless, we have an amazing family.  The boys are going to keep Amy and I VERY busy for the next decade or two.

Thanks to our families for spending this memorable day with us.  We were lucky to have Grandpa Bill and Uncle Ben with us in Louisville for a few days.

Recovery and settling in

It has now been over a week since Henry was born.  After four days in the hospital, we are all home now and trying to settle into the routine of feedings, changings, attempted sleep and repeating.  On top of the new activity schedule, we stay very busy chasing and playing with a two year old boy.

I am reminded that you are never fully prepared for the sleep deprivation that accompanies the care of an infant arrival.  At times it feels like a cross between boot camp and "Hell Week".  Even the Geneva Convention bans the use of sleep deprivation as torcher method.  Any enemy combatant with children has probably been through the sleepless nights before.  Just throw in a pacifier, swaddle blanket and 5 diaper changes and you will have "daddy duty" for one night.

Fortunately, we have been blessed with an abundance of help from our family (hense the main reason that we left the beautiful mountains of Colorado).  Amy's mom, June, spent almost two weeks at our house helping with everything from laundry to squeaky door hinges (she's the handyman in this family).  My mother took over the role when June had to head home.  And, Grandma Karyn is soon heading this way to lend a hand, too.  Most people think that having three mother-in-laws is a curse, but I find it to be a blessing.  Plus, they read this blog, too.

Evan continues to thrive a as a new big brother.  He always wants to check on the baby and help bring blankets to him.  We are shocked at how well he has accepted the new family member.  With the exception of one fairly unintentional wooden spoon projectile toward the baby, all is going well between the two of them.

Amy is continuing her slow progress to recovery.  We have now passed the milestone of being able to get in and out of bed on her own (damn high bed).  While not ready for a marathon yet, she continues to progress a little every day.

Thanks again to everyone for all of the support and great emails.  As we continue to find an extra five minutes here and there, we will try to start responding again.

Big Brother Evan is doing great, too.

With all of the commotion around the arrival of Henry, it's worth mentioning that Evan is doing really well.  He loves his temporary residence with Mima and Papa (who continue to spoil him).  With visits from Grandpa Bill, Aunt Casey and Auntie Grace, he is definitely not starving for attention.

Evan came to the hospital on Sunday to meet his new baby brother for the first time.  Aside from nerviously chucking the baby gift (rattle) across the room, he did great!  He received two gifts "from the baby" and loved playing with both of them.  He held Henry's hand and even asked to kiss the baby before he left.

Today will be the true test as we hope to be home together as a family for the first time.  It will definitely be a lot of work to manage an infant with a two year old under foot.  However, I'm pretty sure that we are not the first family to attempt this endevour.  Plus, we have great help from family and friends.

One additional photo that I have to tie in here was taken a few days ago by Aunt Dani as Carter and Evan played golf in their yard.  Because Evan is so skinny, we have trouble finding pants that actually fit.  Apparently these pants were too big!  Check out the look on Carter's face as Evan lost his pants during his golf swing.

We are blessed with two beautiful boys!

Welcome Henry William Keller!!

Daddy holding Henry in the recovery room.

Amy, Evan and I are pleased to announce the arrival of Henry William Keller.  He was reluctantly pulled into this world on May 27th at 7:00pm.  Needless to say, his birth process was full of trial, drama and a scare (similar to the delivery of Evan).  However, that is all behind us and we are now blessed with a beautiful, healthy boy.

After extending five days pasted her due date, Amy finally started experiencing some regular contractions around 8pm on Thursday evening.  We didn't want to jump to conclusions, so we settled in with our new contraction app for the next several hours until the pattern finally showed 5 minute intervals for greater than an hour.  At this point, we placed the phone call to my parents for babysitting help to watch Evan.  It was also this time when I began to question if I had enough fuel in my car to make it to the hospital.  I had topped off the tank on his due date, but we were pushing a week late at this point.  Oops...just enough fuel.

Mommy and baby with skin-to-skin time.

Sometime around 1:00am, Amy, her mom and I headed off to the hospital.  Much like the first delivery, Amy insisted on walking into the hospital without the help of a wheelchair.  Once registered, we spent the next 3 hours confined to a 9x9 cell in the triage area while the hospital staff conveniently ignored Amy's labor and discussed more important topics outside of our door...like new craft ideas, gossip about coworkers and boys.  As Amy labored through the pains, I'm pretty sure she wanted to throw something at the staff.

Fortunately, the gush of fluid (water breaking) that almost flooded the room (slight exaggeration) got their attention.  Before long, we were placed in a HUGE labor and delivery room with an amazing staff of nurses.  I remember looking at the mini-couch/pull-out bed thinking "why in the hell would that be in here".  In my naive mind, I thought we would be pushing soon and holding the baby shortly.

Mima holds cute little Henry.

