Moments from Memorial Day

We have had a relaxing, fun Memorial Day weekend.  We stayed home from church yesterday since I hadn't been feeling well.  The aching went away but I still have a sore throat.  I'm thinking and hoping it's allergy related, but I'm also hoping that the rest this weekend has helped.  Ned worked on Avery's surprise most of the morning, but it was not ready before her nap.  She sat with me for a long time before lunch and started falling asleep.  She then took a super-long nap, and I had to go in and get her at 4 so we could get busy on our fun.  First on the agenda was her big surprise.

Toys R Us had their playhouses on sale this weekend, and the deal on this cottage was too good to pass up.

I've tried and tried to find a used on but couldn't.  She loves the houses at Jennifer's, so I was happy to find this one, which was a little cheaper because it's smaller and has more open space.  Ned did not enjoy putting it together in the heat yesterday, but this smile made it well worth it.

We pulled her away from her cottage and headed to Lolli and Poppa's.  Poppa had gotten Avery a John Deere tractor toy, but the plastic chair Lolli picked up for the yard kind of stole the show.  We assured Poppa that tractors remain one of Avery's favorite things.

We had a good dinner, then Ned and I took a ride on the Ranger to see the trees Ned planted on the farm.  I routinely think I'm dying when I ride on something with him, but I don't think we were going that fast.  I'm sure he's not used to having to stop, look, and listen at the railroad crossing, but he did last night.  We put Avery in her pajamas and left at bedtime, but she stayed awake the whole ride home.

Avery was up at 7 a.m. this morning despite going to bed an hour late last night. We hung around the house this morning, watched some Regis and Kelly, and Avery took care of some paperwork on the steps.  Ned played golf until after lunch.

We also played outside before it got too hot, and the playhouse showed it was worth every penny.  Avery had so much fun playing in it and running around.  Felix escaped when we tried to come in, but he came back to me easily and Avery stayed still while I was getting him.  Felix is going to stay trapped up if he continues trying to escape.  We are on a corner now with not much space between our house and either road.  We continue to tell him it's much better inside.  After all that stress, Avery and I decided pizza would be delicious.  We ordered Dominos online and watched each step in the progress tracker.  We both enjoyed our pizza party.  Avery calls pizza tata and ate 2 slices without crust.

We cooked out tonight then played inside since it was still so, so hot.  Avery is wearing her outfit from 4th of July last year.  It fits fine, but she certainly looks bigger.

In all our fun, we do stop and remember the importance of the day.  The Pioneer Woman had some beautiful pictures on her blog, and The View had a wonderful story of an artist who paints pictures of soldiers who do not return home.  I also love this Billy Ray Cyrus song and heard it today.  It's very old but carries a great message, and I like how this YouTube version included pictures from 9-11. 

Although never far from my mind, I'm reminded of all the things we need to teach Avery.  I want to instill in her an appreciative spirit so that she will grow to be thankful for her freedoms when she is older.  It is a good lesson for me to remember as well.

We hope you had a fun and safe Memorial Day.  Let summer begin!

Week in Review ~ 5/28

We had a pretty full week, and luckily it went by much faster than the previous week had.  We skipped church on Sunday since Avery had run a fever and done so much sleeping on Saturday.  She seemed okay for the most part but was more likely to cry if something frustrated her or at different times that she wanted me.  That trend seem to continue through the week.  After her nap we went to Lowe's to browse a few house things.

Avery loves to pretend to be Jimmie Johnson while in Lowe's which should be to our advantage while we build.  The only downfall is that she yells for the car each time we drive by now.  Avery was upset during dinner but was ready to walk and see Dixie.  She was especially quiet while we saw Dixie and visited with Mimi and Grandaddy.

Monday was a regular day for everyone.  My third graders took their math SOL and completed their testing for the year.  It was quite a relief to have that stress off my shoulders...until the results come in.  After dinner, we put Avery to bed and Mimi came to sit.  Ned and I met with our contractor and marked off where our house will go.  He very kindly gave me a heads-up on the first few decisions I'll need to have made, which were luckily already decided.  Little does he know that I would prefer a complete checklist of things I need to have picked out with dates listed.  Isn't he going to love me?

