Back to the Grind!!

This was my first week back at work. Normally I will be working 7-11am, but this week was in-service & I had to be there all day. I wasn't sure how that would be, leaving my Sweetpea all day for 5 days straight, but I am happy to report that it went well. Avonlea was in the wonderful care of Janie and Grandma CeCe so I didn't need to worry about anything. Next Monday, the kids start back at school for me and we will begin to get into our normal routine for the year which will be kind of nice. Jeff has already completed his first week at school with his students. Every day, he has come home and cuddled with Avonlea. So very sweet to watch!! Unfortunately, summer is coming to a quick close for us, but we are looking forward to Fall! Above are some recent pictures of Ms. Avonlea.

Avonlea's Second Month

Okay, I know it has been a while since my last update so here is what Avonlea has been up to during her second month of life...

~She gave her first smile to my mom aka Grandma and has been smiling tons ever since


~She got to meet lots of her Moline & Martin relatives & Minnesota friends







~Spent lots of time with her Uncle Patrick, Grandma & Grandpa Martin


~Went to the Waseca & Faribault county fairs in Minnesota

~Avonlea made her first trip up to the North Shore of Minnesota with Uncle Patrick, Grandma & us of course (We visited Canal Park & Gooseberry Falls)




~She made the roadtrip back down to Texas in a remarkable 16 hours. (It normally takes 14, so she did GREAT!!!)

~She spent time with cousins Liam, Marin & Ellery and Aunt Susan & Uncle Jon






~We took her to the Beach house in Bolivar for the first time with Grandma Cici & Grandpa Crain






~Figured out how to SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!! (Perhaps one of my favorite milestones thus far)

~Had her first round of vaccines at the Doctor's office where she weighed 11 pounds 11 ounces & was 21 3/4 inches long (for her two month check-up).

Avonlea's 1st Month (continued)

Here are more pics...

Avonlea's 1st Month

Today, July 7th, is Avonlea's one month mark. She has done alot in this first month of life. She was welcomed by a cheerleading squad, celebrated her first Father's day, met 3 darling cousins, traveled through 6 states, experienced her first bath (she, of course has experienced her second, third, fourth, etc. bath--yes, we bathe her frequently), made her first trip to Target, Outback & a couple other restaurants, watched the fireworks for her first 4th of July & now has celebrated being a month old. Here are some pics of the first month...

"The Brady Bushwar Bunch"

Tuesday Morning, June 15th at about 2:30am, Jeff came into the bedroom to wake me up for Avonlea's feeding. Here is what he said, "It's time to feed Avonlea and your sister's water broke." Needless to say, that was the most alert at a 2:30am feeding that I have ever been. Mom & Patrick were still at our house so at 3am they took off for Dallas. Susan and Jon had the girls a little after 4:30am. Marin was 6 lbs, 7oz. and was 18 3/4 inches long, and Ellery was 5 lbs., 2 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. They are all doing well & the girls complete the Bushwar Bunch! They are both so precious & I can't wait to meet them and introduce Avonlea to all of her cousins. Today, Susan and the girls get to come home from the hospital and I know it will be a great feeling for all of them! Here are some photos from the event...






Marin


Ellery

Now Presenting...Avonlea Grace Crain

Okay...Finally, the day has arrived to present our new addition! Avonlea Grace Crain was born Monday, June 7th at 10:52 pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. & measured 19 1/4 inches long.

She was welcomed into the world with "the Dirty Dozen" waiting for her to arrive in the waiting room. This included: Mom & Dad, Uncle Patrick, Jeff's Parents, Grandma Crain, Janie & Billy, Great Aunts Denise, Julie, & Helen, & Stacy. Thank you to all of you for putting in the LONG hours for Ms. Avonlea.

The Hospital. We checked in Sunday, June 6th at 5pm to start medication for the induction. Contractions started that night, but were very slow. Pitocin (drug to bring on labor) followed the next day. Avonlea didn't come until 10:52pm, so it was a long day! We have been loving every second with our sweet baby girl! I'm sure that I will be updating again soon.

Here are some highlights of the big event...

Texas Wildflowers

A little over a week ago, Mom & Patrick flew into Houston for a few days & we decided to go check out all of the wildflowers around the Brenham area. Here are some pictures from our adventure.