I found out I was 13 weeks pregnant on January 13, 2010. It was such a wonderful surprise to find out a month and a half later that we were going to have another little girl. We had always liked the name Ava and thought it went well with Markiewicz. Claire is a name I have liked since I was young. Together we thought it would be perfect for our baby girl. Ava was due 7/24/10. I did not know if she would come early like her sister or come on time...but I had the summer to prepare. I was doing great until my 9th month of pregnancy...I was having a hard time walking, shifting my weight was painful. The baby was sitting so low, my pelvic bones were separating and the shifting of weight was rubbing bone on bone. My doctor said there was nothing he could do but could induce me after the 39th week. Of course the 39th week fell on a Saturday, and my mom was having surgery on the Monday...so my doctor suggested the Tuesday 7/20/2010. What a day! July 20th is Ava's Aunt Holley's birthday as well as our best friends' daughter, Charlotte's birthday.
We reported to the hospital at 7:30 am but the nurse did not start the pitocin until 8:30 am. I apparently was already having contractions when we arrived at the hospital that morning, my doctor just sped up the process. I had no pain for a while, so I spent a lot of time texting and playing on facebook.
My doctor broke my water at 11 am and that is really when labor progressed. My father in law, Tom, brought Carys and my mom by the hospital around noon, in good timing before I had to start concentrating on my contractions. I called for the epidural soon after they left to visit my dad, who was in the hospital himself, and to eat lunch. From there on things were good, I had a great nurse that was very good at describing for me what I would feel and at keeping me comfortable. Around 4:30 the nurse came in to see how I was progressing and within 15 minutes from shifting my weight I went from 8 cm to 10 cm and it was go time! The doctor was called and he arrived by 5. I would say I only had about 10 minutes worth of pushing and Ava Claire entered this world at 5:15 pm.
She was perfect and big! 7 pounds 6 ounces and 20 inches long. I know that is not really "big" but Carys was only 6 pounds 1 ounce and 19 inches long.
Blue eyes and a full head of hair!
She was a good eater from the start! TJ was great the entire time I was in labor, a very good coach and wanted to do anything he could to make me comfortable.
TJ sent out the call that Ava was here and Tom came back with Sharla, my mom and Carys to meet Ava. Auntie Kim came by later that night. This is our first family picture.
Carys was very curious about the "bebe", always sneeking a peek.
A very proud big sister!
Here I am, Ava Claire Markiewicz. I had forgotten how much I loved cuddling. I call it cuddlefest 2010...Ava and I spent that Wednesday cuddling all day.
Ready to go home! The nurses were not concerned about Ava, she was eating well, having lots of diaper changes and her bloodwork was great...so we left earlier in the afternoon on the Thursday than expected.
Carys was napping when we got home but she was super excited to see the "bebe". Grandpa Tom watched Carys the entire time we were in hospital...note the mop of hair.
Macy and Maya were very interested in the new arrival too!
Carys loves Ava, she gives her kisses..."mmmmmmyah".
But she knows to be careful, she keeps her hands behind her back for safe keeping.
Carys also plays music for Ava and says "shhhhh" when the baby is crying. Carys is always concerned if the baby is crying...saying "bebe...bebe...bebe."
I think Ava and Carys will be very close sisters. Carys is very sensitive and loving and Ava just completed our little family. I can't wait to watch them grow and learn each day.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with Harry Potter, Dobby is a house elf who is freed of servitude when his master gave him a soiled sock. Since our daughter, Carys, has such an interest in socks, my mother coined the nickname Dobby for our sock snatcher! 
