MIA

Sorry I've been MIA this week.  There's been a LOT happening around here, and all of it needs to make it's way over here to be documented at some point. 

Unfortunately, I went back to work this week, so that has ummm... sucked. 

Also, the Rangers are in the WORLD SERIES, so clearly we've been busy mentally willing this thing to happen!

We did make it over to the pumpkin patch before church one morning as well.  Here's a picture during the 5 minutes Avery tolerated it:

Sweet Baby Jesus (or Why Mary is My Homegirl)

Seeing as I am not, in fact, a Catholic I have never really paid too much attention to Mary outside of the Christmas season.  However, since becoming a mother myself, I have been thinking a lot more about Jesus's mom, and the baby Jesus, and I have so. many. questions.

For example, did baby Jesus:

• spit up down the back of Mary's 30 billionth fresh tunic right before they were about to leave for the market?
• wait until Mary's cart was full and then decide to go into freak out mode for no apparent reason?
• have dirty diapers so massive they made Mary say, "Oh, Jesus!" and call Joseph over to look?
• sleep through the night from birth?
• be all sweet and nursing and then grab Mary's breast with his baby razor claws?
• cry for so long Mary made Joseph strap him on the donkey and take a ride around the block?

They wrapped him swaddling clothes, though, so I'm guessing there was some screaming. 

Then the shepherds show up to check out her baby and discuss what the angels told them.  And "Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)  Well, I'll bet so. 

See, this new mom thing is stressful.  (And I'm only basing this on my own personal experience, maybe the rest of you paid more attention in the how not to kill your baby prenatal classes.)  Those first few days with your new baby are unreal.  You are constantly worried you will somehow break them, or immediately scar them for life.  I never imagined there would be so many decisions to make in just the first few days, and no one will tell you what to do, they just keep giving you options and being all "It's your decision, mom!" while you frantically look around trying to figure out whose mom they are talking to.  Then they send you home and you Google like you have never Googled before.  And your baby is a normal human.

Then, there's Mary.  Whose baby is most decidedly not just a normal human.  But she does not freak out.  Instead, she treasures it all up and she ponders it. 

So, thank you, Mary, for reminding me to not freak out. Our situations are incredibly different for sure, but I can try to focus less on the unknown and spend more time treasuring moments with my daughter and trusting in your son.   Blessed are you among women, homegirl.

2 Months

Today Avery is 2 months old!  This month seemed to go a little slower than last, which I was so grateful for.  She did a ton of growing and changing this month.  Here are the stats from the doctor's appointment today:

Height: 23.25 inches

Weight: 12lbs 13oz

Head: 16 inches

Basically, she is one big ole healthy baby.  She's currently wearing anything from size 3 months to 6 months, and all of the newborn clothes have been officially retired.  Tear. 

Today was the first round of vaccinations as well, and little bit handled it like a champ.  Sam and I got our flu vaccines at the same time, you know, for solidarity.  Avery definitely screamed her giant little head off, but calmed right down once I was able to hold her again, and she hasn't really been fussy at all today.  We love love love her pediatrician's office, by the way.

Overall, this month has been all about awareness.  Following us with her eyes, smiling, and "talking" have all popped up over the last few weeks.  She zeroes in on us as soon as she hears our voices, and can follow us across the room.  I am also loving the megawatt smiles I get in the morning when I go in to nurse her.  The changing table is still her favorite place in the house and after she's changed we spend a few minutes just reveling in the coos and squeals. 

And then, there's the sleep.  So. Amazing.  We are now getting at least one 5-8 hour stretch per night, and it is fabulous.  Now, I just need to train myself to go to sleep when you do, so I can get the full benefit!

She's still loving the swaddle, "showers", her swing, ceiling fans and nursing.  A new development this month was tolerating the carrier.  Alas, Avery is proving to be kind of a yuppie baby.  She still will have nothing to do with the Moby, but loves her some Baby Bjorn.  (And yes, I have watched every tutorial there is for the Moby wrap, homegirl is just not having it!)  I think she likes that she can see out the sides of the Baby Bjorn better.  Now, instead of hauling the car seat in and out of stores, we just use the carrier.  Avery gets to see what's happening, and I get a little bit of a workout.  Win-win!

We seriously could not love this little girl more.  She brings joy to our hearts and purpose to our days.  Love you to the moon and back, Avery!

Swing Swing Swing

Avery loves her swing.  Mommy loves being able to shower without Avery doing the ugly cry. 

In short, thanks for the swing Aunt Lauren & Uncle Steve!