Jess and Tracey Hickey

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-15T14:43:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Tracey's Family Birthday Trip to the Georgia Aquarium

2007-02-15T14:25:00.000-05:00

All Tracey wanted for her birthday was a trip to the Georgia Aquarium with her family. Jess granted her that wish by taking the day off and packing her and Carswell up for a trip into Atlanta for the day. After lunch downtown, the three of us headed through the Olympic Park toward the Aquarium. It was a beautiful day...

Thankfully, we went to the Aquarium on a Wednesday after lunch, so the crowds were sparse. We were able to take our time visiting all the exhibit halls. Carswell's favorite friends were the penguins who thought they could swim right out to her...she thought the could too.

Other favorite spots in the Aquarium were the Sea Otters and Beluga Whales, as well as the Tropical Reef. Carswell. also spent a lot of time in front of the window in the Ocean Wonders exhibit, but nothing made her crack up as much as her penguin friends. It was a wonderful day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! WELCOME 2007

2007-02-06T17:04:00.000-05:00

Carswell says: HAPPY NEW YEAR!Come on, I mean seriously, how ridiculously cute is she? She's definitely got Mommy and Daddy right where she wants them...

Carswell's First Christmas

2007-02-06T16:36:00.000-05:00

We spent our first Christmas as a family our own home. Our plans to go to Camilla were postponed since Mimi had the flu. We went to Christmas Eve mass together, celebrated with a Christmas Eve meal, and then went and looked at the Christmas Lights at Sandy Creek Park...which captivated Carswell. We spent Christmas day with Tracey's family.Needless to say, Carswell was oblivious to all the hoopla associated with Christmas, but she was a delight to watch crawl around in the paper under the tree.

While up and her knees, rocking back and forth, and doing the backward crawl, she was still learning at this time how to put together all the parts required in a forward crawl. She had it by New Years day...

Pictures with Santa

2007-02-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

Carswell had her first pictures with Santa taken at Daycare and with her cousin Brooke at the Junior League Marketplace. Thankfully, she wasn't too freaked out by the man in the big red suit. I am sure that will come next year.

Cousin Devin

2007-02-06T16:13:00.000-05:00

Carswell's cousin Devin Hendrick Coetzee was born on October 6, 2007 weighing in at 6lbs 8oz. He is the son of Tracey's sister Beth and her husband Hannes.While Carswell and Devin have not gotten to spend a lot of time together yet, we know that they will be good buddies growing up:

Furry Children and Carswell

2007-02-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

Our two dogs, Camilla and Scarlett have been wonderful so far with Carswell. When we first came home, Scarlett was instantly interested and protective of Carswell...although, she does not reallyappreciate Carswell trying to climb all over her. Camilla, on the other hand, could have cared less about Carswell's arrival. But now, she can not get enough of Carswell and will sit patiently while Carswell climbs, pulls, and rolls all over her. She even encourages Carswell...they are great pals. Carswell thinks Camilla is funny:

First Experience With Solids

2007-02-06T15:49:00.000-05:00

We finally gave Carswell her first solids when she was between 5 and 6 months old. As you can see, she didn't know exactly what to think at first....

However, as time went by, she figured out that it was all a good thing:

Exosaucer Time

2007-02-06T15:40:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for whoever invented the Exosaucer. If you do not have children and are considering having one, this is a necessity! Look how much Carswell enjoys her saucer time:

Halloween Butterfly

2007-02-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

For her first Halloween, Carswell was a Pink Butterfly. She even got to go to her first Halloween party with some little friends. At day care, she got to go around to the classrooms and trick or treat. And that evening, Mom toted her around to a few neighbors so that she could get some candy for Daddy. Of course, she let us know her many moods of being a butterfly.

There was Flying Butterfly:

And Angry Butterfly:

More 4 Month Pictures

2007-01-30T15:03:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more pictures from her 4 month session...enjoy!

4 Month Pictures

2007-01-30T14:57:00.000-05:00

So we are suckers and have officially signed Carswell up for a lifetime of professional pictures. Although, by looking at these pictures, we think you will agree that they are worth every penny. Again, she is growing soooo fast. While Lauren shoots pregnancy and infancy sessions, her father Dan McClure takes over from here. Carswell loves him, she was cracking up the entire session.

