The Avalons

It's been waaaaaay too long!

2010-04-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have not made anytime to blog lately! Work, married life, taxes, renewing OT licensure/certification, weekend training courses, family weddings, trips to the beach, ear infections, and unexplained fevers......there....is that enough excuses? Really, I just haven't done it. I want to do better...But anyways, here is are of the things we've been up to (beginning with most recent)(P.S. I'm afraid this is going to be a REALLY long post!)

I took Jackson to Pensacola this past weekend to visit my mom and to go to the beach (Vance had to work). Not only was it our first beach trip, but it was also our first extended car trip as well! Woooooaaah was that an experience! I am pretty notorious for doing things on a whim (which has become difficult with a child), so here is how the trip went: I was planning on leaving Friday morning to drive the 4 hour trek to Pensacola but when I woke up Thursday morning I decided that I should just leave after work. I thought I might get off around 2 but of course it ended up being around 4. When I got home, Jackson was asleep...dang it! I was hoping he'd be ready for a nap when we got IN the car! But, it did give me time to pack since I hadn't bothered to do that. So I packed all 12 bags for he and I go stay 3 days at my moms (and his stroller, tub, food, bottles, formula, spoons, bowls, body wash, towels, etc, etc, etc) while he was sleeping. Then it was 5 and he was still asleep...well now what do I do? I could hear my mother's voice in my head "Leeanne, I really don't like you driving by yourself with Jackson in the dark". So, we are already looking at getting there at 9 pm so I decided to wake him, feed him a bottle, change him and put him in the car seat, and crossing my fingers that he would fall back asleep....FAT CHANCE ! He played with the toys hanging from his carseat until we got to Florence then starting fussing on and off until Magee where he had a full out meltdown. So, I stopped at Cups, got some coffee, changed him, and played with him; then we got back in car. He was quiet again for about 15-20 minutes then I stopped at the Watermelon patch for another meltdown, then again in Hattisburg. Of course now it is starting to get dark because it has taken us 2.5 hours to get to Hattisburg and we are about to get on a long stretch of HWY 98 with no where to stop. So, I changed him again and tried to give him a bottle, hoping he would go to bed (it is his bedtime now too by the way!) But of course he didn't want the bottle. So, onto 98 we go! Long story short....he cried for 41 minutes straight on HWY 98! As I have mentioned before, I have never let him "cry it out", so this was complete TORTURE for me! But I kept thinking, I cannot stop on the side of this dark highway and let some scary person stop and get my baby!(Now I understand my mother's point....) So, I kept pressing the "points of interest" icon on my navigation system to find out where the nearest gas station, restaurant, or anything was. It would say like 14 miles then we we get there and it would be closed! I was singing, humming, laughing, praying, reaching back with pacifier, shaking toys, trying everything I could to soothe him but nothing was working! So finally I see lights in the glorious town of Lucedale, MS! Thank God for Lucedale, MS! We stopped at the gas station, used the microwave to warm his bottle, changed him, and just played in the backseat for about 20 minutes. After we got back on the road, he FINALLY went to sleep! Bless his little heart...I get tired of sitting in a car and I know he got uncomfortable in that carseat and just couldn't understand why I would not let him stay out of it! We finally made it to Pensacola at about 10:30....5.5 hours instead of 4...not too bad... Well what lesson did I learn? PLANNING AHEAD IS KEY! On the way back, I waited until right before his morning nap to leave and he slept for 3 out of the 4 hours! And was an angel when he woke up! The trip was so much more pleasant! But, hey.. we live and we learn!
While we were in Pensacola, we went to the beach on Friday and Saturday. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach so I was so excited to show Jackson what it was all about! I think he really liked it as well. He liked kicking his feet in the sand and in the edge of the water (the water was still a little too cold to go swimming). He was absolutely fascinated by the waves and all the people on beach. I had a great time with him but I also discovered that going to beach with a baby is not nearly as relaxing as before! Ha! He didn't want to just lay around and relax! Next year I'm sure I will be chasing him all over the beach and in the water! I can't wait :)!

