Ava Grace is 5 1/2 Months

Ava is growing before our very eyes-- literally! About two weeks ago I saw her in the morning and when I got her up in the afternoon her clothes were too tight, her cheeks were chubbier... she's now delightfully known as our little meatball. She is doing wonderfully, sleeping most of the day still and teething away. No actual teeth yet but we expect to see one popping through every morning when we go get her up. She is also able to roll over now both back to front and front to back, though she doesn't like to! She is either content or lazy, or both, but she will occasionally roll over to remind us that she still knows how.

We spent a week in Cape May this August and Ava had such a fun time playing with the Drake family and seeing the ocean for the first time! We have a video of her little toes in the water that eventually we'll get on the computer and post. She wasn't thrilled about the beach but I attribute that to the fact that by the time we fed her, got her suit on, got her lotioned up and on the beach, she was ready to nap again! She did very well though with the perpetual missing of naps and new surroundings. She LOVED playing with her Nana & Grandpa, took a bottle from Nana and Aunt Emily and affectionately spit-up on everyone who held her. Never have I done so much laundry on vacation! Blair and I were blessed with numerous babysitters so we enjoyed time alone almost every day. It was a wonderful time for us to relax and celebrate our anniversary in the place where we got married.

Just a couple of days ago Ava started imitating us and is just beginning to do a little babbling. She loves studying our mouths as we make kissy faces or say "Ma ma ma ma" and will put her lips together or stick her tongue out to imitate. It is so sweet! It's such a thrill to see the little cogs in her brain turning and then see her get it! She's making all kinds of new noises like saying "ma ma ma" and "mmmm" with her bottom lip tucked in under her gums. I can't wait until those sounds turn into a real "mama!"!

Caught in a rainstorm on the beach... Ava loved it!

Sleeping soundly after a night out on the town in Cape May

Laughing with Grammy last week!

Look at Our Big Girl!

July 30th was a big day for Ava!  She sat up for the first time by herself AND rolled over!  She has been so close to rolling over for awhile and we went in to get her after one of her naps and she was on her belly!

She has also started teething.  We noticed she had a slight fever yesterday and has been a little more fussy than usual (which for her means a whimper every now and then).  She is lunging for everything possible that can fit in her mouth!  We are hoping it is a quick and painless process (for all of us) but we shall see.

Ava is 4 Months Old!

Every month it is hard to believe that Ava is another month older.  Where does the time go?  We are having more and more fun with her though as she is growing and getting more active.  She loves to play now, is getting better at grabbing toys (and putting them straight in her mouth), has found her feet and loves to hold onto them!  She hasn't rolled over yet but she is very close.  She's doing much better with tummy time and can hold her head up well but still doesn't like it and often will just lie there ready for a nap!

We had her 4 month doctors appointment a couple days ago and she is doing great.  She's 15 lbs 15 oz and 25 5/8 inches long.  Still in the 90-95 percentile for both weight and length!  We thought maybe she was "thinning out" but apparently not.  She's a chubby one and we love it!  She is still sleeping VERY well both at night and during the day--the doctor said there wasn't anything wrong, just to be thankful that we have such a good sleeper!  We are supposed to now have her on her tummy for the whole time she is awake in order strengthen those muscles since she spends so much time sleeping on her back.  We also found out she has "cradle cap" which is a harmless skin condition on her scalp but it requires some elbow grease during her baths now!  She's so easy going though, we have to scrub her scalp with a toothbrush and she just smiles and plays like it's nothing.  I even was able to clip her toenails while she was awake today and she just let me do it!

Ava's Schedule at 4 Months:

7am: feed and go right back to sleep

10am: feed and then play!

11am: back to sleep for my two hour morning nap

1pm: feed and then play for an hour

2pm: back to sleep for two more hours

4pm: feed and then...more play time!

5pm: back to sleep...

7pm: feed, play, bath, read books with daddy

8pm: back to sleep...

10pm: feed and go right back to sleep

7am: do it all over again!

Ava has responded really well to this schedule and now her days are very predictable.  She rarely cries to eat anymore, she wakes up and either sucks her thumb or coo's in her crib until I come get her to feed her.  Then we play for an hour, she goes back in her crib and immediately starts sucking her thumb again and falls asleep in a few minutes.  She's a wonder baby!

There are more pictures in the Album "Ava in July" of her swimming in her bathtub outside, grabbing her feet, going for walks and playing.  

3 Months Old

Ava is a little over 3 mos. old now and getting cuter every day!  Her smiles are starting to turn to giggles and she is just beginning to enjoy a little playing, especially with her daddy.  She loves being held again (she stopped for awhile) and snuggles into our shoulders.  Her favorite new activity is sitting on Blair's lap, facing him, while he rocks her back and forth so her head flops around!  She giggles and smiles and we love it!

