The Big ONE!

12 Months 

52 Weeks 

365 Days 

8760 Hours 

525,600 Minutes 

31,536,000 Seconds

My baby is one year old today!

This past year has been such a whirlwind. One amazing whirlwind. It's hard to believe that just one year ago, a 9 pound, 6 ounce bundle of precious joy came into our lives and made us the happiest, proudest parents ever. It's equally unbelievable how much he has changed in that time. He is now a walking, babbling, curious little boy sporting 7 teeth, a head of curls and the sweetest personality. Nothing compares to watching that happy, proud face toddling towards me in search of a cuddle :)

He now points at things with one finger, mimics sounds, waves, blows kisses, throws food on the floor, snuggles, climbs the stairs, throws tantrums, gives kisses, falls and gets bruises, smiles <almost> nonstop, giggles, dances like it's going out of style, explores everything, eats dirt, drinks from a sippy cup, still eats like a champ, tries to climb out of the bathtub, 'reads' books to himself, flirts, and is the worlds biggest lover :) 

I'm excited for what year #2 will bring, but I doubt it will be as life-altering as year #1 was. I've never before felt so much love, so much exhaustion, so much joy, frustration, happiness and pride. I am forever changed by this little man and I just can't get enough :)

Although a part of me will miss taking a few minutes out of our Wednesdays to have these little photo shoots, I think this is a good place to put this project to rest - it's getting SO hard to keep this little weasel on his back long enough to snap a few quick pictures (and even then, he usually needs some object to keep him happy :)  Here's a video that I took last month during one of our shoots so you can get an idea of what the process is like 'behind the scenes' ;)

4 minutes, 24 seconds. 

113 photos. 

Mom takes on the role of circus clown.

There should be a girl scout badge for entertaining a baby, smoothing the backdrop and taking photos one-handed all at the same time!
(yes, he does have a vibrating back massager in his mouth at the beginning... he loves feeling it rattle against his teeth :)

Just in case you don't remember, here's the winner:

We are getting REALLY excited for the arrival of family and Avery's little birthday party on Sunday. I'll be back next week with some pictures from the big day! :)

Avery: 11 months!

Look at those long legs!! Who would've thought...?  ;)

A friend of mine commented on a photo that I posted of Avery on Facebook the other day and it has really helped me come to peace with the fact that my itty bitty baby (although he never really was 'itty bitty'...) is going to be a whole year old. She said:
 
"Time really does fly but just look at all the fun you have had!!!"   

These words have been ringing in my mind ever since because she's totally right. It's crazy to believe a whole year has almost past, but it's equally crazy to think of how much FUN we've had this last year! I was out weed whacking today and was remembering back to early last summer when I was doing that very same chore the day before Avery was born.  I was out there all big and bloated whacking weeds (to prepare for him, of course!) and thinking of how drastically life was going to change. At 9 months pregnant I was so incredibly happy. Even out whacking weeds, I remember being so at peace with my life and so ready for this next step. I had no idea that the happiness I felt that day could have multiplied to become what it is now. Not a day has gone by since Avery was born that I don't take a minute to just soak in the amazing gift he is in my life and how much love, joy, and laughter he has brought Justin and I. (All the hours I've spent nursing have been such a blessing, giving me plenty of these moments to just sit and stare at him and soak in how fast he's growing and changing.)   

So thank you, Patty for helping me put things in perspective! Avery has grown way too fast, but I have been SO BLESSED to have been able to be here with him as he's growing every single day. He's even getting more and more fun as he gets older, I'm looking forward to him being a 'one year old' :)

That being said, here's some things that Avery has been up to this month:

• He figured out a sippy cup (After trying for a while now, I watched him sit for about 20 minutes to figure it out- now he's a pro!)

• His 6th tooth (4th on bottom) popped through!

• He's taken a couple of steps on his own, but no full-out walking yet. He only needs one hand for assistance these days though, so he can carry a toy in the other :)

• This month, he tried: spinach/egg souffles, salmon (Much to my disappointment, he was NOT a fan...), watermelon, lasagna, olives, brussel sprouts, Olive Garden breadsticks, blueberry pancakes at iHop - bless his little heart, he's still an AMAZING eater!!  *fingers crossed* this continues!

• He sleeps with his butt up in the air and face squished against the bumper. 

• He turns EVERYTHING into a walker. The stroller, his little picnic table, his high chair, his rocking horse - if he can push it, he uses it to get around. Our house is constantly being 're-arranged' :)

• When he hears music, he can't help but dance. I don't even think he can control it, he just HAS to move. If he's crawling when the music turns on, he wiggles his hips, if he's in the car or his high chair, he headbangs. He's even good at switching up his moves when we play different types of music :)

• He got to spend time with both Grandma and Grandpa Olive AND Grandma and Grandpa Stewart! 

