introducing avery kate
Our friends from our church small group (all of whom have kids) have been joking with us for the last nine months that a baby “changes your life” (a phrase to which my husband always offers a sarcastic eye roll), and while we knew they were right, we had no idea what, exactly, that meant until 4:15 a.m. on May 9, 2014.
That was the moment Avery Kate Wise came into our lives. And that was the moment everything changed.
Of course, we knew we would be sleep deprived — though Lordy, we did not know just how much (for example: My husband thought he lost his socks the other day until he realized they were already on his feet). We knew there would be times we’d feel equal parts scared, excited, confused and elated. We knew there would be joy and frustration. We knew we were ready for children, but we also knew it would be hard to leave behind a life of greater independence.
What we didn’t really know, however, was just how much our hearts would explode with love for this tiny little creature in a matter of seconds. It was overwhelming, really. The bursts still come throughout these hazy days in the form of cuddles, kisses and staring at her sweet cherub face for hours. I can’t get enough of her.
I promise this blog isn’t going to turn into a baby/mom blog. I may post about baby/mom life now and then because, well, she’s here and she is my life and that’s that. But I thought I’d pop in to let you all know that our sweet Avery Kate is here, happy and healthy, as are we. Thank you all so very, very much for your prayers, gifts and kind notes of congratulations. We are beyond grateful for all of it.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to stare some more at my baby girl. xo
You look beautiful – isn’t it just amazing how you could stare into her face all day and be completely content? Welcome to the world of losing your mind on a daily basis. 🙂 I used to be so on top of things!! I swear. 😉 xoxox
Oh my goodness, Avery Kate is beautiful! Enjoy your time with her….it goes lightning fast! Soak up the baby love! xoxo
Congrats again, she is such a perfect looking little one! I hope you do post a bit about momhood because I’d love to read that:-)
Sooooo sweet.. oh my goodness she is just precious and I love the name Avery Kate… Congratulations to you and your husband..
I’m so overjoyed for you! What a precious time in your life. A baby does change everything. But the good news is that the positives outweigh the negatives.
I remember that feeling too, that your heart could burst from just the love pouring out. It’s so special.
Hugs!
Have a marvelous Monday!
congratulations! I am so happy that you have a little girl to make your family even more complete. She is beautiful and you look great even such a short time after giving birth! Take it easy and spend the time with your little angel
Congrats and she is absolutely beautiful just like her parents.
She is beautiful!! Congratulations again. And enjoy every bit of time with her 🙂
She couldn’t be more perfect and you look great! Congrats again!!
Sooo precious, Steph! You all look radiant. Such a beautiful family!
Congrats again!!! Avery is beyond precious….I can totally see how you can stare at that little face all day 🙂 Also, you look amazing!
Congratulations! She’s beautiful!
I’m just so thrilled for you and your family, Steph! Avery Kate is beyond precious and it was such a treat to read about how you’re feeling with her now in your lives. I’m sure it’s a tricky transition, but I can tell you’re so in love. I can’t wait to experience the same thing very, very soon! xo
You look beautiful and so is she. You guys are such a cute looking family and I could not be more excited for you. CONGRATS!! 🙂
Congrats and welcome to the club!
She is absolutely beautiful! You looks so happy! Congratulations, my friend! xoxo
Gahhh she is absolutely perfect!! What a beautiful family. Love her swaddle blanket too 😉
Awww she is so precious!! Just beautiful!!
You are glowing!! These pictures are so precious. Thanks for sharing these little pieces with us.
Thank you, so much for sharing such beautiful pictures of you and your family. Lovely, simply lovely.
Big congrats! She is lovely.
Congratulations! Being a parent is just a totally different world. You become obsessed with the oddest things (I remember I would constantly check – and research my daughter’s different diaper habits nonstop). The love will only grow and the time passes by way too quickly. You’re little girl is beyond adorable and she will only grow more and more beautiful!
She’s beautiful, Stephanie! Congratulations!
Awe, a big AWE! and congratulations! So adorable, and such a look of love one can see as you guys gaze down at your new baby! A thousand congrats!!
Congratulations, Steph! Your family is so beautiful! 🙂
Congrats on your beautiful baby girl! I cherish the times when my boys were small, and they really do grow fast. The sleep will come back, but the baby years won’t. Enjoy!
Ohhhhhhhhh your family!!!! Avery is so beautiful! You’re blessed with such a healthy and precious baby! The three of you together is just a thing of beauty, my dear! A million congratulations!
Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl!!
That last picture of you and little Avery is one of the most beautiful portraits ever. She’s perfect, I’m so happy for you, from the other side of the world.
Aaaw, she’s absolutely gorgeous Steph – congratulations 🙂 So so happy for you and your adorable family!
Aww! I love her so much! Don’t worry, each day of parenting is different. Keep plugging along and you will eventually feel less tired!
I AM SO HAPPYYYYYYYY!!! I love you I love her I love all of it.
Congratulations! She is just the most precious baby ever!
So in love with these photos of your precious family! Avery is beautiful!!! Congrats, dear! xo
What a doll!!!! As almost everyone has said you look wonderful and a very nice looking family. Truly the time will fly by so soak up every moment. You will turn around one day and wonder where has that baby gone. )-:
GOD BLESS!!!
She is beautiful! Congratulations!
It’s like your heart swells do big it might burst right out of your chest, isn’t it? My youngest just turned 1 and I am still blown away. Your most perfect creation.
Congratulations to you and your family. She is gorgeous!
Welcome to the world of Mommyhood and sugar & spice with your beautiful daughter! Treasure the moments as they fly before your eyes….today a sweet armful of love and in a blink a vision of grown up loveliness as she heads out the door to the prom on the arm of a handsome prince who was once someone else’s little bundle too! It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love!!!! Best wishes to all!!
You look so happy Steph – congrats to both of you!
So beautiful and perfect. Congrats!
Congratulations, Steph!
She’s adorable!! I wouldn’t hang around a blog if I had someone soooo cute in the crib next to me. You’re absolutely right… 🙂
amazing!!!! congratulations, you two!!! you look great, stephanie!!!!
Congratulations!
I was thinking of you this past Mother’s Day, Steph! I’ll bet it was one of the most magical (but also one of the most sleep-deprived) Mother’s Days anyone had this year 🙂 You look absolutely radiant — soo so happy and excited for you, lady!!!! A million congrats 🙂
Yay! Congratulations again! She is beautiful, and you guys don’t look a bit sleep deprived. 🙂 Big hugs!
Welcome to the world, Avery! She’s an absolute beauty and how amazing do you look?!
Congratulations!!! You both look beautiful! And I love her name : )
What a gorgeous baby girl! And you look fantastic as well! Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! I am sure you are beaming 🙂
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!
A huge congratulations to you and your husband, Stephanie! Avery Kate is a beautiful name for a beautiful baby girl. I hope you’re resting and taking all the time in the world to get to know each other.
You guys built a beautiful family. Welcome to the club!
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. Life will never be the same.
Congrats! She is precious. Remember to sleep when baby sleeps 😉
She is an absolute doll! Congratulations to you and your family! You’re glowing and so beautiful! xoxo
Congratulations, Steph! Little Avery is so precious! And you look like a proud and beautiful mother. I can’t wait to see more of Avery and your new family 🙂
She is so beautiful, and you look fantastic too!
Stare! Stare! Stare all day long at her tiny face. Stare without apology or any concern for what you should be doing.
Sending some good sleep vibes your way tonight!
Congratulations! she’s beautiful!
So happy for you!! xo.
What a beautiful child! And I am not merely saying that to be polite either.
Congratulations. I had the same reaction with my first child. I had no idea how powerful mother love really was until I had the experience myself.
Congrats, Friend!! Avery is so cute and you have a gorgeous family! Babies change everything, but once you have them you can’t imagine life without them. BTW, you look amaze-balls 🙂
Avery is beautiful! and you both look amazing and so happy. A million-billion congrats!
Congrats, Stephanie. Avery is absolutely gorgeous. I’m happy to hear all of you are doing well.
Congratulations!! You guys are all glowing and look so absolutely happy.
Oh my, she is absolutely precious!! Congratulations on your beautiful, healthy girl. You look amazing and I’m excited to see some baby updates in between all of the delicious food!
Congratulations! She is so so beautiful. I wish you two all the best with her as you take on this new chapter of life!
I think I am in love with her, so I can’t even imagine how joyful and overwhelmed with love you must be! Seriously, so SO happy for you! xoxoxo
awww! She’s amazing. I’m late to the party, but congratulations to the three of you and like Lindsay said above, “Welcome to the club!” It’s a lifetime membership, too!
I’m late to the party but want to wave my pink balloons in celebration of this beautiful little girl who has joined your family! Team Tablespoon sends congrats to you all with a boat load of hugs! XO! ~Susan