Time Flies...

I have been thinking for the last couple weeks I have been a little behind on blogging.  I had no idea it had been almost been 3 months since my last post.  We lost a great Pappaw but gained a new family member 2 weeks ago when my brother got married.  So this blog will be of series of pictures.....

Fun with Friends!

Happy Halloween!

Whaley Halloween Party

Family Photos - Take 1

Take 2

Take 3 - Avery wasn't having it

Random Dinner Time Fun

It always ends in a mess!

"Moo Moo"

My favorite girls!!!

Tonight we went to Tresslar Farms to celebrate Jenny getting marriad last weekend to Justin in Oklahoma.  I knew when we left the house that if we saw the "Moo Moos" I wouldn't get to hang out anywhere besides the barn.  Well, guess what we found as soon as we got out of the truck.  It was a nice evening even though we spent most of the time at the barn. Congrats Jenny and Justin!!!



Waiting on the Moo Moos




Much Better

 



Getting Closer

Finally



Avery Crack...because Kelsey and I are a little immature!

Dips

Avery has discovered her love for dips. First experience came this weekend when Josh ordered cheese fries and it was served with ranch dressing. She dipped every cheese covered fry in her ranch dip cup and loved every minute of it. Tonight, Kelsey and I went to Chicago's Pizza for dinner. Everyone knows you don't go to Chicago's Pizza without ordering breadsticks and nacho cheese. I think the pictures sum up how much Avery loved the nacho cheese.

Mmmm Nacho Cheese!

Pretzel sticks and cheese!

 

"Mom, do you think the pretzel stick will work as a straw?"

August Wrap-up

Michigan - The first week we rented a beach house in Michigan for Mom's 60th Birthday.  We went to Benton Harbor which is just around the corner from St. Joseph.  It was an awesome week and we had so much fun.  The best part it was only 4 hours from home and it was a great trip and we will definitely be going again!

Nana and Avery - Michigan 2012

Love Kyle's face!

Avery was covered in sand everyday!!!

Appropriate places to potty -  Since Avery isn't potty trained the only appropriate place for her to poop is in her diaper.  It was our usual Sunday night routine of bath, pack lunch, lay out clothes etc.  Except this Sunday evening as I let her run around without her diaper on for a little while after bath she decided to potty in an unacceptable place!  I was laying out her clothes in her room and look up to find her carrying a book over to me with a suspicious smelly substance.  The dogs weren't home so my worst fear was realized.   She had pooped and was playing in it!  Luckily, it was only one of my fears.  She had just pooped on the middle of the living room floor, but fortunately had not played in it.  shew!  I will spare you the picure although I have it saved in a safe place to embarrass her later in life! She is now more closely monitored when not wearing a diaper!

Teeth - Avery now has 9 teeth.  Her top 4 teeth in the front and 2 molars and bottom 3 middle teeth are in.  The molars definitely gave us some challenging evenings.



Attitude - Avery is barely a 1 1/2 years old and has already developed what I hope will be similar to what people refer to as the terrible two's, because if not I am in big trouble.  She does not like to be told no or you can't because.....
Avery will lay down kick, scream and cry for a couple of minutes until she realizes it's not going to help the situation and gives up.  She exhibited this behavior for Dr. Furr at her 15 month check-up (which didn't actually take place until almost 17 months -oops).  All Avery wanted was to play with the Dr.'s computer...we all know how this ends. Not to mentioned she melted again when she got the 4 shots after the first meltdown.  Needless to say Dr. Furr, nice nurse lady and mommy were not her favorites that day.  Avery's Stats: 21.9 lbs and 30.25"  She is in the 25% and healthy as can be.

A Few of My Favorite Things....

Mommy's Favorite Things.....
Avery's snaggle tooth smile.

