Love for Miles

One Month Old!

2011-11-22T08:56:00.000-08:00

Wow! How time has flown by....I can't believe my Little Man is already one month old! Maybe it's the total chaos in our house, the lack of sleep or just his sweet little face. We are still adjusting to a family of four, the evenings are the most chaotic with dinner, baths, and everyone's fussiness, but it is getting easier each day.

Hudson was diagnosed with acid reflux (like Avery Reese), but Brad and I recognized the signs much faster with him. He is so much happier now that he's not in pain (he is on Prevacid). Hudson is definitely a boy, unlike his sister he eats ALL the time! If he had it his way he would eat every two hours.

His one month stats:

weight: 9 lbs 1 oz

height: 20 3/4 inches

head circumference: 14 inches

All of his stats are in the 25 percentile which is typical for a Miles baby....they just aren't big babies.

Introducing Hudson Parker

2011-10-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

God blessed us with a beautiful, healthy baby boy.......2 weeks early! Hudson Parker decided that the womb was too constricting so I started having contractions Wednesday evening. They were about 5-7 minutes apart so we were advised to come to Labor and Delivery, where we were quickly sent home because my contractions were not 'strong enough'. So Thursday Brad and I spent the day resting and continuing to have contractions which progressively got worse. Early Thursday morning we were again advised to go back to the hospital (with much more intense contractions).

Hudson Parker was born at 6:54 Friday morning October 14. He weighed 7 lbs and was 20 inches long. He is perfect! We have been home for a few days now and are getting well adjusted as a family of four.

Hudson Parker

Proud Big Sister

I like the bubbles, Mommy!

2011-10-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

As you know from my previous post we moved recently and with the move came new and exciting things, like a jacuzzi bathtub! We promised Avery Reese that she would get to take baths in there on special occasions or when she has been exceptionally well behaved (well both applied tonight). At first she was skeptical, but as you can see by her facial expressions she learned to love those bubbles.

Our New Home

2011-10-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

Like Brad and I don't have enough going on; we decided to move two weeks ago. We were quickly outgrowing our first home and the drive to work for me was getting longer and longer. Brad and I had discussed putting our house on the market in the Spring, but we decided to wait and just stay put until after Hudson came and life settled down some. By mid-summer I was feeling very cramped and was worried that adding another person in our home would literally make it explode! So we began searching for houses and found a few that would work for us. Brad and I made a deal that we would give our house 60 days to sell and if it didn't sell then we would wait until the Spring.

Our house sold in 27 days!!! We found a wonderful home that was larger and closer to my job, but it also meant that we would have to pack and move 3 weeks before Hudson's due date......eeek! We have unpacked most of the boxes and still have some decorating to do, but we are beginning to feel at home in our new house.

Here's a tour......

Fall wreath I made for our new home

Guest bedroom

Pumpkin Patch Days

2011-10-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

Cooler weather, shorter days, football and pumpkins. Oh, how I love Fall!!

Avery Reese's class got the opportunity to go to the Pumpkin Patch this week. Since I will be taking maternity leave in 2 weeks I have to conserve my vacation days, so Brad was the lucky parent to join Avery Reese in her adventure. Based on the photos and her stories, she had an amazing time. The pumpkin patch offers a small petting zoo, a corn pit, a hay ride, a hay maze, and of course the pumpkin patch itself. She came home exhausted and carrying 3 pumpkins; I'd say it was a successful field trip.

Getting her feet 'wet' in the corn pit

Triple threat

At the top of the hay stack

Attempting a class photo....this explains so much

Making friends with the donkey

Following the leader in the maze

Searching for the perfect pumpkin

The Mitchell Ranch

2011-09-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had the wonderful opportunity to meet some of our very best friends in Texas at their family ranch. Brad and I were excited for the visit for two reasons: first was to meet Alyssa and Spencer's 4 month old daughter Vivian, second was to introduce Avery Reese to the 'ranch lifestyle'. But realistically Brad and I had a third agenda for this trip.....seeing how well Avery Reese would cope around a new baby for longer than an hour.

It was a 4 hour drive from Little Rock and for 4 hours all Avery Reese said was 'I want to see the cows'. (It was a looooong 4 hours). Once we arrived on the ranch, she immediately saw the cows from a distance and in 10 seconds was quickly over the cows and had moved on to her next obsession, baby Vivian. Avery Reese was so excited once baby Vivian finally arrived; she didn't waste any time jumping into 'big sister' mode to help feed Vivian her bottle.

Saturday morning we all got a lesson in Texas Ranching. We feed the calves, the horses, and the big herd of cattle. Avery Reese even got to drive the John Deere tractor (all by herself). It was a great experience for all three of us.

Helping Mr. Chris feed the calves

Giving the horses a treat

'Mooing" at the cows

Driving the tractor with Daddy

The rest of the morning was spent playing with sweet Vivian. And after everyone got a nap we went fishing....which lasted approximately 2 minutes.

Overall we had an amazing weekend at the Mitchell Ranch!!!!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

Awww.......a long weekend! I love these types of weekends. This weekend marked the beginning of Razorback Football, which means traveling, eating, drinking, friends and family. The weekend started off a little rocky with Avery Reese running a 102 fever Thursday evening, so I stayed home with her on Friday and we both did a lot of much needed napping. She woke up from a 3 hour nap fever free so we went ahead with our plans to head to Fayetteville, with Children's Motrin in tow.

Friday evening I got some much needed girl time with two of my best friends! Saturday we geared up for the first Razorback game. We decided to bring Avery Reese as this was probably going to be our first and final live football game this season, due to the arrival of baby Hudson in October. She was so excited!!!! She spent most of the game sitting with Brad cheering on the Cheerleaders.

Sunday my parents hosted a cookout with our family. It was a great time. Avery Reese has been very shy around her cousins in the past, but that shyness vanished this weekend. My sister, Stephanie, made her daughter Sadie and Avery Reese matching dresses, so of course they had to wear them! The weather was so nice yesterday, the kids played outside most of the day. It was fabulous.

I love my family and Razorback football!!

Hudson Parker

2011-08-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Brad, Avery Reese, Mama Judy, and I went to see Hudson's sweet face via 4D ultrasound. We did this ultrasound with Avery Reese and were so excited to do it again with Hudson Parker. He was not very cooperative during the first ultrasound, he was face down, so we didn't get any profile pictures of his face. Brad and I were just so ready to see our son's face, finally.

Well, we should have known better especially since Hudson Parker hasn't really been cooperative throughout this entire pregnancy....so why would he decide to behave now. He didn't! I don't know if it was truly all his fault, with Brad's genes it is just so dang hard to stay still and that was one of the main issues yesterday. The umbilical cord was also blocking our view of his face, as well as a foot and a hand, so we had several different obstacles to overcome. The one thing he was willing to show was that he indeed is still a boy!

