Week 35 - 08/16 - 08/22/2009

Wow what a crazy busy week!!!

On the 16th we went and got Avan's pictures done! They were pretty cute! Although, I doubt we will use Walmart again.....as it is a full week and we still have not gotten a call back that they are ready....bummer! Hopefully, soon though....they told us Friday last week. Can't wait to share them with everyone! We chose the very first picture, it showed all 3 of his wonderful Dimples!!

Then Monday the 17th Avan surprised me and CRAWLED!!!! He is now fully mobile! We really thought he would walk first! So it was a shock that he crawled! Made me get super teary-eyed too! My little man is growing so big!

Avan celebrated his 8 month victory by popping 2, yes TWO new teeth!!!! I knew he started teething, so I checked his mouth daily! Then on the 20th I actually finally felt them! I only saw 1 popped through and the other was very close. Sure enough the next day the other one popped! So my big boy now has 2 teeth at once! Poor little guy! No wonder he has been fussy!

In other news I have started a small project. I now am sewing things for folks! I named them Burn Busters...help from my BBC girls of course! They are leggings for when they crawl around, extra warmth and to help with potty training! I originally saw them for very expensive and thought, hmmm I could figure this out and sewing them! Sure enough, figured it out and now I am selling them! Nick is super excited about it. He is so supportive! He helps pick out colors and has thought of a few ideas. It is great!

We have also decided on Avan's first birthday theme! We are going with Dinos! I found the cutest set that is "The Big One" with a dino wrapped around the number 1. I love it! Should be a blast to decorate!

Other news...Avan has leaned forwards to get kisses from Mommy, has semi-clapped and also reaches for me! I love it! Anything enw and exciting is fun! Aren't kids just wonderful blessings??!!!!

Week 34 - 08/09 - 08/15/2009

Where is the time going? We are busy doing all of things we would like to do prior to our move. I can't believe we only have a month and half left in VA!

Avan is learning so much each week! On Tuesday, he decided he would let go of the couch and slap it to get Macy's attention! He still has yet to crawl crawl...but rather goes backwards or scoots. But he gladly pulls himself up on EVERYTHING! He also does this push-up thing. He loves to just stand and walk with us. I really wonder if he will just walk instead of crawling!

Mommy got a new toy! A new iphone! Now I can update while we are on the road and during the move! So cool! It is a neat little gadget that should help us during our cross-country trip!

We had our first big boo boo as well! Daddy and Mommy were folding and putting away laundry, and BAM right off the bed. Poor little guy ended up with a small rug burn on his forehead! Perfect, just in time for pictures! We go in Sunday to see Christie. She has been wanting to snap photos of Avan for a while. We thought 8 month Walmart pictures would be fun to do! Hopefully, they turn out well!

I am also in love with this websie indiesunshine.com. A great site for WAHM mommies! I bought the cutest sling from there and am now going for a Mai Tei wrap. Nick is even helping in the purchase so he will wear Avan. For those that follow my blog, you should check it out...lots of cute and great things!

Week 33 - 08/02 - 08/08/09

To start off the week we celebrated our 3rd year of marriage! A year ago August 2nd we learned Avan was a little boy in my tummy! This year we enjoyed DC! Great to enjoy it with Avan outside my belly!!!

On Saturday I spent the day sewing! I made Avan these leggings so that he doesn't get the horrible rug burn. Super cute. Then I took a pair of Daddy's wool socks and made the cutest Sock Monkey! Avan loves having a crafty Mommy to make him new toys!

Avan is developing his little voice more and more! At the end of the week he began this squeal of excitement! It is sooo loud! Very cute in an abnoxious kind of way!

Week 32 - 07/26 - 08/01/2009

A very exciting week. On the 29th we decided to puree some chicken breast for Avan and he LOVED it! So now he is getting some added protein! Really cute to see the new texture in his diet! Wonder when he will get teeth, so he can have more table foods. We are still battling some teething symptoms. Low Grade fever, crankiness and chompin on things!

On July 30th we drove up to Washington, DC and stayed for a couple of days. It was wonderful! Avan LOVED the Zoo. He followed the animals and kicked in excitement. He also enjoyed just checking things out, sleeping, and chilling with mommy in the sling.

On August 1st, Avan waved Bye Bye or signed Mama. It seems he lifts his hand and moves it when someone is leaving.....although he does the same movement when I do the sign for mama. Hard to say which one he is doing. The first time we noticed it was standing in line to se the Ruby Slippers. A woman behind us was waving at him and he did this. Super cute!! He did amazing for the whole trip. Just relaxed and went along with what we did.

Week 31 - 07/19 - 07/25/2009

Sunday the 19th Nick and I decided to give us all more space in the Family Bed. We side-carred Avan's crib with ours. He really likes it! He plays in there while we settle in for the night. Then one of us rock or cuddle him until he falls asleep. Then we lay him in his crib. When he wakes at 1am he moves into our bed. We all seem to like the new setup! Works great for laundry day as well! I can fold and hang clothes why he plays and scoots around the bed!

We made it 7 months!!! Oh my goodness my little boy is 7 months old! He is closer to turning a year old! We are now part of a mommy/baby playdate group. Becky and Crystal bring their kiddos and we all enjoy lunch and just hanging out. It has been so nice, sadly though I will be moving! I hope to continue the friendship! Avan is still crawling backwards! It seems he doesn't have enough muscles to get him forwards. He tries and falls.

