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

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