Avery's Blessing Ceremony

What a wonderful day we had celebrating the blessing of our darling daughter Avery Nell on September 28th, 2014.  It could not have been a more perfect day, the weather was 80 degrees and sunny and we were surrounded by our family during the ceremony and our friends joined for brunch following. 

Our officiant from our wedding Anita did the ceremony and she did a wonderful job.  It was so special to now have here with us for our daughter special day.  Dave's parents, Aunts Susie and Nancy and cousin Tracy joined us from Minnisota and My Aunt Jane came in from Ohio.  My bestie Britini was there as Avery's Godmother and Dave's brother Mike as Avery's Godfather. 

The ceremony was just beautiful and following that we had an amazing brunch. Nana was superwoman and helped us throw a wonderful party, the food, drinks and company were perfect.  

We are so grateful that our friends drove from the city to join us and shower Avery with love and affection.  She also received wonderful gifts from everyone, we are so so appreciative that people are so giving.  Below are photos that Auntie Kara took for us as our "photographer" for the day, they turned out just amazing and we are so grateful to her for capturing these memories for us. 

Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Mike and Auntie Britini lighting the unity candle

Auntie Britini washing your hands and feet with water

Papa, Daddy, Mommy, Avery Nana, and Great Aunt Jane

Papa, Daddy, Mommy, Avery and Nana

Auntie Tracy, Daddy, Great Aunt Nancy, Mommy, Avery, Grandpa, Bubie, Uncle Mike, and Great Auntie Susie

Uncle Mike, Daddy, Mommy, Grandpa and Bubie

Papa, Nana, Daddy, Mommy, Avery, Grandpa and Bubie

Your Godparents Britini and Mike and Mommy and Daddy with you

Kara, Jenny, Matt, Britini, Kelley, Tyler and MJ

Happy Rosh Hashanah

It's Avery's first Rosh Hashanah and we are definitely going to enjoy some apples and honey. 

Avery had her first walk to the lake with Brisco and Mommy and it was a beautiful day.  I probably should have been a little easier on myself since it's a little over 2 miles and i'm just starting to get back to exercising so I definitely felt soar the rest of the day. 

We've spent most of the week getting ready for this weekends blessing ceremony and we are very excited for a wonderful weekend with family and friends.  

Our dear friends Rena and Tyler Slovick welcomed their daughter Alexandra "Andie" Marie Slovick on Monday.  She is absolutely adorable and we are so excited for her and Avery to meet and be buddies.  

One Month Old

It's hard to believe that Avery is already one month old.  It really feels like a minute since we brought her home from the hospital.  We have learned a lot in this last month and while I can't believe she's already a month old I feel like we have learned so much about having an infant.  

We had Avery's one month appointment on Monday.  Avery weighs 11lbs 2oz and is the 90-95th percentile for weight, she is 22 1/2 inches long which is the 98th percentile for height and her head is 15 1/4 inches round which is the 90-95th percentile for circumference. She also got her 2nd Hepatitis B shot, which i'm not gonna lie was harder to watch.  The minute they pricked her she turned bright red and started screaming no surprise. 

We also took some adorable one month old pics of Miss Avery, the first round Daddy didn't think that she was dolled up enough so we took more and Brisco decided to join in on the fun.  

We also have been working on our tummy time and she's definitely getting better.  She also LOVES taking baths, it relaxes her so much!!  

I found a great new blog that has been really helpful, it applies the EASY schedule, Eat, Activity, Sleep and Your Time for getting your infant on a schedule. We started applying the method on Saturday and she's really starting to adapt and be less cranky from 6-8pm and sleeping much better during the day. 

A Day At The Races

Avery had her first big adventure last Saturday to Arlington Racetrack.  Papa had one of his new horses Private Prospect running in a BIG steaks race, and since he's won all three races he's ever run in we had to go.  Avery looked perfect in Mellon Patch Stables colors and even had a WaterMellon hair bow - too cute!!

Nana, Mommy and Avery in our box at the track

Avery and Daddy in the Turf club

Mommy, Daddy and Avery (she could look happier)

Even though Private Prospect came in 2nd place, by a nose hair literally!! We had a great time.  We were sad for Papa because he was so excited for the race and to win.  Now we just have to find out if we are going to the Breeder's Cup or not, big decisions.  

We've been having a great time, doing lots of tummy time, eating a lot and exploring everything new in our world.  This week Avery's umbilical cord fell off so she officially has an inny belly button. 

I also was having lots of fun finding pics from 1983 and now... the first is a side by side of Mommy when I was born and Avery and the second is Mommies first picture with Nana and Papa after I was born via csection and then Avery with Mommy and Daddy.  Pretty cool that they do it the same way they did back in 1983 at Prentice. 

Newborn Photos

What a model Avery is!! We had a great time at our newborn photo shoot with our wedding photographer.  They did an amazing job with our family pictures, can't wait to do them again in 6 months and see how much she's grown.