Christening

2007-01-30T11:56:00.000-05:00

On October 1, 2006, Carswell Leigh Hickey was christened at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Athens, GA. Her godparents are Stephanie Daniels & Dean Kennett and Brian Hickey.

Carswell wore a beautiful Strausberg Christening Dress bought for her by her Nana and both a family cross and her mother's cross. A celebration followed at our home in Athens. This was a very special day for our family as we realized just how truly blessed we are. To see more pictures from Carswell's Christening, click here

Professional Pictures with Lauren Elizabeth

2007-01-30T11:30:00.000-05:00

Jess and I were lucky enough to have pictures taken when I was pregnant and also with Carswell when she was about 9 weeks old. The pictures were taken by a local photographer named Lauren Forrester. She is incredibly talented. We got all the pictures back a few months later and we are thrilled with how they turned out. It made us realize just how fast she is growing!

As you can see, the pictures speak for themselves in terms of Lauren's talent... www.mclurestudio.com

UGA Tailgating 2006

2007-01-30T10:19:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like Athens, GA in the Fall.

Every year, Jess and I look forward to this time to welcome friends and family back to Athens to help root the Dawgs on to another great season. This year was made even more special by the addition of a new little tailgater to our group.

Carswell made it to several tailgates this season sporting her red and black. She even cheered from within Sanford Stadium on one occassion...got to start them early.

Fridays were also Spirit days at Champions for Children. You haven't seen cute until you've seen dozens of children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years all wearing red and black. Ms. Katy, the director and huge UGA fan, also had a few of the football players and Hairy Dawg visit Champs during the Fall. Carswell had her "Future Tailgator" onesie signed by Martrz Milner and Quentin Moses. She also got to be among a select group of children who saw the team off at the buses as the headed off to Jacksonville for the Ga/Fl game. What a fan!

Jess and I also spent our first weekend away from Carswell as we traveled down to Jacksonville for the annual Ga/Fl game. We spent the weekend with Steph, Dean, and our friend Michele and Doug. We had a great time, and can not thank Mimi enough for babysitting!

To see more pictures from UGA Tailgating 2006, please click here

Other Cute Pictures

2006-08-02T18:02:00.000-05:00

There has been no lack of picture taking in our house. Just a lack of time to get them all posted...

But Carswell is growing and making silly faces

She is officially cooing and smiling.....
We are loving every tiring and exhausting moment of it all.

The Uncles D

2006-08-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Carswell got to meet her great Uncle Dennis (aka as Uncle D or Uncle Gah) for the first time. Uncle Gah has lots of experience since he helped raise all the Daniels kids...

Carswell also got to hang out with Uncle Dean

South Georgia Visit

2006-08-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

Jess and Tracey headed south to Camilla to visit with family and attend a baby shower for CeeCee who is due with cousin Brooke in September.

Carswell had a great time being passed around the ladies of the Hickey family including Aunt Linda, Aunt Karen, Aunt Diane, and cousin Tyler.

Danielle also was an old pro visiting with Carswell

Grandmothers

2006-08-02T16:50:00.000-05:00

Nana has been visiting Carswell on Friday nights and helping with babysitting duties

Granny B also likes to stop by and see how Carswell is growing.

And Mimi had a great time visiting with Carswell when Jess and Tracey visited Camilla at the end of July

Spring Break Crew

2006-08-02T15:26:00.000-05:00

Some of Tracey's friends from High School came up to meet Carswell in Athens. Megan is expecting a little girl in the fall. Cherie and Sylvia who could not be with them are also expecting little girls...the next generation of the Spring Break Crew continues to grow.

Fourth of July at the Lake

2006-08-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

The weekend of the 4th of July, we headed back up to Lake Hartwell to celebrate with the family.

Carswell experienced her first dip in the lake...

Needless to say, she was not impressed by the water.

She was, however, very impressed by her Gramps...

