Latest News...

Hello Everyone,

This is the latest update on Ava: She is now back up to her birth weight at 7 pounds 8 ounces...so she is steadily increasing. It was a zoo trying to get her to the doctor's office, but I made it through the tears, and was able to get Ava weighed. I really wanted to try to do it all on my own this time, since so many people have been helping out with the different outings that I have gone on. I made it!!! (It seems silly to celebrate such a small outing, but I was so happy that I did it.) Ava has been sleeping really well during the night. 5-7 hour blocks at a time. She usually wakes up for a feeding at 3, and then at 7 am- and then takes a morning nap. I feel like we are getting into somewhat of a rhythm. Daddy is getting good sleep- and I am getting used to falling asleep with her pretty quickly. It has been really precious to see Corey with her...he tells her that she is beautiful every day- and it gets me all choked up. So many fathers in our time rarely tell their daughter that they are beautiful, and yet Corey lavishes on her daily. It melts my heart each time. We have also had some tremendous dinners being cooked for us by all of our friends that surround us...from people that we love dearly. I am never without food! My sister just recently left- and had some invaluable advice for putting Ava down- and she goes down now in record time. (She is an incredible mother, and I was really sad to see her go. BUT I knew that she had to leave to be with her own family.) We are looking forward to when we get the family together once again to celebrate, and the two cousins can finally meet. Well- I hear some stirring downstairs, it looks like someone might want to eat :)...I will be sure to post some more shots of our sweet little one soon!

With Much Love,
Cyndia, for Corey & Ava

Oh- I am posting a picture shot of my nephew, Gabe and his sweet costume for Halloween. I thought all the Mom's out there would appreciate it! He is so stinking CUTE!

Moving in the Right Direction...

Hello Everyone,

Well, there is some good news to report. Ava has gained back 5 ounces, and is now at her discharge weight..7 pounds 3 ounces. The Pediatrician was somewhat encouraged but was still a little concerned. He thinks that my milk production is still low, although she is like drunk Ava after she feeds. My gut tells me that she is getting more than enough to eat, but I want to try and do what the Doc says...so I feel kind of in a catch...I am praying that Ava continues to get really chubby :)I have to go back next week to recheck her weight and see if she has gained anymore. Pray that she has I am doing fairly well, although at times life seems really overwhelming. I cry often, and for the stupidist of reasons. I cried when I forgot all of Corey's questions that he wanted to ask the doctor, I cried when the doctor said 5 ounces wasn't good enough, I cry when I watch a TV show...I am really pretty tired of crying, and look forward to when my emotions seem to settle down a bit. Ava has been really very good the last two nights. She has slept almost 6 hour straight periods each night, which has been amazing for me. I feel so rested. My big sister comes into town tomorrow, and I am so excited to see her. Pray for safety in her travels, and that our time together would be sweet. I have posted some more pictures, since I think everyone like to see pictures :)...

Love you all,
Cyndia, Corey & Ava

All Systems Functioning...

Hello Everyone!

So, I am not certain if everyone checks the blog frequently or not, but I thought I would send the latest update on our sweet little girl. We have had a number of different celebrations; one of which we are most proud of...her very first bowel movement! Yes, that's right folks the floodgates have opened up! We were pretty concerned when after coming home Ava had still not had a bowel movement- but once my milk started coming in- we were blessed with the volcanic explosion of Ava's first poop. It took three grown adults to change her!

We went to her first doctor's appointment today. She has lost about 10 ounces thus far, but is still looking great. All her systems are functioning. When Corey and I arrived at the doctor's office we heard quite a rumble...and after a while smelled a certain non-fragrant aroma...Yes, that's right folks...Ava had her second bowel movement! We got into the doctor's office, and sure enough she had another volcanic eruption! As we were changing her (which we used EVERY wipe we had brought), she decided that she wanted to pee...right on the doctor's office bed. Corey and I were laughing...I mean, really what else can you do? If that is not enough for hysterics, Ava decided that after her next feeding she would have another eruption...while she slept in the comforting arms of her gorgeous father. Corey said that he had felt quite a rumble, but thought that it was just her farting. Well the next time I picked her up- this time the poop had seeped through her pampers, on to her clothes, and even onto Daddy's white shirt!!! I don't think that I have laughed that hard in quite sometime! Anywho...I thought you might all want to know about the latest developments...I have also posted some of the latest photo shots by the paparazzi that has come to town...namely Grandma & Grandpa Garris...(They are quite the photo takers!)

Love you all,
Cyndia, Corey & Ava

Images

I hope that these images go through...

For Your Viewing Pleasure...

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to pass along some more shots for your viewing pleasure...Our beautiful little girl has been such an incredible blessing...We came home from the hospital yesterday late evening, and had kind of a rough first night. Mom, Dad, and Abuela Carmen were taking turns soothing sweet Ava...BUT we made it through, and our doing a little resting today. I can't tell you how overwhelming it has been to see her and think about how much I love this little girl! SHE IS SUCH a GIFT! Anywho, I am still trying to get Dad to write a little something, but wanted to pass along some great camera shots by Abuela Carmen...(Chad didn't she do a great job???!) Love you all,
Cyndia, Corey, Abuela Carmen, & Ava

Beautiful Baby Girl! (Click to Enlarge)

Ava is Here!

Good Morning Everyone! I am very excited to announce that Ava Joy was born last night at 9:27 pm. She is 7 lbs 8 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. She has heaps of dark hair like Cyndia predicted and everyone is doing very well. Sara said Cyndia did a GREAT job and got to visit with Ava last night. This is all the info I have for now, but I will be sure to give any more details and pictures as they come my way. Congrats Cyndia and Corey- we're so excited for you!!

Love, Rebecca

Good News!!!

Hello Everyone,

Corey and I had our two appointments this morning, and everything went really well. We had our ultrasound, and found out that Ava weighs approximately 7 pounds 4 ounces. She looks great, and is in position. The doctor checked me and I am now 3 centimeters dilated, and she said that my cervix is soft and ready for delivery. So, that being said- the doctor let us know that there is still a slight possibility of me going into labor either tonight or tomorrow sometime. (Which is extremely encouraging :)!) BUT even if not, we have a scheduled time at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning to go in and begin the process of labor. My doctor is very confident that with the induction, things will go really well, and that by sometime on Wednesday evening Ava will join us on the outside world :) I am excited, nervous, and amazed all at the same time. (You should all see Corey's face! It is priceless- I wish I could have video taped him in the doctor's office :)) Please continue to lift us up in prayer, as there is still many unknowns. We are just so unbelievablly amazed that she will be here this week! I have also attached some photos of the nursery- I tried to get all of the beautiful work that Carole Cummings (as she did the pull up shade and valance), Lissy (My sister) did on the sweet letters, and Corey did on the paint job- there are more pictures- but I think this is a pretty good sampling. Love you guys!

Warmly,
Corey and Cyndia