Ok, my friend. It is time.
I've been keeping this little nugget from you for too long.
The truth is, I've been holding out on you because I haven't been sure what to say. This is such an important little thing in my life and I couldn't decide whether to under share (hey, this is a FOOD blog, not baby blog!) or to over share because she's turned into my absolutely everything and I want to squeeze her constantly and show her picture to everyone who will look for even a moment cause I'm a proud new mom and apparently that is what proud new moms do. Phew, what a run on sentence.
OUR LATEST VIDEOSI'm opting for oversharing, cause you and I are good OL friends. Grab a coffee, my friends. Let's chat. 🙂
Before I spill everything and go all TMI on you, can we just stop for a minute so I can gush about that picture? ☝️☝️☝️ We took that a few days after we brought her home. Those feet, that nose, that spiky hair, her tiny little self! I seriously can't stand it. Too much cuteness all at once.
And do you know of a way I can squish her back to that size, even for a minute?
When we took the picture, my handsome man said, “Are you sure you want to take off her diaper?” Since I'm a totally sane and normal person who would risk anything for a pretty shot, I told him that there was no way a silhouette shot would work with a diaper. Tell me you would have done the same, right?
Ha! I'm not going to write out in full what happened after this shot because TMI and ew gross you don't want to read that. But seriously, I should have listened to reason.
? And this pic … Little Avalina at 1 week old. Just look at those skinny little chicken legs! ?
Ok, here we go …
So the truth is, I was never one of those girls who grew up dreaming of the day she would become a mom. (Being honest!) I've always loved kids, it's just that I love my freedom, too. I watched so many people lose themselves in the busyness of family life that I didn't see there being another option, and I was terrified of that happening to me.
It was my sister (hi, Lyndz!) who showed me a new way. She somehow managed to pull off being a new mom while continuing to spend time with her friends, work, exercise, and even throw on her backpack to take her new little one traveling to fun and awesome countries people don't normally take their children to. She made it look effortless. Ha!
I once said to her, “But I don't know if I want all the hard work of being a mom.” Her response was, “It's not hard work. He's my buddy, we hang out.”
When she said that, her son was a toddler. Wait, what?!
I thought she was either crazy or awesome, but mostly awesome cause she's my sister and she is awesome.
?Total daddy's girl. And those sausage link arms!?
Anyway, it took a couple of years (years!) and lots of talks about if this was what we really wanted and if we are responsible and awesome enough people who are capable of raising a little human being. I'm not normally one to mull over decisions, but this was the biggest and most difficult decision I'd ever made. I mean, hello! There's no going back!
Eventually, we tossed out all rational discussions and said, “F**k it, let do this.” Just like two responsible people do. 🙂
Being pregnant was kinda sorta awesome, except for all the things about it that weren't. I LOVED having a giant belly. And feeling (watching!) her wiggle around inside, which should have seemed all alien-like but was actually super crazy amazing.
We spent half our days with both our hands on my belly waiting for her next kick or squirm.
I documented the whole thing with silhouette shots. This last one was taken just before we left for the hospital, between labored breathing and curling over contractions. Seriously guys, I don't know what I was thinking! Anything for a pretty picture. 🙂
Our little monkey was born at 1:59am on May 29th, after 20 hours of labor and an emergency c-section. But let's just forget about all of that part. SO not fun.
We left the hospital with Girl Has No Name because naming a person is the second most difficult thing to do in the world next to deciding to make a person.
Two weeks later, she officialy became Avalina Willow Weisgarber.
We named her Avalina after my mom's original name. She had convinced her dad to change her name when she was 12 because everyone always mispronounced it. It's a German name and the original spelling was Eveline. I always loved the name so we decided to keep it and change the spelling.
We chose her middle name to carry on a tradition on her dad's side; his middle name is Cedar. We both love willow trees and the way Avalina Willow flows together. She also gets to have the best baby initials ever. AWW she's so adorable!
Yes, I'm a cheeseball and tad bit embarrassed for myself right now.
This little monkey. You guys, her cuteness is almost too much for me to handle some days. Like when she looks at me with her mouth wide open as she pulls her best I don't know what I'm doing but I'm trying really hard to smile. Heart melts.
Her favorite things are:
Snuggles. Seriously guys, she could cuddle every moment of her life and I soak up every minute she'll give to me.
