Avery's 1st Birthday Paw-ty

Mommy and Daddy were so excited to celebrate your 1st birthday! Mommy might have gone overboard a little bit with all the party planning and the decor but it was well worth it! It was such a fun theme and you LOVE doggies, it's also the only word you say!! We got lucky that it didn't rain, but it was an exceptionally hot day which made it hard for everyone to be comfortable outside. We did our best by putting out fans and umbrella's but it was a toasty one. 

Riding in our new car

Brisco sit just far enough away

Pup Adoption and Goodie Bags - 1 collage

Play Tunnel

Table's and Ball pit

1 Collage

Rosie and Caroline

Carolin and Emma

All the kiddo's in the ball pit

Birthday Girl

Scottie Cake

You got a little scared during everyone singing

Trying your cake with mommy

Family Photo

The day flew by and I wish that it was longer - we had so much fun celebrating you with all our family and friends.  We wanted to also make sure to do something nice since everyone was soo generous with all your gifts.  We are donating all the additional puppy stuffed animals to Luries Children's Hospital and all the extra doggie supply's to Paws Chicago. 

I have a feeling that Daddy thinks i'm going to tone it down for your 2nd birthday but we'll see about that :)

Avery Nell is 1

I am overcome with emotion as I write this blog post.  I think back to a year ago as Dave and I sat together with great anticipation of meeting our angel and wondered what would she look like, what would her personality be like and would we be good parents.  Safe to say we got through the year with surprising ease and can't imagine life without this beauty in it.  She fills our hearts with such warmth and joy, I sometimes find myself getting teary eyed just watching her.

12 Months Old

Avery has become such a sweet little girl.  She is snuggly, happy and always smiling.  At her 12 month Dr appoitment we found out that Avery is 21lbs 14oz, she is 21.5 inches long and her head is 17 inches round.  She reiceved four shots at our last Dr's visit which didn't go very well, it's like she knew the minute I laid her down that something bad was going to happen.  We were given the OK to switch to milk from formula and also that it was time to stop using a bottle.

We had a big 1st birthday weekend ahead, it started with waking Avery up with Balloons and singing happy birthday.  We made her pancakes and attempted to make them in the shape of Mickey Mouse and put a candle in them for her.  We also opened up birthday presents from Mommy and Daddy, Uncle Mike and a few from out of town friends.  After that we took our usual morning nap!

Balloon Surprise

Birthday present from The Schaechterle's

New outfit from Gullo's

Uncle Mike helping open her gift

Personalized Piggy Bank from Uncle Mike

Opening Mommy and Daddy's present

Busy Ball popper

That afternoon, Mommy wanted to do all sorts of fun activities but time didn't really allow - so we went out to lunch with Uncle Mike and Vicki and then got ready to pack up and head up to Barrington for your birthday dinner at Nana and Papa's club.  We had a wonderful time at dinner with Nana, Papa, Aunt Jane, Aunt Elaine, Bubbie, Grandpa, Uncle Mike and Vicki. 

Aunt Jane and you playing

Aunt Elaine

Singing Happy Birthday 

blowing out the candle

Tasting frosting for the first time - you were a little shy so you had mommy help you at first

Getting more comfortable with your cupcake

Face covered in frosting. 

That night we headed back to Nana and Papa's house and finished putting your gift together from them and setting up for your Paw-ty.  Abigail had so much fun playing in your new car!

4th of July

Avery's 1st 4th of July was a really fun weekend! We tried to do as much as possible in a long weekend and really enjoy both family and friends. 

First we were in Barrington for two days and made sure to take advantage of all the club activities, the certainly do it up these days, a little different from when I was little.  I think next year you'll enjoy it so much  more, they had a bounce house, rock climbing wall, bungy jumping, DJ with all sorts of races and activities and of course a huge buffet and pool time. 

Enjoying some lunch

Swimming with Mommy 

And Daddy

Hanging out in the shade

Daddy, Mommy, Avery, Britini and Matt

Your usual pic with Chloe on the putting green

After the club we headed home so that you could squeeze in a nap and get your beauty sleep.  Then we stopped by Gail and Tim Wickstroms, something we do every year, so they could see you and we spent a little time together prior to going back home and grilling out. 

Avery and Nana

Papa, Avery, Tim and Richard

Nana and Papa have all sorts of treasures at their house from when Mommy was a little girl.  Every time we go up to Barrington Nana brings out something else that she saved deep in the basement. This weekend it was a tiny little red wagon - you fit perfectly and love being pulled around. 

Back in the city we were avoiding packing and getting ready for our move and were more focused on playing with you and having lots of fun.  This particular day you discovered the air vent - photo montage follows :)

We had Kara, Ross, Josh and Bekah over for a BBQ one night over the long weekend as well.  You had so much fun playing with everyone especially Josh - he chased you up and down the hall way and certainly wore you out for the day. 

We finished out our long weekend with a lot of family time together at the condo and in our neighborhood.  We have been filling Avery's tub and taking it out on the deck so she can "swim" It's a sad attempt but it's what we can fit out there, plus she loves it!

Playing in the water

Went to the park with Brisco, you love crawling in the grass and feeling it.  You also were totally entertained by Brisco running around like a silly puppy. 

After a long weekend you were wiped out.  I was able to sneak this pic while you were snoozing.. how cute are you when you sleep, such a little peanut and PJ is never far away from you in your crib.