Ava Elaine

Day at the Beach

2009-06-01T14:18:00.003-05:00

Ava and I went to the beach Saturday with some friends for "Girls Day Out". Ava's best friend Katana was with us. Everyone had a great time, especially the little girls. They had a blast playing in the sand. Neither one cared for the water though.

Such a big girl

2009-05-05T10:06:00.002-05:00

I believe we are very close to the point of being able to start potty training. For the past couple of weeks, Ava has been telling us as soon as she poopoo's. Last night, she walked up to the edge of the couch looked at me and said "Mama I poopoo". Then she proceeded to squat and do her business. Once finished, she looked at me again, and said "Mama poopoo" and she ran to her room, and waited for me to come change her diaper.

My little Red Sox Fan

2009-04-30T09:44:00.003-05:00

I'm training her early!...

Easter, Toenails, and Counting

2009-04-16T09:49:00.006-05:00

Happy Belated Easter everyone! We had a very exciting Easter weekend. Saturday we went to Granny P & Papa Mike's. We played, ate, and hunted Easter eggs. It was the first time we had the entire family together since Christmas so it was a great time! Sunday, we went to church with Granny P then we came back to Papa & Nana Smith's house for a great lunch followed by playing in the yard. Ava had a blast their too (she didn't want to leave).

I painted Ava's toenails for the first time. I think it is so adorable! She saw me painting mine in the bathroom, so she sat down beside me and stretched out her legs. I struggled a little to keep her hands off until they dried, but she did very well I think.

Ava is learning what "cheese" means. I've been working on it with her, and now almost everytime I say "cheese", she gives me a big ol' cheesy grin. It is adorable!

Now for the biggest news. Ava can now count to FIVE! We aren't really sure where she learned this as we hadn't started working on counting with her yet, and neither have her teachers at "school". The only thing we can figure is between her cartoons and being around cousin Hunter counting, she picked up on it. Our girl is very intelligent! We are so proud of her.

Spring Break

2009-04-07T16:26:00.004-05:00

Ava is on Spring Break this week. Yes you read that correctly, my 16 month old is on Spring Break. Weird, right? Ava's daycare runs the same schedule as the public school here, so she gets all of the school holidays off. Yesterday, she spent the day with Granny P and Papa Mike. As you can see from the pictures, she had a wonderful day! She is spending today, tomorrow, and Thursday with Daddy, Nana, and Papa Smith. Friday she will be back with Granny P. She will be so spoiled by the end of this week. [As if she isn't enough, already!]

Playtime with Hunter & Maya

2009-03-31T09:57:00.004-05:00

We visited Papa Mike & Granny P's house over the weekend. But it wasn't just our normal visit with the Grand's. We also got to see Nana, Hunter, Uncle Michael, and Maya. Uncle Brad was in town too, but we didn't get to see him. In Hunter's words, he was "Gobble Gobble Boom", (a.k.a Turkey Hunting). Ava, Hunter, and Maya had so much fun together. It had been too long since we had seen any of them!

Ava's 1st Beach Trip

2009-03-22T17:05:00.003-05:00

We took Ava to the beach for her first time this weekend, and it was a blast! She absolutely loved it. She had so much fun running on the beach and digging in the sand. She came in covered from head to toe with sand both days. We also took her to the arcade. She wasn't really big enough to play any of the games, but Mama and Daddy played a few and got her a prize. She had fun running around the arcade and being the ticket holder. All in all, it was a very fun and successful first trip!

1st Haircut

2009-03-09T10:52:00.003-05:00

Well, we finally broke down and got Ava's haircut. She did as well as could be expected for her age. She was a little squirmy, naturally, but once Connie handed her the spray bottle and clips to play with she was fine. She looks like a different little girl now, so grown up.

Ava and I also went to a wedding this weekend. Melissa, a friend of mine from high school, got married Saturday. It was such a sweet ceremony, and Melissa was absolutely gorgeous.

Just Pictures

2009-03-06T14:00:00.002-06:00

Looks who's talking now

2009-02-18T11:23:00.003-06:00

Ava has been saying a few words for awhile now (Mama, Dada, Ball, Papa, Nana etc..). Lately though, She has really started picking up on several more. In the past few days, she has added to her vocabulary: bracelet, Hunter, Maya, Reese, and a few others I'm probably leaving out. I've been working with her on names alot. Some she will say easily, but other she just looks at me and won't even try (She won't attempt your family yet, Alisa.. I'm trying though!)

I also think we are cutting another tooth. She came home from daycare with a temp of 101 Monday. She didn't really have any other symptoms though. We gave her some tylenol and as soon as the fever started coming down she was running around without a care in the world. She has been chewing and drooling a lot more the past few days, and she won't let me get near her mouth. She keeps sticking her finger toward the back of her mouth, so I'm wondering if we are cutting one of those dreaded back teeth? ... I've heard they are rough!

