A Little More 18 Months

Finally...here are a few pictures for Avery's 18 month post. I am almost a week late, but judging by the week it's been, I'd say I'm doing good. I did try to upload them a few times to that post and had no luck.

Avery went to the doctor Monday. She is weighing a little over 21 pounds, which is less than the last few visits. At several of them she had clothes on because she usually starts to cry when we try to take her clothes off at the doctor. Giraffi was also on the scale a few times. I think this put her in like the 15th-25th percentile. I really was paying attention but probably still had some water in my ears from the day before. She is almost 31 inches tall, which put her in the 25th percentile, I think. Of all days for the nurse not to write it down. She hasn't done much growing lately, especially in the weight department, but our pediatrician is not concerned. Once she came off the bottle and began moving, she really slimmed down. Our doctor basically said she's back to similar percentiles as when she was born.

Her right ear still had fluid but did not appear to be infected. We have chosen not to see an ENT at this time, and our pediatrician agreed. Basically, she said that they are surgeons and if we see them they will put tubes in. At this point she is not sure if that's necessary. I can't shake the worry that the hearing in that ear could be affected, so I don't know what we'll do. For now, we have another appointment in April for her ears, but with the winter sick season upon us I'm afraid we may be back before then.

A few more Avery facts I just have to record:

We routinely say "No, no, no" to Sammy the dog for his pesky behavior, and we also say it to Dixie outside when he barks. Avery doesn't say no, but she shakes her finger. Usually Dixie is barking each afternoon when we get home (and no, no, no is better than some of the comments I make). Avery now starts shaking her finger as soon as we turn onto our street. She will also do it if you ask her what we tell Sammy. They are Ned's dogs and he doesn't think it's as precious as I do. We never have to say it to my cat.

Avery has been has been singing E-I-E-I-O for awhile now and will break out into it out of the blue. She also sings it when she sees her Old MacDonald book. I wish people knew that I had Avery in the backseat when I driving down the road belting it out.

Avery has become fascinated with seeing herself on the camera, so much so that sometimes it's hard to get a picture. She apparently has also learned that phones take pictures, because just this morning she held my phone to her face and said "Cheese!" Imitating texting I understand, but my phone is old and I really don't take that many pictures.

These are the little stories that I want to remember today, because when she's all grown, I won't want to remember that she tore the house up or dropped food on the floor. By then I'll have plenty of time for resting and cleaning and will want to be living these days again.

I Used to Fold My Underwear

I don't anymore. Fold my underwear that is. I realized that if Avery was awake, I could spend that time playing with her or keeping her from sprinkling feminine hygiene products all over the house. If Avery was asleep, well, maybe I could sit down. And that sounds a whole lot better than folding underwear. I'm fully aware that some of you reading probably have pristine undergarment drawers, and if you are able to gloat now and make yourself feel a little better, have at it.

This week was just another reminder that it will be a LONG time before many things get folded, cleaned, straightened, or found. Here's why:

**The wind in the kitchen finally subsided today. They were six long, loud days in our house. When Servpro returned Wednesday, they still found moisture, so they left 2 fans and the humidifier. They ripped out a little of our wall, meaning I will now have to come up with a new paint color. By that point I was really thinking it would be great to just tear everything wet out so that I could hear myself think (and Avery investigate) in the upper level of my house.

**We've basically been kitchenless since Sunday as well, other than using the fridge. We've eaten out or gotten take-out each night. I felt guilty about not cooking for a few seconds the other night. Then I felt the wind, saw the dirty fan cords draped on my counters, noticed the lack of overhead lighting and the hole in the ceiling, and got over it. We're getting reimbursed. We'll eat out.

**My online class started Wednesday. There is definitely a reason that college is typically designed for the 18 to 2o something age range. I've had several panic attacks concerning drop boxes, forums, and assigned reading.