Avery Giggles
Watching Avery test her limits with mommy - We need to work on this!
Avery discovering the water hose +we were both drenched.
Learning new words....word of the week "Buuubbles"
Avery's babysitters - love all these ladies that take such good care of our nugget.
How excited Avery is when I get home from work and the story she tells me about her day -of course none of it I understandable yet.
Listening to her yell "Mommyyy"
Eating popcorn in bed - Yes, I hate crumbs in bed. 
Watching Avery find daddy's belly button.....he hates it!
The way Josh melts at Avery's giggle and smile.

Avery's Favorite Things
Juicy Fruit Snacks
The word dog "dog dog"
Juice (basically flavored water-ick)
Making messes
Bath Time
Infatuation with her privates - yes this is true!
Standing on the Pampers box
Piggy
Throwing objects over the banister from upstairs
Toothbrushes
Playing in the dog food bowl
Blueberries & Strawberries
Reading
Bracelets - aka rubberbands

These are just a few of our Favorite Things that I wanted to jot down so I never forget these moments.....

Headed to Michigan on Sunday for the week.  Can't wait to share our vacation. 

Whaley Trait

So today was a long day.....6:00 a.m. wake-up, Farmer's Market and 2 weddings to deliver.  Finally home by 5:30.

Mom made dinner and Avery was starting to wind down around 7:00.  I started loading up the truck while mom and Avery ran around outside.  The more tired Avery gets the harder it is for her to walk, concentrate pretty much any task is challenging.  Then it happened in slow motion.  Avery was looking down at her feet as she walked and mom and I both gasp as she walked start into my truck and wiped out.  I knew she wasn't hurt because she didn't hit it that hard, but we instantly begin laughing.....Sorry Avery!  This is a Whaley trait.....I guess there could be worse traits, right?

Tomorrow we are off to the Fair for some fun!  I know Avery will love all the animals (aka dogs-everything right now with 4 legs is a dog).

Bad Habits & Bruises

This week Avery got her first really UGLY bruise on her check right where her dimple is.  We aren't exactly sure what happend, but she woke up with it and we are assuming it happened during one of her many tumbles from the day before.  :(

Wednesday night Avery and I stopped by my parents to eat dinner.   Avery loves to feed the dogs.  Which means dropping her food from the high chair to the floor.  Josh and I have been trying to break her of this bad habit.  We are failing miserablly and Wednesday night was no exception.  Avery looked directly at me while telling her "NO, You are making a mess" for the 3rd time only to have her smirk this time and do it again.  All the sudden I hear a snicker from behind me.   Nana is behind me and can no longer contain her laughter and burst out laughing and tears are coming down her face from laughing.  Yes, thanks for the support.....  Needless to say the majority of Avery's dinner the dogs ate because she loved the reaction from Nana!!!! 

Will try and capture this smirk sometime soon on camera.  This weekend the fair starts and we can't wait for all the food, 4H friends and activities!

Long Holiday Weekend!

The 4th of July was on Wednesday this year so I decided to take the rest of the week off.  I had nothing planned and that is what made the idea so appealing. 

We spent the 4th at Jenny's swimming and grilling out and that evening was spent in the AC relaxing.  Thursday, Avery and I went to get her some new books and a trip to Target (our favorite spot).  That evening my parents watched Avery for us so we could go out.  Kelsey, Emily and I went out for sushi and then for drinks at the grill bar.  Stanely was out which is a rare occasion!  Stanley worked on our family farm my whole life up until he had a stroke my freshman year in college. It was a Perfect Night!

Friday, we ventured out to Monkey Joe's.  Avery loved the bounce house, but next time bring other kiddos with us....this momma is to big to get in and "pretend" to be young. Saturday we went to market and sweated our a**** off!!!  We then headed to Bloomington for a baby shower for Katie Sparks.  All the cousins got to play together and it is soo much fun watching them.

Sunday- Mom, Avery and I froze corn.  Josh was working so we hoped for the best with Avery not having 100% of our attention today.  Well, I think we did ok....she only fell out of the chair once(ouch), smashed her finger a half dozen times, smashed goldfish, blueberries requiring sweeping 3 times, bumped her head on the table once and unrolled one roll of toilet paper. She did a great job at keeping herself busy.  Good thing we don't mind messes! We ended the evening with Ritter's so all were happy!

