Carrot

The absolute coolest thing happened with Avery today.  Damian and I decided Avery needed some new toys, so off we went off to the toy store.  We came home with a set of wooden fruit and vegetables.  Each piece of fruit/veg consists of two pieces connected together with Velcro.  Kids can "cut" them apart using a wooden knife, or pull them apart.  Avery went about playing with the carrot while I put together another toy we bought her.  I heard "uh oh, uh oh, uh oh" several times from the other room, but knew it wasn't serious (she doesn't uh oh for serious matters).  I finished putting together the toy, then went about finding all the various bits of wooden fruit so we wouldn't step on them later.  I searched and searched, but couldn't find the other half of the carrot.  Finally, out of desperation, but not really thinking it would work, I held the half carrot up and asked her where the other half of the carrot was.  She looked up at me and pointed to my office.  I asked her to show me, at which point she left her toy in the kitchen, toddled all the way into my office, around my desk, then proceeded to point down behind the leg of my desk.  This is why she was uh oh-ing: the carrot had gotten stuck behind the desk leg and she couldn't get to it.  So she not only understood that I was asking her to show me where the other half of the carrot was, but remembered after about 30 minutes where it was located!  I was so impressed.

Avery actually understands quite a lot now.  She understands most of my basic instructions.  Whether she actually performs the request is another story.  Recently she started to say "go!" and "out!"  I suspect she actually picked those up from playing so much with Elise, who often commands these things of the dogs around her.

She's growing up so fast!

Spring Break in Colorado

Avery and I arrived in Colorado to visit my mom (Avery's Nain) for a week. Overall, the trip has gone very well. This was the first time Avery flew in her own seat on the plane. She seemed to enjoy it, though didn't sleep a wink on the plane despite getting up at 5:00 AM that morning.

Now that she's walking, getting through the airport took a tad bit more time. She insisted on walking by herself - no hand holding, thank you very much! - from the concourse to the terminal when we landed in Denver. Needless to say, our luggage beat us there as did every other person on the flight. However, Avery had a grand time stretching her legs before the ride to Nain's house.

When we reached the town where my mom lives, we immediately got changed and headed over to Mom's school to see all the teachers who have heard so much about Avery. Most of Avery's time was spent roaming up and down the halls. At one point, she heard music in the gym and picked up her pace to head straight in to dance.

While here, we've had a chance to hang out with Uncle Collin and Aunt Denise, as well as cousin Dylan, who is 6-months younger than Avery. Watching them play together is pretty cool. Six months at this age is a pretty big gap, but in a few years, they'll be looked at as the same age.

A video montage will be coming, but for now, some pictures from our trip (in no particular order).

Avery takes a bath

Avery in the wagon in Nain's yard

Nain's dog Barkley is a big guy, but he loves Avery ... and she loves him!

Avery with Nain and Uncle Collin and cousin Dylan

Dylan checking out Avery's new shoe; Avery cuddles her baby

Mommy with Dylan and Avery

Just a happy girl

Avery now consistently gives kisses upon request. They're still a bit slobbery.

Avery plays with a slinky on make shift stairs constructed by the talented Nain.

Smiling after the slinky successfully reaches the floor

Down the slide!

Dylan reaches out for his cousin