Happy New Years Eve!!

The three of us are finally home and loving every minute of it! Travis and I will download all of our pictures this evening so that we can attach a link to all of Avery's major moments so far = ) Avery just got her third feeding of the day (she's an amazing eater) and has been passed off to her Papadoc so that Mommy can go get in a much needed nap.

Avery had her first Pediatrician visit today, what a little rock star! She is now 9 lbs and definitely passing every test! With how much she appears to like to eat I have a feeling she will gain back her 7 ounces in no time ; )

While I was still pregnant I placed an order for a crab leg dinner to celebrate New Years Eve = ) Grammy and Grampa are still on top of that request so hopefully we'll get in some good pictures of Avery ringing in 2010 and of the family dining on some delicious surf and turf! Bringing out the pink Champagne tonight!!

Naptime...

Quick Best Friends

Remi thinks she smells delicious!

Home Sweet Home

Princess Avery, Mom and Dad got to go home today!

Here's Avery getting dressed in her going home outfit! We learned that she loves teddy bears!




Avery's first car trip!

Bella Principessa

This is one beautiful princess. Everyone continues to do well and we are all just over-joyed!

Love at first sight!

We got to meet Avery this morning and it was well worth the 9 month wait. She is so beautiful. She has the cutest belly and sweetest cheeks. She is a pleasant and content baby girl and is already a good eater! I'm pretty sure that she's already requested some green chiles!
Beth is doing great too! She looks so beautiful and happy. Mom, Dad and Baby will get a new room soon and we will post some more photos. Here's what we captured this morning--

Happy Birthday Avery!!

Princess Avery Elizabeth made her debut this morning just before 7am!!
We know that she is 9 pounds 7 ounces!!! And everyone is doing well-- we will give more details when we get to meet her!!

I heart Epidurals!

That's what Beth says! Beth has gotten her epidural and they have started her on the pitocin-- or the "vitamin p" as the cool pregnant ladies like to call it at 2am. Things are moving along smoothly!

Progress!

Beth's water broke!

Update 2

Hello Again from Albuquerque! Not much is changing here. Avery is pretty content in her current nap-zone and is in no hurry to arrive. Beth + Avery and Travis are trying to get some rest and so is the rest of the fam.
I'll keep posting as the updates roll in....

Update 1

Hey team. No updates. Looking like it's going to be a long night but we are enjoying the company.
Beth is 2cm dilated and 80%effaced.
More to come later!

Big Day!

Good morning Avery Fans! This is Auntie Shae and I will be your blog updater!

Big News! After seeing the doctor this morning, they decided to INDUCE!

So, Beth + Avery & Travis are on their way to the hospital.

I'll keep you posted throughout the day as we get more info.

What a great day to be born!

Baby Watch - Day 11

Despite our best attempts - spicy food at Gardunos, lots of laughing, walks and shopping - no signs of Miss Avery just yet. Looks like we'll make it to our Dr appt tomorrow! Baby Watch continues ; )

On the agenda for today...going to a movie, taking a walk, and watching the Cowboys beat the Redskins = ) Oh yes, and lots of nap time!

Baby Watch - Day 10

Sorry for the late update! No Avery today...but the entire family is officially in town so I'm sure that's just what she was waiting for = ) Uncle Mikey and Auntie Shae Shae were the last to arrive and so they have now given Avery the go-ahead to make her big entrance. We're giving her one more day to decide to join us on her own and then Monday we'll be begging for the induction. Bring on the drugs, this girl is getting HUGE!

Baby Watch - Day 9

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! No Avery today but hopefully we'll have news for you soon = ) Back to opening presents ; )

Baby Watch - Day 8

Sorry kids, no Avery just yet = ) But Merry Christmas Eve!! I had one of my last Dr. Appts yesterday and Dr. Shelburne decided he just can't justify inducing yet but definitely if we make it to my Monday appt. There's an end in sight! My Mom is still convinced that today is the day so I will be sure to have the blog updated if anything changes = )

Remi's Birthday Photo Montage

Remi's birthday - 2008

These are all from Remi's first day with us!

Every puppy deserves a little photo montage of his younger years on his birthday!

Baby Watch - Day 7

And Baby Watch continues! Avery is still enjoying her nice little temperature controlled environment...I think its the snow on the ground that is currently scaring her from joining us in the real world = ) We're off to the office again today to get checked out so hopefully she'll be motivated by the sounds of the hospital!

