Working Girl

Last weekend Avery put in some work, some social work. This little girl is such a character. On Saturday we met up with Grandma, Aunt Jess, Sarah and Cindy for their annual Christmas shopping event. Macy's had still models in the store, when I let Avery out of her stroller I think she was imitating them because she seriously didn't move for a good 20 seconds!
My little model. :)
Mommy got a GREAT deal (70% off) on this coat and Avery thought she was pretty cool in it.
On Sunday, Avery's friend Vail and her Mommy, Jen came over to play with us. The girls still don't play so much together, but they were very much into the hugs! So much so they kept knocking each other down. Silly girls.
Avery's bike from Aunty Di was a hit. "Let's cruise!"
How cute are these girls?
Adorable!
On Mondays I work from home. I set up shop on the kitchen table and Avery has to be next to Mommy or she's not happy. So I set up her own "office." Here she is watching Baby Einstein on her computer working hard.
Silly girl.
After our hard day of work Avery and I went to the hospital to see Grote Oma. She's there for high blood pressure again. Her and Grote Opa aren't feeling so good these days. We are praying to Santa and to God that we get to have them both through the holidays. Keep them in your prayers.

We wish all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

18 month photoshoot part 1

Last weekend we attempted to do Avery's official 18 month photo shoot (because this poor kid has no photos of herself...) but unfortunately Seattle rain interfered. We're going to have to try again this weekend but in the meantime here is my little munchkin in all her 1 1/2 years of glory.

At Bellevue Park. The shoes were a no-go, she kicked them off and had wet, black socks.
Then we drove to the Kirkland Marina park since they have a huge covered area.
"Come on Daddy, I want to show you some cool boats out on the lake..."

Then I tried some inside. We had a moment with one of her bearistas. So sweet, she loves to give stuffed animal kisses.

Daddy was helping distract my little princess. She's just too cute for words. (I may be biased)

Little daredevil.

Avery's attempt at art. Not quite her thing yet.

Her beloved (and newly replaced) bitty blanket.

More pictures to come soon. Wish us luck for a dry spell this weekend. My attempt at being a photographer needs some work indoors still. Ah, my little baby is growing up so fast.

18 Months Old

This little girl is 18 months old today!

Avery had her 18 month check up yesterday. She's doing great, and is still our little peanut. At 31 3/4" she's in the 50th percentile for height and at 22 lbs, 3oz is in the 20th percentile for weight. No surprise there, she's not a huge fan of eating much other than milk. She doesn't speak much yet, well regular English anyways, but with the few words she does use along with her signs Doc says she's right on track. She's a total chatter-box though, going on all day and looks to us for response. Our little parana is ahead of the game in one area: she has 16 teeth! Wow!

Avery is still FULL of personality. Here is what she's up to. She catches on to things quickly, and mocks everything we do. Her favorite thing to do like Mommy does is clean the walls, floors, anything on her level. She's obsessed with shoes, especially Mom & Dad's, and walks all over the house with them on. She loves dogs, gets really excited when she sees them. She knows the sounds that 4 animals make: Dog, Fish, Rabbit & Monkey. She's a sweet-heart, gives huge hugs, kisses, and eskimo kisses. She's also still my little stinker. She throws some pretty good tantrums, and when she's being naughty she wears her "Chucky Face" proudly. She leads us all over the house showing us cool new things or things she wants and can't reach.

18 months is a big deal, so Mommy got Avery a present. :) The best gift was a replacement bitty blankie since we lost her very dear one at the pumpkin patch.

She was most excited about the duckies for the tub (which she helped picked out) and kept giving them kisses.

Dear Avery: How did 18 months go so fast? You have turned our world upside down. You keep me on my toes and never fail to bring a smile to my face. You amaze me at how much you understand and how you consume my heart with so much love. It makes me sad to watch you grow up so fast, but I find myself loving each new stage more and more. You have so much personality, you are definitely a girl who knows what she wants. I hope that will always keep you reaching for the stars. You are the center of your Mommy & Daddy's world and you've captured the hearts of many. I couldn't be more proud to call you my sweet baby girl. :)
Love, Mommy

Avery's 2nd Halloween

We started our Halloween off this year celebrating mine and Andy's 11th anniversary together. We decided to recreate our first date with frozen lasagna, wine and pumpkin carving. This time we had a cute little blonde monster accompanying us. :)
Avery was shy at first, but after Daddy convinced her it was cool, she started digging into the pumpkin. Only using the big spoon though so she didn't get too dirty.
Our finished product, it's supposed to be baby Avery. She wondered where the light was coming from.
Over the weekend we had a photo shoot with Avery in her Strawberry Shortcake costume. Mommy had way too much fun. Avery's costume this year was classic Strawberry Shortcake. I wanted something retro and this just seemed to fit her perfect. I think she pulled it off pretty well. (Avery and her cat, Custard).
This is Strawberry Shortcake from the 80's, how did we do?
Avery loved the shots outside. She spent most of her time running away from me.
For Halloween, Avery and I went into Starbucks for the trick-or-treating around the building. Avery got to hang out with her friend Vail, as Jen and I whisked the kids to each stop. They still aren't too sure about this trick-or-treat thing.
Then we went to Nana & Opa's to do some real trick-or-treating. "I'm ready Mom!"
Hitting the houses with Aunty Nan. (Who dressed like a Pirate)
Once she had the routine down, she kept pointing to the bowl of candy asking for more. She knows how to work it, she kept getting more!
She had a blast!
"Nana, my bloomers are showing!" :)
We ended back at the house, and trick-or-treated with Opa.
And one more stop at Grote Oma & Opa's house. Phew, this little Strawberry Shortcake made some rounds! She passed out big time on the way back home and could barely give Daddy a kiss goodnight.
Happy Halloween! Andy and I will be on a sugar-high thanks to our little munchkin!