The many expressions of Ms. Avery

Baby Avery turned 10 weeks old this week. She is 11 lbs, 11 oz and 22 inches. It's an odd feeling to want to watch her to grow up, but want her to stay our little tiny baby, both at the same time.

For all of our viewing pleasure, here are today's greatest facial expressions. . .Anita

Gas is no joke!

Well I can't say I really talk publicly about gas all that much - but after last night, it's worthy of a blog mention.

Yesterday was a great day in the life of a baby - good naps, feedings and play time. And Fred & Ginger were happy that we all went for a w.a.l.k. Avery stayed awake for the entire walk, which was a first - usually she falls asleep in the carrier. She seemed to enjoy looking at everything. But when we got home and started to settle in for our nightly routine of daddy giving her a bottle of breastmilk, it was like someone flipped a switch. Avery cried for HOURS and nothing would sooth her - the only thing we can figure is that it must have been a terrible case of gas. Since Dustin had to work today, he went on the couch about midnight (and Fred & Ginger soon followed), but I'm sure he could still hear the crying. Finally about 3 a.m., after I'd worn a path in the carpet from walking her, massaged her tummy, and then used some Lavender essential oil on her, Avery finally nursed and was able to sleep - again, as if someone flipped a switch, she was back to normal. She then slept for almost 6 hours - poor thing must have been worn out.

Avery turned 9 weeks old today, and as exhausted as we all are, I still feel thankful that I'd consider this our first really rough night. I just hope, for all of us, that these episodes are few and far between!

*Photo disclaimer - this one's from a few weeks ago but accurately represents last night's events. No, I did not take time out to snap a photo during the "gas fiasco" (as I'm now calling it) as that would just be mean.

- Anita

Photography: Not my forte!

So I've been trying for weeks to capture my new favorite thing on camera - Avery's smile! Well I finally got it, but these photos just don't do her justice. I guess you all just have to see her in person to get the full affect, but at least these are a good preview! - Anita

Could have been better...

. . .at updating this blog. Turns out that having a baby doesn't leave much time for anything else. We do manage to have a little fun though - like bath time!! This was a recent bath, it was a good one.

A couple of weeks ago Grandma Wanda came up from Columbia, S.C. for a visit. We had some great sushi to celebrate Anita's birthday and Grandma got to spend some quality time with Avery.

Also went to a family reunion at Gaga and Papa's and if only we could have gotten the camera in time to catch everyone getting a first look at her - for a moment it was like she was on display at the zoo! Too funny - she certainly is loved!

-- Dustin & Anita

Some Pics . . .

I just thought the blog needed some more pictures of our beautiful girl . . .--Anita