ENT DOCTOR HERE WE COME

February 16th - Today we took Avery back to the doctor for a recheck of a recheck to see if her ear infection was gone. David and I both knew it would not be gone since as soon as she finished her antibiotics her runny nose and cough came back. Sure enough her left ear is still infected. The doctor put Avery back on antibiotics and is making us an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor. I was hoping for this so we could end all the ear infections and doctor visits but now I am worried about the procedure. I’ll keep everyone updated as to when we go see the ENT doctor.

ANY DAY NOW

February 15th - Any day now Avery will be moving so fast David and I won't be able to keep up with her. She is now getting on all fours and rocking back and forth or moving backwards. It won't be long until she starts moving forward.

Avery on all fours.

Look at me Mommy and Daddy!

I'm doing a push up. Look how strong I am.

Below is a video of Avery on all fours.

PICTURE DAY

February 11th - Today was Avery's first picture day. How exciting. It took me forever to pick out the cutest outfit and backup outfit in case she messes up the original by picture time. I told Avery to smile big and make sure her bow was straight but I don't know if she remembered that by the time the camera man got to her. I can't wait to see how the pictures turned out. Below is the picture I took in case the school one doesn't come out well.

ADVENTURE IN THE PARK

February 9th – Happy “8 month” Birthday Avery!! We had a great weekend. My Mom came to visit and the weather was great. On Saturday we took Avery to the park for the first time. I thought she would like the swings so we headed straight for the baby swings. At first she didn’t know what to think but she began to warm up to them especially when David or I swung with her. She mostly sat in the swing, while we pushed her, looking at all the other kids running around. I really don’t know where she gets that from. Next we headed to the slide. I had visions of her laughing the whole way down and wanting to go down the slide over and over again. WRONG. David put her on his lap and slides down. At the bottom she looked at him and then started crying, the kind where she can’t catch her breath. It took her about 5 minutes to calm down. I’m not sure she liked the slide.

Sunday was another beautiful 75 degree day so we decided to talk a walk around the neighborhood. She had such a good time talking and kicking her legs. I think for now we will stick to walks instead of slides in the park.

Avery and I on the swing.

She doesn't quite know what to do.

Grandma and Avery.

Avery's not so happy when she reaches the bottom of the slide.

Avery and Daddy before they go down the slide.

Below is a video of Avery on the swing.

SHE IS ON THE MOVE

January 31st - I really wish I had a TV crew follow our family around all the time. There is so much going on right now with Avery that I really want it all on film. Avery has been sitting up so well we decided to let her sit in a shopping cart all by herself. She was so amazed to ride around and not be in her car seat. It was so cute watching her. We first did it at Publix and then at Target. The carts at Target are bigger so I think she was a little scared at first. We didn't get any pictures at Publix but the one below is in Target.

Avery has really started to move. She is scooting backward everywhere. Friday night David and I sat Avery in the floor of our bedroom while we cleaned our bathroom. Surely she couldn't get in any trouble, WRONG. Every time we looked up she was either half way under our bed or up against the wall. It is so exciting to watch. Saturday I left her sitting in the middle of the den while I made breakfast. When I returned she had her whole body under the coffee table with just her head pocking out.

DA DA

January 24th – 26th: Mommy has been busy so I thought I would update our blog for her. My Granddaddy came to visit me this weekend and we had a great time. Thankfully my Mommy and Daddy were well so we all got to spend time together. On Saturday they introduced me to what they kept calling a “jumper” (thanks Uncle Stuart and Aunt Danielle). I was hesitant at first but after a while I really liked jumping up and down. At one point I shocked everyone. For some reason they thought me saying Da Da was a big deal. I don’t understand why. My Mommy made a big fuss about me saying my first word but I have been talking to her for a long time, I guess she just finally understood what I was saying. I’ve also been trying to keep my parents guessing about how I’m going to sleep. I enjoy rolling over so much that I have decided to do it in my crib. I like to sleep on my tummy and my back. Mommy and Daddy never know how they are going to find me and where. On Sunday we all went to Great Grandma’s church. I basically spent the whole service playing with my Granddaddy. After the service Mommy showed me off to all the older ladies that knew her as a child. She told me that her Grandma showed her off so now it was her turn to show me off. I behaved for a moment but then decided to show those ladies whose boss so I stuck out my bottom lip and cried. That got them to scatter. My plan worked. Mommy is going to include some pictures and a video so enjoy.

Granddaddy and I hanging out.

Man Mommy sure does start early with the picture taking.

My new sleeping position.

Here are videos of me in the jumper.

#3

January 19th - The bad news: If you are counting Avery now has her 3rd double ear infection. If she has another one by her 9 month checkup then we may be referred to an Ear Nose & Throat doctor to talk about tubes. I can almost guarantee she will have another one by March. The good news: she doesn’t even act sick. She is still as happy as she can be.