TRICK OR TREAT

October 28th – We decided to start Halloween early. We took Avery to “Trunk or Treat” at the YMCA. David dressed her in her costume and when I got home she was so excited, she said “Mommy, I’m a lady bug and I’m pretty”. What a change from last year when she really had no interest in her costume. I put “make up” on her face and we practiced saying “Happy Halloween” and “Trick or Treat”. When we got to the YMCA she would show them her bucket but wouldn’t say anything (she can be so shy sometimes). Her favorite part of the event was the bowling. I think she really wants to bowl since she knows David and I go every Monday. She cried when we left because she wanted to go bowling and really got upset when David took her bucket of candy away.

Avery with her pumpkin.

This bowling obsession is really something. Looks like we are going to have to take her bowling soon.

Avery before the fun began. Notice her make up? She wouldn't wear her wings or head band.

BIG GIRL POTTY

October 28th - This weekend we purchased Avery a pink potty. I swore I was not going to buy a little potty but was going to teach her how to use the big potty. Well once again I changed my mind. Avery is so interested in going to the potty and always wants to sit on the big potty. We finally figured we would get her one she could sit on whenever she wants without our help and would feel like it was her own. She absolutely adores it, sits on it all the time and even went pee pee for the first time at home on Tuesday. Of course David and I made such a big deal out of it. We are not sure when we are going to officially start potty training but I think it will be soon. Keep your fingers (or should I say legs) crossed that it goes smoothly!

Avery sitting on her new potty. This may be one of those pictures I show her boyfriends that will completely embarrass her.

She loves to read on her potty.

GOODBYE FRIEND

October 26th – I hate goodbyes. I’ve never been good at saying goodbye. I hate airports because to me it is full of loved ones saying goodbye.

Well the last few days I knew my oldest friend in TN and neighbor, Lisa, was moving back to Chicago and that we would have to say goodbye. We have known each other for about 7 years and have lived side by side for six of those years. I have always taken advantage of the fact that she lived next door and that I could see her when ever I wanted. I am really going to miss her! She has become really close with Avery. David and I call her Aunt Lisa and Avery calls her “My Lisa”. I was really worried how Avery would take her leaving.

Lisa came over to say goodbye and when we told Avery she seemed to be fine with it. Lisa and I shed many tears last night which seemed to puzzle Avery. But I know and hope that Lisa continues to be an important friend in our lives.

We love you Lisa and will miss you more than you will know. But I hope we will continue to be friends / family forever! Good luck in Chicago! And don’t worry we will visit all the time.

PUMPKIN CARVING

October 24th – Today we decided to carve the pumpkin we selected from Walden Farms. I always remember carving a pumpkin with my family when I was younger so I really wanted to start that tradition with Avery and David. At first we were not going to do it with Avery but then a friend at work told me about these carving kits that are safe for kids. So we decided to try it. What an adventure we had. Avery wanted to carve the entire pumpkin by herself and didn’t understand that we needed to help her and do all the cutting. She helped us scoop all the pumpkin insides out and only managed to have one tantrum. We finally gave her the top of the pumpkin and a tool to play with and let her go at it while we finished. I ended up breaking all the tools in the kit (must be all the working out I have been doing) and we had pumpkin all over us by the end of the night. However, I think our pumpkin turned out pretty good.

Up next: roasting the pumpkin seeds (which I’ve never done).

Avery waiting taking it easy while Daddy and I get all the supplies together.

Avery and Daddy getting ready for our first annual pumpkin carving!

Avery is such a good helper. She wasn't afraid to get dirty.

Avery having a tantrum because we wouldn't let her play with the sharp tools. Ok so they weren't really sharp and she did end up getting to play with them.

Avery and Daddy with the finished product.

Our "happy" pumpkin.

FALL FESTIVAL

October 22nd - Avery's daycare had their annual Make A Wish Foundation fund raiser tonight. They hosted a Fall Festival with all kinds of fun activities for the kids and parents. Avery had a great time and David and I had fun watching Avery and talking to her teachers. Avery got lots of prizes, I won a bid on a spa basket and David won his bid on the Chick-fil-A basket.

One activity was bowling. I think Avery is going to be a natural just like her Daddy.

This is as close as they get to bobbing for apples. Can't spread germs so they use tongs. Avery had fun with it regardless.

Avery got her face painted (a sun). She was really scared while they painted her face and then she kept trying to wipe it off.

WALDEN FARMS

October 16th - Every year we visit our local pumpkin farm, Walden Farm, to pick out the perfect pumpkin. This year my Mom was in town so we took her. We learned from our mistake last year and made sure we took cash so we could do some activities. This year we fed the goats, pet the moo cows (that is what Avery calls them), rode the train and the hay ride (minus the hay). The weather was perfect (High 70s)!

Avery picking out her own pumpkin.

Petting the goats.

Petting the moo cow. She has always wanted to pet one at my Grandma's so she was very excited when David told her she could pet him.

FIRST 5K

October 9th - Saturday Avery and I joined "Team Taylor" and ran/walked in our first 5k. This was the 11th Annual Germantown Street Festival 5k Bier Run. Since Donita and I were pushing the girls we went to the back of the crowd. The atmosphere was awesome. As I came up the hill and rounded the corner to the finish line people were cheering and it was so encouraging. Avery and I completed the race in 48.16 minutes. It was the best feeling to cross the finish line with Avery! The weather was perfect and the girls were so well behaved. Avery and I are already looking forward to our next 5k.

After the race we stayed for the festival where the girls got to ride a pony. Avery was so funny, she kept her hands near her chest and would not hold the bar until the very end. I think we have a cow girl on our hands.

Avery and I after we crossed the finish line. Avery was ready to get down and play after being in the stroller most of the morning.

Donita, the girls and I after the race.

Team Taylor: Me, Avery, Danielle, Donita, Reagan and Amelia. I'm so glad Team Taylor had enough room for the Diamonds.

Avery and I getting ready for our first 5k.

BASEBALL

October 7th - As you may or may not know it is the playoffs in baseball. As you may or may not know my family supports the Yankees. Avery is turning into quite a sports fan (which I love) and of course loves to watch baseball. In fact she had a fit one night because we turned a baseball game off. Tonight while Avery and I were eating dinner we cheered the Yankees on their victory. Not sure what this post season will bring, but my household hopes the Yankees will win another world series.

UPDATE

October 5th – Sorry I have not posted an update earlier but life is busy right now. As you have read David and I have been sleep deprived for almost two months because Avery likes to get out of bed and come visit us. We in turn have to get up and take her back to bed and stay with her until she falls asleep. WELL NO MORE! Months ago when I called my pediatrician to get help with the situation she recommended I read “Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems” by Richard Ferber. Of course I was sleep deprived and didn’t have time to read so we just tried her suggestion of slowly removing ourselves from Avery’s room at night. A week or so ago I visited my local library and checked out the book.

IT HAS SAVED OUR LIFE.

Last Thursday we implemented Ferber’s suggestions on how to teach a toddler to stay in their room. If you follow his suggestions your child should go to sleep on their own and sooth themselves back to sleep within 3-7 nights. We installed a baby gate in her bedroom door so she can’t come get us at night and therefore learns to put herself back to sleep. The first night she cried bloody murder for about 3 minutes, I went and checked on her and she cried for another minute or two and that was it! The second night she cried for maybe a minute and since then she does not even cry when we leave and lock the gate. So of course you ask “Are you and David sleeping better?” We are beginning to. I can’t speak for David but I have been sleeping with one eye open just waiting for the crying to begin so I can start watching the clock and console her at the appropriate time intervals, but the crying never comes. Hopefully I will start sleeping through the night now!