As you can see in these pictures, she's getting even bigger, looking older, and we're getting stronger as we carry her around.  We're sure she's over 15lbs by now but we'll have to wait until next months check-up before we find out for sure.

New albums to the left: "Ava in June", and "Meeting her Great-Grandparents".  I'll also include a link to the album from my sister's baby shower, Ava took her first swim that day at Granddad and Granny's and we got some cute shots!  She was so exhausted by that point so we had to work to keep her awake and not crying but it was all worth it just to see her in her little suit!

10 weeks and Sucking Her Thumb!

I can't seem to figure out how to post pictures where I want them in the blog... anyone know how?

Our little one just keeps getting cuter and cuter by the day.  She is all smiles these days and happy as can be.  We finally got some of those smiles on camera, check out the latest album called "9 1/2 weeks".  Blair has enjoyed practicing his art of photography on such a worthy subject and we're so thankful for some great shots!

Latest big news: Ava has started sucking her thumb!  She never really took a pacifier so we stopped offering it and would let her suck on our pinky fingers occasionally when she needed help calming down.  About two weeks ago she "found" her tongue and started moving it around and smacking her lips.  Around the same time we'd catch her sucking on any part of her hand she could get in her mouth, most often a whole side of her fist, but never a consistent finger.  But just this week she has started consistently sucking her thumb and it is so adorable!  Of course this will cause a lot of heartache when we have to break her of it later but for now we love watching her find her thumb and also are loving that she can soothe herself so well now. This is helping her sleeping schedule during the day because she puts herself to sleep much more quickly and without much fussing, and if she wakes up early she used to cry and cry if she was still tired but now she can put herself back to sleep or entertain herself until nap time is over.  It's wonderful!  She has always been a pretty easy going baby but now she rarely fusses and is very content!  We're so blessed to have her!

Two Months Old!

Today was Ava's 2 month check-up.  Once again she passed with flying colors!  We are so thankful that she is healthy and yes, huge.  She gained another pound in the last two weeks so she's right at 13lbs and 23 inches long.

She also got her first round of shots today and did very well.  She continues to impress us and we're pretty sure we got an "easy" baby!  Last weekend we took our first trip with her and she did amazingly well, sleeping and eating just as she would have if we were home.  She is starting to smile a lot now which we love and keep trying to capture on camera!  We've gotten a couple half smiles but we're still waiting to get that first huge grin.  For now we'll just include this adorable picture that we took while she was sleeping the other day.  Thankfully she's a sound sleeper because every time I go in and see that face I just have to kiss those cheeks!

This second video was taken when we first started getting Ava on a strict feeding & sleeping schedule a couple of weeks ago.  After a few days she started sleeping through the 11pm feeding and this is us trying to wake the very unwakeable Ava Drake.

Finally we've gotten around to posting a couple videos of our adorable Ava!  First a short update... last Wednesday we saw the doctor and she's on zantac for acid reflux.  It hasn't really helped yet but we're still hoping.  We also got her weight on Wednesday... she is 12 lbs!  She's definitely not hurting for more calories, that's for sure.

This first video is of her first bath in the baby tub, taken at about three weeks.  She liked sponge baths but wasn't thrilled about actually sitting in the water.  It's very cute though, she didn't cry, she just whimpered and looked at us like, "I'm not so sure about this!"

Here are some new pictures, taken today.  Ava will be 6 weeks old on Sunday... unbelievable!  Click on the newest picture to the left for the full album.  She is starting to lift her head a lot more, especially when we have her up on a shoulder.  She wants to look at everything around her and is a lot more alert these days.  She is also starting to smile at us!  Still not consistently, but she just melts our hearts every time.

Great news for us-- last night Ava only woke up once to eat!  She did two 5 1/2 hour "shifts".  We are thrilled and hoping that she'll sleep through the night here soon!  I've (Kathryn) been working really hard to keep her on a schedule and it has really helped her sleep better at night.  For all those other new moms out there-- it really works!

Not so great news (for those who like details)-- she's spitting up quite a bit these days so we're heading to the doctor next Wednesday.  Hopefully she can get some medicine for acid reflux to help with the spitting.  It's now waking her up and keeping her awake (and ruining numerous outfits a day), so hopefully she'll outgrow this soon!

Ava has also started making some new noises and her voice is getting louder.  We LOVE listening to her talk to herself when she's trying to fall asleep.  What a cutie!  We've been able to go on lots of walks in this great weather and she loves getting fresh air.  Well really she just loves movement so as long as we keep her rolling, she's happy!  I am very much looking forward to garage sale season.. I'm in the market for a baby swing:)

We took a couple videos of Ava a little while ago that we'll post one of these days so stay tuned!