Do it again Gramps, Do it again! To see more pictures from this weekend, click here

Uncle Joe Races in Subaru Primal Quest

2006-06-26T14:47:00.000-05:00

Carswell's crazy Uncle Joe (far left) is racing this week in the Subaru Primal Quest Adventure Race. Last year, his team finished 12th. Let's hope they do even better this year...Goooo Uncle Joe go, I am following you night and day on the GPS...I am already addicted to this adventure racing. To follow the team, Hooked on the Outdoors, click here

Jesse's First Father's Day

2006-06-26T14:41:00.000-05:00

Carswell helped Jess celebrate his first Father's Day by getting him a "Greatest Dad" t-shirt and a wallet that she will help him to empty in the coming years...smile.

Carswell's First Trip to Lake Hartwell

2006-06-26T14:08:00.000-05:00

Over Father's Day weekend, Tracey and Jess finally got out of the house for more than a few hours with Carswell for a trip up to the family lakehouse on Hartwell.

Although Carswell loved being on the boat, we are not so sure she loved her new infant life perserver...she did look cute though.

Look ma, no arms....

Carswell also got to meet her Aunt Meg, who was in Spain studying abroad when she arrived, for the first time up at the lake.

Aunt Meg already has lots of niece babysitting experience, and with her living in Athens, Tracey and Jess are going to be hitting her up for babysitting duty in the Fall. Look at this cute picture of the two of them...she can't wait to hang out with her fellow UGA bulldawg Aunt Meg. Go Dawgs.

Carswell also got to spend lots of time this weekend with her cool Aunt Steph who likes to spoil her silly.

A Visit from the Smiths

2006-06-26T13:59:00.000-05:00

Mike and Anna Smith, who have a GORGEOUS 7 month old named Ellen Rose, visted Carswell a few weeks after her arrival. Look at that Gerber Baby!

Tracey has been getting a lot of great advice and support from Anna who is an awesome new mom herself.

Super Dooper Awesome Uncle Brian

2006-06-26T13:43:00.000-05:00

Over Memorial Day, Jess's Brother Brian came to visit Carswell for the first time.

Carswell thought that Super Dooper Awesome Uncle Brian was pretty cool, especially when he made funny faces.

Winston, Brian's dog, was also interested in little Miss Carswell

Carwells Feet and Other Pics

2006-05-25T21:25:00.000-05:00

Ok, so we couldn't resist. We may be a little biased, but these are the CUTEST feet we have ever seen.

Here also are a few pictures from the last few days
...including proud papa Jess and mama Tracey

And one of her first sponge baths at home....
Sleeping....ahhhh, life is good

Carswell's Grandparents

2006-05-25T21:05:00.000-05:00

Carswell is blessed with not two, but three sets of wonderful grandparents. No fear of her NOT being spoiled...lol.

Jess's mom, Nan, was thrilled to help welcome her first grandchild and has chosen to be called Mimi. Mimi stayed with Jess and Tracey for a few days after Carswell's arrival and was a huge help.

Tracey's mom and stepfather, Mary Lou and George, are known as Nana and Stepa. Nana also came up to Athens to help Jess and Tracey in the early days of transition to new parenthood. This is the fourth grandchild on Tracey's side of the family...all girls!

Tracey's dad and stepmom, Joe and Betty, are known as Gramps and Granny B. Granny B was a big help to Tracey and Jess in the hospital serving as their advocate with all of her nursing knowledge during labor and delivery. They both have been a big support for Tracey and Jess.

Going Home

2006-05-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

After a few days of recovery in the hospital where we were well taken care of by our Family Care nurses Carmon and Dena, the three of us headed home for the first time. Carswell liked her first car ride so much, that she sacked out in the car.

We have been home now for a few days settling into our new life and new routine. To see more pictures of Carswell's Homecoming and first visitors, click here

Carswell's Arrival

2006-05-24T12:52:00.000-05:00

CARSWELL IS FINALLY HERE!!!!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our daughter Carswell Leigh Hickey. Carswell arrived on Wednesday May 17, 2006 at 5:17 pm weighing in at 8lbs 5 oz and 2o inches long.

