Ryan and I arrived at the hospital around 3:45am and Ashley had progressed to a 6. Bless her heart, she was in so much pain. Due to her back problem she is unable to receive an epidural. All of you women out there who can receive an epidural count your blessings. Child birth truly is a labor of love. She is one tough woman and amazes me. She keeps going until the very end. She was dilated to a 1 or 2 and still went to Friday school and did everything she normally does. I will carry on with the story now so Ashley does not come to me and say "Julie that is WAY to much information to be sharing!"
Ryan and I patiently waited in the waiting room for about an hour. I, of course, am where I can see their door so I know if anybody goes in and out... especially if a doctor arrives. Bryan came out a few times telling us about the epidural and how far along Ashley was. During this time I am texting Mom and Dad with any information I receive. Around 5:00am, Ryan and I parked ourselves outside their door thinking the time was getting near. At 6:12am we hear that she has arrived, heard that precious first cry, and heard the doctor say "She is freaking huge!" Everyone is doing well. Bryan and Ashley are great parents and I am so happy for them.
Below are some pictures from Ava's Birth Day.
Below: Ava's credentials.
Below: Proud Momma with Ava. 
Below: Ashley was checking Ava out. 
Below: Bryan and Ashley were checking to see if Ava has webbed toes. No determination has been made... 
Below: After all that waiting, I finally got to meet her!
Below: Sweet Ava. We were all surprised by her head full of hair! 
Below: Ava's tiny feet popped out of the blanket. 
Below: Grandpa Vic and Grandma Mel meeting Ava. 
Below: Lisa came to meet her too. 
Below: Tad was so happy to see his Momma. He knew something was going on a few days before Ava arrived. Here Tad is checking out his Momma's hospital bracelets. 
Below: The nurse presented Ava to us in the nursery after she was cleaned up. Grandma Brenda picked out her bow. 
Below: Tad immediately wanted to hold Ava. He does a really good job holding her. 
Below: Daddy was helping him out. 
Below: Tad decided he wanted Ava to lay down by him. Something he does from time to time with Addison. 
Below: Grandma Brenda finally got to hold Ava! 
Below: But not for long! Big brother wanted to hold Sissy again. 
Below: Then it was time to spend some more time with Momma. He found the buttons on the side of her bed. 
Below: Such a cute picture of Mother and Son. 
Below: Miss Ava Maria. 
Below: I FINALLY got to hold her again. I can't complain to much. I got to hold her first after she was born. Such a sweetie. 
Below: Tad thought Ava needed to wear Daddy's hat. 
Below: Bryan was worn out. 
Below: But he didn't get to sleep for long. Tad remembered the glove balloons from Addison's birth day. 
Below: Grandpa and Grandma Little brought Tad a big brother present! 
Below: Aunt Gigi helping Tad put on his big brother t-shirt! 
Below: Addison was happy Ava arrived! She was full of smiles. 
Below: Addison and Ava meet for the first time. I can't wait to watch them both grow up together. 
Below: Jan got a turn too! 
Below: HH came too! 
Below: Grandpa Dale looks like he is having a serious conversation about Ava with Tad. 
Below: Grandpa and Grandma Little bought Tad some new boots! He was so excited that he wouldn't take them off in the store and had to wear them out. 
Below: Meeting your new Sissy can wear a boy out. 
Until Next Time: Ju
