Drama Queen & Artist

Yeah; I don't know either. She did this to herself. She said she was going outside to throw snowballs.

My sister is so crazy!

Avery's latest masterpiece! She created this especially for her Pop.

Thanks For The Prayers

Today I took Avery back to the doctor, thinking it was the day to get her cast off. It's been four weeks, and last time we were there, the doctor said things were healing quickly. The xrays showed everything lined up, but there were still fracture lines showing up, so he decided to leave the cast on a little longer.

He said what he normally would do is take off the cast completely, look at her arm, then decide from there, but he wanted to do what would be the least amount of stress for her. So, he said to leave it on for two more weeks instead of taking it off, then possibly having to put it back on, only to take it off again later. I know we all appreciated that. We did, however, get to take off the nasty ace bandages, and now we have PINK!

Avery did a great job. We went in, and she was nervous, but never screamed or cried like last time. I asked her if she could continue being brave and not cry for the rest of the time. She did fantastic during the x-rays and then when the doctor came in to talk. She helped him take the ace bandage off, then when they were taking the bottom bandage off, she helped the cast guy rip it off. Then she talked and watched while he wrapped pink.

When it was all said and done, she smiled and whispered, 'Momma, I didn't cry.'

Then we went to daddy's school to pick up Braden and show off her new cast! She's in love with it and says, 'Pink is my very favorite color!'

This picture isn't the greatest, but she's not in the mood to model today.

Comparison

The picture on the left is grainy because it's old. What do you think? Not exact, but pretty similar! That's me on the left and Braden on the right!

Can't Ask For More

Bits and Pieces

Avery went to the doctor on Tuesday. She had Xrays taken and was supposed to get a colorful cast. She did great during the Xrays, but was apprehensive about a new cast. The doctor said her old one was still in good condition, so he let her keep that one. He was also happy to relate that her bones were perfectly lined back up. He said he expected to see a bit of a curve this early in the game, but he was very pleased that everything was on the mend so quickly.

Is it weird that I'm sad that she's not going to have a color?

Braden took three steps on Monday! He hasn't done it since, but I'm not rushing him since he's my baby. He can take as long as he wants to walk.

He is also getting consistent with his "bye bye!" and waves. It's just too cute. When you try to get him to wave and say bye bye when you aren't leaving, he looks at you weird and boycotts. The second you walk out the door or walk away from someone, he busts out with his bye bye and wave.

Yesterday he discovered, "uh oh!" He dropped something, and I said it. He cut his eyes toward me with that silly grin and repeated, "uh oh!" Then it was a game from then on with him throwing anything he could get his hands on to tort, "uh oh!"

Volleyball has been going well. Our record is 2-2, but it feels like we've done better than that. Last night we played the best team in the city, and we almost won. We played very evenly, if not better, so I think we have a chance next week against them in our own gym. It's nice to finally be reaping some of the rewards of building a team from scratch. Hopefully they will only get better each year!

Kenny is doing well. He's been very busy, but still finds time to hang out with his kiddos. He even surprised me by showing up at my game yesterday! I guess I got lucky that it stormed so bad they had to have a short practice inside. For some reason, I feel more confident when he's there. Plus, I'm glad he witnessed that great game because I would not have been able to do it justice with words.

I'm also proud of Kenny because he chose to lead our small group that just started a few weeks back. This is his busiest time of year, and I am proud of his willingness to lead in more areas than one. Our study is the Homebuilder's Couple Series; Building Your Marriage. I feel like we've already started to grow closer, and it has come at a very good time since we see very little of each other right now.

Below you will also see pictures of my birthday celebration. Kenny had a JV game that night, so my good friend Dawn took the kids and me to Olive Garden. Afterwards, we came home to a yummy cake that she made especially for me! It was YUMMY! Avery enjoyed it too. We took the picture ourselves, so it's not the best picture, but I wanted to remember my happy day.

Sunny Days Again

What do you see?

A pile of toys?

Look again...

These are Avery's 'sunshines.'

I thought it was very creative of her.

