Beach Pictures

At the Beach with Friends

Taking a walk with your Daddy

Playing Around in the Sand and Surf

Mirlo Beach and Ava's First Trip to the Outer Banks
Rodanthe

I couldn't be happier to be your Mommy!

All together now, Smile!

Friends at the Beach

Mommy and Ava Kate

I LOVE MY DADDY!

Together Again, In the Sand Dunes

Love you, sweet Ava!

Nights in Rodanthe
Mirlo Beach
June 2010

Sweet Ava Kate - this is your first trip to the beach!
You loved the beach and enjoyed every minute, and so did we. We love you so much little one! Mommy had to start work the Monday after this vacation was over, so she cried a few times at the beach. I knew that my maternity leave was almost over and I would have to take you to day care part-time. Daddy is going to take care of you a few days a week until his classes start up again in the fall. I cannot believe how sad it was to take you to your first day of day care. Daddy came too and I cried. I went to work and he stayed to ask everyone tons of questions. He wanted to make sure you were well taken care of. Then I came to see you at lunch. You fell asleep in my arms. You are so sweet and so good at day care. Everyone loves you there. I just hate missing a moment of your precious life! I am just a mess this week, but God will help us both make it through. I am praying that He provides everything you need each moment. You are almost three months and have started to love your play gym and you are holding your head up so good now! You have found your hands and are trying to put them in your mouth all the time. You are already growing up so very fast!
I love you sweet Ava Kate! With all my love, Mommy

Outer Banks, Rodanthe Beach

Rodanthe Beach at Sun Set

Our Sweet Baby Ava Kate

Beach Family Vacation

One Month Old and Going to Church

Here you are outside of church with Daddy!

You love your Daddy!

All together as a family...

One Month Old and Your First Time at Church

Miss Ava Kate, you came to church with us for the first time on April 25th. You also turned one month that same day. We loved introducing you to all of our dear friends! You wore the cutest dress with lady bugs on it and on the way out the door a real lady bug landed on your dress! Your Daddy and I took lots of pictures and some video of you. You are such a doll! We love you so much Ava Kate!

9 pounds 2 ounces

Baby Girl You are Growing!

You have grown so much in the last two weeks! We went to the doctor today and you grew from 7 pounds to 9 pounds 2 ounces. The doctor is pleased and commented on how well you have been feeding. You are thriving little one! You are getting prettier every day. Your Daddy tells you that too, all the time! It is so cute. We love you so much!

Your Daddy came to the appointment too and was excited to see your growth and weight gain. You are longer and are growing out of your newborn clothes. On Thursday, at 11:57 a.m. you will be 4 weeks old. I can't believe it and your Grama cried on the phone this afternoon thinking about how fast you are growing and how big you are getting already! Daddy saw a big change in you after being gone over the weekend to CAPS in Kansas City. He was also able to see your Aunt Jen and Uncle Josh while he was out there. They are going to have Gabe soon, May 15th is coming up quickly! I can't wait!!!

Oh, and here is some exciting news. You and I had a fun outing the other day and were able to get you a baby book and photo album. Now the hard part, I have to choose my favorite pictures of you. We have so many pictures thanks to your Daddy and Aunt Jilly. They are the best photographers! I am looking forward to putting it together and adding all your fun keepsakes from the hospital and your first few weeks.

You and Mommy hanging out during our first ever girls weekendYou love to sleep with your hand on your head. You know what is funny? Your Mom and Aunt Jill do the same thing!

Your First Easter

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone!
It is your first Easter, sweet baby and you look so cute in your little dress! Daddy was sick so he could not hold you. He was so sad but loved taking pictures of you!

Playing with mom

Ava Kate's Photoshoot

Ava Kate's photoshoot with Auntie Jill - Jill Cooper Photography. She was a trooper and enjoyed sleeping through most of her session! More pictures to come.

Welcome, Baby Girl!

Ava Kate Jennings

born March 25th, 2010 at 11:57 a.m.

6 pounds 11 ounces 20 and 3/4 inches long
welcomed with love by Jeff and Jessica

You were 6 days past your due date, but after making us wait, you sure came fast when you were ready! At 2:30 a.m. I woke up with stronger contractions than I had ever had. At 3:00 a.m. I decided to eat a little something and realized that I may not be going back to sleep for a while. The contractions were coming about 4-5 an hour, and I thought this might be it. At 6:00 a.m. your Dad woke up, and I told him about the contractions. But then the contractions seemed to stop. I was thinking that we were headed for another day without you. I got ready and headed to Panera with your Dad - Mommy had to have a bagel. After sharing some breakfast with your Dad the contractions started coming fast. We headed home and then they started getting much stronger. After about an hour, I knew we needed to head to the hospital. The doctor said to come into the office, and as we headed to St. Mary's I knew we were close. We were rushed to labor and delivery after the doctor checked to see I was 8 cm dilated, and in less than an hour in labor and delivery you were born! What an incredible blessing you are to us! We are so thankful to God for the gift you are and the many answered prayers.

We named you Ava Kate. Ava means Life and Kate means Purity. My hope is that you embrace your authentic, true self in Christ and discover the true treasure that you are. You have been given gifts and talents that are unique to you, and I pray that you will experience fulfillment and peace in knowing how loved you are.

We are so overwhelmed with love for you.

Mom and Dad and Ava Kate at the hospital
We love you so much Ava Kate!