Stats

Avery's slimmin' down. Her 1 year checkup yielded a tall, big-headed skinnier girl.

Head: 18.25 cm, or 85%

Length: 29.75 in, or 73%

Weight: 21 lb 12 oz, or 63%

All that toddling is taking its toll. And no wonder she falls down so much, her head is heavy!

Happy First Birthday to Avery!

It's hard to believe Munch is ONE! She can do sooo many things compared to when she was born:) and although she's been taking steps here and there for the past few weeks, 3 days before her birthday she just TOOK OFF. Walks everywhere. And, unfortunately, has bit the dust a few times already getting too excited (like into the pavement at the zoo, oooouch). I'm really privileged to have been able to spend this whole year home with her.  She's such a happy and social Little One despite only having me to play with most of the time! And she knows her sign language:)

We celebrated Avery's first birthday with about a week's worth of activities (that's how to party, I tell ya). Last weekend my family of Ormsbees rented a YMCA of the Rockies cabin in Estes Park. We went hiking, played games, made fondue, went swimming, played tennis and put put, and gave Avery her first taste of concentrated sugar. I have to admit I limited the sugar in the recipe quite a bit already, but I think she liked the way the frosting felt on her hands. I also forgot my camera (What?) so I'll have to steal family pictures and post later.

Next, Tim's parents came into town and we had another celebration in the park. Unfortunately, it was about 50 degrees and the sun was setting and it was cold, so we moved the party (and friends and family guests) inside for cupcakes (sugar time #2). Only to find a strong natural gas stench in the apartment and building, which of course disrupted and distracted everyone. We ended up evacuating. What a great party! I managed to take a few pictures from the night and week though. Check out the slideshow on the side for more.

laughing at pictures of herself:)

"Loving" her new dolly Molly

one of her favorite play spots, pekaboo behind the door.

the dress I wore when I turned one.

pumpkin sweet potato cupcakes at the park!

finally, getting to dive in!

Happy One year to us all!

Belated Apartment Tour

Here are some shots of the inside of our new apartment. We've made some small changes since I took these, but oh well, you get the gist!

 

We've been loving it here but have encountered our first challenge: natural gas and sewer gas leaks in the building and our apartment. Yep, sicko. And the double bummer is it happened on Avery's birthday party with family and friends over to celebrate. Let's just say it was a REALLY short celebration and everyone missed the cupcake eating. Granted, it was her second party since we already celebrated with my family in the mountains over the weekend (pics to come), but still. Bummer. We decided to evacuate for several hours while they tried to figure out the problem. We still have our stove shut off until it can get fixed. Improvisation!!! And a memorable story to tell, I suppose...

11 Months

 

This is the last monthly picture where Avery has to endure eating the notepad and getting blue ink all over her mouth (potentially)! In other words, SHE'S ALMOST ONE! Here are some pics from her 11th month so far. She takes steps daily, I think the record is about 10 in a row, but nothing yet on her own. No shots of that yet.

Hello? I like to talk on the phone or pretend all day long.

Being saved from the T-Rex at the Science Center

Enjoying our zoo membership in style

Hiking with "Colorado Mountain Mamas," yeah buddy

Gotta add a whine!

What Else I've Been Busy With

We're still settling in to our place, and I'm still enjoying spending my days at home with Avery. I'm awaiting news about interviews for a potential part-time public health job that would be a seemingly perfect fit for this season of life, but currently funding is on hold. So, as we get used to our life with Tim being in school part-time as well as working full-time, I continue to fill my limited free time with walks to the grocery store or library or park, and creative projects. I'll have many more to post, but here's a start at what I've been up to in recent months, i.e. what I've copied from other creative people:)

bathtime hippo

taggy blanket

Olivia the Owl

mod podge paper decor

bird ruffle pillow

bird print antiqued chair

hair bow collector!

bathroom curtain

book page wreath

fabric flower pillows

bedroom curtains and ruffle pillow (still working on those!)

Tim's handiwork on our shutter headboard

More curtains

button flowers

 Of course there's always something else to do, but we're almost done with the first round of ideas!

New Digs.

We moved! Here are some pictures of the neighborhood surrounding us to the Southwest. I will post more soon of cool new discoveries in other directions (there are quite a few neato mansions around here!), as well as INDOOR photos, wahoo. Here's the slideshow link.

Lost Lake, We Found You.

We took a hike near Nederland to find Lost Lake yesterday.

 Found it!

Havin some lunch for the Munch.

Stopped at the Carousel Of Happiness. on the way back. She had fun!