**When I arrived at school at noon Monday (after leaving Avery in the pediatrician's office screaming for me BEFORE the shots) I was handed the phone and listened to a lady tell me that the class mentioned about was not going to count for recertification. This meant that I had paid $350 for nothing and would probably not get into another class for the spring semester. I spent the next 2 days scrambling because of her mistake. Luckily, I can pay another $240 to get graduate credit from a random college and hopefully keep my license from expiring.

What a week. I was ready to jump off a roof Monday but can say that things are looking better, at least until the construction begins next week in the kitchen. Tonight I'm enjoying the sofa in my living room for the first time since last Saturday and thinking of ordering a new book. Who needs folded underwear anyway?

The Big Drip

When we opened our door after church Sunday, the big drip is exactly what we heard. A quick peek through the railings that seperate the foyer from our raised living room showed quite a sight. For the life of me, I just couldn't figure out why water was dripping from the ceiling fan in the kitchen. When Ned made sense of what he was looking at, he realized that the water line to the fridge had frozen and burst. The water line that runs across the ceiling of our kitchen. The water line that apparently froze alot and left us without water from the fridge on winter mornings. And yes, we now wonder why we didn't look into that more.

Upon further inspection, we discovered water coming from another kitchen light and down a kitchen cabinet in addition to the fan. Water covered the floor but luckily was not deep. Avery's lunch and naptime quickly approached, so I changed clothes, grabbed what I could, and left for my parents'. We had to have a few rousing renditions of "Old MacDonald" to keep Avery awake on the ride.

Ned turned off the water and started moving things out of the kitchen once we were gone. I had a few soggy Longaberger baskets and a wet can opener and coffee pot. It's always good to be married to your insurace agent, since he knew just what to do. He got Servpro on the way, moved everything out of the kitchen, and cut a hole in the ceiling to help the water drain.

Meanwhile, Avery and I had lunch then went to work on a nap. Halfway to my parents' house I remembered I had no pacifier but thought Avery would do ok without it after a busy morning in Sunday School. Wrong. She cried, played, talked, and kicked for about 40 minutes. Then, after all that work, the nap didn't quite make it to two hours because Molly the cat was trapped in Avery's room.

By this time, Servpro was working at the house, and Ned had water turned on to everything except that line. Avery and I headed home to see what was going on. Servpro was leaving just as we arrived. Here is a view of their handy work.

That's 6 fans and a humidifier, plus one hole in the ceiling. Needless to say, the kitchen is out of order as it closely resembles a wind tunnel now. My hair shot straight above my head as I tried to get a snack cup for Avery. Instead of Paula Deen's Hurry Up Chicken Pot Pie, we visited Applebee's for dinner. It looks like eating out or take out will be happening alot this week.

It's just too loud to sit upstairs, so we are at least getting some use out of our downstairs room. We'll bring down some more toys, add a few layers of clothes, and make it work. If we can keep Avery and the pets out of the fans and cords, we'll be happy.

I was pretty sure we would be staying with my parents tonight, and all I could think this afternoon was that I just wanted to go home. Life with a child is easiest at home. Then, I checked the blog of someone who lost their home due to fire before Christmas, and I felt ashamed. This is just a hang nail compared to a loss as great as that. It IS an inconvenience, but I'll take some deep breaths, enjoy a few nights out thanks to our insurance, and pick out a few new things for our kitchen. The downside to being married to your insurance agent? They're a stickler for insurance fraud and won't let you slide a few extra items to the "water damage" pile.

18 Months

Avery is 18 months old today, and I can't seem to figure out how she has grown so quickly. Each age is special in it's own way, but I'm really enjoying these toddler days.

We visit the doctor tomorrow and will have official height and weight measurements then. When we were there several weeks ago she was slightly over 22 lbs with clothes and Giraffi. She still wears 12-18 months or 18 months clothes, but her size 3 diapers are getting a little snug. Shoes are a 4.5-5.

