I'm an auntie again!!

Baby Ava has arrived!! She graced us with her presence, after almost 24 hours of labor (stubborn just like her Momma ;), at 9:45 pm on Wednesday, March 28, weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz. Just perfect!

If you read my last post, you know I was likely to miss her birth due to being in Chicago on business. I was absolutely devastated knowing I was going to miss it, but I knew everyone understood. Had it been just a marketing conference, I would have canceled. But since it was a business development trip for a new market we're exploring, I couldn't skip out. Not that it was a bad trip at all (amazing meetings, potential new business, and two SPECTACULAR runs along Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier!); just bad timing.

Thankfully, we're surrounded by the beauty that is technology, and I was able to Skype my sweet Sis and family before Ava arrived! So grateful for those precious few minutes. While we couldn't get it to work right after she was born, at least I got to see pics and talk to everyone. The next day, we got to Skype again, and I finally got to see and talk to that darling baby.

Friday finally arrived, and I headed home. As soon as we landed, I dropped my stuff at home and headed to the hospital. SO thankful to have made it there before they were discharged! What a special moment to be there by myself for a few hours, let my niece meet her favorite auntie get to know my niece, spend time with my Sis and BIL, and help them get settled at home. Cary's sweet sister Jennifer, her son Tyler, and his Mom all met us there, as did my Mom a little while later.

Brent and I went back over on Sunday to spend time with everyone, and we even got to take part in Ava's first photo session (you rock, Jennifer)!

Words cannot express just how much I cherish the time spent with my growing family this weekend. Watching Cary sing to his beautiful daughter or the look of pure adoration in my sister's eyes...incredible. We are truly blessed!

Mom, dad, and precious baby girl are all doing well, albeit lacking a little sleep...but what a GORGEOUS little family they have created!

Welcome to the world, sweet baby girl!

And baby makes 3! This pic is priceless.

My 3-year-old niece, Bailey, holding her baby cousin.
Melts.my.heart.

Made it to the hospital!!

 Love that face!!

 Uncle Brent loving on his niece!

 Love her so much already!

They don't make 'em any cuter than this!!

Dear Baby Ava...

Hello my precious niece,

This is your Aunt Beth. So I hear you'll be gracing us with your presence a week earlier than we thought! I know you're just soooo excited to meet me and all, just as I am to meet you. Unfortunately (but obviously you're just as stubborn as your Momma, as I've told you countless times), I'm in Chicago this week on business. :(

How rude of you. ;) I'm only kidding!

You sure have given your Mommy a rough time these past few months, and I know she's BEYOND ready to have you out here with her and your Daddy. But...aren't you warm in there? I mean, I know there's not much room to do back flips, with your Mommy being as tiny as she is. But how comforting it must be to be so protected. :) Your parents and all of us out here are so excited to meet you. I only wish you could hold on just a couple more days...

If not (and it's not looking like things will go my way), all I have to say is thank goodness for Skype and FaceTime! Should you arrive before I get home, at least I'll still get to "meet" you.

Your Aunt B loves you SO much already!! See you soon, Ava Jane!

 

I'm going to be an auntie again!!

I’m so thrilled to finally announce that my sister Laura, who got married in June (yes, just 4+ months ago) is just over four months pregnant! And…IT’S A GIRL!! That lucky duck found out before the average woman does. But as we all know, there aren’t too many people who won’t give Laura what she wants. Kidding…sort of. ;)

My Mom called it, just as she does with everything (and we LOVE that about her!). I think my Dad was secretly hoping for a boy, being the only male in a family of five girls (my mom, my two sisters, my niece, and myself). But he had the best reaction, saying, “I think it had to be a girl for you, Laura.” I think she felt the same way! Hopefully (God-willing) the first boy in the family is being saved for me. :)

Her due date is April 3, and we can’t wait till that precious baby girl arrives!!

Speaking of the women in my family, here's a pic of most of us (we missed you, Ashley!) at the SYTYCD tour last week. THANK YOU for the tickets, Laura!! Such a fun night!