Now about earaches and fevers...UGH! We have had a rough time with being sick for the past month! It all started one Friday night with a fever...I gave Jackson Tylenol before he went to bed because he was warm and I thought maybe he was teething or something. Well he woke up every hour that night and was burning up! The Tylenol was not touching his fever! So, the next morning, Vance and I took him to the after hours clinic. I was thinking that maybe he had an ear infection because I'm always hearing other mothers talk about them. Well the doctor checked his ears, his throat and swabbed him for the flu. All negative. So, she recommended a Complete Blood Count, CBC. This meant a nurse had to prick his toe then squeeze blood out of it for like 5 minutes to get enough to fill the tube up. Well, Jackson's White Blood Cell count was like 22,000 and she said normal was in between 5, 000 and 7, 000! So my heart dropped and I asked her if that meant he had cancer or something (I know, I am nuts, I don't deny it). She looked at me crazy and explained that NO he didn't have cancer, but it did mean that he had some kind infection that she wasn't seeing upon physical examination. So, then she said she wanted to do a urinalysis to rule out a urinary tract infection. How do you perform a urinalysis on a 5 month old you might ask... you attach a bag to his wee wee...and pray that he tee tees so that don't put a catheter in him! Vance and I started tickling him, running water, and putting his feet in warm water. Finally, he used the bag! No UTI...so who know what kind of infection he had! They gave him 2 shots and a prescription for a 10 day antibiotic. Well, the 10th day of taking the antibiotic he started running fever again! I took him to the doctor and he said he thought he was teething. So I was sent home with no medicine and a sick baby. The doctor said that as long as Tylenol could control his fever and it went away in 2-3 days then he would be ok...if not bring him back. (I think I may switch primary physician's after this). I hate when I am told that...it costs me $25 every time I walk in the door and I hate when I feel like I am being dismissed... Well the very next day Jackson starting running really high fever that did not go down with Tylenol, so I called the doctor. His nurse called me back and said the doctor said to wait until Friday and if he was still running fever to bring him back (this was Thursday by the way). Well I was really irritated by this point because I had to work Friday, we had a rehearsal dinner Friday night, I had to training seminars all day Saturday, a wedding Saturday night, and then I had more training all day Sunday. So, of course he was still running fever Friday but I had no time to take him to doctor because I have already been twice this week and I felt like the doctor would just dismiss me again. So, I took the advice of a co-worker and tried Motrin even though Jackson wasn't quite 6 months old yet (I figured he out weighed most 6 month olds so it would be ok). It worked and brought his fever down all weekend. On Monday, he was still running fever and had starting tugging at his ear so I took him back to the doctor. We saw a different doctor and she said he had an ear infection and a cough. So we got another 10 day antibiotic and cough medicine. We just finished the antibiotic and he seems to be feeling alot better and I he doesn't get sick ANYMORE! I still worry about what caused all that fever for so long but I just have to give my anxiety to the Lord and have faith that he will take care of my baby!
Ok, now a little about Jackson and then I promise I will stop typing! He is 5 months and almost 3 weeks and is getting sooo big! He literally grew over this past weekend! Literally! He is wearing 9 month clothes, size 2 shoes and 12 month hats! He sits unassisted for a few seconds and grabs at everything! Loves to pull hair (on humans and animals) and smiles and laughs constantly! He has the funniest personality! He gets in these moods where he laughs so loud for an hour straight! He NEVER sits still anymore and has become such a wiggle worm. He likes to be thrown up in arm, flipped over, tickled, kissed and play peek-a-boo. He is eating three baby food meals a day and 4-5 bottles a day. He's hasn't been a very good sleeper but the last two nights he has been sleeping until 5 am! whooo hooo! He was waking up a 2 am for a bottle! He goes back to sleep at 5 until 7. He also has become a better napper this past week as well. He LOVES to be outside. He likes to watch us work in yard, go strolling, watch the dogs, etc. He is sooooo sweet and cuddly at bedtime and twirls my hair in his fingers as he is taking his last bottle. And he loves to gives kisses! He is such a happy baby (most of the time) and Vance and I are truly blessed! I love him with every piece of my being and cannot wait to see his face everyday!

Jumperoo!

2010-03-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

Jackson has been spending alot of time in his Jumperoo lately! He LOVES to jump jump jump!

Thank you Hays for passing your Jumperoo onto me!

Jackson's first trip to the Zoo!

2010-03-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

We had our first trip to the Zoo! I'm sure there will be many more to come because I love the Zoo and have found an excuse to go at least once a year even before a had a child. We got lucky yesterday because they had a special going for a $25 family pass good for one year! So the Avalon family will be going to the Zoo all summer long! :)

The best part of the trip was that Jackson got to share his first zoo experience with his favorite cousin, Brooks! Also, his mommy and daddy, his Grandma and his Aunt Kay Kay. It was such a pretty day and it was really nice to be outdoors! The boys didn't really notice many of the animals. However, Brooks thought the flamingos were really funny looking!

Here's some pics of the day:

(side note: Jackson goes for his 4 month check up tomorrow! Will post details soon...)

Jackson's little face after his sunglasses left an imprint on his face!

Jackson and Grandma
Brooks and Kayla

Brooks
Jackson (I have to label these boys now because I've been told more than once that people cannot tell them apart!)
Checking out the caves....

We had our first trip to the Zoo! I'm sure there will be many more to come because I love the Zoo and have found an excuse to go at least once a year even before a had a child. We got lucky yesterday because they had a special going for a $25 family pass good for one year! So the Avalon family will be going to the Zoo all summer long! :)

The best part of the trip was that Jackson got to share his first zoo experience with his favorite cousin, Brooks! Also, his mommy and daddy, his Grandma and his Aunt Kay Kay. It was such a pretty day and it was really nice to be outdoors! The boys didn't really notice many of the animals. However, Brooks thought the flamingos were really funny looking!

Here's some pics of the day:

(side note: Jackson goes for his 4 month check up tomorrow! Will post details soon...)

New pics and Mommy Confessions

2010-02-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

Bath time is my favorite time these days! I love to try and kick all of the water out of my little tub!

My best friend/cousin, Brooks! He's bigger than me now but I am sure trying to catch up!

Snuggling with Brooks and my Aunt Kay Kay! I love them to pieces!

Getting a little sunshine on my almost bald head! It felt SO good!

Look at those cheeks! Everyone loves to pinch them and my mommy is always kissing them!

