Dear Ava, 10/29/14
Wow! Your personality is already starting to show. And can we say "diva"?! Your daddy and I now call you things like "sass-a-frass" "sassy-pot" "sassy pants" "sassy baby" and "diva". You have quite the temper! You are also very particular. You do not like people to get in your space (especially when you're in your car seat). You do not like to be touched when you're sleeping-- not at all! Mommy tried to wipe spit bubbles from your face once and you had a fit.
Speaking of fits, you have those quite often now! You are very good at throwing fits. Everyone notices and comments on how well you do! They're even impressed when your lips turn blue.
Mommy is still doing a lot of learning! We've mastered giving you a bath and since your belly button fell off within the first two weeks, we haven't had to be as careful. Changing your diaper is easier, in that I'm more comfortable (and quicker) with it, but you on the other hand do not like it. It's also easier to change your clothes, but again, you're not a fan!
You have been lifting your head and neck pretty much since day 1, so by week 4 your muscles are even stronger. You were also focusing in on things within the first week. You like to follow high contrast images with your eyes. You are also intrigued by the blinds!
You had a growth spurt around 2 weeks which was miserable for your daddy and I.
Around 3 weeks you started taking a bottle and I also introduced formula. You seemed to sleep better and be happier overall once I could see how much you were eating and made sure your belly was getting full! You also slept through the night 6.5 hours this week after we gave you formula. You have started liking your swing this week. Before, you wanted nothing to do with it. And while you are high maintenance, you will sit in it for a few minutes without crying. I left you for the first time this week so that I could have my teeth cleaned. I cried on the way to the dentist, but you were fine!
At 4 weeks, you've started making noises and faces when I talk to you. Some of them are really funny! You also went to the chiropractor this week and you did really well. You liked being held upside down! I left you for the second time this week to go out to dinner with your daddy. This time was a little easier, but it still felt like something was missing!
You are very alert and will fight sleep. You seem like you're scared you will miss out on something, but I promise all mommy wants to do once you fall asleep is get some sleep myself! Sometimes you keep yourself up for so long that you are over stimulated and that makes falling asleep even harder for you! Those days are rough...
You are on somewhat of a schedule. You usually sleep in 4 and 6 hour increments at night. You eat about 4 oz every 3(ish) hours.
You do not like to be strapped into your car seat, but once we started riding in the car, you usually fall asleep.
Your tiny fingers are so long! Everyone says you could be a piano player, an artist or a ballerina. I say you can be whatever you want to be!
You were Cinderella for Halloween.
When you were born, you looked like mommy, then you started to look more like daddy, but now I think you are starting to look more like me again. Honestly, you're a good mix of both! Everyone says you look just like your daddy, but they haven't seen my baby pictures. You really do look a lot like me too!
At your one month check up you weighed 9 lbs 14 oz and you are 24 in long! I think you are going to be tall. Maybe you will want to play basketball or run track. Whatever you do, I know you'll be great at it!
I wouldn't consider you to be an "easy" baby, but I don't really know what qualifies as easy or difficult.
I do love you more than words and I am loving watching you learn and grow every single day.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Early Monday Morning
Dear Ava, (written in late August, but never posted)
For whatever reason I woke up at 3:45 this morning and have been wide awake since (it's now 6:00 a.m.). Last night Daddy and I went for a walk. We've heard that can help start labor, but either way I could use the exercise! It took me 45 minutes to walk 2 miles. You don't know this yet, but Mommy likes to run. I have run lots of races! I am in no shape to run right now, but I am excited to be able to run again in a few months. I hope to be able to take you with me on some of those runs!
For whatever reason I woke up at 3:45 this morning and have been wide awake since (it's now 6:00 a.m.). Last night Daddy and I went for a walk. We've heard that can help start labor, but either way I could use the exercise! It took me 45 minutes to walk 2 miles. You don't know this yet, but Mommy likes to run. I have run lots of races! I am in no shape to run right now, but I am excited to be able to run again in a few months. I hope to be able to take you with me on some of those runs!
As I lie in bed wide awake, your squirming and adjusting has me hopeful that you are moving into position and getting ready to be born. I'm almost positive you have your daddy's big feet because you've been kicking my right side with them the entire pregnancy!
