20 months| Avery Anne

Yes, I Know... SHES HUGE! She's not so baby anymore; she's a full blown toddler and full of life! Just a few days shy of 20 months & I figured it's time for an Avery update. This little girl is so tall, with a full mouth of teeth. She is working on her 2 year molars right now. She's had a runny nose for over a month and an attitude along with it. I'm not going to lie, I love her personality; It's so full & youthful. Every little detail she absorbs right in and then explodes expression from her giant personality. Yes, she has whit. Yes, she throws plenty of tantrums. Yes, she wants what she wants now just like any other toddler, but I can't help but be happy that my little girl is growing and learning new things daily.

She doesn't have a huge vocabulary, yet she knows everything we tell her and ask her to do. Little things like covering her mouth when she coughs & asking please for her wants make me know my job as a mother is so rewarding. She is really into her ABC's & 123s, but not so successful at saying them. We have a lot of work to do, but that's okay. She can clearly tell you "yes" & "no" this was a positive change for us. For several months she said "no" for everything and anything; in a very mean demeanor. I’m relieved she finally has these two concepts down pat.

Avery has become a full blown daddy’s girl. Well almost… besides at bed time she wants her daddy the moment he comes home from work. She constantly asks for him during the day and I remind her he’s at work. It’s precious the love she has for him. Bryce is becoming a really good daughter dad. They read books & have tea parties every night. Until it’s time for bed she’s really charmed by her dad. I love the break I get, but I love even more the bond they share. I’m anxious to see how she handles the transition to becoming a big sister. I have a feeling days will be hard when I’m home alone, but the moment dad walks in the door things will get better. I guess we will find out shortly, ready or not!

Avery loves to shower. She hogs the water & as much as I love a hot shower by myself, I deal with sharing it with this cutie. I especially love when Bryce gives her one, then I sneak away while there playing princesses and soak up every bit of the peace and quiet. I swear, a hot shower alone is vital to a mothers sanity! Nap time is pretty consistent every day. We sit on the corner of her bed, rock and sing a few songs before she escapes into lala land for a good hour to two. Bed time is also similar if I follow through with this same routine. Easy peasy right?! Well lately, Bryce has been trying to put her to bed, but that's not really going down so well. By the time I go in there and settle her down, it takes a good 45 minutes to get her to sleep. Ideally, we would like her to be able to be put asleep by both of us before the new baby arrives. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. 

We constantly talk about her baby sister; she loves to kiss my belly. She knows where her sisters room is and gets so giddy when she sees how little the clothes are. I'm not sure if she thinks its for a doll or if she really knows her life is about to change drastically. She gets so excited to see babies when were at the YMCA & loves to touch their heads. I always ask her if shes going to have a baby sister and she gets so excited to answer 'ya'! It's going to be a crazy roller coaster to manage a 2 year old & a newborn, but I do know one thing for sure,  the love I have for both my girls is already so powerful. 

Love,

Letters to Avery| 11 Months.

Avery,

I snapped this picture yesterday during our afternoon exploration! It was finally nice outside, so nice you were able to walk around with no clothes on. I know this is your favorite! Now that we fully transitioned into cloth diapers, I know you will be strutting your stuff half naked a lot more now! Your little fluff butt is the cutest thing ever. You really love to be outside, so I'm hoping the days of cold, chilly weather are far behind us.  You are developing into a toddler right before our very eyes. You are basically running at 11 months old & you love your freedom. Holding you is rare, but I'm trying to soak it up as much as you will let me. You are talking a lot more now. Although we don’t understand many words, you’re learning so fast. You are now into the phase of full blown temper tantrums; I did not think this stage would happen so early, but it’s definitely here and you surprise us daily! Sometimes all your dad and I can do is look at each other and laugh when you’re having one. We know you’re not really mad at us; you’re just working through your little issues of wanting everything to be yours. You will learn, sooner than later, that not everything is kid-friendly and safe. I know you will shed many tears over the word ‘no’ but I am ready for this. I am here to teach you what is right and wrong. I am here to hold your hand when you need your momma and help you grow into a wonderful little girl. You are so beautiful, inside and out!

I cannot believe your FIRST BIRTHDAY is in less than a month. I find myself so excited one moment and shedding tears the next. It is bittersweet. I miss that little innocent, fresh, dependent little baby. But I'm in love with this determined, happy, adventures little girl.  You are really the ‘apple of my eye’ baby girl and I am so excited to see what month 11 brings us!

Love,

Momma

10 Months| Avery

Baby Girl don't fret, I promise I don't dress you like a boy too often! This outfit was gifted to you & handmade by some of your Uncles friends in China {I'm Serious!} Plus, it was bedtime & your cute in really anything you have on!

Your 10 months (not so) little one! This month was huge. You now have 6 teeth & your next 2 bottom ones are in clear sight. I hope they don't give you as much trouble as your top 2 did. Those teeth caused a lot of pain, many sleepless nights & a very, very unhappy little girl. 

You clearly look more & more like your Daddy everyday! You are risky, wild & determined! You are now taking 4,5,6, & sometimes 7 steps on your own! I have no doubt you will be a pro walker by your first birthday. You have really taken love to this new found freedom.  However, at this stage I actually dread taking you out to eat. You really hate sitting still. I hope this changes...sooner than later!

You are officially off the bottle too! You are {currently} happy drinking from your sippy cup: straw or spout! We have only 2 that you will drink from, but I'm not going to be picky! This makes car rides & bedtime a lot less stressful. Since the bottle is gone, you are eating more solids & much more dependant on following a routine for your meals/snacks. You are starting to drink juice & water throughout the day more & less formula.

This month is kinda a big deal baby girl, Your Momma is officially becoming a Mrs.

You already know how much your mom & dad love each other, but I'm joining your last name club! I can't wait to get you into your little dress & dance with you at our wedding. Your going to be just darling, thinking about it makes my heart explode with happiness!

  It's true, each day is something different, new, & exciting with you. I'm sure you will surprise us once again with all your new developments & expressions in your 10th month of life!

I love you more than Cookie Monster loves cookies & that's a lot!!!!

I love you more than you will ever know Avery Anne!

Momma

My Valentine.

Sneak Peak.



Avery 8 Months Old, Holy Cuteness!
More to come soon!