Right after lunch, while running to the kitchen to drop off dirty dishes, I heard Avery's all too familiar scream. A painful one. I was terrified she had fallen on her arm or something.

The scene I found was Avery on top of Braden, with her arm in Braden's mouth.

"He BIT me momma!"

I couldn't help but laugh, then asked, "why are you on top of him?"

"I didn't want him to mess up my sunshines." (See above pictures.)

So she tackled him, then he got his revenge.

I asked her if it still hurt a few minutes later, and she emphatically said, "NO! Not anymore. I don't need to go to the doctor again!"

Poor baby.

Trail of Tears and Broken Arms

"Momma! I'm running track!" were the words coming from Avery's mouth as she raced around the living room yesterday.

"Avery; you are so fast!" I encouraged.

"Look at me; I'm jumping turtles (hurdles)!" she chanted as she hurdled various toys strewn from here to there.

(All the while, only donning a pair of panties, having already received the 5 minute warning until naptime.)

"I'll be your hurdle." I added as I lay down across the floor.

First try: success. Second time: tiny trip. Third time: success. Fourth time: mini trip: "I'm okay!" she torted each time she fell.

This routine has been played out countless times with no issues.

Until yesterday.

Fifth time: trip and "ahhhhhhh!!!!!"

I immediately knew it was broken by the way it looked. I won't go into detail for those who have weak stomachs. I will add that the skin was not broken.

"Momma, please, please put a bandaid on it!?" she pleaded.

I don't remember the countless things that flew through my brain in the few minutes that followed. Where was my phone? What was I going to do with Braden? How was I going to stabilize it? Where is my phone? Do I go to the ER or have our trainer call a doctor's office? Where is my phone!?

"Kenny, Avery broke her arm!" I screamed into the phone once it was found (plugged in, charging).

"Who? What happened?" was his reply.

"AVERY BROKE HER ARM!"

I was beginning to panic about the time Avery reached her first stage of shock.

"Momma, I'm cold."

Followed by:

"Momma, my stomach hurts really bad."

Followed by:

"Momma, I'm really sleepy."

Finally I quit running in circles long enough to get her arm semi-stabilized, figure out what I should take with me, get the neighbors to watch Braden, put Avery in the car, and head to the ER.

(Remember. Avery doesn't have any clothes on. Nice effect for the whole story.)

The conversation in the car consisted of, "Momma, I don't want to go to the doctor."

"Honey, they are going to make your arm better."

"I don't want to go to the hospital."

"Baby, we're going to meet daddy, and we'll get this taken care of."

"Momma, can you please stop driving and hold me? I'd like you to read a book."

Screeches ensued between phrases.

We got to the ER, and I grab her and run in as fast as I can. I saw Kenny drive up as I walk across the road. It's amazing how much more at ease I felt the second I saw him. Somehow I thought he would make it all better.

While walking into the ER, "Momma, I don't want to go inside."

"Honey, we have to go inside so you can get fixed."

"But there aren't going to be doctors in there right?"

Our trainer had called ahead, so we went right in.

The next hour included me holding Avery with my legs wrapped around her, Kenny holding her broken arm, and two nurses holding her other arm, trying to get an IV started. Three spots down, no IV in yet, one more try in the foot=success. All the while, Avery screams to the nurses, "NO Ma'am! I do not want you to do that! I. Want. To. Go. Home!"

Another nurse comes in for x-rays. That was fun. Avery is still in my lap, and it's always scary to hear, "any chance of pregnancy?" How strong is that X-Ray machine? Please only take one picture!

Finally, the medicine kicks in. Avery decides it is okay if I move and let her lay down by herself. Soon we have a dozing baby.

Tears flowed the entire time for Avery. They tried to come out of my eyes too, but Kenny reminded me, "not until it's over!"

Then we're told the orthopedic surgeon will be in to tell us about her operation. Operation! What?!

More medicine. Plus Anesthesia. My baby is being wheeled down a hallway on a large bed in the opposite direction of me.

