I LOVE my new pedi. I am so happy we switched. As most of you know, we had a lot of issues with the previous pediatric office. Our new pedi is named Dr. Jill Eddings and she is truly amazing. She is so knowledgeable and she made me feel comfortable right away. She spent a long time answering all my questions in length and I really like her views on every topic. Unfortunately, Billy had to work so he hasn't met her yet, but I know he will love her too.
Averyana is now 10 lbs 5.6 oz and 22 3/4 inches! She is in the 95th percentile for height and 90th percentile for weight. She is a growing girl! The doctor said she is perfect and in great health. I am not looking forward to her next appointment on Feb. 11 because she will be getting her first round of shots...poor thing, she has no idea what is coming. Hopefully, Billy will be able to go that day because I'm sure I will be crying with her.
I had my 6 week follow up today and I have already lost 20 pounds! I still am not happy with my post pregnant belly, but I am on my way....just got to stop eating all that pizza!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
So true...
I Believe... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe...That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe...That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I Believe...That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe...That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe...That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe...Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.'
I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe...That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe...That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I Believe...That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe...That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe...That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe...Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.'
All smiles
Billy sure looks happy here, huh? lol
Two days ago Averyana turned one month old! I can't believe it has already been a month. She is up to 9 lbs 12 oz...our little piggy loves to eat! She's even getting some fat rolls on her legs- and they are adorable! She smiled at me for the first time the other day, and it wasn't gas bubbles! I kissed her on the cheek and was talking to her in a special voice and she smiled. It was so awesome. Now, she is doing it all the time. It's truly amazing how much they change in such a short amount of time. She is beginning to notice so much more now. Before, she kind of just stared off into space. Now she is focusing on things. I was feeding her the other day and Robbie (my cat) jumped up on the couch next to us and her eyes followed him as he found himself a spot to lay down. It's the first time she has noticed one of the cats! I am trying to take as many pictures as I can because soon we won't be able to believe just how tiny she used to be!
I am deciding whether or not I will return to work and it is one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. Billy and I have both agreed that we do not want to put her in daycare when she is this little. No amount of money will be worth it. So since there is no one we trust enough to leave her with it looks like I will be staying home! I plan on trying to get something part time so I can bring in a little income, but we will have to see. I am deeply going to miss my job and the cool things I was involved in. I know I will go back to work, as soon as we are comfortable leaving her at daycare. I have worked since I was 15, so this is going to be a major adjustment for me! But now I have the best job in the world- taking care of my lovely little girl.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
How time flies...
Averyana is 4 weeks old today! I swear it seems like just yesterday I was pregnant and wondering if she was ever going to come out. The saying is defintely true, time flies when you are having fun! I think my first month as a mommy have been very fulfilling and I couldn't be happier. Here are a couple things that I have learned and observed about caring for a newborn over this first month.
1. All those books I read and subjects I researched on the internet does little to truly get you prepared for what is to come. Yes, it's nice to feel like you are educated, but I think most of it comes naturally.
2. Averyana likes to trick us by pretending to go to sleep. Billy or I will be holding her and she appears to fall directly into the land of dreams but the second you put her in her crib those eyes snap wide open and she stares right at you. I swear if she could talk she would say, "Gotcha!" It's hialrious. We have learned to do what we call the arm test. When she seems to be asleep you raise her arm and let it drop. If she pulls it back in, or has any reaction at all, she is not asleep and the minute you put her down she will let you know this. If the arm drops and she doesn't even flinch, she is in deep sleep and you can proceed to put her in her crib.
3. Her sneezes, farts, burps and other noises she makes are truly the cutest thing I have ever heard. She can fart louder and longer than her daddy but it always makes us smile. As the weeks progressed she continues to make new noises all the time. Recently she has started what we call her monster noises. The only way to describe them is they kind of sound like she is clearing her throat. She makes these noises ALL the time. Even when she is sleeping. The other night Billy was burping her and she raised her arms up and was making the monster noises, it looked like she was trying to scare me!
4. Lets talk about changing diapers. The first night in the hospital she had already pooped and peed on Billy. She has continued this up until now. The incident that sticks out in my mind is in the car on the way back from Oklahoma. I was in the back seat changing her poopey diaper, I had just taken off the dirt diaper when she decided she was not done. Out comes the poop and on instinct (and not wanting to ruin her outfit!) I caught the poop in my hand. Yep. Gross to most, but since she is my baby it wasn't that bad. Sure it was warm and gooey, but I just wiped it off and continued on! It's crazy how when you smell someone else's kid's dirt diaper it's all you can do not to vomit, but with your own kid it doesn't phase you at all, maybe it's because she is too darn cute!
