My Babydaddy

Paul had ACL surgery on his left knee last Friday, so Avery, Ellie(the dog) and I have had the privilege of taking care of the only man in the house. For those who don't know, ACL surgery is a painful procedure followed by a long recovery. Paul will be off his feet and out of work for at least a month, and he begins physical therapy after Christmas three times a week for 8-10 weeks. But for now, Paul is a captive audience, as he is not able to get off the couch without assistance. I usually nurse Avery and then hand her off to her dad. She smiles immediately and moves her hands and makes the cutest little coos. I think Paul fell in love with Avery when the ultrasound tech said, "It's a Girl", but these past few days have proven the feeling is mutual.

No one can get Avery to smile like her daddy.

All Thumbs

Avery is a thumb sucker. She's been sucking her hand off and on for a few weeks, but her first thumb-sucking triumph was at the doctor's office for her two month appointment. It was perfect timing for her to find her thumb, because I forgot to bring a pacifier just in case she flipped out during her shots (she did, by the way). Anyway, Paul and I have caught her in the act a few times since then. We think it's the most adorable thing, but I'm sure it will be annoying in a year or two. Anyone who has advice on how to break this habit should let me know. I'll file it away and bring it out when I'm more concerned about her orthodontic future (I might have just made up a word, by the way). For now, the cutie-pie pictures are worth the potential braces bill.

2 Months...

...have flown by. Avery turned two months yesterday, and to celebrate we put her in her crib the evening before. Neither of us slept particularly well, but Avery did. God blessed me with a girl who loves sleeping as much as I do. Since Avery is now in her room, I thought I'd show off some pictures of it. I'm sure the fall colors are no surprise to anyone. Those pics are followed by a few of Avery in her asian-inspired dress.

Our splurge was this chair. The blanket was made by Michelle, and the "Avery" banner was made by Marie, Rachel, and Sarah.

My mom painted the picture, my mom's friend's sewed the quilt and bumper, and Paul's parents provided the crib. Thanks all!!

The setup.

My bad attempt at a pose. She looks a little uncomfortable.

Mornings

I am not a morning person. I never have been. My roommates over the years will attest to my grumpy replies and flat responses before (and after) breakfast. I always tell the story that when my brother and I were in high school together, he had to drive us both every morning. I can count on one hand the words exchanged between us over the two school years. Even Paul can barely get more than a grunt out of me when he kisses me goodbye for the day...poor guy.

These past few weeks have changed my perspective a bit. I wake up around 8 or 8:30, roll over in my bed, and check out the bassinet to my right. This has been my morning wake up call:

Even the right side of her face is cute on its own!

I guess I don't mind mornings after all. (Then again I haven't completely reformed....I posted this in the afternoon.)

Fatty-Fat

The subtitle of this post should be "No Wonder I Had a C-Section". I just returned from my 6-week doctor's appointment, and I couldn't resist posting these pictures from 6 1/2 weeks ago. I'm enormous.

Post the First

Here it is - my first attempt to participate in the blogging world. Avery is almost six weeks old, and I'm close to finishing my recovery from a c-section. So why not add a blog to my life? I'm amazed at how quickly time is already passing by - my little girl is growing up. Paul and I find ourselves completely entertained by Avery. We're always staring at her, noting how often she focuses on us and attempting every manipulation of our faces to bring about those first baby smiles. She thinks the wall is funnier than us at this point.

So here are a few pics of Avery's first few weeks in the world.