Carswell was due on Friday May 12, 2006 and since she was well on her way to overstaying her welcome and growing and growing, Tracey was admitted to Athens Regional to be induced on the following Tuesday night. Inducement began at 7:30 am on 5-17 and by 5:17pm (cool time huh? She planned that, already taking after her mother we assume), she finally graced us with her amazing little presence.

In addition to her amazing doctor Tom Goggin and L&D nurse Peggy, Tracey and Jess had a lot of support at the hospital during labor and delivery and during the recovery days from friends and family. We can not thank everyone enough for their love and support and for stopping by to meet Carswell. To see more picures from the hospital, click here

Also, to see pictures from the online web nursery, click here

Carswell's Baby Pad

2006-05-03T15:53:00.000-05:00

Finally, the nursery is pretty much done! Still looking for a table or small bookcase for the lamp, but all the major work is done. We are stocked and ready to go...all we need now is Carswell.
The theme of the nursery is The Giving Tree based on the book by Shel Silverstein. I had my friend Mary Martha paint the canvas hanging over the crib...she also did the monogram painting on the door. Cari Spangler contributed the adorable polka dot Carswell painting. And Daniel Hayes helped Jess put up the chair rail. Come on in and take a look...let us know what you think.

For more pictures of Carswell's nursery, click here

Hilton Head Anniversary Trip

2006-05-03T15:17:00.000-05:00

Jess and Tracey celebrated their 5 year wedding anniversary in Hilton Head. Even though Tracey was 37 weeks pregnant at the time, and no one thought her doctor would ever let her go, Dr. G. gave us the green light and we headed to the beach for our last baby free beach weekend for a while.

While it rained in Georgia, we had perfect beach weather all four days we were in Hilton Head. We spent the entire time sitting on the beach under the umbrella with our feet up relaxing...it was wonderful.

Jess also foolishly challenged Tracey to a round of putt putt...by the picture, you can tell who lost the round and the bet.

To see more pictures from Hilton Head, click here

34 Week Ultrasound

2006-05-03T15:01:00.000-05:00

At the 34 week ultrasound, we found out that Carswell is pointed in the right direction (head down), there is no cord around her neck (whew!), and that she is roughly 5lbs 13oz (average weight at 34 weeks is 5lbs 5 oz). Dr. Goggin said that if she gains the average amount of weight per week for the remaining weeks, that she will probably be at least an 8lb baby....but of course, she could slow down or take off weight wise. Tracey is keeping her fingers crossed that she doesn't get too big.

The 34 week ultrasound doesn't allow for great images, since her head is already down, but here is a pretty cool image of her right arm.

Pamper the Parents Couple Shower

2006-05-03T14:15:00.000-05:00

In April, our good friends Anna and Mike Smith and Michele Turner and Doug Harman hosted a "Pamper the Parents Couple Shower" at Hilltop Grill in Athens. Everyone brought gifts and a pack of diapers to help us build our stockpile. We are happy to report that as a result of this shower and other diaper gifts, we have several months worth of diapers to hold us over for bit. Thank you for saving us from the multiple trips to the store for these necessities at least for a little while.

The shower was made up of family, college pals, and local Athens friends. It was a great way to visit and catch up with everyone. Jess put his game face on and won the "baby pin" game. It was also obvious that something is in the water this year...at one point, there were 3 babies, 1 toddler, and 5 pregnant ladies in the room.

Huge thank you to the fabulous hosts for such a great shower! Michele, thanks for all your planning and drinking that extra blood mary for Tracey..lol. And to Anna, thanks for everything, especially making the table toppers which are now doubling as swaddle blankets for baby Carswell...so Martha.

To see more pictures from the Pamper the Parents Couple Shower, click here

Neighborhood Giving Tree Shower

2006-05-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that we have lived in our neighborhood Carrington Plantation for four years now...time flies. While we have been there, we have been blessed and lucky with wonderful neighbors. In early April, four of our neighborhood friends (Jessi, Angie, Heather, and Christa) threw a shower for Tracey made primarily up of ladies from the neighborhood and some of Tracey's other local friends.

