Where did January go, anyway?

We now understand why a baby's age in calculated in weeks and/or months. The changes that occur in weekly increments are monumental. If we would have written this post, say, a week ago (when our moms probably would have liked us to have) we would have had a totally different spin on things!

We have been very busy (who hasn't?) lately, so we wanted to send you some updates. Tooth #2 has made it's way through! Avery was a drool-machine and we knew it was coming... but it has finally arrived! She has now tried many new tastes such as strawberries, pears with cinnamon and green beans - which she gobbled up with delight! She loves green beans like her Mommy!

Other January highlights & accomplishments include:

1/16/2010 - Avery had her first official (non-family member or daycare) babysitter when we went out on date night to Del Frisco's. Alyssa came over to play with Avery and the two had such fun singing, reading and playing together. We enjoyed being out and catching up sans bebe, and enjoyed some phenomenal food.

1/17/2010 - The next day the White family went to a Charlotte Checkers hockey game. Avery watched the game intently and was very well-behaved. When the Checkers scored their first goal, the music blared, the fans stomped and everyone screamed the "na-na-na-na-na-HEY!" song. Avery jumped and then grinned from ear to ear - she loved it!

1/18/2010 - Avery has begun drinking out of a sippy cup at meals. Sometimes she just tips her head back and lets up hold the cup. Other times she tries desperately to get it to her mouth and tipped herself, which usually results in it ending up wedged between her and the highchair. Regardless, she looks like such a big girl with a sippy cup!

1/22/2010 - Our latest appointment with Dr. Amy Ryan at Eastover Pediatrics discovered ANOTHER - her third - ear infection! We caught it early because we were going in anyways, but we had to put her back on another antibiotic. We go back in 4 weeks to get her ears checked again and are hoping this is not a chronic problem (which would result in Avery having to get "tubes" put in her ears). Perk of being on antibiotic: plenty of "bare-bottom" time!

1/23/2010 - Avery and Mommy went to an infant massage class where Mommy got to learn some relaxing techniques for babies. Avery as much more interested in trying to grab baby Van's hand the entire time since he was laying near her on the blanket. She was just enamored with him!

Jeremy and Cassie came to visit last weekend and met Avery for the first time. Avery loved having Cassie read to her, and enjoyed laughing at Jeremy (We think because of his facial hair, but can't be for sure.)

1/27/2010 - Avery loves her baths in the big bathtub, and now spends most of the time chasing down rubber ducky and trying to eat him. We call it the "duck hunt." She getting very good at it, and we usually just have to hold on to her tight so she doesn't go diving face first into the side of the tub.

1/27/2010 - This past Wednesday night when we put Avery down for bed she flipped over and fell asleep on her tummy. This is the first time she had done this at bedtime, so we were so worried (they scare you to death with all the SIDS talk) so we took trips several times into the nursery to make sure she was ok. She was JUST FINE, and had actually flipped back to her back sometime in the night.

1/30/2010 - Avery has learned to roll everywhere she needs to go. She rolled across the room about 5 feet this morning. She started out playing with her toys in one spot and ended up moments later all the way over to the computer chair. Time are a changin.' She's definitely found out how to be more mobile! Yikes, guess we really need to get on that "baby proofin'."

Avery also has mastered the "compass," where she can spin in a circle pulling herself with her arms. Typically Jack the cat is always at North, as she likes to look at him at all times. She also can scoot herself backwards to get places - like backed into a corner or under the coffee table. Another favorite activity is standing...

1/30/2010 - Avery woke up to her first snowfall this morning! OK, it was a very, very light dusting but it was exciting nonetheless! We used the snow and icy roads as the perfect excuse to wear pj's all day and relax!