Nick and I are wondering if he has begun teething. He has been running a 99.0-100.0 temp and hadn't slept well over the weekend. So far I don't see anything and he has no drooling or that sort of thing. Being a FTM has its downfalls! Sometimes I just wish we had the answers!

Week 30 - 07/12 - 07/18/2009

On Sunday the 12th I got a wondeful suggestion to bake a sweet potato and make "fries" out of it for Avan....then roll in cheerio powder! Avan had a blast! He went right to town and shoveled it all in quick! So this will be a new thing for him! It seemed he would prefer Mommy and Daddy feeding him.....but this way he does it all by himself! So cute!

On Tuesday the 14th Avan did the amazing, PULLED HIMSELF UP! My girlfriend Stacy and I were upstairs. I was putting away all of his clothes and turned around. We heard giggling and turned back to see Avan looking at me! It was soo cute! I was shocked that he could do that already! He grows more and more every day!

Avan crawls great BACKWARDS, for some reason he will not go forwards. We try to coax him but it doesn't work. He does get around great though backwards! Kinda silly he backs himself into a corner and gets really upset!

Week 29 - 07/05 - 07/11/2009

Another week! This week was nice and quiet! Avan is eating more and more foods. His menu consists of Avocodos, Bananas, Sweet Peas, Green Beans, Acorn Squash, Plums, White and yellow Peaches, Pears, Mangos, Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and any other little tastes we give him. He loves to eat! We are happy to report we are almost at 7 months of nursing, woohoo! It is wonderful! I am glad we have been so successful with it! I hope to go as long as we can!

Becky came over and we were able to sew our slings! They look great! I am so proud of us for making them!

We received the best news ever this week! We are moving back to WA in October! I am still in shock! So thrilled to get our orders finally! I guess the Navy got a small fund, so orders were turned back on and poof there our orders were! Nick will start "C" School October 23rd! Then of course he will have to return to a Submarine. But good news is we will be HOME! So I will be surrounded by family to help Avan and I!

Week 28 - 06/28 - 07/04/2009

So nice getting back to a routine for Avan. I think he missed his home. We had 6 month shots and check-up on the 1st. Avan is 16lbs and 4ozs and 26.5 inches big! His doc was very happy with everything. She told us Avan has excelled in all of his milestones. She was happy at how lean he was and growing nicely. She also was thrilled to learn I was still nursing him. It is awesome, Avan has become so efficient, he nurses 3 mins each side and is done! I couldn't imagine it any better or easier! On Thursday we went to our friends Becky and Ian's house for 80's night! It was so much fun! I crimpped my hair and she did the big bangs thing! On Friday Becky and I picked out fabric for Slings!!! I picked out planets and space for Avan. Should be super cute! Avan is such a sling baby! On Saturday we celebrated Avan's first 4th Of July! We went to our friends house for a bbq, the Marinos. We enjoyed a typical fourth, board games, shooting a pellet gun and tons of food. I made a Chocolate Cream Pie to enjoy. Then we all went to see a big firework show on the James River. It was wonderful! Avan loved seeing the show, stayed awake for it even! Overall it was a very nice Fourth of July.

Week 27 - 06/21 - 06/27/2009

Daddy's First Father's Day!!!!! We enjoyed a day of celebration! Daddy got a nice drill and tool set from Mommy! Avan made a giggling card for daddy! So cute! We also got to see Great Grandma Meme! We took a ton of pictures! Sadly though, we had to get back home. The car rides home were a tad shaky. After an hour on the road we ended up in a stand still accident. About 2 mins prior to us pulling up there had been a bad accident, no police or ambulances had arrived yet. We saw a lifelite helicopter land on the freeway and knew it was bad and we would be there awhile. So, we chose to get out and stretch. We walked Macy around and also got Avan out of his carseat. It was a nice little rest. The following day we chose to drive straight through instead of getting a hotel. After a 12 hour day, Avan had enough, he did not want to go any further. So, we stopped at a gas station...which I guess had been shut down prior...it had no lights and looked straight out of "the hills have eyes" or something. I nursed Avan some and played so he was more calm. Once we stopped he was much happier. He went to sleep and slept the rest of the way home. It was great to get home! Home sweet home!!!!!

Week 26 - 06/15 - 06/20/2009

We got up semi-early so we could get on the road. Avan's first roadtrip to Texas to see Grandpa and Grandma! Avan did amazing on the drive! He really liked that Mommy sat in the back with him. We mostly listened to this mirror thing that sang. It was loud and abnoxious, yet the boy loved it and fell asleep easily to it! Whatever works! We arrived in TX on the 16th. Avan also had a little pool waiting for him. He enjoyed playing with the dogs, Rusty and Macy and of course the little pup, Sweetie. Sadly though, Avan got a fever the second day we arrived, we are guessing from the plane. We took him into the Mt Pleasent ER on the 19th. He had to have blood taken, which was awful. They stuck his foot and dripped blood into 2 vials. So sad. We did learn he had low levels and showed it was indeed a virus. We battled it with Motrin and Tylenol, which knocked him out. He was so sleepy and icky feeling, poor guy. A couple of nights we did bathtime outside in a cool pool. It really helped with the high fever. Saturday Avan turned 6 months old! I can't believe my big boy is already 6 months!!! So exciting! I wonder what the next 6 months will bring!