Nighttime sleep remains the same with bedtime between 7 and 7:30 pm. She wakes at 6:30 on school days but generally sleeps a little longer on the weekends. She dropped her morning nap while we were on Christmas break and was sleeping later in the mornings. The transition went pretty well, even when she started getting up earlier to go back to the sitter's. Naptime is around 12:30, and she naps 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on what time she got up. I took the pacifier when she dropped the morning nap but gave it back because I thought she wasn't napping as long. I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but I don't think a pacifier for one nap is going to hurt anybody. We may try to take it again soon. We started having a little fussing at bedtime after Christmas. It seems like more of a protest that I leave the room and then it's done. We have gone back and forth with this for the last month, and I attribute it to being home with me over Christmas and an increased "I love my Mama" attitude. This week (after a 4-day weekend) she cried for an hour. She actually screamed, and because she had never done that, I went in twice and got her up once. She's been sick and I just didn't know what was going on, so I went against what we usually do. Early on we realized that Avery needs to settle herself, and since I don't rock her to sleep, going in will 9 times out of 10 just prolong the crying. It was a long hour. Tuesday night she cried for 20 minutes, Wednesday night she cried for a few minutes, and Thursday night was about 2 protest cries.

Avery's eating habits and food choices remain about the same. Her appetite varies and is usually biggest at breakfast and lunch. My parents finally got her to eat scrambled egg recently, and she is also loving the Gerber cereal bars. Pop Tarts are an occasional treat, but please do not break it in half or she will cry like you ripped Giraffi in half. This also applies to toast. Utensil operation has really improved this month. For several months she's been able to do yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal, etc., but she has gotten good with scooping up firmer items and is working hard with her fork. She did a great job with her slippery macaroni and cheese the other day! Scooping things like sweet potato and squash casserole is now a breeze as well. If it looks like finger food, though, fingers are still used.

She is such a lovebug! Kisses and hugs are given out frequently during the day. She seems to enjoy giving them but also needs to receive them alot. Jennifer says that she comes for quick hugs during the day then goes about her business playing. If I'm sitting on the floor, she pushes my legs down just right so that she can either sit in my lap or lay across it. Although she is quite the proficient walker, she still enjoys being carried.

Toys have taken a backseat to exploring around the house this month. We've just recently put on child locks because I could not stay ahead of the mess. I still can't stay ahead of it, though! She's not being bad, she just likes to investigate, pull things out, and carry things around. She will do some fussing if we take something that she wants, but we have yet to have fits of falling out, throwing, etc. She is most unhappy when waiting for food or if food doesn't look like what she had envisioned.

Avery continues to be quite the talker...10-15 real words and the rest in her own language. Socks (soss) was a fun one to add this month, especially since my sock drawer fully accessible. I now find my "soss" all around the house. This past week she's popped up with pee-pee, causing the babysitter to run her to the potty each time she says it. I'm not convinced it's bathroom related. On the potty front, Jennifer has started sitting Avery on it and singing a potty song. She hasn't done anything yet but enjoys being on it. We don't have a potty at home yet. I don't feel like she's ready and continue to read that pushing at this age can backfire. I'll see how she does with Jennifer, and go from there, but I think summertime with less clothes sounds just as good.

We turned both of Avery's carseats around this month, and she has enjoyed the new view. She spots birds, big trucks, and the moon through the windows and roof. I'm glad that we made it until almost 18 months, although the recommended age is 2. She will be in a 5-point harness and then booster for a LONG time, so she might as well get used to Mama's car rules.

I could write for days on what a fun, busy age this is. There is so much I want to remember, from the way she tries to snap her fingers to the way she thinks she turns on the gas logs at Lolli and Poppa's with the TV remote. Everything is magical (except with she's angry), everything is innocent, and everything is simple. She is surely a joy to our lives and the lives of those who know and love her well.