5. Having a baby means you're no longer thinking of yourself anymore. You can wake up at 8am and not remeber to brush your teeth or take a shower until lunchtime! I'll be going about my day and when I finally look in the mirror I'll realize I am still wearing my pjs and I look like hell. When I have some free time for myself it often means deciding what I need the most- a nap, shower, or just time to sit and chill. I have realized it is very important to make time for yourself or you will go crazy. I am lucky in that I have Billy who helps temendously so I am able to read and soak in a bath or go get my nails done.
5. Having a baby means you're no longer thinking of yourself anymore. You can wake up at 8am and not remeber to brush your teeth or take a shower until lunchtime! I'll be going about my day and when I finally look in the mirror I'll realize I am still wearing my pjs and I look like hell. When I have some free time for myself it often means deciding what I need the most- a nap, shower, or just time to sit and chill. I have realized it is very important to make time for yourself or you will go crazy. I am lucky in that I have Billy who helps temendously so I am able to read and soak in a bath or go get my nails done.
6. 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is a distant yet sacred memory. Averyana is an amazingly good baby and we are very lucky. She still wakes up every 3-4 hours to be fed. I am also very lucky that I have someone to get up with me and to take turns with. Every time she cries though, whether it's my turn or not, you are awake and ready for action. I would say you get used to it, and you do somewhat, but every couple hours when you wake up it is really hard. Until you get her bottle, hold her in your arms and look into her eyes. Your heart fills up with the love you have for her and you don't mind that it's 4am and you will probably be up with her at least 45 min. to an hour before she will go to sleep again.
So far, being a parent has it's frustrating moments but there is nothing in the world that compares. I would not trade it for anything. I feel like my life finally makes sense.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
2008- Year in Review
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Had a baby!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year. I'm working on some for this year...
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Some of my internet Bumpies.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Mrs. Biven Jones...RIP! You will be missed.
5. What countries did you visit?
Just the USA...
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
less stress and more money!
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 10, 2008- my precious Avery was born
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I would say giving birth!
9. What was your biggest failure?
breastfeeding. :( Still very upset about this.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
morning sickness, migraines
11. What was the best thing you bought?
all the awesome baby stuff
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Billy- he has been the greatest father I have ever seen. I don't think I could have done any of this without him.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one. Everyone in my life is amazing.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, baby and food.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Finding out the sex of the baby, Having the baby, Moving into our new dream house with a pool and Obama winning the election. It was a good year!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
ummm don't know
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier.
b) thinner or fatter? fatter- I just had a baby!
c) richer or poorer? in the money sense- poorer, but I am richer in the way the really matters
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
slept more while I could. kept in better touch with friends.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
worry. argue.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
with my family and my newborn love.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes, on Dec. 10 when I first laid eyes on my little one.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Greys Anatomy, Real Housewives, reality shows
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
nope. I don't hate anyone, why waste the time?
24. What was the best book you read?
Twilight series
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
30 Seconds to Mars...but I already knew that.
26. What did you want and get?
a baby!
27. What did you want and not get?
a new car. a new ring.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 22 on March 5. Didn't do much because I don't remember...
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
a great vacation or visiting another country.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Maternity clothes.
32. What kept you sane?
My family and Billy
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Obama and Britney Spears for finally getting her act together
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Sarah Palin, she pissed me the hell off.
35. Who did you miss?
my best friend who I never see anymore.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Rebecca...I love her.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
That you don't need money or material things to make you happy.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Well I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I close my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face
With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
Had a baby!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year. I'm working on some for this year...
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Some of my internet Bumpies.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Mrs. Biven Jones...RIP! You will be missed.
5. What countries did you visit?
Just the USA...
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
less stress and more money!
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 10, 2008- my precious Avery was born
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I would say giving birth!
9. What was your biggest failure?
breastfeeding. :( Still very upset about this.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
morning sickness, migraines
11. What was the best thing you bought?
all the awesome baby stuff
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Billy- he has been the greatest father I have ever seen. I don't think I could have done any of this without him.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one. Everyone in my life is amazing.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, baby and food.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Finding out the sex of the baby, Having the baby, Moving into our new dream house with a pool and Obama winning the election. It was a good year!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
ummm don't know
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier.
b) thinner or fatter? fatter- I just had a baby!
c) richer or poorer? in the money sense- poorer, but I am richer in the way the really matters
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
slept more while I could. kept in better touch with friends.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
worry. argue.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
with my family and my newborn love.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes, on Dec. 10 when I first laid eyes on my little one.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Greys Anatomy, Real Housewives, reality shows
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
nope. I don't hate anyone, why waste the time?