I'm laying in the darkness and it's so quiet. Something I'm sure there won't be as much of once you're here. My mind can't stop racing. I can't believe you're really coming any day now!
I've been feeling a lot of different emotions: excited, nervous, anxious, along with a bunch of other things. I hope you make your debut within the next week or two! You're growing fast and running out of room in my tummy, so I think we'd both be more comfortable if you'd just come out. Like I tell you almost every day-whenever you're ready, we're all out here waiting.
Love,
Mommy
Mommy
Daddy's Little Girl
Dear Ava, 06/27/2014
I can't put into word how much your daddy already loves you. He is crazy about you and he's never even met you! The other night he finally got to feel you moving around in my tummy and he couldn't stop laughing and smiling. We joked around about how you were giving him high fives!
He always talks about how he can't wait to see you and hold you. He is so ready for September, even though Mama still needs some time to get things together.
I can't put into word how much your daddy already loves you. He is crazy about you and he's never even met you! The other night he finally got to feel you moving around in my tummy and he couldn't stop laughing and smiling. We joked around about how you were giving him high fives!
He always talks about how he can't wait to see you and hold you. He is so ready for September, even though Mama still needs some time to get things together.
He has already come up with a few nicknames for you. This is one of his things. Trust me, you'll get it one day!
He jokes around about how he's going to take you to work with him; how he's going to hold you on his chest. He even gives me a hard time about you being "anything like me".
He will be the most important man in your life. I don't doubt that he will love you, protect you, and treat you like a princess.
He has mentioned getting your ears pierced soon after your born, but I'm not too sure about that idea.
It may not always feel like it, but I promise you he only wants what is best for you. At times, he may seem mean or unfair, but his decisions will always be to protect you and keep you safe. He will do his best to keep you from getting hurt and sometimes that may mean keeping you from doing things you want to do. You won't understand it, but he's only doing it because he loves you so much!
Your daddy is setting high standards for your future husband, which I think is great! Don't ever settle for less.
He will be the most important man in your life. I don't doubt that he will love you, protect you, and treat you like a princess.
He has mentioned getting your ears pierced soon after your born, but I'm not too sure about that idea.
It may not always feel like it, but I promise you he only wants what is best for you. At times, he may seem mean or unfair, but his decisions will always be to protect you and keep you safe. He will do his best to keep you from getting hurt and sometimes that may mean keeping you from doing things you want to do. You won't understand it, but he's only doing it because he loves you so much!
Your daddy is setting high standards for your future husband, which I think is great! Don't ever settle for less.
I can't wait for you to meet him! He really is an amazing man. He's going to be an incredible daddy! You'll be the only girl I'll share him with. I know you'll love him just as much as I do!
Love Always,
Mommy
Your First Week
Dear Ava, 10/6/14
You were born on Thursday, September 25th at 2:06 a.m. via C-section (Mommy was less than thrilled, but I did what I had to do to make sure you arrived safely). You weighed 8 lbs 6.9 oz and you measured 20.5 in long. For the first few days, you liked to keep your knees bent, so we think you're really 21 inches! You left the hospital weighing 7lbs 12 oz.
Our stay in the hospital was very exhausting. Your daddy and I were new to this whole parenting thing and you were new to this whole being out in the big, open world thing. I'm not sure you were a fan. In fact, I'm pretty sure you'd cuddle right back up in Mommy's tummy if you could have.
You weren't and aren't a very sleepy newborn. You were born very alert and stayed that way for quite a while. In the early hours of the morning, when Daddy and I were past the point of exhaustion, we were very thankful for Ms. Loretta, who was our night nurse for two nights in a row. She would take you to the nursery so we could sleep, but promised to bring you back if you wouldn't settle down or seemed hungry.
We came home from the hospital on Saturday. When we got home, we put you in your bouncy seat and just stared. "Now what?", we thought. Little did we know how rewarding, yet exhausting the next week would be. Some days are harder than others, but every day I'm thankful that I get to stay home with you.
