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!