Balls and Big News

2009-02-04T19:06:00.003-06:00

First of all, BIG NEWS! We said goodbye to the pacifier this past weekend. Ava has been such a big girl about it. She has gone straight to sleep every night since I took it. No whining, no crying, nothing!!! I was so surprised and relieved. I had been so worried about taking it, because everyone knows how hooked she was. I feel like my baby is officially not a baby anymore!

That was the big news, now for the balls... When we went to Katana's birthday party a couple of weeks ago, there was a small inflatable ball pit there. Ava loved it. So Todd and I decided this past weekend to get her one. It is a Dora castle, with a spiral in the middle that the balls roll down. Ava has been having a blast with it. I have a couple of videos, but blogger hasn't let me upload them so far, so here are a few pictures instead. I will try the video again later.

Silly Girl

2009-01-27T12:27:00.004-06:00

Not a whole lot going on lately. We did go to a birthday party this past Saturday. It was for Ava's best friend, Katana. She turned 1! The girls had a blast together. They played in the ball pit, and just sat on the floor "talking" to each other. It was so fun to watch!

Ava's new thing is climbing. She is so into that now. Her favorite thing to climb on at home is her toy box. She climbs up, dances around, then scoots off ... then does it all over again. Here are a few pictures of that.

This last one is from last night. This picture was not posed. Ava came and laid down on me like this during Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She did not move from that position for about 10-15 minutes. (No complaints here!)

Very Late Christmas Post

2009-01-07T09:47:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the delay in posting about Christmas. We had such a busy holiday month, that there was just no time for anything else.

We had a fantastic Christmas. We spent time with all of our family, ate tons of great food, and got way too many gifts. Ava was so much fun. The look on her face when she would see a new toy made me so happy.

As much fun as we had, I am glad to see the holidays go. Now things are getting back to normal, and we actually have some down time on the weekends just to relax and play.

Here are just a few of the many pictures taken during the Christmas Festivities.

Hunter's 2 yr. Birthday Party

2008-12-21T16:58:00.003-06:00

We went to Mobile yesterday for Hunter's Birthday party. He will be 2 years old on Dec. 26th. I can't believe how fast he is growing! He is such a big boy now. The party was a blast. Ava had so much fun playing, and Hunter got lots of great gifts!

Birthday Party, bye-bye ba-ba & Shots

2008-12-17T13:51:00.005-06:00

This past Saturday, Dec 13th, was a big day for us in a couple of ways. First of all was, obviously, Ava's first birthday party. It was a "smashing success". We had a great crowd of family & friends, and Ava received tons of goodies! She had such a good time playing with everyone and everything. Here are just a few of the many pictures taken.

The next milestone that took place Saturday, was saying "bye-bye" to the "ba-ba". We officially cut out the bottle Saturday! We had been down to just one bottle at bedtime for a week or more, but Saturday night we ended that. When bedtime rolled around, I just went and laid Ava in her bed, turned on her lullaby, and walked out. She did not make a peep! She went straight to sleep without one word, fuss, whine, or cry. It has now been 4 nights of no ba-ba, and she still has not made one fuss when I put her down for bed!!!

Yesterday, we went for 12 month shots. We had to have 5 shots this time. 2 in each thigh, and one in the right arm. It went as well as could be expected. Ava screamed from the time we laid her down, until we were done and I picked her up. I hate having to hold my child down while she is screaming in pain. That is the most horrible thing I have had to do in the past year. This was our fourth round of shots, and it just gets harder and harder for Ava & Mama each and every time!

We are off to Hunter's 2 yr. birthday party this weekend. It should be fun!! Will post on that next week.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!!!!!

2008-12-10T10:46:00.004-06:00

Ava, 1 year ago today:

Ava, now:

Today is Ava's first birthday. I was looking back at the pictures taken in the hospital the day she was born, and I just cannot believe that it has been a whole year. She has conquered so many milestones in this first year... rolling over, crawling, pulling up, walking, talking (somewhat)...

And now she is saying her own name!!! She just started this in the past couple of days, but today she has really taken off with it. The daycare called me this morning and said everything she looks at, she says "Ava". I am so proud of her. She is such a beautiful and intelligent little girl. We can't wait to celebrate many many more birthday's with her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA! WE LOVE YOU!

The beginning of a very eventful month

2008-12-08T11:01:00.005-06:00

Between birthday's and Christmas, we have a very eventful month ahead of us. It was kicked off Saturday with christmas in Barrytown. This was with my dad's side of the family. We don't get to see everyone very often, so it was nice to catch up with everyone. We had a great time!

The great-grandchildren opened gifts. Surprise surprise, all Ava wanted to play with were the empty boxes and paper from everyone else's gifts.

Ava latched on to Daddy's pants the other morning, and would not let go. She followed him around everywhere! It was so adorable.

Ava has gotten so into her cartoons. She will talk to them, scream at them, and dance along with the music. It is so adorable!

Get ready for many pictures over the next month. Ava's first birthday party is next weekend, followed by our nephew Hunter's 2nd birthday the weekend after that, then a packed full Christmas week. If I make it to New Year's with my sanity in tact, I will be amazed! Merry Christmas everyone!

