AEB turns ONE!

A year has past since little Avery made her splash into the world. She is more than worthy of multiple celebrations!
We began the day with song and balloons greeting her as she woke. Brother joined me in singing her the first of  many renditions of Happy Birthday. After a breakfast of berries and a waffle we got dressed for a photo shoot. I hadn't planned on her needing to be on the move (what was I think?) so she became quite difficult to capture as I was trying to shoot, save her from nose diving down the rocks and keeping a 2 year old, all of the sudden jealous, big brother content.

After a nap we headed to Chick-fil-a for lunch. Nothing beats nuggets, fruit, waffle fries and an ice cream cone. She was in heaven and brother enjoyed the indoor playground. For dinner Grandma and Grandpa Graca joined us for her other favorites of Mac and Cheese and fish sticks. Have I mentioned how I LOVE that all her favorites are MY favorites! SCORE!

I made a butterfly cake or I should say tried to make a butterfly cake. It was more tasty than it was pretty. She loved the singing once again. Cake she did NOT love. She spit out both pieces. Blue Bell ice cream was a whole other story. She sucked it down causing no brain freeze what so ever. It is hilarious how much she loves ice cream. You really need to have two spoons locked and loaded.
For presents we got her a pink basket filled with pink and purple balls. The hope is that she and Renn won't fight over balls anymore. But, it appears as if we just added more balls to fight over. We also got her a pillow pet. Seems kinda silly but Avery loves soft things and I knew this would be something she would truly enjoy. Her other present was more of a family present. We bought a Kelty child backpack so that we can all hike together. We can't wait to use it.

Moving on to her party. It is true I have been mentally planning her party since she arrived. It was based around her nursery. I only do it because I love it. It brings me tremendous JOY to plan party details that create a special experience for the guest of honor.

It was worth all the late hours when she saw the butterfly mobiles go up in the dining room. She looked at them, looked a me and smiled, looked at them again and giggled. She loved them. She may not remember them later in life but I will cherish that moment between us forever. On the day of the party we were greeted with unpleasant weather but that doesn't stop a party!

Avery was dressed in a lovely white gown that was a gift from her Cita. I have never seen Avery as full of personality as when she had that gown on and was able to show it off to all the guests. Seriously, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it.

We enjoyed time with family and friends, watched Avery blow out her candle with her fingers (no tears), shoveled in more ice cream and she finally enjoyed cake. It was a grand time.

What a year it has been. So thankful for her little life.

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a year.

To my surprise.

The idea of you surprised me. I will admit to the point of fear.

I didn’t know how my heart would have enough room.

But you surprised me.

You came. My heart grew. It filled with you.

Your sweetness

Your quiet spirit

Your kindness

Your determination

Your meekness

Your love of play

Your keen eye

Your laughter

Your smile

Your observant nature

Your strength

Your love for your brother

Your love for your daddy

Your love for me

You were an amazing surprise. I am thankful for a year with you. And I look forward to the surprises you will bring my life for the years to come.

I love you Avery Elizabeth Bailey. I love you.

Happy birthday baby girl.

Love, Mommy! 2011. 

"I pray that you and all of God's people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ's love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is." Ephesians 3:18-19 

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Do we have a softball player on our hands?

Over Christmas break I got two weeks at home with Eric and the kids. I LOVE having that much dedicated time with them! I always seem to discover new things about my kids. There are moments it makes me a bit sad realizing how much I miss out on.  For Avery I learned she plays catch and has a "ball" (he he he) with it! To boot she has a nice throwing arm on her. Grandpa Bill just MIGHT get his softball player. She is really good at getting it right to you. You roll it back to her and she sends it sailing your way again. So much fun. The icing on the cake is that she claps after she rolls it. So proud of my girl.

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Do as I see not as I am supposed to.

Avery, you are 11 months old...
you are SUPPOSED to be playing with toys for 9-12 month olds instead you want to play with matchbox race cars.
you are SUPPOSED to be learning to drink from a sippy cup instead you want to drink from a cup with a straw.
you are SUPPOSED to be watching Baby Einstein instead you chuckle at Blues Clues.
you are SUPPOSED to be wearing a diaper instead you are wanting to explore the inner working of a potty.
you are SUPPOSED to want to play with Mommy in the grass at the park instead you want to tackle the big kid playground.
you are SUPPOSED to want to play with a baby doll instead you would rather play with the iphone.

Avery, you have a BIG brother. His name is Renn. He loves you very much. He teaches you about lots of fun things that you get to do before your time. I will be praying for the both of you more than I already do (if that is possible) between the ages of 14-21! 

Good choices kids...good choices!

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