A Big Update!

Sorry for the long hiatus on posting stories and pictures! For the past several weeks our life has been consumed by keeping Ava happy, or at least not crying at the top of her lungs. Ava is perfectly healthy but some would say she has colic or is a high crier or is sensitive...whatever it is, she certainly wants to tell us about it and does so in the only way she knows how. The result is a mind-numbing cry that lasts for hours at a time and lately has only stopped when she is feeding or sleeping, and for the occasional "gym time" so she can play with her friend Tully the Toucan. Alan and I are becoming professional swaddlers, shushers, swayers, and bouncers. When none of those things work we sometimes just hold her and let her cry...and then sometimes I have a good cry myself (you know misery loves company!) We also have invested in various white noise CDs and have found that "Mountain Stream" is a favorite choice for daily maintenance, while Ava prefers a hair dryer for when she is really crazy. I tried to turn off the "Mountain Stream" yesterday and Alan said in a very serious voice...we must never turn off the "Mountain Stream" (let's just say Ava spends a lot of time in her zen space near the "Mountain Stream"). When all else fails we simply turn on the hand vacuum and that seems to get her attention. Ava was 6 weeks old on May 9th and most folks agree that babies that are high criers peak around week 6 and should "grow out of it" somewhere around week 12. All I can think is that we are surviving the worst of it and we can see the light at the end of this very loud tunnel.

Now for the more fun updates!
As of last week Ava weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces and is gaining about 3 ounces a week! She seems so big to me compared to when she was born, but then I will see someone else hold her and see how small she still is.

We recently had a doctor visit to determine if Ava has hip dysplasia. After her 2 week appointment her pediatrician was concerned that she might have hip dysplasia so we scheduled an ultrasound to check it out. Ava was a real trooper during the ultrasound- which is not painful, but she had to lay on her side in a funny position with that goo all over her. After the ultrasound the doctor has to push on her hips to feel for how the leg is fitting into the hip. He was quick to tell us that this would make Ava cry, but to all of our amazement she seemed totally unaffected by it :) The doctor even commented on what a tough little girl we have and we agree. 

Ava got to spend some wonderful time with Grandpa Kerry and Grandma Ivy when they visited at the beginning of May. They got to experience Ava in high crying mode, but also had some time when she was calm and very sweet. Ava even made it to the farmer's market and a shopping trip with Grandma Iv- of course she was sleeping the whole time!

Ava and I have been going to a Mom and Baby discussion group and Mom and Baby yoga. I have found that both are essential to my sanity as we get out of the house and can go to be with other moms facing similar joys and challenges and no one bats an eye if your baby breaks down crying or you need to nurse. I am really grateful for both communities!

Alan is busy as always at work, but also does a wonderful job at home. He is balancing it all so well that he makes it look easy, although I am sure there are challenging days. Ava loves talking to her daddy and Alan loves telling Ava stories or making the animals in the gym talk to her. It's really sweet to watch their interactions!

Here are some photos of the last few weeks...

Cuddle time with Mama

Hanging out with Grandpa Kerry and Grandma Ivy

The beginnings of a smile...

Our awesome neighbors and friends- Sonya and Dusty...don't think Alan and I are the only ones that have to listen to Ava's crying! We are so grateful that they are so understanding.

Just chillin' on the porch enjoying a beautiful evening.

 

At first, Alan tried to hide his beer when I was taking a picture of him and Ava. We all laughed because anyone that knows Alan knows he likes a good brew, so we weren't quite sure why he was hiding it. I thought this pose was much more appropriate with Alan teaching Ava about beer....not that she will be drinking it for quite some time!

Gazing out the window

The next several photos show just how fun "gym time" is for Ava! She is such a joy! The blurry parts are her arms, which never stop moving :)

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!