Avery's Earrings

Avery got her ears pierced this morning. The same nurse, at our pediatrician's office, who does Ave's immunizations, pierced her ears. As soon as Avery saw her, she apparently remembered who she was and what she did and didn't stop crying until we left. I even gave her a lollipop, which didn't close the flood gates, but within about a half hour, she didn't even know she had them done. Chris said it was barbaric and that I shouldn't torture her, but despite his girlish whining, I did it anyway and as long as they heal properly, she won't remember a thing.

First Day of School

Today was Miles' first day of VPK (preschool). Even though he has been in Pre-K since he was 2 (see link here: First Day of Preschool), this is the first year the state recognizes as actual preschool. They only regulate one year before kindergarten. So today Miles was "officially" in pre-k.

Last night, I set his alarm clock for 8am and showed him how to turn it off by himself. His instructions were to turn off the alarm and get dressed for school. Not knowing what would happen, we went to bed last night wondering if he would even be able to hear the alarm without his hearing aid. We woke up shortly before 8 this morning and at exactly 8, we heard the loud buzzing coming from his room. Chris looked at me and said "He's not going to turn it off!". Two seconds later, the alarm was off and we heard Miles door fling open. He came running into our room and said with a big smile on his face:
"Mommy, I heard the beeping and I turned it off....I've got my clothes!"
"Great job buddy, go get dressed."
"Okay!" and he bounced like Tigger back to his room.

Today was the "meet and greet", so the kids didn't stay for the whole day, just long enough to drop off their supplies and familiarize themselves with their teachers and classroom. Miles met his teachers, Ms. Julia and Ms. Crystal and then played with his friends while we showed his teachers how his hearing aid works.

Avery went along for the ride and made herself at home in the classroom with all the toys. She would have been just as happy to be left there to play. (She just wouldn't have listened very well.) It was hard to say which of my kids were more disappointed we had to leave. It's a shame they don't have pre-k for 11month olds.

Sunset

On one of the few evenings I managed to make it outside, into the oven that is Florida, there was a beautiful sunset. As long as you're staring at it from inside your climate controlled house or car, Florida can be a really nice place to look at.

Demon Baby

Rita (sorry Nana, I am clearly going senile) thought this would be funny:

....it is an accurate representation of her personality from time to time:)

Avery is 11 Months

Avery is getting so big. She is almost a year old and I can't believe how fast the year has gone. She has eight teeth and still no hair. Out of all my friends with kids, I always seem to have the bald ones. I was hoping to put a little bow in for her first birthday, but it looks like she will just have to wear another headband.

Although Avery has been quite the challenge, she is a lot of fun and has a great little personality. There are so many differences between her and Miles. She loves music and dancing. She already likes to pick up a crayon and draw. (I still can't get Miles to draw.) She barely naps and has had a painful time with her teeth coming in. She is the best eater....EVER! She will eat anything from green beans to yogurt to meat and everything in between. I can give her whole foods at this age and she does a great job. I think I had to cut Miles food up until he was 2 and he gagged on most things he ate. I hope she stays this way. Having one easy kid to feed would be a blessing.

She has started to talk a little. She says: bye-bye, hi, night-night (nye-nye), dada, mama and more. She tries to bark like a dog, quack like a duck and says "vroom" when she drives a toy car. She plays with a toy that sings the ABC's and she sings along but says "ba" for every letter. She points at what she wants and screams loudly when she doesn't get it. She loves to clap and drum. She has a great sense of humor even though it is very dry. She laughs a lot.....mostly at Miles, but he takes the brunt of her yelling too (usually well deserved).


She is strong and active, already walking like a pro and climbing up onto all the furniture. There isn't much she can't do independently, but she is still a mama's girl. I love all the hugs and cuddles, but do wish the apron strings were a little longer from time to time. I know this is our last baby so I'm not trying to rush it and I find myself appreciating each milestone more than I did the first time. I imagine the little lady she will become, but want to embrace the last moments I spend with her as a baby.....(sniff, sniff).

Happy 11 month birthday baby girl!