Gaskins Family: 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!).