While we waited, one of my Bunko friends calls me to tell me she will be Avery's recovery nurse.

God puts people where they need to be at just the right time. At least Emily will be there when Avery wakes up.

Less than an hour later, we are back with my sweet angel, who isn't really acting like an angel, but who would be?

Momma is in doting mode because I feel responsible. Daddy is in Coach mode.

"I want to go home, momma!"

They bring us a sling that is small enough for her, and we are out the door!

Daddy fills the prescription (which she hates, by the way), and brings home some dinner. I came home to make sure Dawn and Chris are okay with Braden. (They came and got Braden from our neighbors at some point during the evening.)

We were emotionally drained. But to find a bit of humor, Kenny had planned a surprise party for me that evening, but had to cancel it in the midst of it all!

She slept with me in our room last night, and woke up every hour. From 4:15 to 5:45, she moaned and groaned and never slept. I tricked her and put her medicine in something else and headed off to volleyball practice. Kenny took my place in the bed, and she slept until 7:00.

We go back next week to get it re-xrayed and hard cast put on.

Another great adventure to look forward to!


Avery: right when we got home.

After a fun present from Dawn and Chris.

Beginning to feel like a princess.

Maybe, more like a Queen!

Then she felt great and helped me open some presents!

Look At What I Can Do!

That's right folks; no hands!

A New Dynamic

What do you all think about this?

Does anyone care?

Who Needs A Jungle Gym...

.....When you have Momma?!

Newest Quote

Today when I turned on the Olympics, men's beach volleyball was on. Before I even set the remote control back on the table, I heard giggles from Avery.

I looked at her.

She stifled her laughs long enough to tort, "Boys don't play volleyball. They play basketball!"

Need A Lift?

My little man, hitchin' a ride!

Newest Project

Lately I have noticed in magazines that silhouettes are really 'in.' In many photos, I would notice they wouldn't even be for sale; just background noise. Also, my friend, Ashley, posted some pictures of her family silhouette-style, and it made me start thinking that I wanted some of my own.

Below you will see my latest creations. I'm so proud of them! I covered canvases with material, then painted Avery and Braden's silhouettes onto the material. I love how they turned out! I still have some tweaking to do with my mantle decor, but for now, here it is!

I also put them on my Etsy site, hoping people might want one of their own. (Not one of Avery and Braden, but one of their own chillins', obviously.)

Ouch.

While I ran into the kitchen to try to get supper started last night, I heard the following trailing from the living room.

Avery: "No, Braden! No, Braden! No, Braden; NO!"

Braden: "(giggle)"

Avery: "No sir Braden man!"

Braden: "(more giggles)"

Avery: "AWWWWWW! Momma!"

Let me add here that I hear this 'conversation' a lot these days. Braden loves to wait until Avery is settled, then steadily approach her domain, only to mess up her perfectly lined up trinkets.

She gets flustered, picks everything up, plops down three feet away from previous said position, only to repeat the routine several times until perching atop the couch.

So, I ignored her cries for the minute (they weren't that bad), because I was about to head back in to check in on the pair anyway.

When I got back to the living room, I found Avery on top of the couch.

Braden still giggling proudly in the middle of the floor,

and this:

I felt so bad and shile massaging Avery's head. I asked her, "Where did he pull this from?" (Meaning which spot...)

She replied with an emphatic duh, "From my head, Momma!"

Proof

First Miss

(Picture is not from the weekend.)

Sunday afternoon, Kenny and I left for our coaches' retreat at Children's Harbor Lodge. Thanks to our friends, Dawn and Chris, we were able to stay until Tuesday without worrying about the kids. Not only was it a nice break away from diapers, making sure munchkins eat, enforcing bedtimes, and putting myself last, it was nice to get to know our co-workers better.

The days were filled with leadership training, games, laughs and lots of fun. On Monday, we participated in a Ropes Course, which was fantastic. It has been a long time since I have been put to the test physically and mentally. I could write for days about this, but I'll try to make it short.

We passed each other through a 'spider web' above people's heads.

