6 months old!!

Happy 1/2 Birthday to my sweet girl! She's getting so big. She was being so cute while taking her picture. Shortly after this, she grabbed the paper and crinkled it all up. She has a thing for paper, especially important ones!

Should be doing homework

I should definitely be taking advantage of this naptime, but I wanted to blog instead. I don't know why this seems to surprise me day after day, but I can't believe how much I can love this little girl! I didn't think my love could grow anymore for her, and every day I wake up and see her sweet face, my heart grow one size bigger. I want to look at her like she's still my little newborn baby, and then I go to pick her up and realize there's no way any newborn could weigh this much! On Saturday she'll be halfway to not being a baby anymore...6 more of these months and i'll have a "toddler." They weren't lying when they said it goes by too fast. I want more sweet baby moments.

She's learning so much. She's holding her own bottle, playing with her toys, laughing, talking and loving everyone she comes in contact with. I think my favorite thing at the moment is that she's starting to lay her head down on my shoulder and hug me when she's tired. Every time she does it I just want to hold onto her and squeeze her. Everything about her is intoxicating! I can imagine my obsession is a tad over the top for some, but she is my whole world at this point. My life revolves around her and I count myself truly blessed.

To sum up the last month, we had a great Thanksgiving with Justin and his family, full of babies, wonderful food, family and football. Ava tried some mash potatoes (unseasoned and plain). She was a little confused at first, but she liked then in the long run. It was great to see the Aggies win in a house full of longhorns! Ava finally got to meet her Great Aunt Kim. We had a great time visiting with her and grandma. Our conversation really lifted my spirits about everything going on in my life right now. It's nice to have someone who can relate to your experiences. Ava and I have been spending a lot of time with Justin. I know many of you have your concerns, but I know what I want, for me and Ava. I want a relationship that is God-centered, respectful and loving. I will not waver from that, so set your worries at ease. We will not return to the past, and that's that! :) I'm excited for Christmas, so ready to see my family.

Ava had her first cereal recently. Justin and I loved feeding her. All she wanted to do was play with the spoon. I have a feeling we're gonna have a messy eater on our hands.

We also have a prayer request: Justin's mother recently received some bad news. I'm not sure how much she would want me sharing, but please pray for her and her family.

Update: Ava rolled over (back to front) today, finally! I really think she's just been lazy...she's doing all sorts of things today that she hasn't done before. and she's doing them like she's known how to do them for months. Yay!

Statistics!

My precious baby was a champ today! She barely let out a whimper and is already smiling and laughing again :) Not to mention, she looked so stylish doin' it!

She is now 26 1/3" long (92%), 16lbs 11oz (80%), and 43.2cm head (85%)! Her doctor said she looks great and we can start giving her cereal! I'm excited :) He was very impressed at how well Ava is sitting up and says it's perfectly ok if she doesn't do everything in the order we would imagine her to (she hasn't rolled over yet). I'm so proud of my baby girl, I just love seeing how much she's grown already. Here are her last stats at 2 months for comparison!

Catching Up!

Ava has really been showing us her great personality! She laughs and smiles a lot. I could spend my whole day just trying to get her to smile, i love it so much! She gives "kisses" now. I used to think it was just her being hungry, but she'll do it right after she eats too. She grabs onto your face and pulls it to hers and just sticks her mouth on you. Sometimes she tries to lightly suck on your face, but I think it's just out of habit because she's not hungry. I fall in love with her more and more each day and I really hate being away from her. She's intoxicating.

She still hasn't rolled over yet, but she's trying really hard. She does a great job at tummy time and has turned everything over except the last leg. The way she is progressing, sometimes I think she'll sit up before she rolls over. She does a great job sitting up by herself. She teeters and totters but typically can catch herself and push herself back the right way.

We got some GREAT pictures of her at her cousin's birthday party! I'm so getting some of them framed!

This one is my favorite!!

My baby girl is officially 5 months old!! Her appointment is tomorrow. I can't wait to find out all her measurements. Here's my beautiful princess after church this morning!

Halloween Stroll

Ava all ready to go for a walk on Halloween! We didn't dress up, even though mommy really wanted to. Next year, it's on. We met up with daddy and our cousin Luke and his parents! Took a nice stroll through the old neighborhood. It was a nice simple evening. Ava fell asleep on the walk.

Cousin Luke (#2)!

My Growing Girl

Well it's been pretty hectic around here for the little princess and I. Ava seems to be under the weather, not sure if it's a cold or allergies, she doesn't have a fever. She's been such a trooper for not feeling 100%; she is still smiling and hardly crying. She slept about 7 hours collectively throughout the day, so I know her little body is working on fighting whatever's going on.

