Christmas 2021 and another gem...

First... the gem:

M:  Take those clothes off, you need to get a shower. 

A:  I'm not dirty. God says I'm not dirty. 

M: ...

A;  Daddy washed my bootie and my face the other day. 

M:  Get undressed.

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Christmas this year was pretty simple.  There was still more spent than I should have overall, but Avery didn't really get anything 'big'.  She did get a new scooter, that's the biggest thing.  There are legos and hot wheels goodies, cat noir and ladybuy toys, books, and other goodies.  I think someone in the family doesn't like us... as they gifted Avery a betta fish.  Today we ran out and gathered the supplies we need for her to the tune of $62.

I may need to cave and get rid of a few of the bigger things here at the house, but they're things that she might/could use at some point (like her art stand or little kitchen).

She slept in until after 8am and apprehensively came down the stairs.  I do wish I could read her mind, I know something is on it.

A few gems from this past week

This kid.

I'm tired. Because I'm tired, I can go in your bed. That's what my brain says.

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In the car while we were talking with Aunt Jackie Avery asked if we could go to the liquor store.  (She knows they will give her a lolli.)

She repeated this request in TJ Maxx, much to the humor of the lady near us among the sweaters.

Doing something right

I have moments where I know I am doing something right. Today was one of those days.  School is once again closed due to a parent testing positive *sigh*.  Around 11 Avery began asking for another snack/something to eat.  First choice - yogurt.  Sorry baby, we don't have any yogurt right now.  Second choice - peanut butter sammie.  Sorry baby, I don't have bread right now (I did try to get some on Sunday but the shelf was bare).  This is where she started to cry.

Mind you, I am trying to get a chunk of a workday in whilst she watches some videos and does some learning games, so I am not able to run out for groceries ATM.  I hate service fees, but here's the time to suck it up - so we instacarted some goodies from Aldi including both bread (although not my preferred brand) and some yogurt.

When I served her up it's the big smile and better than a thank you a big "I love you Mama" that warmed my heart.  A few minutes later I checked back in to find she put her empty plate by the sink -- THAT is where I know I am doing something right.

What is on your list for Santa?

I asked Avery what she wanted to ask Santa for this year.  She had placed stickers in a catalog that Aunt Jackie brought up when visiting, but she stickered darn near everything and cited  few things from that book that are near duplicates to items she already has.  I'm going to need to guide her responses this week as we prepare to go see Santa on Saturday!

I pulled up the calendar this evening and had a moment when I realized that Thanksgiving is officially next week.  I'm not a fan of malls after Thanksgiving, so with my newfound sense of urgency I booked for Saturday.  I'm hoping we get a good picture since we had part of her face covered in her birthday pics and school didn't find a photographer to do the yearly pictures.

More Spooky Fun

We did go to the chiro office celebration and the howl-o-ween drive through.  The spider cupcakes turned out pretty well.  She was one of many Spidermen at the school costume parade, but the only one w/ long curls coming out of her mask.

Halloween itself was a bit cool, but excellent weather wise.  She had a blast, the community was hoping.  We hung out at a fire with neighbors across the street and made our way around.  We walked up our street and down one block to the fire truck that was stationed in the community and then back to the house and down the hill to the blockade at the other end of our street.

Avery and I also went and got our flu shots earlier this week.  She was scheduled for the mist, but they were out when we got there!  I wasn't super happy about that but she did awesome.  I took a page from the book of the viral doctor who distracts babies before giving them a shot and messed around with her a bit while the nurse popped her with the shot.  She didn't even cry!  But she did wine about her arm hurting after we left.

Dance has been going decently.  Since using the costume to barter last week worked out well, this week I bartered with the promise of candy.  She did great and had fun.  Yep, I'm blackmailing my kid into participating, no shame.

Spidey can dance

We are going to get our money's worth out of this year's Halloween costume.  Last night Avery was allowed to wear her costume to dance class.  I used this to bargain with her indicating she could wear her costume if she tried and participated at dance.  It worked!  She said she had fun, so that was a big win.

