October 29: Avery is eight days old

Miss Avery Leigh was moved to the Special Care Nursery in the Jackson Building last night. We are settling in nicely! Mommy has an even more demanding schedule since we are learning to feed but the environment is a bit more laid back than in the NICU, and she has her own room with a convertible couch. I will be staying through the weekend, likely sleeping at home Sunday night. I'll probably stay here for a few days straight and then come home for a night to spend some time at home with my guys. I can't wait to go trick or treating with my little dalmation (aka  the"fire truck dog" as Peyton  calls his costume)!

Avery's nurse helped us introduce Peyton to his new baby sister. Paul held him a few feet away from the nurse and Avery so Peyton could see her for the very first time. He was very sweet and told her about the digger tractor that she had "bought" him for being a great big brother. It was a very emotional moment.

Avery had a few visitors in the NICU, mostly family, and had her very first Special Care visitor last night. I also had a chance to meet Holly's little girl born just six days after Avery (though she was six weeks ahead of us). The Special Care unit is more conducive to welcoming family and friends (adults only). She is on a pretty structured schedule so please text or call in advance, but we would love to introduce you to our baby girl.

Thanks to all who visited me in the hospital and for the outpouring of love, support, meals and prayers for baby Avery and our entire family. It means the world to us and is helping tremendously during this time.

A few photos from today...

Second day in clothes, and first time wearing a gown.

Cuddle time with mommy.

4:30am photo shoot - Avery taking her paci.

October 25 update: Avery is four days old

Baby Avery is doing great today! She is almost back at her birth
weight of 3 pounds, 13 ounces, and she came off phototherapy this morning. She was taken off the
c-pap ventilator on Sunday but still has her feeding tube and IVs. Her
fabulous neonatologist, Dr. Randel, says she is doing really well, and the nurses
call her a princess.

We are so in love with our beautiful munchin and can't wait to
introduce her to Peyton (he calls her "his baby.") I will be discharged tonight and
will visit her in the hospital 3-4 times per day until she is stepped
down into the special care nursery where I can stay in a room with
her.

Thank you all for your amazing support and prayers. We feel the love
and are very grateful! It has taken a while to get out a longer update
as I've been pumping every 2 hours and walking between postpartum and
the NICU very frequently.

Here are some photos of our sweet little lady:

First bow-wearing experience in the NICU

Sun bathing for 24 hours

First family photo (missing big brother Peyton :(   )

Mommy and Avery enjoying kangaroo care time

Daddy and Avery

Welcome Avery Leigh Cunningham!

Born October 21, 1:18 pm
3 pounds, 13 ounces
16.5 inches

We give thanks for our beautiful baby girl!
Proud parents and big brother -
Candice, Paul and Peyton