I got a new car!

Billy and I recently purchased a Chevy Equinox and I couldn't be more happy! It is fully loaded with a sunroof, leather, heated seats, 6 disc CD player and much more. I love it so much. :) We are now saving so Billy can get a new Cadillac, he wants one with hydraulics. It's so nice to have a big SUV, especially since now I come with a lot of baggage! Everytime I go out I have to bring the diaper bag, stroller, and all the other things that come with having a child. It's also much easier to get the car seat in and out of. Avery loves her new ride too! The first time I put her in the back seat she looked around and smiled! The windows are all tinted too, so the sun doesn't get in her eyes anymore- she HATED that! I will post some pictures of it as soon as I take some.

I have a huge decision coming up in the next couple of weeks- whether to go back to work or not. I really don't want to, staying home with Avery is amazing. At the same time, I really miss my job and I definitely miss that paycheck! After some recent events at my previous job I doubt that I will return, but I really need to decide soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2 Month Milestones

Just wanted to give an update on all the things Averyana has accomplished in only 2 months of life!

1.Her first smile was after I kissed her on the cheek, she looked up at me and smiled. Since then she smiles alllll the time!

2. She first slept through the night when she was only 4 weeks old!

3. She "talks" and coos to us all day long. She has gotten so loud and vocal. The pedi told us one of the first signs they are going to be really smart is how vocal they are. She's got it in the bag!

4. Recently she has started lifting her head up and holding it. It's amazing! They aren't supposed to sustain it like she does until 3 months!

5. She has fallen in love with her first toy- the Gloworm. It's a little worm looking guy that lights up and plays music. She could be crying and all you have to do is turn it on in front of her face and she starts smiling and "talking" to it.

Can you believe she has done all that in only 2 months? She's like a completely different baby from when we first brought her home. I guess the saying really is true- They grow up so fast! She is our pride and joy, and she brings so much light and happiness into our home. I just wish I could stop time and enjoy each new thing she does a little bit longer.

2 Month Doctor Appointment

So we had Avery's 2 month appointment yesterday. it went really well. Billy loves the doctor (I knew he would!) and she even told us that we ask smart questions. She remembered us too, bringing up things she had said at Avery's last appointment. This is really important to me. I want her pedi to have a relationship with her and truly know her.

She is now 11 lbs 14 oz and 23 3/4 inches. She is in the 90th percentile for height and 70th for weight- the doctor says she above average but very porportional. She also told us she was perfect! :)

Avery had to get 3 shots in her thighs. She took them like a champ. Her face turned bright red and she cried but she calmed down as soon as Billy put her on his shoulder. She is such a Daddy's girl. I gave her some tylenol when we got home and she slept the rest of the evening, only waking up to eat. I thought for sure she would wake up during the night because of her tough day, but she slept all the way through like always. I still am amazed at what an easy baby she is. We are so blessed and lucky.

I went on a job interview Tuesday and it went really well. It is for an event consultant over in River Oaks. I would be responsible for the complete coordination of anything from weddings to fundraisers. I still don't know if I am exactly what they are looking for though. I guess we will have to wait and see!

2 months old!!

Then- the day we brought her home from the hospital

Now!

I can't believe she is already 2 months old! Time really does fly when you are having fun. She has changed so much in 2 months. She smiles at us all the time now. She has also started cooing and "talking" to us. It's adorable. Her favorite toy is her glow worm. She will be fussing and all I have to do is turn it on and she starts smiling and cooing at it immediately. She has also started lifting her head up like she is trying to sit up. She gets frustrated because she can't do it, sometimes fussing in anger. Her neck control is so amazing, she can sit in her bumbo for up to 20 minutes before she gets tired of holding her head up.

We go to the pedi tomorrow for her 2 month appointment. She will get her first round of shots. I am not looking forward to this, but I am really happy Billy took off work so he will be with us. He finally gets to meet the new pedi too! I will update tomorrow after her doctor visit.

Tattoo

Billy started his sleeve he is getting for Averyana. So far he has just gotten her name. More pics to come as he completes it!

New pedi!

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!

Smiling at Daddy....

Billy got Avery smiling on video...so cute!

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.'

All smiles

I caught the end of a smile!

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.

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.

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.

Holidays and Family

Great Grandparents!

Her Grandma and Great Grandpa
Popsie and Avery

Avery and her Great Grandma (who is 92!)

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

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.