Tonight we might pop in at the chiropractor's office as they're doing a little thing for kiddos in costume.  Tomorrow is the drive through howl-o-week at the humane society which I already grabbed a free ticket for.  We can drop off a bag of food we have to donate too.  Friday is the school party, so fortunately I have Thursday night free to make cupcakes.  Sunday is the big day.

Back to those cupcakes -- wish me luck.  I am not going to be fancy, but I have some candy eyeballs -- I think I'm going to grab some oreos and decorating icing to create spiders on top of each cupcake.

One more Friyay

Avery and I were off together again today.  I'm glad we made our bigger jaunt two weeks ago.  The weather definitely wasn't agreeable for any potentially muddy/outdoor setting today.

Last night she asked me to make pancakes, so that was first on our agenda today.  We relaxed for a little while and then headed out to go to her first movie in a theatre.  We saw the Addams Family 2 and she did a great job both being quiet and paying attention, but also in helping to demo the bag of popcorn!  I admit, we stopped at SONIC too and had a milkshake to make the day extra special.

Last weekend we took a reeeeally long drive to meet and pick up "Oshie" a siberian husky that came from NC.  She suggested the name Zero, and many other crazy ones.  This name was also on my list of potential names, but it seems more certain since she already told her teachers that is his name.

More Fall Fun

I took Friday off to enjoy the day with Avery.  The weather is so perfect and the rain held off, so we went to the Living Treasures park, but not the one out by Somerset.  It was a really nice place.  Not too busy, perfect for Avery. They even had a little picnic area outside.  Avery was a little too short to consider riding the camel, but we did all the other things and had a blast.

Today we met her buddy Luke at the Houston Pumpkin Festival!  We got there early to watch the parade, had a bite, walked through vendors, and took a minute for a couple of kiddie activities including the trampolines (again).

Fall Festival Flurry

I love this time of year, but it does mean that every weekend has something going on that I want to go to.  Two weekends ago was Oktoberfest, last weekend we went to Triple B to take part in their fall activities, this weekend was the Hickory Apple Festival, and next weekend is the Houston Pumpkin Festival!  As a result of last weekend we picked apples and made apple sauce.  Today we got to spend extra (out of school) time w/ Avery's bestie, Luke.

It's so good to get out and doing normal things.  A nice distraction from the reality being painted for us.

Dancing Machine

Monday night Avery had her first official dance class.  There was an hour for the combo class, which included tap, ballet, and a bit of tumbling/movement and a half hour immediately after of tumbling.  There was prb 13-14 kids in the first class and like 6 of them in the second.

She seemed to really enjoy it and was pretty hyped and energetic when we left.  This week we will continue to practice eagle rolls, straddle rolls, first and second position, and a bit of toe/heel stuff.

School is struggling to find someone to do their school photos.  The place last year wouldn't allow the teachers in the room when taking the photos, which -- beyond being creepy and inappropriate -- meant that there were a lot of sour/serious faces because the kids didn't know these strangers in face masks.  I guess they even cut off a few kids heads in the photos.  This means photos are delayed at this point, and hopefully not postponed until spring.

First Friend Party Attended

Avery attended her first kid's birthday party this past weekend.  It was for her best buddy, Luke, who joined her in the "4" club (officially today).  There were a couple of other kids there and they had a blast.

Once again school was closed at the end of last week.  We had a text message first thing on Wednesday morning - once again a parent tested positive.  It resulted in school being closed on Thurs and Fri too.  Today she returned, along with the dictator rules from the state forcing them to wear masks all day.

4 years!

She's 4 years old!  The celebration is being spread out a bit.  I left work a little early on Monday and we went to the town pool.  Tuesday I delivered Spiderman themed cupcakes to school for her to share with her friends, she had her beloved chicken nuggies (actually strips) at the farmer's market, we had cake and presents to open at home.

From family she received books and learning resources, a tall doll, a superman die cast car, cash money, and that big girl bed that her grandparents brought a few weeks back.  Her Daddy gave her a solid silver dino head and we had a remote control Batman car, Frozen light up blue sneakers for the new school year, and a tall car track with multiple cars.

Today she went to the doctor so I can report the official height as 3'5 2/16" and weight as 38.5 lbs.  She was not ready for her birthday to be over yesterday!

I love you (not so) little girl.  Happy birthday!

