4th Month Findings

My baby is growing fast.  Sometimes too fast for my liking, she is indeed no longer a newborn.  But I love how she is becoming so smart, and reaching developmental milestones.  It really amazes me actually, how quickly she learns new things and discovers her world.  

Here's the latest on our little lady...

Ava's 4 month well check found her weighing in at 11 lbs 3 oz and measuring 23 inches long.  I thought for sure she was bigger than that, but I'm okay that she's not :) I want to keep her little forever, and her pediatrician told us that we should actually get used to it.  She will probably always be petite.
She is still in 3 month clothes but has graduated from size 1 diapers, to size 2! 

He also told us to hold off on starting her on any rice cereals or solids.  She's doing so well with the formula, eating 5-6 oz every 3-4 hours, and sleeping 9-10 hours at night.  We've got a good thing going and he said not to mess with it.  He recommended solids for her at 6 months and we are fine with that!  One less thing to have to do :)

Her pediatrician also confirmed something that we've known for awhile now.  Our sensitive, tender hearted little miss has Stranger Anxiety.  It's really early for that to have already started, typically it's not until 7 or 8 months, but she's got it.  And bad.  And there's nothing we can do about it.  She will hopefully grow out of it soon.  It really is the saddest thing.  If someone, anyone really, that's not either Jace or myself, gets near her, or looks at her wrong, we're in meltdown city.  It's hard to be told, "Oh, you're spoiling her too much." Or, "She's such a Momma's girl, you need to fix that."  Trust me, I want more than anyone for her to be comfortable with people other than myself.  But at the same time, I don't believe you can EVER spoil an infant, and I will look back at these days with NO regrets that she and I got to spend all day, everyday playing and cuddling together.  A lot of mothers don't get to stay at home with their babies all day like me.  I feel blessed to have that opportunity and to have a sweet baby that loves me in return :)  

On a less serious note!  Like I said, she's still sleeping amazingly through the night, and her naps during the day are really quite consistent as well.  She now naps in her crib (hallelujah) and probably takes 3 good solid naps a day.  Bedtime has now become a little earlier, between 8-8:30.  That changed as we started to notice her getting really ornery between 7 and 8 o clock.  Nothing was calming her down.  One night, as she was inconsolable, I said screw it, and started the bedtime routine at about 7:30 (typically we didn't start it until 8:30-9).  I was afraid to put her down so early in fear that she wouldn't sleep through the night and I'd be getting up with her at 4 or 5 am.  But, she surprised us all and still slept her normal 10 or so hours!  And she's been pretty consistent with that time frame ever since.  Hello, all those nights she was so fussy, she was trying to tell us to stop keeping her up so late and put her to bed!  Why it took me so long to realize that?  Heaven only knows... new mother errors I guess :) 

Our little miss is getting so smart!  She finally started reaching and grabbing for her toys this last month, and now that she has accomplished that, playtime has a whole new meaning!  She cannot get enough of her toys and all of them of course go straight to her mouth.  

She has even been enjoying tummy time a little more than usual and will roll over from her belly to her back.  And I'm thinking that the harder task of back to belly isn't too far off... she gets herself turned so far onto her side sometimes while playing, that I'm certain one of these days I'll find her on her belly, without me having put her that way :)  

She thinks she's pretty big these days.  Rolling over is one thing, but lately she feels like she can hold her bottle all on her own too.  

And don't even get me started on the Bumbo... :)  She looks so big!

She absolutely LOVES the sound of her voice and will talk and squeal and coo and sing all day long.  In the mornings, before I go in to get her, she will just lay there talking and singing to herself.  Best wake up call in my book :)

She also loves to look in the mirror.  We will put her in front of the mirror and she will light up, smiling and talking to the other "baby" that looks back at her.  Melts me.

My bald baby isn't so bald anymore!  I swear, it happened over night.  One day she didn't have hair, the next day she did.  It is as blonde as can be and so fine and fluffy, but we'll take it! 

Along with every toy going in her mouth, so do her fingers.  Which makes us think that the dreaded teething process could be right around the corner :( 

We had our first experience with a sickie baby last week.  The night of her 4 month drs apt, she developed a fever of 101.1.  It was due to the shots she received earlier in the day, but still, it was not fun.  She was miserable, you could just tell that she did not feel good.  She didn't want to eat, didn't want to sleep.  All she wanted was to be held.  So I held her.  For most of the day and night until the baby tylenol finally helped her to sleep.  Heart breaking :(  She was much better the next day.

