So it begins with Avery Grace

Is she here yet??  As we sat around the house, we were all anxious for the news.  The arrival of Avery Grace brought a sense of excitement to the whole family.  We had been waiting for 9 long months.  Well, actually longer than that as the last babies are now 9 years old.  We had been receiving updates through the day, but nothing that seemed to be go time.  Then, the C word came into play.  I knew Jess was exhausted and the C-section was a sigh of relief for her.  Immediately, I thought about what that would mean and brought a tingling pain to my motherhood badge of courage.  It's something you never forget...the pain, the excitement, the emotion.  The knowing you are solely responsible for another human being!

We finally got the call and could hear the crying in the background.  She was here and she was safe.  The little cry bought tears to my eyes.  I wanted to be there to welcome her and was really sad to miss such a monumental time for my Sis and Bro in law.  Like a surreal snapshot in time when the world just stops.  One that will change their lives forever and bring them closer than ever before.  For now, I would have to settle for hearing that newborn cry like music to my ears that all was OK.

Avery Grace decided to make her entrance into the world in an incredible ice storm.  One that shut down the windy, icy roads in the state of Arkansas.  But, would not keep any Grandma from being there for their "babies."  I was glad the Grandmas were on watch to kick it off.  By the time I got there, it would be a routine that I could just keep on course.  I had already planned to go when the Grams had to leave.  From experience, it takes a full 2 weeks to even feel alive again after the Big C.  I knew she would need help and maybe a bit of encouragement.  Sure I couldn't wait to hold my new niece, but my sole purpose was going for the Mommy.  She needed me and I would be there to take care of HER.  I would do the list of stuff that would be at the bottom of a new Mommy's list.  That is one thing you don't do is get in the way of a new Mommy's groove.  You let her be the headliner act and you are just the roadie...the behind the scenes dude that magically makes things happen.

Cilla keeps track of "her" baby.  

After a longer than hoped 5 hour drive in the rain, I made it to the house.  After breaking through the security system of the 2 dogs, I got to see her for the first time.  She was so beautiful...and perfect...like an angel.  I couldn't believe how small she seemed.  I had forgotten about the tiny fingers and the tiny toes.  How could I have forgotten in 9 years?  The smell of baby lotion and formula took me back.  Back to a time of wondering how I would survive the madness?  No sleep, no identity, and whole new set of priorities.  Priorities that included burping and poop and not worried about buying tix to go see my fave band.

I spent 3 days with the angel, new Mommy & new Daddy.  Not gonna lie, it is an exhausting time.  But, I know they will all be OK.  It's like Fort Knox trying to even get in the house and Avery has 24/7 dog security tighter than the Prez.

A's 1st Selfie

Mommy thinks this looks like a life jacket..
More like a lifesaver! 

How can you pack 40 years of knowledge into just a few short days?  I did manage to make sure Avery experienced some 1sts in her life to get her on the way.  Her life will play a big part in social media, so A has to know the ins and outs.  I taught her a bit of the lingo that she will need to know....like selfie.

Nuff said! 

A's 1st Movie!

Since she already knows something about pulling an all nighter, she will have no probs in college!  Speaking of all nighters, A had to learn the ancient Indian secret for tummy aches.  This is a long time middle of the night, lifesaver trick that gives parents hope to make it to daylight.  Never before shared in a public forum, a long receiving blanket folded long ways is like Homer Simpson

with a donut.  Wrap the blanket around the belly tight enough to relieve the pressure and Doh!  She went from "I'm losing it here guys" to "Let's chill and talk about Mark Wahlberg."  So, her wish is my command!  I'm happy to report A's 1st movie together was Invincible @ 4am.  She learned a little about football and a lot about Marky Mark!

Can we keep her???
~Brady

So, it was time to leave and A was a little more prepared to take on this crazy ol' world.  Mommy was starting to find her Mommy "gut" feeling and Daddy was well, as chill as ever.  It was time to spread their wings into parenthood.  It wasn't without a few tears in departure, but knowing I would see them again in a week made it easier to hit the road.

It's amazing how the cousins were SO excited to see her at Christmas.  They wanted to hold her, feed her, change her, and basically just watch her sleep.  They all just love her so much!

I'm smiling but Avery is not!
~Makenzie 

This seems easy enough!
~Kyra

I got her!
~Lily

Great Gram, we have the same middle name! 

AhhAhh...Kansas!  Can we move here???

One of the most amazing moments was for Avery to be held by her 90ish young Great Grandma!  Gram was ready to just hold her, kiss her and love her.  These moments in time are unforgettable and we were very fortunate to witness.  

We can't wait to see her develop and grow...but not too fast, please!  We wonder what her first words will be, when she starts to walk and what she will do to make her parents crazy.  

They will be INVINCIBLE parents and will always make sure she has everything she needs.  We will hear their stories and laugh and cry.  We will miss all the daily little moments that don't seem to be much.  We will see her on holidays and such as life goes on and gets busy.  We are family and will cherish all our times together as she grows.  Welcome to the world baby girl!!