Welcome Home, Ava

After staying an extra day in the hospital, we finally brought Ava home on Thursday.  We were anxious to see how Oreo would do, but he welcomed her and seemed interested in her.  He's been so cute to watch with the baby.  Although I think he still doesn't quite know what to think of her, he seems protective already.  When she is sitting in her rocker/bassinet, he will put his front paws up as though he is checking to make sure she is alright.  Whenever she is crying, he has to come investigate.  When we are in Ava's room with her, he is right there laying on her pink rug. 

In the hospital Ava rarely cried--ever.  Well...now that we are home, she has discovered how to do so.  The first night was a bit rough and overwhelming.  We got very little sleep.  TJ was up for 2.5 hours with her and then I was up for an hour.  I think she has her days and nights mixed up.  The second night was a little better.  I know TJ and I were much more relaxed and we got a little more sleep than the previous evening.

Last night was our first evening home just ourselves, as a family of four (yes, I count Oreo as a member of the family).  I told TJ several times that everything was just perfect.  He snuggled with Ava for about an hour and a half while we watched two new episodes of our favorite shows (How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory).  It just felt so nice to relax!!  After that, we gave Ava our first bath and it was a success.  She really didn't cry, in fact, I think she really liked it.

We are soooooooo in love with our new daughter and look forward to all of the adventures ahead!  Enjoy some pictures from the last few days.

In her "Going Home" outfit.  TJ picked this out just a day or two after we found out we would be having a daughter.  She had shoes to go with the outfit but unfortunately they were almost twice the size of her feet.

 

Love the headband with all her hair!

 

We're ready to go!

 

Uncle Matt came to visit yesterday with his girlfriend, Annie.  I still think it is so special that Ava arrived on her uncle's birthday!  

 

With Annie

 

See...I said Oreo acts like a protector..  Since we returned from the hospital we think Oreo has turned into part cat.  He never sat on top of the furniture before we left.

 

She loves to snuggle with Daddy.  This is how she stayed while we watched our shows last night.

 

Saturday morning snuggles!

 

All tuckered out after our hour-long walk.  Ava did pretty good.  She cried a few times, but slept for the second half of the walk.  

 

Mommy and Daddy love hugs, too, Ava! 

Again, we have to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone this week--for everyone who stopped by to visit, called to check in, came over to visit with me and offer support and encouragement when I was feeling overwhelmed, offered advice, brought food, cleaned/organized the house, took care of Oreo, etc.  It means so much that we have so many people in our lives' who are so supportive during this very exciting, but overwhelming time.  We couldn't do it without your love and support and encouragement!!!  From the bottom of our hearts--thank you!!!