Ok so when I was pregnant I read any book, internet article, magazine that I could get my hands on about pregnancy, breastfeeding, babies, etc. I haven't been around a lot of babies in my life so I felt I needed to learn all that I could via books, internet, and my mommy friends. There were so many rules about what you HAD to do and what you shoulder NEVER do. At first, I thought all the rules had to be followed or some kind of parenting police would come arrest me! People would try to tell me "oh you can do this or you can do that" but unless I saw it in writing I didn't believe it. Well, since I've been a mommy for almost 4 months now I have starting breaking all kinds of rules! I feel like I need to get some of these discreptencies off of my chest..some might make you gasp! My parenting style is probably different than most of yours but I have a healthy and happy little boy so I guess I am doing somethings right! Ok here goes my confessions...

Forgive me Parenting Police for I have sinned...

1. I let my child sleep in the bed with me. I started out just putting him there at 4 or 5 am when he woke up but now he starts off in my bed. I think its more of my problem than his...He is just such a good snuggler!

2. I have never put my child on a schedule...I feed him when he is hungry and put him down for a nap when he is sleepy. He has somewhat put himself on a schedule but if he is up a change one day then I allow it.

3. I let him take naps on his tummy. He sleeps so much better! And at night he sometimes rolls on his tummy and I let him stay there.

4. When he was a baby I held him ALL the time, yes even when he slept.

5. I have never "let him cry it out". I just can't.... sorry.

6. I worry about my child ALL the time! If I'm not with him, I worry. I think this might be normal but sometimes I worry that I take it to extremes. The only person I have let stay with him besides his nanny is Vance. Lots have offered but I haven't taken anyone up on their offers yet. Also, I constantly check to make sure he is still breathing when he is napping. I know I'm crazy... My husband often refers to me as a "freak".

7. I don't believe that you can spoil a baby. Yes you can spoil a child but not a baby.

8. Jackson HATES tummy time and I don't make him do. As a therapist I should probably know better, but I don't.

9. Even though I have broken some rules, I am still very much a stickler for other rules. I don't want anyone letting him drink water or sticking food in his mouth. I know my parents let me do it and their parents let them do it but my books told me not to do it! Ha! Who knows I might break these rules too one day...

10. Last, but certainly not least... I am so in love with Jackson. I thank God for placing him in life everyday and I feel so blessed. I never knew I had so much love to give!

SNOW!!!!!!

2010-02-13T08:31:00.001-08:00

We got between four and five inches of snow yesterday! It was so pretty! We liked to look at it but didn't really care to play in it...

I'm blaming Facebook....

2010-01-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

All of my friends kept encouraging me to get back on Facebook so they could keep up with us and see pictures of Jackson. I told them about my blog and told them I was worried that I would neglect it if I joined FB. And look what happened! Almost a whole month with no posts! I've started 2 posts but never finished them and they no longer apply so I am beginning a new one while Jackson is napping and praying I finish before he wakes! Bullet form would probably be easiest since its been a while so here goes:

Jackson got a nanny! The day before he was supposed to start daycare, a lady that we had previously contacted about coming to our house to keep him called! I was so excited because I had been so anxious about daycare for some reason. Miss Callie is actually the daughter of the original lady that we wanted but they both have worked for my sister-in-law's aunt for years. She loves Jackson and I think he is falling for her too :) She loves to take him on walks and reading to him. And she even helps out around the house! I couldn't ask for more! He did not want to take bottles very well the first couple of days but has been doing great since then!
Well the reason Jackson had to get a nanny is that I had to go back to WORK! Ugh! I love what I do but I love being a mommy soooo much more! I cried the whole way to work the first day. I didn't even think I was going to....but as soon as my car left my street the tears just came pouring out! I think it was the realization that this is how my life is going to be from now on...only a few hours a day to be a mommy. Its so SAD to think about! However, I did ok they next couple of days. I'm very lucky that I have such a flexible schedule and can come home early most days.
Jackson is cooing all the time! He is starting to make all kinds of noises and is even beginning to laugh! He is growing up so fast! At his last appointment, which was almost three weeks ago, he was 12 lbs and 24 3/4 inches long! He was in the 50th percentile for everything. Dr. Joe said everything looked good and that Jackson seemed to be meeting milestones and etc. Also, that reminds me.....he got his first shots! It was AWFUL! He cried and cried and cried! Then was so pitiful when we got home. He just wanted to be held all day....poor baby.
Update on battle of the buldge: not going so well...I haven't done much fighting! I have 11 lbs to go to be at my pre-pregnancy weight! Thats alot of pounds for a short person! However, I've decided I'm not going to focus on number of pounds but just want to look descent in a swimsuit. My mom lives in Pensacola and I want to take alot of family trips to the beach this year. I tore out this diet from a parenting magazine and have tried to follow it this week. It just gives you five breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to choose from and you get 3 snacks a day if you are breastfeeding and 1 treat! I followed it pretty good during the week but then came the weekend! I'm not trying to follow it exactly anyways, just using it as a guide for some ideas of healthy meals. Speaking of healthy meals, I have to share this story about my husband: Before I was pregnant I was trying to live healthy by working out and cooking low-fat meals and buying healthy food. During my pregnancy I slowing starting putting things like cookie dough into my shopping cart. Before I knew it, they was junk food everywhere! Then, after Jackson was born, Vance starting doing the shopping and things had gotten really bad! He would buy the fattiest hamburger meat, cookies, chips, lots of soda, chocolate this chocolate that, steaks, etc. Needless to say...we both put on some LB's. So, last week I finally took over the grocery shopping again and bought all healthy food! I called Vance and told him the party was over! When he got home he scanned the fridge and pantry asking where's this and where's that? I had to explain again...no more junk food! He was most upset that I didn't buy any soda. Finally, he agreed that we needed to eat healthy and eat the meals that my diet from the magazine suggested. Well, the first night I cooked broiled tilapia, wild rice and sauteed green beans. Vance fixed his plate then casually walked to the refrigerator grabbed the jar of MAYONNAISE and plopped this giant blob of it on his plate. He then slid each bite of his fish through in blob then into his mouth. UGH UGH UGH! I could barely eat! So much for trying to cook healthy! ha!
Here are some pictures of Jackson from the last month:

Rub a dub dub...Jackson's in the tub!

2009-12-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

T'was the night before Christmas...

2009-12-24T19:23:00.000-08:00

T'was the night before Christmas and I am so happy to relaxing comfortably in my house! We celebrated Christmas with my side of the family today. Everyone was here and it was so nice! It is a very rare occasion that I get to spend a holiday with my mom, dad, and both brothers because everyone lives in different places! We were going to go to Decatur tomorrow for Christmas dinner with Vance's brothers and parents, but our sweet little nephew got sick today with some kind of virus :( Kayla, Michael, and Brooks spent the day at Anderson Hospital in Meridian. I feel so bad for them! Luckily, Brooks got to come home tonight and we will be praying for his speedy recovery (and his daddy's because Michael got sick too!) So, Vance, Jackson and I aren't sure what our plans will be tomorrow. We might go over to Vance's parents to spend the day... Here are a few pictures from today:

Look at those little fat arms! I love them!!!!

Double chin and full as he can be after a feeding!

Brittany and the pups were sooooo tired after lunch...poor babies!

Someone else was tired too....

Skylar Marie

Jackson playing with his favorite toy from Nana and Poppa Coop

Look how big he's gotten!

Also, Vance gave me a new camera as a anniversary/Christmas present. I am so excited about it and cannot wait to learn how to use it to it's fullest potential. Here are a few pics from me playing around with it:

(FYI....I bought this hat a week ago and he has already outgrown it! )

Mastitis, Milestones, Missed Appointment, and Marriage...

2009-12-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

Mastitis: Well I thought I was in clear since I've been exclusively breastfeeding Jackson for almost six weeks with no problems, but boy was I wrong! Saturday I started to notice there was something wrong so I tried massage, frequent nursing, etc but by Saturday night I was running fever and feeling terrible. Luckily, my sister-in-law and cousin were here and told me to call my doctor. So I got an antibiotic called in Saturday night and have been taking it for 2 days. I think I caught it early so its not the worst it could be, but still no fun. I'm still nursing but I am going to try to make the transition to bottle feeding him pumped milk this week.

Milestones: On a lighter note...we have been having so much fun watching Jackson grow! He will be 6 weeks old tomorrow and has gotten so big. Just the last few days he has started smiling all the time...on purpose! He is in such a good mood in the morning. He makes me forget about the lack sleep I have gotten. Also, he was started cooing and making all kinds of silly little noises. His hair is going through some sort of transition as well...He was born with a full head of hair but has lost almost all of it on top! Billy Ray Cyrus was on The Today Show the other day discussing the different types of mullets. He said when balding men sport a mullet its called a skullet. My sweet angel is rocking his skullet and looking so cute while he's doing it!

Missed Appointment: I was scheduled to see my doctor today for my 6 week check up after my C-section but I canceled this morning because I felt so bad. I've been anticipating this appointment to get the ok from my doctor to start working out. I'm so ready to be able to wear my jeans again! I'm rescheduled for Wednesday so hopefully he will tell me to get after it. Then there will be no more excuses and the battle of the bulge will begin! Anyone have any tips on how to get rid of the blubbery belly? I may need Jillian Michaels (i think thats her name) to come motivate me!

Marriage: Tomorrow is our 2 year anniversary! Since I haven't started Jackson on a bottle yet we will probably spend it at home but hopefully we will do something slightly romantic :) Here is a picture from our honeymoon in Mexico. We've been talking about taking a trip back sometime and I really hope that we can....SOON!

He's a miniature man model!!!

2009-12-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, Jackson had his first pictures taken when he was 1 month old. He did so good and we are very pleased with way they turned out. Cathy Moore was the photographer and she was great! She was very patient with a 4 week old... Check out her blog on my bloglist! Here's a few a of my favorites:

Happy Thanksgiving!!! So much to be thankful for!

2009-11-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving yesterday! God has blessed my family in so many ways this year. I have felt his hands working in every aspect of my life. We had lots of visitors yesterday and lots and lots of good food! We missed our loved ones that were unable to make it but everyone was here in spirit. Our families are healthy, happy, and growing daily! I pray that I will remain this thankful for the next year. My goal is recognize my blessings each and every day, no matter what stresses everyday life may bring! Here are a few pictures from yesterday:

The proud papas

our attempt at a family pic

Jackson's Thanksgiving bib...He didn't have a Thanksgiving outfit! I'm a terrible mother already!!!