Back to work.....UGH!

Overnight at Great Grandpa's

Pappaw Whaley has been having a hard time so last Saturday Mom, Avery and I went to stay with him.  He has a terrible cough that kept us up in the middle of the night, but overall by the time we left on Sunday he was doing better.  I was exhausted on Sunday from market, wedding and overnight in Bloomington, but was glad we went down. 

This week is the 4th of July and Josh will be home most of the week and weekend so I decided to take 1/2 the week off to enjoy the week/weekend with Josh and Avery.  I will make sure to post pictures after our week of adventures.  God Bless America!!! 

Father's Day

Father's Day Josh had to work, but Avery and I managed to make him a craft to come home too!  Avery's only wish was she wish he would have shaved for his special day!  Love you Dad!

Summer Time Fun

First week of Avery's new summer schedule and she adjusted well. Lindsey, Claire and Haley all made the same comment at the end of the day, "she talked all day."  She does not get that from me.  I love quit time :)

We have been busy outdoors playing, boating and swimming.  It is that time of year for ice cream and Grandpa loves to share with Avery.  This may be a new tradition when going to Nana and Grandpa's at least Grandpa agrees. 

Wheat harvest started today so we had to go ride a couple of rounds with Grandpa.  Once again she loved it!!!  Even though he would never admit it, he loves when we come to ride.

Boating was quite the treat.   Avery loved walking around the boat and speeding around.  However, the life jacket she could have done without, but mommy insisted on her wearing it.  She is definitley the stylish  little diva and we are sure enjoying our start to summer!

Summer Time

I'm a couple weeks/months behind on blogging about our adventures!  We will try and do better the month of June.

We started the Summer off right by heading to Kentucky to visit family and to watch daddy tractor pull.  Visiting with family was great, but the tractor didn't make it to far down the track. Doesn't seem to be anything major, but it definitely has the boys stumped.  Good thing Avery was there to keep us all smiling!


We stopped by Cow Palace on our way home Sunday night.  It was Avery and Josh's first time and was a hit by all!  Memorial Day we spent relaxing around the house and getting things ready for our first cookout of the summer!  Josh smoked ribs, grilled hamburgers, brats and chicken......nobody went home hungry!  It was a wonderful weekend and can't wait for many more fun summer nights!!!

Avery now has hair long enough for pigtails and yes they are the cutest pigtails ever! 

She is also getting in her top two incisor teeth.  Needless to say we have had to fight the snot and some restless nights.   Luckily, daddy can sleep anywhere and spent a couple nights on the floor with her.   Avery has also acquired quite the "personality" as Nana likes to call it..... Mommy has another word for it!  When she doesn't get her way she lays down and grunts/cry.  I just walk away until she gets over her little fit.  I really didn't think this behavior started so early!  But her sweet face makes it hard to stay mad for long.

What do you mean I am making a mess?

Until next time......

Little Moments

The past two weeks have been so busy that I have had to really learn to appreciate the little moments with Avery because some days it felt as if we only had brief moments in the midst of our crazy busy schedules. 

Last weekend Josh took Avery with him to Kentucky so his mom and grandma could watch her so I could celebrate with Croucher at her bachelorette party.  *I got to mark an item off the bucket list - Drag Show (check). 

It was a long weekend without her, but was so happy the moment she got home and to see her smile and nuzzle my shoulder!  This week we finally switched her to the big girl seat and facing forward.  Yes, I know they recommend she stay backwards to age two, but I'm the mommy :).  She smiles all the time and talks to me much more now that she can see me....love these talks.



She also decided that she can open and shut doors by herself and finds pure joy in doing so.  Her new favorite word is dog dog.  It is repeated and said everytime we arrive home, sees a dog or hears one bark.  She also can entertain herself somewhat better now, this past week I walk in to her bedroom to see her rolling around on the floor laughing at herself.  All these little moments are so satisfying and grounding and reminds me once again of how lucky we are.

