First Tub Bath

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!!

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

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!

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

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!!!!

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....

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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

Ava's Nursery

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!

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!!