**Pictures to come. Our after church photo shoot was derailed by a busted pipe!

Week in Review ~ 1/22

What a LONG short week! Avery and I were home on Monday for MLK Jr. day. My sinuses were not feeling the best so we didn't do much. When I put Avery to bed that night I got a little more than the usual one fuss protest when I leave the room. She screamed. Then she screamed more. I broke the "rules" and went back in because I knew with that fuss, something must be wrong. I got her up, rocked her a bit, and put her back down, and it started all over again. She's cried at bedtime before but never like this. I ended up going in again 15-20 minutes later because she was still going strong. I didn't get her up, and she was calm while I was by her bed. But again, she tuned up when I walked away. By this point, I regreted going in at all. Early on we learned that Avery had to settle herself when she was upset or over tired since we weren't going to rock her to sleep. Finally, I could tell that she was starting to quiet/wear out, and just shy of the 1-hour mark she was completely quiet. She fussed again when we went to bed and a few quick times in the night. I don't know if it was because we were out 3 nights in a row, because she has gotten even more attached to me, her ears, or just a fluke. We stopped waking Avery to feed a 8 weeks, and other than a period of night waking between 4 and 5 months, she's put herself to sleep and slept all night. Needless to say, this type of behavior makes us nervous. Mama needs her sleep.

Luckily, she got better and better each night. I continued to put her to bed early in case she needed to catch up. Tuesday night she cried 15-20 minutes, Wednesday night a couple of minutes, and the rest of the week was just a protest cry as I left. It's hard to hear her so sad, but she needs her rest and won't get it if I turn around each time she fusses. Even though these times are so rare, I am very thankful she is still in her crib. I hope she stays cozy and contained in there for a long time!

Wednesday was my birthday and was so special with lots of student well-wishes and tons of FB messages. That night my in-laws took us to the new Italian sports bar FoSho. I find the Italian a strange mix with sports bar, and the name strange altogether, but the food was great. The chefs from one of our favorite pizza places are there, and we all had delicious meals. I had my own pizza on my birthday. For all you Nascar fans, it's owned by Hermie Sadler, who used to race and now does broadcasting for races. He is brother to Elliott, who races now, and they are all local Emporia people.

Thursday and Friday were just regular days. The full moon was shining brightly over school making things a bit crazy. Mexican was in order for Friday night to celebrate the end of the week. That has always been one of Avery's favorite places. We are thankful that she continues to do so well eating out.

Avery was up around 6:30 Saturday morning but was pretty quiet until about 7:30, so I enjoyed some extra sleep. I had planned to go shopping with Mom but she had been sick since Wednesday with a sinus infection. Mimi came and stayed with Avery while I grocery shopped. It was SO cold. My car said 21 degrees on the way to the store. Avery does not like the cold wind in her face, so I'm glad she stayed home. I got home in time to fix her lunch and make these yummy brownies. I was unproductive while she napped other than looking for a new phone, and I enjoyed every minute. I am loving Oprah's new network, especially the behind the scenes show, and I watched Friday night's episode. When she woke up, we went to Lolli and Poppa's house for a quick visit. They just can't go too long without an Avery fix. Ned was home from hunting when we got there, and it was time for dinner. We had a little playtime, then it was time for bath and bed for Avery. Boyz II Men is in town for a concert tonight, and we sat complaining that we didn't use the office tickets to go. But, since we're both in our comfy pants and Ned is asleep in the chair, it may have been a good decision.

We're going to try Sunday School again tomorrow and hope for less tears. This week is a busy one: Avery's 18-month health check, my staff Christmas dinner, and I head back to school...as a student!

Strike a Pose

Avery's 18 month old portraits involved tears, snot, runny eyes, and a lot of tongue! You know you've got a great photographer when she can make something beautiful out of all of that. This was Avery's 7th time visiting Conway Photo, and I'm sad we won't be back until July. A big thanks to Carol and Lynn for capturing our Avery so perfectly!

Click here to view her portraits.

