Mountain Biking with Daddy

The weekend before I had Max, Mark took Ava to the local trails for a mountain bike ride.  It was actually "Take a kid Mountain biking day" so of course Mark wanted to take Ava out.  She did great and road over a mile on her bike.  Mark is over the moon that she enjoys riding her bike!

Max.s Newborn Photos

The first two weeks we had Max at home things were crazy busy.  I am not sure how we would have managed to schedule a photo shoot with a photographer plus my friend Erin who normal takes my pictures just moved and my friend Holly who takes pictures as well had a sick little boy.  With my camera I tried my hand at some newborn photos of Max.  I was wore out after the session but managed to get a few decent shots.

Ava's Pre-school Days

I am just amazed at how much Ava is learning this year at Pre-school.  I look at her worksheets that she brings home and they are working on things that I did as a kindergartner and 1st grader.  This is her third year at the same pre-school and she continues to grow, learn and love it there.  They have really been working hard on word recognition, writing and sounds for words and letters.  They also work on language skills, science, Time and space, math and art. She knows how to read, write and spell the words sat, fat, mat, cat and fall.  I just love picking her up from school and have her to be so excited to tell me the new bible verse or what letter they are working on that day.  I hope she will always enjoy and appreciate school the way she does now!

Cousins

After my parents visit, my sister, brother in law and niece came for the weekend.  The had been at the beach with Jaime's parents so it worked out perfect to spend a few days with us on their way back up to Kentucky.  It was so nice to visit with them and to see how much Peyton has grown since I last saw her in June for her first birthday.  She is such a cutie pie and full of personality.  I was amazed at how many words she speaks now.  They grow up way to fast!  Ava really enjoyed playing with Peyton.  I sure wish we still lived close.  Maybe we will again one day.

 Aunt Natalie with Max

 Sweet hugs for Peyton

 My brother in law Jaime works for Spalding and had this football made for Max. 

We love it and it looks perfect in his helicopter themed room!

At lunch before they had to head back to Kentucky.  Glad I got to love on Peyton some before they left!  

Max's Two Week Check Up

Last Thursday Max had his two week Check up.  The doctor was pleased with how he is doing and that he was almost back to his delivery weight.  He weighed 8lbs 2oz just one ounce less than when he was born.  He is a growing boy!

All fresh after his bath.  He is starting to like baths more!

Mamaw and Papaw Meet Max

Last week Mark had to go back to work so my parents came down for the week to help out and of course to meet their first grandson Max.  We spent the days cuddling with Max and playing with Ava.  I of course took advantage and tried to catch up on some Z's while they were here.  Mark and I were both sick so between being sick and lack of sleep we were in desperate need of help.  We were also treated to tasty meals brought to us by friends from my MOPS group and community which were so nice.  It was one less thing we had to worry about for two weeks as we got adjusted to our new schedule with baby Max.

Ava was so happy to have Mamaw and Papaw here for a week!

Ava loves helping take care of Max

My dad could not get over how much smaller Max was in person

Max is here! Delivery and first week

Finally the day had arrived for me to deliver Max.  I had an induction scheduled for September 27th and arrived to Flowers Hospital the day before to get ready for the big event.  Bright and early on the 27th the nurses and doctor started the induction.  Within two hours Max was here.  He came so quick that there was no time for an epidural or the doctor to make it.  Max was ready to be out!

He was born a healthy 8 lbs 3 oz 20 inches long at 7:39 a.m.  He has dark blue eyes and lots of brown hair.

We spent another 48 hours in the hospital and were released to go home.  It was so nice to be home!  So far Max does alot of sleeping, eating and filling up diapers.  At his first doc appointment he weighed 7lbs 10 oz which is which in the acceptable weight loss for breast fed newborns.  The doc was happy with his progress.

 The newest addition to our family

Maximus Anthony 

 Big Sister Ava holds Max for the first time

 Opening her big sister bag filled with fun things to do while visiting Max in the hospital along with a big sis bracelet and shirt.

 Max's first visitors Cousin Megan and Ben.  Megan came down to help take care of Ava while we were in the hospital.  Ava had a blast playing and having a sleep over with Ben.

 I love these two!

Such a good daddy!

 The hospital provided a nice steak dinner for two while we were there

 My friend Melissa visited us bringing the worlds largest pizza.  She barely fit it through the door. It was so yummy and a nice change from the hospital food.

 My friend Haley painted me this beautiful cross for Max.  We hung it on our door at the hospital.  

 Showing Max his room.  I think he likes it :)

 Relaxing on the couch

 After his first bath.  He did not like it at all!

 Ava is such a good big sis.  She fed him his bottle before his first doc appointment.

 Testing out the stroller for the first time on a short walk around the neighborhood.