Trick or Treat?

We'll just go ahead and assume you will think this is a 'treat'... here are some pictures of Avery trying on her black cat costume she will wear for Halloween.

Have a purr-fect Halloween (sorry I couldn't resist!)

Meowwww!

Baby Parker!

Introducing Baby Parker!

Isn't he just the cutest? Looks just like Martin to us, but with Erin's lips! Such a handsome combination...

Proud Daddy showing off his little guy...

Proud Mama taking her baby boy home...

Erin, Martin and Parker arrived home from the hospital on Friday, October 23rd in the late afternoon. They are doing well, and have plenty of loving family surrounding them to help.

Jeff, Avery and I will be heading to Norfolk on Thursday to meet Parker and visit with family. We can't wait!

xoxo~

Kate

Welcome Martin Parker Zarate!

Avery's new cousin has arrived! Our family welcomed the newest little member early this morning - Martin Parker - who, like his daddy will go by his middle name. Erin and Martin had expected a scheduled c-section this coming Friday because the baby was breech, but alas Parker decided to make it interesting. Erin's water broke around midnight last night, and she was in for a c-section by about 4:30 am this morning.

Parker weighed 7 lbs, 2 oz and from what his parents say he is quite the calm and peaceful baby. He's a good eater and a professional sleeper... I'm sure he's having a blast getting to know his loving parents who are finally able to shower him with kisses! New mama is feeling good and enjoying her quality time with her favorite two guys in the hospital for a couple days.

Congratulations to Erin and Martin on perfect little Parker. We love you all and can't wait to meet Parker next weekend!

We will post some pics soon...

xoxo~

Our 'lil pumpkin

This past weekend we went out in the chilly fall weather to pick out our pumpkins. After considering VERY carefully, Avery picked out her favorite little pumpkin. She has a very discerning eye, and picked quite a lovely little round one, that was just perfect!

Jeff also found an Arnold Schwarzenegger pumpkin... unfortunately you can't tell how huge it is, because we didn't put a hand, a foot or Avery next to it for a size comparison. But, I can assure you this thing was MASSIVE!

This past weekend we also received a visit from our friend Amanda and her new fiance Chris. We are so happy for them on their recent engagement, and can't wait to hear more about the wedding to come. First things first - they start the trek across the country (eventually settling in Portland, OR) in the next couple months. Good luck guys! Keep us posted on all your travels and adventures - especially the stop at "Carhenge" in Nebraska. We've heard it's quite the sight to see.

xoxo~

Avery is 4 months old!

Happy 4 month b-day Avery!

On October 14th, Avery went to Dr. Ryan for her 4 month check up. She is up to 11 lbs 11 oz., which I know doesn't sound that big for a baby that was born at 8 lbs 5 oz., but she has started to gain much more steadily and is in the 25th percentile. I had been worried about it, but the doc assured me this was just fine! She is 24 1/4 inches tall, which is in the 50th percentile. She is also doing great developmentally - right where she should be! Avery is staying on her same little diet - milk, milk, milk and some supplemental formula during the day. Dr. Ryan has encouraged us to wait until 6 months to start on cereal and other solid foods. Avery also got two shots! Thankfully she did much better this time around and didn't have the same irritable reaction. She has been in a great mood the last two evenings.

Getting kisses from Daddy

Jeff and I have found ourselves enamored with Avery's personality as she exposes it more and more. She loves music and singing and thinks it's hilarious when Jeff sings the "stinky, stinky, stinky" song. Av also really loves to stand up and when she stands on my lap she enjoys my "dance, dance, dance" song (aren't Jeff and I quite the lyricists?). In fact, Avery likes to stand so much that once we get her standing up against the couch, on the bed or on our laps... well, she doesn't want to sit or lay down. She only wants to stand with us hanging on to her. As my friend Caroline said, "this kid does not bend." I guess she just likes feeling like a big girl.

Modeling her new boots

We also tried Avery in her Bumbo chair... and she thinks she's pretty hot stuff when she sits in it! Not only is it fun to see her slight little wobble wobble while she's in it, but she is working on strengthening her neck, shoulders, back and core. Like her own little pilates workout :)

Bumbo fun!

Our growing gal is all about playtime now... she picks toys up, holds onto them for much longer and is sticking everything in her mouth. It's been fun introducing new toys and seeing how she reacts. She got so pooped from her playtime last weekend, she just took a nap in the middle of her playmat with her thumb in her mouth. Yes, we have a thumb-sucker! We will break that habit when the time comes, but for now it's great she is a self-soother.

Avery snoozing on her playmat

Don't worry, Jeff and I won't try and make a living out of our song-writing, and hopefully Avery's music choices down the road will NOT reflect the weird songs we make up to keep her entertained. "Stinky, stinky stinky" and "dance, dance, dance" will only be top 10 hits in the White household for now...

Celebrate good times, come on!

Well, it's a busy week full of lots of celebrations! Jeff celebrated his 31st bday on Wednesday, October 7th. We went out with some friends to grab drinks and dinner. Thanks to those that came out to join us!

I also used Jeff's birthday as an excuse to buy "one of each" at Amelie's french bakery... the chocolate eclair, the chocolate torte, several of the fruit tartes... and the list goes on and on. Apparently the sugary cravings have NOT disappeared post-pregnancy. Yikes.

This weekend, we will be celebrating with our friends Brian and Hillary who are tying the knot here in Charlotte. Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! We will be sure to post some pictures of the fun.

Congratulations Brian and Hill! We love you guys!

And to continue our week of celebrations, Avery turns 4 months old tomorrow! She has grown up so much, and continues to change each day. She has her 4 month check up with the pediatrician next week - we are curious to see how her weight and height stack up.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend... we will be out celebrating! Happy Fall!

xoxo~

Kate

Welcome Eleanor Marie!

We just wanted to send out our congratulations to our wonderful friends Kent and Kirsten Wyatt on the birth of their little girl, Eleanor Marie! We feel certain Avery and 'Elle' will be kindred spirits, and cause lots of trouble in years to come.

Welcome to the world beautiful little Elle! We can't wait to meet you... you are a lucky little girl to have parents as fabulous as the "K-Dubs."

Hope you are all doing well.

xoxo~
Kate, Jeff and Avery

Kickin' it

Avery is discovering how strong she is, and really likes to kick.

She's even learning how to aim her kicks... here she shows you her "mad skills":

The kicking gets especially crazy when she is in her bath, and she makes a royal mess getting water all over the place. I think she will have to take baths in the real bathtub instead of her baby bathtub very soon.

In other news, Avery like to practice "flying"...

practice standing...

... and she finally got to start taking walks riding in the baby jogger

(thanks Aunt Jeanne!)

Stay tuned for more fun times with Avery! :)

xoxo~

Kate