3!

And just like that she is 3.  I took today off and held Avery home from daycare.  We visited her extra grandpap, Mr Barry, went for breakfast, picked up her gorgeous dinosaur cake, opened gifts, hunted butterflies and bugs in the back yard, and generally enjoyed our time together.

I measured her at 34.5 lbs and 37".  We'll see where she comes in at her Dr appt later this week.

Yesterday we had her photos taken, they're not all back yet, but the teaser was adorable.  How could they not be?  After the photos we walked around Peter's Lake.  Saturday Avery and I went to meet up with her cousins for a picnic at a playground.  It's been a busy and fun weekend.

Play Date

This past weekend Avery's best bud, Luke, came over with his parents for a play date and dinner.  They had a blast. She was so excited before he arrived she was vibrating.  Of course she was instantly all frowny after he left too.

I never expected to have one much less two near-three year olds running crazy in my house.  I certainly didn't expect to have that happen and enjoy every minute of it.

A comforting vision

I pray a lot for this kid.  On Friday I finished up my work a little bit early, although, not as early as I had wanted.  I took a few minutes out back pulling some weeds before I went to pick up Avery.  During my drudgery work I was praying.  My thoughts were about God always being with Avery and watching over her, that He would be with her and she would know Him.  I believe that children have an easier time hearing His voice, so I also prayed that she might be gifted in that regard.  I noted even in my prayers that I know we aren't to test God for 'signs' or 'answers'.

I then headed to get her from school.  We were headed for ice cream at Sarris because she had a banner day potty wise at school and because it was Friday -- we both deserved a treat.  I quickly realized we'd be crazy early for a curbside order, so I turned around to go to Dollar General.  Stopped at the light in front of the White Eagle club she says from the back seat "is that Jesus?"

I looked all around and no one was on the sidewalk there or near the parking lot on the side.  I asked her where and she pointed out the window in the direction I was looking.  Imagine my surprise as it settled in.  I asked her what he was doing and she said he was sitting there.  Thank you Lord.

Laying in bed I was curious so I pulled up the stereotypical photos of Jesus on google images and asked her who it was -- she said Jesus.  I don't have tons of pictures of him around the house nor do I recall pointing him out in the small cards I do have.  I am sure she's seen photos elsewhere, but stilll!

The feeling is mutual.

Last night during prayers Avery included Luke in her family list. She quickly followed it up with "I love him". I guess given my last post it only took her a little while to realize the feeling was mutual.

We also had Avery's dentist appointment yesterday. Fortunately her buddy Luke told her about his recent trip and she was psyched to go. We had a very good report and they indicated her teeth were very clean. Yay!

Final note -- the threes are hitting pretty hard. Avery's desire to do what she wants is pretty darn frustrating. Mostly I am sure because she's been so easy to this point.

Who loves you?

I tucked Avery into bed last night as we finished prayers. I told her God loves her and then said "who else loves you?" thinking she would respond "Mommy!" Nope. Instead she said "Luke!"

Our own events

Our whole upcoming weekend was cancelled. I wanted to take her to a touch-a-truck even on Saturday and Sunday we had a graduation party to attend. I guess it's all for the best, but it's summer, we're supposed to be able to do things together. Speaking of, this past weekend we went flower picking at Simmons again. I didn't get as good of photos of Avery as I did last year, but I did get some. We also managed to lose her first pair of sunglasses. She must have chucked them because I couldn't find them anywhere in the aisle we were in. I've made it thus far without losing much of anything, I guess it was bound to start happening. Avery has been making good use of her toddler tower. Tonight she helped me make a veggie lasagna while she nibbled on the raw zucchini and sampled other ingredients. She also routinely helps me water the garden out back. After doing so we check the tomatoes. When there is only one sweet 100 ready to go it is all hers. I've at least gotten to eat a couple.

Best Buddies and Holidays

Avery's best buddy's Mom invited us to their neighborhood this weekend.  They had an ice cream truck coming to their community.  It was nice to see them play.  Boy were they happy to hear they were going to get to visit and even more so to see them spot each other.  We had a great visit and it made what would have been a lonely 4th of July a great time.  She was also able to do so much more at the little park all by herself.  They were up and down for the slide a bunch of times.

The neighborhood was going crazy last night with fireworks, including the folks across the street.  Avery wasn't too fond of the loud ones this year, but she was content to watch from the windows inside.