It finally happened.....

Tonight after Avery got out of the bath she did her normal routine of brushing teeth, running to avoid putting her diaper back on and playing.  I was sitting watching some tv and realized she had been in her bedroom and very quiet for way to long.  I went to check and sure enough our unruly & annoying dogs had pooped in her room while she was taking a bath and you can probably guess the rest.  Avery got a quick bath in the sink to deal with the mess.  Needless to say this is one of the many reasons I would like to get rid of the dogs.  However, I know we never will.

House of Tokyo

Josh was out of town again this weekend.  Saturday night I was determined to have a good meal for dinner.  When Josh is gone I don't really cook....well let's be honest I don't really cook when he's home either.  Kyle, Kelsey, Katie, Avery and I all ventured to House of Tokyo.  Avery was entertained by the fish in the lobby and the chef as they cooked our meal.  I shared bits and pieces of meal as I always do with Avery.  She had bites of my salad and mushrooms.  She has had both items before and loved them and tonight seemed to be no different......

Avery could barely keep her eyes open on the way home so as soon as we got home and changed her into her jammies she was off to bed.  As I was folding socks downstairs I heard here crying about 10:00.  It was an unusual cry so I went upstairs didn't turn on the lights and just reached my hands into the crib to grab her paci and reached to lay her back down.  Only to discover her paci to be slimey!!! ICK!!!

I immediately turned on the light, she had vomitted everywhere.  (Did I mentioned I just put clean sheets on too?!?!)  She has spit up before but never vomitted!  I was trying everything not to gag, it was in her hair, pajamas, etc.  So I grabbed her to comfort my little nugget and get her to the tub.  Before reaching the doorway to her room she vomitted again, but this time all over me and the floor! It took every ounce of my body not to vomit as well.  (Did I mention Josh is gone?!?!?) 

She finally seems to be finished and we are a mess!  We finally both get stripped down and I am able to get her in the tub!  In the meantime I have called my mom for back-up.  Avery was so pitful and I really felt bad for my little nugget!  Nana came to the rescue and cuddled with Avery as I cleaned up the mess.  Luckily, my carpet cleaner had an orange scent...shew! 

Nana and I both felt awful for Avery, but she was very cuddly and if you know Avery very well at all she is not a cuddler.  We bothed cuddled a little while before she went back to bed. 

I called Josh after everyone got settled back down and immediately Josh blamed it on the fungus (Did I mention Josh gags at the thought of mushrooms)!  I blame it on the spices and cooking oils House of Tokyo used for our meal.  

*Note to self.....no more sharing food with Avery at House of Tokyo!

Tonight we are finally getting Avery's 1 year pictures taken!  Preview of the pictures to follow this week!

Fun, Sun & Bunnies

Well we kicked off the first week of April having lots of FUN!  Avery's 1st birthday was a huge success.  We had 45 of our closest friends and family there to celebrate our precious little girls 1st birthday!  Avery got everything she could have even have thought to ask for clothes, toys, trampoline, CD player, shoes and money!  What more could a girl ask for???

Avery's cake smash will go down in the history books.  She utterly enjoyed her chocolate cake.  Avery started out slow and then realized how good icing and chocolate cake were.  Cake was all over.....EVERYTHING. 

As she decided to just go in for the kill those little eyes peeking over the cake brought tears to my eyes.  I realized we had 1 year under our belts and it was the best year of all my 29 years here on earth! 

The very next day we packed up with our besties Jenny and Jovie and headed to Florida for vacation.  The girls did great in the car.  We had hoped for better weather, but it was a nice break from our busy lives.  She loved the pool, beach and ocean.  I can't wait for more swim dates this summer with my little nugget.  We also celebrated her 1st birthday in Florida with a red velvet cupcake and swimming. 

