Avery and Me

Avery and Me

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Thanksgiving! And a celebration!

Hello lovely readers!

For thanksgiving this year we started the celebration early.  Wednesday night mom made an amazing meal and we all ate well!  Avery looked very cute (and very milkdrunk)!!


Thursday morning we got up early and started the long drive to North Carolina.  We stopped in Brinkley, West Memphis, Jackson, Nashville, Knoxville, and finally arrived in Waynesville.  Avery and I were exhausted, but she likes the car and slept most of the time.  She stayed up most of the night because she missed the road noise.  Our view from the hotel was fantastic!

That day Avery met Nanny.  Prepare the kleenex before watching!  She was dressed to the nines!
We had Thanksgiving lunch on Friday with Nanny and our NC family.  Steve went up to see his grandmothers grave while I took a much needed nap!

Saturday we drove halfway back and stayed the night in Jackson.  Avery didn't sleep AGAIN.  By this time I was pretty miserable!  Sunday we got up and drove home, had to stop in Memphis and then again at home, finally!  That night was terrible...Avery cried for 5 hours straight before we realized she missed the road noise from the car.  Steve and I were both at the end of our ropes...then she passed out.  It didn't last long...I was so exhausted. 

Yesterday mom came over and kept Avery so I could defend my portfolio.  I passed with a 94%!  I met and studied with a few friends and I am taking my test tonight after my last day of clinical!

Now I need to decide how to celebrate!  After it's all final, I can't wait to do something fun and maybe get something special to commemorate my graduation with my MNSc!  It will be final on December 10!

Any ideas?

Love,
Jen

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

I'm Thankful

Hello Lovely Readers!

We are doing great at home, except for sleep.  I'm almost done with clinical...only one more day after today!  One more test, and my defense.  This time next week, I will be finished!!!!!  I can't wait to have my MNSc! 

Right now I am praying for the right job to give me time with Avery.  I'm praying about finances, and passing my test to be credentialed as an APN. But this post is about what I'm thankful for...

I LOVE THIS PIC!

I think this is our first family picture...Steve is so proud!

That afternoon...Momma and Daddy are so proud!

Proud daddy!
I'm so thankful for my amazing husband Steve.  He has been nothing but amazing since Avery was born.  We get a bit frustrated at each other because of lack of sleep.  I'm so amazed that God gave me such a precious husband.  He cooks for me, helps clean the house, and does anything he can to care for Avery. 
Sleepy girl

First bath..she doesn't mind it!

Before our Sunday school harvest party...2 weeks old!

Smiley at 6 weeks!

Love this smiley pic!

Sleepy girl at 6 weeks and 6 days!

NICU bililights...

Newborn shoot with Aunt Leigh Anne!

I'm thankful for our sweet girl Avery Grace.  She is so precious, even when she's screaming her little head off.  I prayed so long and hard for her, I try to treasure every moment in case she is our only child.  Every day she does something else amazing.  Last week she smiled...this week she is pushing up from her tummy and holding her head up FOREVER!  She's growing up so fast!  I can't believe she is almost 8 weeks old!
My dad (Grampa) and Avery as Rachael (sis in law) looks on

My mom (Gramma) and Avery on Halloween
I'm thankful for my parents.  Mom is keeping Avery while I go to school and back to work.  She and Dad are so sweet with her.  I can go somewhere and be calm because she is with the best babysitter I could ask for.  My parents have always been my biggest support and encouragers.  My mom is the best listener and most supportive mom/best friend I could ask for.  When I need to rant and rave and talk for four hours about nothing, I can always call her.  I hope Avery and I are that close someday. 
GrandMary and Avery

Papa (my father in law) and Avery
I'm thankful for my inlaws.  Terry and Mary have always been so gracious and welcoming for the 8 years I have known them.  They are so fun to watch with Avery...they fight over her continually when we are all together!  I know they are faithful in prayer for us, and count on Mary as an amazing prayer warrior.  I'm thankful they raised such an amazing man too!
Geyer Springs First Baptist Church
I'm thankful for our church.  We met there, were married by staff from GS, and are continually challenged and supported by the messages.  We love hearing Gods word every week.  It is probably what I miss most with Avery.  We can get to Sunday school, but with breastfeeding I'm not sure how I'm going to work out going to service, Sunday school and Sunday lunch.  God understands!
Shuler Clan!
My brother Chris and his wife Rachael

I could go on individually about my brother and his wife and all of the Shuler clan, and all my friends.  I'm so thankful for all the people in our lives! 

Most of all I am thankful for Jesus and salvation.  I know that sounds all "churchy" but it is true.  Going through infertility last year, then being pregnant all year, I have prayed more now than at any time in my life.  I feel so much closer to God now than I have since college.  He has brought me so much comfort and peace through all of this.  I have such a testimony of faith for Him and His glory after this year!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jen