Sunday Funday

Sunday morning dawned bright and early after I stayed up too late trying to win an outfit on eBay for Avery. I did not win but did manage to run someone's price up. Ned got up with Avery, and when I got up it was time to get ready for church. We planned to try Sunday School , since they are doing 8 sessions on this book.

We left Avery in the nursery in a puddle of tears. Her screams could be heard all across the church, so Ned went back in with her. The last few times she's been in the nursery, I've been keeping it. She's also really been needing Mama lately and is still fighting her cold. Ned got her engaged with some Goldfish and snuck out. I had to tell him that's not what we do. I think the book and the book for group sessions will be good, but the class could be facilitated better. When I peeped in the nursery door, Avery was being rocked by one of the teenagers. Goldfish were not good when she realized Daddy was gone, and she sat with Emily the rest of the time. Hopefully next Sunday will be smoother. She seemed to like Emily so maybe I've found a helper/babysitter to use sometime if I can be that brave. Now that I'm a mom, I wonder how in the world all the parents I babysat for trusted me with their children.

We did not stay for preaching and came home and finally hung Avery's bow holder. After lunch it was time for nap, and Avery resisted a little even though I knew she was tired. That immediately makes me concerned about her ears. I'm hoping we can make it to her 18-month check next Monday.

After her nap we headed to Lolli and Poppa's for dinner. Moses has become a good buddy. He's just too slow to get away, and he doesn't seem to mind that she comes at him with outstretched arms like the others do.

Poppa pulled out my Fisher Price barn and other Little People accessories. It was one of my favorite toys, and I think I played with it longer last night than Avery did.

Lolli and Poppa have introduced Avery to some fun new things on her last visits. Flashlights are good for checking underneath the couch for cats and for shining on the ceiling. She also has realized that the gas logs turn on with the remote. They won't let her have that remote, but when she points the TV remote at the logs, they secretly turn them on and off and then cheer for her. And I mean cheer like at a football game. I think she'll turn out just fine from all her time with them.

After dinner it was time for cake and ice cream. This was the 28th cake Mrs. Kitchen has made for me.

Avery made sure everyone knew she had cleaned her plate and had plenty of room for cake.

We visited after dinner, and Avery kept everyone entertained. When the game was over we put Avery in her jammies and headed home with lots of cake to celebrate with all week.

Week in Review ~ 1/15

It's been another busy, crazy schedule, runny nose kind of week. Avery's nose and eyes had been running for a few days, and by Sunday she started to slow down. My parents came to visit and go to lunch. Avery mainly sat in their lap and then didn't want lunch. When someone in this house turns down Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese, I know there's a problem. While she napped, Ned and I watched finally watched Marley and Me. It had been on our DVR forever and I kept refusing to watch it. I lasted until I could tell things were going downhill then took the laptop in the kitchen and played online. I don't do animal movies. Avery had a fever by bedtime, so Ned planned to stay home Monday with her. So much for keeping those ears well.

Avery ran no fever Monday so I planned to take her back to the sitter's Tuesday. We were unsure what the weather was going to do since they were calling for all types of winter precipitation. We ended up with 2-hour delays Tuesday and Wednesday. Avery slept in and got those mornings off to a good start. Her nose continued to run, and there were several others with ear and sinus infections at the sitter's.

Thursday was a normal school day, and Avery and I had to get ourselves out of the house on our own since Ned went hunting. Thursday was my Friday, and the day zipped along fairly well. That afternoon, my mother-in-law kept Avery while Ned and I went to get our first bid on the house. We're holding our breath, waiting for their price next week. We'll do this with at least one more builder and then decide if it's time to list our house. Avery coughed alot in bed, starting right when we tried to go to sleep. I even got her up at one point to see if sitting up would help. She finally stopped but then started again between 5 and 6 am.