Week 25 - 06/07 - 06/13/09

This whole week we were still in WA. Avan met Great Grandma Jeanne for the first time, on Sunday the 7th. We also enjoyed hanging out and relaxing. Avan then surprised us all by sitting on his own on June 9th for my good friend Jen. It was wonderful. We played with the kids, ate good food and scrapbooked. Mommy is finally starting to do Avan's scrapbook. Only have gotten 2 pages done so far, but boy are they cute! It was so funny looking back at how big my belly was! Goodness I was huge! I can't believe Avan is out of my tummy and learning everything! We are guessing it won't be long before he crawls everywhere! On Saturday the 13th we flew back to VA. Avan did really well again. The same family was on the flight and called Avan, "an angel baby" because they remembered how quiet and well-behaved he had been. So cute! It was late getting back home, not until nearly 1am the next day. But it was worth it to get on the road in the moring to TX!

Week 24 - 05/31 - 06/06/2009

The Month of June begins! I can't believe this month my little man will be 6 months old! We mostly were busy all week packing and preparing for our 20-day vacation! Friday June 5th Avan aboarded his first plane. We flew from VA to North Carolina for an hour flight and then flew from NC to WA for a 5.5 hour flight. He did AMAZING! People loved him. At the airport he was giggling and cooing, loudly. Once on the plane it is like he knew to be quiet or something, he just smiled. We did have a toddler crying the whole 5.5 hour flight to WA. But Avan didn't he just was happy. He nursed, played and slept over and over again. We sat next to an Grandpa who had his family in the seats across the aisle. He was so nice and loved Avan. It was a great flight! Once we arrived in WA we got our awesome 08 Explorer. We drove to Brandy's! It was great! Nana was even there to greet Avan. After an hour we then drove to Seattle to go see Avan's first baseball game, the Mariner's. Amazing how well we all did after being up more then 24-hours! Avan was so happy and just got passed around to everyone at the game. Overall it was a wonderful busy day!!! June 6th we met up with a couple of the BBC girls! It was wonderful meeting Sydnie and Stephanie with their little girls, Hudson and Amelia. Since we have all 3 followed along with our pregnancies and births, it was great to finally meet in person. We enjoyed the Woodland Park Zoo and seeing all the animals. Avan of course slept through a lot of it! Hopefully, by next year he will really understand the animals and enjoy it even more. Although, once in the gift shop, I gave Avan a few toys to choose from. He fell in love with an Otter, named Baby Otto....just like his older cousin!

Week 23 - 05/24 - 05/30/2009

This week Avan tried pears for the first time! He isn't completely sold on them. Boy does he prefer the veggies! Finally, rolled from his back to his belly! So now he rolls EVERYWHERE!!! I think it may be time to start child-proofing very soon! He also loves to play with his feet! He grabs his toes and put them in his mouth! It is amazing what is more fun to play with then all of the toys we buy. Remotes, his feet, and the dog, hahaha! Cute little boy! One more week until Avan's first airplane ride and Baby Tour 2009 begins!!!!

Week 22 - 05/17 - 05/23/2009

Avan tried bananas on the 19th and thought they were okay! He much rather have his green veggies, silly boy! Maybe that is why he is such a big boy at 5 months old!!! He even held his own bottle while eating on the 21st. Just for a few seconds, I usually keep the bottle with some juice to wash down any food. I have also tested out his sippy cup. So that was super cute! Then Saturday we played at the pool! He didn't hate it! He actually giggled a little when Nick splashed him! He is continuing to giggle like crazy and play more. In his saucer he can turn in full circles to play with the toy he wants! He loves to play the "I am going to bite your hands" game. He sticks his hands near our mouths and we pretend bite. He LOVES it and giggles and giggles! His littler personality is shining through. He is so goofy! He also is grabbing Macy now. That will be interesting to watch as he gets bigger and she stays the same size!

Week 21 - 05/10 - 05/16/2009

On the 10th I made sweet potatoes and apples for Avan. He tried the sweet potatoes on Sunday and wednesday the apples. We are learning he doesn't really care foor fruits as much. Sweet potatoes are okay but still his favorite is avocodos! Saturday we tried out some organic gerber green beans and he really enjoyed those too! My good little boy, all about those veggies! We are starting to also offer him an oz of juice with 3 ozs of water. Just to play around with after his meals. It is really amazing how fast he is growing and the things he is learning each day! He is getting better with sleep. He is now sleeping for a 4 hour stretch and then every 3 hours at night. So eating 2-3 times. It is much better then the every hour!!! Mommy is starting to get some rest again!

Week 20 - 05/03 - 05/09/2009

This week was a busy week! Since we picked up the high chair on Saturday we chose to start solids. I know originally we wanted to wait but eating every hour day and night for 2 weeks was a bit much. Since his ped approved it at 4 months, we went ahead and tried. We first gave him a spoon to play with and he didn't seem to want that for much long. Then we tried breastmilk on the spoon, he ate about every other bite or so. Then once he seemed to master that we started Cereal. I found the coolest website from the blog girls on making my own food. So I made the brown rice cereal! We tried that on Sunday the 3rd. He loved it! On the 6th we made avocodos and oh my, that is by far his favorite thing ever! He gobbled it right up. Daddy couldn't give it faster! I assumed he would enjoy it, I did eat avocodos daily while pregnant! We then noticed he is fully grasping toys and such this week! It is wonderful!!! Everyday he learns something new! I love making the food! I make what ever it is in a big batch and freeze it into these ice cube trays with lids. They measure 1 oz cubes. Once frozen I pop them out and put them in ziploc bags and date them! Then for each meal he can get a cube or two! Wonderful and easy! Very nutrtious and I know exactly what he is getting!