Belated Halloween, Thanksgiving, Ava's new "toy", and start of the Christmas Season...

2008-11-30T19:34:00.008-06:00

Wow, what a busy time of year!

I have finally uploaded the pictures from Halloween. About time, huh? Most of you know, Ava was sick on Halloween, so she looks very pitiful in most of the pictures.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at my grandmother's house, with the Toomey's. We got to see several cousins that we haven't seen in many months. Ava had a blast. My camera died early in the day (after the group shots), so I didn't get many shots of her playing, but I assure you she did ALOT of it!

I really don't know why we even buy Ava toys. She has played with the box shown below, for 2 days straight. It is pretty much the only toy she has touched since I gave it to her. She will push it around our entire home. She will even pick it up and carry it around everywhere with her. It is really pretty funny.

I put up our Christmas tree today. I just knew we would be telling Ava "no no" every 30 seconds for the next month because of it. However, to my surprise... 6 hours after putting it up, she has not even attempted to touch it. She just points at it and gives her "Ooooh" face. I am so proud of her! *Knock on wood*

Happy 11 Months Ava!

2008-11-10T07:59:00.001-06:00

Ava is 11 months old today. My how the time has flown. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital.. and now in exactly a month she will be turning a year old. WOW! You never believe it when people tell you, but it really does go by so fast.

Ava and Sidney

2008-11-07T08:58:00.004-06:00

Todd's parents kept Sidney this week. Ben and Alisa took Linlee to Disneyworld, and Connor stayed with the Berteau's in Hattiesburg. Ava and Sid had some playtime together a few days this week at the office. Ava wasn't too sure about her to begin with on Monday. I don't think she liked having another little girl invading her territory at the office.

Ava warmed up to her after a few minutes though, and they played pretty well together.

The last picture is from yesterday. Ava and I stopped by on our way home and played with Sid for a little while. She is such a little doll. She has such a pleasant temperament, and is just so much fun to play with.

Sick Baby

2008-10-31T11:48:00.002-05:00

Ava has been so sick this week. I took her to the doctor Tuesday. He said it was a cold that is going around. He gave her cough medicine and an antihistamine. Her pour little eyes have been watering so much that when she wakes up from a nap or from the night, her eyes are matted shut. She is doing a little better, but still not great. The picture above is from this morning at daycare. She finally went back today, although after seeing how she looks in this picture, I'm wondering if that was the best idea. We are going to try to do a little trick-r-treating with her tonight since it's her first halloween, but it will probably be limited to just the grand & great grandparents' houses in Aquilla. Will post Halloween pics over the weekend.

Playing Catchup

2008-10-10T15:47:00.004-05:00

I know it has been awhile since my last post. Things have just been crazy for me at work and it's always busy busy at home too, especially with Ava being so mobile now. She is walking everywhere. Not quite running yet, but she has this cute little trot. Her feet still get ahead of her at times though, and she will face plant in the carpet.

She walked right into Nana's desk the other day. She was holding a toy, staring at it while walking, and walked right into the desk. She fell on her bottom, spun her little circle, then got up and right back at it. I wish I had it on camera because we could have surely won a prize on America's Funniest Home videos, lol.

Biggest Update: Ava is FINALLY cutting a tooth! Our little girl was backwards from most. She was walking when others her age were getting teeth. Now, at 10 months, a tooth has finally breeched the surface. She has been such a big girl about it. The only reason I even knew it was there, was because she stuck my finger in her mouth earlier this week and started knawing on it, at which time I felt something stick me. After about 5 minutes, she finally let me look at it.

2008-09-02T19:52:00.001-05:00

Our Little Princess!

Big Walking Girl

Ava's First Steps!!!!

2008-08-20T18:34:00.001-05:00

Ava took her first steps today!!! She will take 5 or 6 steps at a time, and has done it several times this evening. We videoed her walking, but I haven't gotten it uploaded yet... will post once I do!

New Pictures

2008-08-19T13:46:00.002-05:00

Here you go Ginger

2008-08-05T08:04:00.002-05:00

Ginger has tagged me... AGAIN! So here goes... And Alisa I'm tagging you (Sorry but I'm not big in the blogging community so it's all on you!)

A. Attached or single? Happily Married
B. Best friend? Todd
C. Cake or pie? pie
D. Day of choice? Any day off work
E. Essential item? Chapstick
F. Favorite color? Pink
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy worms
H. Hometown? Aquilla, Alabama
I. Indulgence? myspace
J. January or July? July (Beach season!)
K. Kids? One
L. Life isn’t complete without? my family
M. Marriage date? July 21, 2007
N. Number of brothers & sisters? 3 1/2 brothers, 2 sisters-in-law, and 1 brother-in-law
O. Oranges or apples? Oranges
P. Phobias? RATS! YUK!
Q. Quotes? "Follow your heart no matter what, because in the end it's not the mistakes you will regret, but the chances you never took"
R. Reasons to smile? Todd, Ava, and my family
S. Season of choice? Spring, Summer, and Fall lol I can't pick just one.
T. Tag seven peeps! I only have one to tag... how sad! But Alisa it's on you!
U. Unknown fact about me? Then it wouldn't be unknown
V. Vegetable? Tomatoes
W. Worst habits? biting my nails ... i had gotten better about it until last week.
X X-ray or ultrasound? Ultrasound
Y. Your favorite food? Italian
Z. Zodiac sign? Taurus

Ava's pictures by Joy!