We decided to go to Easter church service on Saturday night.  Avery loved every minute of the singing as she bounced down the aisle to visit anyone that would smile back at her.   She ended up sitting on Sally Wells lap playing peek-a-boo, dancing in Nana's arms and getting crackers from the older couple sitting in front of us. I believe that our little girl thought everyone was there for her party.  She will one day understand it was Jesus' party that day. 

We wrapped up the weekend with the Whaley's on Sunday with lunch and an egg hunt.  Avery was not good at hunting eggs.  There were too many distractions....leaves, dogs, sticks, grass, etc.

What a wonderful week and perfect start to the month of April.

First Steps

Avery took her first 6 continuous steps on her own this weekend at Princess Jovie and Princess Nora's 4th birthday party (3/24).  I'm not sure if she was so excited about the Princess themed party or trying to chase her favorite dog Reamy. 

This week has been about preparing for Avery's 1st Birthday Party on Saturday and leaving for Floriday on Sunday with our besties Jenny & Jovie.  Can't wait for the exciting weekend!!!

Finally Friday

This was a crazy busy week (I'll spare you from the details)!

It started with Avery coming home from the sitter's on Monday with the absolute worst diaper rash ever.  Avery doesn't get diaper rash unless she has a tooth coming in (her second bottom tooth was pushing through).  Josh and I ended up staying home and tending to our little one all night.  She ran around naked all evening (peeing everywhere) to help dry out the rash and help with the irritation.  The next morning it was much better and we have had no flare ups since....shew! 

Tonight we ended our busy work week.  Josh is again working out of town.  Avery and I lhad ran errands and played all day with only 2 very short naps.  Typical evenings finish with Avery and I laying on the floor giggling at one another.  She has the sweetest laugh.  During the day the laugh has a hissing sound to accompany the laugh.  In the evenings you get the tired giggle.  This giggle is my favorite and some day I will get it recorded to share with all of you.  As I lay in bed tonight I am thankful that I have a happy, healthy and almost 1 year old upstairs sleeping peacefully. 

Girls Weekend!

Josh has been working out of town a lot on the weekends so Avery and I have quality girl time.  This weekend we emjoyed the outdoors, shopped, played, cleanedand visit with family.  So as i sit here and Avery just laid down for bed I'm exhausted and ready for Josh to be home.

The 3 sweetest moments of the weekend included Aunt Nicki and Avery communicating by rolling their tongues.  This is one of Avey's new tricks she does it when excited or extremely mad.  Avery and Nana reading on the floor today I have posted a video.  It was a really sweet moment.   We also went up to Norton's to drop some stuff off at the flower shop and the Mowrey's had just arrived home so we visited with them for a while and Avery fell in love with their yellow lab Reamy.  Everytime she seems him she has the longest conversations and she can't take her eyes off him.  I think at this point I would deal with his shedding if Jenny would trade me for Sissy and Lola.
Another great weekend for the books, but I am ready to see my hubby!

Avery and Nana Reading

DST & Beautiful Weather

Well, this week we Sprung forward and I absolutely love DST.  This gives me more sunshine at the end of the day and that means we can play outside a little bit longer every evening.

The weather has been absolutely and unseasonable warm this week and we have been taking full advantage.  Walks on the trail with friends, Willard porch, walks in the wagon and sitting on my parents porch.  Avery is mesmerized by everything outdoors the people she sees on our walks, the cars that pass and all the things to pick up and put her in mouth. 

I can't wait to enjoy more spring and summer days with family and friends!

Las Vegas

Josh and I unexpectedly got a call last Monday morning asking if we would like to go on all expense paid trip to Vegas this weekend..........of course!  We shuffled our schedules and decided we could go and I would survive without Avery for a few days. 

Mom & Dad, Kyle & Kelsey took care of our little Avery so we were able to go to Vegas for the weekend.  It was a welcomed break from the busy couple months we had been having.  The decision to leave Avery for almost 4 full days didn't come without tears.  I had at least 3 crying fits before we left and only one while we were gone.  Luckily you can stay pretty busy in Vegas so the days flew by and it was a fabulous trip.  Josh and I even experienced our first Nascar race and meet Jeff Gordon!!!


