Avery in April

We are enjoying Spring with our happy little girl. She's changing so much and we love to see her grow. Here's what she's been up to during Weeks 10, 11 and 12...

• Showing her rebellious side. This girl loves to eat, and she does not want to take a break for burping. She will straighten up stiff as a board and arch her back so that it is impossible to burp her. Screaming the entire time. Hoping this behavior isn't a sign of things to come!
  
• Checking out her toys. She has enjoyed her changing table friends for a while now, but we have recently found that some toys will cause her to stop crying (more tricks for Mom & Dad!). She is especially interested in her glow worm, flower rattle and various car seat toys.
  
• Making the cutest noises! She is smiling big time, and has spells during the day when she wants to talk to us. She likes it when I talk more adult-like to her, as if I'm carrying on a conversation. She watches my mouth and eyes intently, and will come up with several different responses, complete with changes in inflection and volume. She can get pretty loud with her babbling!
• Being high-maintenance. This little princess demands not just to be held at all times, but to be held while standing and preferably while walking. Don't let the scenery become stale, or she will let you know of her displeasure.
• Reading. We've read her a few books here and there, but yesterday I sat with her in the rocker and read "Hippos Go Berserk". For the first time, she listened and looked at the pages while I read the book through - twice! She even reached out and patted the book with her hand.

Two Months Old!

...Showing a little attitude on her Two Month birthday! Avery had an appointment with her doctor on the following day (April 9th) and she weighed 10 pounds 3 ounces and measured 21.5 inches. She placed 10-25 percentile on her height and 25-50 percentile on her weight. She received her first shots, which were hard on me! The nurse told me to hold her hands while she gave her three shots in her thighs. She cried so hard and gripped my fingers so tightly, but she didn't cry long. I'm thinking she's a tough little girl.

Easter in Kansas

Avery took her first trip to Grandpa and Grandma Johnson's house for Easter! We were a little concerned about driving so far on our maiden voyage, but our little gal was a great traveler. She slept pretty much the whole trip there and back...takes after her momma, I guess.

Aunt Emily, her mom Becky and friends Heather and Jenny planned a "Welcome Avery Brunch" while we were home. Avery got to meet all of our church family from 151st Street, including my BFFs Brei and Lauren! Heather made an incredible cake and the ladies presented us with the quilt they had made, which was so beautiful.

Grandma went all out for Easter dinner...ham with all of the fixins and lemon cupcakes for dessert. Avery looked so sweet in her Easter bonnet and the dress her Daddy bought her. I helped her out with the candy from her Easter basket. All in all, a great weekend!

Visitors...

We've enjoyed all of the visitors we've had since Avery's birth! Hospital visitors included, of course, both sets of grandparents. Also, family friends like the Hollandsworths, the Carrigans, the Butlers, the Coxs and the Stones!

Uncle Cody, Aunt Emily, cousins Silas and Daphne drove down from Olathe to see Avery when she was just a few days old.

A couple of weeks later, Aunt Ruthie, Terri and Brandi made the trip from Lavaca to see our little sweetie and bring her some more pretty dresses!

In March, Avery had a day visit from her "Owens" Aunties Marge, Rhonda and Carol. What fun!

And on Easter weekend, Avery got to meet our good friends, the Dolingers, and her future gal pal Lydia.

She Smiles!

Last week, Avery began smiling and giggling. At first, we must admit, it wasn't at her dear old mom and dad - it was at more exciting things like...the couch. And the wall.

But pretty soon she turned those smiles toward us and melted our hearts. Here is some video of our happy girl...