my sick little babe

Ava came down with a pretty bad case of hand-foot-and-mouth disease over the last few days. Her little mouth looks like a severe herpes outbreak. It's pretty dang scary.

but no worries, through all of the discomfort she's still smilin'. 

tiny fingerprints

I love picking up my glasses to find the lenses smudged with Ava's tiny little fingerprints. Sometimes I wish I didn't need to wear them so I could keep those smudges forever.

nakie baby

I came into Ava's room this morning to this:

Apparently she's figured out how to take her diaper off.  Thank the good lord that diaper wasn't dirty! 

squinty eyes

Ava loves her crib. She absolutely loves it. After her naps, she'll turn on her belly and play with her bunny or scratch at the bumper. I'll walk in, surprise her, and we'll play this little game of peek-a-boo through the crib rails. I love the way her little squinty eyes, all smiles, peek over the top of the crib.

No I am not going to cook my Baby!

Mike and I decided long before Ava was born that once she starts feeding on anything other than breast milk she will be on a mostly (if not all) organic, healthy diet. So far we've gotten the formula part down alright by using Baby's Only Organic Soy formula. Seems there are only three or so organic formulas on the market, and after lots of internet research I found this brand to be the must nutritious, affordable, and reputable. Problem is, I can only find it at Sprouts, so I am constantly grabbing an extra can in fear that they may not have it one day, one week, two weeks, indefinitely. Meaning I usually have a good supply of at least three cans going (although the last couple of weeks I've let it slip to the bare minimum before re-stocking). 

We can put Ava on rice cereal any time we want now, and even though I've had a can in the cupboard for a good two weeks now, we have yet to get around to it. No, no, I am not depriving my child of anything - technically we have until she is six months to introduce solids. I mean, I'm ready and everything, I even bought cute spoons and a cute bib. And so you ask why. Why am I not eager to sit my child in a highchair, feed her a bowl of mush, have her throw it at me and rub it in her hair, getting it everywhere but in her mouth? Who knows. Anyway, I'm mentally putting it on my next week's to-do list. I'll let you know how it goes. 

In the meantime, however, I'll tell you about my brand new babyfoodcookerextravaganzacontraptionamazingness! Lo and behold, Mike and I purchased a Beaba Babycook. Apparently it's some hot product in Europe and all the cute little European parents are raving about it, so we decided to order one for ourselves. I suppose I haven't even told you what exactly this special device does. It is an all-in-one babyfood maker. Processor, steamer, defroster, oh my! Sure, call me lazy. But if I can choose between making a mess of a steamer basket, pot, processor, and using the stove, or using one, tiny little all-in-one machine, you can bet your life I'm going to go with the latter. I am so extremely excited to use it I can hardly wait for Ava to hit that six month mark. Of course, I must first get her to cover herself and the entire house in rice cereal, oh yeah, and maybe eat a little some of it. 

I also purchased the Williams-Sonoma Cooking for Baby cookbook and let me tell you, I will be eating that mushy goodness right alongside Ava. Can you say sweet potato puree? Sweet pea puree? Potato and butternut squash stew? How about roasted red pepper and goat cheese puree? And when she's older there are dishes such as succotash, blackberry and ricotta parfait, minced pork and pear, root veggie medley, baby's curry, meatballs with polenta, lentil burgers with mint-yogurt sauce, pumpkin soup with alphabet pasta, turkey minestrone, buckwheat crepes, orzo with rainbow vegetables and OH MY GOD I THINK I MIGHT JUST EAT BABY FOOD FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

Toes to the Nose!

Ava has recently discovered her feet. She is now oh-so-helpful with providing me easy access during diaper changes.

It's surprising to me how much the media condemns women for formula feeding their children before the age of 1. I've recently decided to stop pumping my breast milk for Ava and instead put her on an organic soy formula diet. Research on discontinuing milk supply proved to be extremely conversational and, I must add, very discouraging. I did not find one website that supported a mother weaning her child from breast milk for reasons other than what is considered to be "appropriate": the mother has issues with milk supply, disease, or the child has irreparable feeding problems.