Starting the Celebrations

Avery had her first birthday hurrah this weekend with her Aunt Mandy and Uncle Frank.  Lots of fun books and learning material gifted, Sarris ice cream, and quality time!

Her 4th birthday photos came and are pretty darn cute.  Only one w/o the superhero mask, but I keep reminding myself we will have school photos - hopefully those will turn our well as they have in past years.

Final swimming lesson went well.  She didn't want to jump in still, but she did an amazing job doggie paddling solo with a pool noodle and kicking back and forth.  She was also killing it grabbing toys from the bottom of the 2 1/2 foot area.  Solid progress in the past 5 weeks and I am excited for her.  Her confidence manifests in the bathtub when she wants to put her face under there too!

Closet Prep

I took time yesterday to start prepping Avery's cold-weather clothes.  I went through the drawers that held those she wore last year, pulling even more that now appears too small.  I went through the closet and pulled out the items I thought would fit this year.  We had a try-on session too, which involved her dancing around on her bed in front of the mirror with each item on.

Since I shop ahead this is my version of 'back to school' shopping.  At least now I have a survey of the clothing and can start to plan for what she might wear on school photo day.

Saturday we went for her superhero photo shoot for her birthday.  I am eager to see the pictures, but nothing just yet.

Purging Baby Toys

In order to prepare the living room for the recliner that was in Avery's room I had to get all of the toys off of the papasan chair which was serving as a toy box.  I took this opportunity to go through everything and a load of baby/toddler things that she is completely grown past are ready to go out the door.  Some things will go to consignment, but I suspect many will get donated.

Since she now has a big girl bed we can cuddle and read there instead.

What a web we weave

I dropped off things at the consignment store and commented about monitoring their posts for a spiderman costume.  Low and behold, one appeared the next day in the right size!  Halloween costume is checked off of the list.

Still trying to figure out bedding.  She keeps telling me she could do spiderman, but I am not feeling it.  Maybe sheets or an extra blanket, but not a comforter.  She is doing well in her big girl bed, with the support of pool noodles on the side.

She had a dentist appointment this morning.  The kid is so brave!

Year of the Spider

2020 was the year of the dinosaur - as in Avery's birthday cake theme and Halloween costume.  This year is  the year of the Spider(man).  I kept joking that since the cat is kind of an early birthday present we should go with that theme and have a litter box cake and cat poop cookies for her friends at school.  I mostly kept saying it because of her exuberant reaction against it with "noooo, that's gross!"

We went yesterday to order the themed cake for at home and cupcakes for school.  Now to find the right costume.

I also need to order her bedding.  Her Nonna and Nonno are moving and gifted her the bed from their spare room - her first big girl bed!  They delivered it to us yesterday, so I spent some time taking apart her crib, removing it from her room, and vacuuming up in there.  We also snagged pool noodles as runners down the sides in the morning before swimming lessons.  Also on our procurement list was goggles and a swim cap, which helped her tremendously putting her face in.

The Final Countdown

Our two week foster to adopt is almost over.  The cat sure does put a smile on Avery's face.  I guess he can stay, right?  But gosh, give me patience to get through some of this.  Having a cat is a 180 from a dog.

Since my last post I signed Avery up for the combination dance class (an hour of tap, ballet, and jazz) and tumbling for the fall.  The good news is she is enjoying the summer session we signed up for and if she changes her tune or hates the other class we can drop it without commitment for the season.

We had our first week of private swim lessons last weekend.  That went well - Avery was even going under and grabbing rings with a little bit of a push under from the instructor.

We had another convo about her kissing boys at school tonight and how that's a big no from Mommy.  She thinks that is pretty darn funny.  Help me.

Our Fuzzy Match

Avery and I brought home a kittie today!  He is staying with us as foster to adopt for two week and we hope he will want to stay with us forever.  She is pretty excited about him and eager to get his attention, but she is happy to back off and give him some space.

His name is presently Carter.  We'll see if that sticks.

Summer Fun

Today was Avery's first "dance" class.  It was actually a tumbling class, just a 5 week thing here in the summer.  I thought it was a nice way to check out one of the dance schools.  It went pretty well.  Many of the other kids kept leaving the room to check in with their parents - not Avery, she hung in there.  The only disappointment was that we all had a small view through the door, unless we wanted to stand outside in the heat and look in the windows.