Week 19 - 04/26 - 05/02/2009

Avan had done great for this month. He is laughing more and more. He talks all the time. He loves playing with Daddy and Mommy. Anything, singing, peek-a-boo, and the TV. He loves the saucer, just having tummy time and watching Macy. Although we were low-key. I had back blocks put in because I have 2 bulged discs and a disc that is starting to herniate. I am shocked that is what the MRI showed. But this means really taking it easy with Avan. One bad move and I am in the OR and that is no good. It is great we are co-sleeping as the lifting from the crib is no good! At the end of the week we went out and got a high chair for Avan! It matches his carseat, the chicco brand. It was rated pretty good in safety! Avan had a lot of fun playing with his spoons and toys while we ate dinner!

Week 18 - 04/19 - 04/25/2009

Sunday the 19th Avan found his thumb! Oh my it is soo cute! He is also a wopping 4 months old! He had his 4-month check up on the 21st. He weighed in at 14lbs and 5ozs, 25 inches big! Nick went because I couldn't handle another horrible cry like last time. Avan didn't have one tear, which I am so pleased with, but seriously, why did he freak the first time and not for these ones! Just relieved he still did not react to the vaccines! Makes me feel so much better about it. Doctor suggested starting solids and that he is growing great! She did say he has a small flat spot and to try and get him to not lay on that side, but it isn't going to happen. He loves laying on his right side. We do lay him flat once he falls asleep but he still rolls to the right. He likes to cuddle me in bed, hehe! Co-sleeping has been wonderful. At first it was just after his first wake-up. Then Avan started waking every hour, so we just thought it would be best to get more sleep if he just went to bed with us. It has worked out great!

Week 17 - 04/12 - 04/18/2009

Easter was wonderful! We went over to Becky and Ian's house to enjoy BBQ. Avan got all dressed up in his Vest and pants! Soo cute! He also got Easter Bunny goodies of a sippy cup, bowls, spoons, several teething rings and also some new pacis. Granpa and Grandma got him a cute summer outfit that is UT. It will fit perfectly for our visit in June! On the 16th you were doing tummytime and actually went up on your knees! I was amazed! I can't beleive how strong you are! We got you your first big boy toy, an Exersaucer on the 17th! You LOVE it! It has all sorts of toys that sing and light up! It is so much fun to watch his face as he plays and gets excited!

Week 16 - 04/05 - 04/11/2009

We went shopping for his Easter basket stuff. We plan to do solids stuff. Like spoons and teethers. We thought that would be somewhat fun since it is coming closer to that. He is continuing to use his hands so much! He thinks he can fit his whole fists in his mouth both at the same time! Now that he is using his hands more we are wondering if he will be a lefty like mommy or a rightly like daddy. We shall see!

Week 15 - 03/31 - 04/04/2009

On the last day in March he completely rolled over from his tummy to his back! It scared him at first but then he got used to it! It seems Avan has forgotten all about STTN. He is waking up every 2 hours or even more! I am guessing he is more hungry, maybe a growth spurt. We are really hoping to wait until 6 months for solids, but we may not. It depends on what Avan thinks. On the 3rd Nana sent Avan an Easter basket. Inside a personalized tin was candy (for us) then he also got this purple bunny that sings. He FREAKED out completely. The video I got was priceless, he hates it! I felt so bad squeezing it a second time, but I had to show Nick his response to it. He just pouts and puckers for a while and then hollars! On the 4th we went and saw the Easter Bunny! He was soo tired. He was awake but then the Easter Bunny had gone on a "carrot break" so but the time he returned Avan was ready to fall asleep. The picture did turn out cute though. We weren't sure how he would react. I thought because of Nana's bunny that quite possibly he would freak out. But the bunny came right up to him and touched his cheek and he just looked at him. So it turned out great!

Week 14 - 03/22 - 03/28/2009

On the 23rd Avan found his hands! It was soo cute! They are in his mouth constantly. He is still working on grabbing things. But I know that will be soon! Boy he still hates the swing. We keep testing him out in it. But it is a no go everytime! We play patty cake and he giggles and giggles! He also LOVES the tv! He likes the colors and movements! It is supercute to watch! Tummytime is so much better! I think he will be rolling very soon!!!

Week 13 - 03/15 - 03/21-2009

My big boy is now 3 months old! I cannot believe it! Avan is starting to like the bath. He kicks his legs a little and realizes it is nice and warm. Maybe we can soon bring toys in! He talks to the frogs and turtles that hang from the mobile in his crib. He even is noticing the toys on his bouncer. I know one day he will be reaching for those soon! He is starting to hate the carseat if he is awake. If it is in the car he is fine, but if we are out and about, we put him in the sling instead! Works much better! He really enjoys the sling, it is his own room as Nick puts it. He also loves when I sing, he kicks with excitement! Super cute! Still STTN and I swear everyday I wonder when he won't anymore, haha. I know a growth spurt will be coming soon!

Week 12 - 03/8 - 03/14/2009

Avan is babbling more and more! He eats so much and has become quite an efficent nurser! It used to take 45mins to feed his belly. Now we are done in 10 mins! He seems to take a 45min nap in the morning and a 3 hour nap in the afternoon! He really likes the sling. I have gotten the hang of it and he naps in there great! Tummy time has gotten so much better. He even fell asleep on the boppy the other day! It was so cute!

