Merry merry Christmas...

Wow, so here we are....4 months since my last post! Hey- I never agreed to be committed to weekly posts or even monthly ones re: the best thing I've ever done aka Avery Claire Kell!

Happy 8.5 mths Avery Claire!!! Things with a little person are so hard to describe! So I'll do my best....

Since August.....(geez, must be better blogger)

many milestones:
1. food!!!- I have mixed emotions about this one, we started good Bout 5 mths in but it started to reduce my milk supply so while I was excited about her trying new things mama's feelings were a little hurt dealing with the new so soon!
2. We don't just roll--- crawling - the Rene rolling! Well, for us, it's all army all the time!!! Baby girl is much more into standing than being on all fours.
3. Teeth? so all this drool....for nothing!!?!?!!!! I mean, we've been making up for the drought at ridge road but as of today...we got nothing in the teeth dept!
4. Hair---thank you little baby Jesus--/our girl has hair!!!!! However, lets not confuse the big ass bow in her hair for any attempt to confuse the public. Ladies and Gentmemen we have bows, we have hair for bows, we have a PINK carseat as well as dress in infant gender appropriate clothing...,COME ON....WE HAVE.A.GIRL!
Okay, that's off my chest now!
5. Avery loves to eat! Her fave is bananas
but her least faves are peas and peaches...who knew a tiny one knew how to make gagging sounds? lol
6. Avery was a cupcake for Halloween...Shocking, I know!
7. Thanksgiving: She doesn't like "real" sweet potatoes....yes, secrets out... I'm not pureeing her food from ours! We don't eat that many veggies!!! And if we did, I doubt I could even get them to a consistency she could relate to! For all you super moms that make your babies food...kudos! I think you rock....but I think we all rock doing this whole mommy t
thing!
8. Santa---No afraid, not upset, but very serious....like wth? Can I grab your beard....is it real look?!

So those are the milestones I remember....

Time flies with this precious angels! I'm always trying to soak in the moments. Hug your babies! God bless! Merry
Merry Christmas!

The Checkup and brown booby....

Ok first off, our four month check up went very well. Avery is 15 lbs 14 oz (85 percentile), 26.5 inches (97 percentile), and her head is 16 inches around (38 percentile). The doctor said she was doing great. That her height and weight were gaining fine - that she was on the skinny side of tall -- what girl doesn't want that?!?!  He gave us the go ahead to start her on rice cereal and then veggies whenever we want. I'm sure Avery is ready but this momma ain't!!!!  I don't want my little girl to grow up so fast just yet! :)  She got her 4 month shots (so sad) and we are all good until our 6 month appointment.

THE BROWN BOOBY....

So, this past Saturday, August 18th, we went "birding", meaning, we went to out looking for a specific bird. Our travels took us to Lake Norell in Saline County. There was a rare bird for our area spotted there and people were flocking (no pun intended) to see it.  The Brown Booby, I have since learned, is native to the area between mexico and hawaii, so the fact that this little lady was in Saline County was a treat for avid birders.  That being said, Casey - a birder himself, wanted to see it, hence the trek to Lake Norell. We can now say that Avery at 4 months old has seen and had a photo opp with a bird that's rare in Arkansas. Mark that off the bucket list ladies and gentlemen!!!!

 Here is the proof:

And up close:

19 weeks and growing....

Disclaimer: I apologize in advance for any sideways photos...i'm technologically challenged

Holy cow.....where does the time go?!?!?!  Avery is now 19 weeks old...geez! It's be just about that long since I've updated the blogosphere. I'll have to write my birth story later (and bore you with all the hospital photos) but here's the cliff notes of our lives since April 9, 2012 when our world became full of more love than we ever imagined.

Avery at 10 days...

.
We've travled near and far since this little lady made her grand entrance. At almost a month old we went to North Carolina for Aunt Ashley and Uncle Rob's wedding. It was beautiful and a perfect mountain setting. It was her first "party" and she shined...as if we were worried!

A happy one month old.....

