Avery's Growth

Avery and Sean couldn't be more different in personality if they tried!

We're pretty sure Sean will continue to take after Mom's personality (the need for structure and order all around him) and Avery will follow Dad's laid-back lead (the child isn't bothered by noise, people, scheduling, etc).

Here are a few pics of Avery's first week at home. He's already had a handful of visitors, been to the grocery store and then today went to a parade and pancake breakfast! (Sean loved that those people in the cars that threw lots of candy!)

Big Brother Transitions

Avery has brought so many wonderful changes to our home! Sean has taken on the sweetest role as big brother. He asks for 'baabbee' (baby) when he wakes in the morning, or from naps. He also gives the cutest 'mmmwwaaa' kisses on Avery's head throughout the day.

Mom has had to spend more 'special' time with Sean since the new arrival... as you can see it's all about the food. :)

Learning to dip oreo cookies in milk! What a wonderful skill for a toddler to learn.

And what child doesn't like making rice crispy treats?

Avery's Birth Story

The month of July flew by since our last update...

Avery's arrival came as a surprise on July 28th. Mom got up and went to work as planned, unaware that she would be up for 24 hours by the end of the day! We went to our normal doctor appointment on Monday around 2:30 p.m., but went home with much concern over when the little guy might come. (Mom was already dialated 6cm and not having any contractions!) It was to our delight that God truly moved all the obstacles out of our way, so that we could head back to the birthcenter later that evening to prepare for Avery's delivery.

By 7:30 p.m. we had unpacked all of our baby gear and checked in at the birthcenter. Mom was 8cm dialted, still walking around without contractions and a little nervous about inducing labor. After we broke her water, the first hour seemed slow and uneventful... filled with stories about babies and plans for the next few weeks. At 9 p.m. Mom jumped into full labor and within an hour Avery was born!

We are still so grateful to all of our friends that were able to help us last week! (This mommy was a little overwhelmed by the having of a baby a bit earlier than her plan called for...) All in all, God's hand was clearly over all of us... and our family couldn't be more thankful for this precious addition to our family.

Avery Brian, just minutes after being born.

Proud Pop!

At home, exhausted... this kiddo didn't do much more than sleep for his first two days!