From Louisville to Charleston and back, Andrew and Kelsey Gerughty have gone through all stages of life alongside each other, or at least in the immediate vicinity. Both grew up in nearby Anchorage and Andrew became friends with Kelsey’s twin brother in kindergarten. From that day on, Kelsey was also in his life. The couple became close friends during middle school but didn’t begin dating until they were sixteen. Andrew got up the nerve to ask Kelsey out via an AOL instant message and the rest is history.

Both Kelsey and Andrew attended UK on their way to becoming healthcare professionals. After completing their studies in nursing and biology, respectively, they went on to graduate programs at UofL. Kelsey earned her master’s degree as a nurse practitioner specializing in adult-gerontology care; Andrew was awarded his medical degree the following year.

In 2015, the couple married at Epiphany Church in Louisville. Both had been brought up at the parish, so it was an easy choice for the wedding, yet the decision revealed something unknown. Kelsey recalls, “They looked back at our baptism records and found that we had been baptized on the same day, at the same time, at the same church, when neither of our families knew each other. So, ‘technically’ we have known each other since we were three months old...pretty wild. So, I like to think that Andrew and I were very much destined to be.”

Shortly after the wedding, Andrew was matched with the Medical University of South Carolina for his residency in anesthesia and the newlyweds said goodbye to begin their first phase of life as a married couple. They would spend the next four years in Charleston where they enjoyed coastal living and made plans to start a family.

Kelsey and Andrew wanted children close in age. Their first blessing, Savannah, was born near the end of Andrew’s residency. Shortly thereafter, they decided to move back to be closer to family. Andrew secured a position as an anesthesiologist with Northstar Anesthesia at Norton Brownsboro Hospital, and they returned to Kentucky with dreams of their growing family.

Since Andrew’s parents moved to Norton Commons, the couple had been drawn to the uniqueness of the neighborhood, its walkability, shops, and amenities. As a bonus, it was also close to Kelsey’s parents. The couple purchased a home on Mistflower. Kelsey affectionately refers to themselves as “the Gerughtys 2.0” and Andrew’s parents as the “OG Gerughtys”.

Since returning, their family has expanded by a son, Sawyer, and daughter, Brighton which eventually prompted a move to Dayflower for more space and a larger yard. All three children were baptized at Epiphany as it holds a special place in their parents’ hearts and represents where they first crossed paths. Having both families nearby has been a blessing in these early years.

Savannah, now 4 1/2, will be entering Pre-K at SMA. She enjoys arts and crafts, riding her scooter, gymnastics, dressing up as a princess, and going to the pool or playground with neighborhood friends. Three-year-old Sawyer is ready for preschool and loves dinosaurs, firefighters, and doing anything Savannah is doing. The two are only 15 months apart and are often mistaken for twins. Brighton is almost two and loves her siblings. She is always smiling, loves to eat, swing at the playground, and follow the older two around.

Having three children over three years makes life hectic, but precious. Like many parents, Kelsey admits they are “currently just trying to survive between work and keeping three littles entertained and alive most days.” Life revolves around naps, bedtime, and diapers, with short day trips to places like the Kentucky Science Center, zoo, parks, and kids’ activities peppered in. “We’re trying to soak up all the little moments and fun, as we know it goes by fast.”

Both Kelsey and Andrew appreciate this season of life and prioritize a work-family balance but also recognize the importance of nourishing themselves as individuals. For the Gerughtys, that includes faith. The family attends Northeast Christian where they are involved in the PB&J outreach program and Kelsey volunteers with the preschool. The couple hopes to one day do mission work abroad using their medical skills. Until then, Andrew often recharges from his high-pressure career by working out, while Kelsey engages in various hobbies after working two days a week as an in-home wellness APRN for Matrix Medical and her time as a stay-at-home mom during the balance of the week.

Both, however, are energized by the community. Active in the NoCo Moms’ and Dads’ Groups they share that getting plugged into these groups helped make a large neighborhood feel much smaller. Each participates socially but also helps to coordinate events for their respective groups. Andrew was an integral part of starting the Dad’s Group to provide an avenue for fathers to connect through activities such as poker nights, which Andrew helped to get off the ground. Kelsey spearheaded the moms’ spring trip to Keeneland and helped start the Bunco and Mahjong groups. She recently taught herself to bake sourdough bread and has shared her new hobby with other moms by holding classes in her home.

Kelsey also dreams of writing a children’s book as an heirloom for her children and is working with a publisher to create Marvelous Me, a board book of affirmations depicting characters resembling her children and illustrations of some of their favorite places around NoCo like the pond and The Sweet Shop. The book is slated to be available this fall/winter. She also created @lowtidehighstyle, using social media as a platform to share lifestyle content including her sourdough journey and book project.

It is clear that the Gerughtys have a heart for community and engaging with others. Whatever the stage, and wherever life takes them, family and community will always be at their core.