Your nicknames are: "V" and "Ava G"
It's hard to tell, but you seem to be a little stubborn and strong willed. You want to do things in your own time and in your own way! We will see if this changes as you grow older.
You and I are both still new to this whole nursing thing. You started off doing really well, but now we're both struggling a little. I promise to be patient with you if you promise to be patient with me! Mommy is trying very hard and only wants the best for you, whatever that may look like! You eat every 2.5-3 hours and your longest night stretch has been 4.5 hours.
You enjoyed your first bath, but the second time around you weren't a fan! You've pooped in your towel each time we try to get you in your pjs. Oh, speaking of poop, you like to wait until Mommy puts a clean diaper on you and then mess that one up too!
You sleep in your pack-n-play right beside our bed. I can't imagine how I'm going to put you in your crib on the other side of the house. I know I will have to eventually, but I am not looking forward to it!
Right now you don't like your swing. Or your vibrating seat. You like to be swaddled and sometimes your lamb puts you to sleep with its ocean sounds. Other times, you like to stretch out and nap.
You are so alert and aware of Mommy and Daddy's voices and faces. You are intrigued by the blinds and fan. You make some pretty funny faces!
It has been amazing watching you grow. You are changing so much every day. There are moments in time I wish I could freeze and keep forever; like the sweet smell of your soft cheeks and the way your little lips pucker up while you sleep; or how your little eyes cross as you try to focus on the world around you and how tiny your hands and feet are.
Your daddy and I love you more than words and we can't wait to see what each day, week, month, and year brings. We know it won't always be easy, but we promise to do our best and love you through every minute of it!
Love Always,
Mommy
You were born on Thursday, September 25th at 2:06 a.m. via C-section (Mommy was less than thrilled, but I did what I had to do to make sure you arrived safely). You weighed 8 lbs 6.9 oz and you measured 20.5 in long. For the first few days, you liked to keep your knees bent, so we think you're really 21 inches! You left the hospital weighing 7lbs 12 oz.
Our stay in the hospital was very exhausting. Your daddy and I were new to this whole parenting thing and you were new to this whole being out in the big, open world thing. I'm not sure you were a fan. In fact, I'm pretty sure you'd cuddle right back up in Mommy's tummy if you could have.
You weren't and aren't a very sleepy newborn. You were born very alert and stayed that way for quite a while. In the early hours of the morning, when Daddy and I were past the point of exhaustion, we were very thankful for Ms. Loretta, who was our night nurse for two nights in a row. She would take you to the nursery so we could sleep, but promised to bring you back if you wouldn't settle down or seemed hungry.
We came home from the hospital on Saturday. When we got home, we put you in your bouncy seat and just stared. "Now what?", we thought. Little did we know how rewarding, yet exhausting the next week would be. Some days are harder than others, but every day I'm thankful that I get to stay home with you.
Your nicknames are: "V" and "Ava G"
It's hard to tell, but you seem to be a little stubborn and strong willed. You want to do things in your own time and in your own way! We will see if this changes as you grow older.
You and I are both still new to this whole nursing thing. You started off doing really well, but now we're both struggling a little. I promise to be patient with you if you promise to be patient with me! Mommy is trying very hard and only wants the best for you, whatever that may look like! You eat every 2.5-3 hours and your longest night stretch has been 4.5 hours.
You enjoyed your first bath, but the second time around you weren't a fan! You've pooped in your towel each time we try to get you in your pjs. Oh, speaking of poop, you like to wait until Mommy puts a clean diaper on you and then mess that one up too!
You sleep in your pack-n-play right beside our bed. I can't imagine how I'm going to put you in your crib on the other side of the house. I know I will have to eventually, but I am not looking forward to it!
Right now you don't like your swing. Or your vibrating seat. You like to be swaddled and sometimes your lamb puts you to sleep with its ocean sounds. Other times, you like to stretch out and nap.
You are so alert and aware of Mommy and Daddy's voices and faces. You are intrigued by the blinds and fan. You make some pretty funny faces!
It has been amazing watching you grow. You are changing so much every day. There are moments in time I wish I could freeze and keep forever; like the sweet smell of your soft cheeks and the way your little lips pucker up while you sleep; or how your little eyes cross as you try to focus on the world around you and how tiny your hands and feet are.
