Avery's First Christmas

Christmas with Avery was so fun. Although she was not able to really experience it and know what was going on, it was so special to have her here with us. I can't wait until next year when she will be old enough to partake in fun Christmas events and begin to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Josh and I were discussing the change in us this Christmas. As a parent, there isn't anything we would not do for Avery. Even at this young age, we don't want anything to hurt her or bring her any pain. During this Christmas season we really had a new appreciation and understanding of the love God has for us that He would send His Son to this earth to die. I could go on about this, but I believe any parent must have the same feelings and emotions this time of year. The challenge is to remember throughout the rest of the year.

One of the best things about this Christmas was that we were able to spend a week with my parents. It was such a fun and relaxing week. Avery was shown more love and attention than she could handle. She was able to meet her uncle Jeff for the first time, and they became fast friends. They took naps together and really bonded. It was funny to see how fast he was taken with her. I am excited to watch how their relationship grows as she gets older. She is going to adore her uncle Jeff.

I wish I could recap everything we did over the holiday in detail, but it would take too long. Avery met lots of new friends, including Abby, Betty, Leslie, Mark, and Kelly. She also got to meet her Mema (my grandmother), and CC (my mom) got to introduce her and show her off to everyone at the MAC and in the church office. We had such a great time and can't wait to get back.

George H. W. Bush

On Monday, Josh and I took Avery by my office to show her off. It was so fun letting everyone meet her and tell us how wonderful and cute she is! Everyone at work was so wonderful to me during the whole pregnancy; I was glad to get to show them the end result!

As some of you know, former President George Bush has an office on the top floor of our building. He is super nice and comes by our office from time to time to say hi. He was really nice to me during the pregnancy always asking how I was doing and telling me he wanted to meet the baby when she came. When we were leaving on Monday, he was getting back from lunch. He stopped to talk to us and was so nice. Josh had never met him before, so he was very excited. We had our camera in the diaper bag for this very reason, so we asked if he would take a picture with us. Obviously he said yes, and we have this awesome picture to show for it. It was a fun day and will be a great story to tell Avery when she is older.

Better Late Than Never...

Since Avery is over a month old now, I guess I should get started on the blog to keep everyone up to date with what is going on with her.

The first month of parenthood has been wonderful. Josh and I couldn't have imagined how much our life would change overnight. We love our little angel more than we thought possible. Since I did not keep you up-to-date during the first month, I thought I would do a list of things I have learned to give you an idea of what has been going on.

Parenthood has taught me...

• I can live on much less sleep than previously thought.
• It is not that gross to have another human being's bodily fluids all over you. In fact, it is a regular occurrence.
• My life is no longer my own. My plans do not matter, nor will they go the way I want them to anyway. My life now revolves around when Avery will eat, sleep, and need to be changed. Everything else must fit somewhere in between.
• She is already growing up too fast. I can't believe she is 5 weeks old. Before we know it, she will be 18 and going to college...
• If you do not believe in God, take a look at a newborn.
• I love Josh even more than I did before I watched him become a daddy. I love to see his face light up when he is around Avery. She already has him wrapped around her finger; I can't wait to watch their relationship grow.
• It is a huge responsibility to have a child - financially, emotionally, and physically - but the most awesome responsibility is spiritually. Josh and I are responsible to bring Avery up in a home that glorifies God and teaches her to love and serve Him throughout her life. It excites and terrifies me at the same time.
• I love this little bundle of joy more than I ever thought possible. She has blessed our life so much already; I can't wait to watch her grow in the months and years ahead.