priceless image

My favorite image right now is one that I will most likely never be able to capture on camera, it will only live in my memory which is why I want to talk about it on here.
That little post-eating, milk-comma "smile". I know Avery can't really smile yet, I hear that it is just gas or something, but I swear she is looking at me and her little face is saying "ahhh". It is the most beautiful little smile. She is so innocent, so perfect and that smile reflects everything that is precious about her right now.
I tell my sister all the time that I wish I could keep her in my pocket and pull out her picture taking abilities whenever I wanted. This is one of those times. I would give anything for her to catch that little smile in a picture so that when Avery is all grown up I can look back at that smile and remember those times that were just about her and me. Those post-eating cuddle moments where the world stands still and nothing else matters. It is those moments that seem to have faded the fastest from my memories of Sam. I know I will remember them even less this time since most of the time those special bonding moments happen while I am also reading a book, playing a game or telling Sam to stop doing something.
But I am going to try my best to remember that little smile. That perfect little "ahhh" smile!

Thank you Grandpa

Ok, so apparently someone has caught the dimple on camera, just not us. Thank you grandpa for the picture.

Two week update

We had Avery's two week appointment earlier in the week so I thought I would update you all on how big she is. Height = 20.75" Weight = 8lb 9oz Head = 37.2 cm She is growing pretty good and everything else checked out really well at the doctor's visit.

I sat with her yesterday trying desperately to catch her dimple on camera. Did I mention that she has one very pronounced dimple? It is the cutest thing but no one has been able to get it on camera yet.
Sam wanted to get in on the pictures and decided that ALL of her babies also needed to have their pictures taken. It was pretty cute.

When did she get big?

Up until about two weeks ago Sam was my baby. My little girl. She had tiny little fingers and toes. She needed help doing everything. She ate off of small, brightly colored plates and needed me to help her with some foods. She fit perfectly in my arms (even with the big belly) and was as light as a feather to pick up and carry out of the bath tub. She wore little diapers and little clothes. She was my little girl.
Now, everything about her seems BIG to me. She is suddenly talking in sentences. Asks to use the potty (even though she has never successfully gone on the potty). Her diapers and clothes seem huge. She wants to help ME with everything. She can eat with a spoon, fork and does not like to be fed. She wants to lay in her crib while we say prayers and not cuddle in my arms (which is a good thing because I suddenly struggle to hold her for more than a few minutes!). My little girl seems to have grown up overnight. Somehow I missed it and didn't notice until Avery was born, reminding me just how small they start out. My baby is not a baby anymore.

And just to show how much of a big girl she is, tonight she and Chris are at their first swim lesson!

I am going to do everything I can to cherish the moments with Avery when she truly is a newborn and not want to rush her through these early stages. I don't want to turn around one day and have her be a big girl on me too.

Showing off all her tricks!

Early Morning Counting

Try to ignore the very bad bed head that my child has!




She really likes the number six!

Happy Sunday!

New Pictures for Anonymous!

Okay, I get the message...family wants more pictures. So here are some from the last few days.

Avery is starting to take after her sister with the extreme faces!

Sister time.

An unhappy bath.

Life is still good. Chris went back to work for a half day on Thursday and even though there was no nap and both girls cried for most of the several hours that Chris was gone we made it through and no one died! I consider that a victory. He is off for three more days this coming week which is just fabulous. I have been having some bizarre cramping and bleeding issues lately that after speaking with the nurses from my doctor's office several times this week forced us to the emergency room today. After four and a half hours of tests, waiting, and more waiting I was told they couldn't find anything wrong, must still just be postpartum issues and was sent home with the instructions to just keep an eye on things. Glad nothing is wrong but I feel so stupid for wasting everyone's time.

Hoping we have a better day tomorrow.