On Tuesday, all employees had a meeting with our superintendent about the budget.  A crazy storm blew up while we were all driving.  Big limbs were hitting the car and I was sure a tree was going to fall on me.  The wind was blowing so hard and it was raining terribly.  By the time I got to the high school, the rain had slowed some but the wind had not.  Lightning struck a pole as I was driving up, sending sparks everywhere.  I literally got blown into school, where people were saying there were numerous tornado reports.  A co-worker called our sitter to check on everyone and then we perched ourselves at the end of a row in case we needed to make a run for it.  I hate bad weather, I hated that I wasn't with Avery, and I hated that I was in an auditorium and couldn't see what was going on.  I was glad to get out and get my girl.

We had a staff meeting on Wednesday, and by the time I left school I just felt done.  Ned must have sensed that in my voice and suggested Mexican for dinner.  Pehaps he was feeling guilty for only working a half-day.  Ned went to work on something at his parents while I put Avery to bed, and from her room I could hear the buzz that comes from a wasps' nest.  I didn't see anything in the window, so I assumed it was a big nest under the eaves.  Just as I got ready to put her down, I heard a wasp buzz in the room.  After all the buzzing I heard, I was convinced the whole wall was going to be infested.  I called Ned to come home since I had no where safe to put Avery while I killed the wasp.  We did sit in her room since I knew it had gotten behind the blinds.  Ned killed the wasp and discovered it had gotten in because 3 windows had fallen down at the top because they were not fastened.  Poor Avery was so tired and was asking for her sound to be turned on.  I was just thankful that there was not a wall full of wasps that could bore into her room.

Ned officially closed on our house on Thursday!  We are now renters and builders instead of homeowners, renters, and hopeful builders.  He picked up Avery because I had a hair appointment.  She was so happy to see me when I got home and just loved and kissed and hugged on me.  She had been having just as much fun stopping by work with Ned and beginning dinner with him, though.  Ned went to drill and I again stayed up too late.

Friday was a good day at school with early release and a movie.  I stayed at my parents' to wait for Avery to wake up from her nap.  I picked her up and we headed to the grocery store for a few things.  I noticed she was very interested in turning her cup upside down in the car, and by the time I noticed the liquid level was very low, it was too late.  I managed to get the cup from her while still driving, and when we got to the store I assessed the damage.  I side of the valve had completely come out, and Avery and her seat were soaked.  Jennifer gives her some juice in her water, so it was a big mess.  Avery cried and cried while I tried to fix dinner and was not too interested in eating.  I'm hoping it's teething instead of ears.  We took a walk after dinner, then I put her to bed and got on the couch.  I started feeling achy and bad while in the store and just couldn't seem to feel better.  I was asleep a little after 8.  This year has been stressful and I'm wearing myself out and not taking care of myself.  I have to do better these last three weeks.

On Saturday morning I finally peeked in on Avery at 8 a.m.  She popped up like she had been awake but didn't seem like she was ready to get up.  I still wasn't feeling the best and had had my sleep disturbed yet again when Sammy started barking at 5:30 a.m.  His barking tendencies have resurfaced in the move, and he is walking a thin line.  Since I was feeling slow and I wasn't sure what was going on with Avery, we decided not to meet Kristin and Emerson at the pool.  I'm sure it would have been fun, but it was equally as fun to lay around the house, take the Coupe for a spin down the street, and relax.  I think we needed that time at home together.  Avery was ready for her nap early, and I took a rest too.  I was still feeling achy with sore throat.  Avery didn't sleep as long as normal but stayed in her bed an additional hour.  Ned came home from helping Lucas lay flooring, and we got ready to go out.  Mimi came and stayed while we went to get our rings inspected, run errands, and have dinner.  Jewelry stores sell protection plans so that they have 2 guaranteed days a year that they can hassle you to buy things.  I tell Ned each time that the next time I'm wearing a shirt stating that I'm not shopping.  We hit up Rugged Warehouse which was quite an experience, Target for diapers and a new covered frying pan, and Toys R Us for a fun surprise for Avery.  We ate dinner and were home just after Avery went to bed.  Avery and Mimi had a fun night but had accidentally let Felix out.  He got off the porch and was near the road, but ran back in the house when my father-in-law drove up to help.  He will now be locked up when there are others in the house because he is horrible about trying to get out here.  Ned went to take care of Dixie and fish at his parents', then we both ended up falling asleep watching TV.

We are looking forward to a short week due to Memorial Day and a busy week with a trip to the ENT, a field trip for me, and the first of the month for Ned.  Avery got to check out her new surprise today and it's already a hit.