On a more positive note, I love this stage! Her personality is really developing. She's got a shy side, but she loves being the center of attention. She has giggled a few times, but it doesn't happen very often. I think it's my favorite sound in the whole world. She is very ticklish, especially on the collarbone. The giggle quickly turns to a whine if you do it too long though. Even though I see it being an issue in the future, Ava has already developed the security with mommy that no one else has. No matter how hard she's screaming, she will calm down almost instantly when I take her. It makes me feel so needed and loved, exactly what I need right now. It's only been four months, and yet, it feels like she's been with me for years. I'm starting to forget what life was like before I became a mom. I love playing with her and she is finally big enough to get in her baby einstein jumper. She loves it! At first her little legs were just suspended in the air and she couldn't do much, but grammy and I eventually figured out how to lower it so now her feet touch and she can bounce up anddown. She's moving toys from one hand to the other and sticking EVERYTHING in her mouth. I see no sign of teeth yet, but it's getting me worried. I love her toothless grin, and I hope it stays that way for a little while longer. I think I could go on and on and on about her, but it's time to get back to homework while I still have some "naptime" left.

4 months!!

Christmas!

I love when it finally feels like fall has arrived! It means the best holidays are coming up! I'm really excited for halloween this year, I don't know why. I've never really cared for it, but now with the cutie pie, I'm on the constant look out for cute outfits and the perfect costume. We might not be trick-or-treating, but I still want to dress her up. Pumpkin? Princess? What do you think?

I bought Ava and I's christmas stocking kits today! I'm really excited to make them and can't wait to hang them up, probably not this year, but definitely next year! :)

The blue and white snow queen is going to be mine, and the sugar plum fairy one is going to be Ava's! I think they are so beautiful and it will be my first real sewing attempt. I hope they come out ok!

I can't wait for Christmas to get here! I always enjoy it when the whole family can get together and relax! I am truly blessed with a beautiful, loving family :)

And we'll end with a picture of my thumb-sucking lady bug!

Best 3 Months of My Life!

Ava Renee is officially 3 months old! :)

Things We've Been Up To

My sweet girl is growing up so fast! Here a few things we've been doing:

Holding on to our toys

Talking up a storm!

Throwing our paci out of the crib

Sucking on our thumb! Ah!

Growing out of all of mommy's favorite outfits

Sleeping through the night! :)

Trying to watch TV (tisk tisk)

Smiling when mommy comes to "rescue" me

Blowing bubbles

Puckering our lips

Making TONS of new faces

Kicking in our crib until we're all the way to the top with our head in the corner

Responding to either my name or mommy's voice, haven't decided which one yet haha

Trying to pull up when mommy holds my hands

Trying new hair styles (aka mohawk)

She woke up with a mohawk and it would not go away...kind of cute haha

My little princess will be 3 months old on Saturday! I love you Ava!

Much Needed Prayers

Just wanted to make a short note to everyone. I could really use some prayers. School started this week and I have really been diligent about staying on schedule with readings and work. Balancing everything else is where it's falling apart. I'm already starting to feel the strain of all that I am trying to juggle at once. I'm also really having a hard time trusting that God has a plan for my life. I pray continually that I wait on His timing, but sometimes I really just wish I could get a glimpse of the future.

I had my child support meeting today, and in my opinion, it did not go so well. I'm really struggling with the thought of letting her go, and from what I understand, it could be as soon as she's a year old that standard custody would begin. I'm terrified and I can't handle her being over at his house. I know God is watching out for us and will not give me anything more than I can handle, but sometimes I lose sight of just that. Your prayers would be much appreciated!

God Bless! Hope everyone is having a good week!

Ava is 2 Months!

My sweet baby is already 2 months old! I can't believe how fast time flies by.

She went in for her 2 month check-up yesterday. She is: 12lbs 12oz and 23.5 in long! Her head measured at 40.8 (cm?). I forgot to ask about how she compares to other babies this time.

She's been extra cute lately. I'm going to miss the newborn stage but I am loving all her new sounds and smiles. Every time I rescue her from her crib, she welcomes me with a huge smile and "coo" for her mama. She's getting really good at holding her head up but can't quite do it all the time. She is definitely an on-the-go baby. She loves to be moving and walking around. I'm so glad she's finally getting used to the Baby Bjorn. It has come in very handy when I have things I need to get done!

I'm so glad to finally have a cousin picture that Ava got to be in! Ramsey did such a great job holding her.

I'm glad Abigail liked Ava's bow so much! haha!

All Clear!

I went for my 6 week check up today and got the thumbs up! Everything is back to "normal" haha. I was so scared and nervous all through my pregnancy that recovery would be so hard for me. Given the genes I have, I was almost certain something unusual would pop up, so I prayed very hard that God would bless me through the whole experience. That's just what He did. Once I realized that the pain prescriptions were not necessarily a "just in case," I returned back to comfortable living quickly. Not only has everything shrunk to its appropriate size, but I have also already lost more than just my baby weight :) Total, including Ava, I have lost 40 pounds since June 11th! Although some of my pants are still fitting just a little off, I feel so much better. God has really blessed me with everything. I couldn't have asked for a better pregnancy or recovery and I thank Him every day for the sweet gift He has given me. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I have never been more at peace with the way my life is headed.