2008-07-28T11:40:00.002-05:00

These are just a few of the pictures Joy did. She has been playing with the editting on them, and just sent me a few to look at. There will be more to come when she is done, and I pick up the CD. For now, enjoy the cuteness!!

Bath & Play time fun

2008-07-24T08:05:00.005-05:00

Ava has gotten very active and playful over the past couple of weeks. She is crawling EVERYWHERE now. It is fun because she is so much more fun to play with now, but it is also sad because first of all it means my little girl is growing up, and second we have had to start popping her hand and tell her "no no" because she loves to go for anything she isn't supposed to have. She is LOVING bath time. I think it is her favorite thing to do. She would stay in there 24/7 if I would let her. And she loves to sing and dance ... that is what she is doing in the 3rd & 4th pictures!

My how the time flies!

2008-07-07T15:24:00.002-05:00

My mama is so funny!

I LOVE playing peek-a-boo!

I'm coming for that camera mama....

Getting closer!...

Nananana booboo, I'm not gonna cooperate for your pictures!

My babygirl will be 7 months old this Thursday. I can't believe how fast time has flown. She is sitting up, pulling up, scooting (sort of lol), and almost crawling.

I got some good pictures of her yesterday (above). We were playing peekaboo. I would put her little blankie over her head. When she pulled it off I'd say "BOO" and she would just die laughing. It was sooo adorable!

Playtime Pics

2008-06-19T09:14:00.002-05:00

Big Smiles!!!!

Playing with Daddy's father's day present right after I gave it to him!!

Hi Mommy!

Cool new toy!

Hmmm, let's see what is on the other side of the mat!

A day at work with Daddy and Nana

2008-06-17T12:31:00.002-05:00

Our daycare is closed during the summer, so Ava spends half of the week at work with Daddy, Papa, and Nana (and now Aunt Holly too!). She spends the other half with Granny P and Papa Mike. The pictures above are from yesterday at Daddy's office! You can tell how much work Nana got done considering all the pictures!! haha

6 months old!!!

2008-06-13T15:46:00.003-05:00

Ava turned 6 months old on 6/10. I can't believe how fast time has flown by!!! We went for 6 mo. shots 2 days ago. My baby weighs 17 lbs. 10 oz. She isn't a baby anymore!!!!
She also said her first word .... "Dada" ... I had mixed feeling about this lol! I'm happy she has said her first word, but why oh why couldn't it have been "Mama"!! It's ok though!
We went and visited Uncle Brad, Aunt Jenn, and Hunter last weekend. Ava had a blast with all of her uncles, aunt, and her cousin Hunter. I don't think Hunter was too sure about her though! He just kept looking at her like "who is this little person invading my house!"

Updates...

2008-05-13T19:33:00.002-05:00

Wow, ok so I didn't realize it had been a month since I last posted... That is how crazy and busy it has been. Between work and home I just don't have much time for the internet.
Ava is doing great. She is "trying" to start scooting now. She can move herself a little bit.
She is also eating some baby food now! Our girl is growing up so fast!!

Big Week

2008-04-09T13:38:00.003-05:00

Ava has had a big week! She had her first spoon fed meal! At first she couldn't figure out what to do. She was licking at the spoon. Once she started getting the hang of it she would open her mouth wide, and grab the spoon to help me put it in her mouth ... this naturally made a HUGE mess, as you can see in the pictures. She loved it though!
She has also started really playing with her toys. She loves the Yellow duck in the picture above. Granny P and Papa Mike gave her that for Easter. She plays with it (and tries to eat it!) all the time.

She has also turned into my little roly poly! She is rolling over very well now!!! She did it 3 or 4 times yesterday!

More Shots :(

2008-04-04T15:44:00.002-05:00

Ok Ok I know it has been awhile... We (mostly I) have been so busy lately, I haven't had time to post or take any new pictures. I'm going to try to get some new pics of Ava this weekend though!
Latest News -- Took Ava for her 4 month shots yesterday, and she did not like it one bit!!! The nurse got the first needle halfway in and Ava's face turned blood red and you could hear her screaming throughout the Health Dept.
And I don't know if they read the blog... but a set of twins would probably be happy to know that someone actually told me Ava looks like her uncles! ... God Bless her! LOL

More of the pics

2008-03-15T19:11:00.002-05:00

Ava's 1st pictures!

