We are proud to announce the arrival of the newest addition to our family, Miss Ava Wiles Stuart on Saturday, February 24^th, 2007. She weighed 9 pounds 2 ounces and was 20.5 inches long (which was almost identical to Lily’s measurements.) She was born naturally after a fairly quick labor and entered the world at 3:30 PM with a healthy cry after taking her time. Her Dad was the first to hold her and was overwhelmed at how quickly he fell in love with “his new baby girl”. I laughed at him and said I bet he didn’t realize he could be in love with 3 girls at the same time. Ava looks identical to Lily’s baby pictures, but definitely has her own personality and sweet spirit.

Ava” is Latin for “like a bird”. Tim had the honor of naming both of his girls and announcing their names when they were born. In preparation he asked Lily what she would name a brother. She replied that she didn’t want a brother because boys were mean and didn’t have manners so she would name him “girl”. Tim asked what she would name a sister and she said “bird”. Lily has a bird watching window in our kitchen and it her responsibility to keep the birdie feeders full, which is a job she takes very seriously.  Tim looked up the word bird on the baby name websites and “Ava” showed up several times. He asked Lily to say all his girl name choices and he said the way Lily said Ava just melted his heart. When he presented Ava to me he said, “I have faith that I chose the right name for our daughter. Her name is Ava Wiles Stuart.” I couldn’t imagine her having any other name, and everyone seems to enjoy it, with Lily being the most proud. She introduces her as “Baby Sister Ava”. The day after Ava was born Lily asked, “Mommy can we keep her?” I told that I thought that would be a good idea. Lily crawled up into my lap and snuggled up close to Ava smiling at her while massaging her head. She said, “She’s a real baby, Mommy, not pretend.” The moment was a “real mom moment” for me that I will remember even when they are too old to both cuddle in my lap. For now we’re taking each day as it comes, counting our blessing, and settling in as family while making memories along the way.

Daddy introducing Ava to Mom

Daddy naming Ava

Our Midwife Celeste with

Ava just minutes old

Proud Grandparents, Yama, Papa & Nana

First Cry

The “Birthday Girls” Amy & Ava

Ava loving Michelle

Gearing up for the first “road trip” home

Tawny Girl meets Ava

“Mom can I wake her up?”

Snuggled in at home

Tariq, Lily and Ava

Feb. 22, 2007

Click to see me at 3 months