A lil' time will fix this thing...

The pediatric orthopedic team at Vandy ROCKS!!!!

Well, the doc ruled out all major things that could potentially cause major problems for Kenzie later in life. So, it was really good news.

However, she was diagnosed with a very mild tibial torsion which is where the bone in her lower left leg is rotated inward a little bit which causes her left foot to point inward. This is most commonly caused by the baby’s preferred positions in the womb. I guess she was sitting Indian style in there or something.  ;-) She was very positive about this not affecting her later in life and that it would correct itself.

In addition to that, it was determined that my lil’ K Grace is AMAZINGLY flexible which allows a really wide range of movement or “swinging” of the hips,etc. I thought that was just the SASSY in her. Her muscles are not developed enough at her age to restrict that motion and she hasn’t learned her body enough yet (gross motor skills) to control the “swinging” which coupled with the above causes the tripping, etc.

The good news is that both will get better as she gets older and will most likely disappear by 6 years of age, but could take longer.

The doc kept saying “Oh my word” and “Wow”…she was very impressed by Kenzie's level of flexibility. She added that if Kenzie wants, she can be a GREAT athlete of some sort because her level of flexibility is way above average, like top of the charts and it will allow her to do all the things great athletes do.

To boil it down, she’s fine, just "clumsy"...but it’s not her fault.

Bless her!!!

Thank you Lord for two healthy children!!!!!

No!!!...I mean YES!!!...Vandy

Well, I have to be careful not to be overly impressed with my visit today to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.  After all, I work for one of the largest hospital organizations in the country.  Yes, Vanderbilt is my professional competition, but this is my baby we're talking about and she trumps most everything.

So, off to Vanderbilt we go.

Nothing major...hopefully, but Kenzie has had an issue with her left leg/foot since she started walking.  It causes her to trip/fall more than most toddlers.  I mean, like every 10 steps she's on the ground.  We've observed it through the last few well visits and at her 3 year old well visit the doc was observing her stride and determined that it was best that we have a specialist look at it.  She has directed us to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.  Yes, one the most infamous facilities in the nation with some of the best docs known to mankind.

We visited this facility when my son was about Kenzie's age to do some growth hormone testing to ensure he was on the "up and up" on the inside.  All was well, but I must say that I was amazed at the attention to children's detail from the staff there and the environment was breath taking.  I'm expecting the same treatment today.

Say a prayer for my lil' K Grace today that she will feel safe as they do their testing and that we get a good report from the doc.

Blessings, Anna

Just a few pics of this amazing facility.

~ Say It Like You Mean It ~

I thought I would officially put a few samples of some of my invitation designs for you to see.  I’ve typically only done DIY invitations for my children’s birthday, but recently I’m receiving request from a few for an invite here and there.



~ Really?... this is it? ~

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about me and my life. I wonder if this is it… is this really what YOU have for me? Is this my purpose? What is my purpose? To go to work every day… day in and day out, come home eat dinner, take a bath, spend an hour with my children which includes homework and everything else, go to bed and do it all over again. Is this really it? This can’t be the way God intended a family to function. Where you see outsiders more than the people you love the most. What in the world am I here for? Where should I be making a difference? Whose life should I be touching? What more can I give my children/husband? I’m just spinning in circles questioning my being.

A few recent activities cause me to question am I really doing what God wants me to do in life. Could I be blessing others by another avenue? Could I feel more fulfill had I chosen another path in life? …and I’m not at all talking about not wanting what I have today and what I’ve been blessed with as far as a job or family.

The creative side of me has been in bondage for so long and I finally have taken time in the past year to work on those abilities/skills and it seems that a few doors have opened and this “thing” is trying to take off with me just holding on at the end of the rope. Is God trying to force “eject” my current life? A few things have fallen in my lap and I’m sitting there scratching my head as to how it came about and what now. Am I being nudged in another direction? I don’t know??? I guess now is the time where I sit and listen. God, is this you? Do you have other plans for me? Have I missed something?

I feel so fulfilled when I’m spending time with my children/family. I also adore graphic design and photography. I feel that my work is more than images on paper. There’s story behind every picture, every invitation and every photo storybook page I do. There is a personality behind every smile. The portrait or image just captures that memory on paper. When our memory fades and time has stolen years from us, there’s still the portrait or image that will trigger those same emotions… make us cry at the glimpse of a newborn baby all over again… make us laugh at the towel superman cape our lil’ boy tied around his neck… feel all over again the fairytale of sparkly shoes, a glittery tiara with a splash of pink from our lil’ girl pretends to be a princess… remember once again when he slipped that ring on your finger… the sharing of friends and family of the sweetest 1st birthday ever and the list goes on and on. I think everyone can relate to what I’m saying.

I guess at this point I’m rambling, but hey, it’s my blog/journal… so ramble on, huh?

All that to say, order my steps dear Lord!!! Lead me, guide me… everyday.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

MaKenzie Grace Bledsoe - Fall 2010

Her beauty captures your attention… it’s her personality that captures your heart.

Kenzie Grace, I love you more than words can describe.  I'm so thankful that God chose to give you to me.

"Chicka-Chi-Kow"

Well, it's sort of official.... I'm somewhat designing invitations.  I just completed this invite for a very speical lil' boy that is turning 1.

  Happy Birthday Parker Washington!!!!

My 1st "Real" Photo Shoot

As I mentioned before, after you look at your pics you realize how many things you did wrong and simple ameture editing won't fix those types of things.  Overall, I think it was ok for my first session ever... although I've been practicing randomly FOREVER.  

Anyway, this is my first "real" photo session non-the-less, so I had to document.

Lauren Danielle Bledsoe - Class of 2011

Hunting Dove

Ethan went on his first dove hunt this weekend with Allen.  They got up at 3am... Really?!!  I think I honestly can say that I don't have a passion/hobby worth getting up at that hour.  Regardless, it was good times for he and his dad.

  He LOVED it!!!

  Both he and Allen love guns.  I'm certain this will be something they can share for years to come.  

Lauren Danielle Bledsoe - Class of 2011

Well, I had my first photo shoot a lil' while ago... other than me playing around with my children.  My niece asked me to do her Senior pics. What?! Me?!

I would LOVE to!!!!!

I told her up front that I’m not professional, but I love the art… so with that said, we took off to scurry around Nashville to a few locations worthy of funky teen pics... and some sweet ones too.

I’ve been editing like a mad woman so she can meet her school deadline.

I’ve realized that I need to calm down when taking pictures. I get so excited about what I see through the view finder that I click like crazy. I MUST slow down and focus and most importantly… focus the camera.  While editing, I realized that I must be speeding at certain pints because some of the pics are fuzzy.  It takes a good session to realize some of the mistakes you make while shooting.  Live and learn. 

Have I mentioned I LOVE this art?!!!!

Stay tuned for the entire session, but here is a teaser of

Lauren Danielle Bledsoe - Class of 2011