TRANSITION

May 28th: Yesterday I found out that Avery is making the transition to the 1 year old class. The transition lasts two weeks and she will spend a little time each day in the new class getting used to the teachers and students. Ms. Amelia, the morning teacher, is usually in Avery’s class when I drop her off, so we know and love her. Also, many of the kids in this new class were just in Avery’s class so she knows them. All this should make me feel good, right? Wrong. I am having a really hard time with my baby growing up. I now know I am going to be one of those Moms that cry every time their baby does something new. This morning, to make me feel better, we toured her new class and Ms. Amelia went over the schedule they follow. This class is more structured and she will follow a specified routine. They have a little table and chair she can sit at while doing activities and she will now sleep on a cot instead of a crib. They tell me Avery is doing great at the transition and only cried for about a minute or two. Well I have to tell you I’m not doing great with the transition and I cried for a good 30 minutes or so. I have a feeling this transition will be easier on her than it is me.

3-2-1 BLAST OFF

May 25th: I realized the other day after talking to my Dad that I have been very lax in letting everyone know that Avery is officially walking all by herself. Sorry everyone. I have been so busy lately with work that it slipped my mind what I have told and what I have not. So....Avery is now walking all the time. I can hardly keep her still. Looks like we will have to get out our running shoes soon. Here are some videos we took this weekend of our little walking machine. Enjoy!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

May 22nd - 25th: Happy Memorial Day weekend. I just love long weekends especially this one because it is about Veterans (my Little Granddad was one) and it marks the beginning of the summer (which means I can now wear white - yes I hold that belief). We spent the weekend at my Little Grandma's house in the country. On Saturday night we went to a concert in downtown Lobelville. We saw The Lost Creek Boys (a Lobelville favorite) and Mel McDaniel. You may know some of his hits, such as "Louisiana Saturday night" and "Baby's got her blue jeans on". We had a great time. Sunday Grandma watched Avery while David and I went on a date in the big city of Dickson. We spent Memorial Day relaxing and of course eating. I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend.

This picture isn't from this weekend but I thought it was cute. My Mom bought her this hat so she wouldn't burn her face.

Grandma just had this great deck built. You can see the Buffalo River and watch people go down the river in canoes.

This is us at the concert. For some reason my Grandma is in to taking pictures where I am not looking at the camera. She says these are the best kind but I'm not ready.

Avery is very patriotic with her American flag.

WALKING

May 10th - The moment you have all been waiting for (at least some of you). Sorry it took so long, we had technical difficulties. These videos were taken on Mother's Day. I can't believe Avery is so close to walking. Wasn't I just getting excited that she could roll over. Where has the time gone?

Avery and I walking in the kitchen.

Avery trying to make it to David.

I love this video. Avery is not used to the grass and won't really step on it. The whole time we were on the grass she was on her tippy toes and would not let go of me.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

May 10th - Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. Today was my first Mother's Day and I enjoyed every minute of it. I got to sleep in and then Avery and David brought me breakfast in bed. After church they took me out for lunch. Finally, we went to the park, took a walk and spent a little time on the playground. It was the best mother's day ever. I am so fortunate to be a Mommy to the sweetest girl in the world.

GRANDPA COMES TO VISIT ME

May 7th - I'm sad tonight because my Grandpa left to go back to NC. He came to visit me on Sunday and we had a great time. He brought me a pretty dress, John Deere socks, a new book and (best of all) a baby doll. Her name is buttercup and I love her. I get really excited when I see her. I was able to skip "fun place" a couple of days while Grandpa was here and we played with Big Great Grandma and Grandpa. Here are some pictures of our visit.

My favorite new game to play in the car is working on my leg strength by lifting my car seat visor. Leg strength is very important if I want to walk!

A baby doll. Thank you Grandpa, that is just what I wanted.

Mommy, is it ok if I play with my new doll?

Yeah, a new book. I love when Mommy and Daddy read me a book before bedtime.

TUBES & PLANTS

May 1st - The dreaded day came and went without any problems. I became really anxious Thursday afternoon when I picked Avery up from fun place and discovered she only had three feedings as opposed to her normal four. I just knew her dinner wouldn't last until after her surgery, so I immediately began to worry. On the way to pick my Mom up from the airport I saw a rainbow. I can't quote the exact chapter or verse, but the bible talks about the rainbow being a symbol of God, so I just knew everything would be ok on Friday. I will admit that I still worried.

We arrived at the hospital on Friday at 6:00 am and Avery was just a doll. She wasn't even bothered at not having anything to eat. They gave us all kinds of warning about how she would act after the surgery and I was prepared since I talked to many people who had experienced this with their children. Thankfully Avery was an exception to the rule and didn't act a bit upset. As soon as she saw David and I she had the biggest smile on her face. Though she did make it quite clear she was hungry and ready to eat. I have to say Avery is so strong for such a little person. She was a trooper and did so well. I also have to say that I held up much better than I expected. Thanks again to my Mom for coming and being with us. You were a lot of help!! Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Daddy trying to put the hospital gown on Avery. As usual she wouldn't sit still.

She was really excited about all the attention.

David and I look tired, but Avery is full of energy.

We couldn't keep her still.

Avery's new face. Isn't she adorable?

Mom and I spent Saturday shopping for plants and then planting them. It rained all day for three days but we managed to find a break in the rain so we took advantage of it.