Your daddy and I love you more than words and we can't wait to see what each day, week, month, and year brings. We know it won't always be easy, but we promise to do our best and love you through every minute of it!
Love Always,
Mommy
Friday, August 29, 2014
I Wonder
Dear Ava,
As your due date approaches, I can't help but think about you. I often wonder what you will be like...
Maybe you'll have blue eyes like Mommy. Or maybe they'll be green like Daddy's.
Maybe you'll want long hair. Or maybe you'll like it better short.
I wonder if you'll get Mommy's cheeks, or Daddy's lips.
I wonder if your hair will be frizzy, straight, or curly.
I wonder if you will be tall or short; thin or chunky.
I wonder if you'll be easy going and laid back. Or if you'll be stubborn and high maintenance.
Maybe you will be athletic. Or maybe you'll be artistic.
Maybe you will want to do cheerleading, gymnastics, or dance.
Or maybe you'd rather try soccer, basketball, or softball.
Maybe you'd rather learn to play piano or guitar.
Maybe you'll enjoy music and singing.
Maybe you'll like to write.
Maybe your favorite color will be pink or purple.
Or maybe you'll like blue and red better.
Maybe you'll like playing dress up. Or maybe you'd rather play in the dirt.
Maybe you'll like to play princesses and tea parties.
Or maybe you'd rather build with Legos and play with toy cars.
Maybe you'll want to wear dresses and big hair bows. Or maybe you'd rather wear shorts and a t-shirt.
Maybe you'll like to fish. Or maybe you'd rather not get dirty.
Maybe you'll be a girly girl. Or maybe you'll be a tom boy.
Maybe you'll like animals. Or maybe you won't want a pet.
Maybe you'll like to save your money. Or maybe you will want to spend it all.
Maybe you'll want to be a nurse or lawyer. Or maybe you will start your own business.
Maybe you'll be organized. Or maybe you'll do things on the fly.
Maybe you'll need a planner. Or maybe you'll keep up with everything in your head.
Whatever kinds of things you like and whatever you choose to do, whatever your personality and whoever you become, your daddy and I will always love you--no matter what! We are always here for you and will support you in your decisions. We'll be your biggest cheerleaders and number one fans. We'll do our best to be at every game or recital. We'll try not to miss out on the things that are important to you. Because the things that are important to you will be important to us. We will enjoy them because we love you. We will encourage you to chase your dreams and remind you that you can do anything you set your mind to. We will always believe in you and will always, ALWAYS, love you!
We can't wait to meet you, sweet girl!
Love Always,
Mommy and Daddy
As your due date approaches, I can't help but think about you. I often wonder what you will be like...
Maybe you'll have blue eyes like Mommy. Or maybe they'll be green like Daddy's.
Maybe you'll want long hair. Or maybe you'll like it better short.
I wonder if you'll get Mommy's cheeks, or Daddy's lips.
I wonder if your hair will be frizzy, straight, or curly.
I wonder if you will be tall or short; thin or chunky.
I wonder if you'll be easy going and laid back. Or if you'll be stubborn and high maintenance.
Maybe you will be athletic. Or maybe you'll be artistic.
Maybe you will want to do cheerleading, gymnastics, or dance.
Or maybe you'd rather try soccer, basketball, or softball.
Maybe you'd rather learn to play piano or guitar.
Maybe you'll enjoy music and singing.
Maybe you'll like to write.
Maybe your favorite color will be pink or purple.
Or maybe you'll like blue and red better.
Maybe you'll like playing dress up. Or maybe you'd rather play in the dirt.
Maybe you'll like to play princesses and tea parties.
Or maybe you'd rather build with Legos and play with toy cars.
Maybe you'll want to wear dresses and big hair bows. Or maybe you'd rather wear shorts and a t-shirt.
Maybe you'll like to fish. Or maybe you'd rather not get dirty.
Maybe you'll be a girly girl. Or maybe you'll be a tom boy.
Maybe you'll like animals. Or maybe you won't want a pet.
Maybe you'll like to save your money. Or maybe you will want to spend it all.