Here are a few photos of our little man's face:

Hudson Parker and his hand

Sweet face

one foot and a hand

The Circus

2011-08-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

This summer heat has been almost unbearable; temperatures in the 100's for several weeks in a row. So in order to beat the heat we have been taking Avery Reese to the pool as often as possible, but this week was just too hot. The high in LR on Wednesday was 114.....that wasn't even the heat index, that was the actual temperature! Remember I am 7 months pregnant, which makes it even more fun.

So when we heard the Circus was coming to town we jumped on the opportunity to take Avery Reese to an all air conditioned event (plus this girl LOVES her animals). Brad and I were excited as well, to see her reaction to all the fun.

We went to the circus with two other couples who have daughters the same age as Avery Reese. The girls were so cute, they kept getting the circus and the zoo mixed up. They wanted to see the monkeys, the giraffes and the tigers.

Avery Reese and Caroline shared a seat for most of the show, it was so sweet. They really enjoyed the elephants, the cats (not tigers and lions, but kitty cats), dogs, camels and horses. The acrobatics were more entertaining for the adults than the girls, so we all had a great time. And somehow we got out of there without having to purchase a $20 light spinner or any other souvenir. Did I mention how much I love Avery Reese?

Cheesing with Daddy

Elephant tricks

Enjoying the show with Caroline

Fourth of July

2011-07-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, a 3 day weekend! I would give anything to have one of these extended weekends at least once a month; if nothing else just to catch up on sleep.

Life in the Miles home has been exciting and crazy these days. I am coming right along with my pregnancy, I'm 24 weeks now and finally feeling better. Brad has been super busy at work. And Avery Reese has been cutting her molars and moving into a toddler bed. Oh yeah, we have also slowly been cleaning out the current office/guest room for baby Hudson.

But this weekend was all about the pool, friends and fireworks!! First off on Friday evening Brad converted Avery's crib into a toddler bed.....she was really excited and has slept like a baby (well toddler) in it ever since.

new bed and owl bedding

testing it out

This girl also loves the pool. She got to swim 3 separate times in 3 separate pools; can we say rockstar. (Now we just need to get her some swim lessons, so I won't have a heart attack every time she jumps into the water.)

On Sunday evening we went over to our good friends house, The Moore's. Avery Reese and Kennedi were so cute playing and swimming together. After dinner and dessert the girls and dads enjoyed shooting 'kid-friendly' fireworks (if that's really even possible). These girls are just so stinking cute!

sparklers with daddy

watching fireworks

girls rule!

exhausted from a celebratory weekend

What's In A Name?

2011-06-08T19:07:00.001-07:00

Seriously, being a mom of a 2 1/2 year old, being pregnant, being a wife, and having a full time job wasn't enough......I have to think of a name for this new baby boy! This is not a decision to take lightly.

Okay I didn't make the decision on my own, I did let Brad have a small say. But naming a child is a huge and overwhelming decision. This child will have the name we give him for the rest of his life......will he like his name, will he think it's stupid, will he think we are stupid?

But Brad and I actually found it easier to choose a name for our little boy, than to choose the decor for his room; so what does that say about us?

Drumroll...................................The name of our baby boy will be:

HUDSON PARKER

We haven't decided if we are going to call him Hudson or Hudson Parker, but we don't have to decide all that today. Now Hudson nor Parker has any grand meaning, but the most important thing is that Brad and I like the name.

Zoo Day

2011-06-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Avery Reese has really been using her imagination these past couple of weeks. Her favorite thing to pretend is that a tiger is in the house or on the highway and we have to hurry to find a hiding place.....to cute (and I just love the way she says tiger). So with her recent love of tigers she has been asking to visit the zoo, but Brad and I have just been busy the past several weekends. We finally had a free morning and packed up the car and headed to see the tigers at the zoo.

Since the weather has been so hot already, this will probably be my first and last trip to the zoo until the fall. It was very warm Saturday, but seeing how happy the animals made Avery Reese was totally worth it all the sweat. She enjoyed the tigers, the penguins, the giraffes, the monkeys and the elephant.

Watching the tigers through her new watermelon sunglasses

Avery's favorite animal these days

Trying to cool off with the penguins

Watching the giraffes interact

Snack break....look how red those cheeks are

The Results are in..........

2011-05-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our new family

A few weeks ago Brad and I decided to host a gender reveal party, something to spice up this second pregnancy. So Friday I had my 18 week ultrasound and it was extremely hard not to find out the sex of this baby. We did find out that baby Miles #2 was healthy. So we the technician jot down the gender of our new baby and seal in an envelope. I then took it to a local baker to make us a double layer cake and dye the inside icing either pink or blue, depending on the results in the top secret envelope. This weekend luckily we were super busy, or else I would have been trying to peek.

Finally, Monday was here......D-Day! We had our family and close friends join us for fajita's, fun and of course the cake! The party turned out very well, we had plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained like a jump castle, a swing set, tee-ball and a bubble machine. The adults enjoyed adult drinks and good food.

At last everyone had arrived and had eaten so we could finally cut the cake.......eeek! I had been nervous for two days now. Brad has said girl this entire pregnancy, while I said boy.........view the pictures to see who was correct.

Avery Reese enjoying the jump castle

The cake

The big moment......

BOY!!!!!!!

Avery Reese enjoying the 'blue' cake

Girls Weekend

2011-05-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Brad had the luxury of spending the weekend in Antigua........yes that's right, the lovely Virgin Island, Antigua. Unfortunetly, Avery Reese and I did not go even though we were invited (it's a long story). Anyways, Brad is vacationing in Antigua for his brother's wedding and I am sitting in Little Rock......hmmmm.

Luckily I have a fabulous mother who came down to visit Avery Reese and I for a girls weekend. Grandma T came to town late Thursday evening and Avery Reese and her spent Friday morning swinging and shopping. After Avery Reese's nap the three of us went to get pedicures; it was Avery Reese's first pedicure and she loved every minute of it! She was amazed with the bubbling water, the lotion rub down, and picking out the perfect color. She picked out purple and the lady through in extra white polka dots on her big toes.....Avery thought that was the coolest!

showing off her color choice

finished product

Saturday we got the surprise chance to have a video call with Brad and then we took Avery Reese to Funland in North Little Rock. I have lived here for 9 years now and had never heard of this amusement park for small children. Avery Reese was apprehensive at first, but after her first train ride she was ready to rock and roll. She rode the carousel 6 times in a row(changing horses each time, of course). Then she rode the car ride twice and a smaller train. She got braver with each ride and rode a ferris wheel and then the carousel 3 more times. We definitely got our $10 worth!

I am exhausted, but we had a great girls' weekend.......screw Antigua!!!

