Turkey Time!

Thanksgiving arrived with not just turkey and cranberries but a visit from Mama and Papa (Mike's parents) and Aunt Lisa. Aviana welcomes her guests with open arms!

Before company came Mom had her first drink back post pregnancy practicing the time honored tradition of "pumping and dumping." Her drink of choice = Samuel Smith Cider Beer courtesy of the Migliores. Yum!
And Mike was successful giving Aviana her first bottle at home.

Aviana spent lots of time in Mama's arms!

And took several naps with Papa! They opened their eyes for this picture. . .

Mike learned from Aviana, he combined crying like a baby and a hand signal to make beer appear!

Then it was time to eat, drink, and be merry! Mike and Papa were the genius chefs behind a delicious Thanksgiving dinner!

In honor of company Ann-Marie tried out her Hooter Hider and learned the basic art of modest nursing!

Thank you Mama, Papa, and Aunt Lisa for sharing Aviana's first Thanksgiving with us!

On Thanksgiving a proud Mom and Dad were thankful for their beautiful, healthy 3 week old baby girl who has already brought us so much joy!

For dessert the Sekerak strawberries!

Watching the baby grow!

The twelve days that have gone by since Aviana's arrival have been filled with lots of firsts. The three of us are settling into something of a routine. Aviana is nursing well, Ann is healing well, and Mike is coping well with the demands of his ladies!

First bath = one very mad baby!

Recovered from first bath . . .

First attempt at Tummy Time, Aviana was able to turn her head from left to right!

First time in the Bjorn, Mom made it two laps around the block!

Aviana loves her Dad!

And her Mom!

Three generations of Falk women pose for a picture . . .

Aviana models her strawberry hat (made by her Mom) and her sweater (a hand-made shower gift) on her way to run some errands. This picture was the aftermath of a HUGE tantrum and putting on clothes.



We have been so lucky to have Grandma (Ann's Mom) here to help! And Mama (Mike's Mom) and Papa (Mike's Dad) arrive on Sunday, hopefully Mike and Ann survive the few days of baby care on their own!

Our happy family!

Happy Birthday Aviana!

November fifth is the day

Our little angel came to play.
From Sunday night to Thursday morn

Mama labored to get her born.

Aviana Marie is her name
and our lives will never be the same.
Baby smiles, coos, and cuddle time
are worth more than any nickel or dime.

Weighing 8 pounds 4.25 ounces
this Daddy's girl loves when he swaddles and bounces.
At 21 inches Aviana's a little string bean
the picture of health very long and lean.

Her parents marvel as she changes and grows
both right behind her for life's highs and lows.
The Sekerak family was not complete
Until we could feel Aviana's little heart beat.

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Dad preps for the launch!

Aviana's first picture at ~45 minutes old; official time of birth was 12:32am.

Mom and Aviana snuggle at the hospital.

Proud Dad shows off his baby girl!

Aviana signals a Michigan touchdown!

Grandma Falk arrives to lend a helping hand.

The Sekerak Family happily leaves the hospital!

Dad makes sure Aviana is safe for her first car ride.

Do you think Mom is ready for breast feeding?

Aviana's first visit to the pediatrician, almost back to birth weight at 8 pounds 1 ounce!

Our most precious gift and greatest joy.