2008-03-15T18:47:00.002-05:00

We took Ava to Sears today and had her pictures made. She did so good! Here are a few of them!

ALL NIGHT!!!!!

2008-03-12T16:28:00.004-05:00

Ava finally slept through the night!!! She slept from 8:30 last night until 5:30 this morning without waking up at all!!!!!!!

Ava and her blankie

2008-03-09T17:31:00.002-05:00

Ava has fallen in love with this little blankie. I can't say that I blame her, it is sooo soft! She will play with it, rub it against her face, and even try to eat it at times, lol. She is so cute with it!!
We also went to cousin Kay-Kay's shower yesterday. Ava was sooo good considering she got passed off to a new person every 3 minutes, lol.
Blogger won't let me post the pictures right now, so I'll have to try again later on those.

Bath time fun

2008-03-07T17:38:00.002-06:00

Ava loves to lay on the floor wrapped in a towel after her bath. She will just laugh and talk up a storm!

Tagged...

2008-02-28T18:56:00.002-06:00

Ok Ginger tagged me about a month ago and I am just getting around to it. I am supposed to tell you 7 weird things about me...

1. My husband is the first person I have ever let rub my feet. (I have a complex about feet, i hate them!!)
2. I HATE corn. I don't like the taste. I don't like the smell. I can't even be in the kitchen when someone is cooking it.
3. I don't like cats.
4. I am addicted to American Idol.
5. I have a routine when I get ready in the mornings. If I break my order, it takes me forever to get ready.
6. My mind blanks when I am put on the spot and need to think of things!!!!
7. I am obsessed with the Boston Red Sox.

Introducing Sidney Alise!

2008-02-26T13:30:00.002-06:00

Ava with her new cousin Sidney!!!

We went to Memphis this past weekend to visit Ben, Alisa, and the kids. We met our new neice Sidney for the first time. She is such a cutie!! We had a great time playing with her, Linlee, and Connor. Ava was very well behaved during the trip also. I was very proud of her!

Almost all night!!!!

2008-02-20T14:38:00.000-06:00

No new pictures today but I just wanted to report that Ava slept from 7:30 PM to 4:00 AM last night without waking up at all!!!!!!!!! I was sooo proud of her!

Busy busy busy ...

2008-02-19T09:40:00.004-06:00

Well I have been back at work about 2-1/2 weeks. I miss my girl terribly during the day, but she seems to be adjusting well to daycare. I know I haven't posted in awhile but work has been extremely busy and when I get home all I want to do is play with my girl and spend time with Todd. Ava is really growing. She is getting soo big now! These pics are from a couple weeks ago. I will have some newer ones to put up soon. Ava's little cousin Sydney was born a couple weeks ago. She is Todd's sister's new baby. We will be heading to Memphis this weekend to meet her. We are soo excited!

The countdown is on (unfortunately) ...

2008-01-22T12:41:00.000-06:00

Well the countdown is on ... the countdown until I have to go back to work that is :( I now have less than 2 weeks at home with my little princess before having to return to the wonderful world of work. I tear up everytime I think about leaving her every day, but gotta do what I gotta do and I will survive.
Update: Ava has really started smiling and "talking" to us alot in the past few days. It is soo cute and sweet!

Sorry so long...

2008-01-16T12:12:00.000-06:00

Ok ok I know it's been a week since I posted. Ava and I did go back for a checkup last Thursday. Everything went great. She weighed 9 Lbs. 7 & 3/4 Oz. and was 22 & 1/2 inches long! Our girl is really growing!!!! I think the colic has been better the past couple of days... I just hope it lasts! She didn't want to go to bed last night. She finally went down for the night at 11:00 PM. And she didn't even nap yesterday. She had only had a couple of 30 minute naps all day. She wasn't fussy, she just didn't want to sleep. But when she finally did she was OUT. She got up once about 3:30 and that was it. She went to work with Daddy for a few hours this morning so that Mommy could get a little rest (Much needed, thank you daddy!!)

Just some pictures!

2008-01-09T11:59:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Todd!!!

2008-01-08T14:56:00.000-06:00

Today is Todd's birthday! He is 28. I have been busy today working on his birthday meal and things for tonight. I made HOMEMADE banana pudding, which was a first for me. It looks good, I just hope it tastes good!!!! I am also cooking his favorite meal... Ham, Mac N Cheese, and Butterbeans.

Colic sucks!

2008-01-07T12:36:00.000-06:00

Well we have had a very rough few days. Ava has colic. We have temporarily changed her formula to a hypoallergenic kind that is supposed to help colic, and I am also giving her mylicon drops. She has gotten some better the last couple of days but still gets very fussy late in the afternoon and into the evening. We go back to the doctor this Thursday for a checkup. (which is also Ava's 1 month b-day!)

Holidays are over ... Happy New Year!

2008-01-03T12:43:00.000-06:00

Look at my big girl!!

Well the holidays have come and gone, and I have to say I am glad! I love the holiday season, but it was just soo busy this year and I still don't have my energy built back up, so it was exhausting for me as much as it was for Ava.

