Long update

It's been awhile since I last posted so this might be long. Ava is about 2 1/2 months old now, and is growing everyday. Amy and I are finding raising a child is extrememely rewarding, but has also brought challenges that frustrate us on and off. It's improved recently, but Ava can put on these crying spells which seem to never end and feel like she's using a bullhorn directly into your ear. It's interesting how much you welcome a crying baby upon delivery (hey, she's breathing), but after a few weeks your supply of patience runs out. Amy can handle the crying better than me, but I've seen even Amy has her breaking points.

Amy had the idea of developing a daily routine for Ava, which has helped our entire family. In the evenings, I'm in charge of getting Ava's diaper changed and putting her into pajamas. Ava's legs can kick like David Beckham, so it can be quite the task getting those little legs into the slot. We've moved Ava into her bedroom now, and she seems to be content in her crib listening to lullabies as she falls asleep.

Ava is starting to smile on a daily basis, which is so amazing to watch. Sometimes a smile is all Amy and I need to keep going when the days get long. We are only a week away from Christmas, and Amy and I are getting ready for Ava's first Christmas. We are excited to make the rounds with her to see all of the family.

I'm growing!

Ava is about 7 weeks old now, and is weighing 9.5 pounds. We are regularly bringing her with us on errands, even if it does take forever to get ready with all the baby gear! Lucy is starting to show signs that she is accepting Ava in the family. If she sees Ava and wants to say hello, a little kiss (lick) is becoming more common. I really enjoy when Ava is having a screaming fit and then picking her up only to have her quiet down. Amy is clearly a natural mother and seems to have great instincts on how to deal with Ava. Just yesterday, Ava's pacifier fell on the driveway which we picked up just as we started to drive away. Ava started to scream, and Amy put the pacifier in her mouth to clean it off and then gave it to Ava. Now that's love!

Ava for President?

We made it through the big election this week! Ava was an undecided right up until the end. We spent election night at Uncle Bobby's where Ava received lots of love from the Speeter side of the family. Each week, Ava spends more time with her eyes open (which are starting to look blue). She will smile periodically, but we're not sure what actually brings on a smile. We continue to receive cute outfits from friends and family so Ava is a regularly modeling all her wardrobe.

I had a little bit of a breakdown this week with Ava's screaming. After a long day at work, I came home a little stressed and not with the highest level of patience for Ava. It turns out when someone is yelling at a bullhorn size decibel levels into your ear, it can breakdown even the strongest of men.

Ava does share a common personality trait with her Dad though, she hates waking up! When Ava wakes up, I swear little red horns come out of her forehead for about 15 mintues while she goes through the wakening process. Until next week, I will meditate on peace and serinity while I'm at the doctors office getting my ear drum repaired :)

Ava had her first Halloween yesterday! Amy put her in a cute Halloween outfit, but we didn't go too crazy. We had the one month checkup with the doctor this week, and he said Ava is in great shape except she still has a little jaundice. Apparently, it is breast milk induced. Ava really enjoys screaming her head off during almost every diaper change. My ears were actually ringing a little it was so loud! I'm wondering if I should buy those noise cancellation headphones that people wear on airplanes. Would that work? Ava is beginning to show signs of the occasional smile, even if it only comes from gas being expelled from her lower half.

Amy is doing great with watching Ava during the day. Amy and Ava go on shopping trips to hang out with friends often, and to just get out of the house. We are dropping Ava off tonight at LuAnne's (aka Lannie), while Amy and I go out by ourselves to dinner. I know Amy is apprehensive about being away from Ava, so this is a huge "baby" step.

I'll let you know how it goes!

Welcome to the world, Ava!

First Blog Post for Baby Ava

Ava is almost 4 weeks old and has managed to get even cuter! She is, for the most part a good sleeper and keeps Amy up only for feedings. Ava is almost on a routine with eating, awake time, and sleepy time. In between those moments, she's a gastric delight with all the interesting noises that come from her bottom half. She could easily star in the trumpet section of any orchestra.

Rob is changing diapers and actively participating in all his fatherly duties.



We received Rob's baby pictures the other day and determined that Ava has his puppy dog eyes but aside from that, she has Amy's round cheeks, nose, and mouth. Ava's hair remains brown, but her eye brows and eye lashes are very light. Who knows if she will be blonde like her Mommy?



Rob has already started Ava's 529 plan to begin saving for college. With all the higher education that her extended family has, we're expecting big things from Ava! It's probably a given she will become an attorney, so we'll begin reading to her "baby business law" as a bedtime story.



That's all for now! ---Rob and Amy