Ava's 5 Month Report

Ava turned 5 months old this week. Her current weight is 11 lbs. 10 oz. and she measured 23.5 inches long. Because she has a stork bite mark (red spots) right between her eyebrows, I often have to touch up her photos so she doesn't look like a Frida Kahlo baby. I'm leaving the first photo unedited so you can see what I mean. It's not quite as bad in real life.
She's drooling more now, when sitting up. She has laughed a few times, but is still mostly serious. She's still vain and loves to see herself in the mirror. And the best news of all, she usually (but not always) sleeps from about 8 - 5. Sometimes 4:45, sometimes 6:00. Thank you Baby Wise.

Ava and Rodney (or Bernard)

I can't decide if this mouse should be named Rodney or Bernard. What do you think? Well, he's just the side kick anyway. After being around so many kids for the holidays, Ava has decided that she too should be talking. When I lay her down to change her diaper, she starts cooing away now. All sorts of little noises. Very Charming.

Ava's New Friends

Ava got some new friends for Christmas. I'm not sure who looks more startled, her or Puglee, the uglydoll.

Oops, getting tipsy! I think she just wants to be close to the mouse Great Grandma Cook gave her!Oh, it's just too much of a crowd now. No tea parties today.

Lots of Family Fun

I've got lots of pics from the holidays, I'll try to space them out this week. First, today we blessed Ava. I finished making her dress at midnight, of course. It was a fun and special day, thanks to all our family and friends. We love you all!With Grandpa Hinman:Meeting cousins Callie and Alyssa for the first time: Sharing Christmas with cousins Preston and Jackson: Hey, watch where you put that finger!

Merry Christmas!

Ava Comes to Work

Ryan had to drop Ava off with me at work in order to make it to a meeting yesterday, so she got her first office visit. She was a bit cranky (not feeling great), but she cuddled up to Paula and joined us for our White Elephant lunch party. Lori snapped this photo of her as we were packing up to go home. She still looks so tiny in the photo, but to me she's a big girl now!She has tripled her body weight already, which takes most babies about a year to do.

Ava's 4 Month Report

Ava had her 4 month check-up yesterday and she's doing well. (She turned 4 months on Sunday). She weighs 10 lbs 6 oz now and is 23 inches long. She's in the 3rd percentile for weight and 55th percentile for height. Dr. said preemies usually take about a year to catch up developmentally, but she's already closing the gap. He also said we shouldn't try to get her to sleep through the night quite yet, because her weight is so low (she still needs that extra feeding).
Here's her 4-month birthday picture.