Thursday, July 7, 2011
Newborn Photos
When Ava was just shy of 1-week old, a friend who enjoys photography offered to come and take some photos. We expected an informal occasion where she'd snap a few pictures. Instead she generously arrived with all of her equipment and gear - spending several hours and taking more than 300 photographs! Such a generous gift of her time and talent, and we are forever grateful that she captured our sweet Ava during these precious first few days of life.
Monday, June 27, 2011
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
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!
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)
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.
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
GrandparentsAKA: 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. Monday, May 23, 2011
Introducing Ava
We are delighted to announce that our sweet daughter has arrived!
Ava Linnea Gaskins was born on May 17th at 3:53pm, weighing 5 pounds 14 ounces (same exact birth weight as her big brother Owen, what are the chances?!) and 20 inches long.
We went to our regularly scheduled doctor appointment on Tuesday morning, and ended up heading straight from there to the hospital. Ava was born about 6 hours later! She was very prompt, arriving on her due date - atta girl! Everything went very smoothly and she is healthy and perfect. We are so blessed.
As some of you may know we were still deciding on her name - but upon meeting her, Ava seemed to be a perfect fit. The name Linnea is not only my name, but also my mother's middle name - in honor of the Scandinavian heritage on that side of the family (Linnea is a flower primarily found in Sweden). Ava Linnea rolled so nicely that we chose to pass along the name - making her a 3rd generation Linnea.
We've thoroughly enjoyed welcoming Ava and have been very blessed to be surrounded by family during these precious first days. Owen is very sweet with Ava, and is slowing beginning to realize that she's here to stay.
We have yet to unload our cameras of all the photos taken since she was born, so there will certainly be another posting of many more photos. But to give you a glimpse of our precious new daughter, see a few photos below taken just shortly after her arrival.
Welcome sweet Ava! We love you so much already and are deeply grateful for the wonderful blessing of having you as part of our family.
Ava Linnea Gaskins was born on May 17th at 3:53pm, weighing 5 pounds 14 ounces (same exact birth weight as her big brother Owen, what are the chances?!) and 20 inches long.
We went to our regularly scheduled doctor appointment on Tuesday morning, and ended up heading straight from there to the hospital. Ava was born about 6 hours later! She was very prompt, arriving on her due date - atta girl! Everything went very smoothly and she is healthy and perfect. We are so blessed.
As some of you may know we were still deciding on her name - but upon meeting her, Ava seemed to be a perfect fit. The name Linnea is not only my name, but also my mother's middle name - in honor of the Scandinavian heritage on that side of the family (Linnea is a flower primarily found in Sweden). Ava Linnea rolled so nicely that we chose to pass along the name - making her a 3rd generation Linnea.
We've thoroughly enjoyed welcoming Ava and have been very blessed to be surrounded by family during these precious first days. Owen is very sweet with Ava, and is slowing beginning to realize that she's here to stay.
We have yet to unload our cameras of all the photos taken since she was born, so there will certainly be another posting of many more photos. But to give you a glimpse of our precious new daughter, see a few photos below taken just shortly after her arrival.
Welcome sweet Ava! We love you so much already and are deeply grateful for the wonderful blessing of having you as part of our family.
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