Sleep. I feel like we must be the luckiest new parents ever. So lucky that I almost don't want to mention it out loud. Like, if I tell you how well she sleeps you'll be mad at me and never want to speak to me again. I wake up every morning thankful for feeling rested (I so wasn't expecting this!) and then feel extra thankful that I'm able to get a couple hours of work done before she realizes that she's (finally!) hungry and should probably wake up.
#bestbabyever
Her cousin, Taj. She LOVES loves loves him.
I said to him, “You're just like a big brother to her” and he said, “No aunty, I AM her big brother.”
Melt.
Her hair.
Ok ok, that's my favorite. But seriously, look at those pigtails!
She's basically the sweetest little thing in the world. I know that every new mom is supposed to say that about their baby, but she really is.
She's super content, except if she thinks she's starving even though she totally isn't because she just ate five minutes ago.
We've been giving this little food blogger in training teeny tiny little tastes of the things we eat. So far, we know she likes: apples, espresso ice cream, olives, dark chocolate, lemons, teriyaki, and (slightly) spicy gochujang pizza sauce. Kid's like her mama, she loves to eat.
I'm proud of her already.
I had a friend ask me, “What's the biggest surprise been?” Since she arrived I feel so much more grateful for all the moments in my life. I've stopped taking the little things for granted.
Waking up feeling rested.
Feeling her nestle into me and fall asleep.
Watching her smile and hearing her learning to laugh.
Getting on my bike and going for a ride. The freedom! The speed! 🙂
Going for dinner with my handsome man. We used to go out all the time, just the two of us. Since she's arrived we've been on five ‘date nights' and each time it feels so special. I know that's cheesy and we've become that couple who gets gitty over their kid-free night, but we totally do and I love it.
We love this little monkey so much, and more and more each day. I know I've already said it, but she really has become my everything. I want to keep her this size forever and can't wait to watch her grow. I wish I could have both!
So there you have it, guys. That's my little Ava.
I'm so happy to have a group of awesome food loving peeps who will put up with me (join me?!) in gushing over the most adorable little girl there ever has been. You guys are the best. ?
Kristen Stevens
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Hi, I’m Kristen! 
Thanks for sharing more of your beautiful creations. Are you going to be a baby food blogger now? She is adorable, especially the hair! Enjoy and we hope to see you soon.
Thank you so much! I’m sure as she grows you’ll see more kid friendly recipes here … although so far she eats and seems to love everything we eat. 🙂
She’s so lovely Kristen! I can’t believe how big she is already. Sounds like you are loving being a Mum, thats so cool. Thanks for sharing your story x
Thank you so much, Lis! I am loving being a mom … she makes it really easy on me. 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I thought she would have been here by now, but then thought maybe I miscounted. She’s gorgeous! I agree, motherhood rocks and I’m also still trying to figure out how much to share on the blog.
Congratulations!
Thank you so much! It is hard to know how much to share, but I’ve been overwhelmed by all the positive responses. I’d love to read more about your little one!
Well, I cried through this whole post, Kristen! Huge congratulations to you both on your beautiful, amazingly sweet daughter!
I love the name you picked and I love that you are getting sleep! lol. Bonus!! Thank you for sharing these photos – I smiled and cried over every word and image. Enjoy!!
Oh Robyn you are too sweet. Thank you so much!!
Haha I am totally gushing…i have this smile on my face, and am just so happy for you and your partner. Little Ava is adorable, so cute, and so gorgeous. Enjoy your little monkey as I know you will. Don’t miss out on a thing. She will grow so quickly, but it is funny as you want her to stay small, yet as she gets bigger, you just automatically blend in with it and love the excitement of the new chapter of her growth…Ava is so precious, and I absolutely love her name. Congratulations.
PS. Love her little outfits and love the pic with Ava and your cat 🙂
Thank you so much, Lynne! I am taking in every moment as she seems to grow right in front of my eyes and I don’t want to miss a thing. I’ll make sure to write updates from time to time as she grows. 🙂
Congratulations ! She is adorable !!!!
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Kristen thank you so much for sharing this awesome amazing story with us. You and your partner are so blessed and so are we your fans…We now feel so much closer to you. ..Good Job!
Thank you, Kevin! I was really hesitant about whether I should share or not. I’m so happy I did now!