We came home to a happy, healthy and 1 toothed baby.  Yep that's right, a tooth finally popped through while we were gone!  She also can walk pretty good by only holding on with one hand.  Our little girl is growing up so fast and soon will be one!
 Josh and I are so lucky to have wonderful families that are willing to help watch Avery whenever possible.

First Nascar Experience

First time staying at the Bellagio

Spring is in the air.....

I love spring!  It means we start planting flowers and vegetables in the greenhouse, gardening is around the corner, planting season and of course warmer weather.  So we have taken advantage of the great weather and gone for a couple walks so far this Spring.  Avery has been doing excellent and enjoys the outdoors, but about 45 minutes into our walks Avery usually tuckers out and takes a nap.

I've got "wheels".....Watch Out!

Avery discovered Friday with some help from mom that she can walk behind her walker.  So needless to say we have watched her bump into everything over the weekend.  Oh the fun is just beginning......Look at me go!





It's now been a couple of days since she discovered her above talents and she definitely thinks she is hot stuff.  She laughs the whole time as she walks across the room.  The weekends always go by way to fast, but today her laughter reminded me yet again that the most important "things" in life aren't "things".  Thank you Avery!

Pink Eye

Today,  I was going about my morning ritual of getting ready and was on my way to wake up Miss Avery.  We have a dimmer on the lights in her room so I usually started by turning them on real low and gather her clothes while she wakes up and adjusts to the light.  This morning was no different except when she looked up to smile at me there was only one eye peering through.  It was the most pitiful thing....ever!  So my plans changed.  We loaded up went to the pediatrician sure enough....PINK EYE! Also had the Doc weigh little Miss and she is a petite 18lbs at 10 months.  

It was a welcomed day of "rest" for me as I worked most of last weekend and will be working some this weekend as well.  I put emphasis "rest" because I believe that may actually be a thing of the past.  Avery is everywhere.  She is learning new tricks everyday.  I sit here and type as I watch her crawl from the ottoman, jumperoo, TV stand, toy basket and couch.  She pulls up bounces and chats at each given spot. 

We also discovered drinking out of a straw today.  On the way home this morning I decided I "needed" a $1.00 Diet Coke from McDonalds.  She loves doing anything and everything that we do.  Yes, she drank pop out of my straw and loved it.  We did it a few times until I found a straw cup I recieved at a shower and she got her own straw cup with water & juice.  It is the simple discoveries in her life that make my life complete.

Miss Busy Body

Today was a fun unexpected day. Katie's (Avery's sitter) little girl Emma was sick so Avery got to hang with Josh and I.  Josh took the morning shift and then I took the afternoon shift.   That way we were able to get some work in.

I spent the afternoon chasing little Miss around the house (literally) she is all over the place.  We also continued working on the the "perfect" clap.  Josie her 2nd cousin helped teach her this wonderful talent over the weekend.  Josie is exactly 1 month older than Avery so I love watching them together. 

Look mom I can pull up on the dining room chairs.

Helping with dinner.

......and the dragging out of everything begins.



LOVE & Crafts

Josh is working out of town again this weekend so Avery and I decided to get crafty and make his Valentines Day gift.  I decided we were going to fingerpaint....yes, I know she is only 10 months and this will probably be disasterous, but we proceeded anyway. 

A little unsure that she is going to like this project.

She started warming up to the idea....

Getting just enough paint on her hands to get it on her hair, chest & forhead.

Kelsey helped me as we painted her foot and stamped the picture....closest thing to Avery's signature.

Finished project!  Hope daddy loves his Valentine's Day gift. 

Avery was exhausted from the events of today and this weekend and is already in bed (6:30).  Let's hope she makes it until the morning. 

We concluded our evening/weekend by dancing to Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody."  Couldn't think of anyone else I would wanna dance with more than this little girl.  She laughed as we spun around and sang.......