Merry christmas!

Baby Ava's Christmas was so much fun!
It's been a while since our family (my side) has had so much excitement for the holidays. We've gotten older, but with a new baby...a whole new world opened.

Gift wrapping papers everywhere, toys, sounds, lights and adorable fashion clothes!! Ava, with the help of your uncles, all toys were assembled that night from whoever bought it for you hahaha! You received great toys... A wagon, dog, blocks, building toys and Ralph Lauren clothing. You are spoiled! You even got a pair of Nikes with your name on it. Talk about diva status. We love you!!

So with that said, Ava's first christmas for her was a "probably doesn't know what's going on christmas," but hopefully with this blog, you can see and read that christmas was very special. Ava slept, and had some fussy hot moments. I'm thinking too many people was a bit much for her. Though, in her daddy's arms, she was all happy.

Daddy made a wonderful prime rib dinner for the family and we played games and had food coma from ba Phi's cookin as well. We had 3 wardrobe changes due to some spit ups. Approx 30 mins napping time, so when people left Ava was ready to pass out. Our basement has now turned into toy room. Her closet needs to be rearranged and now.... Onto the new year!

Santa Date

Tis the season to be jolly!  

Ava had her first visit with Santa today with a lovely boy named Leon.

Leon was born 2 months before Ava and I have to say he is absolutely ADORABLE and full of loving!  

Ava wore a couture dress from a boutique in St. Paul Minnesota, from my Aunt Hue.  Fashion is big in my family, so of course Ava is spoiled with lots of clothes!  I can't wait till she gets older!  The dress was darling!  It was full of ruffles and flowers.  Came with matching bloomers and her shoes with patent leather baby doll shoes.  

Mama Rissa, Ava, Leon, & Me

We met at Kenwood mall and had both babies take their pic with Santa.  Both were really good.  No one cried, but just stared.  Leon was so charming in his suspenders, loafers and plaid shirt.  He was so cute!!

We have this weekend coming up our baby photo session with all my friends.  I can't wait! 

Two!! here we go!

My baby is now two months!!  Well, exactly 10 weeks!  She has been nothing but pure fun and joy.  I seriously cannot believe how much life has changed and how she has made my life wonderful.  Who knew I could love someone else that much besides Paul?? =P

Ava is growing well!  

weight:  10.1 lbs 

height:  22.5 in

head size: 15.67 in 

She eats about 4-5 oz. each feeding and on formula now.  We've gotten to 6 feedings a day.
Diapers...errr STINKY!!  Quite hilarious when she goes #2.  Her grunts are absolutely adorable and I can't help but love watching her push.  haha!  (yes Ava, when you read this, mommy is weird.)

Ava's sleeping through the night!!  We've been very consistent and strict on a schedule and I can proudly say, my daughter sleeps 6-8 hours nightly.  Mommy and Daddy are very happy.  A big thank you to the Walton family for getting us involved in those classes.  It has been truly helpful and we do have the happiest baby!

Ava loves Juicy Couture

Ava is now starting to smile randomly, she giggled for the first time with Uncle Joe at work, she sways back and forth, tries to roll, but gets stuck and cries.  She loves her play mat that Cousins Tony & Trang got.  The jungle is her daily exercise.  Rattles are her eye wonderers and elephants are her cuddle buddies.

Ava ABSOLUTELY loves her bunny swing.  That has been a miracle worker for naps.  She loves the Baby Einstein sea soother in her crib.  She gazes, zones out and passes out staring at the fishies of the sea.  DADDY LOVES IT!  The nap nanny, sadly on recall, but she loves it!  Ava just chills in it while we cook, shower, get ready, or even watches tv.
         



While we are out, my favorite with her is the bjorn.  I get to bond and snuggle with her while I shop.  I can't try anything on, but maybe it's a good thing.  Though, I tend to go to the kids' section and spend more for her haha.  The carseat is still a bit of a love and hate relationship.  When awake, she cries, in the car she sleeps.  Ava has gotten better when the car stops, but sometimes, she gets a little fit.  Praying in a few months, the divaness fades.