Dear House

Dear House,

Tomorrow you get a new family to call your own.  All of our things are out, and your new owners have already started moving their belongings in.  We rode by tonight, and there were new cars in the driveway, new curtains in the windows, and new furniture peeking through the windows.  We miss the quiet cul-de-sac you sit on, the room we had and storage you provided, but most of all we miss how you felt like home.  We left you almost 3 weeks ago, but sometimes at the end of the long day, I stop and think about taking Avery home and it is you I see.  Although we are happy to move into a new phase of our life, we are sad to be leaving you behind as you, little house, have grown just as we have in our years together.

Your living and dining rooms are where we spent most of our time.  Once a true bachelor pad, these rooms acquired feminine touches in a marriage and many baby items in a birth.  From family dinners to late nights watching TV, these are the rooms where living and laughing was done.  Many baby firsts happened here, and as a result, we have no less than one zillion pictures of these rooms.  Felix and Sammy spent a good deal of time here too and enjoyed the sunlight your big windows let in, along with the views of outside.

Your kitchen was another busy area and was the place dinner on our second date was prepared.  You filled up a bit more after the wedding and started being used quite a bit.  You had just what we needed to fix everything from delicious meals to baby bottles.  Avery's first taste of baby food, first time using utensils, and many other firsts happened right here in this bright and cheery space.

Our room provided a quiet place to rest and was steps from the nursery when that time came.  The pets also like to seek out this room for some quiet time as well.

The yellow bathroom was just not yellow enough when Ned moved in, so he added some yellow striped wallpaper.  I quickly claimed this bathroom as my own but shared with Avery once she arrived.  Ned used the bathroom connected to our bedroom, and although the bathroom in the basement didn't get much use, it was good in a pinch and was Felix's home for some time when he joined our family.

Your foyer greeted our guests, along with Sammy and usually Felix.  I loved how open it was, until we had mobile Avery.  The foyer also led down to the basement, meaning more steps to keep Avery from, and into the garage.  The open space did allow for Avery to greet guests as well.  Before ever opening the door, you could hear Mama or Dada being shouted, and then you were greeted by a tiny, sweet face.

Your downstairs family room was once a true bachelor area too, with a pool table and horrible brown paneling.  We spruced it right up with paint, a new ceiling, and no more pool table.  We didn't use this room as we should have, but it was certainly one of Avery's favorites, especially with the addition of the slide.

The office provided a place to work, a place to store, and a place to play.  We had high hopes of fixing it up but just never got around to it.  There was plenty of space for all we needed plus some toys for Avery.  Felix could often be found perched in the windows, usually chewing the blinds.

Your downstairs bedroom was always ready to welcome guests, but I think only one ever stayed.  Again, we had great storage here, especially as the tubs and tubs of little girl clothes and baby items began to accumulate.  Your basement also housed a laundry room that saw a great deal of action and a big storage room.

House, I've saved the best for last.  This sunny room was the perfect spot to turn into a nursery.  No room saw more attention or felt more love.  Much anticipation surrounded the use of this room, and I often sat in the quiet in the days before Avery was born.  This is where we brought tiny Avery to meet Sammy and Felix.  This is where she slept her first night at home, and this is where Ned laid on the floor and rested a few times in the early days.  Your room quickly became the place for Avery to sleep at night, but it took awhile for her to rest in it during the day.  We don't hold that against you.  We rocked here, we worried here, we learned here, and we celebrated here.  I'm sure you cheered with us as Avery crawled across the floor for the first time, and I know you have Goodnight Moon memorized by now.  This room was certainly the most special and hardest to leave behind.

From bachelor to dating couple, newlyweds to new parents, you stood by us every step of the way.  You were our house of firsts, and you hold so many happy memories.  Thank you for enduring the challenges and triumphs of life with us.  You are now filling up with the life of a new family and preparing to store wonderful memories for them.  We know you will love them just as you loved us and hope they will take good care of you.  Soon we'll be able to stroll and see you often and share with Avery all the memories you have tucked inside your walls.

Love,

Whitney, Ned, and Avery

22 Months

Dear Avery,

You are 22 months old today!  It just can't be possible that in two short months you will be two years old!  Each month just gets better and better, and I can never seem to decide if I want to keep you this age forever or see what fun things we have coming up.  I do love a cuddly baby, but I must say, this age tops the newborn/infant stage hands down.

In some ways, not much changed this month.  You're sleep habits are the same, although we have had some early waking days.  You point to your crib at naptime and a night and even want to cut our rocking short.  You seem to love your crib and are usually content to stay in it for awhile after you wake up.

