2011 Wrap Up

{I'm not sure what's up with this new blogger business. I can't get my words to line up above/below my pictures!! Ugh!!}

We arrived home late Tuesday afternoon after a quick stop in Birmingham to see the Lawdrence's {and I took no pictures!}. Emma, thanks for being such a good sport about letting Avery Claire play and make a mess in your room!

We got home and immediately got to work unpacking our clothes, getting Christmas decorations put up, and getting the house organized!! I cannot go to bed the night after a trip until all of that is done! Avery Claire pulled out her new vacuum cleaner and got to work right beside me!

The next morning, we had visitors! Avery Claire tried to get Chambless to play with her new toys, but they were all a little too girlie for him! Thanks, Chambless, for letting Avery Claire dry your hair. We promise she won't pull it next time! We have played and played and played all week! We put together a few things Avery Claire got for Christmas that were too big to travel assembled.

Nana and Papa came for a surprise visit Friday. You were sooo excited when we told you they were coming, although you did ask "Matt?" You really wanted bff Uncle Matt to be with them! You were even more excited when they knocked on the door!

Mommy and Daddy got to have a date night!!

You were our little waitress and took everyone's order. You were so funny "taking" pizza from the tv. Every time Dusty fast forwarded, you said "I wan see." And you picked little pieces off the pizza for us.

Papa and Nana both toured your new house {claustrophic as it may be}! You had lots of fun with them and didn't want them to leave.

You were worn out and couldn't stay awake when we woke you up at 6 pm from your nap!

You may just make midnight tonight after your late afternoon snooze!!

21 Months {late again}

I was three days late taking 21 month pictures. I am even later posting them!!

 

Avery Claire, at 21 months, you:

- weigh around 28 pounds.

- are such a funny, funny little girl! You love to be the center of attention and make sure all eyes are on you at all times.

- are talking up a storm. You try to say anything we say. A few things I can think of right off are: Come on {'mone}, You wanna play {yew wan pay}, doggie {goggie}, I want a cookie {I wan cook-eeee}, I'll get it {I geeet it}, Okay {M-kay}.

- say some words in the most proper way - Dad-dee, Pa-Pa, Na-neee, ba-bee

- sometimes substitute Nani for Nana

- have the sweetest little smile with the most precious little dimple.

- can have the most serious face you've ever seen!

- are a great pretender. You have quite the imagination and we love to watch you in action!

- love  your Uncle Matt. He is your bff. When he is around, no one else needs to be. He thinks you're pretty special, too!!

- had a ball during Christmas. I don't think you made the connection between Santa and how the toys got to you, but you certainly made the connection between the mall Santa and a sucker. You sat in his lap when you found out he was giving out suckers. Anytime we mentioned Santa, you'd say "I wan suck-suck."

- are a picky eater, but Mrs. Teresa says you love ham and SALISBURY STEAK!! Yes, salisbury steak. You go in phases...sometimes, you love green beans. Sometimes, you don't want them. Sometimes, you love any kind of bread. Sometimes, you won't touch bread.

- still have your paci during sleep time. We discussed leaving it in Clay County, and you agreed, but Mommy and Daddy decided you were doing great with the way things are, so we'll worry about that one later.

- are very independent. You like to do things for yourself.

- are so girly, which Mama loves!! You love shoes and make-up...the more "real" the better!

- are getting very good at cleaning up. I try to make sure we clean up one mess before we make another. Maybe if I instill that quality in you now it will pay off later?

- are the best little helper. I can ask you to do a little chore for me and you gladly help out.

- love to be a little Mommy to your babies. You are all into changing diapers. You fan your hand and say "shew".

- are the light of our lives. We don't know what we did before you came along. You are the most precious, perfect, sweetest, cutest, most beautiful little girl in the whole wide world. Mommy and Daddy love you so very much!! No matter when, where, or what else is going on, our eyes will always be on  you, sweet girl!

Christmas 2011

Before Christmas

Avery Claire's daycare party was Thursday, the 22nd. Our last day of school was Wednesday, so she got to sleep late Thursday before heading to daycare {while Mommy and Daddy finished a few last minute Christmast things and she got a good nap!}. I love to watch her at daycare. She acted like such a big girl with the other big kids. Guess who stopped by the party?! Avery Claire was ready to sit with Santa asap, but had to wait her turn! Tripp with Santa Meet the biter Kirby Kirby gave Avery Claire this little mark at the beginning of the week of Christmas Thanking Brayden for his gift! Avery Claire loves Mrs. Brittany...and Mrs. Brittany loves Avery Claire. Giving Mrs. Teresa a big hug Jack continued to pop up in all places high! Avery Claire got a big smile on her face every time she found him. He even made the drive to Clay County with us! We spent lots of precious time with family and enjoyed every second. Avery Claire was spoiled all weekend! Thank you, every one, for spoiled our girl and loving her as much as we do!

Christmas Eve Eve Avery Claire got dress up clothes and shoes! She walks like little grannie when she wears them! Sweet cousins

Christmas Eve

I worked on shirts for cousins the entire week before Christmas. When we got to Clay County, I had one of five done. I started working while Avery Claire napped and then learned from a little birdie {who shall remain nameless} there were bets being made in the other room on whether or not I'd finish. That was all the motivation I needed. And Karson, I'll get your shirt to you with a "K"...anyone need a shirt with a houndstooth appliqued "C"? Avery Claire wasn't sure about Nana holding Aubrie. But Nana didn't get her for long...there may have been a baby hog in the house!! Just kidding, Aunt Joyce! ;-) Avery Claire took a few minutes to warm up to the idea of playing with sweet Hudson, who kept saying "Yew wanna pay?" I think this one could have been when they both took little tumbles at the same time. Or it could have been over a toy. We clearly have some lessons to learn about sharing....Avery Claire, not Hudson. Can you imagine Christmas next year with all of these kiddos? We exchanged gifts with Uncle Matt and Aunt Sarah. The gift hit of the night was.... For the record: it takes 3 grown men quite some time to set up a ladybug tent.

Christmas Day

Santa came!!! Avery Claire walked into the living room and saw her "cah!" She hopped right in and didn't want to see another gift! Santa, you could have stopped at the car! We eventually persuaded her to open the rest, but she loved that yellow car!! More visiting... Someone said something mighty funny! Santa even came to see Win... More sweet cousins... Grandmother just taking it all in... Not sure what these boys were taking in, but I'd venture to say it has something to do with deer. :) Blair told all about Anna's boyfriend! And what she didn't know, she made up! After the yellow car drove its first few feet, it broke down. We weren't sure what the problem was. Avery Claire was content just to sit in it and look cool. Elton, of course, fixed it right up! Avery Claire wanted every toy opened asap...and she played with them all. She had us all hopping to help her! But that face made it all worth it! I just had to put this one 'cause it was too funny not to. Needless to say, Avery Claire had a great 2nd Christmas. We were all worn out!