We climbed up a 30 foot telephone pole, stood on top of that tiny circle, and jumped off to a trapeze. Unfortunately, I missed the trapeze and felt like I was free falling for a bit.

We made it around a tightrope made of wire.

We pulled and pushed to get us all over a 25 foot wall.

We rock climbed on a 50 foot wall, then repelled down the other side. This is what pushed my mind the most. Half way up the wall, I thought it would be really easy to give up. Then I realized that I knew I would be furious with myself if I did not complete my task so I pushed on.

Once I reached the top, I realized that I have not felt that sense of accomplishment in a long time. It was nice, but I thought my arms were going to fall off.

Overall, the Ropes Course was a wonderful way for us to become more of a team. It was neat seeing how everyone could communicate with each other. It was also fun to watch the exchange of leadership from one task to the next. We could not have done anything we did without everyone's involvement.

After more meetings, laughs and food, we headed home. Avery was happy to see me. Braden smiled at Kenny.

And the biggest accomplishment of all:

Somewhere between Sunday afternoon at 1:15 and Tuesday afternoon at 1:15, Braden started crawling!

YEAH for Braden!

BOO that I missed that big step in his life.

Here's how I'm looking at it. Even though I missed the first pats of hands and knees, Braden and I shared in some growth; his was physical, and mine was mental.

Excerpts From Avery's World

I love both of my kids dearly, but it seems that there is an extra special place in my heart for Avery. I don't know if it's because she was my first born; the one whom I was able to spend countless hours playing, shopping, drawing, singing, and teaching one on one. Maybe it's because of her age and her fun personality that spouts out funny quips time after time. Whatever the reason, she is my joy and I store up the things she shares with me in my heart.

One of my favorite parts of our day now is bedtime. Since she was a baby, I was always the one to put her to bed. Shortly before Braden was born, Kenny took over the job because I knew I would probably be preoccupied with nursing or calming him during that time of night. Recently, Avery has reclaimed her nighttime routine with Momma. Daddy just won't do. At first I slightly resented the fact that I was not able to relax a little, but I soon came to realize that was one of our precious alone times that I came to treasure so dearly.

I recount all of this to share two 'Avery' stories that take place during our evening wind-down. Our routine consists of two books, a prayer and a song. I don't know why I've been extra sentimental with her lately, but I enjoy watching her every move. While watching her the other night I realized she has her own ritual within our nighttime routine.

She sits in front of her bookcase, perusing the selection in anticipation of finding just the right fit for the evening. You see, with hundreds of stories to choose from, it's nearly impossible to only pick two. (This predicament normally turns into her trying to barter her way into three or even four books!) So there she sits, poised with her pointer finger sliding across the top of the bindings. She thinks she finds one to her liking, tilts it out, only to mutter, "no" under her breath. More sliding ensues; more tilting, followed by more "No's." Finally we find a "yes!" she exclaims, pulling it out and setting her treasure beside her before looking for more gold.

This happens every night. I wait for her in her bed; sometimes more patiently than others. Then we are ready to settle in for some snuggles and adventures.

The other night, her selections included her Bible for mothers and daughters. I decided to take the opportunity to add that book to our routine each night. Our first night of reading, she was mesmerized (even though she had already heard the story of Adam and Eve several times). Since she was so in tune to God's word and the things He was teaching us that night, we looked at each other, and I expounded on some of the study questions. I was excited to see her eyes seemed to be eagerly anticipating my every word. She nodded happily to my questions and thoughts. As this was happening, I was thinking about how glad I was that my sweet Avery was listening so intently to God's word.

Then she spoke. "Momma," she said.

"Your lips are talking, and they look really funny."

Then she turned back to the Bible and started asking more questions.

________________

This morning Avery was watching Mr. Rogers. As he came to the point in his song 'won't you please, won't you please? Please won't you be my neighbor?' I asked Avery if she would be my neighbor.

She replied, "no, I'm your Avery."

Angels

Eight Months

I've been doing a lot of growing over the past few months. Momma got a little behind on my 6 and 7 month posts, so I have a lot to talk about!

