Gentry goes to his 1st Baby Shower...

Gentry spent his 1st Valentine's Day - celebrating with his godmother, Lauren. Her baby shower for her upcoming new addition: Brian, was on February 14th. He attended the shower with his Mommy and Nana. So much fun - he couldn't have asked for a better setting - him and a bunch of ladies. He had a great time and can't wait to meet his new best friend: Brian Ayvazian.

Introducing the Grandparents

Boy, oh boy, is this boy loved? Gentry is so excited to have 2 sets of incredible grandparents.

Robby's parents: Bob & Nancy Messmer, who will be called: Grandpa & Grandma reside in Edgewood, Kentucky. Gentry is their first grandchild. Ray & Cindy Vice, who will be called: Popaw & Nana reside in New Braunfels, TX (just outside of San Antonio). Gentry is their fourth grandchild and fourth grandson. Boys, boys everywhere. The grandparents, like us, have been long awaiting the arrival of Gentry. We are so thankful to have such supportive parents - we only hope and pray that we will be as good of parents, as they were to us.

...looking back on time with cousins....

Gentry's second week home from the hospital...he was lucky enough to get a visit from his Uncle B, Aunt Missy, cousin Braydon, & cousin Parker. Parker and Gentry are only 5 weeks apart in age. This is such a blessing because they will be so close. They will get to share a lot of the same memories together.

Braydon is especially excited as well....because he has a big responsiblity ahead of hime: being a great big brother and a great older cousin. Robby & I are sure he will do awesome: teaching both the boys how to golf, play soccer, and how to get out of trouble, hopefully, instead of getting into it. =)

Thank heavens for family!

Adorable!!!!!!

I have been videoing Gentry the days while Robby is at work. I don't want Robby to miss a thing. On this particular day - Gentry was in an exceptionally great mood and gooing so much. I am sooo happy that I was able to capture this moment. I will cherish this time and this video forever.

Once again - Robby and I are so bless to have Gentry. He is a true gift from God....someone we have been waiting to meet for the past three years. I never thought you could want something so bad, need something so bad, or love something so much -especially someone you have never met or known before. There are amazing things in store for us as parents, I know. God has an amazing plan for Gentry....I am so thankful that Robby and I get to witness it first hand.

Praise God....for his grace works in ways in which I can hardly understand....but I do know, Christ is a constant, even when you are not looking in that direction....he is there, and he will wait for you.

"Tummy time" turns into "back time"

Gentry isn't loving tummy time....though he is already holding up his head very strongly & on his own....we only get a few minutes of tummy time and Gentry is done. But with that said, Gentry loves to lay on his back. He loves to look around and see what he can. He is starting to pull his legs up and towards his head. He is starting to notice his hands....I worry if he realizes that they belong to him?

Gentry's tummy time mat is pretty cool though....it's a surf board, as you can see in the picture. Hopefully he will learn to love tummy time. Robby & I are not giving up yet.

A Visit From Noah...

What a great surprise....Gentry have a visitor with someone his
his own age...Noah is the son of some of our dear friends - Ken &
Kara Hyland. Noah is 7 months old....and we are sure that Gentry
and he will growup to be great friends.

Gentry's First Christmas

Merry Christmas Gentry! As if there wasn't enough excitement going on with the birth of our handsome Gentry, then we get to celebrate Christmas: Robby's most favorite time of year.

Robby & I worked so hard to ensure our home was set for the holidays, as we both knew, once Gentry comes, things were only going to get crazier. A couple of days before Christmas, Robby & I were shopping at Babies "R" Us (we're going to be spending a lot of time and money there over the next couple of years) and we received a phone call from Pastor Kelly. He asked if we would be willing to have Gentry play "Baby Jesus" at the church service on Christmas Eve. We were stund! What an honor for our little man. We quickly excepted and soaked up the excitement of capturing such a memory for Gentry's first Christmas.

We spent Christmas morning at home with Nana & Popaw. Later, we traveled to Grandma & Grandpa's to celebrate and open gifts with them, Aunt Julie, and Heather (aka HeHe).

Godparents

When Robby & I started talking about who we wanted to be Gentry's godparents....we quickly realized it was a huge decision. A decision not to be taken lightly...for being a godparent comes with great responsibility. These two people will help mold Gentry's faith into a strong love & passion for Christ. They will continually support Gentry as he comes to know who Christ is and what amazing plans he has in store for him.

Gentry's Godmother-

Lauren Millard Ayvazian is a long time friend of myself & Robby. We both met Lauren during our college days, but at separate times. Robby met Lauren at Western's registration and ran into her again at a picnic in Northern KY for prospective Western students and they stayed in contact. I met Lauren at registration for classes at Western as well. We helped each other make out our schedules..(haha) and found ourselves in the same classes come August. Lauren has continuously supported Robby & I in our marriage and has been a dear friend to both of us; separately and as a couple. She married an awesome guy, Vahe, whom we have come to love & respect. They are expecting their first child, Brian Matthew Ayvazian on March 26, 2009. We are so excited that Gentry and Brian will be close in age. We are sure they will become the best of friends and get into lots of trouble together.

