Welcoming Avery June Lyon

Spring is showing itself here in Birch Bay. Katie and I have been waiting for this for a long time. We told our parents of sweet Avery back in August when our bodies were still darkened by the sun. Fall came and was enjoyed with sweet smells of apple pie while enjoying football games on T.V. Winter brought a larger belly, homemade soups with a movie while enjoying the wood burning stove. Then there was spring. Spring means the return of low tides. It means longer walks with Leila on the beach. It means forgotten smells that seem to be enjoyed every year yet can't be captured until you take a deep breath on that first warm day. Spring brings longer days. Spring brings the first cookout. But as we waited Katie and I knew that spring brings Avery. And that makes Spring and now, every other season, from here on out, so much better.

April 16, 2012 at 10:40 a.m. we heard her for the first time. Avery June Lyon weighing in at 6lbs. 13.7oz, 20.5in long. I cried, Katie didn't but we all knew that was how it was going to be.
I saw a side of Katie I never knew. Her determination to deliver her without any narcotics or epidural was impressive. Physically it was harder for her obviously but I could make an argument that it was harder for me emotionally.
Everyone says the baby knows dad's voice because mom's is muffled. I called her name and this is what I got. A brilliant stare from daughter to dad.



She wasn't as alien looking as I thought she would be. Maybe i'm biased but she is incredibly beautiful and changing quickly. These pictures are obviously within minutes of her birth. As I look at these I want to cry because she looks so much different now.



She looked like a peanut all wrapped up and was obviously the favorite baby at the hospital that day. (no offense to the other babies there)
At one point there were 15 people in the hospital room. That was a little much for me but it would be even if there wasn't a baby in the room. Luckily that was the first day and the rest of the hospital stay we only had two visitors besides Katie's mom and dad.

This was my view from my bed. Does it get any better?
Day two. That's what we used to call "drouping."
Day three.

Here she is thinking about whether she wants to puke on mommy or daddy.



Couple hours before heading home.
Wearing her own clothes.
Katie getting her ready for the trip home. It was great watching her take her first breath of air outside the hospital.


This blog is about to become a whole lot more interesting, fun and challenging to find time to write! Welcome to Earth June bug!!

40 Weeks.

...and counting! Today was Kate's due date and as much as we like the ring of 4-4-12 it will not be baby Lyon's birthday. Today was a good day. We were told to stay busy because only 3% of babies are actually born on their due date and there was a good chance it would come and go. It feels like it could still be another month. (Kate would disagree!) She's still full of energy, active and no, her ankles aren't swollen. Today we walked a very slow mile while Leila ran circles around us. Thanks to all who have prayed as we feel your prayers as I continue to be patient with Kate and she continues to handle the difficulties of well... having something about 6-8 lbs growing inside of her.

39 Weeks.

Our weekends and days off are enjoyable. The hustle and bustle is over and now we wait.
Grandma Kathy made us a lion quilt. It is beautiful and may become our little girls "blanky."
The days are becoming longer and slightly warmer. We've been lucky enough to have low tide so the dogs can run and we can explore. The beach offers plenty of interesting creatures but my favorite is the water and wind shaped driftwood.


The packages keep arriving and Leila keeps letting the UPS guy know he is on her lawn. We came home to this package last week. Looks like the delivery man wants to make peace. Leila was quick to accept the gift but that's about all that came of it.
Well, we've been going strong with this blog thing for over four years! We've attempted to bring you up to date on our lates wanderings. I'm excited to say the next post will most likely contain a new member of our family. We are so excited!

37 Weeks

It's a waiting game now. Our little one is throwing right and left hooks at Katie's ribs, bladder and kidneys as if to say, "Let me outta here!"

Tour De Baby Shower

We are just about done. Last week Katie, her mom, aunt, uncle and cousins headed to Yakima for a shower with old friends and family.

Katie couldn't stop talking this past week about how good it was to see everyone in Yakima. The gifts were great and needed but Katie was truly blessed to see everyone.
We have some really creative friends. Our showers have been full of color, ideas and designs we would have never thought of.









Katie at 35ish weeks. On Monday, Kate will be 37 weeks! That means baby Lyon could come as early as next week!
Kate's friend Shala plotting.
Classic tea party stuff. Mainly to ward off any guy that thought about being there.

Jack Jack attack!
Cakecicles.


Christina manning the desserts.
This past Thursday Katie was invited to my work for cake and a gift.
In that box was our Pack 'n Play. A much needed item! Heather, one of the other therapists, knitted an owl stocking cap. I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of it for you.

The showers are over...for now (one more the end of April, put on by Aunt Teresa and Aunt Jennifer here in Blaine). Memories created and blessings were given to Katie and I. Baby Lyon is head down with one hand on Kate's bladder and a foot on her rib cage. It is happening!