You are still in 12-18 and 18 months clothes.  I have pulled out the things from last summer that are 12-18 months, and many fit.  You have definitely done your growing in height this year.  You certainly feel heavier than last summer, though.  You haven't been to the doctor so we don't have an official weight.  Shoe size is a 5, inching toward 5.5.  You have now moved to a size 4 diaper in both Pampers and up & up.

Your eating habits continue to be about the same.  I won't say you eat everything, and I won't say you're picky.  We are all ready for fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer's market this summer.  You have already been enjoying asparagus and strawberries.  Just last night you had your first juice box, although it was only a few sips.  I assume it was your first, and you seemed to really enjoy juice that isn't diluted.  I was relieved when you didn't want to suck down the whole thing.  Maybe we'll throw in a few juice boxes this summer when mean Mama is making you have only water.  Jen-Jen informed Daddy that you weren't interested in popsicles, and I assumed that's because you'd never had one.  We're really not trying to deprive you little girl, we're just not really popsicle people.  I did see you holding the plastic from a freeze pop just the other day when I arrived to pick you up, so I'm guessing you've embraced those frozen treats.

Avery, we could both end up sweaty messes this summer at the rate you want to be outside.  You love outside more than anything, whether it's playing in your car, swinging, sliding, or taking a stroll.  You also love to simply move, inside and out.  We need to add some fun toys for outside, and I'm thinking a playhouse or water table.  Your little legs are in motion all day long, usually stopping only to eat or read.  You still have no interest in TV which is fine with us.  You have only 1 Disney DVD, and you've never seen it.  You still don't know that Daddy's truck will play a movie.  I wonder how long we can keep that up?  I am busy trying to think of some fun activities we can do this summer other than the pool and library.  This month you went to your first playdate, and I think we're both looking forward to doing it again.

Your vocabulary continues to expand, although there are still some things only Mama can translate.  You talk constantly, though, and love to call our names and then proceed to chatter away in your own little language.  The more we respond, the longer you continue.  You are picking up new words and learning the names of your friends.  Your favorite phrase continues to be "What's that?" and you are interested in everything.  You have quite a love for transportation items and all things farm-related.  I can't keep up with all the things you're learning and saying, but I must include that your cows say "Boo!"  You do the m sound just fine, so evidently you know some scary cows.

You remain mostly even-tempered and show that you're upset by crying.  Usually there isn't too much of that.  I've only seen you swat at a toy once in frustration, and we've never had any fall-out fits.  We know this is simply luck and also know that it may change tomorrow, although we hope it won't.  You do sometimes want to test your boundaries and limits but manage to do it more sweetly than defiantly.  We pray that we deal with your testing and smiling, and any other issues that arise, in a way that will help you learn and grow.

You had some milestone events in your little life this month.  The first major one was our move to a new house.  You handled it like a pro and were only upset a few times at bedtime.  You have a big room upstairs which Mama loves because I don't have to tiptoe around at naptime.  Your room isn't quite as pretty as your sweet green nursery, but we're already thinking about what we can do in your new big girl room.  We hope you will do just as well when we move to our new house.  The only other adjustment you've had to make is learning that Dixie now lives down the road at Mimi and Grandaddy's, but you're still asking for him 500 times a day.

The other big event was probably only big to Mama, but you took a little trip and rode with Jen-Jen this month.  You've only ever ridden with Mama, Daddy, Lolli, and Poppa, so this was a big step for me.  You went to the park just a short ways away from Jen-Jen's to celebrate one of your buddy's birthdays.  Jen-Jen said out of everyone, you had the best time.  I was so glad I let you go.  That may seem silly to some, but you are all I've ever wanted, and I have no problem being a crazy Mama if it's what's best for you.

Daddy and I consider it our greatest privilege to be your parents.  There are moments where we think we've failed miserably, but always know we are ready to do better the next time.  You teach us so much and fill our days with love and laughter.  We are so proud to call you our Avery.

Love,
Mama and Daddy

We continue to remind you that chairs are for sitting.

Book boxes are for reading, not standing....

...or leaping from.

Sunglasses are for accessorizing...

...and Crocs are for all out fashion statements.

What a difference a year makes!  You weren't crawling on May 23, 2010 but loved your new Learning Home.

Week in Review ~ 5/21

I do believe that this was the longest week I have ever experienced!  Perhaps if I had known the world was supposed to end, I may not have minded, but I did not become aware of that until Friday.  A little advanced warning next time, friends!

We went to church on Sunday, and as Sunday School was finishing up, they came to get me because Avery was crying.  Her nose was running and they thought she might have a fever.  She eventually perked up so we stayed for preaching since I had to keep the nursery.  After naptime, I went to the grocery store and we cooked out for dinner.