Todd and I spent our first night away from Ava. We spent New Years Eve in Biloxi at the Imperial Palace. We had fun, although I missed my girl very very much and caught myself tearing up at odd times throughout the night. I did win $628 though, so that made the night better!! With the new year comes resolutions, and for the first time in my life I have to make the cliche resolution to lose weight :( ... I have been putting off the dieting until the holiday meals were over, but now I've got to hit it hard to get rid of the rest of this baby weight and get back in my old jeans!!!

Ava and I got all bundled up this morning (see picture above) and went to Waynesboro to birthday shop for Todd. His birthday is this coming Tuesday- Jan. 8th. We got him some goodies!

Anyway, that's about all I have to report now I believe! Happy New Year everyone!

First Tub Bath

2007-12-27T13:51:00.000-06:00

She didn't like her bath at all!

After the bath and getting clothes on... she's my little angel again!

Ava's umbilical cord finally fell off Christmas Eve night and she was finally able to have her first real bath. As you can tell from the pictures she didn't like it at all. She screamed all during the bath and up until I got her clothes on and picked her up and cuddled her for a few minutes.

First Christmas!!

2007-12-27T13:35:00.000-06:00

1st picture with Santa Claus!

With Papa and Nana Smith on Christmas

Ava in her Santa suit for Christmas

Linder Family!

Me, Todd, and Ava

Well Ava survived her first Christmas... actually she slept through most of it. She stayed awake for a little while at the Linder Christmas on Christmas Eve, but then went to sleep and slept through the remainder of it, as well as most of the 2 Giles' Christmas' that night.
Christmas day we had the Smith Christmas. We had it with just us and Papa & Nana Smith that morning. Ava was awake for a little while. But by the time the Smith's started piling in Ava was sound asleep and slept through all the noise. She finally woke up for just a few minutes right before we left.
We had a great Christmas and got many great gifts from everyone. We still have one more to go ... Nana's Christmas is this Saturday, so will have more pics from that one in a few days.

2 week checkup

2007-12-20T13:21:00.000-06:00

Well Ava and I went for our 2 week checkup this morning. Everything was fine with both of us. She gained 1/2 pound!! So that means she now weighs 8 lbs! Our girls growing strong! Dr. Sherman listened to Ava's chest, took a look at her eyes and ears. She does have the beginning of Thrash so the doctor gave us some medicine to clear that up before it gets any worse. We also had to take a trip back to the hospital to Labor and Delivery. Ava had to get her PKU and they also went ahead and removed her umbilical cord clamp since it still hadn't quite fell off. I dont' know if it was the cord removal or the PKU but she was screaming her little head off in there. It was breaking my heart to stand out in the hall and listen to her, since they wouldn't let me go in with her. But as soon as they finished and gave her back to me the tears dried and she was my perfect little angel again.

We also had another house full of visitors yesterday. Papa Mike and Granny P came for another visit. Also, Nana Ginger and Maya came for a visit.

Well Ava is waking up so let me go... More info and pics later!

My little princess!

2007-12-17T09:17:00.000-06:00

Isn't she precious??!!

These 2 people are my world!!

Nothing much new to report. Ava is still being a very good baby, and is still doing very well at night. She is averaging getting up just 2 times every night, which is great! She is also staying awake alot more now and is very alert. She'll lay in your arms and just look at you and look around the room.

We did have a few more visitors Friday. Uncle Josh and Hannah came by Friday afternoon for a while. Uncle Josh was a little nervous about holding Ava, but he did great!
Uncle Jason and Jessica came by Friday night. Uncle Jason wasn't quite as nervous. He and Jessica took turns holding Ava the entire time they were here.

Bright Eyed Girl

2007-12-14T10:00:00.000-06:00

We've been home a few days now, and things are going great! Ava is eating great, and her nighttime routine is getting much better! The first night she kept Daddy up ALOT. The second night she still got up several times. However, last night only 2 times! She got up once around Midnight. I fed & changed her and cuddled her for a little while and she dozed back off. She didn't wake up again until about 5:00 this morning. Again, after a feeding and a dry diaper she went back to sleep and actually let Mommy sleep until 8:00 this morning!!!! I actually got more sleep last night than I did during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
I am thoroughly enjoying being here with her everyday. She is staying awake more with me now which is fun! It's killing daddy having to be away from her at work during the day, even though he usually checks in on us a few times. As soon as he gets home in the evenings he snatches her up and starts cuddling and playing with her. It is soo cute!

Nana finally got to get her hands on Ava yesterday! She had seen her at the hospital but only through the nursery window. Granny P and Papa Mike brought Nana with them to visit yesterday and Nana got to hold Ava for a long while. Her eyes just lit up as she was holding her! We also had a visit from Nana and Papa Smith yesterday evening as well. After a few minutes of tickling and such we finally got her to wake up so they look at those pretty eyes!

Introducing Ava Elaine Smith!!!!