So, lets see...I'm VERY behind!!  Thanksgiving was fun!  All Ava did was sleep, while we all feasted on the lunch.  It was at Papa's house with all the uncles, in laws, and ong ba.  Not much going on there but eat, food coma, and then sleep.

ava with Haley

Ava with Ong Duc and Mommy with the FOOD!

Her baptism was absolutely wonderful!  We got the whole family together and had a wonderful lunch at Maggiano's with everyone.

Ava's vintage Baptism gown ...by kissy kissy

ava with grandma

ava with mommy

 ava with her Godparents: Tommy and Mary

and now...onto christmas!!  

November baby...

Ava is one month now!

So sorry it has taken me a decade to update my blog on her.  Transitioning to be mommy has definitely been an experience!  Ava is doing well!  Her one month check up was awesome!

She weighs 8.44 lbs.  and is 20.25 inches long.  She is eating about 4oz at each feeding every 3 hours.  She's now waking once a night, thank goodness!!  Ava definitely hates a dirty diaper.  She only likes when her daddy swaddles her.  Mommy stinks at it.  I'm only good at cuddling. Bentley and Ava at the moment have a  "I really don't care about you" relationship.  They maintain a peaceful relationship in the same room.  When Ava is gone, he is so relieved and sleeps like a baby haha!!

Ava is really more alert now and active.  Longer wake times.  She loves massages!  and her grunts...so cute!

Milestones:
She has rolled 3 times. (Once at the doctors and he saw it!  Said we definitely have a crawler soon.  I think I'm in trouble.)
She is now holding my fingers, grabbing my hair.
She loves to lay and do tummy time on her jungle play mat.
She moves her eyes and head.  Totally cute!

My baby is growing up so fast.  It's been fun.  Lots of giggles with her.  Even her giggles startle herself ha!

Her baptism is in a few weeks and cannot wait for another big family reunion and of course, Ava's first thanksgiving!

Happy one week Ava!!

Ava's one week old!!
Today was her first doctor's check up. Weighing now 6.1lbs and 19 inches long, and going on strong. I couldn't be happier. Dr Hsu was so nice and Ava really enjoyed him. Didn't cry until he stuck the wooden stick in her mouth.

She has been an awesome baby. Eats and sleeps 2-3 hours. Night time she can stretch to 3.5-4 hours of sleep. I have to say I am pretty happy. Daddy is super happy. He claims his chest to chest is working haha!

I'm breastfeeding her and she's latching well. I began pumping to help my supply and also get ready for the future with work. Ava is an eating machine! She doesn't cry unless her diaper is wet or dirty. Last night Paul and I had the funniest moment ever. We decided to take Ava from our mom and watch her for the night. We changed her diaper literally 8 times. She would pee, then eat. Then pee, then lays there. Then pees again: this time we were like omg what is going on? Then she pooped, as Paul was wiping she squirted more! Omg we died laughing and then she continued to pee again. She just laid there staring at us like what?? Paul was like omg!! He's such a trooper. He changes her diaper and has conquered the swaddle. Better than me! Needless to say us three were in our bathroom laughing our heads off. Love my family!!

I have to say I cannot believe I have such a darling baby. I'm so in love. I cannot wait for more adventures with her. Love her.

Welcome Baby Ava

She has arrived!!

On a fall day, October 1st to be exact, at 759pm, our sweet baby girl arrived weighing 5lbs 13 ounces and 18.5 inches tall.

We are so happy!!! We couldn't love anything/one more. Truly an amazing moment.

It all happened on October 1st in the early morning. I notice the days before my belly was hard as a rock. Was I having contractions?? Now that I know how they feel, no but lots of tightness. Then later around midnight, I noticed the baby started moving so much, but it felt very different. It went on for several hours and i couldn't sleep. I must have googled every forum and read blogs and sites about my symptoms. Over and over, I kept thinking is it time??