Teacher Gifts

2011-05-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

This week was Teacher Appreciation week at Avery Reese's preschool. We have been so blessed to have the same teachers last year and this year, Mrs. Iva and Ms. Shayne are wonderful!! It will be very hard to part with them next year (for both Avery Reese and I).

So the parents and staff provided a luncheon for the teachers Thursday (luckily some of my triple chocolate chip bundt cake was left over). We also gave Avery Reese's teachers a gift of our appreciation, they each received a gift card for a favorite place and I made citrus body scrub for them as well. I found this super easy recipe on the Paula Deen website. I hope they enjoy their gifts as much as we enjoy them.

Citrus Salt Body Scrub

1/2 cup sea salt

1/2 cup sweet almond oil (can substitute light olive oil

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon orange zest

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients making sure to not let any water touch them as it will dissolve the salt. Pour mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.

Easter and Festivities

2011-05-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly, we had dry weather for both Avery Reese's Easter egg hunt as well as Easter day. I think the sun even poked it's head out briefly. Just like her birthday and Christmas, Easter was more fun this year as she was older and understood the activities a little more clearly.

The weekend prior to Easter we visited Grandma and Grandpa Langum and Avery Reese got the pleasure to dye eggs with Grandma T. She had fun, but would have had more fun if Grandma would have let go of the reins a little more.

Helping Grandma with the dyed eggs......being extra careful not to touch the wet eggs

Eating breakfast Grandma style......powdered donuts

Finished product including googly eyes

That same weekend we visited my best friend Amber who recently gave birth to a sweet baby boy Elliot Gregory. And we also took Avery Reese to her first Razorback football game. It was the spring practice game, but still a lot of fun.

The weekend of Easter we took Avery Reese to a local softball park to go on an Easter egg hunt, but I think she preferred the playground instead of hunting. It was very cloudy and the ground was 'soupy', but I dressed her in her Easter outfit and just crossed my fingers she decided not to roll around in the mud. She had a great time hunting the eggs with Brad, but was really interested to double and triple checking that each egg had some sort of candy inside. (I think I was more competitive than Brad was this year). After inspecting all her goodies she wanted to play on the playground again, but this time she was really brave and slide down the two big slides! She is growing up so fast and wants to be so independent these days. (I know come October I will relish in her independence, but today I still want my baby girl).

Hunting

and more hunting

Showing off her wealth in eggs

Checking out the candy

Easter Sunday was wonderful, again the rain held off. Avery Reese enjoyed the gifts the Easter Bunny left her including a baby doll that swims in the bath and lots and lots of chocolate!Brad's mom, brother and our future sister in law joined us at church for a touching sermon. And afterwards we had an amazing Easter feast and Katie even joined in on the fun. Praise God for his glorious gifts!

Family photo

A New Hobby

2011-04-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

So lately I have had this motherly instinct to be 'crafty', but I don't have a crafty bone in my body so this poses quite a problem. For Christmas Brad and I purchased a fancy camera to help my photography skills and I love it using it! My photographs of Avery Reese are much improved, but it just wasn't enough for me (creatively speaking).

I have made some cute applique shirts for Avery Reese for her birthday then I branched out and made some shirts as baby shower gifts (which were a big hit). So I got this grand idea to take a sewing class. A co-worker and I signed up, bought a sewing machine and began sewing........

I really enjoyed my sewing class and learning something new again. The nerd in me loves to learn new things. So since my sewing class I have made a number of fun things from pajama pants, bibs, burp cloths, a pin cushion and ruffle pants for Avery Reese. Also my applique shirts have a professional look to them these days and take much less time.

I have plans to make Avery Reese some sweet dresses and with this new baby on the way.....who knows what I will make. My future is looking SEW bright!

Chocolate Puzzles

2011-01-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

Recently we have discovered how much Avery Reese loves chocolate and puzzles, but just not at the same time (my OCD could not even handle that mess). Two weeks ago Avery Reese was taking antibiotics and she typically is not a good patient when it comes to medicine. We have previously used the sneak attack with the syringe and shot it in her mouth unexpectedly; she quickly caught on to that tactic. So this time around we tried the spoon medicine dispenser and she actually took it like a big girl without starting WW3. Oh, but did I mention that we had to bribe her with chocolate? That girl would drink a spinach and radish smoothie for some chocolate. You even utter the word and she is like "chocolate?, chocolate?".

One of Avery Reese's birthday gifts when she turned one, was a puzzle rack with 5 puzzles. I was really excited when my friend gave them to her as I knew we would spend hours together playing with her new puzzles. Much to my dismay, she never touched the things until about a month ago and now she is addicted. She would rather work a puzzle at night before bad than to read a book. And this girl can work every puzzle independently, the alphabet is her favorite.

I guess all that chocolate she eats is helping her fine motor skills as she works those puzzles over and over and over again.

Family Traditions

2010-12-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up I have the fondest memories of my Grandma's house in Kansas City, George Strait was singing Christmas music in the background and me and my many cousins were gathered around the kitchen table making Christmas cookies. Those were some of the best Christmas'.

This year we carried out the tradition with Avery Reese and my sister's kids at my mom's house. (It was much more chaotic than I remember). We all had a good time from rolling out the dough, using the cookie cutters, to applying the icing and sprinkles.

Avery Reese rolling out dough

Cousin Sadie making a snowman

Cousin Jamie kneading the dough

Grandma making sprite cookies

Adding the sprinkles

All the cousins gathered around the table

Eating the finished product

Falling for Fall

2010-12-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

Avery Reese has always enjoyed being outside with her Daddy, now matter what he is doing. Yesterday was a rarity as she actually wore her coat and a hat, she looked so cute I just couldn't help but follow her outside to snap some photos. Brad was actually taking out the trash and Avery Reese found a pile of leaves.....perfect!

2nd Birthday.....Already??

2010-12-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby is already two (OK so not quite yet, but only 2 more weeks). We hosted her party this year at our athletic club which offered a play maze, a jumping castle, ball play, and a pinata. I have recently been obsessed with owls, so I did an owl theme for her party; which was very cute if I do say.

Avery Reese was so excited when her friends started arriving; she had friends from school, church, family friends, and lots of family members help her celebrate yesterday. We are so blessed! Avery Reese had a wonderful time! The children loved the entire party; the play maze was a little scary at first, but the jumping castle was a huge hit. Avery Reese enjoyed playing with all of her friends, she had so much fun (that girl LOVES her friends)!

Jumping in the happy castle (disregard my child's black eye, its a photo editing mistake that I can't undo)

(Note the owl print dress)

Cupcakes

She loved when we sang to her

Delicious

Party favors

Opening her first present

Pinata

Party Goers

Let The Parties Begin

2010-11-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

Fall is my favorite time of year; the changing colors of the leaves, cooler weather, football and now with a child.....parties! Most of Avery Reese's friends have fall birthdays and add the holidays, October was a busy month and we are just getting started.

