Gettin' My Grub On

Avery getting a little test drive in her new grub station.

Since she's not eating solids yet, instead of food, we gave her spare change and small marbles to play with on her new high chair.

This photo gives a little glimpse into how Avery will look when her two front teeth come in. I bet she'd be able to carry her lunch sack in that tooth gap.

Being a Parent is Hard Work!

I'm sure all of you who are parents could have told me that (and probably did!), but one never expects their own child to be challenging. In fact, I'm not sure anyone could have prepared me for how emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing having a baby can be... So, the other day I made a list of some of the positives to remind myself of when Avery won't take a nap, but is a total crankpot, or is up for the fourth time during the night. I thought I'd share them with you, faithful reader.
1. I'm not alone. I have an amazing, loving and involved husband who isn't too afraid of breastmilk poo, who is willing to take a turn at night, and who sends me out of the house while he watches her when I've had a tough day. Avery has two sets of grandparents close by who have yet to turn down a babysitting opportunity. And I have friends who are right there in the baby trenches with me.
2. I don't have to work (although many days I long for it...). Nick works hard to support us and God continues to bless us in unexpected ways.
3. Avery is relatively healthy. The things she suffers from are irritating, but that is all they are: inconvenient and annoying.
4. She is developing normally. She's rolling over, playing with toys and tries so hard to sit and stand!
5. Breastfeeding has not been a problem.
6. Avery smiles, coos, and tries to sing with us. And she has already developed a love of books (Hoorah! No denying she's our kid!)
7. She can go to sleep on her own (staying asleep- another issue- we're being positive here:)
8. She came from Nick & I- our flesh and blood- how amazing is that?
9. Avery loves and needs me.
10. I have a child.

Some Recent Photos of our Little Squirt

Blue Eyes. We've been feeding her the Dune spice.

Avery chillin' in her crib givin' a little waz up to all the brothers in the house.

A new computer and a sick kid gets you a really long overdue post...

I've been racked with guilt for not posting in so long... Not to mention that the last two posts haven't even been about Avery... The truth is, we have a new computer and new way of storing photos (that I've just figured out) and a sick kid who has taken it out of me over the last few weeks. (I'm afraid I can't account for the few weeks before that...) So, let me catch you up on the last few months with our baby girl. Lots of births, lots of birthdays, lots of smiles, squeals and giggles, lots of coos, attempts to sing along with Mom and Dad, lots of family here to visit, eczema, diarrhea, fever, suspected UTI, antibiotics, allergic reaction to antibiotics, keeping Mom & Dad up all night, laryngitis, runny nose, cough, more loss of sleep for Mom & Dad, rolling around (almost over, but not quite), loads of love and fun.


Grandma Erickson bought me this cozy bear outfit, unfortunately it didn't really ever get that cold- Mom and Dad did a little photo shoot with me in it, though.

Chillin' in my Bumbo and Boston gear. Go Red Sox! (My Aunt Heidi is a fan and bought me this outfit for Christmas so I could represent).

Tummy Time is getting better and better- I can almost roll over now!

Sleep is getting better and better, too! Slowly but surely. My mom is holding out hope for the night she gets eight hours straight:)

Dad likes to squeeze my cheeks!

Superbowl Sunday my girlfriends and I tried to round up all the little ones for some photos. As the pictures prove, it was a bit chaotic...

Manoah Paschall (he'll be one year in a week!)

Avery & Ivy Cross

Penelope Verdugo (just turned one!)

From l-r: Avery, Ivy Cross, Kaden Ryska, Manoah Paschall, Charlotte Jeldy, Penelope Verdugo

Moms & Babes