Just relaxing....

3 Weeks Old Already!

2009-11-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe my baby boy is already 3 weeks old! Here are a few pictures but I will post more very soon from Thanksgiving. We are having Thanksgiving here tomorrow because I'm just not ready to take my sweet baby into this germ filled world yet!

Sleep deprived new mom finds time to blog...

2009-11-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Jackson has been a busy boy the last two weeks! He is growing and eating and eating and eating! Ha! Breastfeeding is still going good and my supply is somehow keeping up with his demand! He is still sleeping pretty good with the exception of two nights that weren't so good...He is staying awake for longer hours during the day and he loves to cuddle! We have had lots of visitors and he loves for anyone to hold him. He would sleep all day in someone's arms if I let him! Vance went back to work last Thursday and my mom left Sunday so its just me and the little man now. I am really enjoying the time alone with him. I'm already dreading going back to work even though its still 6 (or hopefully more) weeks away. I just can't imagine him going to daycare. I mean they will hold him and cuddle with him... right? I can't even think about it...We had two doctor's appointments today. The first was with the Audiologist. Jackson did not pass the hearing screening at the hospital so we were referred for further testing. After lots of prayer, we found out that Jackson can hear! What a relief! He can hear better in his right ear but hopefully he just has fluid in his left ear and that will clear up later. We also went to his 2 week appointment at his pediatrician. He is back up to his birth weight. This is great news to hear for breastfeeding because it means he is getting enough milk from me and does not need any supplements. He has also grown an inch! I can't believe that...Vance and I feel so grateful that God has blessed us with this precious baby and are amazed how he already has us wrapped around his tiny little finger. I never knew I could love someone so much in such a short amount of time! Here are some pictures of Jackson over the last week.

1 Week Old

This is Jackson with his cousin Brooks. Brooks is exactly 10 weeks older than Jackson. I cannot believe how much Brooks has grown! Aren't they sweet lying there together?! It is going to be so much fun watching these boys grow up together. I'm sure they will be more like brothers than cousins.

The proud mamas with their sweet boys!

The happiest grandparents in the entire world!

Sweet Little Brooks!

Me playing with my camera...I just love those fat cheeks!

2 Weeks Old!

Lots more pictures and Jackson's homecoming!

2009-11-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

Well we finally made it home! We were only in the hospital for 3 nights but it seemed like forever! Jackson has made the adjustment quite well. The first night was kinda rough...mostly because I was SO nervous to go to sleep. Vance had to threaten to make me sleep on the other side of the bed away from the cradle! The second and third nights have gone much better. Breastfeeding is going good and Jackson has been sleeping 3 hours at a time at a night! Vance has been a big help and is very involved in the breastfeeding process! Jackson and I really don't want him to go back to work! My mom is here and has been a great help! I don't know what I am going to do when she leaves either! Here are some pictures from the last few days: (they are very out of order)
This is the most recent picture (it was taken tonight). Looks like Jackson is contemplating Physics or something...or maybe why Mommy keeps flashing lights in his face over and over again. He and daddy were playing on the couch watching football.

Jackson with Granma before leaving the hospital

Jackson with his Gran-Gran
Finally leaving the hospital!

The day we got home! Mommy was so ready to get in and put on her PJ's she forgot to take a picture by the stork! My wonderful friends and my mother had this stork put in our yard to welcome Jackson home. It is so cute!

Jackson in his coming home outfit! Nana bought him the bonnet! Ha!

Finally a family picture! This is when we got home from Jackson's 2 day follow up visit.

Sitting in his bouncer seat. I love this picture! He looks just like his daddy when he wrinkles his forehead like that.

Sleeping with his daddy....

About to get his first bath ( he HATED it)! The second bath went much more smoothly! He just really doesn't like to be naked!

Snuggling with Brittany!

Waiting on our wheelchair before we leave...realizing that I am taking my sweet baby home and that there won't be any medical help right down the hall!

A few more from Grandma Janna's camera...

2009-11-03T20:41:00.000-08:00

Grand-daddy Buddy admiring his first grandchild

Jackson and Nana!

Jackson and Grandpaw Billy!

With his cousin Brooks...Aren't they cute?

Jackson's crib card

Mom and Dad before

Thank you GOD....You are wonderful! Our baby boy is here!

2009-11-03T20:25:00.001-08:00

JACKSON HAYS AVALON: born at 12:57 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009; Weight: 7 lbs 10oz; Length 19 1/2 inches; Head circumference: 14 1/2 inches

He is the MOST precious baby in the world!!!! Here are a few pics.....Don't worry there will be lots more!

Jackson with his daddy....He's so proud!

With Aunt Kayla and Uncle Michael!

With Papa Coop!

Mama's first baby sugar!

First Family Picture!

E.T.A. = 16 Hours!!!!!

2009-11-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

Quick post: I am going to be a mother tomorrow! I am so excited, nervous, scared, happy, and the list goes on! I don't know how I am supposed to sleep tonight but I am about to try... Vance is not nearly as nervous as I am (or maybe he's better at hiding it than I am). We've gotta be at the hospital at 10 am and surgery scheduled for 12! My night is going to filled with prayers and I will fill everyone in with details as soon as I am able tomorrow and hopefully be able to post some pictures. Good night!

