Ava Abigail Smith...

...was born November 22, 2011 at 5 pm in Lone Tree, Colorado at the Skyridge Hospital.

Weighing 6 lbs 2 oz

Length 19 1/2 inches

We had a scheduled induction, so we checked in at 6 am and got the process started. By noon my contractions started to become painful so I received my epidural. I was in happy land until about 4:46 when it was time to push, but only 10 short minutes and three pushes later, Ava arrived. BEST labor and delivery!

Love at first sight! I can't believe the incredible bond that I felt immediately!

Proud Papa. He is so smitten!

We had our very own Paula Dean for our labor and delivery nurse. She is awesome!

My poor mom! She showed up not even a minute after Ava was born, she got here too darn fast!

Our first photo as a family of 4. Alec was completely obliviously to the new baby.

I was a such a baby hog, I barely let anyone hold her the first day.

Cutest Big Brother!

Such a wiggle worm! Which should be of no surprise, she kicked me like crazy!

Later that afternoon some friends had us over for a lovely Thanksgiving dinner. It was so generous and thoughtful of them to include us, especially since we did not lift a finger.

We have so much to be grateful for! I am still shocked how smoothly everything went, and that everyone is in perfect health!
This will most definitely go down as a most memorable Thanksgiving.

Welcome to our family Ava!

Ava's Nursery

Alec's Big Boy Room

I only want to do a big boy room for Alec once. So I chose a theme that he is currently obsessed with that he can also grow in to. I also decided to go straight for the full size bed that he will be able to use all the way through high school.

I put a lot of time and consideration as to the items that I wanted placed on his walls. As he grows I know that he will be bombarded with messages from the outside world, so I wanted to ensure that every item in his room would contain as many uplifting and truthful messages as possible.

I fell in love with these pictures! Especially when I saw there was a boy and girl version. So now Alec and Ava each have one in their rooms. Every time I get Alec up from his naps he always points to the picture and says, "Jesus"

Alec goes crazy for this basket ball hoop. He is in seventh heaven when I let him jump on the bed and I act like he just won the NBA Championship every time that he makes a hoop.

Current changing station, future homework station.

While his "big boy room" is ready and waiting for him, he is still my little toddler and still sleeps in his crib.
(I am in no rush to get rid of this crib! Especially since I got these black out curtains, he naps at least 3 hours every day!)

Showered with Books

My sweet friend Ashley threw me a book themed baby shower.

I forgot to bring my camera so I wasn't able to get photos with anyone, but at least Ashley snapped a few shots before the guests arrived.

Isn't this menu display so adorable and creative?

Party Favors

Each guest was to bring their favorite children's book as their gift. I walked away with a precious little library! The evening was perfect spent with wonderful friends! I am so grateful for the friendship and support that we have here in Denver!

Best Buddies

My heart melted when I walked passed this the other day, I may have even cried.
(which doesn't mean much these days. i cried while watching the latest twilight commercial if that tells you anything)

This picture sums it up, Scott and Alec are two peas in a pod. Alec cannot get enough of Scott! This started about a year ago and I thought that Alec was just going through a favorites phase. Turns out it is not a phase, he is just a flat out daddy's boy.

Although at times I must admit I do get a little jealous, I mostly love to watch the special bond that these two have.
And it only makes me all the more excited for my own little buddy that is coming soon!