Happy Birthday Avery!

I knew this day would come.  They said it would come fast.  Because of that, I savored every moment. I got home from work early.  I held her as much as possible.  I made her a priority.  And here we are...she's one year young. 

The festivities began and we waited for her to take a shot at the candle.   She did it!  Out it went and the room erupted with cheers which caused Avery to be concerned what all the commotion was about.  

Anticipating her cupcake!

That didn't stop her and she dug right!  Like a pro, she stuffed that chocolate cake like it was her first meal of the day. 

Katie did a great job planning this party- balloons, desert, invites, etc.

Afterwards was the gifts.  Toys, clothes, and more.  We appreciate everyone's gifts and will be thinking of you when we distract her with your toys to get a couple more precious moments of personal time.

Katie and Vivian doing what they do. 

 Nothing like a get together for an excuse to play corn hole and spend time in this awesome back yard. 

Happy 1st birthday Avery June!

Late nights done right

Tonight I sit outside Avery's room with a heavy heart.  Her sound maker, the dishwasher, and Leila's heavy breathing are all I hear.  Tonight I am called to pray for certain individuals.  I love these moments because I know they need it and I know God is asking this of me.  Not that he needs me to pray for them, after all, He is God and will do as he pleases.  But what I do know is when I am compelled to pray it is for a reason beyond me.  It is about them, not me.  Selfless prayer is where it's at.  It's the best.

I've heard many different translations of "The grass is greener..." But my favorite is, "The grass is greener on the other side because it's fertilized with bullshit." (Yes, I switched paragraphs so I wouldn't say bullshit and prayer in the same sentence).  Spokane has been far from that.  We did not anticipate Spokane to be what it once was- full of friends, church, our old hangouts, care free nights, etc.  No, it's been hard.  Our church is not the church we thought we would go to, two thirds of my friends moved away, our housing situation is a mess, and my company sold with in five months of when I started.  But...but.. this IS where we are supposed to be.

I've had patients ask me to pray with them.  They don't know i'm a Christian.  I ask, "why do you ask me?" bluntly.  They say you are a nice guy and assumed you "are religious."  One guy went down hill real quick and said, "Pray with me now! I'm signing with hospice today."  I inquired about all his Buddha statues and he said it didn't matter now he wanted to pray to God.  I didn't press it and prayed with him.  I passed his home the other day and it looked empty.  No signs of life verifying the inevitable.

Katie, Avery and I have purpose here in Spokane.  God is working here.  It isn't about me or "winning another one for the Lord" as some might say.  It's about those that are hurting.  It's about those who feel they are always trying to fill something in their life and just don't know what it is.

My heart is heavy for this city.  I know that because I asked for it years ago.  As we make our way through grinding work days and busy social events I pray I am always brought back to this place on my knees praying for those individuals, whether they like it or not, that are heavy on my heart.  I'm learning so much.

The simple life is the best life.

Avery is almost eleven months.  She is solid.  Tall.  Wiggly.  Happy.  Impatient.  Smart.  Oh goodness, I just described her mother. 

We have flown under the radar the last couple months.  No major trips or adventures.  I've worked the job. Katie has served with different organizations and tended to Avery.  And Avery has been figuring out how life works.  

Bill and Colleen have been a big blessing and support to us.  They have adopted us into their family.

Saving this banana for later.  Below, one of the many great pieces of Spokane- the Radio Flyer Wagon slide.

The goat, more of a vacuum, makes it fun to throw away your trash.

 

Facetime w/ family makes us feel not so far away.  Avery is quite the comedian.

We went to Birch Bay for a quick visit.

Did a tour of Barlean's factory.

Do you want some Avacado and peas?  You don't need to chew it cause I smashed it already for you.

Leila loves greeting Avery in the mornings.

Avery get excited to see me and Leila is in the awkward phase where she doesn't want to be seen with me at the dog park.

Frequent walks no matter what time of the year.  Our computer stopped working so that is why we haven't blogged lately.  Be patient with us.  In other news, we have been pre qualified for a home.  Not sure where or when yet but the ball is rolling.  We will keep you updated.

Sibling rivalies

There isn't much to update except that Avery is crawling now.  She began to the day of her ninth month.  She's also expanding her vocabulary adding "mama", "uh-ho", and "hi" (waves included).

Generally, she is a happy baby but a major homebody.  She loves her crib and doesn't like to miss the action when we go over to friend's homes so she basically misses her nap or goes to bed later.

The crawling has brought up new challenges as she tends to go straight for Leila or Leila's stuff.  As you can see Leila gets quite cozy w/ Avery's stuff as well.  We've been working with both as Avery is quick to poke Leila in the eye or grab her fur.  Conversely, Leila is protective of her rawhide and has barked at Avery.  Puppy woppin' followed that!

This has been a process and as we all know Leila is a fantastic dog but has to learn to avoid Avery because for a little while longer she can understand more than our Bug.  I don't worry about her biting Avery but we don't need to set up a situation that would provoke it either.  Lei is already "getting it" as I make her drop her bone and let Avery pick it up.  Then I take it from Avery and give it back to Leila. I really should just get rid of the bone and we wouldn't have a problem!

Babies everywhere!  Caleb and Avery enjoying some floor time as we meet for our weekly home group on Wednesdays.  Below, Katie's proactive approach to containing Avery.

Our next trip is to Blaine at the end of February.  We will keep you updated!

Avery 9 month update

We have a crawler!

Current Avery Stats:
She was officially 9 months on January 16
As you can see, she's crawling! But just in spurts :) Time for the outlet plugs...
Based off my attempts to weigh and measure her, she's about 19# and 28"
She's a great eater!
Loves kiwi, banana, avocado, cheese, cottage cheese, mom's oatmeal, toast, crackers, pasta, quinoa and anything we are eating
Getting better at picking up food with thumb and index finger and getting into her mouth
She likes to babble, sing, scream, wiggle and clap
She says, "Hi," "Da Da," "Bah Bah" (Momma??) and waves "Hello" and "Bye Bye"

It's so much fun!
-Katie

Arizona

Weddings are fun but they are even more fun when they are in Arizona in the winter.  It wasn't typical Arizona weather but it was still better than 20 degrees and ice. 

Avery is an excellent traveler.  In nine months she's been on six different flights.  

We rented a car and picked up Jay and Viv and Aunt and Uncle Shon and Teresa.  They were excited to see Avery...then Katie...then me. In that order.

We stayed at a great resort hotel.  Big pool, nice rooms and a good restaurant.  Friday, Jay and I got the opportunity to golf on the #1 course in Arizona (#32 in the states).  It was a great time and I won't forget it i'm sure.

The rehearsal was at an old southwestern style barn.  There was BBQ for dinner and line dancing to top it off.

Can you spot the coyote? 

 "I'm done with what you are feeding me" face. 

Avery is a great follower on the dance floor.  I'd say better than her mom.  She didn't step on my feet once!