Week 11 - 03/01 - 03/07/2009

Avan had is first big daddy day on the 1st. For my Birthday I had a complete spa package. I got an hour massage, a 45-minute facial, a fancy lunch, spa pedi and mani! It was wonderful and pampering. Nick enjoyed a man movie and hot wings with his friend Tommy while they took care of Avan. Avan did great, ate his bottles up and took naps! I got home and was completely rejuvanated! On March 2nd we had our first snow day with Avan. I don't think he enjoyed it but he didn't cry either. We dressed him in a snowsuit we got from Becky and took a ton of pictures. It was so much fun! We hope next year he enjoys it more! On March 4th we went to the doctor, Avan and I. He had his 2 month check up. He weighed in at 12lbs and 13ozs and 23 3/4 inches big! The nurse tech was shocked at how he just sat there in my arms. Avan's head control I guess is awesome for his age. The tech also commented on how happy he was. In the ped office all you hear is crying little ones. When we saw the ped she was very pleased at Avan's progress. She examined him and talked to him, then he cooed and talked back. She told him he was a 2-month old acting like a 4-month old. That made me feel wonderful! I didn't realize he was ahead at all. She suggested we do tummytime on our chests just until he gets used to it. Then to use the boppy. For the shots it was awful! I cried right along with him. Avan cried louder then I had ever heard him before, it was awful! I don't want to ever hear that cry again. He was soo mad! Thankfully he didn't run a fever or have any reactions! He got 3 shots which included one that is taken orally. Saturday the 7th we had another date night. Ms Linda took him for a few hours. We went to my favorite The Melting Pot! YUMMY! It was so romantic and quiet. Afterwards, we decided to go to Sam's Club. Wow it was soo nice to relax in a store and not rush. Not that Avan isn't good, but sometimes it seems a tad stressful. It was great! We picked up his wipes and diapers and then went to get him. Ms Linda enjoyed having him and playing! It was a wonderful week!!!

Week 10 - 02/22 - 02/28/2009

I can't belive February is already over! The time has flown since Avan has been born! We got a tummytime aquarium mat thing. Avan seems to like it, it has a mirror and nosiy toys. He is starting to be okay with the swing when awake and is able to see the mobile move around. He also found his tongue! Whoever thought that would be the cutest thing ever! I am amazed at what babies learn. I guess you never think about finding your tongue as a milestone, hehe! So cute though!

Week 9 - 02/15 - 02/21/2009

Month 2, oh my goodness, what a big boy!!! We went to the Picture People and had our first family photos done! Avan was soo cute, he even smiled in one! He was sound asleep when we drove there. Once we were there he just opened his eyes and seemed to be calm. Then once pictures were over he went right back to sleep. It is like he knew what he needed to do! It was amazing! He is still STTN! I cannot believe it! On the 19th I woke up to hearing cooing and giggling! I was shocked, usually I hear a fussy boy wanting some milk. I went in his nursery and he was just so happy and talking away to the mobile of frogs and turtles! We had another date night and it was perfect! We went and saw a movie why Becky and Ian took care of Avan. It was nice to get out just the two of us. Avan did really well for them. I was worried because it was his rough time of day. He seems to like to nurse non-stop starting at 4pm. But he did great! Time to make Avan's 2-month check up! I wonder how big he is! I am dreading the shots though!

Week 8 - 02/08 - 02/14/2009

I cannot believe how blessed we are, Avan still is sleeping through the night! It amazes me. Everywhere you read and hear it says breastfed babies don't STTN until much later. I guess he is a random little boy! I feel so blessed! I had my first big Mommy me day and got my hair done! Nick had daddy duty for 3 hours! It was wonderful! We also celebrated our 1st Valentine's day as parents! Avan was so cute in his little red outfit. Even smiled and showed off his small dimple! He was so happy that day! Nick went out and got Outback so that we could enjoy it all in the comfort of our home. It was much more peaceful then trying to wait for a table somewhere with a newborn. Very romantic! Avan is starting to find his voice, he coos and talks. In the morning I talk to him and he talks back, it is super cute. He is still obsessed with his bouncer chair that vibrates, I don't know what we will do when he is too big for it! Tummy time is still somewhat of a challenge. They say to give them 15 minutes daily, but Avan wants nothing of that. I hope it will get better so he can learn to roll and such!

Week 7 - 02/01 - 02/07/2009

February is here! Starting the 2nd you have STTN nightly! Avan goes to bed at 7:30pm and doesn't stir until 6am to eat! If I go out to the store or something Avan takes a full 6ozs of breastmilk. It amazes me. Such a big boy! Avan eats every 2 hours all day long and still does the cluster feeding, only from 4pm until bedtime now. I am fine with it because this means I get to sleep long! It is wonderful! He is just growing and growing! We are catching more smiles and are learning he is quite happy as long as he is fed, changed and has long sleeps! Being a mother is way more wonderful then I could have ever imagined!

Week 6 - 01/25 - 01/31/2009

On the 25th you managed to STTN again! Such a great little boy for Mommy! It is like he knows I need sleep! Nothing else has changed much. Avan really dislikes the swing. I mean he just cries in it. He has also started a new thing in the evening. From 7pm until 11pm he eats every hour at least. I hear it is called cluster feeding and they do this during growth spurts. I also think he does it because he wants to be nice and full before his long sleep. He also does this grunt noise in his sleep, really funny!!!