I have not been to the doctor for an official weigh in, but I think I'm pushing 22 pounds.

I've been wearing 12 month clothes for a while now. There are still a few things marked 9 months that I can fit in, but those are mainly brand new items that haven't been washed a million times.

I am still not crawling, but I want to. My favorite thing to do is sit and twist myself in whichever direction I think I need to go, then reach as far out as possible. I end up in a crawling position, but slowly slide back onto my tummy. I am strong enough to pull/push myself back up onto my hands and knees, but still don't try to go anywhere. Momma says that's making her life easier for just a little longer.

Even though I'm not moving around, I like to stand and hold onto things. I can't pull up on my own, but if you put my by the couch or a toy, I can stand until I get too excited and start jumping.

Avery makes me laugh, but she seems less interested in my lately. I've found other friends to enjoy, and every child at any age makes me smile.

I'm a happy baby who gets along with everyone. Last week at VBS, I was the only baby in the nursery while Momma worked. I had four grandmas who took me in as their own and were at my beck and call. I loved it.

Momma, Avery and I flew on an airplane to Texas to visit my Grammy, Pop, and momma's Grandmom for over a week. I did really well on the plane and charmed everyone along the way. That was the first time I've visited Momma's hometown, and everyone at church loved me.

While I was in Texas, I slept all the way through the night two times! The rest of the time, I only woke up once. Since I've been home I've had a few rough nights, but I'm down to waking up only once consistenly. I eat and go right back to sleep within 7-10 minutes. Momma says she can handle that a lot better.

I can say "Dada" and "Ball." Still working on "Mama," but I love to babble and make funny noises. I've recenlty learned the 'gurgle' but magically keep all the spit in my mouth.

I have two teeth on the bottom, but didn't give momma too hard of a time as they came in.

I still eat a lot. Momma's milk was not completely satisfying me anymore, so I'm on formula full time now. I still scarf down all my veggies and fruits. It's been fun trying new combinations. Daddy has even given me some mashed potatoes and refried beans. I've also had tastes of ice cream and like that...a lot!

My favorite thing to do is mimic Daddy after he coughs. Momma thinks it's funny to hear my cough after Daddy's.

I can finally hold my bottle by myself. It's helpful for Momma, but it also shows her how grown up I am.

I've also learned to clap. I can't do it all the time, but every once in a while, I get really excited and clap really big.

Viva Vacation!

So this is long overdue, but I thought I would go ahead and write about our trip to Florida.

We drove down on Sunday and were able to spend that evening and the next day with Kenny's mom, dad, brothers, sister (Tom, Jon, Kirk and April) as well as his grandfather. We were also able to visit the High School campus where Kenny graduated. He attended three different high schools, but I think he claims this one as his "home" because he went there his freshman, sophomore and part of his senior year. We also were able to catch up with some friends that Kenny went to school with. I feel like I know them because I met them when Kenny and I first started dating; then Barry was in our wedding, now 10 years later we still have kept in touch.

Tuesday and Wednesday we went to Disney World. It was truly a Magic Kingdom for Avery. It was fun to see her face and watch the joyous expressions as she discovered new things. I found myself, along with everyone else, 'overloading' her by saying, "Avery look at this! Wow! Look at that!" I finally backed off because I could tell she was getting a little overstimulated. I then realized she is her own little person who can observe things all on her own.


We waited in line to see Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy. We also met Snow White, Cinderella, Belle and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Avery explored Minnie's house and the Swiss Family Robinson tree all on her own. We enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean, Pooh Bear's Book, Dumbo, Aladin, and the Jungle Cruise as a family. An all time favorite of Avery and Braden's was It's A Small World. I still think the little figures are a little creepy, but by the end of the ride, both of my kids were hypnotized by the colors and happy tunes. Avery sang "It's A Small World" for days.