2007-12-12T14:23:00.001-06:00

She is finally here!!!! Ava Elaine Smith was born on Monday, December 10 at 10:38 AM. She weighed 7 lbs. 8.5 oz and was 20 inches long. She has a head full of beautiful black hair and is absolutely perfect in every way!!!! We were released from the hospital yesterday around lunch and are at home now. We are still recouping and adjusting to the change, but we couldn't be happier!!!!! Hope you enjoy these pictures... more to come soon!!

3 days til D-Day....

2007-12-06T14:22:00.001-06:00

3 days until the big day... well still hoping it happens before then but that hope is fading with each passing day. This week has been filled with me being stir crazy just waiting. I am off work this week, which is a good thing because duh no work. But at the same time, I'm going crazy with all this time on my hands. It is making the waiting seem sooo much longer. I've been trying to take everyone's advice and get all the rest I can while I still can, but that's easier said than done for more than one reason. For one, sleeping is next to impossible these days. And second, I just get stir crazy laying around. I find myself up and doing anything I can around the house to keep busy (wrapping the remaining Christmas presents, doing laundry, reorganizing the nursery, etc... ) I did go spend most of the day yesterday with my Parents and my Nana. I had a good visit and really enjoyed it! It was nice to have interaction with someone other than the dog DURING THE DAY!

Light at the end of the tunnel!!!

2007-12-03T16:03:00.001-06:00

Well I just came from my last doctor's appointment until after Ava is born!!!

I have now dialated 1.5 cm and am 70% effaced. The doctor doesn't think I will go into labor in the next day or two.. but as always could be wrong!

IF I haven't had the baby by my due date (which is this coming Sunday, the 9th), I will be admitted to the hospital on Sunday afternoon at 3 or 3:30 and they will begin the induction process. I most likely won't go into labor until the morning of the 10th.

So we should definitely have a baby by the 10th, if not before!!!!

Last day at work

2007-11-30T15:47:00.000-06:00

Well today is my LAST work day until after my maternity leave. I am thoroughly looking forward to the break from it! Next week will probably be long and boring sitting at home waiting.. (IF Ava doesn't hurry up and decide to make her entrance) However, once she finally comes I know I won't have time to be bored, and I won't miss work at all. In fact, she isn't even here yet and I already know it is going to be devastating for me to have to leave her and come back to work in February.

Back to the pregnancy... went to the doctor this past Wednesday. I go back again this coming Monday. He said they will schedule me to be induced any day after Monday IF I want to. However, Todd and I discussed it and due to various facts about induction we decided against inducing early. HOWEVER, Monday we are going to talk with the doctor and probably go ahead and schedule a date for just after my due date just in case she decides to not come on time!

Work Baby Shower

2007-11-27T09:54:00.000-06:00

The girls at work had a baby shower for myself and Teresa (the other Pregnant lady in the pics!) last Wednesday 11/21. We had a great time... lots of games, good food, and they really showered us with gifts!! I think we have all of the "necessities" now!

Now we're just waiting for little Ava's arrival!! The waiting is the hardest part of it all! I am going crazy! As of my appointment last Wednesday I had dialated 1 cm, and my cervix was about halfway effaced. I go back for another checkup tomorrow afternoon and am hoping to find out we are very close!!!!
I've had what they call "nesting syndrome" the past week... I put up and decorated our christmas tree Friday. Saturday I cleaned and wrapped Christmas presents and cooked... I'm so anxious I just can't keep still even though I am deathly tired!

Baby Shower

2007-10-30T11:47:00.001-05:00

I was given a baby shower on Saturday, October 27th. It was hosted by Jennifer, Derita, Aunt Cindy, my mom, and mother-in-law. We played a few games, ate some good food, and got lots of goodies for Ava!!!

I've been Tagged

2007-10-20T17:51:00.000-05:00

Ok Gin, here ya go...

JOBS THAT I HAVE HAD:

BABYSITTER
WAITRESS
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP

PLACES THAT I HAVE LIVED:

ALABAMA
MISSISSIPPI

FOODS THAT I LOVE:

CHICKEN
CHEESE
MEXICAN
CHIPS AND SALSA
FRUIT & YOGURT PARFAITS FROM MCDONALDS
SALAD
ICE CREAM
**THIS IS NOT THE QUESTION TO ASK A PREGNANT WOMAN, I COULD GO ON AND ON!**

PLACES THAT I HAD RATHER BE:

ON A BEACH SOMEWHERE

MOVIES I LOVE:

LEGENDS OF THE FALL
8 SECONDS
FERRIS BUELLERS DAY OFF

T.V. SHOWS I WATCH:

PRISON BREAK
HEROES
BONES
HOUSE
SMALLVILLE
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES

BOOKS I LOVE:

THE LONG ROAD HOME BY DANIELLE STEEL
BAD DESIRE
ANY AND EVERY JAMES PATTERSON
ANY GOOD MYSTERY BOOK

7 weeks and counting!