We have one week of swimming lessons left.  They have been going well and I am going to set up a round of private lessons to help her leap forward.  We didn't get to go to the 4th of July parade after all, since they had it on the 3rd... and we were at swim lessons.  We have had a lot of rain in the past few weeks, so we haven't gotten as much time outside on the playset as I would have liked thus far, but we have gotten a day a week at the public pool to reinforce those lessons.

Last week during our forced vacation together we did lots of fun stuff like going to Idlewild, where she still loves the train, shopping, hitting the pool etc.  I have also been looking for a cat -- because Avery would like to have one.  It has been a frustrating process to try and find one that appeals and get approved somewhere for adoption.  We'll see what happens.

My playset!

Avery's swing set is on the scene!  It was beautiful warm weather for the install and most of the afternoon.  Around 4pm the thunder, lightning, and rain started.  I was pretty disappointed, but still allowed her to spot it when we got home.  She came upstairs and I said "let's go look on the deck" she looked out the sliding glass door and immediately said "my playset!" and scooted to the door and out to the edge of the deck.  She was excited.  The rain paused, so we went outside for all of 5 minutes to check out the tire swing (which was still dry).  When she heard thunder we were back inside.

A while later we were able to go back out for a good hour and she had so much fun testing out her slides, climbing entries to the tower, and rings that she neglected to point out a potty need midway through.  So we lost a few minutes to changing our undies and pants.

Parade Practice

While it only lasted all of 10-15 minutes, we enjoyed the Memorial Day parade here in town.  It was a nice test run for the 4th of July (which is the second largest in the state).  It's good to know Avery is down to sit and watch a parade.

Counting Down

The swing set delivery is set for June 7 -- at last!  She has been mentioning it on the regular.  I can't wait to see her face when it is finally here.

Sprinkler Playdate

Avery got to go to her best buddy's place yesterday.  The pictures of them holding hands and running back and forth in the spray from the sprinkler are beyond cute.

I love too that I got to hear her defending herself in the way I have tried to tell her when we talk about things.  She proclaimed "that's not nice" among other things.  She's also a little bossy, but that surprises no one.

PK1 - I'm pretty important

It is once again time for Avery to move up in classes.  The paper came home today indicating she was moving to PK1 on June 14!  That's 2 months before she turns 4.  I am sure they have more younger kids coming in or moving up in classes hence the early shift, but it's still a big deal to me.

I admit, I sneaked a peek - her buddy is also moving up on the same day to the same PK1 teacher.  Look out PK1!

Higher Level Math

While helping me plant some things outside today Avery counted 5 scoops of dirt into a pot.  I told her to put 3 more in, which she counted as 6, 7, and 8!  Then I said it needed 2 more and she said 10.

Ok.  Dang.  I'm impressed kid.

Reset the counter

Later this month would have been one full year without a period. Instead, today I started spotting.  Very funny mother nature, well played.  I feel like I need to flip the sign at a work site saying how many days since there was an injury.

Things are going swimmingly

Week two of Avery's swim lessons (minnow) are in the bag.  She seems to be enjoying it and is eager to participate, so I made the leap and signed up for the second session (guppy) already.  I also went ahead and purchased a season pass for our town pool for this summer.  Avery doesn't need to pay until she's 4, so that makes the $80 spent on my pass a pretty darn good deal.

Good thing she is learning to swim... we've had a ton of rain lately. Enough that I had to postpone the delivery/setup of her swing set out back due to the mud pit we currently have.

Zzzz...

Last night Avery was wiped out after playing outside.  So much so she wiped out leaning against me on the couch before her bedtime!  I had her out there running around again tonight and she's tired, but still going at this point.

What back yard?

I stopped and committed to a big ol swing set.  It will be at least 5 weeks, but Avery and I will soon be enjoying the backyard big time this summer.  Go ahead, lock us back down.

Planning Ahead

Seems that Avery is a bit like me - she likes to plan ahead, like -- way -- ahead.  She has been mentioning that she will turn 4 at her next birthday as of late.  Yesterday it shifted and she said she wanted a reeeeeally big cake for her birthday, one with monster trucks.  She also indicated that I will make it, but she will help.

