Introducing . . . Ava Marie, Our Ray of Light in an Otherwise Dark Year

She's here! Little Miss Ava finally decided to quit pretending she was coming and actually make her arrival on Friday, June 25th at 4:48pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 19 and 3/4 in. long. Her delivery was a little long and arduous, but she came safely and we couldn't ask for more. She's a beautiful, healthy little girl and is such a joy to us! It's been fun (and challenging) getting to know her. We still have so much to learn! Grandpa Kelleher, Gigi and Uncle Toby were the first to meet her in the hospital. This week Nana and Papa Ernie are visiting from Montana. You can be sure she's been getting lots of attention. And she's experienced many firsts in the last couple days with Nana and Papa Ernie: first restaurant experience, first time to church, first Sam's Club experience and first walk in her stroller.
Here are a bunch of pictures, but once again I seem unable to upload them in the right order, so they're a little bit backwards. Cute nonetheless! So without further ado, here she is!

She loves to be swaddled at night, but this is usually how she ends up after a while.

Sometimes Nana makes me yawn. :)

Dancing with Nana after doing dishes. It all began with a little Bruce Springsteen.

You're lucky if you get a hold of her when Nana's around.

I usually only burp when Mommy doesn't have the burp rag.

Meeting Nana! I wore my polka dot dress for the occasion.

I'm awake!

Tootsies

A little tummy time on the quilt that Grandma Chrisann made for me.

Sleepiness directly follows eating.

Hanging in my bouncy seat.

Little Peanut in a big world.

First ride in my car seat, leaving the hospital.

Ready to go home.

Daddy looks ready to go home, too.

I'm not so sure about this clothes thing.

Snuggle time with Daddy.

Uncle Toby!

Just moved to our new room after leaving the Birthing Center.

My hat is a little big.

First family photo!

She's a girl and she's healthy!