Avery is ONE!

Avery is such a big girl! It's incredible how much development can happen in 12 short months. She went from being a helpless, tiny babe to crawling up on to tables by herself! 

Back when she was 3-4 months old, and I was still getting up with her several times a night, and she would cry for 3 hours every evening, and she was never happy unless I was holding her and standing/walking... gosh, I thought those days would never end. I thought my life was over. And sometime I even thought "why did I want to have a baby again?" Well, old people, you were all right. It goes SO. FAST. So fast. I can't believe this baby girl is 1.

She likes stealing money out of my wallet. Too soon, sweet girl. 

Aren't you supposed to be like 16 for that to happen?

As I think back on this last year, I realize I wouldn't have it any other way. Yeah, those first few months are hard. But SO worth it to get to hang with this little chunk every day!

First dentist appointment!

They gave her a toothbrush with a balloon tied on.

 It was her favorite toy for days.

Supercross in Houston! Rare date night with Tyler.

We love our Avery girl so much. She has brought so much joy to our lives this last year. It's so sweet to see Tyler's relationship with her grow.

I had no idea how rewarding motherhood would be. In this self-serving world we live in today it's easy to see why so many choose to put off starting their family or not have kids at all, but it's one of those things you just have to live through to understand why such a demanding role can bring so much joy and happiness. I just love this fussy, giggly, pooping, eating, jabbering, book-loving, bath-taking, snuggle-loving girl so much!

And how could I not when she packs herself into a box so nicely?

Some things Avery does... she likes to try and put socks on her feet. This means she take a sock and lays it on her foot. It's so adorable. I wish it were that easy to put on your socks, little one!

Avery walks! She rarely crawls anymore. She loves pushing things around. 

She can say a few words. The only one she says consistently is "hi" but she has also has said amen, ouchie!, ya! (when Daddy said "can you hand me that?" "yaaa!"). One day we swear she said "hi Trish" to my friend. There were 4 other people there and we were all like, did that really just come out of her mouth?!! It sounded like "aye tshh", but it was right after she said "can you say Hi Trish?" It was crazy. She also says thinks like "uh oh" that aren't really words and mimics my basic sounds. Still no mama or dada. 

Avery is done breastfeeding! We quit the day or so after her birthday. Making it to a year was a personal goal of mine ever since our whole episode in the hospital. I am super proud of myself for making it the whole year. I thought I would miss it more, but not having to be home to put her to bed all the time and stuff like that is really helpful. And we still get plenty of snuggle time. She didn't fight me on it at all. I think she was ready.

Other things she likes: reading books, singing songs, pulling all of the pots and pans out of the cupboards, carrying things like purses on her shoulder, putting objects in a bucket/bag and pulling them out again.

Avery sleeps the whole night and goes down easily for naps now. It's a dream. 

On Avery's birthday we gave her a cinnamon roll for breakfast! (It was Conference). She always blows on her food when I give it to her because I always do that if it's hot, so I thought she might blow out the candle, but she didn't get it. So we just looked at it.

That night we had a couple friends over for treats and let her try a brownie.

I have a couple friends here who have babies with birthdays the week before and the week after Avery so we thought we would have a little get together to celebrate their three birthdays together.

David holding all 3 birthday babies.

We did a Dr Seuss theme!

Opening presents with Daddy.

More presents!

Cake smash!

This one is cute of Avery and Troy checking each other out.

 Demolished cake!

And...we just stuck them in the tub for a quick rinse.

Rub a dub dub, 3 babies in the tub.

And that's how we celebrated our little munchkin turning 1! In other news... I completed another triathlon! This one was unofficial, but still awesome! We met at the Field House to start the swim and then those who had bikes, biked outside and those of us who didn't biked on the indoor bikes and then we finished the run outside around the track. It was really fun and an awesome Saturday workout.

We had Clementine over while her mom and dad went to the Gala. So weird to see Avery as the big kid!

Avery at her 12 month check up. I thought these baby gowns were adorable. 

Avery is still 50%ile for height and 75%ile for weight. Right on track. Keep growing baby girl!

We love you Avery! Happy First Birthday!