1st month check-up

Ava Grace went to the doctor yesterday for her 1st month check-up. Yes, she is 6 weeks old and is overdue for this appointment. However, her doctor has been sick for over a week, so this was the 3rd appointment scheduled. We were so glad to finally get to go see the doctor (I don't think I ever said that before I had a child).
The appointment went well with Ava Grace weighing in at 9 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 23 3/4 inches. We were very excited about her weight gain and that she had grown so much. The doctor checked her hips and they are a lot better, but she still wants us to double diaper her in hopes that by the next appointment everything will be totally cleared up. We are having to stretch her neck muscles on the left side a little everyday. She favors her right side when sleeping and playing, so we want to make them as evenly strong as possible. Ava Grace is holding her head up nicely though, so tummy time is starting to be more fun now. She did have to get a shot as I wrote about in the last blog. She did really well though!! She screamed for a second (literally) and then went to sleep as soon as we got her dressed again. We were very proud of her!!
So, that is the update with the doctor's visit. We go back again in 2 weeks and unfortunately, she has to have multiple shots then. We know she will be fine though! :)

Why we love America?

Everyone I know who lives in this great country has many reasons for loving it!! First and foremost, we have many freedoms to live as we want and to have the things that would otherwise not be accessible if we lived in other places. We love America for the courageous servicemen and women who fight every day for the things we do have. We love America for its vastness, the 50 states we can travel to, and the industries that create jobs and allow us to buy our own products. Well, the Perry family has decided there is another reason we love this country so much....it produces band-aids (yes, made in America - not another country) that have the American flag on it. You might be asking yourselves...why is this so incredibly important to the Perry's? Well, it was the gift given to Ava Grace today when she had to get a shot at the doctor's office. Yes, they put an American flag band-aid on her "boo boo". So, we just thought we would share with everyone some of the reasons we love America...including the nifty band-aids!!

1st day of school

So, today is the first day of school here in North Carolina. I heard the school bus outside as I was up feeding Ava Grace. Not to make anyone jealous, but I am so glad (and fortunate) to be able to stay at home with Ava Grace for the first 8 weeks!! I will enjoy every minute of it and don't worry - I will be thinking about all of my friends at school!! Have a good year everyone!!

First UNCA event

Ok...so Tim doesn't really want anyone to know this, but Ava Grace attended her first UNCA event last night and it wasn't a baseball game. Some of our baseball kiddos were running the concession stand for the Men's Soccer game against ETSU, so we made it a family affair. Willie and Christine were there with Kendall and we took Ava Grace. There was a huge crowd, so Christine and I (and the children) decided to stay close to the concession stand and out of the way. Plus, we could ask for food and drinks when we wanted it - definitely a perk to being the coach's wives!! Tim repeatedly told Ava Grace that she could play any sport she wanted to as long as it wasn't soccer. Sorry to all of our family and friends who have played this game!!

It was a great time and we won the game 3-1. Go Bulldogs!!

Ava Grace and I love to go strollin'! We usually go out once a day to see what is going on in the neighborhood. Since I am an avid walker, there were many people in the neighborhood that were waiting on Ava Grace's arrival. I think they just didn't want to see my big belly go around the block again. So, when we stroll we see many of our neighbors and their dogs. They always stop to speak to Ava Grace. As you know, once you have a child, it is never about you anymore!! Ava Grace seems to enjoy everyone who speaks to her and the sights as she coos and smiles often while we are out.

Thank goodness for mobiles!

Ava Grace is really enjoying her mobile that swirls around with a crocodile, monkey, panda, and elephant and familiar tunes. She "talks" to it and even laughs at times. I would probably laugh too if I saw flying animals! Thank goodness for the mobile as it allows me to get a few things done while she is entertained and confined to her crib! Here is a picture of her enjoying it. Sorry I am not savvy enough to have a video of it, but trust me, it is really cute to listen to her.

Many celebrations to share!

August has been a busy month so far for all of us. I wanted to take some time to give some wishes from the Perry family! This past Sunday (17th) would have been my mom and dad's 40th wedding anniversary!! Amazing, huh? Although my dad is not here to share in this day with her, it is still a day to remember forever. So, Happy Anniversary, Mom!

Today has been a big day in our family as well. I will start by saying Happy Anniversary to Lacey and Matt! Lacey and Matt are close cousins who are celebrating their 2nd anniversary today. As they celebrate their anniversary, they are looking forward to becoming parents in February!

Today is also Aunt Stacey's birthday! Happy Birthday Aunt Stacey! We won't tell your age, but are glad that you had a great day (even if you did have to start school today). We will celebrate in a couple of weeks!

Today we had a new cousin join the family! Callie Ann Rhymer made her debut at 3:49 pm. She weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs, 14 ounces and was 21 inches long!! She may be bigger than Ava Grace is and she is already a month old!! Congratulations to Amy and Michael on the arrival of their beautiful little girl!! We are so excited for you and can't wait to see the adventures that our little girls will have together!!