Misbehaving already!

2009-10-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

Well we received some unexpected news yesterday...Baby Jackson is breech! He has his head under my right ribcage and his feet by his face. This means his little booty is down by the birth canal. I am almost 38 weeks pregnant and the doctor said the likelyhood of Jackson turning head first at this point is slim to none. They estimated that he already weighs 7.5 lbs so they is really just no room for him to move! We were given the option of an external version, which entails two doctors pushing real hard on your stomach to try to convince the baby to flip around. The docotr's exact words were "it hurts like a mother" and there's no guarantee that it will work or that the baby won't just flip right back around. Also, there is a risk that the umbillical cord can become wrapped around the baby's neck during all the flipping and turning. Last, Jackson's head is already measuring in the 75 percentile of a 40 week old baby. So Dr. Gebhart said even if we can get Jackson to turn, his head might be too big for my pelvis. Knowing all of these risks, Vance and I decided to schedule a C-section, even though we realllly didn't want one.But we are at peace with our decision because we know there's a reason Jackson is in this position and its all part of God's plan for him. As of now, the section is scheduled for November 3rd at noon, although the time is subject to change. We go back for one more check up next Thursday. We are so excited to meet this little hard headed boy! (And big headed!) Being able to schedule this section is good for my family as well because my mom and stepdad live 4 hours away and my dad lives 7 hours away. So now they will all be able to be here...unless of course Jackson decides he's ready to come and I go into labor before November 3rd. At this point, nothing this little boy does will surprise me!

We only have have many weeks?!?!?!?!

2009-10-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it is almost time for my sweet baby boy to be born! Some days it feels like this pregnancy has flown by and on others time goes soooo slow. Vance and I are both filled with so many emotions. I cannot wait to meet the little guy! I haven't been to the doctor in 3 weeks so I have no idea if I am dilated or effaced or whatever else I might be... I have had some Braxton Hicks contractions this last week but that's it. No other signs that labor is near. Especially not this nesting phenomenon that I hear so much about. I mean yes, I have a long list of things that need to be cleaned, organized, etc.; but do I actually get up and do them? No...not yet. I'm still hoping this instinct kicks in at some time. If not, I thinking of just hiring someone to do it for me :)

I've got Jackson's bag packed and ready but still need to get mine and Vance's packed. Got the video camera charged and ready to go, but can't find my camera charger. Of course this would be the time to lose it! Still haven't put the car seat in my car. I can't even figure out how to get it out of the stroller.... I need to be doing all of these things now but I haven't updated my blog forever! Why do I already feel so overwhelmed?

Our plan is to let this baby come naturally and not be induced or have a C-section (however, God might have other plans...) So all I think about is where am I going to be when I go into labor? Will my water break in the middle of the night or while I am at a patient's house or driving down the road? Will it break at all? How many minutes are those contractions supposed to be apart before I head to the hospital? What do real contractions even feel like? Ahhhh!!!! I am so anxious! I am going to the doctor on Friday for him to start checking me and we get to have one last sonogram. I am really hoping that this visit will give me some more insight on what to expect.

We did finally complete the nursery! All the finishing touches are done! Here are a couple of pictures:

Our dog, Pookie, had to jump in the picture because Braxton, our other dog, had already been on the blog before. Now all we need to complete this room is our baby boy!

Please keep our family in your prayers over these next few weeks!

Our Nephew----Michael Brooks Avalon!

2009-08-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't he precious?!?!?! I love the last picture because he has the cutest little smile! Brooks and Kayla are both doing great and are scheduled to go home tomorrow. I am going to miss them being so close to me. I know he is going to change so much each time I see him! I can't wait until Jackson is here to play with him!

Baby Brooks is here!

2009-08-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

Baby Brooks arrived today at 4:35 PM after much anticipation! Kayla and Michael got to the hospital at 5:30 this morning and he decided to make us wait all day long. It was so worth the wait though! He is so cute and sweet! He has the cutest little mouth! I think he is going to have brown curly hair! And unfortunately you will just have to take my word for it because I am writing this post from my blackberry in my bed because I am sooo tired from being at the hospital all day! I have lots of pictures of his sweet self on my camera and will try to post some tomorrow. Kayla is doing well too! Thanks for all the prayers! God is great and today was awesome because I got to see one of his miracles!

29 Week Check-Up

2009-08-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today's doctor visit went great! I was worried about two things: my placenta and my blood sugar. Both turned out perfect! Someone needs to take away my blackberry and my internet so I will quit googling (is that a word?) everything that could go wrong! Baby Jackson looked good and was very active during his sonogram. They estimated that he already weights 3 lbs! (not the half a million I was secretly hoping for...) In the first picture, he is looking right at the camera. It is so weird! That's his little face! I can't tell if that's his hand or his foot to the left of his face. Dr. Gebhart said he was breech today but not to worry because that was very normal at this stage. I also got a flu shot today. I dodged the first two nurses that tried to give me the shot, but then Dr. Gebhart strongly recommended that I get one. I work in healthcare and can easily be exposed but they have made me sick in the past...and I was worried about the mercury level and the correlation with the prevelance of autism...(I know...more Google...) But, I followed the doctor's recommendation and got the shot. Now my arm is sore and I am hoping I made the right decision.

