Rodeo

I was 22 before I went to my first Rodeo. Ava was only 4 weeks. Yesterday we took her with us to the National Western Stock Show. She did really great. Practically slept through the whole thing even with all the noise. I wanted to get pictures but of course I forgot the camera. Too bad we don't have a little cowgirl hat small enough to fit her. It was fun though. Like Father like daughter!

and even more pictures.....

I just couldn't wait any longer. I finally played dress up with Ava. The shirt actually fit surprisingly well. The pants.....they were gigantic. But she just looked so darn cute!

As you can see, Ava isn't a big fan of the bath!

Talented! Playing Xbox and taking care of baby!

Sleep

Between the hours of 7:30 am and 9:00 pm, my 4 week old baby has slept for a total of 6 hours. THAT'S IT! Now we are off to bed and I HOPE she'll sleep good tonight!

More Pictures

The Proud Grandmas

Isn't She Beautiful! (That's a statement, not a question!)

Our First Outing

Chris's first day back at work was on thursday so Ava and I are officially on our own during the days now. I of course was not planning on trying to leave with her any time soon but luck was not on my side. My c-section incision has started to get infected and so of course my doctor needed me to come down so he could look at it and write me a prescription. So Ava and I had to venture out. Unfortunately I couldn't get her to fall asleep before we left. So she wasn't happy in the car. Then we get to the doctor's office and of course, I forgot that they shut down for lunch. So we had to sit in the hall and wait a half hour for them to come back. Now I know why I didn't want to go out with her. It came time for Ava to eat and let me tell you, as a first timer, it's NOT easy to breast feed a baby in public. Luckily no one was around to witness it. It's also not easy carrying a purse, a diaper bag, and a carseat with a baby in it. I don't think Ava and I will be getting out much. At least not until she's a little older.

Milking Cow

That's what I feel like. All I'm good for anymore is my milk.

faulty swing....or maybe just user error

I should probably let you all know that though I'd like to blame a faulty swing for Ava's fall, the truth is that it was actually put together poorly. Chris and I assembled it and didn't get one of the bars on the swing attached all the way. So when it came undone, part of the swing fell. Ava didn't even fall out of the swing. She was just hanging there in the swing that was half connected on one side and not on the other. I have overcome my previous fears though and have since put her in the swing multiple times. And so far no mishaps. phew!

A double chin already?

Family of Three!!

The baby and the mamma

Post Partum......and all that

Well she's here at last. Our little baby girl. Ava Morgan Shideler. She weighed in at 6 lbs 4 oz and was 19" long. She is the sweetest, cutest little girl ever. So far she's been great with her eating/sleeping schedule. She usually goes 2 to 3 hours between feedings during the day and at least one 4 to 5 hour block at night. Her daddy loves her so much. She is his little angel. She will definately be a daddy's girl.

As for the mamma....I am completely exhausted. It is definately harder than I thought it would be. The c-section recovery is a little rough but now, a week later, I'm feeling pretty good. I dont sleep of course. Not only becaues of the feedings but because as a new mom I am not used to all the cute little noises she makes. They keep me up all night long. So far I've only had two "episodes". The first was on day #5. Chris and I have a baby swing that we decided to use to see how she liked it. She was doing good until I heard this click noise and about 30 seconds later the swing broke. She didn't fall completely out and really wasn't even fazed by it. I on the other hand was tramatized. I of course jumped to her aide and then cried while she easily went back to sleep. My second episode was just a case of exhaustion and I decided it would feel really good to just cry. It really does make you feel better to just let it out. Now I feel much better. Just happy to have such a hands on daddy, and of course my own mom here to help me out. They are lifesavers!!