Week 5 - 01/18 - 01/24/2009

Avan turned a whole month this week. I cannot believe a whole month has passed by. He is sleeping in 4-5 hour stretches which means we get more rest. We are so blessed. I feel wonderful now that my sleep is nice and caught up! Nursing is going so well! I originally thought I would nurse just a month and go back on my meds. But quickly changed my mind the more I researched it and saw news articles on rocket fuel in formula. They won't even give the brand names. Right there means I plan to nurse only and give zero formula!!! Just freaks me out. I hope I can continue to feel great in my head so that I don't have to go on meds! Avan still likes to make mmhm mmmhm noises while he nurses. It is so cute! He also holds the boob as though it is a bottle, super cute! He is starting to look at his mobile and smiles more and more! He also has great head control, which is surprising everyone, including doctors!

Week 4 - 01/11 -01/17/2009

Such a great week! Avan, Grandma and I went to the mall together and just enjoyed walking around and looking at books. Avan did great! The only time he fussed was when we went through Macy's....the floor is nice and smooth. He prefers bumps! Go figure it is my favorite store and he fusses in there, haha! On the 15th Grandma gave Avan a bath. It was so cute, he hardly fussed. He is getting better at bathtime. He still hates to be cold though, just like mommy! When he is trying to go to sleep we crank the heat and out he goes! Amazing! January 16th is the last day Grandma will be here, so she offered to babysit so that Nick and I could have a date night. It was wonderful. We went to Friday's because we had been watching this show on Food Network and the winner's dish was at Friday's. Afterwards we went to Target to look at swings for Avan. Funny, I really missed him and we were only gone an hour and a half. It is just hard to leave him, especially since he was in my tummy everyday for 8 months! I am soo attached to him. Once we got home, Nick put together the swing and we tested it out. Avan didn't seem to really enjoy it. Many people told us that as he gets bigger he will like it, so we will see. That night Avan had a really hard time going to sleep. So Nick took him in his nursery so that I could rest and he rocked him. Well after rocking him he thought to lay him in his crib....since he napped in there nicely during the day. Oh my goodness, he slept through the night in there. I woke up in such a panic! We think it is because it is so toasty in his room. So I guess we will start the crib more often, so sad. I like having him close to me. On January 17th, Nick's mom left. It is so hard having family live so far away. We do have a plan thought to see her in the Spring again. Along with everyone else!





Grandma playing with Avan!



Grandma gives Avan his second bottle!



Such little cute feet!





Avan going into his "milk coma"



Grandma gets to be Avan's first babysitter!



One of the top photos that I just love...so cute! He only has 1 eye open!



Daddy starts building your swing! After our dinner date we went to Target and picked out a swing!





I think you like it!

Week 3 - 01/04-01/10/2009

It is amazing to love someone so much when you have only seen them through an ultrasound!!! Avan is just perfect! Everyday I smile and just hold him close. He gave me his first real smile on 01/05! I guess most babies smile at mommy first, since they know her voice best. He is just beautiful. When we go out so many people come up to us and say how beautiful he is and how they mention other babies are just not that cute. It is really nice! I pumped all week so that Nick's mom can offer him a small bottle. All books say to wait 3 weeks before offering a breastfed baby a bottle. So I want to make sure that happens. I really don't want to ruin breastfeeding since it is really going well. The soreness is starting to ease up and it is just nice to be so close and bonded! On the 10th Nick gave Avan his very first bottle. It was only an oz and then I nursed him after. I chose to do small amounts and then once he doesn't want the breast afterwards, I figure that is how I will know how much he takes. It went great! I was amazed as you read about how baby just plain refuses it. He didn't he took it like a champ and didn't seem affected at all at the difference! It was so cute seeing Nick hold the tiny bottle up to Avan's mouth! So precious!!! I can't believe is is already 3 weeks old!



The Future American Idol



Attempting the very first Tummy Time!



So tiny!



I do all my own stunts!!!!



The Full outfit!





The first Bottle, given by daddy! Avan doesn't mind at all!!!

Week 2 - 12/28-01/03/2009

Having Nick's mom here has been wonderful. Just visiting and enjoying Nick's leave period. Nick was able to take 2 weeks of leave. On New Year's Eve December 31st we had an appt for Avan. A weight check and just how is everything going type of thing. He weighed in at 7lbs and 11ozs and 21 inches big! Gained a whole pound and an inch! Woohoo! Doc said everything looks good and things are how they are suppose to be! Avan eats every 2-3 hours day and night. He has started to squeak and snort when he gets upset, so precious! He gets really annoyed when he needs to sneeze or yawn, so funny. He also is a noisey eater and makes mmm mmm noises while nursing. He is 100% breastfed now. Just the formula those first few hours. So glad we are done with that! Before leaving the hospital I learned the tricks to tightly swaddling, which Avan prefers. He likes to be nice and snug. On New Year's Day Avan's umbilical cord fell off, which means bathtime! We gave him his first real bath on the 2nd, which he HATED! He screammed the whole time! I felt awful, but wow is it good to get him nice and clean! Smells so nice and fresh! We all are sleeping pretty good. Still getting adjusted to waking every few hours and nursing, which is quite painful. But luckily the Lacation Consultant gave me these amazing gel pads that help me heal quickly. Grandma is enjoying burping and folding itty bitty clothes! So cute!



Aww Nick looks like a natural at being Daddy to Avan!



Thanks Jessica for the Secret Stork gifts! LOVE the monkeys!



Every baby needs some Mickey Mouse! Thanks Latronda and Jordan for the wonderful gifts for both Avan and I!!!! Extra diapers and pedi set is always a must for a mommy!



Studying Grandma so much!



