updated pics

Ready for church! But not happy about it.
Feelin' better.

Daddy and Avery taking a nap!

TJ's favorite Avery pic.

Composition in color number 16

This is Avery showing Daddy that she isn't ready for bed yet!

Nap time in the swing!

This is Avery's first real bath (after her umbilical cord fell off and we could submerge her)! She loves it! Can't you tell from that sweet yawn?

This is the night that Heidi wanted to show Avery how this whole sleep thing is done, so she hopped into the crib with her.

Avery didn't take the hint, or enjoy the company.

Thank you!!!

I need to thank some people. This has been a wonderful experience for both Avery and me, and it is mostly due to the generosity and kindness of the following people:
Mom (Ama)-thank you for the countless hours you counseled me, consoled me, and helped me figure this motherhood stuff out...not to mention all of the grandmotherly things like babysitting, coming to my rescue when I needed a break, and cooking and cleaning around our house, so I wouldn't go insane!
Ms. Beverly (Mimi)-thank you for all of your gifts for Avery, words of encouragement, your non-judgemental attitude towards a daughter in law who doesn't know everything but thinks she does, and of course for babysitting when TJ and I needed to get out and have a conversation that didn't revolve around the baby!
Dad (G Daddy)-for letting mom buy way too much baby gear and being an incredible grandfather to our baby.
Mr. Mike (Grandaddy)-for letting Beverly buy too much baby gear, and stories of your children when they were little!
Beverly Reed- Thank you for keeping my house manageable when I did not have the strength or energy but needed it the most!
Grandma (Rosie)- Thanks for spending time with me when I was feeling the post-pardum blues, and needed help caring for Aves.
Our neighbors- who brought food, and don't yell at me when our dogs get into their yards, again!
My dear, dear friends Allison and her husband Michael who did it right before us (literally), and held our hands every step of the way. Your insight and gifts were tremendously helpful, and I have tried to pass it along to others who needed your parenting wisdom! I heart the Bratz fishing pole btw!
Searcy (the best friend a girl could ask for)- who has babysat, hugged on, and loved my little girl as much as I do! Thank you for helping me and keeping me grounded throughout this whole process! I am so glad you are in Montgomery (if only for a while :))!
Kara, Meghan, Jennie, Jenny, Beers, Rebeca, Salibs, SueJoe, Jeris, Corie, Cristin, Morgan, Sara, Hope, and anyone else I may have left out...THANK YOU for all of your support and enthusiasm over my little baby! Y'all have made it so much fun!
My work friends (Sheryl, Kristin, Melanie, Laura, Carolyn, Jessica, Betsy, Natalie, Veronica, Angela, et al) for listening to me and discussing with me the intricacies of pregnancy and childbirth even when they didn't want to!
Samuel A. Bonfe (the best boss in the world) for letting me take time off when I needed to rest, and not giving up on me when my brain took a break and I was still at work. Also, for calling to check up on us regularly!
Most of all, I need to thank TJ, without him, no baby would be here to be thankful for! He is a wonderful husband, and needs to be told so more often. He is also an incredible father, and is becoming an incredible wood worker as well! (He is building my birthday present!) Thank you for getting up with the baby when I am too tired, for putting up with my craziness and hormonal mood swings, and for providing for our family!
Thank you to anyone I may have left out! We are truly blessed to have such a perfect daughter and wonderful friends.

You remind me of the babe...

So, this post title is for Kara and Tripp. But the post isn't about David Bowie or the Labyrinth at all. Its about the crazy things people say to new moms and dads. Every person over the age of 40 has an opinion about who Avery looks like, breastfeeding, when her hair will fall out, what color her eyes will be, and the funny thing is, its all conflicting! One of my grandmothers swears her eyes are going to stay blue, the other is sure they will be brown like mine. TJ's grandmother thinks she looks just like me, and everyone else says she looks like TJ. I don't know when or even if her eyes will change or her hair will fall out, but I am not worried. She is doing everything right on her own little schedule. Her umbilical cord fell off this morning, and she has the cutest little belly button (it's an in-ie!). I will be so excited when she sleeps through the night...I am ready for a full night of rest!

Gettin' sleepy in this one!

I just love her little feet! They are so cute!

One day I will get around to it...

My time is so limited these days. Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. I literally spend every waking hour nursing, pumping, rocking, soothing, burping, changing, doing dishes, laundry, and cleaning. A few times I have been able to eat in between. That being said, I need to emphasize how much I love it! Avery is a joy, and she is such a good baby! It freaks TJ out when does have a fussy day or night because she is normally so happy! She is growing so fast, and is starting to smile!

new photos!

This is my big girl outfit...don't I look like a three month old at least?

Taking a break from holding her head up during tummy time!

One month old! I have grown sooo much! Avery is now 22 inches long!

I think Avery is trying to put a hex on Searcy.

Snow and more!

Avery and Riley met last week, and showed off their matching pacifiers.

Here is their 2nd meeting slash first date! Riley was quite a gentleman!

TJ and Avery down at the mill after the snow.

Hank and Maggie squared off for a wrestling match during the snow!

And this is what they looked like afterwards.