2 Weeks and Growing!

Avery had her 2 week appointment this week with her doctor, and we were extremely happy to see that she is growing! She weighed 6lbs 6oz and was nearly 20 inches long! The doctor was very happy with her progress, and thought that she was doing great. We return in 2 weeks for her 1 month check-up. We can definitely tell that she is getting bigger. She is still wearing preemie clothes, but not for long! She continues to be a little angel, but is starting to be more alert and interactive as well. I am continuing to feel good... just a little sore at times. I have to keep reminding myself that I have had major surgery, and need to take it slow. This week, Avery and I ventured out to the grocery store. We have also went on a couple of walks in the neighborhood. She likes riding in her stroller and getting some fresh air. Today, we decided to take her to church, and she did really good. I think she enjoyed all the loud music. We have also tried out a few of her toys, like her swing and her floor mat. Ted and I are really enjoying our little girl, and look forward to all the memories we will create together!

1st trip to church at 2 1/2 weeks

1st time in her swing

(hmm.. I don't think she knows whether or not she likes it yet)
Playing on her floor mat

Newborn Pictures

Kathy came over last Friday and took some amazing pictures of Avery. We were hoping to get some sleepy pictures too, but Avery just wanted to be wide awake. She was so good, and was just looking around checking everything out. These are some of the black and white photos that Kathy took... I think they turned out great! Thanks again, Kathy!

Our 1st week at Home

We have really enjoyed our 1st week at home with Avery. Ted has been home all week, and we are adjusting really well to life with a baby. We have had lots of visitors and plenty of good food, so it has been really nice. Ted will return to work tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes. I am feeling really good... a little tired and a little sore, but nothing too bad. Nursing is going great, Avery is a good eater, so hopefully she will continue to grow! It appears that our bilirubin and temperature issues have resolved, so that's good. She will go for her 2 week newborn check-up on Friday morning, so we'll see how she has progressed. I'm hoping that she will be well over 6 pounds by then. She is still wearing preemie clothes, but hopefully we'll be moving to newborn soon. It's funny how I almost didn't even by newborn clothes, and now we've needed both preemie and newborn stuff! I never imagined having such a little baby... But she's doing great, so I couldn't ask for anything more. She is such a good baby, we are truely blessed. Here are a few new pictures from this week. Enjoy!

The girls

One of Avery's trips to Newborn Follow-up

Daddy loves changing my diaper and swaddling me!

Sweet baby girl

Avery at 1 1/2 weeks

A visit from Nana Smith

Ted and his Dad finally had their celebration cigars and beers!

Our Bundle of Joy is Here!

Last week we were suprised with the early arrival of our daughter, Avery Renee. We were blessed with her entrance into our lives on August 12, 2009 at 7:29pm... 29 days earlier than expected. She weighed 5lbs, 14oz and measured 17.5 inches long, and arrived by C-section. It was an amazing, but scary day for us. It actually all started the night before when I got home from work. I noticed that Avery wasn't moving as much as usual, so I called labor & delivery, and they encouraged me to eat something sweet and keep trying to get our kick-counts. I did so, but after almost 2 hours, we still couldn't feel her moving as much. So, we ended up going into the hospital to get checked out. After being monitored for 5 hours, and having 2 ultrasounds, and bloodwork done, they were still not completely sure what was going on. I was having some mild contractions, and Avery was having some dips in her heart rate. Finally, they decided that it was safe to send me home, so we went home at 4am thinking that everything would be fine. I had an OB appointment at 10am, and my nurse practitioner was still worried about the situation, so she sent me for a non-stress test at 2:30pm. After being monitored for about an hour or so, and seeing more dips in the baby's heart rate, 2 doctors from labor and delivery rushed over with a wheelchair saying that we were probably going to have a baby. They initially thought that maybe they could induce me, but after talking it over my doctor, she decided to do a C-section. It all happened very fast. My parents and family arrived just in time with cameras. I was so thankful that Kathy was able to capture so many great pictures for us. Ted's parents ended up driving from Houston, and arrived around midnight to meet Avery. Thankfully, Avery was delivered without any complications. It turns out that the cord was wrapped around her leg, which was probably causing the dips in her heart rate. It was a good thing that we noticed that something wasn't right. She was early and a little small, but completely healthy. We spent 3 nights in the hospital, and came home early on Saturday. She has had a few issues with her temperature and bilirubin level this week, so we've had to bundle her up really well and also do some sunbathing in the window a few times a day. She is nursing without any problems, and I am really enjoying it so far. We got good news this morning at newborn follow-up. Her bilirubin level was low enough that we don't have to go back anymore. She also continues to gain weight and maintain her temperature. So, we couldn't ask for anything more. She is a precious little angel, and we are enjoying every second of parenthood. Ted has been at home with me all week, and has been a great help. He is loving his little girl, and so am I! The dogs are also adjusting really well. We are just one little happy family now, and couldn't imagine life without Avery. Here are a few pictures... I'll continue to keep you updated!

Our little girl

Cute little feet

Our 1st family photo

Leaving the hospital

Sleeping in the bouncer

Our precious little angel

We love all that beautiful dark hair!

1st sponge bath at home

Daddy's little girl

35 Weeks and Counting!

This week marked 35 weeks, and boy are we ready! The nursery is finished, the clothes are washed, our childbirthing classes are over, and I'm thinking about packing our bag soon.... now, all we need is Avery! My next Dr's appointment is tomorrow, then I start going weekly. We're definitely counting down the days when we get to meet our little girl. She remains active, and is definitely growing and making me more uncomfortable, but it is all worth it. She will be here before we know it. I have posted some updated pictures of the nursery, so enjoy!