• He's started mimicking what we say/sounds we make. We were THAT crazy mom/baby duo at the store the other day saying 'weee!' back and forth to each other while cruising up and down the isles

• He still nurses 4 times a day, but for much less time - he's way too distracted with all that's going on around him these days!

• He waves at pretty much every loud vehicle that drives by our house - the garbage guys, the mail-lady, the UPS guy, and pretty much every construction truck that drives by. It's really sweet that they all wave back :)

• He is SO CUDDLY!  I will never get enough cuddles. Ever.

• He STILL - yes, still, and for most of his life- has a rash on his arms, legs, and feet. I've officially tried every cream and bath soak under the sun. Thankfully, it doesn't seem to bother him, but it looks so terrible...

• His hair curls up in the back! I may never cut it ;)

• Despite his slew of toys, his favorite things to play with are shoes, any electronics he gets his hands on when we aren't looking, Bella's water dish, and emptying out the utensil drawer and tupperware cupboard in the kitchen. Yep, the toddler has arrived! 

• He's a great gardening helper! He really loves sitting outside picking grass or helping me water the gardens (of course, there's water involved...)

• He listens to music during dance time bath time :)

• He throws a good old-fashioned temper tantrum from time to time, but thankfully as of right now it only lasts about 30 seconds and just takes a little re-direction to get him back smiling again.

• He got some more practice time in with the hiking backpack - we head out to the Smoky Mountains in just a couple of weeks!

I've finally jumped into Avery's birthday party crafting - I'm starting to get really excited about the little party we're going to have at our house!  I'm also excited to share pictures here afterwards - Stay tuned!

We're headed off to St. Louis tomorrow for a fun weekend complete with a trip to the zoo, a Budweiser tour, and a day watching daddy play baseball under the arch!!  We're so excited for our first little roadtrip of the summer and at only 4.5 hours away, we think it's the perfect distance for our little busy-body. :)

Avery - 10 months!

He only stays stationary when holding something, so there will be new 'additions' in his weekly photos! :)

This month, Avery enjoyed: 

• Some quality time with Aunt Janessa

• Pool time!

• A quick trip to Chicago to have dinner with Uncle Josh AND Aunt Janessa at Giordano's

• A few spring walks (finally!)

• Gobbling down lots of finger foods - hard-boiled egg yolks are his only no-no

• Climbing the entire flight of stairs by himself!

• Waking up with crazy wild hair (Ok, maybe I enjoyed that more than he did, but whatever)

• Hanging outside in the sunshine (and discovering his first earthworm)

• His first Easter, spent with some great friends

• Some snow play complete with a fort and lots of tasty snowballs 

• Lots of clapping (his new favorite trick)

• Playtime with Max

• His first short hike in a hiking backpack! (Bring on summer!) 

Lots of love at Giordanos! :)

Showing off his killer swimming skills for Aunt Janessa

 

Clapping in his chair that mom and dad made him during nap time one day (tutorial here), his reaction to the cold snow, and being a great 'helper' in the kitchen :)

I'm not exactly sure what Avery and Aunt Janessa saw in the book about dogs & puppies...?  :)

Avery's Current Favorites

Flirting

Giggling

DANCING

Emptying any box, bag, bucket that he can find (he's sort of a curious little mini-tornado)

The dishwasher - emptying it (of course) then crawling on the open door

Tight squeezes & sloppy wet open-mouth kisses (his mama's favorite)

Being tickled

YOGURT! 

Blueberries

Banana pancakes - (super-simple recipe here)

Chicken

Making 'hissing' sounds

Reading books with mom and dad

Reading books by himself (he's mastered turning the pages!)

Bouncing up and down in his crib 

Taking off his socks (and sometimes pants!) while waiting for me to get him out of his crib

Speed crawling

Jabbering

Playing peek-a-boo, especially with the vacuum cleaner :)

The musical globe on his activity table

Looking out/banging on the windows 

Feeding Jasper and Bella from his high chair...

His shaker eggs from his Easter basket!  (They were a hit!)

When I asked Justin what I could add to this list, his response was: "He kinda just loves...everything!" And that pretty much sums up Avery - the sweetest, happiest most easy-going child we could ever ask for (Yes, I may pay for making this statement one day soon, but it needed to be said anyway) :) We are so blessed!