I had the day off Friday and had schedule Avery's 18 month portraits. Her nose was still running but she seemed ok. Lolli and I got her dressed and then had to wait awhile. She was happy to sit in our laps but was not happy when I sat her down for her first picture. She cried every time I would back out of the shot. We have always had perfect behavior and I just knew this was going to be the time it was a disaster. Carol and Lynn worked their magic with Lolli entertaining, and I sat just out of the picture on the backdrop. She warmed up and did well but had to have frequent hugs from me. We managed to get pictures in her portrait dress and a special dress for Daddy. Avery went home with Lolli and I made my traditional trip to Chik-Fil-A. I took lunch to Ned and ate with him then took a nap. I've been staying up too late and it's catching up with me. Ned and I went to the lake for dinner to celebrate my birthday a bit early. We had a good dinner and enjoyed a date night.

Ned went hunting Saturday so I slept in and enjoyed the bed to myself (well, with Sammy). Avery came home just before lunch and was still very runny. She was very tired before lunch and fell all to pieces for some reason. She did not want me to put her down after her nap either. I made Paula Deen's peanut butter bars while Avery managed to tear every room of the house apart. We have not done any baby-proofing for drawers and cabinets because she couldn't get her or hurt anything, and we watch her closely. I'm getting tired of picking up the messes though, like the hundred Netti Pot packs and all my potholders. She entertains herself so well, but I could not stay ahead of the mess today. I needed to get her dinner, get us both dressed, and go to Lucas and Kristin's, and it got a little crazy. We made it though and visited with Kristin and Emerson before Lucas and Ned came in from hunting. When they arrived I learned that Ned had a overhead light fall on him in an industrial fire today and hurt his arm. He was encouraged to go to the ER but did not. That would not have been a phone call I wanted. We ate pizza with the Vaughans and enjoyed our visit. Avery made herself right at home toting their water bottles around and sharing Cheerios with their dog, Lucy. She did not appreciate me holding Emerson, but I made her tough it out for awhile. Avery did like his mat and swing, so we reminded her that we could pull those fun things out again if we had a baby in the house.

We have been home awhile and have managed to clean up the destruction from tornado Avery. We are trying Sunday School tomorrow for a series on the book Boundaries with Kids. Hopefully Avery will stay in her class so that we can stay in ours. I'm looking forward to a birthday dinner at my parents' tomorrow night and another day off Monday with weather that may be warm enough to venture outside.

Here are some pictures from our day today. Please excuse any nose drippings you may see. Today, we cared for our baby...

...drove the train...

...checked the mail...



...and did a little light reading while in a pan.

Shocking!

All these activities were accomplished in about 2 minutes. It's a good thing she's precious!

And, we reached the top. She can't see in, but she can reach in. Maybe the baby-proofing will keep any potential buyers out of my cabinets and drawers.

Happy weekend!

Assistance from a Doodie

Need some assistance in the house plan area?

Look no further than Doodie.

I was busy using the tape measurer from my junior tool kit, trying to do a little measuring. (Here's a tip: Tape measurers are not the best on paper). Felix clearly saw I was in over my head and decided to stretch out on the crisp, white sheets. Touching the paper was then out of the question unless I wanted to loose my hand, so we had a little photo shoot. I'm loving my new lens and and trying to get better without the flash. Ned ordered the Dummy book for my camera, but all I've done is look at the pictures. Automatic mode is a good thing. But, I really want to get away from flash, and that involves more than turning the dial to the lightning bolt with a slash through it.



Another tip: Never give your pet a name that you don't want used in public, because that is surely all your child will learn.

Bookworm

Nicholas Sparks is intriguing...



...and heavy.



Maybe she's the one who needs the Kindle.

Week in Review ~ 1/8

We are catching our breath from a very busy week. Jumping in with both feet was a bit of an understatement. And of course, it was back to school which I wasn't exactly thrilled about. I was still not feeling well and not eating much at all. Apparently Ned and I had the same bug, if that's what it was, but by Tuesday I was feeling better. Two years ago exactly I felt the same way, but I was 10 or 11 weeks pregnant. I was starting to get a bit suspicious.

