Thanksgiving 2013

Dear Ava,

Happy Thanksgiving!  While our Thanksgiving celebration here in Korea is drawing to a close (in fact, Daddy is busy trying to get you back to sleep right now), the holiday for our extended family in the US is just beginning.

The day started out with you wide awake for over 1.5 hours at 4 AM this morning. I love seeing and kissing your cute face but I also love sleep. Can you hold off on playtime for a few more hours in the future?

Late in the morning Daddy got all dressed up in his dress uniform (ASU) to go serve Thanksgiving dinner (or lunch) to the Soldiers in the dining facility. While he was gone you kept me well occupied by napping in my arms for 1.5 hours and then having a blowout diaper that required an entire outfit change. At least you gave me a reason to put you in your cute duck outfit.

We had a very low-key day after Daddy got back from serving dinner.  At church on Sunday we were invited to a Thanksgiving dinner that one of the families hosted, but your Daddy and I didn't feel up for going. In the late afternoon we all went for a short walk outside despite the below freezing temperature. It served a two-fold purpose in that it was a family activity and it also helped you get a much needed nap.

Though turkey is the traditional turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner, we (at Daddy's suggestion) opted for spicy lasagna along with cheesy potato casserole and Hawaiian sweet rolls.

When I asked your Daddy what he is thankful for from the past year he said the huge life-changing events that he never expected. I take that to mainly mean you. While last November 1st we could never have imagined all of the events and changes the next 12 months would bring, you coming into our lives is a huge joy and blessing to everyone. We love you!

Sleep in Korea

Dear Ava,

I just put you down for a nap and I am hoping that it is a long nap, but it probably will be much shorter than I would like.

You are finally sleeping through the night again and I am very thankful for that. A combination of putting you to bed a little later every night (started at 3 or 4 pm the first day) and you wearing size 2 baby dry diapers at night are the main reasons why I am able to get some sleep again. Prior to the switch to size 2 at night, you would wake up every 1.5 or so hours from midnight until I finally gave up on trying to get sleep and got up for the day. Since you are still under 12 lbs, there is some poop leakage in the legs on the size 2 but it is not nearly enough to warrent me having you back in size 1 at night. A tiny spot of poop on your onesie is well worth 6-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

We have been in Korea with Daddy now for 12 or so days and I have only managed to step on the treadmill twice. The first time was just that - one single step - before you awoke and started crying. The second time I managed to jog 0.87 miles before your nap ended. I really hope that when you are a little older (at least 6 months) and the weather is decent enough for it that you will enjoy riding in a jogging stroller.

Since I am not getting much exercise via the treadmill I try to take you on walks in the afternoon. The temperature is often in the high 30s or low 40s and so people who see us may think I am crazy for taking you out. What they can't see is that you are often fast asleep, having fallen asleep after only a few steps outside. Your car seat cover as well as the combination of the car seat and stroller shades keep you warm and protected from any wind. The fresh air does us both some good and helps us pass the time until Daddy gets home from work. It is so nice to be able to spend time with him every day.