Ava Says Hi

Hey y'all!

Who me? I didn't do it.

I'm feeling pretty content in spite of that bright flash that keeps going off.

Okay. I might give you a little, little smile here.

Ava continues to be a sweet, sweet little peanut. She is so very easy-going and relaxed. She is gaining weight well (7 lbs 12 oz @ the two-week appointment) and growing longer and longer! Julianna continues to adore her little sis' and takes such great care of her. : ) It does a mother's heart good! Praise God for "he gave us two!"

Still More Christmas Pics!

Mom and Ava

Julsie "reading" (with voice inflection and all!)

Julianna and Madison helping with presents. Julianna liked showing off her loot and everybody else's presents, as well.

Snow Princess Madison!

Maddie and Grandpa sharing some good ole' holiday cheer!

We had a great (third) Christmas with Chad's extended family last night. Julianna loved a third round of present opening and watching everyone else open, too. Probably her favorite activity (aside from chasing Drew and Courtney around the house in her Little Mermaid pjs) was singing around the piano. It was so enjoyable to hear those old Christmas carols and the voices of our family. Julianna danced around the room with Maddie. What a special memory Grandma created! We were sad Lane and Dave couldn't join us. But, we hope Lane gets better soon and that we can play with him at Madison's birthday party in January.

Even More Christmas Pics

Feeding the horses with C.A.J.

Learning the basics of an Apple with Uncle Mike!

Uncle John gets a welcome hug n' hold from Jules!

Gramma J and Jules play in the house after the tea party. Gramma J! I am impressed! What you can barely see in the photo is that Julianna has confiscated two large clip on earrings from Gramma and is holding on tightly.

More Christmas Pics

Gramma J with Ava Grace!

"Thump-thump!" Didn't you always want one of those Dr.'s sets? Well, when you have kids...you can ask for all the toys you always wanted!

Jules and Jacks!

Pig Tails and Scottie Dogs!

Lil' Christmas Cherub!

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!