11 months

Avery is 11 months!!! It's so strange to think that this time last year we were anxiously awaiting her arrivale, and now she is nearing the end of her first year of life. It amazes me every single day that time goes by so fast. These past 11 months have been the most incredible months of our lives. 

Things Avery is doing at 11 months: 

-saying "dada" all of the time with the occassional "mama" thrown in....

-crawling

-cruising on the furniture

-loving on Bailey... seriously, she gives Bailey so many kisses and hugs throughout the day- it's so sweet!
-Speaking of Bailey- Avery obviously spends a lot of time with her because she carries toys, bibs, socks, etc. in her mouth while crawling all through the house... just like big sister Bailey! haha
-says "naaa naa" which I think means "NO"

-can wave "hi" and "bye"

-can give a high-five

-is very tickleish 

- will eat whatever we put in front of her- though I'm still feeding her a lot of baby food because it's so convenient! 

-refuses to feed herself her bottle. We know she can do it, we've SEEN her do it. Now she will not hold her bottle at all! I know I should take the time and just let her figure it out and know that she will feed herself if she gets hungry enough, but that takes time and the formula leaks out of the nipples if she holds it upside down and then I'm left with a big mess to clean up! 

-walks while holding onto our fingers but is not quite ready to walk by herself yet. 

-had her first high fever of 102 last weekend followed by roseola

-weighs 17 pounds 5 ounces... she's a tiny one! 

-still takes 2 naps during the day. 

-sleeps 12 hours at night

-doesn't use a paci at all... but sucks her thumb constantly

-spent a week at Mimi and Granddaddy's house while mommy and daddy were out of town

-cut her 3rd tooth on Friday Sept. 23 (top L)

-she's a mommy's girl for sure- though I'm sure that will change to being a daddy's girl in the future.

-Loves to look at herself in the mirror or in pictures

-has the best laugh

-likes to play hide and go seek with mommy and daddy

-understands the what "no" means- but doesn't exactly obey when we say no! 

-has so much energy and is constantly on the go

-wears size 3 diapers

-wears 9-12 month clothing

-have I mentioned that she NEVER stops moving!?! 

Avery is truly the best baby. She is so happy and energetic. I have to admit, the tenth month has probably been the hardest for me. She would never sit still and laughed any time we tried to discipline. The word "no" has become my most used word.... 

Avery, I love you. No matter how difficult or how easy the days are, you are my true joy and I would never trade my time with you for anything. I'm so blessed to be able to stay at home with you every day. I enjoy our time together and want you to know that your Mommy and Daddy love you very very much!

SCUM

Water and soap scum, that is! So here's the deal. Our master shower has two glass walls and they are nearly impossible to keep clean. It absolutely drives me CRAZY!!! I literally cannot stand it. No matter how often I scrub and how diligent I am about using the squeegie (sp?) after showering, the water/soap scum continues to build up. I've had enough! So, today during Avery's afternoon nap I decided I would try to conquer the irritating scum once and for all. I did some research and found that scrubbing the wall with a lemon and then spraying it down with a mixture of water and vinegar should help to break down the scum. Then use a dryer sheet for the scrubbing. Afterwards, I cleaned the shower like normal. It actually helped! It sure isn't perfect, but I can tell a huge difference and feel better about the looks and cleanliness of our shower. Any other cleaning advice is welcomed!!! :)

A week in Melbourne, FL

So, back in August (yes, I realize I am way behind on blogging...) Avery and I left Chris and Bailey behind for a week in Melbourne, Florida. My mother-in-law always goes to her brothers condo for a week or two during the summer and we try to go with her whenever we can. This year, Chris wasn't able to go because he didn't have enough vacation time and he also started his new position just 6 weeks before and didn't feel like it would be appropriate to take a week off so soon. We were sad to leave him and really wished he could have been there with us.

Friday, August 13th, Justin, Adriane, Micah, Avery and I loaded up the car and began our 8 hour drive from Niceville to Melbourne. I wish I had taken a picture of just how loaded down we were with 3 adults and 2 babies.... we had quite a lot of stuff packed into one car!! The babies did fabulous on the drive down and we only stopped twice for feedings and diaper changes. Cheryl was already in Melbourne and was so excited when we finally arrived Friday afternoon. The entire week was full of fun, laughter, great food and some great memories of Avery and Micah playing together on the beach or in the pool. One evening, Adriane and I even had the opportunity to go see a movie while Justin and Cheryl watched the babies! (We saw The Help- which I strongly encourage you all to see...and READ the book, too!!!) It was nice being able to get out and actually go to the movie theater. We had great weather, but just like typical FL weather, we had afternoon storms almost every day. Adriane and I would put Micah and Avery down for their afternoon naps and hurry to the pool and as soon as we would get all lathered up and relaxed with a book in our hands it would start to storm. Oh well.

My cousin Shelley lives in New Smyrna Beach, which isn't far from Melbourne, and was able to drive down for a few hours on Thursday. Aunt Debbie came with her and I was absolutely thrilled to spend time with them. We ate lunch and played with Avery and really just enjoyed catching up. We are all so busy these days and rarely get to see one another that I was soaking it all in.

The next morning we were up early and back on the road as the sun was rising. It was a wonderful week   and I really enjoyed spending time with Cheryl, Justin and Adriane. I'm so very blessed that we all get along so well. Micah and Avery are a blast and I just love it when we get them together. Hopefully next year Chris and Ed can join us!!!

All lathered up for the beach!  

Avery in the water with her Uncle J!!!
She is very much a water baby- she would play in the water all day if we let her!

Our beach set up

Grandmommy loving her time with the babies

The condo

Waiting to get in the pool

Seriously the cutest cousins ever!

Do they look alike or what?!?!

Playing with cousin Shelley

Aunt Debbie!

Love my sweet family!!!! 

look-a-likes

Does she get her cheeks from her Daddy, or what?!?!

          

Cheeks? YES!

                         Hair? NO!!!!!