She has arrived!

Well, it has been a week since our dear daughter, Avery Rayne, made her appearance into this world. She is absolutely perfect! From her head to her ten fingers and toes...perfect! Thank you to all of you who lifted her up in prayer that she might enter this world a healthy perfect little girl. Our prayers have been answered. On Monday, September 22, at 10:41 a.m. Avery graced us with her presence weighing in at 6 lbs 6 oz and measuring 18.5 inches long. AMAZING. There is really no other way to express the feelings that came over us to hear her first cries. To see her for the first time. To hold her tiny hand. Nine months is long time to wait to meet someone. We start to picture her face, color of her hair, her expressions and then the day comes and she is so much more than we could have ever imagined.

We spent through Thursday afternoon in the hospital recouperating from the c-section, and both mom and Avery are doing great.

So, the question on everyone's mind is, "How did Dad do with his first ever diaper change?" If you looked up in the dictionary "Professional Diaper Changer", you would find (n) Kevin Young and his picture. Dad jumped right in there without hesitation and mastered the art. He is so good at changing diapers that mom has changed very few.

We couldn't wait to bring her home and settle into our own routine without the every 30 minute interruptions from the nurses and doctors. If they didn't need to check my vitals, it was Avery's they needed to check. As to be expected, Avery lost some weight the first few days in the hospital and got down to 5 lbs. 13 1/4 oz., but before we left the hospital, she had gain a few ounces back and her going home weight was 5 lbs. 15 1/2 oz.

Avery had her first pediatrician appointment on Saturday, September 27. She passed the physical exam with flying colors...and her weight was up to 6 lbs. We will go back to the doctor on October

6 for her next exam.

God has blessed our family with this precious little girl and entrusted us to raise her and we are so honored to be called mom and dad. Thanks again for all your prayers, love and support throughout our pregnancy. We asked that you continue to pray for us as parents. Below are some pictures from her first week.

Much love and God Bless,

Kevin, Julie & Avery Young

Dad introduces Avery to Mom.

She is perfect and Dad can't keep his eyes off of her.

One of Avery's many photo ops at the hosptial.

And, we continue with the photo ops.

Will her eyes stay blue or turn to brown like Dad's?

I didn't so much like my first bath, but the ending part is warm!

Two Days Away

(For some reason the posts says 9/12, but we actually posted on 9/18.)

We can't believe she is almost here...only 2 days until her arrival. That's right, September 22 at 10 a.m. we are scheduled to meet our daughter, Avery Rayne.

We have been nesting getting the house all ready, washing her "little" clothes & bedding, putting together the bouncer seat & swing...heck we have had the car seat in the car ready to go for the last two weeks.

As many of you know, on 8/22 Julie was put into the hospital with pneumonia and had to stay for 5 days. She is much better now and we thank you all for your prayers on her speedy recovery. We were very lucky in that it seems that Avery was not placed in any danger during Julie's illness.

Once Julie got her strength back up, we decided to document the last days of our pregnancy with some photos. We hope you enjoy.

We will post her first photos and stats later next week.

God Bless,
Kevin & Julie Young (Soon to be Daddy and Mommy)