Avery Reese has already attended two birthday parties and 4 Halloween festivities. The mention of a party, gets her excited these days....she always inquires, 'cupcake?" I am looking forward to more parties with her this year. Here are some photos from birthday parties and Halloween.

Giddy-Up

Trick or treating at school

Making cookies with her school buddy, Madelyn

Fishing for treats at school carnival

Jumping!!

At Kennedi's birthday

Party at The Little Gym

Side........Sing

2010-10-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

Those are the words we heard over and over again this weekend. So let me first start off by translating Avery Reese's speech; "side" simple means outside and "sing" means swing. Brad and I have quickly realized our child is obsessed with playing outside, which is totally fine unless the Hogs are on tv or I need to run to the grocery store. And when she looks up at you with those pouty big brown eyes, who can say no?

This child doesn't want to swing simply for a few minutes, oh no! Avery Reese is content swinging for an hour straight, no problem!! So needless to say we improvised and pulled the tv outside yesterday to finish the Hog game and I waited until her hour of swinging had reliquished to go grocery shopping.

You would think as much time as we spend swinging I would have some photos, but I am too busy pushing the swing to take any and she doesn't allow breaks. But I do have some cute photos of her outside playing with sidewalk chalk and talking on the phone. She found an old fax machine and thinks it is so cool. She even told me to put it in her room so she could talk to her friends in her room.....I think Brad and I are in serious trouble.

Oh yea, I gave her the cutest pigtails Saturday!

Hello?

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

It was a cool, wonderful Fall morning. The perfect day for Avery Reese's class field trip to Bo Brooks Pumpkin Patch. Brad and I both took off the day and Mama Judy came along too. I had ordered this adorable gingham applique dress with ruffle tights for her fall pictures and just could not pass up the opportunity for additional photos in this sweet dress (minus the tights; it wasn't that cool).

If you haven't been to Bo Brooks Pumpkin Farm in Roland, it is a must in my book. They were good last year, but have more to offer this year. They have small farm animals including a donkey, roosters, piglets, and goats. A hay maze and new this year a "corn pool". That is really the best way for me to describe this large area filled with dried corn kernels; Avery Reese and her friends spent most of the morning in the corn pool. They also offered a tractor pulled hay ride, which I was looking forward to, but apparently the tractor was scary so we scoped out the perfect pumpkins while Avery Reese's class went on without us. I just love pumpkins patches!

Getting a close look at the bunny

The 3 Musketeers

Loving the 'corn pool'

Hitching a ride

Searching for pumpkins with Mama

One final picture with her pick of the patch

My Little Mommy

2010-08-19T18:21:00.001-07:00

Recently, Brad and I bought Avery Reese a baby doll that cries when you remove a bottle from her mouth, because she thought it was the funniest thing ever. She would laugh hysterically every time she removed the bottle. Fast forward a couple of weeks and she has decided to love that baby doll as much if not more than us. Her imagination has just exploded! She interacts with her babies (she now has three) like they are so real. The babies do everything she does; if Avery Reese gets lotion on her back after her bath....so do the babies. I just can't help but sit back and watch as her motherly instincts kick right in. (By the way, she is naked in these photos because we were getting ready for a bath).

Sharing her milk with the babies

She decided the highchair was a more appropriate place to feed the baby

Teaching baby how to potty train

Apparently the baby was not listening as she is sitting on the "time-out" stool

Reading a book to baby

Since the baby is not fully potty trained, Avery Reese still has to check her diaper

First Day of Preschool, Take Two

2010-08-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the first day of preschool was so much easier this year. Avery Reese has the same classmates, teachers and teaching assistants again, which we are so grateful to have. Avery Reese has changed so much since this time last year, physically, mentally, and oh, I can't forget that sassy attitude that has emerged.

This morning she walked right in and was so happy to see everyone and especially to be in a new classroom with different and exciting new toys. I wasn't eagerly peeking in on her today to make sure she wasn't crying, instead I peeked at her to see that sweet smiling face (and to get kisses). Brad and I hope this year of preschool is just as much fun as last year!

Last years first day of preschool photo

Not cooperating for photos

Trying to show me her new shirt

Finally...picture worth posting with new shirt "preschool is a hoot, Avery Reese"

Dancing Queen

2010-07-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

When I was 8 years old my dreams had finally come true.....my purpose in life had been revealed to me; when my aunt Tracie asked me to be a flower girl in her wedding. I just knew this was going to be the most important job I would ever do and I was going to do it with perfection.

I was sized for my pink satin dress. Had a custom made flower halo to wear on my head and a perfect lace basket in which to carry my flower petals. My sister and I practiced walking down the aisle and carefully tossing out our petals day after day. I just knew this day was going to be perfect, well, for me at least.

Finally the day arrived and I was the best flower girl ever! But little did I know that the wedding ceremony was not even the most exciting part of my very special day....there was dinner, cake, and dancing! Again, keep in mind that I was only eight, but I knew my dance partner that evening as soon as I laid eyes on him. He was none other than one of the groomsmen. Joe was mid-twenties, tall, dark, and handsome and did I mention he was a pilot. I danced with him all night long. My parents and other family members thought this was so funny that there are still photos of me and Joe dancing floating around somewhere and I was given the nick-name: "Jean-Jean the Dancing Machine".

Fast-Forward 22 years and I am sitting at my cousin's wedding reception. Take a wild guess as to who the first person busting a move on the dance floor is.....none other than my daughter! Apparently, we just can't help dancing at weddings. Now thank goodness Avery Reese preferred to dance with her female cousins rather than a much older groomsmen, but if my blood runs in her veins I'm afriad for any future weddings!

Avery Reese dancing with the flower girls, notice they are the only ones on the dance floor

A Stolen Moment

2010-06-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

The one and only thing that slows Avery Reese down is a fever and unfortunately for her she woke up this morning at 101 degrees. But selfishly for me, she is snuggly when she is not feeling well. Avery Reese is not a child that enjoys being held or rocked or anything I dreamt a baby would be, instead she is more of a bull who enjoys, of all things, wrestling.

Tonight Brad was away playing golf so I had some special alone time with Avery Reese. After her bath, she looked up at me with those sad, tired eyes and said "rock?". What kind of mother would I be turning down such a forbidden request? So she laid her head on my shoulder, asked me to sing and we rocked. As I sang to her and just held her in my arms I thought about others who are suffering the loss of a child and I started to weep.

I so often let minute details of life interfere with the true purpose of life.......relationships. I held my baby girl and rocked with her until her eyes finally closed, but I couldn't stop. So I continued to craddle her in my arms and promised myself to remember this stolen moment, always.

Ready or Not...Here we come Summer!

2010-06-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Even though Summer hasn't officially begun, we have already been divulging into summer-time favorites. If these past several weekends are any indication of how our summer is going to pan out, we are in for a great time!

