One Month

It is hard to believe that our little pumpkin is 4 weeks old today. Avolyn is doing very well. We have been a little concerned about her weight. She had lost 2 pounds by week 2. We have been working very hard on helping her gain weight. I think a lot has to do with my milk supply. Nursing has been frustrating and wonderful all at the same time. I think that finally my milk is in better and able to give Avolyn more of what she needs. I think also I just do not make as much milk as our little piglet needs, so we have been supplementing with an ounce of milk after nursing for 20 minutes on each side. This has seemed to work, but then Avolyn most of the time is hungry again an hour to a hour and a half later. This makes a pretty sore and exhausted mama. Good news, we went back to the doctor today and Avolyn has gained an ounce a day and is now weighing in at 9.5 we are very happy and are confident that she will continue gaining. We have had many more visitors in the past weeks and Avolyn has had her first road trip to Plainfield. I realize it is only 45 minutes, but it is a start. She has experienced her first live music and bonfire. She continues to express herself in fun a different ways. Avolyn has given us her first smiles and always makes us laugh.

Enjoy the new pictures...

Auntie Rose meeting Avolyn and fixing us an amazing dinner

My Aunties and Mom visiting

Avolyn andMamaYes, she is wearing shoes

Papa and Beefcake...I think they look a lot alike in this picture.

Many faces of Avolyn...
And finally, Avolyn had to experience her first holiday in style. Granny (my mom) bought Avolyn her first Halloween outfit that she sported around all day today. We went to the doctor, to my work, and to vote. She was pretty much the highlight of everyones day I am sure. Thanks Granny!

First Bath

Avolyn Rose had her first bath a few days ago. She had moments of pure bliss and then other moments of fear and terror. She also went through 2 towels because she peed all over her first one.

1 Week Down...

We are officially home and enjoying our first week. We came home on Monday afternoon and have for the most part relaxed at home. We have had several visitors at home and while we were still at the hospital. Avolyn is doing well. She is a really great newborn, eating, sleeping and using her crazy crossed-eyes to take every thing in. Last night she slept from 12:30am-5:30am. I am sure it was a mistake, and will not happen again, but it was nice getting some solid sleep. This morning I had my suture taken out and then went for a 4 mile run....sick joke, but I do feel pretty good and hope it continues. Enjoy these pictures of the hospital and all the great visitors.

Avolyn Rose is here!!

Here are a few pictures of Avolyn Rose. Born 10-3, at 3:12pm. She weighs 10lb 11oz, 20" long. Everyone's doing great. More info and pictures later.

No More Waiting!

Tomorrow is the day that we have been waiting for. Today was a pretty long day, and both Mike and I are pretty exhausted. We went in for our doctors appointment this afternoon. We had our ultrasound first and it was determined that my placenta was looking good as well as the amount of fluid in my uterus. It was also determined that based on the measurements that the nurse did Avolyn Rose is measuring 10 pounds 14 ounces. Because of this news our doctor talked to us about the pros and cons of natural delivery. She also discussed in great detail her concerns of birthing a big baby and more specifically getting her shoulders out. After much discussion with the doctor and then Mike and I talking we have decided to have a c-section tomorrow at 2pm. This is not at all what we have been thinking would happen. I have been a bit emotionally today. I have loved being pregnant and enjoyed becoming a mother. Having a c-section, to me, feels like I have been short-changed and unable to fulfill something that I have been passionate about. I also realize that this not the end of the world and that this time tomorrow we will have our little piglet here...and that is what I need to focus on....and that is what it is all about. So please send some positive thoughts tomorrow at around noon when we are due at the hospital and then at 2 pm when Avolyn will arrive!! Thank you for all of your support and I promise some pictures of this little lady as soon as we can.