I'm not sure what made the week so long.  School is busy with testing, so perhaps it is the added stress that made it particularly drawn out.  Several mornings I woke up thinking it was later in the week than it actually was.  We planted seeds in my science classes last week after our SOL test, and we experienced major growth.  I was as excited as the students to watch them grow.  I was equally as excited to send them home on Friday.  I already have one husband, one child, 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 38 3rd graders to look after.  Thirty-eight seedlings kind of pushed me over the edge.

I sold several items on  a Facebook group and had to meet two different people this week.  I met one Monday before a meeting for our county budget, which kept me out until after 9:00 p.m.  Avery and I met the other Thursday night.  We had to wait for a little bit which pushed dinner back.  Avery and I dined at Dairy Queen before heading home.  Avery was well-behaved but took a long time eating her grilled cheese and banana.  She seemed to enjoy herself though.

 

On Tuesday night we went over to friends' house who were cooking soft shelled crabs.  Avery and I chose to eat before, but Avery had fun checking out baby Emerson, eating cheese, and playing with rocks.  I had to leave early to get Avery into bed before she turned into a pumpkin.  Early bedtimes are great until you're enjoying yourself somewhere.  Ned stayed a little longer and I caught up on the phone with my friend Courtney.

Ned's Ducks Unlimited chapter had their sponsor party on Friday night.  I picked up Kristin and another wife since our husbands were already there.  Kristin and I filled plates with delicious food, plopped down at the bar, and talked the night away.  My father-in-law finally asked if our rear ends were hurting because we had not moved much.  Driving allowed us to skip out before Ned and Lucas were able to leave, getting us home at a reasonable hour.  Avery was with my parents and I tried to enjoy the quiet at home but the sofa quickly won the battle.

Sammy and Felix were quite problematic on Saturday morning, which disturbed my chances of sleeping in.  When I got up, my mom let me know that Avery wasn't feeling well and was running a slight fever.  She had slept until 8 but woke up fussing.  She seemed better when she arrived home before lunch, but when I went to check on her during her 3.5 hour nap, she had a fever.  She seemed fine otherwise, so we decided to keep our plans of errands and Chik-Fil-A.  Belk was a bit of a challenge without a stroller, but Chik-Fil-A was delicious.  We really don't eat fast food 6 times a week.  I think this was probably the 5th time Avery had been in a fast food restaurant.  She must love the music as I do, because she sang in the car for a good 15 minutes when we left.  She had a few sips of her first juice box (that I'm aware of), which was also her first time having juice undiluted.  Perhaps those few sips fueled the singing as well.  We checked out some storage buildings for Ned, and Avery did a little light reading while Daddy toured a shed.

Avery went straight to bed when we got home, and Ned and I watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy.

The goals this week are to close on our house, get through our final SOL test on Monday, and keep Avery well.  We see the ENT again on the 2nd, but I'm worried there's an ear issue brewing.  And, for those who were so concerned, the Elephantastic Pink was found about 3 minutes after doing that post!  I may or may not have found it in bags I had looked through a dozen times...bags of toiletries that may or may not have been sitting in the hallway upstairs since we moved in.  At least my toes are back in business.

Lost Elephantastic and Other Randoms

Above is my only known casualty of the move: OPI Elephantastic Pink.  Needless to say, my toes are looking tough.  I know it made the move because my toes got a little scuffed up in the move.  I'm fairly sure I know which room I used it in and can't think of many places where I would have put it, but it's gone.  This little town does not sell OPI anywhere that I know of, and all of my other summer polishes went away in one of my 40 bags.  I guess it's winter OPI until I order some more.

Speaking of the move, Ned made brought the final load yesterday of random odds and ends that I have absolutely no interest or energy to do anything with.  Right now it's in the dining room making it fair game for Avery.  Our lime green office/storage room/cat litter box combination (aren't you jealous?) is becoming quickly stuffed, but that's where I'm hoping somebody will put it all.

Our closing date has been moved yet again, but only until Wednesday.  I'm hoping that since we have an official time, it's for real.  Our buyers' agent let it slip to Ned this week that our buyer hit a major snag in the whole loan process.  By the time she told him, though, it had been resolved.  I'm glad she waited to drop that bomb until after I had taken Avery home to go to bed, or I may have had to put my head between my legs.  I'm finally getting excited about starting to build, mainly because some of the other crazy things in life have slowed down.  I haven't blogged to much about the house because I'm big on counting those hatched chickens, but also because I didn't want our choice to be judged.  However, Ned and I have chosen what we love for our family, and I know that's all that matters.