Zoo trip with Kennedi-I think they are discussing something very serious

First Travelers baseball game

First time to the Big pool

Debating on whether or not she should climb up the tree

Patiently waiting her turn to slide down the whale's tail

Mission accomplished

First Haircut

2010-05-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Avery Reese's bangs have literally been in her eyes for a while now. But if she wore the many cute bows I have purchased for her, we would not have an issue with the extra long bangs. (Ok, she also may have had a mini mullet). I have taken it upon myself to trim her bangs a few times, but this has not been an easy or fun task for anyone in the family. It typically takes at least two of us: me to do the actual trimming and someone else to entertain Avery Reese. If you have spent any amount of time with Avery Reese you would understand the forces of nature it requires to keep her seated and still for any amount of time.

So there is this adorable salon near my office who specialize with children, Pigtails and Crewcuts. Brad joined me yesterday afternoon because we were not sure how this event was going to go down. As we entered the salon, Avery Reese clung to Brad with all her might, while I was once again distracted by all the pretty bows. Avery Reese was reluctant to sit in the cool police car chair, but once the stylist offered her some animal crackers, she was cool. And the cutting began.

Avery Reese did amazing, she enjoyed her snack and the cute girl looking back at her in the mirror. The haircut was over before it began.....those women are amazing!

Before the haircut....oh yeah, she has a black eye in these photos (school bully)

Trimming away the mini mullet

I can see, Mommy!

Finished product....I couldn't resist buying a new bow.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-07T17:53:00.001-07:00

Easter was amazing this year!! Avery Reese was old enough to hunt for eggs and get goodies from the Easter Bunny which was so much fun for Brad and I too. We had been practicing hunting eggs around the house for about 2 weeks. I wanted to make sure she understood the concept. She quickly picked up the "hunting", but had difficulty hunting and carrying her basket, which is about as big as she is. But hey, this was an easy fix....an adult would simple carry her basket for her, so she could concentrate on finding those glorious eggs.

So we planned to attend a public Easter egg hunt on Saturday. We went with some friends because I just knew this was going to be a great opportunity for photos with the girls in their pretty dresses. We woke up Saturday morning to soggy, muddy grass....great! We decided to tredge on and attend the event, but Avery Reese was not going to wear her pricey monogrammed Easter dress.

As soon as we registered to hunt Avery Reese fell down and scraped her knee, so now she was upset and dirty. I thought to myself, this has to get better. The actual egg hunt was a bust, Avery Reese only got 2 eggs (we believe there was some cheating). But the girls had fun running around the park and playing with one another

Easter Sunday was great! We attended a wonderful church service. Later in the afternoon we went over to Mama Judy's to eat ham with all the fixings. Avery Reese was surprised with another visit from the Easter Bunny...he gave her a set of keys with a clicker. Since the weather was so much nicer and the competition was nill, we had another egg hunt; this one was much more successful.

Spring-ier Weather

2010-03-20T18:20:00.001-07:00

We have been enjoying the warm and sunny spring weather the past 2 weekends. Avery Reese loves the park and we all can't wait to take more advantage of it in the months to come.

Assisting Daddy with his lunch

Running free!!

You have to stick your tongue out when you swing

Sliding with Mommy. Not too much longer and she won't need me anymore.

Weeeeee!

New York, New York

2010-03-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

I recently took an adventure with a co-worker to New York City. We went for a continuing education conference. We left on Saturday and returned on Tuesday, so it was a short trip but not without some adventures!! This was only my second time to be away from Avery Reese overnight and it was 4 long days!! Brad really stepped up and was a single parent working and being a daddy for these four gruesome days. (We later discovered Avery Reese had a double ear infection and along I just thought she was missing her Mommy).

My co-worker and I are alike in many ways, but as the trip progressed I realized how different we are too. Our roles for the trip were quickly established: I was the Cruise Director and she was the tourist. I was the responsible one in charge of flight times, directions in the city, hotel key, receipts for the trip, etc. She was in charge of having a good time. Don't get me wrong, I was there to have fun, but one of us had to be responsible.

This was my second trip to New York City and a very different experience for me. Last time my best friend, Amber lived there so I didn't have to manage around this big city on my own. If you know me well, you know I am not good with directions (I still get lost in Little Rock). I was able to single-handedly find our way to our conference each morning, figured out the subway system, and get us to the airport, which was in Queens by the way.

We had a great time! We visited Times Square, Rockefellar Center, Central Park, China Town, and got to know the neighborhood around us, Tribeca. I won't scare you all with some of our adventures, but China Town was SCARY!! Food was great, drinks were expensive, and manicures/pedicures were cheap. All around a great trip....oh yeah and the conference was great, I learned alot.

Amish Market in our neighborhood "Tribeca" where we ate lunch one day

Times Square

Radio City Music Hall

Central Park....I'm sure it is more beautiful in the spring and summer months

Our hotel and breakfast cafe next door

Snow Day!!

2010-02-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

We have had 2 unexpected snow days and while I should be doing something productive like cleaning out closets or the refrigerator, we have just been enjoying the extra time together dancing and being silly. Avery Reese really enjoys the snow, she likes to listen to it crunch when we walk. Although the reflection of the sun off the snow is not her favorite, she is fascinated by this white stuff. Nonetheless, we have taken advantage of the snow.

Gearing up with Mommy's snow boots

Smile...its snow!

Brad is measuring the snow on our patio furniture.....4 inches!

Might as well teach her some chores during these long days.

Cupcakes and Tutu's.......1st Birthday Party

2009-12-13T17:51:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Avery Reese's 1st birthday party on Saturday; it turned out amazing! We had plenty of food, the cupcakes were perfect, Avery Reese was happy and looked too cute in her birthday outfit, and we had plenty of friends and family to celebrate with.

After a couple of presents, she finally got the idea behind "unwrapping". Her fellow party goers (Kennedi, Katilyn, and Zach) also enjoyed her gifts. Quickly after opening gifts we stripped the birthday girl down to her diaper for the big finale......smashing the cake! (On Tuesday we had a practice run with the smash cake during her one year photo session, so I was not worried about this portion of the party). She dug right in to the cake, icing on both hands, up her arms, in her hair, everywhere, but her mouth. Apparently my child is not a huge fan of icing, she shivered when she received a small taste. Avery Reese preferred to throw her cake and share it with others. She eventually dug deep enough into the icing and discovered cake; she enjoyed that. Overall, I could not have asked for a better party or birthday girl.

I still can't believe my baby girl is already one! Brad and I were reminiscing about our car ride home from the hospital with her.....we were scared to death. I can't say we have changed that much today. Avery Reese is amazing and we thank God for her everyday. Happy Birthday!