Gentry's Godfather-

Matt Ours has been Robby's best friend since grade school. Their families are very close, so close in fact, they are practically related. They have shared in some great times together through sports, church, youth group, family time, vacations, etc. They were college roommates and have supported each other through thick & thin. Matt's unending belief and faith in Christ is a great example of what we hope for Gentry. Matt also married his college sweetheart, Jennie. Jennie and Matt's marriage is a true testiment of Christ's love. They currently reside in Hendersonville, Tennessee. We look forward to every chance we get to see them.

1st Doctor's Appt.

He's perfect....On the Friday, following Gentry's birth - he went to his first doctor's appt. We chose Pediatric Associates and are soooo happy with this group of doctors. Gentry saw Dr. Hsu ( in the picture). Dr. Hsu was so encouraging, reassuring Robby and I, that we were doing a great job as first time parents. Gentry was so patient and good. Overall - a great experience for Gentry's first doctor's appointment. And no shots at this appointment......but he will have to have 3 shots at his 2 month appointment.

First Week Home

Home Sweet Home!

Well, it was our first week at home with Gentry. And we survived....more importantly, he survived. Wow, he's so easy. As long as this kid has a clean diaper and a full stomache, we seem to be doing good.

Big thing this week for me....was to use a pacificer or not....well I finally broke down and gave it to him. To my amazment, Gentry really doesn't care too much one way or another about the pacificer. I just didn't want him to rely on it in order to go to sleep. But it turns out, sometimes he wants and other times, he wants nothing to do with it. Oh....and no thumb sucking yet....thank goodness.

Now, onto the swaddling! He loves it, and the tighter the better. I am so happy that we have all these receiving blankets. They are coming in really handy. So....a big thank you goes out to my sister-in-law, Missy. If it wasn't for her - I would not know how-to swaddle. P.S. A special thanks to my nephew, Parker Ray, for letting me practice on him.

My biggest realization from the first week at home is this: he changes everyday. I can't believe how fast he's growing already......and we've only just begun.

love, robby & alissa

Homecoming...

Home at last! Robby and I have been waiting for this day for 9 months plus! We could not wait to get out of the hospital and get our boy home. We were worried what Gentry would think about his car seat and his first ride in a car. He did great! Thank goodness Gentry is a chill kid - because Robby and I worry enough for him.

We got released from the hospital about 2pm and Nana picked us up. Robby drove and I sat in the backseat with Gentry to make sure his was alright. (He was clueless....nothing was phasing him.)

Robby made sure that he had the house decorated for Christmas in time for Gentry's homecoming. we could not wait to show Gentry his room and let him meet Chase, our cat. (Although, Chase was not that interested...)

We were so thankful, Robby has the next couple of weeks off work...so we could enjoy our son and new family life. But the time flew by, as we knew it would. We didn't want to do anything, but stare at Gentry all day, everyday. He was and still is so beautiful. What a miracle! We didn't mind getting up to feed him, in fact, we were excited to have him in our arms again. We started off great - he slept about 3 hours in between feedings. So, we actually did get some rest. No matter what though....any lack of sleep was totally worth it.

Visitors

Oh my goodness!!!! Gentry had soooo many visitors at the hospital.....23 to be exact. What a crazy, but blessed day. Sunday, Dec. 14th - day after Gentry's birth....people were flowing in and out all day. We had visitors from 11am until 9pm that night. So many people were excited to see and meet Mr. Gentry for the first time. At one point during the day - we had 10 people in our room. It was alittle overwhelming...but for a moment, I sat back and realized how amazing it was to have so many people/family present for such a miracle....a new life....a new addition to two families.

Robby and I were so proud. (...and exhausted.)

love, robby & alissa

Gentry's First Professional Pics

Gentry had a mini-photo shoot at the hospital on Monday, before we went home. The pictures were done by Our365. They did a great job and were amazing with Gentry. It was a crazy morning....so we were surprise that the pictures turned as good as they did. So cute. We were so happy that we were able to capture these special memories.

Happy Birthday Gentry!

We welcomed Robert Gentry Messmer on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 8:27pm. He was 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long. Gentry was borned at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, KY. He was blessed to have 4 Grandparents, 6 Great-Grandparents, 2 Aunts, 2 Uncles, 3 Cousins, and tons more family & friends surrounding him.

Once upon a time...

Once upon a time there was a girl....this girl met and fell in love with a boy. They loved each other so much that they decided to spend the rest of their lives together. After a few wonderful years of wedded bliss....they had a baby. This was no oridinary baby though....his name was Gentry, and he was wanted more than anything in the world. He was a gift from God....a true blessing. You are invited to watch....watch & see the amazing journey Gentry takes. For he is traveling a road that has already been paved by God.

Robby & I hope you enjoy watching our little man growup.....seeing and even being apart of all his first......his first moments, first giggles, first smiles, first words, first steps, etc.

Most of all.....we wish to thank you. Thank you for your on-going support, love, and guidance. For we would not be the parents we are if it wasn't for all of you. We are truly blessed to have the circle of family, friends, church, etc. You are all another great gift from God.

God is good.

-robby & alissa