This upcoming week is a very exciting week. My nephew is scheduled to be born tomorrow! Michael and Kayla are on their way here to spend the night because they have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am for Kayla to be induced! I know I won't get any sleep tonight because I am so ready to meet Baby Brooks! Keep Kayla, Michael and Brooks in your prayers. Pray for a speedy and healthy delivery! I will try to post some pictures of Brooks soon. Then, Saturday I am having my first baby shower. My best friends from Clinton are throwing me a shower and I can't wait to see everyone! Most of them live out of town/state these days so we have a lot of fun when we do get to see one another. They are not going to believe how large their good friend Leeanne has gotten!

Progress in the nursery...

2009-08-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

Vance and I have been working on the nursery, trying to get it ready for our sweet baby boy! This first picture is a wall hanging that my mom bought Jackson and light switch cover that I painted.

This is a bible verse that I painted on the wall...J/K! It is some vinyl lettering that we got from hobby lobby. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, but I think it looks really good.

This is his changing table with a lot of stuff on it. I've got to get a changing pad to put in the middle and when I do, I'm afraid some of the "stuff" is going to have to go!

Last, these are Jackson's initials that I painted. I tried to make them look distressed. I'm happy with the way they turned out. Oh, that reminds me. We FINALLY came up with a middle name. After much debate, we have decided on Jackson Hays Avalon. Hays is my mother's maiden name. We really wanted to name our son after my late Grandfather, Edward Doyle Hays. He was very special to us and I know he would be so honored to know that his name is being carried on!

Kayla's Aunt Marianne is making Jackson's bedding and curtains. I can't wait until she is done with them! Everything she makes is so beautiful and I am so grateful that she making them for us!

I have a check up on the 24th of August, so I will have more baby details soon! I feel like I have gained a million pounds so I'm hoping they tell me that Jackson weighs at least half a million pounds :)

My nephew, Michael Brooks Avalon is scheduled to make his debut Tuesday, August 25th! I am getting so excited! Please keep Kayla, Michael, and Baby Brooks in all of your prayers!

Breastfeeding Class

2009-07-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well, Kayla and I went to a breastfeeding class last night at St. Dominic. Before the class I was pretty sure that I wanted to try, but now I am really determined! I have some really good friends that have gone before me, so I feel that I have a good support system to be successful! Unfortunately, I have also heard some horror stories. Any tips/suggestions/stories that will help will be much appreciated!

Jackson's Nursery: Beginning Stages

2009-07-15T17:21:00.003-07:00

Vance and my stepdad painted Jackson's room and put up a ceiling fan! It looks so good!

The first picture is a frame I bought at One Blu Wall in Fondren. Now, I just have to figure out what to put in it...

The second picture is Jackson's bed. It was a very generous gift from my mom and step-dad, and brother, Chris. I haven't decided on bedding yet, so for now its just a bed!

Also pictured is a chair that Vance and I bought. We didn't really measure or think it through, so the room is going to be kinda crowded. But we sure will be comfortable during 3 a.m. feedings!

The changing table is supposed to come in this weekend. I can't wait to get everything put together!

Last, but not least, my sister-in-law and nephew need some prayers! Kayla has been having high blood pressure and we don't want little Brooks coming too early! I know God will take care of everything, but a few extra prayers never hurt, so please keep them in your thoughts!

21 Week Sonogram

2009-06-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor again today to check on some things that my doctor was concerned about. Thank the Lord, everything looked great! Baby Jackson was 8 inches long and weighed 12 oz! I can't believe how much he has grown! Oh and I forgot to mention this in earlier posts, but I have been feeling him move for a couples of weeks now! I wasn't sure if I was imagining it at first, but there is no denying it now! It is so amazing. I still can't quite grasp the concept that there is a baby growing inside of my belly!

Baby Update

2009-06-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Belly at 20 weeks

This picture was taken a few days ago and I have gotten a little bigger since then! Thats Braxton, one of our pups, in the background and a plant that I killed. I am going to the doctor tomorrow and am having my last sonogram until the end, so I will have more pics of baby soon! I actually had a sonogram two weeks ago, but the sonogram tech forgot to email the pics... When we went two weeks ago, the doctor confirmed that we are definitely having a little boy!!!! We have decided on a first name, but not a middle name yet. His name will be......

The top picture is a thing that I got from Michael's craft store and I painted his name on. And the bottom one is a picture that Vance's dad, Mr. Billy, and his younger brother, Patrick, had painted for Jackson at Disneyland during their trip to California. It is going to go great in the nursery because I have changed my mind about the theme/color (imagine that)! We are going to paint the walls light blue and have a nautical/ocean theme! My mom and stepdad are hopefully coming down this weekend to start painting!

What the Avalon's have been up to!

2009-06-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

HOT LANTA!!!

Vance and I went with his brother and wife, Michael and Kayla, and our friends Chris and Reagan to Atlanta. While we were there we went to two Braves games, Braves vs. Red Sox and Braves vs. Yankees. We were all so excited to see some of the big names like Derek Jeter, A-Rod, Chipper Jones, Ortiz, and Johnny Damon, and more that I should probably know more about! A-Rod and Ortiz both hit home runs in the 1st or 2nd innings. It was alot fun! It was very HOT too! Kayla and I both experienced some serious feet swelling!