Has it been 3 weeks already??  Time is flying but we are doing well, sleeping occasionally and loving being parents!  Ava is an amazing little girl, she has a delightful demeanor and is an absolute joy.  This picture is of her first bath (taken about two weeks ago); she was shivering but still didn't cry and loved the attention.  She is focusing her eyes now and just melts us with her stare!  After the first two days of being up most of the night she has gotten into more of a routine.  She still wakes up every 3 hours or so to eat and her "night" is now going from about 6pm-5am but we're on the right track.  We hung a Hungry Caterpillar toy (from Aunt Heather and Uncle Nat) in her bassinet so when she is wide awake at 5am we can keep the light on and snooze a little while she entertains herself.  Even that is a blessing!

Ava can move her head pretty well now, though she still isn't holding it up yet.  She loves spending time under her toys on her play mat.  She just coo's and has started batting at toys with her hands.  She also loves spending time on her tummy, especially across our legs.  She gets totally relaxed and looks so cute all stretched out with her legs dangling.

She had her two week doctors check-up last Monday and she's doing perfectly!  She gained one pound and one oz. since we left the hospital, making her a whopping 9 lbs 6 oz.  Needless to say she's eating well and believe it or not has already outgrown her newborn clothes!  Her little arms and legs (and cheeks) are getting chubbier by the day and she just keeps getting cuter and cuter.  We love her!

After 10 days with my (Kathryn's) mom here and then a few days with Blair's mom helping out, we are now on our own and trying to manage as a family of three.  It is very exciting, fun, a little hectic and very exhausting, but we aren't missing our "old" lives one bit.  We are so thankful though for the help we've received, it's always nice to have an extra pair of hands when people come and visit, and we're grateful for the food and gifts that everyone has so generously sent our way!  The last three weeks have definitely been some of the toughest but most fun and rewarding of our lives and we can't wait for what's to come.

We have also had an unexpected and praiseworthy thing happen since Ava's birth.  As most of you know, my health has been a struggle for the last three years and all of my doctors suspected that I would crash after the birth and have a very rough time recovering and adjusting to such little sleep (and hard work during labor).  However, the opposite has happened!  I was feeling awful through my whole pregnancy but since the birth I have been feeling quite healthy for the first time in years!  I am of course exhausted but it is honestly a relief to feel tired without feeling the accompanied "sick" that was so debilitating before.  We are having a hard time accepting that this will stick around, we are waiting for me to wake up one day feeling awful again.  But, for now this is the reality and against all odds we are thankful I'm doing pretty well.  Please continue to pray that this keeps up and is the start of a much healthier future!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=236800&id=782715178&l=3fb589d017

We need to take some more recent pictures but here is a link to my facebook album of Ava (most were taken in the first week).  You can also click on the album to the left. 

Home at last!

Somehow the doctors let us go home yesterday to fend for ourselves without the nurses.  They must be crazy, but we are thankful to have her at home and begin our routine (or lack thereof).  We're pretty sure her days and nights are mixed up as she didn't sleep at all last night and she's snoozing right now.  So we're pretty beat, but it's so worth it!

It was 70 degrees and sunny outside today so we got some time outside which was great after a lousy night.  We'll try to get a video up sometime.  She has some great faces and noises you all have to see and hear.  

Thanks for all the emails and messages!

B&K

Ava Grace Drake

 3/15/09  4:37pm

8 lb. 14 oz., 21 inches

Kathryn and I were totally unprepared for the awe we felt after meeting our daughter today.  Ava is a whopping 8 lb, 14 oz., 21 inches, and Kathryn is officially my hero!  No one expected the baby to be that big.  Labor started at 2:30am on Sunday morning and 14 hours later, she delivered at 4:37pm (pushed for only 30 min).  Kathryn is recovering well and Ava is healthy... and I'm about to try my first diaper change.  We can't wait for you all to meet her!   Many more picture to come!

Blair

One week to go!  At my appointment today I was 2 cm dilated so everything is continuing to progress.  It could be any day now!  Two nights ago I was having mild contractions 10 min apart for about four hours, but they stopped around 8am and haven't started up again (regularly).  So we are still waiting!  I've been feeling more of the same, very sore in my back and hips and around the bottom of my belly, having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions and mild cramping that comes and goes.  I had a very energetic weekend but that has since given way to a very tired Kathryn again.  We are both doing our best to sleep as much as we can each night (and I've been taking regular naps) in preparation.  We are SO thankful that given all of my health issues, this has been a very healthy pregnancy and so far my body is doing everything it's supposed to in preparation for labor and delivery.

Blair has a much easier schedule this week since the students are on spring break, so that has been a huge blessing and has allowed him more time to rest up and get some last minute things done around the house.  He installed the car seat yesterday and put up curtains in our bedroom to make it more conducive to daytime sleep.  Over the weekend my cousin Britt visited and helped put some finishing touches on the nursery.. it looks great!  Now just more waiting.  Possibly the next time we post will be when the little one arrives!  The anticipation is killing us and I'm beginning to think it'll never happen, but we know soon the waiting will be over...