All in all, this last month has been wonderful.  So many new things happened for this little one, she's constantly learning and growing right before our eyes.  Some nights I will rock her to sleep and just stare at her, amazed at her perfectness.  And still amazed that she's mine.  My heart has never been so full of love.  She is one special little lady :)

Here are few more pictures of my silly girl... seriously, her little personality kills me! 

Here's a little gem.  If you do not find this funny, there is something wrong with you... :)

Day Of Love

Another Valentine's Day, come and gone.  

For those of you who know me well, know that I absolutely LOVE Valentine's Day. 

I am a sucker for romance, flowers, chocolate. You name it.

I can't help it.  I love love :)

In years past, our Valentine's Days were full of surprises, excitement and passion!  We'd plan a nice, romantic evening with dinner reservations, movie tickets and quality time spent together.  It was easy to do so... no having to plan around feedings, or having to find a babysitter.  We were spontaneous, carefree lovers :)

This year, with our little lady now in the picture, we kept things more low key.  Ava and I took Daddy lunch at work, ran a few errands, played at home and napped :)  Jace had to work late, so by the time he got home, it was pointless to try and fight the crowds at any restaurant.  We stayed in for dinner, and had chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. 

It was a completely different Valentine's Day from the previous years and I'm pretty sure that our future February 14th's will follow a similar suit.  It really is true when they say, 

"Having a baby changes everything..."

And we wouldn't have it any other way :)

I know I'm biased but, seriously, could you DIE?!  She is honestly, the most beautiful little thing in all the world :)

Forget flowers and candy, fuzzy pink monkeys are where it's at!  

And boy, does she love that little monkey :)

We love visiting Daddy at work!  We are two lucky girls to be able to call this guy ours :) He works so hard to provide and take care of us, and we LOVE him so much!

  

And here's a little bonus treat... :) I honestly cannot get enough of this silly girl!

Month Three

These monthly updates on our little lady are really more for me than any of you readers out there.  I know I'm going to look back at these posts when she's older, and be SO grateful I wrote the highlights down!  And if it at all interests you, by all means, read away!  If not, I promise I won't be offended :)

Ava at 3 months:

*We're not quite sure on the little miss' current stats, we don't go back to her pediatrician until next month, but if I were to take a guess, I'd say she weighs somewhere between 10 and 12 pounds and is probably an inch or two taller.  She is getting pretty chunky! But at the same time, is still pretty petite :)

*She has officially outgrown all of her newborn clothes! We broke out the 0-3 month outfits and she'll wear a few solid 3 month ones as well. Some are still a little too big, but she's filling them out more and more each day.  Thank goodness for Carter's, that's all I have to say!  Their 3 month leggings are the perfect combination of long and skinny to accommodate her long lean legs and skinny waist... and they come in so many different colors, making matching with outfits a breeze :)

*We've established an AWESOME, pretty consistent routine.  EAT, PLAY, SLEEP, REPEAT.  She is THRIVING off of this routine, and it makes for a pretty happy momma as well!  She typically eats 4-5oz every 3.5-4 hours (more along the lines of the 4 hour mark).  We'll then play for a bit, usually about 1-1.5 hours, at which point she will then go down for a nap.  Her favorite napping spot these days is on our bed.  Getting her to nap in her crib is next to impossible, so whatever works, is what we do!  She's been taking one long nap a day which is typically in the morning (2-3.5 hours long), a shorter nap in the afternoon (1-1.5 hours long) and another 'semi' long nap in the early evening (about 2-2.5 hours long).  Around 8-8:30 she gets a bath (which she LOVES), some nice warm jammies, and a bottle.  I then put her down IN HER CRIB around 9pm and she will sleep until 9am.  Yes, you heard me, 9pm-9am.  12 hours a night!  Could she be any more perfect?? Granted, not every night is that perfect, but more often than not, that's the norm :)

*She is still OBSESSED with sucking on her hands and fingers and has figured out how to maneuver them around quite well.

*Though she hasn't quite started reaching or grabbing for toys, the interest is there and I can tell that her little brain is just trying to figure out how to catch the ones dangling from her play gym.  She LOVES anything that has music and flashing lights, and lately has been thoroughly enjoying her Baby Einstein DVD's.  She also loves when we read books.  The bright pictures and colors are so captivating to her and she will sit with me for quite awhile, reading books!  It is probably my favorite thing in the world :)

*She likes when I sing to her.  It will almost always put her to sleep.  "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is her favorite... She doesn't even seem to mind when I forget the words or go off key :)

*She is such a happy baby!  She loves to smile, coo, and blow spit bubbles.  She loves to play "Pat a Cake" and even laughed at me the other day while playing.  I almost died, it was the sweetest little laugh I've ever heard!  Of course she hasn't done it again since then, little stink. But soon, I'm sure that laughter will fill our house... She discovers her voice more and more each day and new little sounds arise.  

