Week 1

Our first week with Ava home was filled with visits from many family and friends. We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to introduce Ava, realizing how blessed we are to have so many people surround us with love and support.

Owen was loving all of the activity and special attention, which also made me wonder - once the activity slows down, will he realize that his sister is here to stay? Overall he's done extremely well with the transition. As a precious memory, the first night we were home Owen woke at 5am asking for mama. I happened to already be up, having just finished feeding Ava. Brian took Ava into our bedroom, and I went to see Owen. He wanted me to play cars with him! At 5am? Really? Owen is a great sleeper, not usually awake until 7. So I knew this was a unique situation, very likely a result of all the change and excitement surrounding the new baby. Recognizing a special opportunity to reaffirm my 2-year-old of how much I love him, instead of trying to coerce him back to bed, I got him up - and we played cars on our family room floor for the next hour. The sun was rising, birds were chirping, and I was smiling - just thanking the Lord for the incredible blessing of our two children (and for the coffee brewing in the kitchen!).

Meeting great-grandma Marion


Uncle Brent, and Uncle Brian & Aunt Amy

Uncle Blake, Aunt Angie & Cousin Landon

(with the cute pig they gave Ava as a gift!)

3 Cousins!

and don't worry - we made sure Ava was safe!

Cousins - enjoying a parade together!

Silly time with Papa G

Special family dinner (feast!)

First Bath

Dad heads back to work

Brother LOVES to "help" change sister's diaper

1 week...exactly! (3:53pm)

The Arrival

May 17th - a date that has come & gone in the past without much of a thought. And now this is a day we'll forever celebrate as the birthday of our little girl! It was the baby's due date, and yet there was still something surreal about waking up that morning to what seemed like a "regular" day - only to be holding our sweet daughter in our arms by late-afternoon!

Here are some photos of Ava's birth-day, our time in the hospital, and of Ava's homecoming.

Floral bouquet was from our yard, compliments of big-brother Owen

Grandparents

AKA: cheering squad!

After only about 6 hours of labor - she's here!

Hello my beautiful girl! I love you so much already!







Our wonderful doctor

Our Labor & Delivery Nurse

Our wonderful and supportive family - meeting Ava after her arrival

Special cozy time with mom...

...and dad

Meeting Big Brother Owen!

First Family Photo

Visit from our Pediatrician.

Everything looks perfect. What a blessing!

One Day Old

Such a little peanut - see her size relative to a plush doll

Getting ready to go home!

Brother Owen was at home to meet us upon arrival. And baby sister brought Owen a present! What could be better than a new toy? A donut! :)

And a sweet homecoming present prepared by Owen. Love the sign, and his little painted hand-prints.