Avery

My artist.

My laugh.

My joy.

My joker.

My sweet.

My mischief.

My pride.

My love.

My all.

My Avery.

Three Months Old

I stole this idea from my friend Sunny. It's a wonderful way to document all of the wonderful milestones in the kids' lives.

I have not been weighed at the doctor since my 2 month check up, but Daddy put me on the scale, and I weigh 18 pounds!

I love to eat.

I have been smiling for a while now.

Now I can laugh out loud when Momma and Daddy make funny faces or silly noises.

I love to watch my sister dance and play. I smile every time she talks to me.

I can coo and make the best noises; sometimes resembling Chewbacca from Star Wars.

I have been holding my head up for a while, but now I try to sit up wherever I am (especially when in my carseat).

I love to stand up. My legs are strong enough to stand alone with help for balance.

I used to only wake up once or twice a night, but I've been having trouble lately and wake up every hour.

I have three teeth trying to make their entrance.

I like to observe everything.

Loud noises do not bother me.

I've been to several basketball games.

I'm very laid back for the most part, but if I get mad, I get mad and sound like a girl when I cry.
I love my baths; even when Avery pours water over me when I'm not expecting it.

Sometimes I take long naps and sometimes I take short naps. It's my way of keeping Momma on her toes.

I always have my hands folded like I'm praying.

My favorite time of day is after I eat.

I'm very ticklish.

My eyes twinkle all the time.

I am a Momma's boy, but I love my Daddy too.

The Prodigal Son Has Returned...Sort of

Avery, Braden and I drove all over the neighborhood this morning putting up a million "lost dog" signs. It paid off because when I got home, a sweet lady called me and said, "honey! I know where your dog is!" She said someone came to her door yesterday with our dog and was looking for the owner. She was taking him to the humane shelter if she couldn't find the owner.

I said, "thank you! thank you! thank you!"

She said, "go get your dog, sweetie!"

So, I called the humane shelter and they said they had a female Pekinese who had not been fixed, but I was "more than welcome to come look for myself" when I questioned them.

After loading the kids back up (did I mention Avery sported a 101 temperature this morning), visiting the shelter, fighting construction, crying baby, scared Avery, and taking down the million signs we put up, we now have our Curtis!

He didn't return on his own, but he's home safe and sound.

The Loss of A Good Friend

Late last night, our beloved puppy dog, Curtis, vanished. The gate was not open, and there are no major holes in any other areas of the fence, so our Curtis has turned into a magician and disppeared.



Curtis has been around since Kenny and I were married. He wandered into our yard, probably after planning a disappearing act from his previous owner.

When I think back I remember how he hated everyone he came in contact with. He would growl, bark and scare practically everyone away. We also had a husky/shepard, huge dog who Curtis thought he could beat up.

He was my baby before the babies came along, sleeping in my arms and following me everywhere. Then when Avery came along, he was a little jealous but soon adapted to the addition. Once Braden came along, Curtis was a pro at moving out of the spotlight, but still enjoyed attention when he could get it.

Just yesterday, I said to myself that I needed to give him more attention, I bought him treats, and made a note to make a 'haircut' appointment for him.

So, if you see a blonde Pekinese waddling around, send him our way!

The saddest part is that he didn't even really want to go out last night. I nudged him with my foot because I knew he needed to go out instead of on the floor. I guess he showed me.

Hodge-Podge

I don't have a lot of time to write long catch up posts these days, so pictures will do for now. I found some fun shots from Christmas, and realized I never wrote about that fun time. Below you'll see my mom, dad and brother along with silly Avery and sweet Braden.

My Fam

Avery and her 'car.'

I'm Proud...In a Good Way

I'm proud that I am married to a man who makes a good first impression.

I'm proud that I am married to a man who earns respect and keeps it.

I'm proud that I am married to a man who is looked up to by those he teaches and coaches.

I'm proud that I am married to a man who puts God above everything.

I'm proud that I am married to a man who still takes time to spend time with the kids and me even when he is busy with work responsibilities.

I'm proud that I am married to a man who is so smart that people can see that his youth does not need to factor into the big picture.

I'm just plain proud of my man!

If you are wondering what has sparked my Proudness. See Kenny's blog.

Braden's Room

I never posted pictures of Braden's room because I was waiting until my mom finished his curtains. When they came to visit for Christmas, they came bearing presents...curtains!!! She also made his bedding and did an absolute fantastic job! My dad cut out and painted his name, and also did a great job! Kudos to creative parents. (I still have not put a picture in the fabulous frame Ashley made for me...maybe I'll do that today!) I just realized that there is not an angle where you can see the floor. It's red tile with a few khaki squares with a blue rug...if anyone was wondering!

Brae-Man

I took Braden for his two month check up today. He's measuring up!

24" long (in the 60-75%)
15" 8.6 oz (in the 90%)
Head 42cm

He also had to get shots. Three to be exact. He didn't start crying until the last one was finished. Can we say late reaction?

Kenny and I had a bet, and I lost. I didn't think he would gain that much weight in a month.

Literal Lady

Avery has a tendency to reiterate whatever has just been said, either to herself, or to anyone who will listen.

A conversation can go like this.

I will say, "Avery, you need to get in your seat so we can eat."

Avery will spout, "I need to get in my seat so I can eat, Daddy," as if he didn't hear me say it in the first place.

I remember in pre-marital counseling that it was important when communicating to repeat what you heard the person say. Most of the time we hear things much differently than what is said.

Avery would be fantastic at that exercise because she repeats what is said, normally in different words but with the same message....usually.

This morning she asked where her Daddy was. I said, "He had to go back to work today. It stinks that he can't be with us all the time like he has been lately."

She answered....

.... "Daddy had to go back to school because he stinks?"

You've Not Got Mail

The presents are all unwrapped.

It wasn't envelopes.

It was pillows!

That's a good present. Really; it is. I've been wanting new pillows forever.

P.S. That was not my only present. Kenny outdid himself this Christmas, and of course went over the limit that we set..again...he loves me...he loves me not...nope...he loves me!

We enjoyed spending time with my family, and of course Avery had a blast this year! We all went way overboard...even Santa.

Hope everyone else enjoyed their Christmas holiday!

Fooey

Amidst Braden's squawks and Avery's "momma! momma! momma!" I scurried from room to room, gathering laundry so I could maybe see one of my accomplishments today.

Something caught my attention; it was a faint "rriiiiiiippppp." Not the excited RIIIP of someone tearing into an ever so sought after present, but a slow, meticulous tear of someone not quite sure of their boundaries.

I tiptoed into the living room, sure of what I was going to find. There Avery stood, opening a present from under the tree.

Who knew someone could jump so high from a whispered, "psst."

After an explanation and a tricky puzzle of tape and wrapping paper, we continued on with our day.

The good news: It was a present for me.

The bad news: The box was marked "5,000 white envelopes."

My Little Artist

Avery felt like a big girl the other day because I let her play outside all by herself while I made lunch. I left the door open so I could hear her, but she never even ventured off the back porch.

When I called her in to eat, she was proud to show me four steps and a patio that was beautifully decorated with her art.

Today Was Beautiful

When Avery and I get home and are spent, guess who wakes up?!

Gotta Love Those Smiles!