Jessi's husband Jay designed the adorable invitations and thank you notes which were a nod to the nursery theme of the Giving Tree. The shower was a great success and a lot of fun...planned down to the minute by the very organized planners who finalized the shower agenda over a bottle of wine from what we hear. Thanks Ladies for a fabulous afternoon and for sending Tracey home with the leftover cake for Jess!

For more pictures from the Giving Tree Shower, click here

Hickey Family Shower in Meigs

2006-05-03T11:40:00.000-05:00

In late March, we headed South to Camilla to celebrate Nan's (Mimi) birthday. While we were there, the Hickey Family got together at the family farm after church for Sunday Lunch and threw us a baby shower.

While we expected dozens of FSU outfits from some of Jess's family who are fans and who themselves have received numerous UGA outfits over the years, they restrained themselves limiting the FSU gear to a single pencil....whew! Otherwise, Carswell was spoiled silly, and it was great to have the Hickey Family together to celebrate her upcoming arrival. Jess, Brian, and CeeCee are the youngest and the last of the cousins to start having children, so Carswell will have plenty of South Georgia 2nd cousins to play with when we go home.

One gift we got is flower bank that you see pictured here from Mimi. She instructed us to leave the bank by the nursery door so that everyone will be required to deposit money for entrance into Carswell's nursery...be sure to bring your change when you come to visit...haha!

For more pictures of the baby shower in Meigs, click here

Spring Break Crew Get Together

2006-05-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

Ah, the Spring Break Crew....it is made up of Tracey, Kendall, Megan, Leslie, Kate, Cherie, Sylvia, and Jan... as well as a missing Jennie, and our dear old friend JT who just passed away in January.

These are some of Tracey's friends from High School...and you guessed it right, they made a few trips to Destin back in high school and have lots of stories to tell about one another. Since reconnecting a few years ago surrounding weddings and a HS reunion, the local Georgia ladies of the Spring Break Crew (Tracey, Kendall, Megan, Leslie, and Cherie) get together every few months to catch up and have dinner. At their last get together at Cherie's new house (who is taking this picture by the way), the group decided to celebrate Carswell's upcoming arrival with a mini Spring Break Shower. Thanks Ladies!

As always, the girls had a great time. Currently, four Spring Breakers are pregnant...Tracey (1st), Cherie (1st), Megan (2nd), and Sylvia (1st). And so far, all of the Spring Breakers who have had children (Kendall, Jan, Megan, and Leslie) have had girls or are expecting girls (Tracey and Cherie) for the first child...we are still waiting to hear from Sylvia. So it looks like they will all have something to worry about when Spring Break rolls around in the next 13-16 years.

To see more pictures from the Spring Break Get Together, click here

Baby Bonding Spa Weekend

2006-05-03T10:14:00.000-05:00

In early March, Tracey's friends from college (The Big Six and AXO Gals) hosted a "Baby Bonding Spa Weekend" in Tracey's honor in Highlands, NC at Shannon's cabin. Tracey enjoyed having a nice relaxing weekend with the girls...Kendall, Lauren, Molly, Adrienne, Shannon, and Jaci...while getting pampered and spoiled at the Old Edwards Inn.

The "Baby Bonding Spa Weekend" has become a ritual with Tracey and her friends. Since the girls are scattered around the state, they take the weekend as an opportunity to catch up and give the Mother-to-be a chance to relax and enjoy a little piece of heaven before her life is turned upside down. Tracey was officially the last one in the group to become pregnant, so she definitely has learned a lot on these weekends in terms of what to expect of new parenthood.

Tracey also learned during the trip that Jaci is pregnant with her second child...Congratulations Jaci!

To see more pictures from Tracey's Baby Bonding Weekend, click here

Kelley and Andrew's Wedding

2006-05-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

In February we took a trip to Chicago for Kelley and Andrew's wedding where Tracey was the very pregnant Matron of Honor.

Kelley and all the Bridesmaids celebrated the weekend with lots of activities including a Ladies Night Out hosted by Tracey (everyone drank a few for Tracey), Bridal Luncheon, Rehearsal Dinner, and Hair and Makeup Bonding Time before the wedding.