After the doctor arrived and met with us, I spoke to her privately in the hall to discuss pain medication options without bringing them up in front of Amy.  The doctor told me that based on the clinical data, we were looking at another 12 hours before she would be ready to push.  Huh?  Amy was fighting hard from contraction to contraction with only a two minute break in between.  Twelve more hours??

Eventually, I learned to appreciate the couch by tucking my knees to my chest and mimicking the fetal position.  This allowed me to sleep in 15 minute intervals.  Amy was eventually comforted by the pearls of modern pain medicine.  Now it became a waiting game of: monitor heart rates, turn Amy over, assess and repeat.

Throughout the next 11 hours, we all became very cognizant of the rapid pulsing sound of the baby's heart rate.  Whenever it slowed below the rhythm of a fast tango, we all jumped up to watch the monitor drop dangerously low into the 70's.  Our angel nurse would come bounding through the door moments later to quickly adjust Amy's position and the baby's heart rate would soon accelerate back to acceptable levels...the dance continued.  This is a very scary and humbling acoustic recognition, especially given our experience with Evan's birth.

Grandma Long snuggles with the little peanut.

We continued down this road for the next 11 hours.  We had great support from our families and tried hard to keep others updated with text messages and phone calls.  Every hour revealed a slow progress toward full dilation.  We seemed to be going in the right direction...albeit slow.

Sometime around 6:30pm, our usually chatty and extremely cool-headed nurse came bounding through the door with a different demeanor.  This time she was verbally spouting off clinical concerns that began to paint a picture of rapid c-section.  As we wrestled to grasp this new overload of information, our trusted doctor came running into the room and said we're going to the OR now.  It was very apparent that this was not a discussion, this was a medical emergency (I later found out that she thought Amy's uterus was about to rupture...in fact post surgery she told me that the uterine wall was only 1mm thick).  My heart completely sank for Amy.  She had worked so hard over the last few months and past 23 hours to manage a successful VBAC experience.  Now, that dream was being ripped away and she would once again be faced with the long road of recovery from surgery.  However, we both knew without a doubt that we needed to take whatever steps to assure the safety of her and the baby.


Once again, I watch my world come crashing down as the room filled with keyed up medical professionals shouting orders, calling for more help and quickly whisking my wife away toward a hastfully prepped operating room.  As a paramedic, I know this tone of emergency all too well.  It is the time when all medical professionals shed all of the ancilary patient care skills and dig deep into their skill set to leverage that no-nonsense, level-head professional that they can transform into when the proverbial stuff has hit the fan.




Aunt Casey and her little man.

 I was rushed into a pair of surgical coveralls, mask, shoe covers and cap.  Then came the three minutes where they sit "dad" in a wooden chair outside the OR doors while staff from all throughout the hospital rush down the hall, grab a mask and back through the swinging doors where my wife is quickly being strapped down and prepped.  I now refer to this wooden chair as the "God chair".  Not because some medical ego or other reference.  Because this is the chair where I (and presumably many other fathers) have dug so deep into our soul to plead for help and support from God.  I prayed and tried to connect from a level that has only existed once before...22 months ago to the hour when I sat here preparing for the delivery of my first son.


In less than three minutes, my hasted prayers were concluded and I was rushed to a stool next to Amy's head.  I tried very hard to connect with my wife through the touch of our hands, staring into her eyes and any comforting words that I could muster.  At this point, the only visable section of my wife to support was her head and arms.  All other areas with blocked with the blue sheet that shed me from the surgical act of extracting my son.  Within two minutes of sitting on the small stool, there was a commotion of jumbled voices and the strong cry of a new born's first wail into the world.  The lump in my stomach quick moved up to my throat at this point.  The amazing staff quickly assured Amy and I that we had a healthy, beautiful and hairy son.  One milestone was complete, but Amy was quickly fighting to battle off the effects of the medicine and being opened up to the elements.

Evan at the hospital for the first time.

The hours that followed contained a stark contrast of exuberance with the birth of our our son and the struggle of Amy to recover from the effects of surgery and anistisa.  We were transfered to a regular Mother/Baby room that would be our home for the next four days.

As for the exciting part, Henry is a beautiful little boy (yes, I'm biased).  He was born weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.  He has continued to thrive and adapt to his new world.  Momma and baby are both doing well and on the path to recovery.

We are blessed with an amazing support structure of family and friends.  I hate to quote Hillary Clinton, but we have "a village" to help raise our children.  Thanks to everyone for their prayers, thoughts, letters and calls.

More updates to follow...

Still waiting...5 days late!

Well, the due date for Baby #2 has come and gone without much pomp and circumstance. Technically, the rent was paid through May 21st, but we have not started the eviction process yet. Amy is doing really well and focuses hard to remain patient while waiting for Mother Nature to accelerate things along. At this point, we are scheduled to meet with the doctor again on Friday morning to discuss our options. We are all hoping that things will start to progress before we get to that point.

Now that I have made some changes to the blog hosting, I should be able to post pictures and updates more frequently. Please check back for updates...and keep us in your thoughts. Thanks!