Ned had meetings on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week and all fell right at the dinner hour. Avery misses seeing Daddy, and I miss the extra hands for serving dinner, wiping messes, and bathing. Once I get Avery in bed I'm good with a little alone time though.

We took Avery to the pediatrician Tuesday for her ear check. The waiting room was as full as the last time, but luckily we were seen quickly. Avery cries as soon as we start to undress her these days, sitting on the scale is unacceptable, and taking her temperature is uncalled for. I had to wiggle out of my coat while she was on my lap, and that caused continued tears as well. Most of her exams take place right in my lap. Her ear (it's usually the right) looked better but still had some clear fluid. The doctor said there was about a 50% chance of it becoming reinfected. She's off of the Bactrim but will remain on Claritin through the winter. On this particular day, putting her clothes back on upset her. Avery left the office a puddle of tears, and I left a puddle of sweat. They keep assuring me that she'll love coming in one day.

Before Ned's meeting Thursday, we went and finalized our house plans. That was a fairly easy process, and we never had to make huge changes to what he did originally. Now we're ready when the time is right. It was an eye opening experience as far as cost in some areas. Did you know a working chimney/fireplace costs around $15,000? Ned and I would love to make $30,000 on the two we have in this house. Avery went with us for the first time and did well sitting in our laps and crunching on some Cheerios. I didn't realize we had gone past her dinner, so we stopped on the way home to pick up something quick. Ned had dinner at the fire department, and Avery just wasn't happy with what I provided. I went to put baby food fruit in her plain yogurt and she fell all to pieces when I stirred it up. She has done the same thing before when I broke a piece of bread in half. Poor baby evidently knows what she wants and Mama is missing the message. I finally had to call quits on both of our dinners and put her to bed. I figured she was out of sorts because of a late dinner and a nap cut short by a bathroom issue. The week had finally caught up with me and I was asleep on the couch when Ned got home.

She was in better spirits Friday night even though we were late with dinner. Ned cooked steaks on the grill and Avery played happily. She was very tired by bedtime and fussed off and on in her sleep until we went to bed. That's so rare for her, and my policy is to stay out unless I can tell it's a big emergency.

Avery slept until a little after 7 Saturday morning which was much appreciated since Ned had gone hunting. We woke up to more snow but just a dusting. She took a good nap and then we braved the cold wind to go to Walmart. Her eyes and nose were already a bit runny, and she didn't like the wind one bit. While I was getting her back in her seat to go home, and man approached us asking for money. He left when I told him no, and there were others around, but I am such a weenie about things like that and was sure he was going to steal us both. Avery had another meltdown waiting for her dinner but did enjoy some pizza. She cried again when Ned took her out of the bath and couldn't get it together. She seemed so tired even though she had slept well. She cried off and on after she went to sleep, so I finally went in with some medicine. Her poor little foot was hung in the railing above her bumper. Not sure how she managed that since she's in a sleep sack, and I don't know if it was really bothering her, but I scared her when I touched it, and she did the no sound cry. On the rare occasion I do go in to her, I hardly ever pick her up, but I scooped her right up then. I'm really not a mean mama, that's just what's worked for us, and she's a great night sleeper. I rocked her for a minute or two, put her down awake, and left without hearing a peep.

We're definately worried about sickness now with the way she's acting. She came off her antibiotic this week and was back around the children at the sitter's. I was back at school with children who've been coughing for months. And since I'm late posting, tonight (Sunday) she has a fever.

I'm hoping for no winter weather this week since we have a 4-day weekend coming up. I'm especially hoping for no ice. Avery needs to get well for her 18-month pictures Friday, and Ned and I will probably go out to celebrate my birthday a bit early. I'm having a hard time coming up with gift ideas because I just got gifts at Christmas. I'm considering Kindle though, because a blog I read has given me a huge list of must-read books. Ned keeps tempting me with an iPad. I think he wants the laptop back.

