Christmas Part 2

Christmas morning we woke up, got showers, and headed to Grandma's!  Nick's PawPaw and Pat were there too! Grandma prepared shrimp and grits, sausage balls, and my favorite...peanut butter balls.  While Ava took a nap we enjoyed catching up with Nick's PawPaw and eating delicious food!  As soon as brunch was over we headed out to Christmas at Gigi's house!  We are so glad we were able to spend Ava's first Christmas in Atlanta!

Nick's Birthday!

Sunday was Nick's 30th birthday so we had a day full of fun activities!  First we headed down to Phipps Plaza in Atlanta to see Santa.  We met Aunt Emily, Uncle Paul, Kailey Kate, Luca, and Gigi for our appointment to see Santa.  When we got there we wrote down Ava's list of items that she wanted for Christmas.  On her list was an activity table, Jenny jump up, diapers, pacifiers, and a taggie blanket. We know our little girl was good so she should be getting exactly what she asked for!  When it was our time to see Santa, Luca ran to greet him!  Santa held Ava, Luca sat in Santa's lap, and Kailey Kate stood beside Santa.  It was so nice to see the three cousins together with Santa.  While Ava stared at Santa he read each one of their lists and wished them a Merry Christmas.  After pictures we ate at The Tavern for Nick's birthday.  For the rest of the day we enjoyed spending time with family.  That night Nick and I went out to dinner with our friend Chase while Aunt Emily and Gigi watched Ava and put her to bed.  Such a wonderful day!

Last Stop...Atlanta!

Friday evening we arrived in Atlanta after hours in the car, traffic, and several stops to feed Ava.  We were so glad to get to Gigi's house and were super surprised by Aunt Emily, Kailey Kate, and Luca being there!  We quickly unloaded the car and got Ava to bed since we had to get up early to celebrate Christmas with Papa and Nana in the morning.

Saturday morning we headed over to Aunt Emily's house to celebrate Christmas with Papa and Nana.  They drove all the way down from the north Georgia mountains to open gifts and eat barbecue.  It was so nice to get to hang out at Aunt Emily's house while we all got to catch up.  This was the first time Kailey and Luca were able to interact and play with Ava.  Kailey has found her a new best friend.  Cousins are the next closest thing to having a sister and I can tell that they are going to be very close!  We hung out at Aunt Emily's house until dark then headed back to Gigi's to get Ava ready for bed and another busy day on Sunday!

Christmas Tour of the South

Friday morning we left Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and headed to Charlotte, North Carolina to visit with Ava's Great Great Grandmother, Uncle Phillip, and Cousins Ellie and Sarah.  We don't get to see them often so getting to eat lunch with them was a special treat!  We didn't get to stay for long since we had to continue our tour of the south.  Next stop...Atlanta!!!!!

This morning we spent the morning at Great Grandmother's house playing.  After Ava's morning nap we headed to Bass Pro Shop so Ava could meet Santa.  We went at the perfect time...there was no line!  We were able to walk right up to Santa and Ava loved him!  She stared at his red coat while he talked to her.  He wished her a Merry Christmas as she sat so sweetly in his lap.  Ava is such a sweet Angel!  After her picture we walked around Bass Pro Shop looking for some goodies for Dad's stocking then we headed to Hooters for his birthday lunch.  Tomorrow morning we head out for our drive to Charlotte!

Christmas Vacation Part 1

On Tuesday afternoon we loaded up the car and headed to Jacksonville.  Having Aunt Iris and Uncle Mark as our halfway point is the best!  When we got there Aunt Iris had a home cooked meal ready to eat!  Ava loved Aunt Iris' Christmas tree and wanted to yank on the lights!  After we put Ava to bed we enjoyed our company and then went to bed ourselves!

Wednesday morning we woke up early, said our goodbyes, and were on the road by 6:30am!  Next stop...Ava's Great Grandmother's house in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!  After stopping in Charleston to eat and feed Ava we arrived at Great Grandmother's house around 2pm.  Ava did great in the car.  The first half of the trip she slept the entire time.  After breakfast in Charleston she watched Charlie Brown Christmas on my iPhone and loved it!  Once we arrived to Myrtle Beach we spent the day at Great Grandmother's house with Ava's Grandma and Aunt Pam.

15 Weeks Old!

Ava likes to sit like a big girl!

Play time giggles!

I'm flying!

When Daddy gets home from work I love to play in my room with all of my new toys!

This past week we took Ava to the pediatrician so we could find out about her diet and exciting things only big girls do!  Ava weighed in at 10 pounds 6 ounces, which the doctor said was perfect!  She's a petite little girl!  Dr. Brennan explained to me that with me going back to work in January that Ava needed to learn to drink from bottles during the day and nurse in the mornings and night time.  This makes me nervous and sad.  I am not ready to leave my little girl!  Every day she learns something new!  I figure that since we are going to be traveling for the holidays and her schedule will be off already it is the perfect time to try new things.  Dr. Brennan also gave me some formula that is premixed in little bottles for me to keep in my diaper bag.  She told me that at this point Ava would not get confused by having formula and she wouldn't turn away my milk.  I'm still not sure about giving her formula, but it never hurts to have some on hand!  With going back to work in the near future I have been getting very anxious and stressed about leaving Ava.  I fully plan to enjoy every minute the next couple of weeks and the holidays are the perfect time to do just that!

Ava's Secret Santa

Let the festivities begin!  This morning I arranged for our Florida family to get together and have a Secret Santa at the Village Park.  After Ava's morning nap we loaded up the car, minus Daddy since he was out hunting, and headed to the park.  I love having so many friends with babies near the same age. At the park we met up with Parker, Jacob, Bethanny, Roberto, and Everett!  The big kids played while the mommies chatted.  It was nice to get together with friends and catch up!  Ava enjoyed being outside.  She loves to feel the wind in her hair!  She also enjoyed sitting in her first swing!  She was more interested in licking it, but once we pushed it a little she LOVED it!  She's still a little too small for the baby swing, but soon enough she's going to love going to the park and swinging all morning!  We are so excited to celebrate the holiday season this year with our little angel!  Next up...Myrtle Beach and Atlanta!

Ava's 3 Month Photo Session

This past weekend I finally received Ava's 3 month pictures!  I just had to share what a sweet and precious baby we have!  Ava did not really like having her picture taken.  All she wanted to do was sleep and we kept messing with her.  Hopefully the 6 month pictures will be easier!