Happy Birthday Remington!! Today is Remi's birthday and we are going to celebrate with a fun afternoon at the dog park (as long as his delicate little paws can handle a little snow) and a new toy and treat from Three Dog Bakery! Travis and I apparently love Christmas time birthdays = ) Remi turns 3 today which I believe makes him 21 in dog years! Travis and Remi are going to crack open a cold one tonight to celebrate!

Baby Watch - Day 6

No news today - still very pregnant = ) Travis seems convinced that Avery is going to decide Christmas Day would be the perfect day to be born, haha! I have no idea how we'd work birthdays if that is the case...

Not much new in ABQ! I am down to 12 hours left of work (that is crazy to me!) and Christmas is only 3 days away = ) Soon our house will be full of family and hopefully a little Avery!

Baby Belly - 39 Weeks

Still the size of a watermelon - Baby's brain is still developing rapidly, and her skin has taken on a paler shade thanks to a thicker layer of fat around the blood vessels. (Don't worry, she'll change color again after birth). Avery is now able to flex her limbs and her nails might extend past her fingertips.

Avery and I promised Travis we wouldn't go into labor today b/c he has a hearing he can't miss, but all bets are off tomorrow!

And one side note - they are not kidding when they call it a bun in the oven. This oven is baking! Yesterday when we took Remi on a walk I stripped down to a t-shirt b/c I was so hot. Travis however was in a jacket and beanie and still commented on how cold it was. 40 degrees is the new 80 degrees to my body!

Baby Watch - Day 4

And the watch continues...still pregnant and no signs of Avery just yet = ) Drinking my tea and going on long walks! Travis and I are planning to go on a movie date tonight in honor of hopefully our last weekend as a two-some.

Baby Watch - Day 3

Looks like Avery is not going to acknowledge my requested delivery date today = ) Another good appointment but no change in progress. Today's tips were to drink raspberry herbal tea and do squats during contractions. I'll do anything to motivate this little girl to join us!

Baby Watch - Day 2

No sign of Avery just yet...but I can't believe how fast these last weeks are flying by! For how huge and uncomfortable I am I just assumed the time would drag on until she arrives = ) Instead I'm having to double check that I have my maternity leave all set and everything house ready for Avery...it feels like I'm all of a sudden rushed!

I absolutely cannot believe that we are one week away from Christmas! Time to make sure everything is underneath the tree! Our next Dr. appt is tomorrow so I will update with any news = )

Baby Watch - Day 1

Well, I think its a bit early to start the count down to Avery but since my goal delivery date (yes, I'm sure Avery will take note of my goal date) is 12/19 I figured we might as well begin the Watch = ) I think it would be incredibly special if Avery could share her birthday with her great-grandfather (Grandpa Pat) who passed away in 1998. Grandpa Pat was born December 19th, 1914 so everyone cross your fingers that Saturday is the big day!! (Don't worry, I know this little girl isn't coming until she says its time ; )

Avery and I had a good appointment yesterday with the OB nurse. My blood pressure was lower than last time so no induction in sight = ) Next appointment is Saturday so hopefully we'll be able to keep everything under control until then! Avery has been more active than usual which concerns me that she is just a bit too happy in her current environment...

Avery's Advent Calendar

Just in case Avery decides to join us before Christmas, I am keeping her Advent Calendar up to date (don't worry, this pic was taken yesterday). Its so adorable to see what baby item will go into the calendar next!

And if she joins us before Christmas I get an extra little treat b/c I will get to run to the store and buy Avery her first Christmas outfit!! What's more adorable than that ; )

I love...

Christmas Cards! Every day we get another Christmas greeting or two from family and friends! These little treats make me so happy and really get me into the Christmas spirit = ) I love all of the pictures and stories! It makes me sad that we didn't do many Christmas cards this year, but hopefully we'll be sending out birth announcements really soon ; )

Our next Dr visit is tomorrow afternoon! And I have it on good authority that both sets of grandparents are ready to head to ABQ the moment they get the call = ) Baby Watch 2009 is about to commence!

Baby Belly - 38 Weeks

We've made it to 38 Weeks!! The last bits of vernix caseosa (the white goo keeping Avery's skin moist) and lanugo (downy hair) are slowly shedding into the amniotic fluid. Baby's head is about the same circumference as her abdomen, and her head could be covered in an inch or so of hair.

Another good appt with our midwife on Saturday although my blood pressure has been higher the last two visits so Travis and I got to spend some time Sunday at the hospital doing a non-stress test. Avery tried to sleep through the test but a nice jolt of sugar from some cranberry juice got her moving! No other problems such as headaches or swelling so it looks like my body is just getting ready for baby = ) Progress report for this week - 1 cm dilated and 60% effaced.

