New discoveries

I totally forgot my brother and his wife passed on this cool play mat to Avery. She really likes it, and seems to have a lot of fun checking out the rings that hang from above her. She's still discovering them, and figuring out that they move. It's really cool watching her learn, and watching her play. Here's a short clip.

Change of scenery

At around a month old, the doctor started telling us to put Avery on her belly, and let her have 'tummy time'. This is where the baby lays on his/her belly, and it kind of forces them to lift their neck and head. It strengthens those muscles, which are imperative for holding their head up, sitting, up, and much more. Avery hates tummy time- it's hard work! She fusses, and usually face plants at least once each time.

Up until yesterday that is!

I totally forgot that my sister-in-law passed on to me a play mat with bright colors, flowers that make noise, and hanging rings for the baby to reach and play with. I brought it down from the man cave, and Avery LOVED it! Maybe it was the change of scenery- but there was no fussing, and a lot of laughter!!

I can see so clearly how her mind is developing, and how she;s becoming much more aware of her surroundings! She reaches for toys, holds onto things, and will laugh and smile when toys make noise. What an amazing thing to witness!

Ch-ch-ch-Changes...

Yesterday was a big day, but not as bad as I expected!

John and I have decided within the last few weeks that I'm going to return to teaching part-time. I contacted my principal last week, and we worked out a pretty sweet schedule: 3 days a week., from 12-3:30 as a Math Interventionist. I'll be working with 3rd grade students who are struggling with Math in small groups. Yesterday was my first day back, and it actually went really well! I think there are a bunch of reasons it went well: I know in my mind this is not a full-time job, I know in my mind that it's only a few months til the end of the school year, and last but not least...I have an awesome lady from church watching Avery! I was expecting to be really emotional, but I was kept so busy at work, I didn't have time to think about it. When I picked Avery up, Kristi said she was wonderful...music to every mom's ears! If you feel led, please pray that it continues to go well, and that my time back at work would be productive, and fruitful and that Avery would continue to do well with a babysitter.

Monica's day of celebration- FINALLY!!

The day has finally arrived- Monica's baby shower! We've all been waiting for this day for a very long time, and it was an awesome day of celebration! Rob and Monica had a difficult time getting pregnant, and after many years of trying- found out they are pregnant with TWINS due the end of April!!! I was so glad to share in Monica's day, and am even more excited to meet sweet Hayden and Reese!!

Claire's birthday celebration!

Avery and Piper...not looking at the camera.

Claire and her birthday cake!

Stewart, Claire, and Kai!

Angela, Claire, Lindsay, Katey, and me

Claire, me, and Katey

We all celebrated Claire's birthday on Monday night at the new Plaza Azteca in Yorktown. It was great to have everyone there (minus the Lancours). Once again- I'm so thankful for awesome friends! It was such a blessing to look around the table, and see how my friendships with these girls have grown over the years, to see all the beautiful, healthy babies, and see how all the guys laugh and get along so well!

3 months old!

Look who's 3 months old!

She's a happy, healthy, chubby, smiley, giggly, content, girl- and she's such a blessing!

She had an appointment today- and she weighs a whopping 14 lbs 14 oz! She's gained over 2 pounds in one month- wow!

Loving every little piece of this kid!

Oh my, oh my- my growing girl!

I am so blessed to have a healthy, active, rested, and beautiful baby girl!

These days, it seems like Avery is changing every minute right before my eyes! I know this is only the beginning...and that before I know it, she'll be a year old! She'll be 3 months tomorrow, and she has grown up, and developed so much since she was born (obviously!). She doesn't fit in her bouncing chair anymore, and she's slowly getting too tall for her swing. She can sit up pretty well, and when she's in her swing, she'll crunch up and fall to the side a bit (see picture above). She's much more comfortable in her Bumbo seat now. It used to be really awkward for her, but she's tall enough for her, and she can hold her head up well. She really likes to sit in it, and watch her surroundings. When she gets tired, she rubs her eyes- and I guess I've always though of that being a 'big girl' kind of thing to do...not something a 3 month old would do. She's really verbal, and likes to babble and coo in the morning when she wakes up.

I just love her to pieces...and can't wait to watch her continue to grow, and develop into a beautiful and healthy little girl! Everyone was right...Avery is the most precious gift God has given to me, and I love being her mother!