Newborn Cousins: Ava and Isaac

Ava and Isaac are cousins, born just 8 days apart. Here are some pictures of them together. Captions Contest What's your best caption for this photo, taken at Jeniel's baptism? Mine is: "All those who think girl babies are cuter than boy babies, manifest it." In case it's not obvious, Ava in pink is on the left, Isaac in blue is on the right. At a luncheon with the Gardners and Zimmermans, we took these pictures of the cousins: A closeup of the two cute babies: June and Gabriel loved playing with their two new cousins:

The Faces of Ava

Abbey in Lolo and Ava in Orem

Scott and Beverly were in Lolo for almost a week to help Eric. Beverly took the opportunity to sing with Abbey: Sheri had Ava's crib all ready for the new arrival: In Orem, Grace loved holding Ava: Ava gets more alert by the day: And she keeps getting bigger and bigger: We love having Ava in our home.

Little Miss Abbey

Abbey at Sheri's Memorial (9.2.09) Looking back on Sheri's blog I noticed a post about how Little Miss Abbey (as Sheri called her) started sicking out her tongue for pictures after a trip to Utah. I wonder why? Could it be that she has crazy Aunts? Abbey with Aunt Melissa after Sheri's Memorial

Aunt Suzanne & Aunt Andrea also at the Memorial. We all know that Sheri would have been making faces too!

Or maybe because she has silly cousins? Grace, Skylar, and Abbey during that trip to Utah (July '09)

What ever the reason behind Abbey making silly faces, she definitely knows how to be silly!

July 2009

Alec on Ava.

Today Baby Ava visited Aunt Rita all day. Her 4-year-old cousin Alec was very anxious to have Ava around. He had asked several times when it would be his turn to help take care of her and even petitioned aunt Andrea to allow Ava to sleep at his house one night. He had quite a lot to say about his little cousin Ava: Getting a start on Transitive Relation equations: "Trevor (2 year-old cousin) is bigger than Ava and I am bigger than Trevor...so that means I am really bigger than Ava." While he was helping to hold Ava's pacifier in while riding in the car: "Baby Ava cries when you drive too fast, Mom." Randomly: "I think it's going to be a boy baby." After he asked for a treat at home: "Yeah but that baby can't eat a doughnut. The mouth is too, too little." Gently rubbing her head: "I don't see any hair up there." After Aunt Rita teased that Ava had not answered a question: "Yeah because only you need teeth to talk."

Isn't she beautiful? Aunt Rita loves her!

Community Staff

One of the amazing things about staying in the hospital with Ava was meeting all of the people that cared for Sheri during her last moments and Ava during her first. These people were deeply touched by what happened and wanted to talk with me and share their story. They wanted to find out more about Sheri as a woman, and not just as a patient. It brought them comfort to know that Sheri was loved and that Ava and Abbey will be cared for by Eric and by extended family. It brought me comfort to know that Sheri and Ava were given the best care possible and that perfect strangers were impacted by my sister's life. I was able to share with many of these people our belief in eternal families an my knowledge that we will be with Sheri again.

When we had the memorial for Sheri many of the hospital staff attended.

One nurse, named Katie (who is holding the car seat in the top picture) made these casts of Ava's hands. It was a very thoughtful gift.

A Week with Ava

When Ava was two weeks old, Eric, Abbey, and Scott and Bev (Sheri's parents) left to go back to Eric and Sheri's to do some work on the house. Luckily for Aunt Andrea, Ava got to stay the week! It was so much fun to have her in our home. Skylar and Trevor loved having baby Ava around and spoiled her with their attention. Trevor was especially fascinated with Ava and insisted on sharing his favorite toys (BYU blanket and bear) with her. Skylar was excited to hold her and feed her, and of course Andrea couldn't get enough of her. There is something very special about this little girl, which is probably why all of us are begging to get to take care of her!

Welcome Little Ava

Introducing....

Ava Lily

5 lbs. 5 oz

17 inches

Ava was born August 30, 2009. She was born via emergency c-section because when her mom checked into the hospital the nurses couldn't find Ava's heartbeat. In addition, Ava's mom developed eclampsia, a very rare and dangerous complication of pregnancy. The doctors and nurses were able to safely deliver Ava, but Sheri passed away shortly afterwards.

Because of Ava's special situation, she was watched carefully in the NICU of the hospital. She was strong and healthy, and didn't need the medical care that the other babies in the NICU needed, but the hospital staff wanted to keep her close and safe. Andrea, Sheri's sister, came from Utah to stay at the hospital to help care for Ava. Eric, Abbey, Brent (Sheri's brother), James and Wendi (Eric's brother), and Jim (Eric's dad) stayed at the Ronald McDoanald house right around the corner. We often gathered together at the hospital to spend time with Ava and to meet up with friends and hospital staff who were eager to meet her.

Although our hearts ached for the loss of Sheri, we rejoiced in the birth of our dear Ava. From the moment she was born she brought peace and comfort to those around her. She is our miracle baby!

Ava's First Visitors

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