11 days old

Avery is growing and changing every day. We forgot how quickly newborns change. She has become more alert this week and is already attempting to make cooing noises. Earlier this week I hardly had a moment away from feeding Avery, but now my milk supply is completely in and I've had a few breaks in the feeding frenzy. The nights are a little rough, especially since Jeff can't help out much, but I'm hanging in there. Grandma Jacks has been here for the last three weeks and sadly is leaving tomorrow. Then, we are on our own with two kids. :-) Pray for us, and more importantly, pray for Cambria's transition. More later.
-Laurie

Sleeping Avery. 

The big sister. 

Two sweet girls! 

Asleep in Grandma's arms. 

Bye Bye Hospital!

One final picture before Avery came home with us on Sunday 11/13 at 7 PM. We will post more pictures and stories soon.

Avery Ruth Lee, Born 11/8/05, 7 lbs.13 oz., 21 1/2" long

Avery Ruth Lee was born at 2:09 PM yesterday, 11/8/05, at 7 lbs 13 oz, 21.5 inches. She is currently in the special care unit after swallowing meconium but she is well on her way to being fully healthy and out of there. Laurie was nothing short of a warrior throughout the intense labor that was an 1 hr 15 minutes from hospital arrival until the birth. More pictures will be coming soon. We are grateful for everyone who was praying for us. The miracle of God's gift in the form of life, life somehow that comes from two people and looks/acts like them, has been realized again. We are forever grateful to our Lord and our family and friends.
Love, Jeff, Laurie, Cambria, and Avery

Avery wants to be free of tubes

Cambria meets her new sister

Mommy checks on Avery

Grandma soothes Avery

Post due date

My due date was yesterday, and the baby doesn't seem to be in a hurry to come out. I've been having the same symptoms for almost two weeks -- on/off painful contractions (though never closer than 8-10 minutes apart), aching hips sometimes accompanied by shooting pain down my thighs, and some additional symptoms that I'll keep to myself. :-)

I have my next appointment at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. My midwife will perform a nonstress test -- that means that they will monitor the baby's heartbeat for 20 minutes to see how the heartbeat responds to any natural contractions I might be having, and make sure that she's not experiencing any stress.

We'll update you on the latest as it becomes available. At least the end is in sight...the baby will most likely be here by the end of next week. -- Laurie