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!