I am staying up too late and night and paying for it during the day.  It finally caught up with me last night, and I was on the couch asleep by 8 p.m.  Lack of sleep is not helping my dwindling reserve of school patience, either.  It really could be worse, but there are moments that I feel like if one more child asks me to sharpen a pencil or asks if we're going outside I'm going to lose it.  Avery sometimes requires an extra dose of patience and I hate feeling like I have none to give in my little time with her each day.  Four more weeks to go!

Off to do something about these toes.  I keep checking Avery and Felix the cat for pink nails.

Weeks in Review ~ 4/30-5/14

The past two weeks can be very easily described as the week before the move and the week after.  We went into the week before the move very unprepared I felt to actually move.  We hit a snag with our appraisal and were told to wait on packing until it was resolved.  We ended up having to sign a new contract at the beginning of that week.  I did some packing but really just couldn't get started.  I also didn't want Avery living in boxes for so long.  The Thursday night before we started I got really stressed because it looked like we had so much to pack, and it looked like we had so much to move with very limited help.

Avery stayed with my parents that Friday night since we did not need her assistance.  That night Ned and I moved our hanging clothes and some kitchen and linen closet items.  We spent the rest of the night boxing things up.  The kitchen was the absolute worst!

We started our day early on Saturday.  I was at the house by 7 am, and when my mother-in-law knocked on the door at 8, I was laying on the living room floor reading blogs because I had unpacked everything we brought on Friday.  Ned had only one friend helping him move and it took them forever to bring the first load.  I soon realized it was because they packed Ned's truck and trailer to the brim.  They were able to bring all the furniture that came to the house and many of our boxes and tubs in two trips.  Mimi made several trips getting Avery's toys, boxes, and odds and ends.  I made a few trips as well but tried to focus on getting things unpacked.  Ned lost his help at lunchtime, but his dad helped with a few things that afternoon.  By then, I had the entire kitchen unpacked, our bedroom and Avery's bedroom set up, and the furniture in place.

Avery came home before dinner and did not seemed bothered at all that her toys were in a new house.  She played, explored, and ate dinner.  She did have some big tears when I put her to bed, enough that I got her back up and rocked her.  She cried again when I laid her down, but quickly calmed down and slept all night.

We were all a bit tired on Mother's Day and decided against church.  I hate that we didn't go, get pictures, and do all the things that you are "supposed" to do, but I'm working really hard these days at doing what's right for us.  We rested, did some unpacking, went to the grocery store, and had dinner at Ned's parents', which is now right down the street.  Avery took a great first nap in her new room which is all the present I needed.

This week has been busy for us all.  I had conferences, our 3rd graders started their SOL testing, and I finally took myself to the doctor for a sinus infection I've been battling for weeks.  Ned had meetings and also still had many trips to make to the house to get odds and ends.  Each time I get things straight, he brings more stuff home!  We are now down to pictures and a few random things to get, so I am working on the last bit of unpacking and organizing.  We learned early in the week that we would not be closing on Friday, so that gave us extra time.  We would have preferred to close, though.  Our new date is set for next Monday.  The are closing on our house and our buyer's house that she sold in the same day and the lawyers are holding us up.  We're ready to stop paying for two houses so that we can get the next house started.  Avery has adjusted so well.  She fussed a bit until Wednesday night but has been sleeping all night without a peep.

Today Avery and I were finally able to attend a fun play date and got to meet lots of sweet new friends.  We missed out on several and were glad to be free to go today.  She was ready for a nap when we got home and didn't even want to sit with me first.  While she slept I was finally able to pay bills and work on doing some change of address.  Once she woke up I was able to get the laundry room organized and continued with the never-ending laundry.  Lolli and Poppa came for dinner since we didn't celebrate with them last weekend.  She was ready for bed again and I was ready to be able to blog.

I have been terrible about taking pictures the past 2 weeks.  Part of the problem is that Avery comes home from her day at the sitter's a bit dirty from living it up outside.  I still need to be capturing those memories though. 

Ned set up Avery's swing today in a tree in the front yard.  Avery seems a little unsure of the safety.

Peeking at Lolli and Poppa from the front porch.

Can you tell Lolli and Poppa were visiting?  The Avery Show was in full effect.

Pictures of the house to come soon.  Overall we're loving it!