Tuesday, May 4, 2010

A Happy Family: Welcome Avielle!

She's here! In all her tiny IUGR glory, our little girl has arrived! Determining her status as a high-risk baby and the ultrasounds, NSTs, prayers, fasts, and eventual induction that followed afterward is probably another post for another day. It can be summed up by saying we assumed she was already an awful lot like her mother -- maybe a bit high maintenance?

Turns out she's just as delightful and easygoing as a babe can be! Although, she's only a week old today, so I could be jumping the gun. Nothing like posting a sentence like that to jinx things, eh?

After endless deliberations, we chose the name Avielle just a few days before her arrival. I can't say why, but this time around it felt very important to have it mean just the right thing. There were names I fell head over heels for, but we just couldn't do it -- the meaning was too dorky. Like Charlotte (a feminine version of Charles, which means "full grown, a man") or Cecelia (a feminine version of Cecil, which means "blind, dim-sighted"). It just wasn't working. We came across Avielle, and I knew the meaning was perfect. It's Hebrew (note the -iel and -el endings all over the OT: Israel, Michael, Ezekiel, Daniel, etc.) and translates as "God is my father."

I'm not crazy about the fact that this name is 100% obscure, but it is who my girl is. It fits. Also in its favor is that it ends -elle, just like mine. That's kind of nice, right? I think so.

Betsy is utterly entranced by her sister. Although it might seem redundant, I wanted to list all the cute little things Betsy has said about Avielle. (And whenever she starts in on one of these, it gets repeated about 10 times before she allows the dialogue to move on.) "I love her. I love that baby Avie!" "I love love you." "Baby Avie is so cute!" "I like you, baby Avie!" "I love my baby Avie's head" She adores giving hugs and kisses and holding Avie, holding her fingers and talking about how tiny they are, can say Avie's full name (Avielle Hope Shea) and is generally her ridiculously cute self.

But the sweetest of all our new-family moments is when Betsy tries to wrap us all up in a giant group hug whilst declaring , "We are a happy family! A happy family!" This is often followed up by a round of repeating"I love us," or "I love you, Momma; I love you Daddy; I love you baby Avie!" or some other sweet little statement of affection. It is precious, and while I'm not naieve enough to think it will be this way every day, I'm optimistic enough to hope they will always cherish each other.

Oh -- and no worries about Avielle's health. She weighed in at 5 lbs. 4 oz. and was an absolute trooper during birthing. Her heart rate never dropped, and she arrived in record time. She was thoroughly examined in the nursery and only given an IV for saline to thin out her red blood cell count. She's putting on weight well, nursing quite nicely, and snuggles up into such a tiny little soul I could happily nap the day away with her on my chest. Apart from her time with the biliblanket at home, nothing would ever clue you in to any complications.

I am so grateful to my midwives, whose incredible care of Avie and me made a difficult situation so much easier. They were patient beyond patient, and truly inspired. I'd also have totally lost it without my doula; okay, maybe I lost it anyway. I am now just trying to figure out how to show them my appreciation. I think chocolate is always applicable in situations like these, don't you?

16 comments:

Amanda said...

I am so glad she arrived safely. I have had complicated pregnancies with each of my children and I am always grateful for cautious and inspired doctors/midwives. I love the meaning of her name. I know what you mean about making sure it's the right name.

I like to say that Whitney named herself. Well before the 20 week u/s, I knew it was a girl and her name was to be Whitney. It means "from the white city." It could mean that she came straight from heaven. But she was born 9 days before Christmas--and before we left the hospital, there was a HUGE snowstorm. So, we took her home through the white city. I just love that little connection.

Anyway...Avielle is BEAUTIFUL! And I love the Avie/Betsy pics. So precious!

The Nat Nat said...

I am so proud of you! Adorable new baby, adorable daughter, adorable family! I like the name as well, I have never heard it and I like that you thought about the meaning before giving it to your new daughter.

JEREMY AND SARAHLYNN said...

Congratulations!!! What a beautiful baby!! And I love the name (although still not sure how to pronounce it).

All of Betsy's comments are So tender and sweet. What a happy time for all of you!!

Shelly Beth said...

What a wonderful post for a beautiful family! Avielle is a beautiful name! Drew and I are big fans of -elle names so it is fun to hear beautiful ones like Avielle that I have never heard of. And th enick name Avie is so cute. Isabelle was 5 lb. 7 oz. and Aubree was almost double that. Tiny babies are precious! Enjoy your little one while she is still a newborn. Glad she is here saft and sound.

Jacqueline said...

Congratulations on another gorgeous daughter. Avielle is precious and is lucky to have such an adoring sister and incredible parents. Sending love to you all...

Kimmel Tippets said...

I was so excited to find this post today! Betsy is exactly how I hoped Mazie would be so I'm a little jealous on that front, but VERY glad to hear that she loves Avie so much. I cannot wait to get to meet her in a few months! And her name is perfect. I admire your dedication in the hunt for it. I know it took a long time but I hope it was worth it in the end! I love you!

Carina said...

Oh, Mickelle, Mickelle, mother of two! I am so unbelievable happy for you. Avielle is so precious, and I absolutely LOVE her name! But don't worry, we won't use it =P I love the pictures and think it's awesome that Betsy just loves her. Let me know when you're up for company--I'd love to come see you and meet little Avie!

LaCee Clayburn said...

congratulations!!! She is beautiful! I'm so happy for all of you :).

Jennifer Tolman said...

OH, Mickelle I am so happy for you! I am going to miss chatting with you and thank you for all your help, time in listening to me, and understanding me! I LOVE that Betsy loves that little baby! It is so adorable! It makes me so excited for the day when Rhett can have a little baby sibling!! uh.. I just cannot wait. Keep this updated and stay in touch!

Liz and Grant said...

She is beautiful! So happy that everything worked out and that sweet little girl is here to snuggle!

Chelsea said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! What gorgeous girls!! All three of you! I love the pictures, I love her name, and we are just so thrilled for your little family. I am glad that everyone is happy and healthy.

Michele Sekaquaptewa said...

She's such a precious little soul. Glad I finally got to hold and snuggle her. I'm extra glad I got to hear Betsy make one of her "happy family" declarations. You have such a beautiful family Mickelle. Thanks for the good example you are to me.

Missy said...

Congrats. She is so pretty. I can't wait to come and meet her. Sorry I am slow at noticing she came but I am not on the internet much anymore. I hope you are feeling good and that life with two little ones is going ok. Love you

Laurel said...

Mickelle, I am so happy for you! Congratulations on your sweet Avie. Betsy is so very precious! I'm grateful both you and the baby are doing well. I'm glad you had your blog posted on FB so I could find you!!

hilaryawb said...

Congratulations! Avielle is beautiful! I am glad she made it here safely. How fun to enjoy two beautiful little girls.

Anonymous said...

my name is avielle :)