Labor Day Weekend....

It is Monday of Labor Day weekend and we are enjoying a quiet day at home. The last week has been incredible and calling our experience life changing would be putting it mildly. Mike’s parents just left and we will miss their help, especially Jill at night!  We are now officially on our own as parents. There is no manual, DVD or virtual aid on how to take care of little Ava, only common sense and lots of love. We are progressing each day and continuing to learn the ropes.

Despite all the “warnings” I don’t think we realized how much there is to do with a new born.  One minute it’s feeding time; the next it is time for a diaper change and then nap time. The cycle then starts over every two- three hours. During the nap time, we try to catch up on the house hold duties, e-mails or the needed rest.

However, despite all of that, I love it! Being a Mom is the most rewarding and satisfying thing I have ever done. Those might sound like strong words, but it is true.  I feel lucky to have achieved a great career and to continue to excel in the business world, but this is the most satisfying feeling ever. 

This afternoon we would like to catch some tennis from the US Open in NY, and also some of the PGA Tour event. By the way, congrats to Suzann Pettersen on her LPGA win yesterday in Canada. It’s nice to see her back in the winner’s circle again!

Well, I have got to run. It’s time to start a new cycle.

Best wishes to all of you. More photos coming tomorrow.

Comments

[Buzz]

It's a really "new" journey, isn't it?

It won't take long before you settle in. That is not to say it will get easier, just more of a routine. Sleep deprivation increases, but so do the "cat-naps". Pushing a pram is a new form of exercise...for Daddies, too. It will be fun for you to watch Daddy learn how to change a crying baby into a smiling one...a dry pamper does wonders. Tell Michael how lucky he is at the changing table...little girls wet downward...little boys are like grapefruit...on occasion they squirt you in the eye.
I always liked holding the bottle at feeding time...that's done in the sitting position. I never did get used to the 2AM toe-stubbing grope for the slippers, or the satisfying smile on the baby's face when they poop minutes after they've just been changed. It's their way of saying "gotcha"...
"Life changing" is definitely the experience today as you witness the memories you will have tomorrow.
How lucky you three are....

Take care

[Vince Salisbury]

I hope you saw the Oudin match that just finished. She is amazing.

[Joni Granwehr]

Hi, Annika,
The words you chose were not strong at all...just correct! I wrote you before that motherhood would be the best and most important thing you will do in this life, and you have certainly grasped that! She looks like a beautiful little girl and growing up with two loving parents is the greatest gift you can give her. Enjoy it all!

[Locker Room Jan]

Not strong words at all. Nothing compares and it's an 'original' experience for everyone! Ava is such a pretty baby. Enjoy every moment and Record Milestones!!! They grow up so fast. My daughter kept a large calendar and entered a note every day for the first year. A brief one (kind of like a Twitter :-} ) . That calendar is priceless now, 20 yrs later, and reminds us of so many little things, some very funny, that we'd otherwise have forgotten.

[Liz Torres]

Annika,

Your words were exactly correct!!!!!!!!!

LPGA EARNINGS: over 22 Million
A CHILD(AVA): PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!
(being a financial whiz, you know the above is accurate).

ALWAYS THE BEST FOR THE 3 OF YOU--
Liz

[Kerry]

Best wishes to all of you as well! Thanks for keeping all of your friends and fans posted on your events. Take care!

[Leslie]

Congrats Annika and Mike...she is a beautiful baby! Your lucky to be given the gift of a beautiful and healthy child, and she's lucky to come into the world to two loving parents. Wishing you all the joy and happiness...

Welcome to the world Ava...

[Golf54deciple]

Annika,
Totally COMMITTED are the words synonymous with you.

The words to discribe your feelings as a mother are NOT too strong by any means.

Many of your faithful loved ones and friends (some here on your blog) have been saying all along that motherhood would have a love and anointing unlike any other life experience.

So to you and Mike--enjoy your journy together!!

[Dee H.]

I am EXTREMELY Happy for you and Mike, Annika! Enjoy that beautiful little sweetheart!

[Leonard Basinger]

Sorry Annika, no sympathy here. Imagine twins and then just double the work. Just kidding. It was a blast with twins and I know you will do just fine with little Ava.

[Eileen]

Annika:
Those are strong words, but true nonetheless! I hope you and Mike treasure and enjoy these first few weeks with Ava. They go by in such a blur, but really do put things in perspective. While holding a Major trophy is exhilarating, I'm sure, it simply doesn't compare to holding your own child. Enjoy and continued good wishes to you all.

[Jill B]

Oh so true...enjoy it all...

My little Jackson just turned 6 months old...and there are only 2 parts of my life now...

BJ - Before Jackson
AJ - After Jackson

Everything else just pales in comparison to him and everything he entails - the cries, the diapers, the smiles, the barf, the love...

You can never give too many kisses and hugs - enjoy every moment (and you'll be awake for a lot of them)

: )

[Beth]

Hi,
I became a first time mom at 40 and fell in love with it. The love for your child keeps growing and growing as they go through all their awesome stages. Infancy is wonderful, but the crawling stage is fun...and when they begin to talk with you and blow you kisses...awesome. Enjoy.