*She HATES having a dirty diaper (such a girly girl) and her changing pad has been renamed her "Happy Pad" (compliments of her daddy).  Every time we lay her on it, she kicks her legs in pure excitement and starts jibber jabbering.  She absolutely knows that's where her bum gets cleaned and she couldn't be more thrilled about it!  

*Her eyes have taken their color and are the prettiest of all blues I've ever seen!  I honestly never thought I'd have a blue eyed baby.  We will thank her Daddy and Grandpa Park for that :)

*Lately she's been LOVING tummy time.  A feat that didn't come easy!  Something just clicked inside of her and sometimes laying her on her tummy is the only way to calm her down!  She's even fallen asleep on her belly a few times for naps.  

I think it's pretty safe to say that we're obsessed with her.  I never thought that motherhood would be this much fun!  I find myself anxiously waiting for her to wake up in the mornings so we can giggle and play.  I love spending my days with her and never in all my life have I felt so complete.

She's just so dreamy :)

A New Year

As we said goodbye to the amazing year of 2012, and welcomed 2013, I found myself reflecting on the past year's blessings, and how in abundance they were given to us!

The biggest, most amazing, most obvious blessing was that of becoming parents!  After struggling with fertility issues for 11 months, the Lord, on His time granted us the sweet, sweet joy of parenthood and sent us our beautiful baby girl.  I was able to experience what it was like to be pregnant, with it's ups and downs and experience a true, hard, amazingly perfect labor and delivery to bring her into this world.  And what a blessing that was!  To feel such instant love for a little being, to bond so quickly and be so overcome with love and emotion for a sweet child of God, has been, by far, the most incredible feeling both Jace and I have ever experienced.  It has brought us closer together in our marriage than we could have ever imagined.

Jace is still employed with eBay, and what a blessing that has been!  To have a secure, stable job in these crazy economical times is huge!  And with health benefits, life insurance, a 401K plan and stock options, nonetheless!  With me quitting my job at the dental office to be a stay at home momma, we were worried that our financial situation would take a turn for the worst with only one income. And although we've had to make some sacrifices, and are definitely NOT where we'd like to be financially, we still manage to get by every month, paying the bills, making the mortgage, and putting food on the table.  My husband is one hard working man and does everything in his power to provide for his family... and for that I am indeed grateful!

I could go on and on about the blessings we received last year, but this post would be never ending.  To sum it up, 2012 was good to us and it will be a hard one to beat!  With that said, I am so excited for 2013 and what it has in store for us!  I've never been one for resolutions, I'm all about living life day to day, but I do believe it's okay to set a few personal goals to help yourself become a better person.  So here are a few of my plans for this new year:

1. I plan to be the best Mother I can be for my little Ava.  I plan to laugh with her, play with her, and explore her new world with her.  I plan to teach her and take care of her and help her grow into a strong, beautiful little toddler. I just hope she will be patient with me and my imperfections :)

2. I plan to love and appreciate my husband more.  I plan to support him in all of his callings in life, in church and in his job.  I plan to refrain from arguing so much with him, and I plan to choose my battles more wisely :) I just hope he will be patient with me and my imperfections :)

3. I plan to do better at serving my family, friends and neighbors, even just with small and simple things. I plan on strengthening my testimony of the gospel and strengthening my relationship with my Savior. I just hope He will be patient with me and my imperfections :)

I better stop at 3! Don't want to get too overwhelmed :)

Cheers to 2013 and living life to the fullest!

A Blessing

Last Sunday, December 30th, was our sweet Ava's blessing day.  We chose that Sunday for a few reasons:

1. Being the holidays, Jace's Grandparents living out of state were able to easily travel to Utah for the weekend.

2. I wanted to wait until Ava was at least 2 months old... I'm a germ freak and you may agree to disagree, but church in my opinion is the worst germ infested place you could ever take a newborn!

And

3. It was the last Sunday that our ward would meet at 2:30 pm. The new year will find us starting at 8:30 am and I was not about to try and conquer that. WAAAYY too early :)

This sweet angel of mine, has never looked more beautiful! I was a very proud, emotional momma that day to say the least.  And thanks to her Grandma Julene Helean, she had the prettiest custom made dress! It was a wonderful day :)

Despite her crying through her whole blessing, her daddy kept his composure and gave her the sweetest, most tender, most heart felt blessing.  The spirit was so strong and he was indeed inspired by it. I love this man with all of my heart! We are two lucky girls :)

After the meeting, we gathered for food at Jace's parents house and enjoyed the rest of the day with family... and loved and loved and loved on our sweet Ava of course!