Ready for my 2-Week Check up! December 31st! I weighed in at 7lbs and 11ozs!!! 21 inches big! Getting bigger already!







New Years Eve checking out the Newport News Park for the wonderful light show!



Avan exactly at Midnight :)



Grandma got me all ready for New Years!



Avan's real first bath! January 2nd!!! The day after his umbilical cord fell off! Boy did he HATE every moment of the bath!



Daddy took over and cuddled me up till I fell asleep!



A great picture after a big feeding! Avan sleeps wonderfully after getting a full tummy! I can see him fattening up in this picture!

Week 1- 12/20-12/27-2008

December 20th was of course written already....but a few more tidbits. The evening that Avan was born had many ups and downs. As he had some blood sugar problems. I ended up having to give him 3 doses of formula, which was considered medicine. The Dr. was awesome. She also was in the room with me most of the night because as a new mommy, I didn't have a clue as to what we were doing or how to latch properly. On another note, while changing his very first diaper Daddy decided that he would do it.....although quickly changed his mind. Hehe! Poor guy, never heard of the first baby poos as being pretty sticky! Well, Avan also peed all over me! The first few days in the hospital it seemed that Avan NEVER peed in the diaper!!! Oh well, welcome to mommyhood! On the second day, the hospital brought us a nice lunch for welcoming Avan into the World. It was wonderful, got real Sweet Tea and a big piece of Strawberry cheesecake, two things that had been cut from my diet! On Monday, Dec 22nd we finally were being released! Although it took a long time. As Avan had to get his circ and such. We didn't get to leave until nearly 9pm. It was also the coldest night in a long time....19 degrees I believe. So chilly! It was GREAT being home! I had not slept at all being in the hospital for 4 nights. I think being so overwhelemed and being a new mom I felt the need to check on Avan every little bit. Plus waking every 2 hours to make sure he ate because of the blood sugars. And of course learning breastfeeding, we took a long time. Before leaving we did have to make a doctor's appt for 2 days after. So, after being home it was wonderful. Macy just sniffed Avan and was fine with him. We all enjoyed being at home and relaxed. On December 24th we went in for a weight check. Avan weighed in at 6lbs and 11ozs, so not far off from his birth weight. The doc was very pleased and said to continue what we were doing and waking him every 3 hours. By the end of the week we stopped setting our alarm!! We quickly learned that there is no need for it, as Avan wakes to eat when he is hungry! Our 1st Christmas was wonderful! Nick made his very first turkey and fixings! It was so cute! We enjoyed that and just all being home! On Saturday Decemeber 27th, Nick's mom flew in. She met Avan and got tons of Grandma time in. We also got a few gifts, so lovely. Meme, Nick's grandmother had gotten personlized shoes for Avan. Nick's Aunt Beverly gave him a prayer bear and beanie baby boy. Then of course Nick's folks got an outfit and a warm cozy blanket. Avan has gotten so much, it is just amazingly sweet of everyone! So our first week was successful and such a blessing to have Avan home!!





Macy Loves Avan!





The wonderful flowers I got from MIL and FIL!



This was the second day home, Avan and Macy sleeping on Daddy!



Our matching Outfits!



Exhausted Mommy!





First at home Sponge bath, which Avan HATED!



Our Hands, Our baby!!!



Happy Christmas Eve, time to go get a weight check! 6lbs 11ozs!



Merry Christmas (this outfit was given to us by the Wood Family, so sweet)



Ready to meet Grandma!!!



Grandma and Avan meet!

The Birth of Avan (what I posted on BBC)