Finally, I heard a "pop." I quickly jumped out of my bed and ran to the bathroom. I went to the bathroom and noticed blood. I thought to myself, "YES!!" So I called my doctor and went over to Paul. Told him I was bleeding and the funniest thing, he jumped out and threw clothes on so fast I didn't even blink. Lol

Got the doctor's okay to head in and so we packed the car- this time I knew it was the last time putting my awaited suitcase in the car. My mother in law arrived a few days before, assuming baby would have came, and was there to help. She's been such an amazing help. Nice to get some time to spend with her, especially before the baby.

So we headed in, and I wasn't dilated or thinned. I'm thinking what!? Why??? Guess she wasn't ready. I was scheduled to be induce Wednesday the 3rd, and so they decided to just keep me in and induce me Monday.

We got into another room and got the "penthouse suite" so they say. Huge!! I was definitely feeling this is going to be a good delivery. I started feeling contractions. Kept practicing my breathing. Every contraction, my mil could see my face, she kept repeating "you can do it. No epidural." Haha I laughed and shook my head no. I was too scared to feel the major pain.

So up to 2-3 mins apart contractions, I got the epidural. Can I tell you it was heaven?? I was so relaxed and felt good, that I slept well. The doctor and nurse would check me and not much change would happen. I got a bit frustrated but I knew she would come. The pitocin medicine works. It wasn't as painful as people say, but the epidural kicked in before anything else.

So the doctor estimated that by 7pm she would arrive. Anxious, I kept looking at the clock. It was a relaxing waiting. Watched tv, napped a few times, talked with Paul and my mother in law. Lots of good stories about Paul as a baby. My family came all in the evening to see her but by 7pm, no baby.

I was wondering what's going on? Doctor Crawford came in and checked, only about 5cm dilated. He gave me this look like WTh? Lol he continued on saying, that he noticed her head is big. He assumed she must be a 7lb baby. To my shock, I was like oh dang. So he suggested a c-section.

So this whole 15 hours waiting thinking I'm going to have the baby vaginally. Prepared myself to accept that it was okay for months, and now a c-section??? I looked at Paul and was a bit scared. He held my hand and smiled at me. Everything is going to be okay. So we agreed and said do what you need to do because honestly I didn't want a ripped hole haha.

So, quickly the nurses prepped and pulled me away. My family all stood in a line. Giving me a hug, touch, hand as I was pushed away. It was like a farewell moment. I started to tear.
I got into the surgery room, first thought grey's anatomy where is mc steamy and mc dreamy??

My body shook from the anesthesia but I felt nothing so that was a good sign. As I layed there, I prayed and tried to relax. Paul came him. He rubbed my forehead and hair and comforted me and the show began. I didn't feel anything but just movements. It didn't hurt. I was kinda envisioning what was going on.

Next thing, I felt a big pull and I hear her crying. Paul's eyes got big and I could see his smile through them. He's so brave. I think I would have passed out, but he watched the whole thing with the camera ready in his hands. When he heard her smile, he got up and immediately followed her. He got to cut the cord and watch her being cleaned and taken cared of. As for me "hello!!" Just laying there. I could hear everything and her Ava's cry. I started to cry. The anesthesia guy wiped my tears and told me, she is beautiful. At this moment I wanted to tell the doctor "ok hold a sec. Stop trying to put me together and let me see my baby!" I think that was a hard part for me, but I could hear in Paul's voice he was so happy with joy. It comforted me.

After everything was said and done, she was in my arms. I have never seen anything more beautiful. I cannot believe this is mine! I cannot believe that 5lbs. miracle was just in me. I was in love.