Personally, I am choosing to stop breast feeding because I am tired of the inconvenience. Call me selfish, but I can no longer wake up three times a night to pump for a screaming, hungry baby. I have been pumping breast milk since Ava was six weeks old and let me tell you, pumping every 3 hours for almost an hour is downright obnoxious. When I began breast feeding I vowed to myself that I would breast feed Ava until she was at least 10 months. I felt guilty even thinking about formula feeding her, mostly for health reasons. Will she receive all of the nutrients she needs? Will formula upset her belly? Will she develop health issues later in life?

After plowing through and ignoring all of the negative responses to weaning, I was able to find some valuable information concerning a baby's health and breast milk/formula. During the first three months of life, it is essential they receive x amount of nutrients to build immunities, and yes, they are found more in breast milk than formula (however there is NOTHING wrong with formula feeding from day one, for whatever reason). Having breast fed Ava for almost a solid four months, this puts my mind and the guilt at ease. I am excited, ecstatic really, to wake up and not have pumping be the first thing on my mind. I am looking forward to not having to drop everything I'm doing and start pumping, hoping the baby stays happy during the entire forty-five minutes that I am stuck to the pump.

I was having guilty thoughts of weaning as early as her first month, but I stuck to it for four months, and I am proud of myself for that. Breast feeding is difficult, very, very difficult, and I am glad it is over. Yes, this was a very difficult decision to make, but with formula nowadays, I can trust that my baby is receiving all the nutrients she needs to be and stay healthy. Now the only thing I have to worry about is the cost of formula (which will be SO worth it!).

It just dawned on me that I am very, very, very overdue on my blog music. Christmas music anyone?! Yikes, this is comparable to a Christmas tree in July...

But instead of updating my music player, I give you this:

Numero Dos

Ava's two-month wellness check-up was today. Here are her new measurements:

11 lbs 3.5 oz, 22.5 inches long

Her weight and head circumference (lol) are in the 50-55th percentiles, while her length falls *short* in the 34th percentile. She's gonna be a shorty,  just like her Mommy and Daddy! 

Also, apparently she has a broken collar bone. Ten seconds later, when our hearts started pumping again, we were told "not to worry, it most likely happened during birth, and it'll heal itself and she'll be perfectly fine". She's supposedly not in pain, but I'm still being cautious, hoping it might heal itself a little faster. There is a noticeable bump on her left side where the scar tissue is forming. Poor baby. 

She was supposed to receive immunizations today, but they were out of one so we decided to wait until next week when all shots were available. I secretly wish that vaccinations were just a bunch of hulabaloo that we could skip on, but I am not so lucky. For now though I will be happy with having been able to postpone them one week. But oh, how my heart will ache.

Things I have learned during month two:

If they're fed and dry, it is okay to let them cry (but only for a few minutes!). 

Handicap bathroom stalls are the gatekeepers of public changing tables.

A smile is the most precious expression.

It is okay to have a bad night. Don't take it personally, in the morning things will be good again.

Don't feel guilty about going out for a few hours and leaving the baby safely at home (with a sitter, of course ;)).

Ava loves having her diaper changed. Or maybe she just loves being in her birthday suit? Either way, less fuss = lucky me!

Baby carriers are absolutely genius. 

I need to be taking many, many more photos.

Ava, thank you for sharing a little more of your sweet, sweet personality this month. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us!

Oh baby.

Ava seems to have this thing where she likes to be held while walking around. You have to prop her up over your shoulder so she can get a good view of everything surrounding her. Don't dare sit down, though, or Avababy will scream her little tiny lungs out. Unfortunately, Ava seems to need this special treatment during the night hours of 11-3 or so. Some nights it's not so bad...we just stick her in her front carrier and walk around with her. Other nights, however, consist of hours of walking half-asleep throughout the house so her wide-eyes can take it all in. Don't get me wrong, I love having a curious baby, but let's get on a different time schedule chica!

Also, we finally busted out the Bumbo seat that Kirsten got her. It's hilarious! Mike and I just about died laughing when we put her in it for the first time. She loves it!

Oh and another thing (I want to write this all down before it's gone and I forget!), her cry is the cutest thing ever. Her *fake* cry anyway. She looks at you and frowns, throws her head back and let's out the saddest little cry you'll ever hear. Her frown is so cartoony - like an upside-down 'U'. It's heartbreaking and so funny all at the same time.