Well, more exciting news!  The last few days I have been feeling very different, like she could come any day now, and like my body is gearing up for the big day.  At my appointment those feelings were confirmed!  The baby has moved farther down, her head is now at 0 station, and I am 1 cm dilated!  This could still mean she will come on or just before my due date (the 18th) but she also could come any day now.  Very exciting news for me as every day I am growing more sore and uncomfortable.  I'm still having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, mild cramping and all the usual signs that labor is near.  With her head so far down, I have a lot of pain in the tops of my legs and it's getting harder to move around.  Yesterday she lodged her foot behind my ribs--she's done this once before and I'm praying she removes it soon as it is very painful and making me go a little crazy!  I've also been even more exhausted than usual the last few days and feeling as though I've taken more than the recommended dose of Nyquil.  Needless to say... we are more than ready for this little one to arrive but so excited that my body is doing what it needs to do and is making progress toward her big debut.

More Nursery Photos

Here are a few new photos of the fairly completed nursery!  We are so thankful for all the gifts we've received, even the crib and glider chair.  It's wonderful for me having a chair in there now.. since there really is only so much I can rearrange, I love just sitting and looking at everything and giving our little girl a verbal tour of her room.  Now all we need is a baby!  More to come in the next day or so, tomorrow I have my 38 week appointment...

Today was my 37 week appointment... 3 more weeks to go!  Everything went fine, I am 70% effaced and the baby's head is at -2 station which means it has dropped into the pelvis.  All good news, and it looks like I'm on target for my due date.  I've had more Braxton-Hicks contractions this week and am very sore but it's good to know my body is doing what it's supposed to!  Every day I grow increasingly ready for her to come and now Blair is also ready to meet his daughter as soon as she decides it's time.  He's been spending more time talking to her and kissing my belly which is very cute to watch.  It's exciting to share in anticipation as we await her arrival together!  More to come next week...

We had my 36 week appointment today... 4 weeks to go!  They didn't "check" me (for those who were looking for the stats) since I don't have any signs that preterm labor is on the way, but everything went fine.  Again the doctor urged me to rest as much as possible and stay home... something I'm happy to do now that I'm starting to get much more uncomfortable!  I'm feeling relatively well considering my health history, but have been trying not to push too hard so that whenever this little babe decides to come I'll be somewhat well rested and feeling ok.  This Sunday & Monday I had a baby shower at my friend Ashleigh's and then we had friends over yesterday afternoon and evening--needless to say, today I'm VERY tired and sore!  It doesn't take much to wear me out these days.

I have much enjoyed washing, organizing and re-organizing all the shower gifts we've received, and finally feel somewhat ready for the baby to come.  If you click on the shower photo to the left it will take you to an album of shower photos thus far.  As many know, my first shower I didn't even go to, it was a surprise at Thanksgiving with Blair's family and I was sick!  So poor Blair was a great sport and opened all the gifts in front of the oohing and ahhing ladies.  Then the second shower was supposed to be two weekends ago at my sister's in Philly.  However, I was told by my doctor (and my husband) that traveling was not a good idea.  So, that had to be canceled but my mom brought up some gifts from family down there and my Dad is coming up next weekend to do the same.  Turned out to be a win-win for me, I get to see family, open presents and sit on my couch in my sweatpants!  This past weekend was a third shower (that I did actually attend) at my friend Ashleigh's.  It was beautiful, over the top and so much fun!  I felt so blessed to have such wonderful and caring friends and to be so pampered.  Blair and I are SO grateful for all the gifts we've received and for the wonderful family and friends we have in our lives!  We love you!

Here are some recent pictures of our nursery!  It is still in progress but finally we've finished painting and decorating the wall with butterflies.  I exercised my long-lost creativity by drawing and cutting out all those butterflies & making the mobile/chandelier above the crib.  I miss having art projects to work on so that was a lot of fun for me, especially knowing it's for my little girl!  We will post more pictures once the room is all put together.

Status of baby Drake: She is growing steadily and I'm definitely feeling more cumbersome these days.  But, thankfully she is pretty easy on me, she doesn't kick me too hard and is generally pretty quiet (though she's gotten more active in the last two weeks or so).  We just had our 34 week appointment and all is well!  I think we are both a little stunned that her due date is in only 6 short weeks, but we cannot wait to meet her, hold her in our arms and get to know her!

January 28, 2009

Welcome!  This is our first attempt at a blog posting so bear with us as we figure this all out.  Eventually this will be a place for you to visit and get updates on our life here in State College, our pregnancy progress, and oh so soon-- our baby news!  Hopefully this can be a good way for us to stay in touch through pictures and messages, with those of you who aren't nearby.  Enjoy!