I am so grateful for my little family, and so grateful to the good Lord for allowing me to call them mine.  We have been so richly blessed this year!

Don't Blink

I have a second to blog? Really? It's a miracle! These past few weeks have been a complete blur... all the preparation and anticipation for the holidays and just like that, it's over. But what a fun time we had with our new little bundle celebrating her first Christmas and all it's festivities! 

Many a night was spent like this... her favorite thing to do was stare at her Christmas tree!

The annual Park Family Christmas Lunch at Los Hermanos.

28 years ago, I came home from the hospital as a newborn on Christmas eve, in this Christmas stocking...

I found it only fitting to put her in it as well! What a wonderful birthday AND Christmas present :)

My birthday was well spent with her in tow.

Park Family Christmas Party

New Christmas Eve jammies!

And...

Santa came!

Christmas Day was a crazy, fun packed day with family... and the little miss was indeed spoiled :)

(They are all hers)

Her face says exactly how I too was feeling by the end of the day! We both just wanted our beds :)

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, the holidays are just so much more fun with a little one! We are already looking forward to next Christmas when she's toddling around pulling ornaments off the tree!

An Ava Update...

Today was the dreaded 2 month checkup complete with 3 shots and an oral vaccination.  Boooo for shots. Mean, mean shots. She screamed the whole time and I cried right along with her. 

So glad it's over! 

I cannot believe how fast this sweetheart is growing! If you blink, you'll miss something! She changes every day!

 *Turned 2 months old on Christmas Day

*Currently weighs 9lbs 7oz (little chunkster) and is 22 inches long

*Was still in newborn diapers until today (Dec. 28th) at which point Momma put her in her first size ONE... sniff sniff

*Still in newborn clothes, although they are getting a little snug

*Eats like a champ

*Sleeps like a champ

*Slept through the night for the first time at 7 weeks old, and although not every night is consistently slept through, 5-6 hour stretches aren't too bad. 

*Always pees when her diaper is taken off (thought only baby boys did that?)

*LOVES her Baby Einstein Play Gym and kicks her legs in pure joy and excitement when the lights flash

*Loves to smile at anyone that talks to her

*Has found her hands, and loves to suck on them

*Has also found her voice and makes the most precious cooing sounds 

We continue to fall more and more in love with her every day! She is our greatest joy and blessing and brings us more happiness than we could have ever imagined :)

One Month

If you ever want time to fly by in a ridiculously, crazy fast way, have a baby.
This last month has been the craziest, hardest, most fun and rewarding month for both Jace and I!  Our little peanut has been the biggest blessing, bringing us closer together than we've ever been :)

An Ava Update:

*The little miss is now 5 and 1/2 weeks old and weighs a whopping 7lbs 14oz.

*She is SUCH a good baby... pretty much only cries when she's hungry. 

*She LOVES to be swaddled.  If she is unconsolable for whatever reason (doesn't happen often) all we have to do is wrap her up tight like a little papoose and she calms right down.
*Her sleepy gas smiles melt me... I cannot wait for the day when she actually smiles at ME! Hopefully it's soon :)
*She loves to make eye contact with us, and loves the sound of her daddy's voice.

*We gave breast feeding an honest to goodness try for the first 3 weeks, but my body doesn't produce a good milk supply (most depressing thing in all the world) so she is mostly formula fed these days.  Occasionally she will get some good momma's milk... but it's a rare occasion.

*She will go 3 and a 1/2 to 4 hours in between feedings and sometimes 4 and a 1/2 to 5 hours at night... allowing momma to get some good sleep :)

*Speaking of sleep, she's really good at it.  It's her favorite thing to do.

*She LOVES bath time... and her "happy" chair.

*And loves to cuddle with daddy.

*She has a super pathetic, "life is so hard" faker than fake cry that just makes us laugh.  I'm afraid we've got a bit of a drama queen on our hands :)

*She has brought so much joy into our lives and our home and we love her with all of our hearts!  We feel so blessed and grateful to have such a perfect, sweet baby girl!

We recently had our wonderful friend Marc (the one who took my maternity photos) take a few pictures of our now family of THREE!  My perfect, angel baby who NEVER fusses, like EVER, was of course the most fussy she's ever been while trying to take these photos.  Thank goodness we got a few (okay, actually just ONE) where she wasn't screaming... little stink.

Never mind her open mouth, and the little glimpse of paci you can see in my hand... I had just ripped it out of her mouth seconds before :) But hey, it worked!

I never thought my heart could hold so much love for these two. 

There are no words to describe how much I love my new little family.

They are my world :)