Goofy Girl

Today Avery leaned into my arm like she was going to bite, but it wasn't a situation where she was angry... turns out she just wanted to flick her tongue all over my arm.  It was a pretty good laugh, which just spurred her on.

The other morning I recorded what equates to Stewie Griffin saying "Lois, Ma, Mommy, Mama" over the monitor.  In recent weeks we have also seen grumbly voices being comically used.  All I'm saying is this girl keeps finding new ways to put smiles on my face and of making me laugh.

Even the look on her face when she's been corrected and it hasn't sunk in that I'm being serious is too stinking cute and is hard to maintain a poker face through.

Traveling Germs

Last week Avery and I were supposed to go to a park on Friday, so we were both off from work and school.  Unfortunately, my Aunt passed, so instead we headed to Altoona.  It was about 5 hours drive time and I have to give this kid kudos, she was amazing.  Unfortunately, she didn't nap but 20 minutes before we arrived at the church for the funeral, so I was worried she would lose her mind.  She only had one minor melt during the service.  My cousin noted she was happy to see that melt, because up to that point it was too easy.  She made it through the afternoon too with everyone around, only going to one Aunt and very briefly.  The rest of the time she clung to me, wanting up quite often.  The drive back she wiped out for most of it, so that too was an easy drive.

On Saturday she then woke up not wanting to eat much.  By the afternoon she had horrendous gas and small/looser poops that happened all too often and a slight fever.  Sunday morning she threw up the water she drank twice.  After some rest and cuddling she was starting to be herself again.  Today she's looking and feeling ok.

My arms, shoulders, and back however aren't feeling great.  All of this wanting carried is really taking its toll on me.

What tomorrow may bring

I've been getting way too many glimmers of the future. This evening as Avery jumped on my bed, she sat down for a minute. When I asked if she wanted to cuddle she repeated "cuddle", so I lied down beside her. She then said "hand". So, we sat there watching TV for a few minutes holding hands cuddled up close.

Downstairs she's now able to sit on the couch and play with a toy. There isn't as much need to worry about her falling or running off - although it still happens from time to time... The running off part that is - I certainly hope she doesn't fall!

She seems to know all of the words anymore... and her repertoire is ever-expanding.  It could be because she's a little obsessed with books. Unfortunately for me it's often the same couple of books night after night after night.

Bossy!

In addition to "no bite", Avery also says "no push" and "no kick".  The best part was discovering she hates kazoos.  She immediately made a fretty face, said "no, no mommy, no" and then took the kazoo and put it down.  She's repeated this action several times including with her father.

She continues to be struggling at Little Gym.  She doesn't want to participate in the time on the mat unless she is carried - that kind of defeats the purpose. Once I can get her going she is usually ok, but some days that initial happiness is hard to find.  Of course, it doesn't help when one of the other kids then tackles her or pulls her hair, sending her into a crying fit.

She is a sweet girl.  Not an angel, but I can say I have not witnessed her doing the tackling, at least not yet.  She will also say "bless you" when you sneeze (that sweet little voice).

Avery has also been initiating walks and managing to go pretty far before she needs to get carried or placed into the stroller.  Her stamina is quite remarkable!