Binge Watching

We have started binge watching a few shows.  Among them is Little House on the Prairie (thank you IMDB app).  Avery is enjoying it.  It is interesting to see what she remembers as we move from episode to episode.  For example, pointing out the bell in one episode that was made in a previous episode we watched the day or two before.  She also keeps saying the one character's name even though we only saw him in one episode.  Finally, the cutest part is that during the intro as the Ingalls girls run down the hill Avery says "be careful little girl" every time Carrie tumbles.

A big girl do

Avery looks so grown up.  She had her hair styled straight (her choice), so I haven't seen how the curls look post-trim yet.  She was so patient and well behaved.  I am a proud Mama.

I want to sleep as well as she does

I would love to get a night of sleep as deep as she sleeps to not notice... we had another overnight pee incident.  Again it didn't wake her.  No biggie other than her disappointment that I wouldn't let her keep the wet panties on as they were the ones with a dinosaur on the front.  It's been a month and a half since the earlier incident.  I still think she's doing awesome.

Snip Snip

I scheduled Avery's first hair cut.  I was looking at the typical kid-cut places and just couldn't bear to think of someone butchering her.  So I scheduled at the Salon where I typically go.  Avery will see my gal on the 6th of March for a trim.

I have been trying to use different products in her hair to get the frizz in her curls tamed down.  A bit of coconut oil works well but leaves it looking greasy.  Mousse did a nice job, so that might be my go to.  Either way I know she will benefit from a trim to even things up and get the ends that are constantly trying to knot up dealt with.  I will finally have a first lock/curl to put away.

Bestie Time

Our first long over due get away was to Splash Lagoon with Avery's bestie, Luke, and his family.  We had a good time, the hotel was nice, the place was fun for the kids and had areas perfect for them.

Cousin Time

Yesterday Avery got to spend some time with her cousins, Levi and Isabella (and Kimberly).  It's been a year since our cruise, which blows my mind.  On this visit we got to shop at Trax Farms and the nearby outlets before having a late lunch.  They adore her so much, I wish they could spend more time together.

God will take care of you

I know I say ouch too much right now.  My shoulder is really hurting me.  Last night cuddling in my bed I had some pain and indicated as such.  Avery said "don't worry Mommy, God will take care of you".  Amen little girl, Amen.

Avery and Love

After receiving a Valentine's gift from her Aunt Mandy in the mail Avery opened the items contained within.  The first she read off said "A-V-E-R-Y, that's Avery".  After opening it she put a little heart shaped ring on and read it "L-O-V-E".  I asked her what that spelled and she said "Love Mommy".  *So proud*  She then spelled "L-U-K-E" and told me that was Luke!

It is definitely tie for some sight words and learning how a few other words (Mommy, Daddy, Saffy, Dog, Cat, God, Jesus - you know, the important ones) are spelled.

Meenas and Heycorns

I am pretty sure I reported a while back that Avery corrected me when I said "meena".  Last night it was confirmed that "heycorns" are of the past now as well.  It makes me sad, she's getting so big.

It was bound to happen

This morning I found Avery and her bed wet.  We haven't had an accident like this before, but it was bound to happen eventually.  Of course I just assured school on Friday that she doesn't need a pull up for nap time, go figure.  It didn't even wake her up, which shouldn't be surprising as she is a good sleeper, but it does surprise me.

Naughty Words

Avery has long since understood that you should not say "oh my God".  She will correct you - or the people on TV.  It is unavoidable however that she's going to pick up choice words here or there.  The first one was a while back when she said "dumbass". I'm very pleased to report she was not echoing me!

Last night we had a double-whammy.  First she called Saffy a "brat".  I told her that wasn't nice and she shouldn't call people that.  She then said "I am a brat", so I asked where she got that from, who called her that.  Turns out a classmate called her a brat.  So we dealt with how to handle that and that it is unacceptable.  Later in the evening she called Saffy another name, I don't remember what it was already (where is my memory going).  So once again we had the "you don't call anyone names" conversation and I asked where she heard that.  Yet again a classmate, but a different one.

I really wonder what gems she takes in to teach her friends.