The Puppy's Water

I managed to wrestle my dog Chloe away from my grandpa for a bit (we have a joint custody situation). It is nice having her home although she doesn't quite receive the pampered care at our house since she is second banana to Avery.

I was tired of constantly setting Chloe's water and food dishes on the counter and out of Avery's reach so I left the water bowl on the floor all day on Sunday. I told Avery over and over that it was the puppy's water and to leave it alone. Well, I guess it finally sunk in because this is what Avery did. This is not staged - I promise!

15 Months Old

Long time, no update! Avery is now 15 months and had a check-up today. All is well. Here are her new measurements: weight is 23 lbs (65%), 32 inches tall (90%) and 18.5 inch head (80%). So once again, she is tall and in good shape!

Avery's gone from walking to trying to run. She certainly doesn't sit still much so I get my exercise as well. Her language development is amazing. She is saying so much now and seems to learn a new word every few days. In her continued efforts to win the "Most Polite Toddler" award she's saying "please" almost as often as "thank you." But we get a lot of "No!" now too! Other new words are blanket, cheese, out and again.

We're working on learning body parts and animals. She knows how to find nose, ear, belly and sometimes mouth. Avery loves animals! She can imitate the sounds made by a sheep, kitty, puppy, cow, and duck. She seems to think horses also say "moo" and pigs say "pig pig" so we'll keep at it. She's really into a Farm Animals book at the moment.

Avery's still eating well but her preferences are starting to show. She's not fond of broccoli, cauliflower, hamburgers or carrots which often end up on the floor. She loves most fruit especially bananas, grapes and of course, blueberries. She can really put on a show when she eats but given her weight, she apparently burns it off somehow.

Avery constantly keeps us busy but we're having a blast with her. She usually sleeps through the night now which makes me ecstatic. Please enjoy a few more photos.

At Daddy's softball game

Showing off her pretty necklace

Playing in our backyard - she loves the slide

Relaxing in the pool

14 Months Old

Avery is a really busy 14 month old. She is walking and talking (sometimes in her own language) and has plenty to do. She does not have time for boring things like diaper changes. Her vocabulary grows constantly. I'm guessing she's up to 25 words/phrases that she uses regularly if not more; however she also tries to repeat everything she hears. Watch out, Daddy!

Avery knows how to find her nose and also knows what a sheep says. She can sign "all done" and is getting good at "more." Favorite activities include eating, playing hide and seek especially with pillows, eating more, rocking chairs and pushing the laundry basket around the house. Easter eggs are still a lot of fun.

She loves dogs especially our dog Chloe. Her love of "dogs" extends to cats and other four legged animals. Avery is what some call a climber. This is not good news for Mom and Dad. She tries to climb furniture, climb up the fireplace/mantle (toys are way more fun when you sit up there), climb on top of toys, etc.

In the last few weeks Avery has picked blueberries (her favorite food!) at the berry patch, attended her friend Max's first birthday party, and attended a Royals game. All were lots of fun!

Aunt Sarah's old rocking chair

Avery and Cooper

Daddy and Avery at a wedding

Picking and eating blueberries

Product Review

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13 Months Old

Avery was 13 months on May 29, but we have been so busy that I'm a little behind. In her 13th month, Avery got much better at walking. She will still result to crawling when in a hurry but her balance is very good now so that she can walk across the room....if she wants to!

She is also quite the little talker. Her vocabulary is probably around 20 words right now and she also tries to repeat the sounds she hears. She says "Hi!" to everyone including strangers. Especially strangers. She constantly babbles and makes me wish I knew what she was saying because it seems to be pretty important.

Avery is still eating like a champ. Blueberries, mandarin oranges and pancakes are still favorites as well as goldfish, breads, sausage, Italian and anything from mom or dad's plate. She doesn't care for broccoli (possibly a texture thing) and cantaloupe isn't well received either.

I am incredibly happy to report that Avery started sleeping through the night when she turned a year old. WHO-HOOOOO!!! This is such a relief. She still wakes occasionally but overall it has been much better. Also Avery is usually cooperative for naps and bedtime.

Avery's Aunt Sarah is staying with us this summer much to Avery's enjoyment. Sarah must have entered Avery's inner circle based on the crying display when Sarah left the house yesterday. Perhaps it is because Sarah is pretty gullible especially when it comes to Avery finding someone to chase her.

Avery loves her wagon (thanks Aunt Erika!)

At Sarah's graduation party wearing the super cute dress from Kate

Pigtails!!

Party Pics and New Stats

Avery had a fantastic first birthday and here are some pics to prove it. We had a party with family and friends at our house. The theme was jungle animals especially elephants which are her favorite (she told me, really). I made and decorated the elephant cake myself. Avery got tons of cool toys and some adorable new clothes for summer. Also the last two pictures were taken on her birthday at daycare. They had a birthday party for Avery - actually everyone calls her "Avery Grace" there because there is another Avery at daycare.

Avery's 12 month check up went great. Her new stats are 21 pounds, 11 ounces (65%), 30 inches tall (80%) and 18.25 inch head (80%). She is developing right on target. The doctor seemed impressed at Avery's vocabulary. I guessed she said about 10 words, although that was a month ago and she already has several new words. My favorite is "thank you" which she says every time you hand her something. I never get tired of it though because it is so cute!

birthday cake

Ooh, a big slide and swing for outside

Cooper and Avery checking out puzzles

Eating cake. Dainty little thing didn't get messy!


Party animal Evan

Avery with her FOUR great-grandmas and two grandmas


Avery's friends at daycare

Mmm. Cake!