Then a week or so later she was dedicated at The Church at Rock Creek. It was a great ceremony with friends and family. Here she is in her beautiful christening gown that her Aunt Jackie sent from Utah.

 And of course, with us her oh so proud mama and poppa!

Somewhere in there was mother's day.....

Her next big event was the beach. We made the trek to Gulf Shores aka the Redneck Riveria, like any good Southerner/Arkansasan. She was an angel in the car and even got to take some good naps on the beach with mom and Aunt Natty.

Beach girl.....

Over the summer we've enjoyed several events and activities...the lake, the pool and just enjoying time with our daughter. It's insane how quickly time flies and how fast she is growing up. She's already 4 mths old.....geez!!!!!!!!!!

First lake day.....

    2 months and all smiles

  2.5 months old -- pool time for the 1st time!

                                 
          You talking to me? June 20, 2012

                                                          
           Going boating...... July 2012

         Look at me, I'm 3 months old!!!!!!!!!

Got to spend some time with college friends in July. It was awesome to get all the newbies together at once...finally!!  We were lucky to have each other through our pregnancies and are even luckier to have such great friends going through this parenthood thing with us!!  i.e. what do you do when your newborn shoots milk out her nose, etc....lol It is a saving grace!

        And finally, enjoying wine together again!!!

         But we'd trade wine for these three any day!

Grayson (2/17), Avery (4/9), Cooper (3/6)

 17 weeks and life to go....

Avery and Mommy at the Alverson Family Reunion

Hello world....I'm 4 months old!!!!!!!!!!!

Pool time with mommy and daddy....

These pix are from this weekend August 18th...... 

Today is our 4 month checkup with Dr. B so I will report later on our "stats", you know how your kiddo measures up to the charts ....as if anyone really cares or it really  matters?!!?!

I will attempt to be better about my posting but i'm too in love to do anything but hang out with my precious baby girl. Hope you've enjoyed my update!!! More to follow....

Loves! xoxo - AJK 

The mommy diaries.....

One of my besties and also new mom challenged me to fill out these questions after she read it in a magazine and filled them out herself.

So, dear Avery, consider this a baby book entry from birth to 4 months--

Best Moment:
Best moment to date is the first time she actually grabbed onto my shoulder to hold on. Thinking about it now gets me all goo-goo and mushy. Man, I love that little chicken. Best moment that's reoccurring is coming home to her daily. When I get home she is ready for mommy time and I. LOVE. IT! She's so snuggly and sweet. I can tell while Nanny P is a rockstar, there's nothing like spending time with mom. And I'm lucky enough to be her!!!

Funniest Moment:
I suspect that cupcake is starting the teething process, massive amounts of drool, puts everything in her mouth, likes to gnaw on fingers, etc - you get the picture. So, the funniest moments are when she trys to go after a cheek to fulfill that need. I swear you would think the little toothless lady would gnaw your face off....and she might!

One thing you could live without:
Having to leave her everyday to go to work. The reward of her excitement and the paycheck makes it okay but I would love to be able to stay home with her and just soak in every little detail of every moment as she crawls, walks, talks and discovers life. And I must agree with my dear friend who put me up to this post...pumping well and maintaining a good enough milk supply -- which reminds me, it's about that time again!

Most embarrassing mom moment:
Luckily this was not in front of others but realizing a few days later that the blowout diaper she had not only got on the car seat but ran all the way through the base that was left in the car in 100 degree temps.

Looking forward to:
Everything. Wow, you never realize how much life there is to discover and teach out there until you are blessed with the innocence of a child. They are like little sponges soaking up every moment, every sound, and every image. I can see inquiries come across her face and am excited to get to the part when they become the inquisition. But i'm also looking forward to someone that can stop time, just so I can make sure to catalog every moment.

What I'm most nervous about:
Teeth is definitely a real concern but I chose to ignore it. So, i'm most nervous about solid food. I realize that sounds crazy but obviously the choke hazard is greatly increased as well as possibility of allergies. Then, good gracious I hope she's not a picky eater like her father, or let me tell you people, it's gonna be a knock down drag out at our house at meal time. YIKES!