Thanks for sharing about Ava!!! I was getting rather concerned – it seemed like you were having the longest pregnancy in the world>
Ha! I’m certainly happy that it didn’t last that long. 🙂
I have to say that I found your blog because of your beautiful creations but this is your best creation yet! Such a joy to see your beautiful baby girl and the happiness. Best post yet. And best recipe ever!
Thank you so much, Kate! I’ll make sure to give periodic updates on ‘the best recipe ever.’ 🙂
A a mother of eight I can totally relate to your sentiments, especially the desire to keep them tiny, but so anxious to watch them grow! Enjoy every precious moment. It will especially be fun when you both enjoy a day of cooking! Meanwhile, enjoy teaching her to enjoy all the good tastes and smells that eating healthy has to offer.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Kathy
8 kids? Wow! It’s so incredible that you have been able to enjoy 8 tiny little ones. I can’t wait till she’s old enough to help me cook … I sure hope she likes to be in the kitchen as much as I do!
You are very fortunate to have someone so special as Avalina, in your life. Thank you for sharing something so personal and precious.
I have been following TEM for more than a year and very much appreciate your creativity and humour. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I’ll make sure to give updates from time to time as she grows. I’m sure that once she starts to eat there’ll be pictures of her eating the food I make, too. 🙂
Congratulations, she’s beautiful! I’m glad you enjoy her so much. I love the pictures!
Thank you so much!!
Oh my, she is just the cutest little baby ever!! So precious and I can see why you are proud of her!! Congratulations Kristen, and treasure every precious little moment you have with her because they grow up so fast!!
Thank you so much! It already feels like it’s going fast. I swear she’s so big already. I’m soaking it all in while I can. 🙂
Oh my goodness!! I knew her hair would be long enough for ponytails!!! It just keeps getting better Kristen. Yes they grow up but each stage is precious! Your pride of your daughter (and in my case both my daughter and son) will continue to grow as well. Being a mom (and then a grandma) is the best! Enjoy each growth spurt!!
It’s crazy how long it is, isn’t it?! I can’t wait to watch her grow into a little girl and then into a woman. I’ve already had the talk with her and told her that one day she has to make me a grandma lol. 🙂
Oh my goodness, this makes me smile xoxo
She makes me smile every time I look at here, too. 🙂
Love this post. She’s beautiful and totally rocks the crazy hair. I also love that you used food references (chicken legs and sausage arms) to describe her. That’s so food bloggerie of you. Best of wishes and health and happiness to your growing family! xoxo
I didn’t even notice that I did that! Ha! You’re right, that is very food bloggerie of me. 🙂
So glad you shared that sweet little angel with us! She is a butterball of adorableness! Enjoy every minute. What a beautiful happy family.
Thank you so much! She really is a butterball, and getting more and more so every day. I love it!
O goodness! She is so beautiful Kristen! A precious drop of pure love and sunshine you have <3
Thank you! She really is all love and sunshine. 🙂
Congratulations Kristen! I’ve met you a couple of times at your Endless Meal supper club and Avalina is one lucky little girl to have a Mom with such a talent for cooking delicious food 🙂 She is absolutely adorable and I just love all the little outfits in the pictures you posted. I’m due in November (it’s a boy!) and I was just wondering where you got the “Animal Rescuer in Training” onesie? Just love this and would love one for our little guy.. We have a cat we adopted from the SPCA and it’s so nice to see that Avalina and your cat are getting along!
Wishing you many more happy moments with your little one,
Samantha
Hi Samantha 🙂
Congratulations to you! How exciting that you’re having a little boy so soon!
My girlfriend (who work for the SPCA bought the onsie for me. I’ll ask her and let you know when I hear back if you can pick one up there!)
It’s available on the SPCA website http://www.shop.spca.bc.ca
It’s one of my favourite onsies that she has. 🙂
Thanks so much for sending the link Kristen! I’ll definitely be getting this for him 🙂
You’re so welcome!!
She’s beautiful! You’re beautiful! Congratulations. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much!!!
She’s so cute! It’s kind of crazy- my daughter was born on May 16th and her name is Evelyn and she has long dark hair just like your little Avalina! So cool! Congrats and best wishes 🙂
Congratulations to you, too!! Our little ones will be food bloggers in training together. 🙂
So crazy … my mom changed her name to Evelyn! So cool!