Happy Birthday Papadoc!

Happy Bday Dad! Thought I'd post one of my favorite pics with you on the blog today! Eat some cake for me & Avery = )

Remi Day

Poor Remi doesn't get as much outside time these days when its cold so today I have promised him that we will go to the dog park once I get off work. I haven't figured out if he knows that Avery is going to join us soon or not, but he definitely has been more snugglely lately = ) Hopefully he has the dog sense that recognizes pregnancy or else he's thinking -as Danny put it today in Remi voice- 'Mommy has really let herself go' = ) Either way, good times to be had today at the dog park if anyone wants to join!

Biggest Loser

I am so addicted to the Biggest Loser! Last night was the finale and so many of the contestants looked phenomenal = ) The next season starts up January 5th...perfect timing to help motivate me to work off this baby weight! PS - Travis, thank you so much for not proposing to me on national television. You could just see it coming from the beginning. I promise I'm a romantic but reality show proposals are where I draw the line.

And - if anyone is interested in what Avery is eating these days...we are off to Sams Club today to buy Kiwi and some sort of citris fruit in bulk! I love this fruit season!!! Time to start looking into the maternity salad too = )

Weekend Recap

Another successful weekly checkup! Strep B test results came back negative and Avery's little heart beat was nice and strong = ) We did not get checked for progress this week but for sure I will have an update on that after this Saturday's appt!

Pictures above are of Trav and I before leaving for the Sutin Christmas party at Sandia Casino. It was a fun evening of cocktails and hor'dourves = ) The casino was a bit depressing...they didn't have my favorite machine and I successfully lost $20 faster than ever before in my life! No more gambling unless in Vegas, haha!

Baby Belly - 37 Weeks

Today brings two beautiful words: full term! Now, whenever Avery's born, she's likely to thrive = )

Baby is now the size of a watermelon (that's the truth)! She is gaining about a 1/2 ounce a day and getting her first sticky poo ready. I'm sure Travis is thrilled about that! She is also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (its getting strong!).

Travis Made Me Cry today...

You can pretty much guarantee a Saturday at our house equals at least one college football game. Well today Travis made me watch a college football story about a young USC fan who lost his eye sight. I can't help it...any ESPN story like this brings on the water works. Pretty special, had to share = )

http://www.parentdish.com/2009/12/02/as-little-boy-loses-sight-he-asks-to-see-usc-football-as-final/

Can I blame this one on pregnancy hormones...come on...I know at least someone else out there tears up!

The Land of Nod

Sweet Adorableness!!! Avery's coming home from the hospital accessories have arrived and they are even cuter in person!! My favorite Boston kids hooked us up with some Land of Nod goodies and I had to share = ) We'll get the new wall shelf up on the wall this weekend and I will absolutely be doing one last load of Avery laundry so that I can get the coat, beanie, and mittens packed in my hospital bag. Avery is going to be the cutest dressed baby girl at Lovelace Women's hospital!!

And this week has flown by! We have our next Dr. Appt tomorrow morning and Travis' work Christmas party tomorrow night! Should be a fantastic weekend = )

Things I am Thankful for Today

1. Snow! It is snowing outside my office window right this moment = ) Not enough yet to be photo worthy...but enough to get me downstairs in a bit for some hot cocoa! I think my co-workers in Westlake Village should also have some hot cocoa today!

2. My Lucy pants! Thank goodness for stretchy workout pants! I have 3 pairs of Lucy pants that have gotten me through this pregnancy from day 1 to day whatever today is = ) Hopefully they still fit post-pregnancy after being worn under my belly for so many months!

3. My Husband = ) Who loves me despite the fact that I can't even ride our stationary bike anymore without my legs hitting my belly!

Thanksgiving Projects

Pantry organized to make room for Avery - check!

Car Seat Base and Car Seat protector - check!

Avery baby monitor mounted on wall - check!

Christmas lights up and in working order - check!

These are just a few of the projects we accomplished last week with Steve & Joyce = ) Oddly once we check these off the list a new item gets added!

Turkey Day

Steve and Travis - getting ready for their big Turkey Day job!

Travis' potato creation - how many green chiles gave up their lives for this deliciousness?!

The men and the fabulous electric knife - thanks Papadoc!

Remi - always prepared for a fallen piece of food!

And the wonderful result of a morning of cooking!

Joyce and I must have been working on the important things when the camera finally came out to capture the holiday! We had a fabulous holiday weekend full of food, shopping, Christmas lights and more = ) We certainly put Joyce and Steve to work before Avery gets here!