Our Pumpkin

2009-11-02T18:50:00.001-08:00

Avery Reese had a fabulous 1st Halloween. She was an adorable pumpkin. She dressed up for school on Friday and trick-or-treated around campus. I dressed up for work as well.....notice those photos are not posted. She didn't mind dressing in costume, but was not too sure about me in costume. Then on Saturday she visited her two grandma's who live nearby. But Saturday evening is when the real fun began. We decided to stay at home and pass out candy to the neighborhood kiddos and Avery Reese had so much fun. She spent the entire evening sitting in our entry hall watching through the glass, just waiting for the trick-or-treaters. Don't tell them, but I think she licked every piece of candy in the bucket......oh well.

Halloween class photo.....pumpkin, duck, devil, double-stuffed oreo and dinosaur

Trick-or-treating on the bye-bye buggy around school

A perfect little pumpkin

Stability....then Mobility??

2009-10-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

All of the physical therapists I work with insist Avery Reese has to master stability (standing on her own for more than a moment) prior to walking. Well, I guess Avery Reese did not get that memo while in the womb. She will stand independently for a brief moment, but only when she doesn't realize she is doing it. On the other hand, she is quite fond of walking these days. She has been a "cruiser" for a while now......walking around the coffee table, the ottoman, and/or pushing a toy. About a week or so ago (I know I should totally know the exact date, but I don't....does that make me a horrible mother? probably not) she was at the ottoman and let go and took a few steps over towards Brad and I. It was truly amazing! As of late, she is walking longer distances and getting more adventerous, last night we counted at least 10 steps. So I finally decided to bust out the video camera (which is why we purchased it, to capture first time moments....or second) and show you how amazing my daughter is.

A Visit From the Tooth Fairy

2009-10-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Tooth Fairy finally visited our home; except rather than taking a tooth, she gave Avery Reese her first tooth. YIPPEE! I was starting to worry, I mean she is 10 months old now and she is all gums. Now don't get me wrong.....I melt when she gives me that gummy smile. But teeth are good, you know for chewing carrots. I was just about ready to take her to the dentist to get some x-rays to make sure she even had some teeth, when I just happened to stick my finger in her mouth Tuesday evening and felt those wonderful little ridges. The tooth has broken through the gums and she has done AMAZING through all the pain. Now she will be able to eat that cupcake I promised her on her birthday. Thanks Tooth Fairy!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have always heard of friends taking advantage of the fall weather and enjoying the pumpkin patch with their kids......well we did just that today. It was a beautiful fall day, perfect for pumpkin picking. We went to Bo Brook Farms in Roland, it was great! They had giagantic stuffed spiders, (plastic) alligators swimming in the creek, hay rides, face painting, a petting zoo, a hay maze and of course the pumpkin patch. I am already excited about returning next year when Avery Reese can do more.

This is Avery Reese's scary glow-in-the-dark skeleton onesie....I think it is just adorable. It really shows off her figure. Perfect for pumpkin picking.

As usual, Avery Reese loved the animals. I think she thought the donkey was a really big dog. The goats were cute, but the cutest animals were the 3 piglets. We didn't get too close as there was a huge mud puddle and several flies surronding their pen.

Brad was trying to find the perfect "sugar" pumpkin for Avery Reese. I am not quite sure what qualifies as a sugar pumpkin; they were just small and cute for Avery Reese's first pumpkin.

Avery Reese in the hay maze. Apparently the sun was shinning in her eyes. You can tell she has been drinking her formula; her bones look great.

Avery Reese standing with our pumpkins. One of the pumpkins we choose weighed as much as she does.....17 lbs!

We found a wheel barrel with several tiny pumpkins and gourds; Avery Reese enjoyed throwing them and watching them "bounce". Until next pumpkin season!

Mystery Weekend Getaway

2009-09-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

My FABULOUS husband (yes, that is you Brad) surprised me with an early birthday trip to Chicago. For those of you who don't know this birthday is a big one for me.......dare I say I will be 3-0. He informed me about 3 weeks ago that we would be going to a weekend trip without Avery Reese...eek! But he kept the destination a secret. The suspense was killing me, what should I wear, what will we be doing, who is babysitting my angel, etc.

My mom showed up to our house Friday evening.....reliable babysitter-check. Brad finally told me on the way to the airport. He gave me a card and enclosed were two tickets to the U2 360 concert in Chicago. YIPEE!! Destination-check, fun evening on the town-check. Neither one of us had been to Chicago. After a slight flight delay due to fog, we dropped off the luggage at the hotel and hit the streets of Chicago. The weather was amazing. We took a boat tour of the city along the river and learned about the amazing arcitecture and skyscrapers. Then we did some browsing, I would like to say shopping, but who am I kidding......like I was going to get a trip to Chicago and a Louis Vuitton. Then we went to a wonderful and classic Chicago dinner at the Chophouse. Then we headed to the U2 concert.........Bono is the MAN!! Best concert ever! Sunday morning we were able to sleep in (first time in 9 months) and enjoyed breakfast in bed. We packed our bags and headed to the aquarium, which was surprisingly cool.

We had a wonderful time just the two of us. I only called home to check on Avery Reese a few times, which is good considering this was my first time away from her overnight. (And look we both survived!)

U2 stage and the 80,000+ concert goers

Chicago skyline and the new Trump Tower at center

Cruising along the river

Sears Tower

Brad rowing......should I tell him it is fake

New Toy......Naked Phantom

2009-09-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

So as I was spying on Avery Reese at school this past week, I saw her standing up, walking and pushing a toy across the floor.....this got me thinking, maybe it was time for a "learn to walk" toy. I found a cute one that she can use now to walk/push and later to ride, perfect! I brought it home and she helped Brad and I put it together....well she was more interested in the box; I started to get worried about my purchase. But once it was put together and she realized that it was a toy for her, she was elated. She pushed and pushed and crashed into several things, but overall she LOVED it!! I was so excited. Avery Reese actually cried when I took it away at bedtime. So tonight we played with it again until bath time. After her bath was finished she was sitting in her bathtub and looked past me and saw her new toy gleaming at her. She didn't even wait for me to dry her off....she bolted from the bathroom (naked) and began pushing her toy. I was barely able to put her towel on her head before she got down the hall. This is a video of her pushing her new toy, naked......viewer discretion advised.

As she is "driving" her toy, if you listen closely you can hear her make the car sounds (raspberry). Which makes me (mother and speech therapist) very proud! She makes us smile everyday.

Enjoy. Brad and I sure did!

Whoooo Pig Sooie!

2009-09-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Avery Reese's first Razorback game. We began the weekend with the pep rally by the river. Avery Reese is NOT a fan of Tusk the acutal Razorback, she screamed when we got up close. The pep rally was fun and had a great turn-out on the north side of the river. The Hogs proved victorious over Missouri State in Little Rock. We watched the game on PPV, we just didn't think Avery Reese would sit through a game quite yet. We did visit the stadium and the fellow tailgaters before the game. She enjoyed watching the people and all the commotion. It was hotter than expected, so we didn't stay out there too long. She wore an adorable pink plaid razorback dress to school Friday to show her support and of course she wore her offical cheerleading uniform on game day! We look forward to many more games with her. GO HOGS!!