Here are a few fun pictures from our week. Avery loves get Pepsi cans from the box before I put them in the fridge.



Popping the top after a hard day.



Ned thinks this is the funniest thing ever. I think it's funny because I put my Pepsi on ice and don't drink from the can. She knows exactly what to do, though.



Avery also decided to love Bitty this week. I honestly think she thought it was a real baby when she got her. She would kiss her but did not want her in my lap. She carried her around a good 15 minutes one night and alternated between patting her back and banging her head on the floor. We'll need to work on that before baby #2.

Week in Review ~ 1/1

This vacation week was full of snow and sickness. The snow that had started Christmas night was everywhere by Sunday morning. Avery's toys were everywhere in my living room by early morning also.



It appears the mess made Avery a bit unsteady. That's what it does to her mama too. We (Avery and I) stayed in most of the day. Ned had to go out in the morning to "assess the situation" and he also went out to a few wrecks. We all bundled up and went outside late afternoon when the snow had mostly stopped. Here is a view of our street. The snow was so heavy on the lines that I held my breath for most of the day, willing the power to stay on.



This is the only happy picture of Avery standing in the snow. I took it from the road and cropped it on the computer so it's a bit blurry. Right after I took it, Avery face-planted in the snow and refused to be put down again.



We may as well talk about Avery's snow attire. I luckily found the bibs on sale the weekend before Christmas. I'm still puzzled as to why snow gear is on sale and hard to find in stores in December. I didn't find any boots I liked while shopping, then couldn't really find any online for a good price. Ned scored these Uggs for $20 from a shoe store down from his office. They're only one size too big. I told Avery they beat the garbage bags sealed with duct tape that I sported one year in the snow. I hadn't even considered something for her hands. Luckily I managed to dig out the mittens that came with her hat last year. You know, like 3-6 months range in a lovely sweater material. Since there was no place for a thumb, they actually fit. Maybe her outfit made her cry.



This is what happened each time we tried to put her down.

Sunday night we went to Ned's parents for dinner. Dinner was good but it was a pain lugging everyone and everything to and from the truck in 9 or so inches of snow. I kind of agree with Avery on the whole winter weather thing. I didn't get any pictures as I was busy keeping Avery's hands off of Toby's bone and all the breakables.

The rest of our week looked alot like this.

Ned hadn't been feeling well since Christmas Eve, and he finally found some relief on Tuesday. Avery and I finally ventured out Wednesday afternoon for an exciting trip to Walmart. I came down with what appeared to be a stomach bug Wednesday night and felt bad off and on through the weekend. Luckily, Avery already had plans to spend the night with Lolli and Poppa Thursday night. Ned went in to work late Thursday, so I didn't have her for too long before naptime and Lolli's arrival.

I felt better Friday morning and rested while Avery was gone. The three of us went to Applebee's for New Year's dinner. I was feeling ok but could only eat 5 of my shrimp. Ned and I made it until about 11 pm before turning in.

Saturday morning arrived too early and I was not feeling well again. Poor Avery did a lot of entertaining herself during the day. Her naps have been a bit on the short side for a few days, even after I caved over Christmas and gave the pacifier back. I knew she needed her rest during the holidays and we were not meeting her 7-7:30 bedtime. I think she just needs time to adjust to a new routine, and the pacifier can go again.

Avery and I were both glad to see Ned around dinner time. She went to bed early, and Ned went to help our elderly neighbor across the street. A hose on his washing machine busted, and Ned vacuumed about 60 gallons of water out of his basement.

It's back to work this week which I am less than thrilled about. Ned has 3 meetings which will keep him away at night. We also have to reschedule Avery's each check and a meeting with our architect. Both were cancelled because I was sick. And, since I usually leave decorations up until the new year, we're still decorated. That will have to be taken care of as well. Nothing like jumping back in with both feet!

Happy New Year to you and your family!