Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Avery's First Week

It's hard to believe that Avery is already a week old.  It really makes me sad to think how quickly the next 8 weeks are going to go by.  

In our first week together we've accomplished some good stuff.  We had pictures taken at the hospital when she was 1 day old.  After getting home from the hospital all our family was here to celebrate her birth and spend some quality time together.  

Avery had her first pediatrician appointment two days after being released from the hospital which went great, at the appointment she weighed 9lbs 2oz (when we left the hospital she weighed 8lbs 13oz) so she's gaining back her weight.  I can only imagine what it will be at her two week appointment.

As we adjust to life we our daughter and she adjusts to us, we learn something new every day.  She is very light sensitive, she loves laying on mommy's chest (puts her right to sleep).  She is already super strong and can lift her head side to side.  Avery has a big girl appetite, when we first got home she would go almost 3 hours between feedings but the last day or so she's barely been getting to every two hours. Sleep is something we can remember fondly for now. Avery eats three times at night, around 11pm, 2am and 5am give or take on those times... depends on how her day went. Everyday that goes by she is more alert and awake longer throughout the day. 

We must thank everyone for all the love and support and gifts for baby Avery.  Thank you Britini Wilkens, Kristin Gullo, Aunt Jane, Bob and Barb Hadley and my office for the beautiful flowers.  Also a big thank you to Nana and Papa, Bubie and Grandpa, Britini Wilkens, Rena Slovick, Lorin and Aaron Schaecterle, Colleen and Nick Budden for the amazing baby gifts.

Here's a look at the photo's taken from the hospital when Avery was 1 day old. 




















Thursday, August 21, 2014

Avery Nell Walter

Avery Nell Walter was born on 8/14/14 at 4:55pm at Northwestern's Women's Prenstice Hospital via c-section.  She weighed 9lbs 5oz and 20.5 inches long.  She is the most beautiful gift and we are so grateful that God has blessed us with such a sweet and amazing daughter. Here are photos from delivery day and our time at the hospital for recovery. 


Headed to the hospital

Waiting to be checked in
 Pre-op room waiting to go into surgery
 During the procedure
 Avery Nell Walter


Mommy and Avery meeting for the first time

 Daddy and Avery
First family photo
Getting her footprints 


Daddy and Avery first selfie


Avery and Papa

Avery and Nana

First morning together

 Avery and Uncle Mike
 Daddy and Avery
Avery and Bubbie
Avery and Grandpa

 Avery and Auntie Britini

Nana, Papa, Mommy, Daddy and Avery

Getting ready to head home

On our way home










Wednesday, August 13, 2014

One Week Past Due - 41 Weeks

Here we are at 41 weeks, 7 days past our official due date.  While the time has moved in slow motion as to some direction for when we will be meeting our little angel, I've felt really great.  Working from home the last few weeks has really made a huge difference on my comfort and has made the last stretch much more enjoyable. 

We had a Dr.'s appointment on Tuesday where we had a myriad of tests. First was a non stress test to make sure baby girl's heart rate and movement were all normal.  It was a little longer than usual because we didn't pass right away.  Second was an ultrasound to check fluid levels, which were all normal, as well as her size.  To our shock they estimated her at 10.2lbs.... yikes!!  And while it's an estimate that could mean she weighs MORE or less....... 

41 Weeks


Baby Girl's little Fingers

After all of the tests and scans we met with my Dr and determined that because of how large our little lady is (pun intended) our best course of action was to schedule a c-section.  After two days of our Dr working with the hospital schedule we are on the board for Tuesday 8/14/14!!! We are so very excited that we finally get to meet her and share her name with everyone.  It's also a very special day for us personally as it connects us to a very dear angel, Hope Wilkens.  Our girls will be forever connected and it's extremely meaningful to both their mommies.

With that said I'm closing the chapter to the Baby Walter portion of this blog.  My next entry will be as the Walter Family and I couldn't be more excited. 

How far along?  41 Weeks
How Big Is Baby this week? Estimated to be 10.2lbs
Total weight gain/loss: 43 lbs eekk
Latest purchase: Buying some 3mo old clothes since we know newborn isn't gonna cut it :)
Stretch marks? Zip
Sleep: Probably not tonight since tomorrow is c-section day
Best moment this week: Finding out we get to meet our daughter
Movement: Lots of pressure 
Food cravings: WINE
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
How Big is the belly: 43cm 
How Big do you think baby girl will be: 9.3Lbs- we'll see if i'm right. 
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: I thought so but i guess not, still not dilated AT ALL
Anything swollen? ME!!! 
Best way to describe my mood: Anxious - Labor yikes
Looking forward to: Meeting our daughter!!!