People watching rather than looking at the camera

Razorback dress for school

Ready to tailgate

Her bow only lasted a moment.....long enough to snap a photo

First Day of Preschool

2009-08-17T15:07:00.001-07:00

Avery Reese began preschool today. I can't say whose day was harder....mine or hers. She shed a few tears when Brad and I left, but other than that she had a good day. She took 2 naps, ate well and even broke in the teachers in with 3 poopy diapers! Throughout the day I was trying to spy on her without her knowledge, just to see what she was doing and to make sure she was happy. If we get kicked out of preschool it will be because of me and not Avery Reese. Her teacher said she was going to have to get a curtain to cover the window on the door, if I didn't stop spying. I am just a concerned mother. There are 8 babies total in her class, 4 boys and 4 girls. She was already making friends with the babies and the staff. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day..........for me.

Her locker at school

First day family photo

An Apple a Day

2009-08-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

So yesterday afternoon I was trying to have a healthy snack; an apple, when Avery Reese decided that although she is not very fond of applesauce or apple juice, she would like to try the real thing. She just leaned right over and attempted a bite. She seemed to enjoy chewing on it, even though it was non-productive. We are trying the organic thing with her.....I guess this is as organic as she can get!

And We're Mobile.....

2009-08-02T19:18:00.001-07:00

This has been a fantastic weekend. We spent some great time with Brad's family, the weather was nice, and Avery Reese began crawling and sitting up on her own. So she has reached a couple new milestones all in one weekend. Avery Reese has been attempting to crawl for a couple of weeks now, she could get on all fours and either rock or push herself backwards, but nothing particularly productive. She was just not happy sitting and knew she was supposed to be able to move, independently.

Well, we took her to a new sitter on Friday and when I picked Avery Reese up, the sitter said "Your husband said she wasn't crawling yet, but I have news for you.....she crawled into my kitchen today!" I was slightly shocked to say the least and then a little upset that being a working mom, I missed her first crawl. I really hate missing those wonderful moments with her. So I took her home, quit my job (okay, just kidding) and we practiced crawling. BIG MISTAKE! So now Avery Reese is not happy playing in the living room with her toys, she wants to chase the cat, the dog, or Brad. We are worn out!! But very excited our baby girl is growing up, she is much happier now that she can crawl.

We also had to lower her mattress as she is sitting up on her own and peering over the edge of her crib and playing with her mobile. What a mess.......adorable mess!

This is how we found Avery Reese after her morning nap Saturday.......busted!

Really nothing to do with being mobile, but I couldn't pass up this cute face

Look at me Mom, I can crawl

And she's off

Still trying to work out some kinks

First Trip to the Zoo

2009-07-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

The weather was finally decent, so a friend of mine, Cassie and her daughter Kennedi headed to the zoo this morning. This was the girl's first trip. We packed the car, rubbed them down with sunscreen, and grabbed our camera's. Unfortunately several of the animals decided to stay inside. We did catch a glimpse of a few animals....elephant, giraffe, zebra, anteater, and flamingos. The girls seemed to really enjoy the flamingos, it was the only animal they were able to get really close to. Both Avery Reese and Kennedi did really well despite the lack of animals. We hope the take the girls back for several more trips.

Kennedi and Avery Reese at the zoo

Watch out for the giraffe's!

What a cute cowgirl.....giddy-up

Splish, Splash!

2009-06-30T15:11:00.001-07:00

Alas, summer is here and we are tyring to spend as much time as we can splashing in the water. Avery Reese has recently gotten a baby pool and she LOVES it! We "swim" every other evening and the evenings we are not swimming, she is splashing in her new bathtub. I thought the 'quacking' noise was scary myself, but she loves it. In fact we had trouble getting her out of the tub Sunday evening. I won't comment on her bikini, I will let the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy this heat wave!

Avery Reese's new pink inflatable duck bathtub, that she simply adores!!

Avery Reese's conservative one-piece swimsuit

The reason we had to purchase the one-piece swimsuit......crack stinks!!

Splashing in her state of the art pool

Enjoying the water table at The Wonder Place

So Many Firsts........

2009-05-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

Avery Reese is amazing Brad and I each day. She is such a wonder to watch. I thank God everyday for giving us our miracle! Avery Reese has recently started sleeping in her crib in her room. The first couple of nights were rough for all of us, but a week later we are adjusting well. As you can see from the photos, Avery Reese is taking advantage of the extra room her pack-n-play did not offer. She never stays still, even while sleeping.

This morning was her first attempts at eating cereal. She made some very funny faces....Brad and I could not help but laugh and snap photos, poor girl! Her face indicated she didn't like the cereal, but like a baby bird she continued to open her mouth for more. It was too cute. We shall try another round of cereal tomorrow morning. I think Brad and I better purchase a highchair soon.

Don't you just love that adorable smile

She is obviously playing and not sleeping in her crib

She is supposed to be sleeping on her incline, not perpendicular to it

Yummy rice cereal.....I think

Do I have to eat this?

Sitting Up

2009-05-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Avery Reese is sitting up on her own these days!! She is getting SO big. Brad and I are right by her side just in case she decides to lose balance or tip over, but she is typically sitting up for minutes at a time without any assistance. I can't believe how big our little girl is getting. Next thing you know she will want to start picking out her own clothes and driving herself to school. I better enjoy these moments!!

Rainy Weekend

2009-05-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend was good for napping and hanging around the house in our pjs. It rained so much I was afraid we were going to float away. The rain was nice Saturday morning, but by Sunday we were all getting cabin fever. We even pulled out Avery Reese's Jumperoo, so she would have something different to play with. Here are some photos of us trying to keep Avery Reese entertained through the rainy weekend.

Her feet don't quite touch the floor yet, but she loves her jumperoo anyways!

Trying to sit up by herself, but as you can see she still needs some support

She wore yellow hoping the sun would pop out.

I don't know who is entertaining who here.........Brad or Avery Reese?

Busted!

A New Friend

2009-04-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

Avery Reese has always been fascinated with KC our chocolate lab, but in the last few days she has become enamoured with Abbey the cat. Since Avery Reese's arrival, Abbey hides out alot and is secretly hoping Avery Reese is not here for the long haul.........sorry Abbey, but she is staying. Last night, Avery Reese decided to take charge and show Abbey who was boss so she reached out to pet/pull her hair. It was very cute and Abbey, surprisingly stayed put and allowed Avery Reese to pet her. Ahhh, friends at last!!

Who's the boss now?