24. What was the best book you read?
Twilight series
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
30 Seconds to Mars...but I already knew that.
26. What did you want and get?
a baby!
27. What did you want and not get?
a new car. a new ring.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 22 on March 5. Didn't do much because I don't remember...
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
a great vacation or visiting another country.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Maternity clothes.
32. What kept you sane?
My family and Billy
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Obama and Britney Spears for finally getting her act together
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Sarah Palin, she pissed me the hell off.
35. Who did you miss?
my best friend who I never see anymore.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Rebecca...I love her.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
That you don't need money or material things to make you happy.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Well I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I close my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face
With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
Bath time!
The first bath we gave Averyana she screamed- she had no idea what was going on! Since then we have given her a couple more and she has grown to love them. It is so cute. She sits in her little bath tub and swings her legs in the water and just has the cutest look on her face. The only time she cries is when we take her out! Most of the time we have to give her a bath because she poos or pees while we are changing her diaper and it gets all over her. She especially likes to poo on Billy. It's hilarious! We gave her a bath as soon as we got home from the hospital yesterday and she was in heaven. Above are some pictures from her many baths.
In another note, I am working on being more domesticated. If you know me, you know I do not cook or clean. It is not fair for Billy to work and keep up the house so it is time I suck it up and learn to do it. It is difficult with an infant, but she is such a good baby I am sure I will find time. I have begun researching recipes so I know what to buy when we go grocery shopping. The hardest part is planning out meals and then making sure you have all the ingredients. I am sure it just takes practice and with time I will get better at it. I am lucky though to have my amazing Billy who does so much. I know he will continue to help me and not expect me to take on everything just because I am now a stay at home mom.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Home never looked so grand!
We are home, and so happy to be here! My pedi came this morning really early and discharged us so we were home by about 10:30am. We have to put drops in her eyes and nose...she does not like the nose drops at all! We have a follow up appointment with the doctor on Tuesday so I will keep everyone updated! Now off to go get some much needed sleep....
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Years in the hospital
Happy New Years!
Unfortunately, we have been in the hospital since 12:30pm New Years Eve. Since birth Averyana has had eye gunk in her right eye. It was never really bad, we only had to clean it about twice a day. Well, Tuesday night I noticed the gunk was turning green and there was a lot more of it. Then, Wednesday morning she woke up and her eye was completely crusted shut. We called the pedi and they told us to come in right away. We did and they said it is an infection and since she is only 3 weeks we needed to admit her into the hospital. We went right over to Memorial Hermann Memorial City (which is awesome by the way! the nurses have been great, such a difference from where I had her at SW). They put us in a room and immediatly took her to take cultures of her blood, urine and eye gunk. When they brought her back to us she had two IVs in her foot. Anyone that knows Avery knows she's a kicker. So she kept kicking her foot with the IV in it. We finally wrapped a diaper over her "good" foot so it is padded if she kicks her other foot. Our calm, mellow easy going girl has become very fussy and upset. Poor thing. For the first time, she has been crying from pain and not just because she is hungry. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to watch- my poor little girl in pain. It is now New Years Day and her eye is doing much better. They have her on two antibiotics. We are just waiting on the final results from the cultures, but the nurses are opimistic that we will be able to go home tomorrow.
Unfortunately, we have been in the hospital since 12:30pm New Years Eve. Since birth Averyana has had eye gunk in her right eye. It was never really bad, we only had to clean it about twice a day. Well, Tuesday night I noticed the gunk was turning green and there was a lot more of it. Then, Wednesday morning she woke up and her eye was completely crusted shut. We called the pedi and they told us to come in right away. We did and they said it is an infection and since she is only 3 weeks we needed to admit her into the hospital. We went right over to Memorial Hermann Memorial City (which is awesome by the way! the nurses have been great, such a difference from where I had her at SW). They put us in a room and immediatly took her to take cultures of her blood, urine and eye gunk. When they brought her back to us she had two IVs in her foot. Anyone that knows Avery knows she's a kicker. So she kept kicking her foot with the IV in it. We finally wrapped a diaper over her "good" foot so it is padded if she kicks her other foot. Our calm, mellow easy going girl has become very fussy and upset. Poor thing. For the first time, she has been crying from pain and not just because she is hungry. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to watch- my poor little girl in pain. It is now New Years Day and her eye is doing much better. They have her on two antibiotics. We are just waiting on the final results from the cultures, but the nurses are opimistic that we will be able to go home tomorrow.