I LOVE watching him troll around the house in his own little world, tearing apart and exploring everything along the way and watching the wheels turn in his head as he processes his surroundings. Then he comes back to reality, looks around and upon realizing I'm still in the room watching him, smiles a big 'ol smile, speed crawls over and climbs in my lap for a big hug and sloppy kiss. BEST. MAMA. MOMENT. EVER.  Seriously, people, it's like a drug. I can't get enough of this sweet little boy. I'm addicted :)

9 Months: Avery on the Move!

The days of 'lay-baby-on-the-blanket-and-he-will-stay-there' are long gone...
Most of the shots I take end up something like this :)

Wow, what a month!

It took me 37 weeks, but I finally used up every piece of fabric I had in the house, including Bella's dog
bed (week 37). I had to go out and splurge on a bunch of 1 yd pieces to finish out Avery's first year.
So, if anyone has any project ideas that call for 1 yd of fabric, let me know! :)

His Pooh table is one of his favorites right now, and
the first thing he pulled himself up on.

Avery had his 9 month checkup yesterday.
He is now:
20 lbs, 9 oz.
(down to the 64th percentile)
29.8 in. long
(still in the 94th percentile)
I've definitely noticed him changing physically in the last month. He's becoming less 'chubby baby' and more 'slim toddler'  (cue the mama tears...)

On February 11th, Avery took off crawling and hasn't stopped since :) He's loving his new-found freedom and is keeping his mama on her toes.
2 days after he started crawling, he pulled himself up to standing and crawling quickly lost it's appeal :) All the boy wants to do is stand and walk behind his walker... by himself. (How did this happen?!?)

This month, Avery
...Is currently battling a really nasty cold. We have been very fortunate, this is only the second sickness of his young life. Regardless, he is a cranky, snotty, cuddly little mess of a boy. All he wants to do is be held and cuddle (which this mama doesn't mind at all, he IS a world-class cuddler after all)  but it's heartbreaking to see him so miserable. 

...Watched Sesame Street for the first time. (it's helped get us through these last few days when all Avery wants to do is sit in my lap and rock) 

...Enjoys chasing Bella & Jasper around the house. Bella has become quite the protector and wants to be wherever Avery is. On another note, Jasper stuck Avery with his claws for the first time and drew blood. If you happen to know someone who would like a fluffy, independent cat with an eating disorder, I know where you can get one for free.

...Had lots of visitors from Wisconsin!! My aunt & uncle stopped in on their way to Alabama and on their way home, our friends from Rhinelander spent a night while they were in the area, and Grandma & Grandpa Stewart spent a weekend and gave us a much-needed date night out without Avery! (He had a blast with them of course, maybe it was their matching red hoodies? :)  It's always so nice to have visitors, it gives us something to look forward to.

...Went swimming! It wasn't his first time in a pool, but this time he was so brave he hung onto the side of the pool by himself and crawled right in the zero-depth entry until he was up to his eyes! I think he probably would've kept going had I not made him stop. Such a little swimmer already, it makes this former swim-instructor mama so very proud :)

...LOVES when we read books to him and has mastered turning the pages by himself. Grandma and Grandpa even brought him a few new Sesame Street books that have been added to his growing list of favorites.

...Eats finger food! Avacado and Banana, to be exact. He gobbled both of them down with no gagging and very minimal mess! He definitely looks way too big eating 'big boy food'.  He also added blueberries, mango and eggplant to his growing list of foods tried.

...Had his first taste of a Shamrock Shake which he loved, probably because it reminds him of his days in the womb when his mama enjoyed WAY too many of them ;)

 
...Had a spaghetti party with Max!! 
Although both of these boys were a little unsure of the slimy spaghetti at first, they were both good sports and gave it a shot. I think they both came around and got some enjoyment out of it, Avery loved eating the spaghetti most of all... go figure :)



...Is a great workout partner until he crawls in front of me and confuses the sensor :)  (I'm currently doing a program on Nike Fitness for Xbox Kinect - it's quite the workout, especially when I'm trying to keep one eye on the screen and the other on my little explorer:)

...Smiles a scrunched-up-face smile that perfectly shows off his 2 lone teeth and makes me giggle every time.

...Prefers to stand in the bath. All the time. Bath time is a much shorter ordeal these days. 

...Is developing quite the attitude. He will certainly let you know (often at a high volume) when he feels he has been served an injustice. Like when I take something away that he feels he should be allowed to keep. Like a bowl of dog food or a plastic garbage bag.

And just in case you don't believe me that this baby is getting too big too fast, here are a few videos to prove it...

 Avery showing off his cute wave and telling a very involved bathtime story...

Taking a walk behind his little 'mail truck'...

and testing out his new balance skills!..

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring around here... we are all in desperate need of some sun and fresh air. The forecast for this weekend calls for highs in the 50s, let's hope this is a sign of what's soon to come!