Biggest Brag:
Avery rolled over for the first time at 2 mths. I was completely impressed. Now, she only does it when she feels like it. Boys, watch out! This one definitely has a mind of her own! My next brag would be her height! I swear she's gonna be some rock star model....at least I hope she doesn't peak in height at 4 mths old!

I'll also add that she loves water allbeit bathtime or pool time. She has such a blast. She's a tummy sleeper (I know, shame on me...write me up as bad parent of the year -- but it works for us). She has a great squeal and a super huge grin! She's rolling over - when she feels like it, which is usually in her crib. She sleeps through the night for the most part. She's officially in a size 3 diaper -- which came way faster than I thought it would (tear). She loves to be read to and has discovered the i phone -- sigh, it's already begun! She loves her saucer and to put things in her mouth. She's the brightest star in my world and I wasn't "living" until I had her.

-AJK

39.5 and only 1 to go....

39.5 weeks....only 1 to go!!!!  Yesterday was get down to business day at the doctor's office. He was dealing with one determined mama!!! Casey was able to go to the appointment with me and to hear him tell it, the conversation was very one-sided between me and the dr. After being checked he told me that finally my cervix was starting to thin out but I still hadn't dilated yet. I told him I wasn't leaving the room until we had something scheduled, and that if he thought Miss A would be over 8 lbs that he should just go ahead and schedule a c-section.  So after an ultrasound with a superfab friend and delta sister, Kelly Otwell, we determined that Miss A weighs in at approx 7 lbs 14 oz! So we've scheduled an induction for Tuesday night if miss priss doesn't join us before then!!! We are so excited and can't wait to meet her!!!!

How far along? 39.5weeks
Weight loss/gain? 28.5 pounds
Maternity clothes? everyday....well i fit a few non preggo things in here and there but nothing fits like the preggos do!
Stretch Marks? Nope still keeping them at bay!
Sleep? only for an hour or so at a time interrupted by potty breaks or attempting to get comfortable
Best moment this week? scheduling an induction for Tuesday :)
Miss Anything? being able to shave my legs without getting my heart rate up
Movement? oh yeah, the bump has a life of its' own
Food Cravings? enjoying everything i can these last few days
Anything making you queasy or sick? nope
Have you started to show yet? Oh yeah, depending on who you ask "I'm not gonna make it to Easter" .....well folks, I do hope you're right about that! and even if we do....we are soooo close!!!
Gender? Girl!
Labor signs? started to thin out finally!!!! 
Belly Button in or out? In - and holding on for dear life and still thankful for that!
Wedding rings on or off? Off officially -- fingers swollen and achy - ready for revisitation of wedding rings and well any rings
Happy or moody most of the time? happy :)
Looking forward to? holding and loving baby girl next week.....can't contain the excitement!

38.5 weeks and counting.....

38.5 weeks and counting....it's like the duggars but with preggo weeks instead of kiddos!

How far along? 38.5weeks
Weight loss/gain? 26.5 pounds
Maternity clothes? everyday....well i fit a few non preggo things in here and there but nothing fits like the preggos do!
Stretch Marks? Nope still keeping them at bay!
Sleep? only for an hour or so at a time interrupted by potty breaks or attempting to get comfortable
Best moment this week? knowing that regardless April is around the corner
Miss Anything? wearing normal clothes and shoes
Movement? oh yeah, the bump has a life of its' own
Food Cravings? still milk and pizza lately but mostly sweets....and easter candy is by far the very best
Anything making you queasy or sick? nope
Have you started to show yet?  Oh yeah, depending on who you ask "I'm not gonna make it to Easter" .....well folks, I do hope you're right about that!
Gender? Girl!
Labor signs? no, all closed up! avery is still holding out for diamonds...they are a girls' best friend! 
Belly Button in or out? In - and holding on for dear life and still thankful for that!
Wedding rings on or off? Off officially -- fingers swollen and achy - ready for revisitation of wedding rings and well any rings
Happy or moody most of the time? I'm pretty happy and laid back just waiting...and waiting....
Looking forward to? seeing what tricks Miss Avery has up her sleeve....hopefully we won't get any crazy "APRIL FOOLS" jokes


