Love these two!!!!!

The first two weeks home

Well, life certainly changed very quickly in our household!  

The last (almost) two weeks seem to have flown by in a blur of joy (and sleeplessness!) - 

We are adjusting to a new baby at home and Sam is adjusting to a new sister and being home with mom and out of daycare.

Taken by our friend Colleen Kron

AVA

Ava has been a really good baby so far - she does sleep a lot and seems pretty mellow.  So far, I'm pretty convinced she's easier than Sam was, but we are not even two weeks into this so I could change my mind!  She is a newborn so there is no getting around the nursing every 2-3 hours around the clock, but she usually goes down after a feeding, or if she is awake, her cries are softer and less demanding.   A few things that are different with Ava - she does spit up a little, which we NEVER experienced with Sam, and when you change her diaper, she often pees mid change - mom has had to adjust!

Ava had her first doctors appointment at a week and one day old.  She was back up to birth weight already and the doctor continued to say that everything just looked great - we love to hear that!

Weight:  7lb 5oz (50%tile)

Height: 19 7/8in (50-75%tile)

Head: 14in (75%tile)

It is a little different caring for a newborn on top of a very active toddler - Ava will likely learn to be a little more patient as she often gets set down to feed or corral Sam!  She will also be used to more constant commotion and noise! 

Ava sleeping with dad

SAM

Sam has had a lot to adjust to as well.  First, he now shares mom and dad with a new sister, and Second, he is home with mom and baby instead of daycare.

As for Ava, Sam mostly ignores her.  Occasionally, he'll peek at her in her nap nanny or throw something over it, but that's it.  One of his main words now is "Be Be" which is very cute.  I do think when Sam and I are playing and I have to stop to feed Ava, he does get a little jealous.  He often has to sit on the couch next to me (practically on me), and sometimes will swat at Ava's head - he's done it when he's mad occasionally too! 










He also loves to sit in Ava's nap nanny and will take advantage when she is not in it!












 


His favorite thing about Ava?  Another option to find a pacifier.... she's going to have to guard that with her life as she gets older!

Otherwise, Sam is doing great!  He is getting good at using his fork and spoon, he is learning more words, animal noises, and songs.  He continues to entertain everyone with his dance moves on a regular basis - give him some music and he'll show you some serious moves.  He is so fun and makes us laugh everyday!

First Family outing

Two days after being home with Ava, we ventured out on our first family outing as a family of four!  Grandma Vander Stelt was staying in a hotel nearby and we thought it would be fun to bring Sam over for some swimming in the pool since he loves water so much.  He was a little hesitant at first and not impressed with the pool, but once he warmed up to it, he had fun splashing around with dad and grandma.

 

 Ava and mom chilled and watched the excitement from the sidelines.

Sam eventually moved on to the hot tub and I think decided he liked the warm water a little better!

Professional pictures from the hospital

We had a fun little 40 minute photo session at the hospital - they got some great pictures!

 

 

 

Arrival of Ava Louise Backstrom

January 17 was the scheduled day for our baby to arrive - it was a little different going to the hospital early in the morning and knowing we would have a baby in just a couple hours!  

Ava Louise Backstrom arrived at 9:59am, January 17, 2012.  She weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces, 20 inches long, and here head was 13.75 inches.  Like with Sam, I started crying the second I heard her cries!  It is somewhat surreal to carry a baby and then all of a sudden hear your baby crying and get to see her - she was, of course, beautiful!  We were excited to see a head full of dark hair - more than Sam had.  She also has very dark blue eyes.

Our first views of Ava!

Ava after her first bath

 This time around, dad did not spend the night in the hospital as he was home with Sam at night.  Mom and Ava got lots of time together to just hang out together.

Ava had some visitors in the hospital - Grandpa and Grandma Vander Stelt came as well as Papa and Mema Backstrom.  Our friend Ryan Kron also came by to meet Ava and celebrate and pray for us.  Sam got to come with dad to visit his sister - he stole a lot of Ava's thunder as all the nurses fell in love and threatened to steal him away!

Leaving the hospital - luckily, mom brought a smaller outfit just in case as the one she planned to put you in was way too big!

We are so excited to finally meet our little baby girl, Ava, and bring her home.  I can't believe we are already a little family of four - the fun and blessings continue!

The Day Before Baby Girl, ***?

Tomorrow, Tuesday January 17th, 2012 we anticipate the arrival of our little Girl.  We couldn't be more excited to witness another miracle, the miracle of life!  We have been blessed with a smooth pregnancy thus far and ask for this to continue through birth.  Mom is going great and has been an amazing carrier, mother to Sam, and loving Wife throughout her term.  I ask for the enlightenment, strength, and grace to give her everything she needs through this process of recovery and as her lifelong companion!  Once again, she will be an amazing mother to our second child and I can't wait to witness her seeing her baby girl for the first time! 

We wouldn't be where we are today without all of our friends and family.  Your support and encouragement is humbling and we are thankful for each and every one of you!  We are excited to share these wonderful moments with you!

Cheers to Baby *** as we have yet to formally announce her name.  We love you and can't wait to meet you!

Love Dad!

It's just LOVE!

This last weekend, every time I turned around, it seemed like Sam was engaged in a Mr. Monks love fest!  He loves that monkey!