An Early Christmas

"I love this place! There are kids EVERYWHERE, I am required

to take my shoes off, and I can climb to my heart's content!"

Crossing the bridge with Aunt Barrie!

On the merry-go-round with Gramma J!

Julianna and Aunt Barrie checking out each other's Scottie Dog Duds!

In my mormor's arms is one of my favorite places to be!

My family started making their way toward our neck of the woods on the 18th. Dad, Mike, and Jackie arrived late on Monday night. Grandma, Grandad, Dicky, John, and Barrie arrived on Wednesday. We've had a great time cooking, visiting, and taking trips out and about. I ventured Ava out on Friday forgetting most people would have a four day weekend for the holiday. WOW. Of course, Julianna just loved seeing all the boys and girls running around the mall! Meanwhile, her dad tried to find a parking place. : ) You know, Chad is just such a fan of the mall, especially when it is packed! He's just such a shopper! : ) Anyhow...we had a great visit and an early Christmas.

Home Sweet Home

It's been a wonderful first few days home. We checked out of the hospital on Saturday afternoon and headed north for home. Julianna came to pick her new sis' up at the hospital. But with all the excitement a' brewing, she fell asleep in the car and wouldn't budge. So, we brought Ava down and put her in the seat. Just then Jules woke up. Now, normally this would be a bad thing. Julianna doesn't usually wake up in a good mood so I was bummed because I thought she would throw a fit. To my very pleasant surprise she blinked and broke into a HUGE smile. "Baby. (Giggle, giggle) Baby sis-uh? Sis-uh Ava?" (more smiles and giggles) It was beyond precious. We videotaped the whole interaction and it's unforgettable. I can't wait until the girls watch it when they're older and can appreciate the tenderness a big sister has for her little sister. The whole way home Julianna talked about Ava. "Take Ava home. Take her out. I rock her." (making the baby rocking motion with her arms) Several days later, she is still quite taken with her. She hasn't exhibited any signs of jealousy, either. Yet, that is.

Our Ava Grace

Proud Uncle Seth with Ava

Grandpa's are SO, SO snuggly!

7 lbs, 0.7 oz and 20 inches long! Look at all that beautiful black hair!

Grateful to have this new blessing. God is Good, all the time!

We welcomed our lovely Ava Grace into the world at 11:12 am on Thursday December 14th. She is such a sweetheart and once again we've fallen in love with a newborn baby girl. We were induced at 7:45 am and three and one half hours later we had our little cutie-pie. Following suit with Julianna, the labor went at break neck speeds. In fact, we requested the epidural at 5cm, she came in to give it to me 15 minutes later (6cm), and by the time she finished the process I was a 10! I was, however, able to enjoy 15 minutes of pushing without pain!

Ava is a nursing pro! I've been endlessly pleased with how well she has taken to it! We plan on getting home on Saturday and introducing Ava to Julianna. I miss her so much and can't wait to see the joy in her eyes upon meeting her sister. You can view the hospital pics at www.nkch.org and click on the baby pics icon. They will be loaded Saturday afternoon. Thanks for all the phone calls, messages, emails, and cards! We appreciate and love you all!

A Beautiful Day at the Park

We had a gorgeous 60 + degree day! Mormor, Julianna, and I spent a relaxing afternoon at the park. It was so refreshing. Julianna's cheeks were so rosy and full of life the rest of the day. Sliding just does a girl good!

We are now upon the eve of our second child. It feels funny to know that she is coming tomorrow. I never really thought I would "schedule" a date to have a baby. I do have some concerns about the induction. But, I would have growing concerns if she continued to pass her due date, as well. So, I am trying to trust in the Lord's plan for us and for Ava and I have decided to enjoy one last evening of card playing, ice cream eating, present wrapping, and story telling around the table with mom and Chad. : )

40 Weeks!

We had our 40 week check-up this morning! We are happy to announce that we are 2 cm dilated and 70 % effaced! Lots of changes since last week. We were very encouraged and hope that I will go into labor naturally, as I did with Jules. Ah, that was a good labor. : ) Water breaks at 3:15 am, off to hospital, contractions start about 1 1/2 hours later, a little pushing, a little breathing, and voila... Julianna at 10:05 am! : ) So, Ava has a little bit of an act to follow. If I don't, however, see any action between now and 5:45 am on Thursday...we will be induced at that time. So, the count down is on and we're ready!

Mormor Comes to Visit!

My mom has come to stay with us and we are so EXCITED to have her! She makes everything more fun (and productive). Julianna asks for her every morning upon waking. Anytime mom goes downstairs or into the other room, "Where mormor go? Be 'ight back?"

Mom will stay with us through Ava's birth and Christmas (when the family comes to visit). We have all sorts of projects to work on and finish up. She's full of ideas and talent. It's just one more blessing I am thankful for this season!

Mormor knows how to make all kinds of animals, cakes & cookies, and even spaghetti play-doh!

Mormor even found a butter knife for me to cut with!

Match!

This is my trick. I lure mormor down to play Memory. Then, I climb on her back and wrestle her down! It's SO much fun and she thinks so, too. My mormor laughs and laughs. So, I just do it again and again! I love my mormor!

Reflections on Motherhood

(Thanks to Aunt Jackie for taking these special pics!)

As we are nearing the end of our second pregnancy (40 weeks on the 10th!), I have stopped many times to think about the last (almost) three years Julianna has been in our lives. She can only be described as delightful. A child truly full of joy. My Jules made me a mother, a special bond I savor every day. She's taught me so many things about myself, tested my weaknesses, made me contemplate the world through a completely new lens, and in every way fulfilled one of the most important jobs I will ever have.

We greatly rejoiced with the news of a second child and a second girl. Chad and I think it's so neat that Jules and Ava will each have a sister. We've marveled at how Julianna's little personality has unfolded and almost can't stand the wait in meeting Ava Grace. No doubt there will be changes and new challenges. Yet, we are ready to embrace them as we are ready to embrace our little baby. We know Julianna will thrive in "oldersisterhood." She is so very social and taken with other children and babies. Infant crying poses a mild challenge. Perhaps because of Julsie's deep sensitivity and empathy for apparent hurt in others. We've been working on this and will only continue to help her understand how that whole crying thing works.

There are so many things I will try differently this time. I will be less rigid in routine and rules and try to be more common sense minded. I will experiment with nightime sleep, naps, and feeding. I will allow myself time alone and remember to date my most wonderful husband. Many things will stay the same. My goal will be to nurse for one year. I will plan healthy, homemade meals. I will enjoy each day fully. (Especially the ones where we just stay home!). I will be thankful for the good health and blessings we have instead of being sad about our challenges. And, I will live for the moment we're in and give thanks for the opportunity to spend every hour of every day with my two children. It's time spent with them that I will never regret taking.