Kelley and Andrew's wedding was at the Ambassador East Hotel located in downtown Chicago just a few blocks off of Lake Michigan. The Reception was held at the Pump Room in the hotel where Frank Sinatra and the gang use to hang out while staying in the Windy City...our room was actually a few doors down from Old Blue Eyes Suite. The weather was sunny and beautiful for February.

Look at Kelley, what a GORGEOUS Bride!

To view more pictures from the wedding, click here

Surprise Pea In The Pod Shower

2006-05-02T17:15:00.000-05:00

Tracey was totally FOOLED! In January, just after she had truly popped and clothes were getting tight, Tracey's friend Kendall invited Tracey and her mom Mary Lou to have lunch with her mom Marilyn and sister Brooke at The Tavern in Phipps Plaza. The lunch was to celebrate Tracey's pregnancy. Little did she know, Kendall had bigger plans.

After lunch, Kendall suggested Tracey and the rest of the lunch bunch go with her to visit the Pea in the Pod maternity store, since she needed to get a gift certificate for a friend. Tracey easily agreed since she was still on the hunt for a bridesmaid dress to wear to her friend Kelley's upcoming wedding in Chicago. When Tracey arrived in the store, she was surprised to see her sister Stephanie, cousin Heather, and friend Anna...all of who...among others...chipped in on a gift certificate for Tracey so she could go on a maternity clothes shopping spree.

For the next few hours, everyone helped Tracey shop, and she tried on an endless number of outfits. In the end, she had tons of cute stuff and a dress to wear to Kelley's wedding. Kudos to Kendall for totally catching Tracey off guard with such a wonderful and generous surprise. She had a great time and has worn these adorable maternity clothes to death during the pregnancy.

To see more pictures from the Surprise Pea in the Pod Shower, click here

The Baby Buggy

2006-02-12T19:15:00.000-05:00

Tracey has affectionately been given the nickname "Baby Buggy" by Jess. She went from not showing any signs of being pregnant to almost overnight developing the pooch.

The Nursery

2006-02-12T18:36:00.000-05:00

The theme of our nursery is going to be based on the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. (see the book at Amazon.com)

We got started painting the nursery shortly after Christmas with two shades of green and were done in no time.

Our friend Daniel Hayes has been so generous to offer to come in and hang a chair rail for us to help finish off the room.

With much suprise, picking the wall colors was really easy. Picking out the colors for the crib and changing table were a little more of a challenge.

After a couple of pieces of trim were painted and looked at in different lights at different times of the day a final decision was made.

Did Tracey miss her second calling as an interior designer?

Ultrasound Photos of Carswell

2006-02-12T18:26:00.000-05:00

Here are the other ultrasound photographs that we have of Carswell.

Here is the 13 week ultrasound photo. She looks a little "Stay Puff Marshmallow" like due to the computer rendering of the 3-D image, but you can really start to see things shaping up. At the top center of the photo is her little head and she has her hands up by her eyes.

Here is the ultrasound picture taken around 18 weeks. This one is a little scary and reminds me of skeletor from He-Man. Here you can begin to see her eyes, nose, mouth and, with enough imagination, the ears. But most exciting information to come from this ultrasound was that we found out we were having a little girl.

We Are Having A Baby!

2006-02-12T11:42:00.000-05:00

On September 5, 2005 I worked a half day and Tracey had the day off. I got home a little after lunch and we decided to take in a movie. Having just gotten off of work, I run upstairs to get a quick shower and when I get back down there was a suprise waiting for me on the mantel.

To say the least we were ecstatic!

We sit for a little while and try to absorb this wonderful revelation.

It will be a few weeks before we share the news with our family and friends. As difficult as it was to keep this secret, it was great to walk around knowing what we knew while at the same time wanting to shout if from a mountain top.

We spend the next couple of weeks looking at books and websites to see what is going on with both mother and child. Finally on October 6 we go for our first ultrasound.

This is the first picture we have of our little one. In this ultrasound you can see the heart (in red) and the beginnings of the digestive system (in blue).