At the end of 2011, shortly after Christmas, Philip & Leslie
announced to the family that they were EXPECTING. We were
all THRILLED! They gave a copy of the following card
(framed) as a way of announcing the pregnancy.
Because of Leslie's high blood pressure, the decision was make
to keep a closer watch on her and the baby - including regular
sonograms. We saw the first one on 19 Jan 2012.
On Saturday, 07 Apr 2012, the Loftin family went to Philip &
Leslie's house to find out the sex of the baby. Leslie had
made cupcakes with pink and blue sprinkle toppings.
We found out the sex of the baby when we bit
into the cupcakes and saw the pink filling.
Since Philip & Leslie knew they were having a little girl, they
had already decided on her name. We all opened envelopes
containing letters of the alphabet - some in blue and some in
pink. We had to unscramble the letters to discover her name.
Elise (from German & French) means "Consecrated to God".
It is also a form of the name Elizabeth (from Hebrew) which
means "Oath of God" or "God is Satisfaction".
Kayli appears to be made of two parts. Kay
(Greek) meaning "Rejoice" and (French & Irish) meaning "Pure".
Li (Chinese) means "Strength, Powerful & Pretty".
Kayli's baby shower was held at Woodlawn Baptist Church in
Conover, NC. There was a very large turnout of family and
friends. Leslie and Philip spent an hour just opening the
numerous gifts they received from family and friends
Leslie & Philip open baby gifts while Aunt Christie records who
the gifts are from ...
... including gifts from Grandma Myra & Grandpa Mike ..
Because of Leslie's continued high blood pressure, the doctors
decided to admit her to the hospital on Friday, 31 Aug 2012 to
induce labor. Philip & Leslie had to be at the hospital at
6:00 am and they broke her water at 8:30. She had
successfully dilated to 10cm by 1:00 pm, when they asked her to
start "pushing". Kayli was born at 3:29 pm - weighing 8
lbs. 2 oz - with a length of 22.5 inches.
The family was finally allowed to go back and see the new baby at
5:20 pm.
Since Kayli was born at 3:29 pm on Friday, she had to stay in
the hospital at least 24 hours. She was doing well but
Leslie's blood pressure was still a little high. Everyone
was looking forward to going home.
Great Granny gets to see (and hold) Kayli for the first time
since her birth.
Nonni volunteers to change Kayli's "messy"
diaper - but Dad would only hold the bag for the dirty diaper.
Eventually Nonni even chickened out and it was left to Mama
Leslie to do the dirty job.
The process even required a clean outfit for baby Kayli
Nonni: "I don't think I can do this!"
Philip: "I KNOW I'm not doing it!"
Kayli: "That was a lot of work! It's time for
another nap."
One of the nice things about having a photography studio is your
house is the fact that Dad & Mom are always prepared to get some
new photos. These were made in October 2012.
Kayli wearing the little dress they chose for her Baby
Dedication in November
The family gathered together on Sunday, 04 Nov 2012, for Kayli's
Baby-Dedication at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover, NC.
Dr. Ed Yount was the Senior Pastor.
Philip, Leslie & Kayli pose for some photos outside of the
church after the service
Poppi takes some additional photos of Kayli & Leslie
After the service, the babies and their parents, as well as
their grandparents, met in the Children's Ministry room for
lunch - catered from Kentucky Fried Chicken. A cake with
the names of the 3 children to be dedicated and colorful
decorations dressed up the room.
The Loftin family gathered at Nonni & Poppi's house for lunch on
Thanksgiving Day. After lunch, everyone went back over to
Philip, Leslie & Kayli's house to have some Family Christmas
photos taken.
Poppi & Nonni with their children and grandchildren
Philip, Leslie & Kayli joined Philip's parents as well as his
sister Beth's family at Poppi & Nonni's house for Christmas day.
Everyone arrived prior to 11:30 ready for lunch.
"What do you mean we have to wait till after lunch to open the
Christmas presents?"
Savanna, Ali, Kayli & Leslie
Poppi & Nonni
celebrate Hanukkah - but still remember the birth of Yeshua
(Jesus)
Leslie keeps Kayli occupied with toys while the family eats
lunch
Kayli is the first 1st-Cousin for Savanna (and Ali)
so they enjoy spending time with the new baby in the family when
they can
Kayli helps Mama & Poppi open her presents (with a little
assistance from Savanna & Ali)
Poppi & Nonni love buying clothes for their newest granddaughter
Kayli, however, is more interested in the toys
"Is that ALL of my presents?"
"Then I might as well take a nap with Poppi! Close your
eyes Poppi!"
"Awake now with a dry diaper - what more could a girl want!"
"Now I'm ready for some fun time with Nonni!"
Kayli was such a good baby all day - laughing
and smiling - letting everyone hold her.
Philip got a great photos of Kayli with Great-Granny, Willie
Philip, Leslie, and of course Kayli, wanted to find just the
right Christmas gift for the grandparents, aunts and uncles.
At first they considered doing a 2013 calendar with photos of
Kayli for each month, but decided that after 2013 was over the
calendar wouldn't be of much use (except for the photos of
course). They finally decided to do a "Blurb-Book" with
photos of Kayli for the various seasons of the year - a gift
that could be saved and enjoyed time and time again. The
size of the book was 8 inches by 8 inches. Everyone loved
it!
They titled the book, "Smiles For
Every Season"
Lying on the Bible - which is opened to Psalm 139:13
"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my
mother's womb."
Baby, It's
Cold Outside
Will You Be
My Valentine?
Happy
Springtime
Pretty
Little Lady
Splish!
Splash! I was Takin' a Bath!
Beach Babe
Have Tea
With Me
Sleeping
Beauty
Sugar and
Spice and Everything Nice
That's What Little Girls Are Made Of
Merry
Christmas
*This was also the photo
Philip & Leslie used on their Christmas card for 2012
The most precious jewels you will ever wear around your neck are
the arms of your children