As the nurses pushed me out to the room, the hallway was like a parade w a herd of people waiting. My whole family was cheering, holding they iPhones snapping away haha and telling me they loved me. I was so overwhelmed I cried again. Paul was walking with a huge cheese!! like he won first place. Such an amazing time in our life. I was in the recovery room for a little while so the family slowly came in to see the baby.

This has been such an amazing moment. The family is so happy. My brothers were so in love. My dad was happy and i could tell he was emotional. My mother in law was excited.. she kept saying grandma feed you fried rice! haha My aunts and uncles and friends were all there. It was truly one of the happiest days of my life.

Thank you to everyone who was texting and comforting me that day. It was a moment I will never forget!! It has been a little over 2 days now that she's here and she has been a great baby!! Paul and I cannot stop staring and holding her.

So our family now begins.. A new chapter. I cannot wait!!

Knock knock are you coming out?

Today's the day!! 40 weeks!!
Yet, princess isn't ready. We went to the doctors' office on monday, and nothing changed. If she doesn't arrive this weekend, they will induce her Wednesday October 3rd.

I received so many advices and I have to admit I did it all. I planted and gardened, squatted, cleaned, reached, walked, ran, jump, and bounced on balls. I even hula- hooped!! This baby is one tough cookie. She enjoys staying warm in my belly.

So today, I've concluded to continue my zen life. Meditation, yoga, and breathing. Let's see if she likes silence and calmness. Lol

I laugh at myself because I think she's like me. What mom doesn't want a daughter like her? I cannot wait to hold her. In time I'll get to smell her, touch, and just love her to pieces.

Ava, everyone's been calling and texting anxious for your arrival. Will you come out soon?? People wanna love you! You're so special.

Xoxo mommy

Tick tock tick tock

Week 38 and starting week 39... This is how it has been. Cricket cricket.
The past 2 checkups, cervix is softening but nothing more. Last check up cervix seems hard. Looks like our sweet peanut is going to take her time and arrive when she wants to.

With less than a week from due date, I wonder when is it gonna happen? I had one day where I had pains galore and bled, but I did eat spicy food and all. Other than that, nothing crAzy. Just the normal aches and cramps.

I've been walking a lot. Sleeping. Got bored and went back into work yesterday. As of right now, I'm recovering haha. Maybe I will just stay home. Paul says I'm really nesting so maybe soon!! I hope it is.

It was a nice week so far to catch up with friends. Many of you texting me and telling me you all had dreams shed coming soon! Thanks for all the loving messages and calls. I will definitely inform you when the time is right.

As of now, not much to say but my belly is still growing. I'm all belly. More updates on Monday!!

Just hold on a sec baby. I'm not ready!

So it's 37 weeks and 2 days. Means 19 days left!! Craziness!

I cannot believe time has flown by. Went to the doctor's this week and the cervix has started to thin a little, but no dilation. Measurements are good and baby sounds strong! I've been reading my "what to expect: the first year," and it's been quite a fun read. Paul and I are super anxious for her to come.

This is my last week of work and I cannot thank my clients enough!! Thank you for the flowers, baby gifts and all the hugs! I can't wait for her to arrive, and I'll be back to work around thanksgiving!

This week has definitely been exciting. Starting to feel more aches and pains. Once in a while I get the cramps, but overall still running around like a mad crazy woman. I do tell Ava to hold off a few more days and let me work. Then when I am off, I won't know what to do for two weeks.

Ava, your kicks and arms are getting strong. It really makes me smile to be able to experience this. Can't wait I'll you're in my arms. Xoxo

Updates:

Weight: gained total 8.7lbs

Craving: Popsicles and donuts in the am.

Food favorite: back to soups and rice again (to those who ask what my diet is, I really don't have one but I do eat a lot of viet food)

Clothes: been super blessed and lucky that I didn't have to buy maternity clothes. Still wearing my normal clothes.

Swelling: none!! *knock on wood*

Shopping: none for me, but for daddy.. He's been spoiling her with adorable things.

That's all folks!! Xoxo

36 week and I am beat!