Avery - 8 Months!

At 8 months, Avery is as charming as can be. He is just the sweetest little person ever. I can't believe that just a little more than 8 months ago he was still in my tummy and now he's becoming less 'baby' and quickly turning into a little boy. So bittersweet :)

This month, Avery...
• Reaches up for us when he wants to be picked up, then wraps his arms around our neck and squeezes so tight. Greatest. Feeling. Ever. 


• Barrel rolls wherever he wants to go. He finally started rolling from his back to his front a couple of weeks ago which has helped him to get from point A to point B pretty quickly. Still no crawling, but he's so close it's going to be any day (then this mama will really have to get her running shoes on!)


• Can sit up from lying down, which makes for some pretty cute peeking-over-the-top-of-the-crib smiles :)


• Is currently drooling like a faucet again which leads me to believe his top 2 teeth are trying to make an appearance. His gums are swelled up and
he randomly cries out, so if those teeth would just
pop out soon, it would be much appreciated. ;)

 • Sleeps through the night!! Bless his little heart, this little man has finally decided to make sleeping 11 hour stretches a habit. He nods off at 8:30 in the evening and doesn't wake until 7:30 the next morning. It's life-changing.

• Eats 3 meals of 'solid' food a day. He's a hearty eater and has added asparagus, green beans, and a taste of chicken and beef to his diet. Carrots continue to be the only food he doesn't like. (But I'm going to attempt mixing carrots with peas this week...maybe 'tricking' him will get him to come around.)

• Is ticklish! When we tickle his ribs, he laughs a deep belly laugh that is seriously contagious. There is so much laughter in our house these days :)

• Plays catch! Although his aim could use some work, he gets the general idea of how the game works and enjoys throwing the ball and gets so excited waiting for it to be thrown back at him.

• Headbangs in his high chair. He slams his body back and forth when he's done eating, giving his parents a headache just watching him... but he seems to love every minute of it!

• Accompanies his mama to Zumba class 2 days a week. He just chills on a blanket, rocks to the music and plays with his toys. I realize that this scenario is about to change once he gets on the move, but for now he's a great workout partner ;)

• Is a great listener during story time. He sits on my lap and listens to book after book, slapping the pages and studying them carefully. When he gets cranky lately all I have to do is pull out his recordable storybook from Gramma Jodi and Granpa Richard and he starts rocking back and forth and squealing - he loves hearing their voices come out of the book :)

Avery and his neighborhood buddies, Owen, Max and Landon. These boys have some fun times ahead of them :) (Excuse Avery's nakedness, he really was wearing clothes ... until daddy got ahold of him ;)

Daddy and Avery sharing some giggles...xoxo

Happy 2013!

2012 was a life-altering year for us and will be remembered fondly, but I'm also excited for what new things 2013 has to offer. Avery is continuing to grow like crazy. He grew IN two shiny new teeth this last month (he cut the first one on 12.12.12!) and grew OUT of his 9 month clothes. (I can't keep up!)

He is quite a ham and makes me laugh every single day, especially now that he's started 'gurgle-giggling' (it's the best way I can think of to describe it. It's hilarious.) He is amused by practically everything and it's such a joy just sitting and watching him explore and experiment with the things around him. My #1 goal for 2013 is to soak up every minute with this sweet little morsel... I can literally watch him growing every day.

We made another trip to Wisconsin this month, this time making our way through the heart of the winter storm to Grandpa Jim & Grandma Linda's house in Rhinelander for a few days, then across the state to Ridgeland to see more family!

Avery had many firsts this trip, including enjoying all the activities his first Christmas had to offer, meeting some of his aunts and uncles and cousins for the first time, staying in a hotel, swimming in a pool (at the hotel), seeing snow and sledding down Grandpa Jim's well-groomed hill, and sadly, even running his first fever (on Christmas eve and Christmas day... boo.)

Although traveling 1300 miles with a teething 6 month old isn't the most ideal way to spend a holiday, it was a fantastic trip and a great way to spend Avery's first Christmas. Every time we get to spend time with family I'm so overwhelmed by how loved and adored Avery is. He is SO BLESSED (we all are) to have such a loving bunch of people that he's lucky enough to call family. I only wish we could be closer to them so he could see them more often - I think we're both going through withdrawals!

                         
Avery working on his push-ups (proof that he really IS strong enough to crawl... if he ever chooses to. (Please excuse the music, Justin and I were taking a trip down memory lane, apparently Avery has a thing for Crazytown, too!)

In place of crawling, this proud little stinker prefers to be upright - on his feet!
He is so proud of himself and has now mastered the 'one-handed stand'