Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Thanksgiving Highlights

We made it through our first Thanksgiving and trip to Nebraska!  Of course, one thing always has to go wrong.   When we first arrived we discovered with forgot something.  FORMULA!  We hadn't realized it sooner because Avalyn slept the entire trip.  The closest grocery store that was open was 20 minutes away.  We had to keep Avalyn entertained for about 50 minutes.  Good thing Dad made it back when he did because she had just about had it with us!!

At Thanksgiving lunch Avalyn was the center of attention, and as usual didn't mind being passed from one persons arms to another.  Even with all the commotion she managed to take a little nap in her stroller.  She did really well traveling and being away from her normal environment and routine.  It was fun getting to introduce her to everyone and the family even had a little baby shower for us.
























Saturday, November 26, 2011

Adoption Finalization

We had our Finalization Hearing on November 23rd!  It was so nice because our 3 year wedding anniversary was on the 22nd and then of course Thanksgiving on the 24th.  So we had lots to celebrate and be thankful for.  Our hearing was via conference call so it was nice we didn't have to travel back to Florida.  It was really amazing hearing the Judge say the adoption is final and she was signing off on the petition.  Baby girl is ours FOREVER!!

Happy Family of 3!

Us with the Executive Director, Assistant Director, and Adoption Family Coordinator at our Agency.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Anniversary

It's our 3rd anniversary today!  I loved our wedding and enjoy looking back at pictures.  It was such a special day.  I feel so blessed to have married such a wonderful man!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Bed Head

Morning Sunshine!

Avalyn The Sports Fan

Grandma Donna, Auntie Kate, and Cousin J were in town this weekend to babysit Avalyn while Jon and I went out for our 3rd Anniversary!  Aunt Kate even took the night shift so Jon and I could get a full nights sleep.  So awesome!

Well, with 4 Nebraska fans in the house I'm sure you know Ava had to pull out her Husker Gear.

You may remember this little Husker Cutie at only 2 weeks old!


Look how much she's changed!

Future Nebraska Cheerleader!

Don't I Look Cute In My New Chair?
Yay, Go BIG RED!

Ready For This Game Sock Monkey?

She's added some new bibs, toys, and a sports chair to her collection

Friday, November 18, 2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

3 Month Stats



Sleep: You sleep awesome at night and still only take little hour cat naps during the day. We are hoping by 4-5 months you’ll have a more established morning and afternoon nap. Now that I’m back to work daddy and I alternate nights. One of us will do the bedtime routine with you and put you to sleep and then the other will get up during the night. Then we’ll switch the next day. At bedtime we have been swaddling you because you like it. But lately you’ve been kicking your feet out of it and sometimes you get your arms out too. I think it’s time to say goodbye to the swaddler.

Feed: You like to drink smaller amounts more often. So you’ll usually have 3-4 ounces when you wake up and then before your nap you’ll have a 2 oz snack. You’ve started playing with your bottle a lot. I think you might start holding it soon.

Weight: Probably between 11 and 12 pounds.

Length: Probably between 23 and 24 inches.

Diaper Size: Still fitting comfortably in size 1.

Clothes Size: You are still in 0-3 month sizes. It’s been so fun dressing you in “big girl clothes” as opposed to just sleepers and onsies. You’ll probably move on to 3-6 month clothes soon since you have long legs.

Hair Color: Still black. You are starting to get a little bald spot on the back of your head, but otherwise you still have quite a bit of hair. I’m having so much fun playing with your hair. You never leave the house without a flower, clip, or bow in it.

Eye color: Still brown

Funniest moment: You laughed at me when I was making a silly face. It was so adorable. It was brief and daddy and I continue to make the face hoping you’ll laugh again! Also, daddy is determined you’ll say “DA DA” first. He’ll stare intently into your eyes and say “DAAA” “ DAAA” over and over again. He cracks me up.

Milestones: You are talking up a storm. I think you might be a singer with your little high pitched “Ahhh.” You rolled onto your side but have not quite rolled over yet. You love to stand and bounce up and down while we support you. You have a strong neck and are mastering tummy time for longer periods. You can also sit in our laps like a big girl. With supervision I have even set you in the bumbo chair. Recently we lifted you up on our feet and hold your arms like you are flying, you love it! You’ve been blowing little bubbles a lot and drooling a little. I hope it’s not teething yet!

Your favorite toys: You still love the piano play gym and swing. I think you miss the piano play gym now that you are in day care. They don’t have one so when you play at night you go CRAZY! You do like sitting in your bouncy seat and watching mommy put her make-up on in the morning. You are getting better at tummy time so you enjoy being on your stomach while watching and listening to us shake rattles and toys. You really like the Baby Einstein mirror we got you that makes animal sounds when the buttons are pushed. You are fascinated with your hands. You chew on them all the time. Sometimes you’ll hold your left hand out and look at it as if you were admiring an engagement ring!! You also like sitting on our knees while we hold your hands. We’ll bounce you up and down like you are on a horse. You think it’s a lot of fun.

Firsts:
Sleeping through the night (6:30pm to 5:30am)
Halloween and Trick-or-Treat
Laugh
Meeting Santa! (Santa Pictures)
First time grandma and grandpa got to babysit you
First time with the day care sitter

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Our Little Girl Is..

The Most Adorable Special Silly Amazing Awesomest Baby Girl Ever!


I think that sums it up quite nicely!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

BRRRR

It's getting cold outside.  Time for some cold weather gear!







I Made It!

I survived Avalyns's first day at daycare and my first day back to work.  Ava went to daycare on Monday but I took the day off work for a "pout day."  Then, yesterday was my first day back to work.

Everything went fine and very smooth.  Avalyn did great at daycare and she was so happy to see me when I picked her up.  Soo cute!  She started kicking her little legs once she heard my voice.  When I picked her up she was so calm.  

When we got home she fell asleep on me and I just rocked her for about an hour.  The house work can wait until she goes to bed for the night!  I want all the snuggle time I can get.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Avalyn The Chatterbox

Skip to 30 seconds. That's where the real talking begins!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Little Model

I look pretty good in these skinny jeans don't ya think? 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

First Date

Avalyn had her first date today with baby Crosby.   Crosby's mom, Jenny, and I joke that they will date someday.  Crosby was also brought to his family through the gift of adoption.  Jenny and her husband used the same agency we did.  It's nice to have a  friend who lives nearby who has been through the adoption experience.

Here are some fun pictures of their first meeting.  I think it's funny that they seem to have the same expressions in each picture!

Friends
Such Cuties
Crosby 5 weeks.  Avalyn 11 weeks




Silly Babies!