Spring Pictures

Mallory recently had her spring pictures taken at school.  We had completely forgotten that it was picture day .. so she was wearing an ugly awesome outfit (of her school spirit shirt and brown pants with holes in the knees).

As she brought them home and begged me to buy them, I promised her I would take some for her instead.

She has grown up SO much this last year.  Not only in height, but in personality and intelligence.  It hasbeen so much fun watching her learn and grow.

She has lost 6 teeth and I constantly call her my "little jack-o-lantern". 

She is doing great learning how to read.

We just had Open House last night.  Her teacher always raves about what a good girl Mallory is.  (Proud Mamma talkin')  She gets along with everyone in her class.  She obeys the rules and she doesn't get involved with drama.  She is kind and loving to everyone.  She cares about those who are left out and always wants to make sure everyone has a friend to play with. 

She has always been my sweet Mallory.  I just love her so much.  She makes us smile and laugh. 

Can't wait to see the great things she will do with her life.

Avery Girl - 6 Months Old

I promise I will do some other post between now and Avery's 7 months pictures.  I have been meaning to do other posts, but have yet to get around to it.  I haven't really been super busy or anything .. just enjoying every moment with this girl.  I hate how fast these kids grow up and I feel like I don't have enough time to soak up the "baby stage".

Our "Avery Girl" is such a joy to have around.  She is just sweet and happy and we are all so in love with her.

Her mouth is ALWAYS open.  I have 20 other pictures of her making this open mouthed face.  She cracks me up. 

She is sitting up all by herself now.  She falls over every now and again, but is definitely an independent sitter. 

Posing for the camera. 

Her two bottom teeth are in and sharp. If you stick your finger in her mouth, be prepared to get bit.  I am wondering if her top teeth will come in soon.  She still seems to be "teething" - chomping down on everything, drooling, etc.  We'll see.

I shaved her head a few weeks ago.  I was SO tired of her "comb over" she had.  Her hair was only long on top and then the sides were so short.  I just made it all the same length.  After I shaved it, Mallory and Zachary said she looked like a boy.  I have a whole post to do of her hair. 

She's figured out how to pull her headbands off.  I put them on her and put her in her carseat and she usually has it off before we get out of the driveway.  She tends to pull the bow off and then the headband ends up covering her eyes. 

I tried to capture her "kissing" face.  She sucks her bottom lip in and gives "kisses".  It's so cute.

She has definitely discovered her hands.  She stares at them a lot, moving them around, getting the hang of controling them.  It's so neat to watch her learn and grow.

Peek-a-boo!

We love you!

5 Months Old!

I know.  I know.

I JUST did an "Avery is 4 months old" post .. and now, all of a sudden, out of nowhere .. she is 5 months old!  Insane?  Yes.

This girl just keeps growing and I can't seem to do a thing to stop it.  It's awful.

She was NOT in the mood for pictures on her 5 month birthday.  I took her to the doctors that morning for her 4 month appointment (a little late) and her very first set of shots .. ever.  Oh, SO sad.

This is her pouty face.  Too cute.

I had Mallory come over and make her smile.

Works. Every. Time.

This girl LOVES her big sister.  It's so adorable.  I hope they always love eachother.

Avery is now 15.5 lbs and 25 inches long.  Or maybe it was 27 inches long.  I forget what the Dr. told me.

She LOVES to roll around all over the living room, she loves her exersaucer, she ate some sweet potatoes last week and didn't mind them too much.  She just cut her first tooth today and is just growing up WAY too fast!

We love you Avery girl!

Avery - 4 Months Old

This little gal of mine is already 4 months old.

I hate it.

I LOVE the newborn stage and I always am sad when it's over.  And it is OVER.

She started rolling over two days ago and is now rolling back to front and front to back.  She is all over my living room floor.

We had a little impromptu photo shoot today.  She was so adorable, on her tummy in the living room.  I started taking some pictures of her and then decided she needed to get naked and get a bow on her.

I'm so glad I did .. cause then I got this little beauty.

Probably my favorite picture of her thus far.

I just can't get enough of her.  She is such a sweet girl.

I had Mallory come over and help make her smile.

Works every time.  She loves her big sister.

But then I couldn't get her to look at the camera again.  She just wanted to look over at Mallory.

Can't believe she's 4 months.  Time moves by way too quick.  I'm so glad she has been such a great baby.  I've enjoyed every minute with her these short months.  I feel so very blessed to be her mommy.

Avery's Blessing

We blessed Avery on January 6th.  My Mom, Dad, Sister Shaleah and her family were able to come up for it.  It was a wonderful Sunday.  There were 3 little baby girls being blessed in our ward that day.  All the blessings were beautiful.

I feel so blessed to have an amazing husband who lives his life in such a way that he is worthy to act in God's name and bless our family.  He got emotional as he blessed Avery.  These are some of the words of the blessing that I was able to jot down as Wesley spoke:

"Heavenly Father, we ask thee that thou might bless her to know that she has been born into a loving family that wants the best for her.

Bless her to always strive to grow closer to thee, to know thee and to gain a testimony.

Bless her with the desire to be baptized and to follow the path that leads back to thee.

Bless her to be a good example wherever she goes, that she might be a shining light.

Bless her with the desire to be educated.

Bless her to be a fine young woman, to be able to find a worthy companion and continue on the path to the celestial kingdom.

Bless her with the desire to want to be good and follow after her older brother, Jesus Christ."

We love our little Avery Hope.



My Chubby Bunny

I was getting my backdrop ready for a newborn photo shoot I was doing at my house yesterday.

I had to use Avery to test the light.

She makes a great subject.

She is such a smiley, happy baby.

Love those blue eyes.

She has filled out so much.

I call her my "Chubby Bunny" all the time.

My sweet girl.  Love her to pieces.