First Christmas
Averyana was only 2 weeks and 1 day old on her first Christmas! Christmas Eve we went to my Dad and Kathy's new house and had a great time with family and friends. It was so great seeing Uncle Mark- it had been awhile! It was also nice to get to hang out with Lindsey, it too had been awhile. Christmas Day Billy, Avery and me stayed in bed until about 12:30pm, cuddling and just enjoying being together. Then we went over to the Wilchester house to see my Dad's side of the family. We had a great Christmas dinner- turkey, ham and all! Averyana got to meet her Great Grandma Nana and Great Grandpa Dave! We took some pictures of Nana holding her. Nana is 92 years old and we don't know how much longer she can hold on so I am so happy that we were able to spend Averyana's first Christmas with her. It was such a great Christmas, and because of Averyana we got the greatest gift of all! The day after Christmas, Niles, Mom, Averyana and me all headed out to Oklahoma City. She was so good during the 8 hour drive! She only cried when she was hungry and that was quickly taken care of. We finally got there and she got to meet her Great Grandpa Popsie and her great aunt Shelly and Uncle Don and second cousin Natalie. It was such a great visit- we got to see Neely, Aubree, Lisa, Jim and Phoebe too! I will post pictures of her and her Great Grandparents soon. On the drive back we were all so tired we forgot to tell Niles what highway to exit and ended up going the wrong way. For nearly two hours. Yep, we almost got to Arkansas before we realized it! When we finally got home, we were ready to be out of that car!
The nursery!
Home from the hospital...
Waiting to be released from the hospital

Her first ride in the car!
Her first time in her crib!
We came home from the hospital Friday, December 12, 2008 around 2:00pm. I was nervous leaving the hospital and all the helpful nurses, but we were confident that we would be okay. Averyana is such a calm and mellow baby. She only cries when something is wrong. I am so looking forward to watching her grow up! We did have some issues during our hospital stay but everything turned out fine. I was a little upset about how little informed we were about our baby's so called problems. We were told she had a mild case of jaundice and the next thing we knew the nurse was talking about blood transfusions! We were freaked out, but for nothing, because in the end they never even put her under the lights. Then we were told that her white blood cell count was not right. Well, they still haven't really explained what they meant by that. I kept asking about it and they finally told me everything was fine. Whatever. I am just happy she is perfectly okay and home!
Welcome to the world Averyana!
Averyana Colleen Hanson
December 10, 2008
2:00pm
7 lbs 4 oz
20 1/2 inches
I love this picture, us looking at each other for the very first time

I went into the hospital Tuesday, December 9, 2008 to be induced. I was 1 week and 4 days past my due date! That night they started me on cervidil (sp?) which is supposed to soften my cervix and has even made some women go into labor. It didn't do much for me. They started me on pitocin the following morning at 6:30am. I wasn't in much pain until about 8:30am when the contractions started. By the time my doctor arrived at 9:30am I was in tremendous pain. There is no words to describe just how bad contractions hurt. Mine were coming every two minutes! My doctor broke my water and gave the okay for me to get an epidural. The anesthesiologist came in to give me the epi, he had Billy hold my head down so my back was arched and he stuck the needle in- with no warning! I jumped with pain and surprise and he had the nerve to say, "You can't do that!" Well, then warn me next time. Once the epi was in my bloodstream I was in heaven. I could no longer feel any pain, or the bottom half of my body! I was finally able to go to sleep and get some rest. Around 11:30am the nurse came in to see if I had any progress. I did- finally I was starting to dialate, and I was already 5-6 cm! I looked around for Billy and my mom to tell them the good news. Billy was sleeping and my mom I heard was down in the gift shop. I woke Billy up and told him to call my mom. He did and by the time she got back to my room I was already 7-8. Wow, was this supposed to happen so fast?! The nurse left to go call my doctor. When she returned she checked me again and lo and behold I was ready to go- 10 cm!! I couldn't believe I was about to meet my little girl. My nurse started getting everything ready to push and then began to explain to me how to do it. She then had me do a practice push. I did and she quickly told me to stop- my baby was already crowning! Boy, was she ready to come out. Each time I had a contraction there would be extreme pressure to push. I was literally trying to hold her in until my doctor arrived. Billy and my mom were busy setting up the camera and you could feel their exictement. After about 30 minutes my doctor finally walked in, threw on her scrubs and we were ready to have a baby. I pushed through about 4-5 contractions (a total of about 10 pushes) and out she came! As soon as my doctor cleared her throat, I heard my little one cry for the first time. It was truly the best sound I ever heard. They cleaned her up and I finally got to hold my precious angel for the first time. I was and still am so in love. Here are some pictures of the greatest day of my life. I had a pretty difficult pregnancy, but I was truly blessed with the delivery. I could not have asked for it to go any smoother or easily.
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