Day 7 - "Layla Loves Her Sister"

Day 6 - "Changing Ava"

Catching Up on Being Up to Date

We have reached that point, friends and family.  Even with the amazing help of Gammy Gradwell, Robin and I have now hit zombie mode.  Our little love is still trying to get on our schedule and isn't sleeping through the night.  Due to this, I will not be writing as much for a little while.  Giving you small blurbs each day is what I enjoy most.  However, so I can rest my brain and still get you updates, I will be posting just pictures and videos for a few days.  I have some catching up to do with updates, so today you will be getting Day 6, 7, 8, and 9.  My apologies for dropping back.

Ava, Day 5 - "Just Chillin"

  Good afternoon all!  Today I would finally like to stake claim to a trait Ava gets from me.  When she was born, we could instantly see a lot of her momma.  Everything from her ears down to the tiny facial expressions she makes, you can see bits of Robin.  And I'm not complaining in the least.  I am extremely thankful she gets her mommy's beautiful looks.  But, in time, I knew she would have a bit of me come out.  Today, good friends and family, I present to you my little Ava doing what her daddy does best...just chillin'.  Love y'all.

Also, I almost forgot, Ava had her first Doctor's appointment today and he said everything looked great.  She did really well riding in the car again and getting inspected by the doc.  The night before, however, she didn't want to sleep. She just wanted to stay up and move and rock.  Therefore, while out, we bought a swing.  And not just any swing, but an automatic swing. So, now, we might all get a little more sleep.  Here are some videos showing our wonderful day with Ava.

Ava, Day 4 - "Eat, Sleep, and Poop...and poop and poop and poop."

Hey guys!  Welcome to day 4 in the life of Ava.  As today was Ava's second day here at home, she definitely made the most of it.  Let's see, in the past 24 hours, Ava has managed to fill 10-12 diapers and poop on both Robin and myself, all the while being the most adorable baby in the world.  All we were trying to do was give her a sponge bath and get her smelling like fresh baby.  I mean, ladies out there, tell me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't you love to be given a sweet warm sponge bath, followed by a relaxing shampoo, culminating with a spa quality massage in subtle lavender lotion?  Yes?  I thought so.  How did she thank us?  By a good ol' poop on mom and dad.  But, that's okay because we have enjoyed every minute of it!  So, while we enjoy her in the flesh (and fluids) y'all enjoy another day's documentary of Little Miss of the year, Ava.

Ava, Day 3 - Coming Home

Miss Ava is home, and we are stoked!  It was quite a long journey from Radford to Hillsville, but I guess that may have something to do with not breaking 50mph.  Nevertheless, she rode very well and has slept most of the day.  Though we enjoyed our stay at the hospital, it is extremely nice to be at home and relaxed.  Here are a few shots of her coming home.  Enjoy! 

 

Ava, Day 1 and 2- "Welcome to the World Little One"

EXTRA, EXTRA!  Read all about it! Miss Ava Pauline Lancaster is here!!!  After 11 hours of labor and two big pushes (yep, you read it right.  Only two.) Ava has arrived and made her mark on this world.  I will go ahead and apologize to those who have been checking for updates on the site and ending up disappointed, (*cough *cough, Brian!) but it was hard to tear myself away from our little bundle of joy.  Oh, and also, I finally slept...hard.  Because I have already failed at posting the first days festivities of Ava's "Birth"day, I will give you a little more than just a picture.  Brian and Penny ended up bringing a video camera so that we may capture Lil' Ava in all her glory.  The video is of Ava and her mommy shortly after delivery giving us a strong cry to show us what we will be expecting in the coming months.  And speaking of Ava's mommy.  Robin was so amazing and I'm so proud of her.  Even when her contractions looked like the Rockies on the Contract-O-Meter, she breathed right through them and trucked on.  She later needed the epidural and finally felt some relief, thus making us all feel a little better (especially my hand).  Ava's birth was a magical moment, one that I am glad that Penny, Brian, and my mom, Beverly, all got to witness.  Everyone pitched in to coach Robin through her peaks and cheer her along creating the most sincerest and inspirational of family moments.  I was so happy to share that with them.  But now, enough with the mushy-gushy.  I will shut up and let you see some of the first pictures in Day 1 and 2 of Ava's new life (more will soon come).  Welcome to the world baby girl.