Fun with the Zarates!

Last weekend, Erin, Martin and Parker came to Charlotte.

Here are some pictures from the visit:

Hello Parker! My how you've grown...

The Zarates were driving into Charlotte as the 2nd snow of the winter was coming down. The last hour was slow-moving but they got here safely. The next morning, Martin made a snowman, and we had Parker sit on Frosty (he loved it, surprisingly). Look at that grin...

After running some errands once the snow melted away, Avery and Parker were pooped, so we let them snooze side by side in their car seats. Whew, being a baby is hard work...

Avery was obsessed with poking at Parker with her tiny little index finger. This developed into grabbing at him in general. We had to make sure she didn't poke him in the eye.

She also did "E.T. phone home" fingers with Uncle Martin.

On Sunday, it was Valentines Day. We let Avery explain to Parker what the day meant - he looked like he really was taking it all in.

Avery and Parker are both champion droolers. Here is a pic of Avery with drool upon her lip... showing off those teeth!

Soon enough, Avery will be able to eat Bo-berry biscuits from Bojangles with the rest of us. Yes, Bojangles made heart-shaped biscuits on Valentine's Day! (and we admit we enjoyed them)...

Avery's newest "voice" is her monster voice, and we are really hoping that Parker picks up this funny (albeit a little freaky) little monster voice since Erin and Martin got such a kick out of it.

All in all, the weekend was a ton of fun, and we enjoyed catching up and letting the babies play. Thanks for coming to visit... we love you!

Chugga chugga chew chew

Avery had her first organic rice rusk and went to town on it! Chomp, chomp.

Teeth #3 & #4 are on their way... and she's putting those first two teeth to good use!

(I really hope this video works this time!)

Who's your "Da-Da?"... Avery is 8 months old!

Avery sure knows who her daddy is! Her newest obsession seems to be saying "da-da" on repeat, and we tend to get a "ma-ma" thrown in when she really gets going. (Though it should be noted that she did say "ma-ma" first, back in December, and has said it many more time since. Usually when she is sad or wants something).

Our gal responds very well to music and loves to "dance." She giggles and wiggles when you sing just about anything, so there is a lot of random singing in our house. We can make the most mediocre tasks sound fun and exciting. "We're walking up the stairs" or "change change change the diaper" are pretty good ones... and then "dune-buggy, dune-buggy" for instance is a bouncing song, which is one of Avery's current faves.

Last weekend Grandma and Grandpa Bricker came to visit. They watched Avery during the day on Friday while Jeff and I went to work and successfully got Avery down for two naps (she fights said naps sometimes when we are home). On Saturday we had a long day of running errands and playing, but Avery did wonderfully, even taking her long afternoon nap in the stroller while we trucked around Ikea. She had three different meals while out and about, and was still 100% pleasant. She also got her first teeny taste of ice cream (I couldn't resist!). She had wide-eyes and leaned into it, and kept opening her mouth looking for it even after I polished off the cone. Oops, I'm in the process of creating a sugar monster!

You are considered an instant friend if you read to Avery - she LOVES books, and always reaches to them first over many other favorite toys.

One of our latest additions is the baby gate now at the top of the stairs. Now that Avery can roll and scoot, we have had to install (ok, my dad installed) the gate. It's the not greatest looking gate, but man it is sturdy and best of all safe. Now that Avery has started grabbing out for things while she is in our arms she always tries to leap from my arms to grab the gate. She also does this with the kitties, and apparently does this at Donna's to reach out to the other babies. She is very curious and wants to be a part of it all.

We are currently working on waving bye-bye and blowing kisses. It's a work in progress, and who knows what is going through Avery's head in the morning when Jeff and I repeat "bye-bye" with her at least 10 times in a row. However, she is definitely grasping the concept and kind of opens and closes her hand at her side. Donna helps her blow kisses to me when I drop her off there during the week.

Avery has this goofball side to her, and then also an almost shy side to her. She will be very friendly and then suddenly hide her face and play peekaboo games with people. She peeks out and as soon as she catches someone's eye she'll smile, then bury her head into me again. We are loving her hugs and cuddles - they are so sweet.

Happy 8-month birthday to our sweet little goofball Avery. We love you!

Here's a video of Avery on the move...