We have not been to the doctor since her ear check in late November. At that visit Avery weighed 22 pounds, but I believe that was with her shirt and Giraffi. She still wears her 12-18 month clothing and a size 3 diaper, but she has moved to a size 4.5 or 5 shoe.
Avery continues to go to bed between 7 and 7:30 pm. Wake up time is 6:30 on school days but we usually get a little extra time on the weekends. Since we have been out on break, she's been sleeping in. Just yesterday morning she slept until 8 am after going to bed the night before at 7:15. We are in the process of giving up/taking away her morning nap. That works pretty well when she's able to sleep in, but I think it will be tough when she's up early. We're also going to work on taking her pacifier from her nap also.
Eating habits remain about the same. She's doing somewhat better about trying something new but lets us know quickly if she doesn't like it. We haven't added any new favorites to our list but continue enjoying the old ones. Avery sampled peanut butter for the first time this month and has enjoyed it several times. She still isn't a fan of milk but is drinking only water now instead of water with a splash of juice. We are encouraging the use of spoons and forks more now. She can definately tell which items can be done with her fingers. She's working on scooping firmer foods and poking things with her fork. Avery now has a total of 10 teeth and seems to be working on more.
Avery continues to tell us exactly what she thinks, whether we can understand it or not. Some words that we are hearing are hi, bye, Dada, Mama (but not to call me), cheese, keys, shoes, Ho Ho, choo choo, pie pie, tree, see, this, side (outside) Poppa (but not to call him), and D for Dixie and Doodie. I think she's also saying kiss, but any word with an s sound is pronounced sssss. She'll repeat something also but these are things I've heard more than once. She still uses her words as she pleases, and right now her favorite is bye. She doesn't really use our names to call us. She knows exactly what we're talking about though, and knew where the Ho Hos and elf were after seeing them once. She will "sing a pretty song" on cue, and she accompanies O Holy Night by the cast of Glee beautifully.
Avery still loves her toys and all the odds and ends that she carries around. She usually has at least one item in her hand. Sitting on or in something continues to be fun as well, and she's discovered a great new spot under the dining room table. Books are still a favorite thing, and she brings them to us all throughout the day. Sometimes she wants to sit and listen, and sometimes she wants to flip through the pages and point to her favorite parts. She is still fascinated by lights and has enjoyed them so much with the holidays here. The moon is also a fun new friend, but she doesn't understand why we can't see it every night. Avery entertains herself very well and would be very content to wander around the house all day checking things out. We are not experiencing any tantrums or toddler temperment (yet). We do get some whining and tears that can be turned off in an instant.
We realize more and more each day that little eyes are watching. For quite some time she's known where to point the remote and holds the phone on her shoulder. Now she opens my cell phone like she's texting. She touches her finger to the opening of lotion bottles and rubs her hands together. If something needs to be opened, fixed, or moved, it's pressed into my hand. Avery is never at a loss for hugs and kisses. Hugs are always accompanied by a squeeze and sometimes by pats on the back. I love when I am rocking her at night and she lifts her head and leans in for a kiss. And, although her feet were made for walking, there are times when she must be carried. At these times holding hands is not acceptable and she walks in front of us until we comply.
Christmas is here, and it's been wonderful so far. Avery doesn't understand what it's all about, but she's loving everything and we are loving these new experiences with her. We look forward to teaching her about Christmas next year, and of course so many other things. What an awesome, and sometimes overwhelming, job we have as parents. We eagerly look forward to all we have in store but also wish we could freeze the moments we have now. We are so enjoying being Avery's parents. This age is so fun that we could end up with a house full of children if we aren't careful!
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