One more week of work... I keep telling myself that and now labor day weekend is here! My has time flown. Cousins and family from out of town came in. Love it when the family is together. Lots of laughs and good times.

Week 36, I'll be honest hasn't felt the greatest. Back pains at night, sleepless nights and numbness in my arms and hands when I sleep. Mostly all when I sleep. During the day, no swelling nor pains but more tired. Baby Ava is definitely kicking and tossing around a lot. My family can see her little knots roll in my belly. Pretty funny.

I went to Baby Gap yesterday and couldn't resist. I finally bought her some clothes! Though the older folks told me "oh she will grow out of it so fast." I couldn't help it. Who can resist sales??? I cannot wait for my little peanut to wear them!

This weekend was a blast. Time for everyone to go home which makes me sad. Though I'll see everyone again when the baby comes, it's always fun when family reunites.

Two more days and I'll be 37 weeks. Full term!! Any day now I guess they say?? i hope she comes but I hope she stays longer so she will be healthier and stronger.

It's been quite a journey. Learned about some many new things. I know I'm ready. I know I will be fine. I know my mom is holding my hand and helping me through this all. I would love to be the mom she was to me. And I will.. Ava, mommy is ready. See you soon!

35 weeks and 5 days

As I get closer to the date, I am going to try to blog a little more. Since the last time I blogged, I've been feeling pretty good. No more false alarms, no extreme pains, but aches here and there. Eating has been awesome. Cravings?? Very random now. If I smell something, I may want to eat it. Hahaha.

I have to say being pregnant has been amazing and a great experience. Very lucky to have had a good one. A couple years ago I went from thinking I could never have kids to now voila! A baby girl on the way. Timing couldn't be better. People have asked "what about baby #2?". I'll be honest, I have my days. Yes and no to that question. I always wanted a big family, but that was a fantasy and if I won the lottery. Reality, nowadays it's harder. Our parents made it look easy. Yet life was much simpler before.

Yesterday I made canh Chua dau hu. I was pretty proud of myself. Those who know me, I rarely cook. I try to cook often, but just no time. My ultimate judge was my dad, and well he ate it and liked it! Whew! My goal this year is to cook often. Hopefully I can be like my mom, who cooked amazing and people still rave about her food now. I want Ava to know her roots. Yeah I grew up very americanized, but it wouldn't hurt to know her basics. I pray she isn't a picky eater.

Closer to the date, I'm refreshening up on all my books and things. Checking if I missed anything. This waiting game is torture! what would we do if we didn't have the Internet? I am glad to say I have my clients who have helped me immensely with everything. All the advices and tips I got has been great. This mom life is going to be a journey but I can't wait. So much to learn and so much to experience. It's going to be for the good! I can't wait till Ava comes.

Oh! So my little brother Jeff went skydiving. I must say I was worried, but when he landed he called me and said "Ava wanted her uncle." Haha so cute. He flew solo and steered his way down w a parachute. Quite proud. He def has a lot of stories to tell miss Ava. I just hope she doesn't follow his dare devil footsteps! I can see it now, tutu on a dirt bike. Ah! Lol not bad considering that was me when I was a kid.

So a few more days and I'll be in my last month!!! Quite unreal! To those who follow my blog, thanks for keeping up! Ava, when you read this years from now, I'm so happy you're in my life. You make me so happy! You make daddy happy! We can't wait to play and love you to pieces!!!

Xoxo

Baby cantaloupe

The baby grows faster than ever! At 35 weeks now and I feel completely prego now. Belly dropped a bit and now I can feel my belly rest on my lap when I sit haha! Baby kicks are super strong. It's so strong that at 4am in the morning, I woke up and felt her kicking. Soon after, the bed kept thumping with her kicks and woke Paul up haha. Guess it's her way to prepare us what's coming soon.

