Getting Ready to Walk...

Avery is going to be walking before we know it. She loves to stand without holding onto anything. It's adorable because she claps her hands and giggles while standing. She also likes to walk with her walker or while holding onto someone's hands. Although everyone I talk to says I should keep Avery from walking as long as possible, I can't wait. I know it sounds somewhat ridiculous, but I figure walking is better than crawling. Right now, Avery wants to be a big girl and crawl everywhere. This isn't a problem at home, but at the park, grocery store and any other public place, it is a nightmare. Avery likes to whine or scream when I won't let her crawl in public and she doesn't listen when I tell her that her behavior is inappropriate. Maybe one day...

Last Friday, Avery had an ear recheck and her ears have not cleared up from her last ear infection. The next step appears to be tubes. Part of me hates the idea of my baby girl having a surgical procedure. Luckily, a bigger part of me knows it is a simple procedure and better than having Avery on antibiotics every month. While we were at the pediatrician's office, I discussed Avery's recent aversion to formula. You see, Avery REALLY likes table food, ALL table food. Unfortunately, her formula cosumption has significantly decreased. Her pediatrician assured me that she would be ok. She even suggested starting cow's milk early.

Here is a fun video of Avery walking with her walker. She is so proud!

Avery's 9-Month Photos

Look Who's Mobile!

As you all know, I have been terrible at updating this blog lately. I apologize and promise I will get better soon. Things have been crazy around here and I just haven't had the time. The big news in the Musselman house is that Avery is finally mobile! She started crawling at daycare on April 7 and was kind enough to show me her new trick when we got home. I LOVE that Avery can crawl. It is so much fun to watch her explore and try to get into everything. Next step: walking! I know it won't be long...

Here is the video I took on my iPhone on April 7. Thanks to AT&T, Luke didn't have to miss the first crawl while he was out of town. I love technology!

Avery's First Easter

Avery had a nice first Easter. Avery is a big fan of anything furry so she loved when the Easter bunny visited her school. The Easter bunny even found time to stop by the house and leave some treats and a new toy. Of course it's another toy that makes lots of noise so Avery was pleased. Grandma and Grandpa Greene came to Columbia to spend the Easter weekend at our house. We had a great time and appreciate all the help doing things around the house.

9 Months

Avery turned 9 months this past week. She is finally starting to scoot, but prefers to stand. She also learned how to sit up in her crib. The funny thing is that she hasn't figured out the art of lying back down. It is adorable! Her favorite foods are cheerios, cheese, tofu and donuts. Besides the tofu, she definitely takes after her mama!

Avery had her 9-month check-up on Tuesday. She is perfect! Her stats are as follows: Height-26.25" (10%), Weight-17 lbs, 14 oz. (25-50%), Head Circumference: 46.25 cm (95%).

Changes...

The past few days have been crazy! Avery is starting to show a lot of interest in crawling, has started to pull herself up from a sitting position and has her first tooth poking through. Wow! My baby girl is growing up way too fast!
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Playing

8 Months

Luke and I both had to travel for work this week. Luckily, Grandma Greene volunteered her time to watch Miss Avery while we were gone. Of course, Avery and her grandmother both had a great time. When I returned from my trip, I suddenly realized how grown up my little girl has become. Sometime over the past few months, Avery has transformed into a little person with a huge personality. She is just so much fun to be around.

While I was in Chicago, Avery learned how to feed herself. I seriously almost cried when I saw her new trick. You see, we started feeding her those Gerber puffs a couple weeks ago, but she didn't seem to understand the concept of putting them in her mouth. Instead, Avery would pick up a puff in each hand and keep a death grip on them until Luke or I pried them out of her hands. When I got home on Thursday night, I put some puffs on her high chair while I was defrosting her food. To my surprise, she immediately picked one up and put it in her mouth. Yeah, Avery! Now, Avery likes to shove as many puffs into her mouth as possible. She is definitely Luke's daughter.

As of eight months, Avery continues to sport her adorable toothless grin. It's funny because her pediatrician has told us that teeth are coming, "any day now", every time we have seen her since Avery's four month appointment. I keep checking, but still no pearly whites!

Avery is finally starting to grow out of her 0-3 month clothes. About time! Her pants still fit, but I had to pack up most of her shirts, onesies and pajamas.

Avery loves to jump and dance. Her favorite toys are her activity jumper, Elmo activity table and balls. She LOVES animals! Every time Avery sees a cat or dog, she squeals and giggles. It is absolutely adorable. She has very little interest in crawling, but is starting to scoot backwards. In the morning, she usually wakes up doing push ups while singing. Again, adorable! Avery has started pulling herself up and likes to "walk" while holding someones hands.

Unfortunately, separation anxiety has started to set in. The good thing is that it only lasts a minute or two before Avery forgets why she was upset. Avery loves cheesing it up and flirting with for new people. She is the queen of different faces and she especially likes squinting her nose. In fact, the teachers at her school send me picture messages of her various faces on a regular basis.

Luke and I couldn't be happier with our baby girl. Who wouldn't love this face?

Playing in my new toybox that Grandpa Greene built.