Squeaker

Greg has nicknamed Ava "Squeaker" because she squeaks at everything. She squeaks in her sleep, squeaks in protest at having her diaper changed, squeaks through a feeding, squeaks when picked up or put down, squeaks herself to sleep, and squeaks for no reason at all. It's perfectly adorable!

Ava is doing great! We went to the pediatrician twice so far and she'd gained back the weight she lost in the hospital in just five days so she's nursing well. We had one bad episode of gas the second night home from the hospital where she cried all through the night. It turned out that dairy is the culprit. I eliminated dairy from my diet and she improved drastically since. It did leave me in a quandary since eliminating dairy (on top of being gluten-free) left me with very little choice in breakfast foods. I've adjusted, though. I don't mind because I'd do anything to avoid that terrible night of painful crying (poor Ava) because it really left me feeling helpless as a mother.

Speaking of gas, Ava's smiles are incredible funny and cute! Of course she only smiles involuntarily from gas moving around in her tummy but it cracks all of us up. Her smiles, hiccups, and even her crying are cute.

Ava has really long fingers which she is constantly moving around when she's awake and Greg accuses her to throwing gang signs. :-) Her eyes are still slate gray/blue so there's no telling what color her eyes will be for awhile yet.

Ava is simply an adorable baby. She has been pretty alert and wakeful in the last few days but today, she's sleeping more. She's very laidback and seems content to sit in anyone's arms or be left to lie in her pack n' play (which I am using as a bassinet) when she's awake.

My mom came up from Florida and was at the hospital when Ava was born and she stayed with me the rest of the week. She was a huge help. Greg's mom is now staying this week to help out. I have gotten a lot rest for which I am thankful. This weekend, Greg, Ava, and I will start being a family on our own and fly solo. I'm looking forward to settling into a routine and getting to know Ava better.

I absolutely love being a mom!