One Month...Yesterday

I cannot believe Ava is already one month old. Where in the heck does the time go?! She had her one month check up yesterday - here are her new measurements:

9 lbs 11.5 oz, 20 1/4 in long

A few valuable lessons I have learned so far:

Babies don't care about your schedule..take that shower when you can!
Breastfeeding is the most emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting thing I have ever done. But it's all worth it.
Wait at least ten minutes after hearing a bowel movement to change the diaper!
Don't forget baby wipes when going out!
Don't read too much into the little things. I was constantly worried the first two weeks that she was on the verge of death. Not true!
Make sure to add at least an hour onto any outing you plan for the day.
Unfortunately, cradle cap can start in the eyebrows.
Mike is the most amazing father and husband I could ever ask for.

I am looking forward to what month two brings us! It's fascinating how quickly babies develop. Every day Ava surprises us with something new and amazing..and every day I think to myself, "I can't believe Mike and I made something so complex and so beautiful". Really, human beings are marvelous creatures.

Thank you, Ava, for bringing an incredible amount of happiness and joy into our lives.

Ava baby.

Fish Lips

So I'm the mean one that likes to poke and prod at Ava to see what faces I can get out of her.

Mike and I have set up a website for Ava...check it out!

avaanne.shutterfly.com

Drum Roll Please...

I am proud to introduce to you Ava Anne McCurley. She is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to us. We couldn't be happier!

She's Here!!!!

Ava Anne McCurley has finally arrived! After an extremely quick (less than 2 hours) active labor and delivery, our baby has been born! She was born at 11:05 pm Sunday, December 14th. 8 lbs, 11 oz. and 19 inches long. She is absolutely perfect. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. Pictures to be posted soon!!

Are we done yet?

So I am officially ready to be done being pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I love being pregnant, but now that we are so near the end I am more anxious than ever. We've tried every home induction remedy we know of, castor oil being the last. What a mistake. I would rather be pregnant for two more weeks than have to go through that again. Labor is "supposed" to start once it's out of your system, and I think I'm almost there, but dammit, if I don't start labor by tonight I am going to be more than frustrated. I guess it really is just up to the baby. I'm praying for a miracle tonight!

Soon!

Ava will be here very soon! We're hoping by the end of next week!

Soon Soon!

Great news from our midwife appointment today! Ava has dropped reeeaaalllyyy low, I'm 1 cm dilated and my cervix (probably too much info, but who cares!) is nice and soft and ready to let this baby go! She needs to cook a little longer though, so it's off my feet and just ridin' it out for now...

Yay!

Babies'R'Us..AH!

I have to begin with a little conversation I had with my younger cousin Owen this afternoon. He's four. This is how it went:

Owen: "Is your baby still in your belly?"
Me: "Yep, she's right here."
*I put my hand on my belly...he follows and rubs my belly, too
Owen: "Is she growing up in there?"
Me: "Uh-huh"
Owen: "Is she going to be your daughter when she comes out?"
Me: "Yep, and you're going to be her big cousin!"

Then he smiles and hugs me. Cutest kid ever. He's always asking how my baby is doing.

On another note, Mike and I began our registry at Babies'R'Us today. Good lord, is that place overwhelming. What ever happened to one kind of bottle with one kind of nipple? What about a good old-fashioned high chair, or a regular plastic tub for the sink? It seems the only things you can purchase for a baby these days are overly-large contraptions that are completely unnecessary. Like, what baby needs a jacuzzi spa tub? Or a bassinet that's the size of a small car? Or a $200 bedding set? Sheesh, our bedding didn't even cost that much. Mike had the same line of thinking as far as unnecessary went, so it was rather easy scratching things off and finding alternatives. I'm still overwhelmed, though. We didn't get very far, and we would like to purchase a lot of things second hand or search for better deals online. Now it's just finding the time to actually go out and do that...

Anyway, Ava is healthy and growing. She seems to have found a comfy little spot under my right ribs that she has wedged herself into. She is also putting a hefty amount of pressure onto my bladder. Now rather than getting up 2 or 3 times a night to pee, I'm getting up at least 4 times. Each time my bladder is so full I can hardly walk to the restroom. I'm convinced I'm experiencing mild contractions at this time (my doctor said I probably am) and I often wonder if labor will be much more painful. I'm sure it will be. Oh well, I guess I appreciate the heads up.

When I find the time I'll update with pictures and talk of all the fun Mike and I had in San Diego last week...here's a little preview!