Beach House

We spent the last week in Long Beach Island with my siblings, parents and 5 of Avery's older cousins. With all the stress in Avery's life, it was good for her to relax and lounge around for the week at the beach and pool. She loved playing with Ryan (especially with his toys) and watching all of the other kids. Abby, Matthew and Jacqui liked holding and hugging Avery (and she seemed really fond of them too). Uncle Kenny and Aunt Peggy taught Avery some new ways to dance and play patty-cake. She also spent a lot of time staring at her relatives and waiting for people to notice and smile at her so she could reciprocate. We all had a great vacation week.

view of the bay from the backyard...

In the pool with Daddy on day 1 (Avery's favorite expression and sound - OOOOOhhhh).

This is what we are now calling her Urban Sombrero. Flipping up her giant brim was the best way to keep the sun away (she also developed her cabbage patch kid smile this week).

Miss snuggle bug decided to poop out on my lap. Apparently even Jacqui thought it was really funny.

Wrapping up my little bundle...

Playing in her away-from-home exersaucer while she drip dries...

Barnagate Lighthouse while Avery naps.

View from the edge of the walkway (while she's still sleeping!).

Cute girl with her papa.

Being thoughtful while looking out at the bay.

Jon and Scott strolling the kids backwards so the sun doesn't shine in their eyes while it sets.

AJ and cousin Ryan playing with his toys.

Grandma and Grandpop holding their 2 youngest grandkids before bed.

Peggy, Matthew and Abby all early risers with Avery on the first morning.

Cousin Aidan showing us his cars.

Happy baby on her stomach...

And a not-so happy baby on her stomach. Is she smelling her own poop??

No pictures at the beach unfortunately, but Avery wasn't terribly fond of the ocean (it was too cold on her feet). She did let a black lab puppy lick her all over and she liked being held up high looking out at the ocean while we stood with our feet in the water. Other than that, we are all sad that our week is over and it's back to the norm again Monday.

Really sleeping

The biggest news is that it really only took a few nights to ferberize Avery. She's spent most of the past week sleeping a good 10 to 11 hours straight through the night. Quite a change from the last six months! All three of us are much happier and better rested.

We leave tomorrow for a week at the shore with Cher's side of the family. It'll be a blast to get Avery on the beach and in the pool for the first time, and also for her to be with her cousins every day. Should be a great time.

Here some of what Avery's been up to...

A pic Marmel sent us from her visit. Notice how AJ is going after that food with every ounce of her being.


Some pics of AJ chilling on the couch.

Now who wants a hug?


Not sure what this face means. Probably a dirty diaper in progress.


Happy little girl with a big smile (also from Marm's visit).


Avery Jaders, sweet p'taters.

mohawks and more...

We abandoned the young Natalie Portman hair style this weekend for a new rocker look. Scott lathered up Avery's hair during her bath and let it air dry into a mohawk... I didn't realize it would stay like that, but it was really cute.


Avery trying avocado for the first time... not so into it...


Avery is obsessed with Dora the Explorer. It is really the only thing in the world (besides her pacifier) that will calm her down. She'll even watch it upside down if she has to...


We are in the process of teaching her to sleep through the night without being nursed. It's going to be a long couple of days...

6 months!!!!

YIPPEE for me it's my 1/2 birthday today! I'll have new stats tomorrow so stay tuned for the report from my doctor!!!

pastimes

This week we pay tribute to Avery's many pastimes - hooray!

She likes to gum, eat and drool over everything (including the card Marmel sent to celebrate Avery's baby naming and 1/2 year birthday!).

She likes to play with her toys and test their flavor...

She likes to endlessly turn the pages of Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See and do it as quickly as possible. Second runner up for favorite page turner is Baby Cakes.

Avery is showing a big interest in Missy the Cat's tail. Missy's wondering how long I'll be protecting her tail from Avery's torture...

Her exersaucer is a BIG hit... and she's very proud of her playing skills

and a tired Avery puts her head down for a rest from all that playing (note the ever-present wet spot under her mouth)...


And as an aside - we've been trying different hats on Avery and she really doesn't appreciate the fashion show.