Happy 1 Month Avery!

I can't even begin to explain how fast this last month has flown by. Our sweet and sassy little girl is a month old! She already has a big personality. She loves snuggles, smiling, colorful toys, tummy time, listening to music, car rides, walks and her puppy. She is now 9lbs 12 oz and 22 1/2 inches long. She is a great eater and sleeps 3-4 hours at a time at night. She is starting to find her voice (other than her ear-piercing, less appealing, cries) and her fingers. She is also finding more interest in the world around her; picking up her head to look around and staying awake longer. Her smiles are contagious and we have loved watching her grow. We are taking her out into the world and getting her used to being out in the community. She does really well out and about, which makes it easy for us to take her out. This past week she has been able to meet her Auntie Sammie and spend some time with her and today she shares her special day with her Grammy Rhan (Happy birthday mom!). This weekend we are up north for Chris's marathon (more on that later!) and she was such a trooper traveling, which is a huge blessing. Avery has brought so much joy into our lives and we look forward to what the next months ahead will bring!

Happy Father's Day!

We are approaching 4 weeks since Avery has come into our lives. Today is Chris's first father's day. Words cannot express how wonderful of a dad he is to Avery. From the time she was born he jumped right in to help me in any way he could; from changing dirty diapers to rocking and singing her to sleep. She is still young but the way she responds to his touch and his voice, you know how much she loves him and depends on him. Through this new experience of parenthood I have found a new level of appreciation, respect and love for Chris. Through the stresses of a newborn we are working as a team and I could not imagine going through this without him. We are learning and growing together; trying to figure out this new world one day at a time. I wouldn't want to do this with anyone but him. Of course along with Chris, I celebrate my own father and father-in-law who have been wonderful grandfathers to Avery and amazing fathers to Chris and I. Today is a special day to recognize the important men in my life, and I love them all! Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! :-)

Oh Baby!

Starting to feel more like a human adult again. I am getting more comfortable taking Avery out on small trips. Though it is a lot easier with Chris or someone else with me of course, but I am getting more brave ;-) Chris had a short business trip down in Arizona for a few days. Talk about bad timing. Luckily I was able to stay at my parents house to get some help with Avery. They were amazing! Avery and I were very lucky to have their help. Plus it was Avery's first sleepover at Grammy and Pappy's house! We went shopping and even went out to eat. It's amazing how a short trip out makes you feel normal again. Avery and I are very happy to have Chris back home and getting back into the swing of things at home again. We started giving her baths now that her umbilical cord has fallen off and her belly button is healed. She loves them! She's completely calm and the water seems to soothe her. She doesn't mind water poured on her head to wash her hair and enjoys soaking in her tub. Avery is the best little cuddler ever and likes to snuggle up. She has been making really good eye contact and smiling every now and then. She also likes tummy time and playing with some of her smaller toys. The weather has been nice and she enjoys the shade and summer breeze. She is such a doll and we love her so much!