Here, kitty, kitty.....

Hold it right there Abbey, I'm coming.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

Despite the torential rainfall, we had a nice morning at church. The service was great and all the kids looked so sweet in their new spring clothes. We were able to get a few family photos in front of the cross this morning too. Avery Reese loved her new Easter dress, she kept trying to eat it. We hope everyone had a nice Easter with their family!

My First Spring Break

2009-03-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Grandma Terri was gracious to spend her spring break with us in Sherwood spending quality time with Avery Reese. The two of them had way too much fun! Grandma Terri gave Avery Reese a new hairdo.....which I might add gave her an attitude. Grandma Terri had fun dressing her and redressing her in new and different outfits and bows throughout the day. And she apparently also introduced Avery Reese to Law & Order and Dancing with the Stars. All in all everyone had a great week and Brad and I really enjoyed the extra set of hands. Thanks Grandma T!

Showing off her new shoes......hot pink hightop Converse.

My mohawk gives me attitude and makes me want to rock!

My new Mohawk!

Just Roll With It!!

2009-03-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

Avery Reese had a very exciting weekend, not only did she turn 3 months old......she rolled over! While laying on her back and playing on her playmat she decided to roll over on to her stomach. At first Brad and I thought this was a fluke, until she did it 3 more times yesterday and once again today. Watch her in action!

Small Girl in Big Seat

2009-03-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hey Dad!

Look how big I am

No reason, but to post new photos

2009-03-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

Snuggling with my Daddy

Another crochet creation by Grandma T

Taking one heck of a nap

My new dress and oh so cute tights

Trying to Get Our Groove Back

2009-02-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

Playing with daddy

Avery Reese has discovered how tasty her hands are

Looking pretty for MDO

My new hat from Grandma T

The past 2 weeks have been tough in the Miles house. I started back to work full-time and Avery Reese started Mother's Day Out. I think the transition was harder on Brad and I than on Avery Reese. I cried alot the first week.....walking out the door without her was very difficult. She slept alot in the evenings that first week, I guess they wore her out at MDO. Then last week Brad started his new job, which was another huge change for us. He is enjoying being the boss, but it is also an adjustment.

I was having a really difficult time trying to do everything from working, being a mom, being a wife, and a housekeeper, that I was going crazy. So last week I decided to cut back some of my hours at work so I could spend more time with Avery Reese. I felt that I was missing precious time with her and I felt guilty about it. I am excited about my new work schedule and more time with my baby girl.

Avery Reese had her 2 month check-up Friday and she is healthy. She was very brave during her 4 vaccines and has had a great weekend. God has blessed Brad and I with a wonderful daughter.

Final Week With Mommy

2009-02-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

Really sad mom is going back to work

My little Twinkle Toes

Just finished a bottle....Yeah!!

Smiling at mommy

Tummy Time

2009-02-01T13:59:00.001-08:00

What a sweet little face

Working hard on trying to hold up my head

Hanging out with Daddy

2009-01-28T18:41:00.001-08:00

Trying to take a nap like daddy

Talking with daddy

Learning to take a bottle from daddy

Watching mommy exercise on the Wii Fit

Brad has been on "vacation" from work this week and helping out around the house. Avery Reese is loving extra time with her daddy and I am loving the extra help. These are some photos we took this week of Avery Reese.

Cousins meet Avery Reese

2009-01-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

Sadie trying to steal Avery Reese's passy

Making cousin Jamie laugh

Almost too big for cousin Jay

My sister, Stephanie, and her three children Jamie, Jay, and Sadie came down for the day to meet Avery Reese. It was a special day! The cousins just loved Avery Reese. And I am sure Avery Reese loved them. The big kids played Wii with uncle Brad while Sadie stole Avery Reese's passy. It was a day filled with love and laughs.

One Month Old

2009-01-19T16:02:00.000-08:00

Avery Reese had her one month check-up Friday morning. She is steadily growing....she is now 9 lbs and 4 oz and 21 1/4 inches long. She is in the 50th percentile for both weight and length. Our doctor answered our many "new parent" questions and said Avery Reese is very healthy. We (me, Brad and Dr. Davis) believe Avery Reese has acid reflux, so she is taking 2 different prescription medications one is 3x a day while the other is 2x a day. Brad and I are just trying to remember which one to give when......whew!

We had a great weekend. My mom came down for a visit, which is always a good time. On Saturday we had many visitors...my mom, Grandma Judy, aunt Katie and her boyfriend Dylan. We hung out, watched Avery Reese sleep and played Wii. Both of the grandma's babysat Avery Reese while Brad and I stole away for our first date since her arrival. It was much easier for Brad than me. We only went down the street to a nice Italian resturant, but I was tempted to call the house several times, but Brad stopped me. We had a nice evening out...I even had a glass of wine!! And Avery Reese was just fine when we got home, as were the grandma's.

On Sunday Avery Reese was quite the vocal baby, which helped when my mom had to say good-bye :) Sunday evening Brad's dad and step-mom came over to celebrate a belated Christmas and spend some time with their granddaughter. It was a good, but busy weekend, I am so glad Brad had the day off today.

Getting Bigger!

2009-01-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

Avery Reese is almost 4 weeks old already. Brad and I can still remember the car ride home from the hospital like it was yesterday. Which I am surprised considering all the sleepless nights (and days) we have been experiencing. Avery Reese is a blessing and we just love her to death. She recently lost her umbilical cord, so I have posted a picture of the cutest belly button in the world. I have also posted some other pictures of her from this week around the house. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

2008-12-20T20:28:00.000-08:00

Avery Reese has finally arrived!! She is a beautiful, healthy baby girl. She was born on December 15th at 9:26 am via a C-section. She was 7 lbs 9 oz and 20 inches long. We came home Wednesday afternoon and are adjusting to the fast paced life of parenthood. Brad and I are learning how to care for her with the help of my mom. And Avery Reese is learning how to be outside the womb. We are so blessed to have her in our lives and finally in our arms. We can't imagine life without her.

2008-12-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Week 38 Check-up: Still not dialated, still nothing going on. She is quite the stubborn baby. I have one more appointment next Wednesday.....where I suspect nothing new will be happening. Our physicians plan is to admit me to the hospital December 14th (my due date) and start the drugs to move things along since my body has not received the message yet. If the drugs do not work he mentioned the dreadful words...."C-section". But either way we SHOULD have a baby on December 15th.

2008-11-20T16:42:00.000-08:00

I went to the doctor today for my weekly appointment. I am STILL pregnant. After being violated by my seemingly sweet doctor he informed me that I am not dialated....not even in the least. Well, I can't wait until next week when he gets to violate me again and give me more depressing news.

The Nursery

2008-11-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

The nursery is finally finished and Brad and I are ready for Avery Reese to move in. Here are some photos of her very girly room!