Today marks exactly one week since Avalon Elle joined our little family, I thought it would be the perfect time to stop in & update on our time since we got home from the hospital!  I feel so grateful to have this little space to look back on these memories one day, & also, wanted to thank you all again for your overwhelming support & love!  It is so very appreciated. 🙂
In just seven short days, Avalon has stolen all of our hearts & already, I can’t imagine our family without her in it.  She is the sweetest little lady, she loves to be held, to sit in the rock & play, and of course, to sleep.  So far, her demeanor is incredibly laid-back, hardly anything bothers her & she rarely cries, even when her big sister smothers her with a million kisses or “pets her” on the top of her little head.  We already see a difference in the girls personalities, though we can’t decide if it’s because we are much more confident as parents & Avalon picks up on it, where as with Waverly we were probably a hot mess. 😉

Pink Striped Headband, Purple Gown & Blanket, Seahorse Onesie
My husband is super busy at work so he was back the day after we got home from the hospital, which scared the hell out of me since he didn’t go back for a week after we had Waverly, but it’s actually been nice to figure things out all on my own.  In general, I feel so less stressed with a newborn than I did as a first time mom, I’m sure that has everything to do with knowing what to expect & not freaking out over every little cry or move she makes.  My recovery is still going really well, we have had a few issues with breastfeeding (engorgement like wow), but overall, I am really feeling great!  I’m sure it helps that Avalon is a great sleeper, I have to wake her at night to feed her but in general, we are getting good stretches of sleep (at least for now!) which we are so, so thankful for. 🙂
And my big girl.  I really can’t put into words how proud of Waverly I am, she is so in love with Avalon & has adjusted to this huge change in the best way possible. 
Of course we have had our moments, but in general, she has showed no signs of jealousy at all, doesn’t mind me breastfeeding (something I was really nervous about), & overall, is just ecstatic to have her baby sister officially here.  We are incredibly lucky to have so much family close by, they have been great about making her feel special too & taking her on little outings since she is so used to being on the go.  Watching her with Avalon makes me so happy, I walked into her room the other morning to get her while holding the baby & she said “Oh yay, she is still here!”.
I hope you all are having the best weekend!
XO
PS – Thank you for your compliments on Avalon’s name. 🙂  There is no real story behind it, other than that we heard the name before I was even pregnant & both loved it!  We thought it sounded great with Waverly and also loved the fact that both Waverly & Avalon are places (Waverly, VA and Avalon Pier).  I admit it, I also loved that both girls names have a “v” in them.  Elle is a tribute to Avalon’s grandmothers, both my mom & mother-in-law start with “l” so we thought it would be perfect!  And YES, I do plan to change my blog name in the near future, though I have no idea to what!  I am trying to stay clear of the girls names so I won’t have to change it again with any future little ones, & am very open to suggestions!

We are so thrilled to announce the arrival of our second baby girl, Avalon Elle Brickner!  Avalon was born June 6th at 7:28 am, weighing 7 pounds & 2 ounces, and 19 inches long.  She looks so much like her big sister did as a newborn, we really can’t believe it, though her hair is a little more blonde!  So far, she is just the sweetest little lady, she loves to sleep, be swaddled. & most of all, to be held. 🙂  All of us are head over heels in love with her, she is the perfect addition to our little family & my heart is so, so full.
It was a long labor with a scary birth, but that’s another story for another day, all that matters to us right now is that we have a healthy, happy baby girl!  My recovery has actually been way easier this time, I am feeling great & was walking around within hours of delivery, I am really shocked at how much I already feel like myself again.  Avalon has taken to breastfeeding so well, something I was anxious about, I am so thankful & hope it continues, I really have loved that special time with her so far.

We have been at the hospital since Thursday & Waverly has been with family, honestly, it has been tough for all of us to be away from each other.  Waverly has had a harder time than I thought she would, but she is doing much better & I am so incredibly anxious to get home to her later today!  She has been to the hospital twice to see her sister, she absolutely adores Avalon & wanted to hold her the minute she walked in the door!   I knew she would love her, but did not anticipate (at all!), just how much, I can’t wait to watch these girls interact more as we transition to our new normal in the next few weeks.  I have lots of pictures of the girls meeting & will be sure to share them soon, for now, one of the three of us, missing big sister so very much!

Lastly, the BIGGEST thank you for your sweet well wishes & support for our family over the entire pregnancy & the last few days.  We truly are so thankful for it all, though I couldn’t respond to every comment, I read each one & they really mean so much to me.  I am excited to continue to share updates & pictures as we adjust to life as family of FOUR!
XO