Maybe you'll want to be a nurse or lawyer. Or maybe you will start your own business.
Maybe you'll be organized. Or maybe you'll do things on the fly.
Maybe you'll need a planner. Or maybe you'll keep up with everything in your head.
Whatever kinds of things you like and whatever you choose to do, whatever your personality and whoever you become, your daddy and I will always love you--no matter what! We are always here for you and will support you in your decisions. We'll be your biggest cheerleaders and number one fans. We'll do our best to be at every game or recital. We'll try not to miss out on the things that are important to you. Because the things that are important to you will be important to us. We will enjoy them because we love you. We will encourage you to chase your dreams and remind you that you can do anything you set your mind to. We will always believe in you and will always, ALWAYS, love you!
We can't wait to meet you, sweet girl!
Love Always,
Mommy and Daddy
Monday, June 23, 2014
A Place to Start
Dear Ava,
The idea of creating this blog came to me a while back, but I never found time to sit down and start it. So, after 7 months of being pregnant, here we are. A lot has happened since your daddy and I found out we were having a baby. I have a lot to tell you about! I thought that if I kept these letters together in one place, then maybe one day you can read them. I hope they can somehow encourage and help you throughout your life.
When I sat down to write my first letter, I started thinking about who I should tell you about first. This was a difficult task because there are a lot of great people you will have in your life to support, love, and care for you.
I thought that I may first tell you about your daddy. He really is an amazing man. You wouldn't believe how well he's dealing with your crazy mama throughout this pregnancy. He handles most situations with patience and grace. I do want to tell you all about your daddy, but I think I'll save that letter for another day.
You see, Ava, the first person I want you to learn about is Jesus. Your daddy and I already pray (almost every day) that you come to know Jesus one day. If you make this decision, it will be the most important one of your life. I know.. what to wear on that first date, deciding where to go to college, who to marry, etc. --those will all seem like big decisions at certain times in life (and they are), but deciding to follow Jesus will be more important than all of those.
Your daddy and I are going to try our best to teach you about who God and Jesus are. We pray that He uses us to raise you up to be a Godly woman.
Imagine how much your daddy and I love you. God loves you more.
God knew all about you before you were even born. He loved you even then. That's crazy, isn't it?!
I can't wait until you get here so that we can start telling you about who God is and what He has done in our lives. For Mommy and Daddy, deciding to follow Jesus has been the best decision we've made. It has not always been easy, but it is fulfilling.
And it's definitely the best place to start.
Love Always,
Mommy
The idea of creating this blog came to me a while back, but I never found time to sit down and start it. So, after 7 months of being pregnant, here we are. A lot has happened since your daddy and I found out we were having a baby. I have a lot to tell you about! I thought that if I kept these letters together in one place, then maybe one day you can read them. I hope they can somehow encourage and help you throughout your life.
When I sat down to write my first letter, I started thinking about who I should tell you about first. This was a difficult task because there are a lot of great people you will have in your life to support, love, and care for you.
I thought that I may first tell you about your daddy. He really is an amazing man. You wouldn't believe how well he's dealing with your crazy mama throughout this pregnancy. He handles most situations with patience and grace. I do want to tell you all about your daddy, but I think I'll save that letter for another day.
You see, Ava, the first person I want you to learn about is Jesus. Your daddy and I already pray (almost every day) that you come to know Jesus one day. If you make this decision, it will be the most important one of your life. I know.. what to wear on that first date, deciding where to go to college, who to marry, etc. --those will all seem like big decisions at certain times in life (and they are), but deciding to follow Jesus will be more important than all of those.
Your daddy and I are going to try our best to teach you about who God and Jesus are. We pray that He uses us to raise you up to be a Godly woman.
Imagine how much your daddy and I love you. God loves you more.
God knew all about you before you were even born. He loved you even then. That's crazy, isn't it?!
I can't wait until you get here so that we can start telling you about who God is and what He has done in our lives. For Mommy and Daddy, deciding to follow Jesus has been the best decision we've made. It has not always been easy, but it is fulfilling.
And it's definitely the best place to start.
Love Always,
Mommy
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