Went to the doctors on Monday and I've doing good! I am still on my every 2 week check up. Did my group b strep test and had my measurements checked. Baby seems to be doing good. Yesterday was the first time, I experienced false alarm contractions. Perhaps the Braxton contractions. It definitely scared me. Scared me so much I had a dream of baby Ava arriving. The dream was Jeff and I in grade school in our uniforms. My water broke and I ran down the hall to tell him my water broke, and we had to run to the hospital quick. So we ran and got there. Paul came and pop there she was! Very weird but I remember waking up smiling and the realizing that she is still in my belly.

So reality is, I'm still in the waiting mode. We have everything ready. Car seat is in the car. Had the friendly firemen help install in and double check it for us. All the pre admission forms are filled and ready. Very sweet that Ava and I will be sharing the same hospital. I was born at St. Elizabeth as well and now my baby girl will too!

The baby room is all set to go. We got everything in and washed. Lately I've been shopping online and I have many carts filled with goodies waiting to be submitted hahaha. Just waiting to see how big she will be. So now you can see why I've been impatient. Waiting for princess to come and make more memories.

I can't wait!!

So this week...

My cravings: Dunkin donuts with chocolate frosting and a mini blast

Weight gain: 7.2lbs

Kicks: a million times stronger

Stretch marks: zero

Energy level: a bit slower now and more tired. Naps sound so good!

Work left till I'm off: 2 more weeks, but if she isn't here I will prob still be at work haha

Till next week...
Ava, mommy loves you!

Nesting ....

Well, I started nesting way before, but it is officially now. Week 34 and I am making sure everything is organized and ready for our baby girl to come. Room is done! House is ready! Hospital bag is in the car! Mentally I am ready, which we all know we are never ready, but I am.

Looking back from when I first found out till now, I'm amazed how things have changed. Not just physically, but also everything. My family, my brothers, my relationship with friends, my work, my values and daily routine. I use to call myself selfish, because it was all about me. I did things for me. Worked hard for me, and reached goals for me. Now, it's for the family. My family. My husband and child. I have to say, I am truly blessed with an amazing husband. I tell him everyday how lucky I am to have him. Of course if you know Paul, he smiles and replies "i know." Never have I met a more kinder gentle soul like his. There's never a day he doesn't smile. He's so sweet with his words. Not a mean bone in his body. I hope Ava has his traits. Patience, honesty, and being real. I hope she learns how to cook like him too! I'm def trying but cleaning and organizing and running a business is more my forte. Haha

Many have asked what I plan on doing when she comes. Well, I'll have her, off for 6-8 weeks, and then back to work. We have a nanny all ready for her and I couldn't be more happier. With our hours at work, it can be demanding and hard, but I'm lucky to find someone who understands our work and is going to be an amazing influence on our daughter. I'm sure it will be hard to part, but our parents did it and we turned out okay. :) I think...

It's very exciting to think holidays are around the corner, and I'll have a daughter to celebrate it with! I cannot wait to share with her my family traditions my mom did with me. Holidays for a bit was hard because I use to share all these memories with my mom, but Ava arriving has definitely changed it and brought it back to life for me.

Vietnamese name... Hmmm
Honestly Paul and I never thought of it till my family mentioned it. I grew up with a full American name. Paul has his Vietnamese name as a middle name, but people still call him Paul. We gave Ava a full American name, but the last of course. Though, having a Vietnamese name won't hurt.
It's funny, as we were going through the list, every name I liked, Paul would reply "that's my sister, that's my cousin, that's my aunt." Well shoot by the time I was done, nothing was left hahaha. No wonder we are having a daughter. His side is full of girls. My side mainly boys. So the hunt is still on. Will we use the Vietnamese name? Probably not, but we all had one. Will keep looking.

Next on the list, baptism... And it keeps going!!
So as you can see my 34 weeks has been getting ready for the baby. I can't wait for her to come!! Paul is so ready too!! Oh and Bentley is not ready. Poor guy barks at my belly when she kicks his head on my belly...

Love you Ava!!