Hello there fellow baby followers.....

(this blog is written by Auntie Sar-Sar)

So the update is Ava Mae Valabek was born on September 17, 2009 at 3:12 pm. She is a healthy bouncy (crying) baby girl who weighs in at 8 lbs 12 oz and 19 1/2 inches. WOW....and she is beautiful and has healthy lungs! Her parents are doing well. Rachel's c-section went picture perfect. The only thing that could have been better (per Rachel) is getting a private room. Hopefully tomorrow she will be moved into a private room.

I know you are all anxious about seeing the pictures of cute little Ava Mae, but hold on, I think that going through some history about her birthday is equally important!

(I know some of you have already scrolled down to see her little angel face as Rachel calls her, those that are still with me, hang on!)

So September 17 is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years). There are 105 days remaining until the end of the year.

In 1787 – The United States Constitution is signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In fact, today is "Constitution Day" HOORAY!!

In 1814 – Francis Scott Key finishes his poem The Star-Spangled Banner. (an American classic!)

In 1920 – The National Football League is organized in Canton, Ohio, United States.

(I am sure that Rachel and Mike will appreciate this bit of information... GO DOLPHINS!)

In 1956 – Television is first broadcast in Australia. (How did they go without it so long?)

In 1976 – The first Space Shuttle, Enterprise, is unveiled by NASA.

(Lots of Nasa stuff happened this day...wonder why??)

As for famous birthdays, I found a huge list (too long to post here), however it appears that many writers, novelists, politicians, researchers, astronauts and a mountain climber share Ava Mae's birthday. (We all know she will be a genius because of her own family history, but even unrelated people born this day excel in the intellectual area as well.)

Thank you for all the love, support, encouragement, and everything else you gave to Rachel and Mike throughout this baby growing and carrying process.

I know that they appreciate EVERYTHING!

I know as Rachel's sister, I appreciate everything you did for their little family!

So today was filled with laughter, tears, nerves, smiles, pacing, peeping through windows to catch a glimpse of the baby, and hugs kisses, and congrats! From the words of Ava Mae's Mother (formally known as Rachel), "this is so worth it, I can't believe the way this feels."

I love you all, especially Rachel and Mike and Ava!

Enjoy the pictures!!

Auntie Sar-Sar

Ava Mae's Debut!!

I told you her lungs are strong!

Momma and Baby Ava!

Valabek family...sharing some love!!

Happy Family...Momma Bear, Papa Bear, and Lil Baby Bear!