2007-10-20T13:18:00.000-05:00

Only 7 more weeks to go!!! (Although I'm hoping for more like 5 or 6!) Had another doctor's visit this past Wednesday. Again, still getting fatter. Ava's heart rate was 150, and measurement is still on track for my due date. Dr. Sherman said everything looked good. I go back in 2 weeks (Nov. 1) and after that will probably start my weekly appointments. Dr. Sherman said that once I get within a month of my due date they will not stop labor should it occur (no complaints from me on that one!!). Our family & friends are giving us a baby shower next weekend, and I can't wait!! We also have some shopping of our own to do to finish up the decor in the nursery. I am getting soo excited, I just wish Ava would hurry up and get here!

Just an Update

2007-10-12T11:31:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Well I think the compressed nerve has gotten slightly better. It still hurts all the time, and gets worse at times still, but it is NO WHERE near as bad as it was this time last week. The swelling in my ankles and feet has gotten worse this week, and is actually making my ankles stiff and sore.. but just part of it I guess so I will deal.
Todd and I are off to Millry tonight to watch their ballgame. I can't believe I'm actually going to the 7th game of the season and the Millry Wildcats are UNDEFEATED. I think this is the first time that has ever happened since I started school there in 1991.
Tomorrow will be a "relaxing" day of football. That and some cleaning in the house... still have a few things to get organized before Ava gets here!
Sunday, we are off to Homecoming/Smith Reunion at Aquilla Methodist, and then will visit my mom for a bit afterwards.

Home Sweet Home!

2007-10-07T19:10:00.000-05:00

Well we made it back from Memphis about 4:00 today, and I am sooo glad to be home! It was a great trip but I am exhausted! That's a loooong ride!!!
We got up there around 10:30 Friday night and it was straight to bed! Saturday morning we got up and had breakfast with Alisa, Ben, Connor, and Linlee. After that we showered and Todd took me for a ride to show me some things in Memphis. He took me to the Lumber School where got his degree in Lumber Inspection. He also showed me the apartment he lived in while he was in school up there. We then rode to Graceland. We didn't go, just rode by.. but you could see Elvis' planes and the mansion from the road. I'm not an Elvis fanatic so that was plenty for me! After the "tour" we met Ben, Alisa, and the kids for lunch at the Germantown Commissary. That is some GOOD BBQ!! We pigged out, then headed back to the house to watch the Bama game (of course!) We played with the kids all throughout the day. Linlee is almost 4 and Connor is 2, so there is never a dull moment around there... makes me wonder if I am ready for this!!!! We ordered in from a steakhouse last night. We had steak, baked potatoes, and salad. Even though I didn't really do much yesterday I was exhausted and in bed by 9:00 last night. Alisa wasn't too far behind me, but Ben and Todd sat up and watched football until about 11:00 before they hit the sack. We got up this morning, had breakfast, showered, packed, and hit the road about 9:30. After a pit stop in Meridian for lunch and grocery shopping we finally got home around 4:00 this afternoon.
It was a fun weekend, but I am soo tired. And on the downside, this compressed nerve is getting worse by the day. As of right now, I can seriously barely walk. I have cried like a baby for the past hour or so it is hurting so bad. I guess I will just have to deal though... either that or I'm going on a hunt for a wheelchair!! haha.
Well that's about it for now!

Sorry so long!

2007-10-05T12:56:00.000-05:00

Ok so I know I know I'm slacking... but like I said the blog is mainly for after Ava enters this world!
I do have a few things to report. I went to the doctor Monday. Everything looked great, he said my weight was perfect (glad he thinks so!), fundal height was dead on for my due date, and Ava's heart rate was great at 155!
I do however have, what he called, a compressed nerve in my lower back. It is KILLING me! It is getting worse by the day, and is making the muscles around it sore as well. I can barely walk at times. Everytime I take a step with my right leg or move my back the wrong way a sharp pain shoots from the right side of my lower back, down my butt and about 6 inches down into my leg. It sucks!!!!!!
On another note, Me and Todd are off to Memphis this weekend to visit his sister (who is also pregnant) and her family. We aren't planning anything big while we are there just a nice relaxing weekend with them, so I won't be overdoing it I assure you!!
Well that's about all I have for now!
Love You All!

Pictures of me & Todd

2007-09-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

Ava's Nursery

2007-09-26T10:38:00.001-05:00

This is the nursery pattern we are going with for Ava's room! This is not her actual room. This is just the picture from where we ordered from. See everyone, it's not ALL pink! I did good! Todd was proud! lol

First post!

2007-09-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Ok so I figured our family and friends are going to want something once Ava gets here to keep up with her (news, pictures, etc...) so I decided to go ahead and start this blog. I'll start out now keeping you all up to date on me and Todd, the pregnancy, and getting ready for Ava. Then once she makes her arrival it will be Ava, Ava, and more Ava... lol
I'm new to this blogging so it may take me a little while to get it all figured out. Bear with me!!