Avery's Fan Club

Avery has had a bunch of visitors over the past couple of weeks, so here are a few pictures. Her great-grandparents Pa and Gamma were here today, and Papi and Uncle Jason were here last weekend. She has also gotten to meet Aunt Kathleen, Great-Uncle Reggie, and my friends Mollie, Whitney, and Sarah. She also went to church today for the first time!

Trick or Treat

The pictures I took from Halloween didn't turn out that great but here are a few. We trick-or-treated on our block with Kaelyn (who was a fairy) and her parents. She was way more into it than Aidan was. I think he needs another year for the concept of Halloween to really sink in :) We took both kids to the pediatrician this week. I thought it would be convenient to get both out of the way on one visit, but I don't think I will try that again! Even with Grammy there to help me it was a little challenging. But they both look great: Aidan is 25 lbs. 11 oz, and 33 1/2" tall, and Avery is 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 20" tall.

Ole!

Here is a sneak peek at Aidan's Halloween costume, which my mom made. She and my dad recently traveled to Spain, where they found a matador hat in Aidan's size. So of course she had to make him an outfit to match. It even comes with a cape, but Aidan was much more interested in the hat. I know Daniel is secretly mortified that his son is wearing tights and ballet shoes, but he's being a good sport about it. These pictures will definitely make an appearance at Aidan's rehearsal dinner!

An Outing to Neiman Marcus

Avery went on her first girl outing this week, to the downtown Neiman Marcus for their 100th anniversary celebration! My two aunts were in town for the event so Avery had to meet them. She was definitely a hit and she loved her first shopping trip! We ate in the fancy Zodiac room and toured the different floors of the store. We all needed a snooze by the time we got home.

Avery at home

Here are a few pics we've taken since we've been home. The first picture looks like a scream, but it's actually a big yawn. She rarely fusses or cries, and doesn't seem to mind the noise that her big brother generates when he's around :) She went to her first doctor's appointment today and the doctor said she looked perfect! She is now 6 lbs. 13 oz. which is a good weight gain since we left the hospital.

We're Home!

Avery Kate and I checked out of the hospital today! It's funny to think that originally she wasn't supposed to be born for another two days from now, but here we are at home. Wednesday was quite a crazy day to say the least. I never thought I'd be lucky enough to know the joy of going into labor on my own! I got to experience contractions while trying to pack a bag, call my doctor and Daniel, and entertain a toddler. My friend Tracey is the best because she took care of Aidan for me. Daniel and I got to the hospital in the nick of time because Avery was born within an hour of our arrival! She is beautiful and we couldn't be happier! She is nursing great and seems to be a very content baby. She weighs 6 lbs. 6 oz. right now (she was right at 7 lbs. when she was born) and we visit our pediatrician on Monday for her first check-up. All of the grandparents have met her, and so have most of the aunts and uncles. Aidan seems to be oblivious of her presence, but luckily we have Grammy around for a few weeks to help make sure he gets plenty of attention (especially since I can't lift him for two weeks). Anyway, I just wanted to give an update and let you all know we are doing fine. Thanks for your prayers and support! We can't wait for everyone to meet our little girl :)

Miss Avery.... finally!

This is Leslie, Lauren's friend. I'm posting for Lauren until she comes home from the hospital. Here are the lovely pictures that her mom sent me. Lauren said that Aidan did really well and warmed up to Avery pretty quickly. Lauren is getting up out of bed now and will probably be going home tomorrow.

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday we headed out to Flower Mound to go to a pumpkin patch with a group of our friends. It was way better than the one we went to last year! There were tons of pumpkins and lots for the kids to do. Even though we went in the morning (and it's mid-October!) it was still pretty warm outside. After taking pictures with the pumpkins, we rode a hayride and by that point, Aidan and I were both ready to call it a day.

Go Bears!

Daddy and Aidan went to Waco this weekend for the Baylor game (which we lost, unfortunately). But Aidan did have a good time hanging out with Grandpa, Nanna, Uncle Jacob, Uncle Marcus, Katy, and other Baylor friends. Hopefully next year we'll be able to go to more games...with two toddlers in tow, yikes!

School Picture

Aidan had his picture taken at Wee School a couple of weeks ago and today I picked it up. I love his expression because he looks just like Daniel does in pictures, even to this day - totally content, but barely smiling (if at all). Like father, like son! In other news, Aidan is getting a new tooth this week and it's been a whopper. He was feverish for a day or so, and he hasn't eaten or slept good the past couple of days. He did go to Wee School today and when I called to check on him, they said he'd been happy all day so maybe we're through the rough part - with this tooth at least!

36 Weeks

Here I am today at 36 weeks, toddler in tow. We have exactly three weeks until our newest family member makes his or her debut! My doctor will start checking me this week to see if I'm dilating, but hopefully I'm still on track for an October 22nd delivery date.

Our weekend

This past weekend we celebrated Aunt Lindsay's 23rd birthday. She hit the jackpot when she suggested we go to Babe's Chicken Dinner House, one of our favorites. Aidan and I also went to a baby shower for one of my UTD co-workers on Saturday so that was fun (I was too busy keeping him away from drinks and breakables to take pictures). Then yesterday we went to a park with our Sunday School class.

Just a couple of pics

We got a new camera the other day (our other one was acting up and we couldn't risk not getting a new one with a baby on the way!) so I wanted to test it out. Aidan is becoming a big fan of slides. He loves the one in our backyard but has no fear of bigger ones at playgrounds either. We have missed Daddy this week, who's been at a training seminar. He comes home tomorrow, and tomorrow night we get to have dinner with Cookie and Aunt Lindsay and celebrate Lindsay's birthday!

Monster Stroller

Sorry we've been MIA, but our camera has been having problems uploading, plus we just haven't had much to post. Aidan was a little sick this week (I'm attaching a sweet picture of him sleeping on Daddy's chest) but is feeling much better despite a cough that's still lingering. We got our new double stroller the other day and I can already tell I'm going to get a workout from pushing it around. Aidan has already called the front seat, and the back part holds the infant carseat until the baby's old enough to sit up.

Aidan the Shriner

One of Aidan's favorite words these days is "hat." He loves to point out anybody or anything wearing a hat. If you ask him where his hat is, he'll take whatever he's got and put it on his head, whether it be a sock, tupperware lid, stuffed animal, you name it. He would make his great-grandfather Jolly proud with this Shriner impression!

Fire Station

Today our Mom's Club took a tour of the local fire station. The kids got to meet actual firemen and see where they live when they're on duty. Of course the best part of the tour was the fire truck. Aidan got to get inside one and he also got to wear a fireman's hat (which was really heavy!). He really did have a good time, although you can't tell from his expression. He takes fire safety very seriously!

Wee School

Aidan went to Wee School for the first time this morning! There were a few tears at first but he seemed to be okay by the time I left. I know he's going to have a great time, plus he's familiar with a few of the kids and teachers because it's at our church. Our friend Kaelyn is also attending but she's in a different class. I'm sure they will see each other plenty (as if they don't anyway!). I was able to run a few errands and now I can do a couple of chores without a toddler in tow which will be nice, but I miss Aidan like crazy and I'm already looking forward to picking him up this afternoon :)

32 weeks!

This isn't a very flattering picture of me, but here I am at 32 weeks. Things are still moving along without a hitch! I go to the doctor every two weeks now, which is easier now that Aidan is in Mother's Day Out. I'm trying to get ready for the new baby, but shopping is hard when you don't know whether to buy blue or pink!