Straight Up

In case you're wondering what that is, it's my daughter's hair on Saturday morning. My girl has a serious mohawk. Actually, it's really a mullet. It's full on the top, tight on the sides, and long in the back. But I don't want to embarrass her too much, especially considering her Southern heritage. (For what it's worth, I don't think Paul ever had a mullet. But if he did and I'm missing out on those pictures, cough 'em up, people.) We'll just call it a mohawk. It's usually the highest the day after a bath, and Saturday was no exception. It takes a good three or four days to settle down to a somewhat normal hairdo, which means it sticks out to the side, not just straight up. I don't bother brushing her hair, but I do keep meaning to add a bow - Pebbles style.

I think I'll be sad when she's grows out of her punk rock stage. Her hair has some serious personality.

Each Moment

I ran across this picture as I was downloading a few pics from my camera. I took it while we were taking down Christmas decorations. I remember setting this advent calendar up the Saturday after Thanksgiving, putting a Hershey Kiss in each door (not recommended - they end up tasting like wood after the second week) and counting down the days until December 1st. I wanted time to go by so I could track it; instead the advent calendar became a reminder of how quickly time flies.

It's a good lesson for me. I tend to think ahead too much, even with Avery. I can't wait until she starts walking and talking - I even think about what her school years are going to be like. And, unfortunately, the thought has crossed my mind, "Who will she marry?" But I have to remind myself this baby stage is so short. I should enjoy every bit of it. So I'm not going to plan ahead this time. I'm going to stand over her crib and watch her sleep. I think I'll get down on the floor and hang with my girl during tummy time. And I'll be sure to let her sit on my lap for just a few extra minutes and sing one more song or read one more book, because these times on my lap will not last forever.

Hope you all enjoy your day...every minute of it.

Bumbo Baby

Avery sat in her Bumbo for the first time today. The Bumbo, for those who are not familiar with the seat, is constructed to allow babies who can hold their head up to sit up long before they can actually sit up on their own. It makes her look all grown up...I'm not sure I'm ready for all that. The smile is of course aimed at her Dad.

In other exciting news, Avery and I attended a play date with our friend Martha and her son Reilly. Martha and Josh were married a few weeks before us and had a baby a month after us. We went from hanging out at AC Moore to finish up wedding details to hanging out at Babies R Us to talk about the latest strollers. I loved getting to meet many of Martha's friends and look forward to many more play dates in the future. And honestly, friends, is this little guy cute or what?

Georgia

I'll skip the description of the trip down since I would like to forget about it. Let's just say the trip usually takes about 10 hours, and it turned into a 14 hour debacle. Once we arrived, it became a great time with family. There were many hands willing to hold our little girl, including Paul's cousin Jessica and sister Katie Beth.



Once Paul's brother Brian and his family arrived, it became very clear that their youngest daughter Mary Scott loved babies. She would ask Monica if she could hold Avery and then cry "My Baby" when she wasn't able to hold her. It was so sweet to see, especially considering Brian and Monica will be having a new baby in June. She'll be a great big sister.


Once Mary Scott's sister Catherine and big brother Benjamin got dressed in their Christmas Eve pajamas, we took a picture of the kids. Avery fell asleep during the photo shoot. She was pretty comfortable in Benjamin's arms, I guess.


Avery was sporting her new bow from Aunt Monica...too cute!!


Carter and Avery were wearing similar outfits, so I tried to catch a picture. Poor Mark had to hold my crying bit...Carter was sweet as usual.

This is our attempt at a Judd grandkid picture...maybe they will all be smiling a few years from now. The night of this picture, Scott and Cathy (Paul's parents) gave us a great gift by watching all six kiddos while the boys and wives were able to go out for pizza. We had a great time chatting without interruption (when does that ever happen?).

The trip back home was much better, thanks to Brian and Monica's hospitality. It's nice to be home, but we miss our Georgia family already!!

My Babydaddy

Paul had ACL surgery on his left knee last Friday, so Avery, Ellie(the dog) and I have had the privilege of taking care of the only man in the house. For those who don't know, ACL surgery is a painful procedure followed by a long recovery. Paul will be off his feet and out of work for at least a month, and he begins physical therapy after Christmas three times a week for 8-10 weeks. But for now, Paul is a captive audience, as he is not able to get off the couch without assistance. I usually nurse Avery and then hand her off to her dad. She smiles immediately and moves her hands and makes the cutest little coos. I think Paul fell in love with Avery when the ultrasound tech said, "It's a Girl", but these past few days have proven the feeling is mutual.

No one can get Avery to smile like her daddy.

All Thumbs

Avery is a thumb sucker. She's been sucking her hand off and on for a few weeks, but her first thumb-sucking triumph was at the doctor's office for her two month appointment. It was perfect timing for her to find her thumb, because I forgot to bring a pacifier just in case she flipped out during her shots (she did, by the way). Anyway, Paul and I have caught her in the act a few times since then. We think it's the most adorable thing, but I'm sure it will be annoying in a year or two. Anyone who has advice on how to break this habit should let me know. I'll file it away and bring it out when I'm more concerned about her orthodontic future (I might have just made up a word, by the way). For now, the cutie-pie pictures are worth the potential braces bill.

2 Months...

...have flown by. Avery turned two months yesterday, and to celebrate we put her in her crib the evening before. Neither of us slept particularly well, but Avery did. God blessed me with a girl who loves sleeping as much as I do. Since Avery is now in her room, I thought I'd show off some pictures of it. I'm sure the fall colors are no surprise to anyone. Those pics are followed by a few of Avery in her asian-inspired dress.

Our splurge was this chair. The blanket was made by Michelle, and the "Avery" banner was made by Marie, Rachel, and Sarah.

My mom painted the picture, my mom's friend's sewed the quilt and bumper, and Paul's parents provided the crib. Thanks all!!

The setup.

My bad attempt at a pose. She looks a little uncomfortable.