Kenny and I were able to sneak back to the park one night without kids to enjoy Space Mountain with his brother, Jon, and April. It was a great ride, but I realized how my focus has changed to my children instead of my own wishes since becoming a mother. I would choose to see Avery and Braden's faces on one ride rather than ride an adult ride 10 times.


The next day we drove to Kenny's 'home' town, Palm Bay. He doesn't really claim it as home because his family moved there when he went away to college, but I think of it as his home because that's where I visited him during our dating years. While there, we enjoyed a day at the beach!


On Friday we drove back to spend another day with Kenny's grandfather and family before heading home on Saturday.


This trip was so much fun, not only for our kids and the fun in all the hotel pools, Disney park, beach, etc. I especially enjoyed this trip because of the time we were able to spend with Kenny's family. It's been too long since we've spent quality time together, and I feel like I grew even closer to all of them. (And of course it didn't hurt that they were more than willing to watch the kids for us while we snuck in a date/movie one night!)


So, after seven days, six nights, two long road trips, millions of laughs, a few tears, Cuban food, Italian food, Chinese food and way too much fast food, we were home safe and sound.

MIA

Thanks to those who are concerned that I may not be among the living...things have been crazy lately.

After we got home from our Disney vacation, volleyball and football started full swing. As things seemed to calm down a bit, I received news from my family that my grandmother suffered a stroke.

So, I've been in Texas for the past week with my family. I will be home Wednesday. Hopefully Kenny will not have learned to love bachelorhood too much and will welcome us home with open arms.

Until then I'll leave you with these teasers:

Disney was fantastic. We enjoyed Kenny's family and some fun and sun. We all came home with tans...even Braden...and Daddy. ;) Well, Daddy's was more of a sunburn, but he could definately say he got some color!

Volleyball was fun. I started a camp for little kids this summer, and it was a huge success.

We've enjoyed time with Kenny even though he works at school, he's home sooner than normal.

We have a new video camera and regular camera! I have not had time to get the video camera out of the box, but I LOVE our new camera. This trip to Texas has been a great opportunity to have fun with it. I look forward to posting pictures of the kids when I get home.

As for news of my grandmother, she seems to be recovering from her stroke, but is still suffering from her nerve pain in her leg that began shortly before her stroke. She now lives in the Christian Care Center instead of her home. This has been an adjustment for my mom and dad as well since my grandma used to live in the house in front of our house. They were used to popping in and out to help as needed. It's been hard to turn over the caregiving to someone else, but it's necessary since my parents work full-time and she now requires full time care. The Lord has answered our prayers for her to make it past the effects of her stroke, and we hope He will continue to bless her health. He has already blessed her with a wonderful roommate in her new home. Her name is Mrs. Davis, and we hope she will be a piece of the puzzle on Grandmom's road to recovery.

Birthday Bash

Three years ago on May 20th I anxiously woke up, anticipating the birth of our sweet baby girl. I did not know what to expect, but I did know that God had a plan, and I looked forward to it. Little did I know exactly how much joy would be brought into my life after a few short hours.

There are not enough pages to describe the sweetness of our bundle of love named Avery. I only hope that I do not do anything to stifle her free spirit and bright mind.

Once again, we threw a 'pool party' in honor of her birthday, complete with a slip and slide lined with sprinklers. The theme was Strawberry Shortcake, which stemmed from one of her favorite books. Our dear friend, Dawn, was wonderfully creative and re-created the exact cake from Avery's book, thus thrilling the birthday girl!

We were glad to share fellowship with all who came, and missed those who were unable to attend.

Braden did not have a clue what was going on, but as usual was a great trooper along for the ride.

Avery topped the evening off with more fun and dinner with her friend Adalyn.

We decided to get Avery a big pool for her birthday, and I must say that it was the perfect gift. She has spent everyday in it and especially enjoys the afternoons when Daddy comes home and takes a dip with her. One of my favorite parts of the day is watching them play together. The water is still pretty cold for my liking, so Braden and I are better at supporting the fun from the sidelines.

I've also included the latest of Braden. He's all smiles for Daddy, so when I get one every now and then, I have to capture it on camera.