Please keep praying that I find a church I can dig into. Ava and I finally made it out to church this week to a place down the street called Highpoint Fellowship. I pass it a lot to and from the house and wanted to visit. I was not pleased with the experience, but I think I'm going to give a different service another try. The pastor made a note while talking that the service we attended was the "rowdy" group. There was a lot of verbal shout outs in the middle of the service (a small service) and it was just a little on the distracting side. I will say, however, that the people of the church were very friendly and welcoming. :) I'm planning on returning to Hill Country this fall for another bible study on Corinthians and I'm looking forward to it for several reasons. It's at 6:30 in the morning, so I'm hoping it will encourage me to get up early and stay up so I can get focused on homework and also so I can come out the other side more knowledgeable of God's Word. I know general knowledge of the more known stories, but I would like to be able to know where to turn when I need some guidance.

Ava had her first taste of Starbucks today...

...not really, but Grammy and I had a good laugh!

She got this way all by herself :)

Ava and I at my birthday dinner. Thanks to Dustin and the fam for meeting up with us that night!

Swim Time!

Ava put on her cute lil swimsuit and made her first dip in the pool! She wasn't the biggest fan of the water but she sure looked sweet! She was the center of attention from several pool-goers!

Grammy holding Ava in the pool

After a nice long walk, Grammy, Ava and I went for a dip. It made for a refreshing walk home :)

Ava has picked up putting her thumb in her mouth, so we made a compromise. She puts her finger in her paci, and then in her mouth! Haha clever mama!

Grammy reading Ava her mama's favorite book as a kid!

She was so interested in the book! She's gonna be a reader just like mama!

Lucy playing protector...hiding under Ava's bed!

It's Been A Month!

I can't believe it's already been a month! Little Ava is growing so fast! She has just about outgrown all her newborn outfits and it makes me sad! She had some really cute ones that I'm going to miss seeing on her!

I have really enjoyed this first month of motherhood. Ava is such a wonderful baby. She sleeps very well at night and has gotten a lot better at going right back to sleep when she wakes up to nurse. We've been pretty lazy these days, mostly sleeping, eating and hanging out. Watching her sleep is better than any tv show or movie i've ever seen!

Ava is becoming quite the traveler. She made her first trip to Arlington just a couple weeks old and did very well with the whole experience. We visited with Logan and the family and stayed with Mrs. Crane and Elise. Last week we decided to go visit Granny so she could meet Ava. It turned into a trip to Granny's, a trip to Emil's, and then a trip to San Antonio to visit with Yvonne Giles and her daughter Kristen. After staying in San Antonio, we went and visited Grandma and the George family at the hospital. It was fun getting to catch up with everyone but I was sure happy to be home in my own bed.

Granny burping Ava

Ava taking a nap in PawPaw's chair

Aunt Jan holding Ava

Becca holding Ava

Grandma visiting with Ava

This weekend Ava is once again on the road! We will be going to Houston to help Jason and Steph out with the new house and then going to Ruggle's for dessert for my birthday! With my little chunky monkey taking up all my time, I hardly realized until this week that my birthday is coming up! Can't wait to taste that sweet goodness at Ruggle's.

It's been a month since we've been home, and we have yet to make it out for church on Sunday. Please pray that I find a church that meets both mine and Ava's needs. I would really like to find a place that I enjoy and feel comfortable at. I'm really in need of some good Christian friends who I can turn to. Thank you for everyone who has been here for Ava and I. Every word of advice and kind gifts have been extremely helpful! I would be lost in this world of motherhood with it!

All About Ava

Proud Mama Before the Hospital


I thought that moment would never come. After June 5th came and went, every day seemed to drag on. I spent all day watching the clock and counting down the hours until I got to leave for the hospital. As much as I dreamed about my little girl, I never knew I could feel this way about anyone.

Sweet Baby Ava Renee
Born 8:56 PM, June 11, 2010
8 lbs 3 oz
20.5 in












Ava and I would like to thank everyone who came to the hospital to visit. It meant a lot to have family and friends there. I know it was a bit out of the way for some of you, but it was very much appreciated.

Since we've been home, Ava has adapted very well to living outside my tummy. I still can't believe she fit inside me. Some nights are better than others, but for the most part she's letting me get at least 5 or 6 hours of sleep. I'm so grateful for that and hope it lasts. Apparently, at some point I missed the part where I became an all-you-can-eat buffet. She eats like crazy! I have a feeling she'll be packing on the lbs in no time at all. Other than sleeping, eating, and of course pooping, she has really shown a cute personality. She's got the cutest smiles (I don't care if they're from gas or not) and I love just holding her and spending time together. I can't wait to see what the years ahead look like, but on the other hand, I wish she would stay this little forever.