We also went to the Atlanta Aquarium while we were there. It was my favorite experience! The sharks were everyone's favorite. The aquarium is home to whale sharks and they are so huge! Also, the beluga whales were mating while were there and put on quite a show! Another favorite was the Titantic exhibit. They had artifacts from the ship and lots of stories of survivors and of those that did not survive. I've seen the movie and the specials on TV but walking thru the exhibit made it so much more real! It was very sad!

Oh and the last picture is from Dreamland BBQ. It was SOOO good! I ate ribs for the first time and I loved them! You know pregnant girls love to eat!

This is a statue of the mayor of Atlanta (i think)!

The Beach

These pictures are from when we went to the beach a couple of weeks ago. Vance, Jonathan (my brother), his girlfriend Brittany and I went to stay with my mom in Pensacola. While we were there we ran into one of my best friends Keller and her cousin Emily at Florabama. Actually, we ran into the whole Tonore clan! We had alot of fun and I was excited to see Keller since I only get to see her a few times year! Come see us Keller!

Keller, Emily, and Me

Me and Brittany

Memorial Day weekend in Destin

2009-05-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

Vance and I spent Memorial Day weekend in Destin this year. Our wonderful friends, Beth (middle picture) and Mitchell Pate invited us to stay with them and some of their friends. We had so much fun despite any bad weather! The top picture is Vance and Mitchell's sister, Samantha. They were pretending they caught the fish. Vance really wants to go deep sea fishing sometime in the near future after sitting at the harbor and watching the boats come in with all those fish!

After two days of bad weather, we decided we would make the best of the weekend and went to Crab Island. We rented a pontoon boat and were told we would receive a partial refund if we were rained out (which seemed very likely at this point). We drove the boat out to Crab Island, put down the anchor, and hung out in clouds for a while. Then, in about an hour, the sun came out and stayed out all day! It turned out to be such a beautiful day and we had so much fun! Hundreds of people showed up and everyone enjoyed the day!

The best part of the weekend was having the chance to be with our friends and meeting so many new incredible people! We stayed with 4 other couples that were so much fun! We all got along so well and I hope we can all hang out in the future. We also met Mitchell's dad, Mr. Sammy, and his sister. They were two of the nicest people I've ever met!

We had a great weekend and are so blessed to have great friends!

Baby Boy!!!

2009-05-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

We went to the doctor yesterday for our 4 week check-up and we got the best surprise ever! During the sonogram our baby was ready for us to find out that he was a boy! He wasn't the least bit modest!

Before the sonogram tech could even say, we saw the evidence ourselves! I glanced over at Vance and he was on cloud 9! Michael and Kayla Avalon (brother and sister-in-law) are expecting a baby boy 10 weeks before us. Its going to be so much fun watching them grow up together! God has blessed us again!

We had no idea that we would find out the sex of our baby yesterday. We thought it was too early to be sure, but the doctor said he was 95% sure. So, as soon as I got off work, I went shopping!!! I only bought a few outfits, but I am so excited!

We have not decided on a name yet, but I will keep everyone updated. Its such a hard decision. And Vance has to practice every name we come up with like its being heard over the loud speaker at a ball park...."Now batting for your Chicago Cubs.... ________ Avalon!!!"

We are thinking that we want to do the nursery in safari theme. Maybe paint the walls green??? I don't know for sure though....So many decisions!!!

Much anticipated belly update!

2009-05-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well here it is for all you who keep asking! This is at 15 weeks. Vance said I was trying to stick my belly out in this picture, but I really wasn't! I get bigger everyday!

Besides gaining weight, I have no complaints! My pregnancy has been great! No morning sickness!!! Hooray!

I promise I will be a better blogger and update more often!

Posing Already!

2009-04-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

We went to the doctor today for our 11 week check up and got to see our baby again! He or she was moving around the whole time! Must take after daddy!

Dr. Gebhart said everything looked really good and that the baby seemed strong! I was a little worried because I just haven't felt very "pregnant" lately. Once again, God reminded that everything is in his hands and my anxiety is so unnecessary!

Vance thinks that Baby Avalon is posing for pictures already! Sure looks like it! The lady that did the sonogram did say that you could see the eyes, an ear and the nose. I was just excited that he or she looked liked a baby today and not just a blob! We get to look at him or her again in 4 weeks and I cannot wait to see how much he or she will grow again!

Smile Baby!

2009-04-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here's baby Avalon's first picture. This was taken at 7 weeks.

About us

2009-04-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Vance and I have been married since December 2007 and we just found out that we have a baby on the way! We decided we were ready to start a family a few months ago and have been praying for this blessing. God is good! Vance's brother, Michael, and his wife, Kayla are also expecting and she suggested that I start a blog, so here we are!

We have had one doctor's appointment and got to see a picture of our baby (or at least that's what they told us was in the picture)! Then we got to see the heartbeat! It was absolutely amazing!

Vance and I are so excited, happy, nervous and scared about becoming parents! I spend every free thought thinking about what she or he will look like, act like, be when they grow up, etc!
Our due date is November 10th and it seems so far away!