Tummy time, Bottles, and Bjorn

Ava has had a big week in trying out new things. She tried her first bottle and it went over pretty well the first time. The next couple bottles were a little more challenging, but I think it is due to other things happening than the bottle. Alan is excited to spend this special time with Ava and I am excited to have options for feeding.

We got a new front carrier that is better for Ava's hips and she is slowly getting used to it. It is best if she is sleeping when we put her in it and then she doesn't mind it too much. On our first walk Alan was carrying her and he got several approving smiles seeming to say "Oh what a cute daddy" from folks passing by.

Ava is a very strong little girl, both in physical nature and spirit. When spending time on her tummy she is able to lift her entire body up and is making crawling motions with her legs. She also is very close to rolling over, but I don't think it is intentional on her part. Ava is starting to coo more and more and her little personality is blooming. She seems to have a lot to say about the world and sometimes mom and dad are a little slow to understand so the crying escalates to CRYING but we are getting better and better at understanding. I can't wait to hear what is on her mind and learn more about she understands the world.

Here are some pictures from another big week in Ava's world!

Ava's first bottle

Dad is a natural at feeding!

"I am just so content when I have my paci."

Just another day at the gym

Ready for adventure!

Week 2...time for problem solving

Ava is busy growing and learning new things this week. She has also found her lungs which has mom and dad frantically coming up with new ways to calm her down. I am fascinated that regardless of what we do for the rest of the day around 7pm at night Ava goes crazy with crying for no reason that Alan and I can figure out. Thankfully we have slowly moved from hours of crying to perhaps only an hour (on a good night) and several short bursts during the day. From what I have read and learned from the pediatrician this is all just a part of being new to the world. I have to admit that I am consoled that this is just a stage and that it too shall pass. I am also thankful to know that our Sweet Girl is very healthy.

Below are photos from grandparent visits and Ava's first two weeks.

Happy Grandparents!

Sweet little grin

Dad is not so sure about the crying...

Uncle Steve is right at home with the little ones

Nana Sherry

Grandpa Tom

Ava's first week

Ava is such a little sweetheart and is doing so well! She loves to nurse and sleep and look around with her big blue (we think) eyes. Alan and I are starting to know what her little sounds mean and we are getting better and the day to day baby care things like feeding and dressing. Alan has been the most amazing support person! I had a bit of a rough delivery and have had to take it easier than I expected. Alan has taken care of everything! Ava had a check up yesterday and she is super healthy and has started to gain weight! The weight gain made us so happy because it means that she is getting what she needs from nursing which is a huge relief.

Ava met her Grandma Ann, Grandpa Tom, and Uncle Steve over the weekend. Everyone had a great time being together and Alan and I are thankful for their love and support.

Below are more current pictures and a video from just after Ava was born.

Ava's pretty relaxed with Grandpa Tom!

Beautiful Blue Eyes!

Hanging out with Daddy

Welcome Ava Grace!

Well it finally happened. Ava Grace Smith was born on March 28th at 5:27pm. She weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and is 20 inches long. She is absolutely beautiful and perfect in every way! Labor and delivery was fast and furious lasting just under 5 hours. Ava is a joy to be around and is doing so well adjusting to life on the outside of mom! I'll keep this post short as I should be sleeping when Ava is sleeping, but more pictures and stories to come.

Getting weighed and checked out.

Alan is the best daddy ever!

Happy 40 Weeks!

Well, I am officially 40 weeks pregnant today and very excited to meet our Sweet Girl. Hopefully she comes soon.

To commemorate the day Alan suggested we take a walk to the park near our house and snap a few photos of a very pregnant Amber in unseasonably warm spring weather.

The trees are leafing out and the tulips and daffodils are in full bloom!

Come out Baby! We are so excited and can't wait to meet you!

39 weeks and counting...

Well we are in the home stretch at 39 weeks today! Alan and I are so excited to meet our Sweet Girl. I have been feeling pretty good during the last few weeks- just a bit more tired (and big) than usual. The baby has dropped and is head down so she is in position for birth.The weather in Madison has been absolutely gorgeous with much of the last week sunny and in the 80's! Although the weather is very atypical, it is a nice distraction and I am inspired to be out doing more. 

Alan has taken over the photography as of late and insists on a lot of belly pictures. I will post a few here...

Belly at 36 weeks

Belly at 38 weeks. We thought labor might be imminent so we also put up the pack n' play downstairs.

Belly at 39 weeks

Crib

Crafty Friends

Over the past two weeks we have been blessed by many of our friends at two Baby Showers. People have been so generous with gifts, congratulations, and gentle words of advice. I am sure one can never really be ready for a life change such as this, but I know that there are so many people who love and support us that help or a smile will never be far away.

I wanted to share a few pictures of the craftiest gifts we have received. I am fascinated by the talent of my friends and hope that some of their creativity will rub off on me! 

Our good friends and wonderful shower hosts, Sonya and Dustin, created this diaper and onesie "cake" for us.

The "cake topper" was a Sonya original work of art. Apparently there is not much of a market for baby ninjas, but Sonya didn't let that get in the way!

My ever creative friend Peyton hand-made these burp cloths and bibs. Although our Sweet Girl can do anything she wants, it is clear she will not be afraid of science! (FYI- STEM is an acronym for Science Technology Engineering Math)

Amanda and Dawn put their creativity to work on these one of a kind, limited edition Ninja onesies. Sweet Girl now has a complete set!

My dear friend Lil knit this beautiful cardigan! The pattern is so beautiful- this picture really does not do it justice.