And Growing!

Ava is enjoying life to the fullest as every baby should.

Ava = 6 lbs
Bob = 12 lbs
Moby = 18 lbs
Anton = 150 lbs

Bheri keeps a watchful eye.

Party central!

"Every girl needs a German bear."

Kettler trike piggy backs it home on the Big Dummy.

Daddy time...

One Week Old Movie Star

Ava received her first mail package! It was a digital camcorder from her grandmother, Judy. Unable to resist the spotlight, Ava insisted we start filming right away...

First Days

Day two, mom and baby are tired and content.

Colostrum for lunch.

Day three, Ava has her first outdoor adventure -- a walk on our trail with dad, mom and the dogs.

Day four, the midwife, Susie, and her assistant, Adrianne, make a second visit to the house after the birth. Ava gets her health and hearing checked. All is well.

Later, dad reads while Ava gets a sunbath.

She's such a happy baby!

Oh Baby!

Ava Autumn van Leuken
6 pounds 4 ounces
Born at home
7:16 pm October 22, 2008

Nesting

Both Mom and Miranda visited in September, separately, and helped me put together the baby's room. I thought I'd share some of the finishing touches...

The baby's room used to be our office. It was painted Pepto-Bismol pink. Mom helped me choose the new colors and Rufus demonstrated the calming affect.

This old trunk with bike decoupage has been around since college. It fits great in this little pocket of the room.

The office shelves were adapted to much needed storage shelves.

This baby shirt was made for Wies as an infant. Now it has a special place in the room and is waiting to be adorned again. The height chart is also Dutch, hence the centimeters. It used to belong to Anton and Arne.

This dresser, a gift from Uncle Tom & Christine years ago, makes a great display table. The shoes, hair brush, and one teething ring belonged to Wies. Our wedding picture frame complements the musical carousel that was a gift from Tante Diny. The other teething ring and silver drinking cup belonged to Anton. There is a tiny silver bracelet with turquoise and bear claw carvings for the baby, which was a gift from a friend. And, my birthing bracelet:

The birth bracelet is made from beads and charms given to me by women in my family. My plan is to wear it during the birth to remind me of all the strong women who love and support me.

The changing table, a gift from a friend, is set up in our bedroom. The adorable wooden mobile is from Anton's childhood.

The guest room was finally finished also. Yay!