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