Well, well,well....ah, the ups and downs of being a preggo mama! I went to the dr yesterday and still nothing in relation to dilation.  (sigh) Our "due date" which I am constantly reminded by the iphone app is only an estimate is a mere 10 days away, plenty of time for Miss Avery to decide she's ready to start this party!

I've always known she wouldn't be here before April...call it mother's intuition or just knowing if a gal can hold out for a diamond she usually will (her daddy is so proud - at least she's got that part of life figured out already). LOL

I'm still working and have been crazy busy this week so that's a positive sign. According to the "old wives' tale" of when you feel your baby move the first time, Avery should be here monday the 2nd....stay tuned on that one! I had the clinic give me the on-call schedule for the next few weeks so I would at least know whenever, if ever, I decide it's time to head to the hospital I'll know if I'm dealing with a dr from my clinic or someone I haven't ever seen. I'm sure that whichever it is that if it's truly "go time" i won't care who's there as long as I have some drugs and they know what they are doing!

So happy Thursday friends! Send us some special vibes for Miss A to join us very soon!

Loves! xoxox

Full term baby.....

Hello FULL TERM.....which means, she would be fine to join us now but she obviously disagrees....

How far along? 37.5weeks
Weight loss/gain? 25.5 pounds yep, even when your preg you take advantage of losing 1/2 a lb!!!
Maternity clothes? everyday....well i fit a few non preggo things in here and there but nothing fits like the preggos do!
Stretch Marks? Nope still keeping them at bay!
Sleep? only in short increments...practice for arrival i'm sure!
Best moment this week? getting the dr to agree to strip membranes once i get dilated
Miss Anything? full night sleep and margaritas
Movement? all the time....sometimes it even feels like she's karate chopping in there!
Food Cravings? milk...not sure if it's really a craving or just a great way to keep the heartburn managable...either way, i'm good with it (which is crazy since in my previous life i had milk about once every quarter)
Anything making you queasy or sick? nope
Have you started to show yet?  apparently i look like i could "pop" or like i'm having twins but according to the dr we aren't any closer physically
Gender? Girl!
Labor signs? no, all closed up! avery is holding out for diamonds...they are a girls' best friend! 
Belly Button in or out? In - and holding on for dear life and still thankful for that!
Wedding rings on or off? Off officially -- so i look like a pregnant heathen
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy and excited but moody when there's no progress in the labor dept
Looking forward to? being dilated or at least feeling like there is a light at the end of this pregnancy tunnel!

17 days until we are "due" but could possibly be an extra week if Miss Avery decides she wants to keep up the suspense! Only she knows.....

36.5 weeks.....sigh

How far along? 36.5weeks
Weight loss/gain? 26 pounds but feels like 100
Maternity clothes? everyday....well i fit a few non preggo things in here and there but nothing fits like the preggos do!
Stretch Marks? Nope and hopefully won't be any!
Sleep? What's that? I take brief naps interrupted by potty breaks, back aches and crazy dreams
Best moment this week? knowing i am now on weekly dr visits
Miss Anything? sushi and medium rare steak
Movement? she moves a lot..mostly tap dancing on my bladder
Food Cravings? been eating a lot of sandwiches lately!
Anything making you queasy or sick? nothing new
Have you started to show yet?  apparently i look like i could "pop" or like i'm having twins
Gender? Girl!
Labor signs? no, apparently anything i've been feeling is only a tease there is no activity going on in there as far as my cervix goes
Belly Button in or out? In - still thankful for that!
Wedding rings on or off? Off officially -- so i look like a pregnant heathen
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy and excited to see her sweet little face in person!
Looking forward to? Having her in my arms instead of in my belly - momma is tired of carrying her inside

35.5 weeks....whoa!