So this is my labor and delivery story. Feel free to skim or not read all of it. As it is very long!
So, at 6pm Thursday I called L&D like I was told and they said to be there at 7pm as planned for induction. Well, we arrived a little late because we decided to stop at Chick-Fil-A to eat some dinner...didn't know when my next meal would be. Once we got there they hooked me to monitors and put the cervadil in place. I started having cx pretty quickly, about 6 minutes apart. BTW I was about a fingertip dialated to start with and barely thinned out. So the midwife (Mrs. T) said that is was going to be a long process for me. Later in the night I learned there was another woman there next to me who was going through the same thing, only arrived the day prior, wednesday. Nice to know I was not the only one in the same boat. They gave me something to help me sleep in hopes I could get some good rest. Right, I didn't sleep, not when you are all hooked up with iv's and monitors and the bp thing beeping every 15mins because of high bp! Nick did though, he snored all night long! The next morning a new doctor was on (Dr F), she came in and removed the cervadil and then started pitocin. Still no change in my cervix and she suggested that we try this balloon thing. Bascially, a foley cath shoved up in my cervix and filled with water to push my cervix to dialate to at least 4cms. Well, she was UNSUCCESSFUL with that. OUCH!! So, they just continued to up pitocin. I can tell you I was in PAIN. They hurt badly and I wasn't progressing. It was so disappointing. Also, because of the Pre E the damn bp cuff kept beeping off! In the afternoon the Anesthesiologist came in to talk to me about my epi and back issues and allergies. So, he said he would be back whenever I wanted, doesn't have to be at 3cm or anything. Just whenever I needed it. My doc came and checked me, still no change....but she did offer some stadol. So I had that and tried to rest, keeping my bp somewhat lowered. Around 6pm I learned that they would probably shut off the pitocin and let me sleep that night and restart in the AM. I freaked!!!! I did not plan to be in labor for days on end. I didn't know that was what they did. I disliked the doc suggesting that...by this point another midwife "tried" the balloon thing AGAIN and also stripped membranes, OUCH!!!!!! Hurt so bad I was in tears. So, I was pretty upset. Then the nightshift came on....the nurse was RUDE! Explained that htis is how it goes and "labor is going to be painful." Really no kidding lady! She also kept telling me about how my baby could be only 35 weeks and will be preemie. Um NO read my chart, due date has not changed once. Plus I was diagnosed for 2 complications!!! So annoying, well after bumping heads for a few hours, I ended up with a new nurse, looks like she got tired of me! The new nurse was great, she helped me to breathe through cx and relax some. Also, the midwfe decided that they would stop the pit and let me eat and get up and walk around. Thinking this would help my frame of mind. It DID!! I felt so much better and my blood sugars were a lot better. I enjoyed a yummy dinner of Chicken Nuggets and fries! Oh and I also had a regular soda! It really sucked being 30+ hours in bed, strapped because of fetal monitoring and IV stuff. So, it changed my mood. Again they gave me something for sleep and I tried to rest. Nope, no such luck! The next AM I was dreading, knowing there would be no change because I had no cx. Well boy Saturday was AWESOME! When the day shift midwife (Mrs N)came in to meet me she said, "we are having this baby today!" She checked me, nope no change, then she would do the balloon thing and start the pit again. Finally somebody was successful with that thing! She also said I could get my epi! It was either the epi to help with my bp or the magnesium for the high bp! Praise the Lord! YES! So at 8amish I got my epi. This sucked! The balloon caused so many CX and tons of pain! BUt it made me dialate quickly. At about noon my midwife came in to see if the balloon was ready to come out, meaning I would be at 4cm! Sure enough, I was at 4cm and they broke my water. By 2pm the nurse told me she thought I was complete, just a hunch of hers. She went and got the midwife so that she could check. I was having some pressure and a little uncomfortable. I honestly did not believe I was complete, only because I had been disappointed so many other times. I was about 9 and half cms dialated! WOOHOOO! So, I only had a little bit more time to wait to see my baby boy. Nick and I started getting very anxious; we couldn't believe this was going to happen soon! So the nurse and midwife left and said they would be back very soon, to call if I felt pressure. So, about 20mins or so go by and I started feeling different. I told Nick to go get the midwife and nurse....his response was of course, they will be back....and I then say, NO go get them! He went out and got them, the midwife started running for our room! Sure enough, I was ready to push!!! Once I started pushing it went very quickly. The midwife was awesome! I only pushed for about an hour! I did have some moments where I had to pause because of getting sick, but the anthes. came and got me some antinausua stuff to help battle that! Once Avan crowned and his head was out, the midwife asked if Nick wanted to deliver his shoulders and put him on my chest. A wonderful story to share between father and son for years to come! Nick was surprised and shocked (plus he is normaly squemish) He was the one to deliver our son onto my chest! So, within an hour of pushing, Avan Keith was born, at 3:17pm. He weighed in at 7lbs and 1oz and was 20inches long. They let him lay on me for about 5 mins or so and then took him to the warmer. Avan only gave out one scream, and then was quiet. He is a very good self soother, we are learning. Avan didn't cry, they tried to do things, even the vitamin K shot didn't make him upset. They checked and rechecked his lungs, they sounded awesome! He just didn't want to cry. So after a few bad days we were blessed with a wonderful delivery! It was a lot better then what I Had imagined the days prior.

Now that the delivery story is over, I would like to share with you are bumps in the road. Because I had the GD, Avan had to have 4 total blood sugars. The first right after birth, and then 3 ones right before he eats. He had to stay above 40. If any of them were under then he would be stuck more. He had to have 3 good ones in a row to be cleared. Well, his sugars were below 40. So, the first night was rough. I had to get his blood sugar once he was going to eat. Next I bfed him. Then a half hour after eating we checked his blood sugar again. If it was still low I had to supplement with self expressed colustrumn and then with formula(my worst nightmare). Luckily, the doc (Dr L) that was on nightshift, rocked!!! she knew how disappointed I had been about having to supplement. She had us fee him the formula through a syringe and also another device that was like a straw that he sucked on next to my finger at the same time. This way he didn't get used to any other way other then nursing. Of course once the formula was given it would be time to start the whole process over again!!!! I had to wake him every 2 hours to eat and it took just as long to get him fed. We were both exhasuted and he didn't want to eat, he wasn't hungry. Either way it was only the first night that happened. He finally had great blood sugars and only required the formula 3 times. So, glad that he didn't have to be put on an IV or anything. There had been discussion of this. So, now I can eat whatever I want and Avan can be exclusively breastfed!

Time for some pictures!



Ready to get this whole Induction process going!!



Finally relief from 2 days of laboring!



Feeling okay, just waiting for dialation and having this baby in my arms instead of tummy!



Oh my at 9 cms....any moment now I can start pushing!!!



The very first picture taken of Avan!



Giving him some O2 because he seemed to not be crying....because he is my calm boy!



Look at that face, has daddy's chin!



All Bundled up and ready to see mommy!



He weighed in at 7lbs and 1 oz...20 inches big!



Love at first sight!



Holding Avan some more! So in love with him!



I just wanted a good look at him!



Isn't he perfect!!!!



Okay Daddy needs a turn!



Family Picture!



Hands are always in his face!



One of my favorite pictures!



His crib card!



Getting Ready to go home! His first little outfit!



Time to go home and see your Nursery Avan!



Let's Go!