Ava Grace

12-16-09


6lbs 20z


18in long


Well it's been about 4 weeks since the birth of our sweet little Ava. Ellie is out on a play date, the baby is sound asleep and I've finally found some time to post a blog! I realize that most of you that read my sporadic blogging have already heard the details of labor and delivery, but I thought I would review for those of you who haven't.

When I went in for my 38 week checkup on Dec 16th at 3pm I was dilated to a 4. Ava's heart rate was a little low and because of this and a handful of other reasons the Dr. decided it would be best to break my water and get the baby out a.s.a.p. Although I was hoping she would come early I found myself in a state of shock as the Dr. sent me downstairs to check in for labor and delivery. After having a slight meltdown (hey I was entitled to a few being almost 9months prego), I called my mom and sister to come get Ellie and sent Kyle home to pack us a hospital bag.

I had tested positive for the strep culture, so right after I was admitted they started my first dose of penicillin. 2 hours later at 6pm Kyle was back and the Dr. broke my water. He was hopeful that I would deliver before midnight. My contractions started to become more regular and I planned on getting an epidural at 8pm. Labor pains began to intensify rapidly and by 7:30pm I knew I was going to need the epidural sooner. Kyle called the nurse as I curled up in a ball feeling like I was going to die. Before I knew it the Nurse was calling through the intercom "We are having a baby!" and frantically struggling to get her gloves on. By 7:41pm I heard the first cry of a perfect baby girl! All I can say is wow that was painful, but luckily it was insanely quick too! I have a knew respect for those of you who choose to go all natural: )

We are doing great! Ava is so sweet and beautiful! and Ellie loves being a big sister!

We're Back!

The last couple of months have been eventful ones for the Fransen family and it's been a while since my last post. So here is my attempt to play catch up and cram August and September into one long post: )

Charleston, S.C.

We finished out the summer in Charleston S.C. and absolutely loved it there! It was by far one of our favorite places that we've lived so far. We ate lots of fresh seafood, enjoyed countless mornings at the beach, visited lots of civil war sites and had fun shopping in the unique shops of the charming downtown Charleston. (oh the antiques!) The historical architecture was beautiful! I think we probably spent one too many Sunday afternoons downtown for Kyles taste, but he was a good sport about letting me soak it all in, again and again.


Folly Beach


Morris Island Lighthouse


Patriots Point- USS Yorktown


Waterfront Park


Magnolia Cemetery


Angel Oak Tree

My parents came down to visit the last week we were there. It was a fun way to end the summer. Ellie was so excited to see them. It was then that I surprised my parents with my prego belly! Yep that's right. We are expecting again! I'm due December 3oth! and it's a girl! (I'll do a separate post later with prego shots and ultra sound pics.)


Cute Cupcake Shop Downtown


Marion Square



Beaufort


Lake Powell

The week after we got back from South Carolina we headed to Lake Powell with my family. It was so nice for Kyle to be able to have some fun after a long summer of hard work. Could there be a better place? Thanks again Dad!




After Powell we headed to Idaho to see the Fransens, then back to Utah for a Park City Anniversary getaway. Then last but not least we headed to Idaho once again for Potato Harvest (I'll post some pics in a separate post)! It's been a crazy but fun month for us, but I would have to say we are excited to be home and put our suitcases away: )

Summer Days in Georgia: A day out at the Zoo! & Fun at the Pool!

We took a trip out to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC this last week with some friends. We had lots of fun! This was the first day that I missed the cooler Utah weather. 103 degrees in modest attire can be an uncomfortable combination! but nonetheless our trip was worth it: )

p.s. Sorry about the poor picture quality on some of these photos. Our camera has been having technical difficulties.


Ellie with friends Landon and Talon







Ellie and Landon admiring the Gorillas toes.


This one was just her size.






Well hello there.




My. . . what BIG teeth you have.


zonked out after a long day.





A few weeks ago our apartment complex had a big pool party with lots of food and prizes. Kyle won a free tanning pass! woohoo! Maybe his cute farmer tan will be little lighter when we hit the beaches in Charleston next week!


Ellie digging her leigh.


Ellie swimming in her big girl floaties. She swims in the deep end too!


This is the life!