I stole this from a friend of mine who is updating weekly on her preggo progress. I love the idea so I decided to document the last moments of cupcake's baking...

How far along? 35.5weeks
Weight loss/gain? 23 pounds but feels like 100
Maternity clothes? everyday....well i fit a few non preggo things in here and there but nothing fits like the preggos do!
Stretch Marks? Nope and hopefully won't be any!
Sleep? What's that? I take brief naps interrupted by potty breaks, back aches and crazy dreams
Best moment this week? celebrating the birth of cupcake's future husband, tank williams, and knowing she'll be here so soon!
Miss Anything? enjoying happy hour on a patio. it's been perfect patio weather here and momma could use a bottle of wine :)
Movement? yes all the time...at night i watch to see if i can figure out what she's doing in there
Food Cravings? all things carbohydrate....pasta, bread, sweets..you name it!
Anything making you queasy or sick? the smell of hot dogs makes me gag!
Have you started to show yet?  apparently i look like i could "pop"
Gender? Girl!
Labor signs? No
Belly Button in or out? In - still thankful for that!
Wedding rings on or off? Off - wearing my band occasionally
Happy or moody most of the time? Happy and excited to see her sweet little face in person!
Looking forward to? all of it but mainly seeing her perfect little self!

I'm a terrible blogger...

There...I said it. I totally have sucked at this blogging thing and I don't even have a newborn yet. Yikes! Looks like I'll be back dating posts for awhile!

So, on to the updating.....

January brought my 31st birthday. It was fabulous and spent, as always, in conjunction to the opening weekend at Oaklawn Jockey Club in Hot Springs to watch the ponies! Man, how I love that excitement! I must admit it tends to be slightly more fun when I can share in libations but that too will come soon enough! Also in January I got to see a few of my besties from law school! It was a fabulous time in Asheville, NC spent at the Grove Park Inn. If you ever get to go there, do it! It was beautiful and the spa was fabulous, even for a pregger!

In January we started classes...and a lot of them! We had a four week childbirth class where we learned all about breathing techinques, epidural needles, the lay of the land at St. Vincent, how to swaddle our baby, and the list goes on. I also took a breastfeeding class with Julie to get slightly familiar with the soon to be embarked upon baby feeding. I learned a lot but feel like there is still sooooo much left to learn. Here's hoping lil A makes it easier rather than more difficult. Fingers crossed...and toes...and whatever else counts!

Casey and I started a financial class with some friends of ours as well. It's 13 weeks and very motivated. Dave Ramsey has a great program. It's been such a help to meet with other people who are motivated to be debt free and give us perspective! We have been tackling our debt and making progress! So excited to be ablet to scream one day "WE'RE DEBT FREE"!! So, when you hear it...you've been warned!

February is here and almost gone. Time really does fly by! As I type I am 33 weeks 2/3 days depending on who you ask. We are 6.5 short weeks from meeting our baby girl (if not sooner). My Bunco ladies threw me a surprise baby shower at this month's bunco. It was so super sweet and lil A got lots of fabulous goodies.

Ave and her father sent me flowers for Valentine's Day. It was so sweet! A week later I still have the flower on my desk. Ahhh, happy! 

This past weekend I was so fortunate to be involved in three fun things! One, a  great friend and breastfeeding class buddy, Julie welcomed a little boy into the world on Friday. Grayson Thomas arrived and is perfect. I was able to hold and snuggle his preciousness on Friday afternoon. Can't wait for he and Ave to be besties like their moms!!!  Second, another long time friend's bridal shower! So excited for her and her upcoming nuptials. She deserves all the happiness in the world! Third was my baby shower from my fabulous friends. Wow, such a sweet blessing they are! I got to see some ladies I haven't seen in quite some time and it made my heart happy! We really are so blessed and so grateful for all the support we have been given!

As I get them downloaded, I'll update the blog with pics from all the previously stated events and try to do better with my upcoming posts!