Beach Baby :)

We went to stay with Joe's parents for 10 days the week of the 4th of July, as we have for the past 4 years.  This year we had a few more bags, toys, hairbows and floatation devices weighing down the car.  Avery is one lucky lady because she is only 9 months old and this is her 3rd trip to the beach (well 5th actually, but the 1st two trips she was too little and it was too cold to actually go to the beach).  Once again she showed no fear and was an amazing little swimmer.  Of course we didn't let her out of arms reach, but I was shocked to see her face light up and the waves washed her ashore.  Joe's parents live on the sound, so when I say we were at the beach we were actually at an island on the sound or the sand bar so these "waves" were not your typical waves crashing into the shore that most of you are picturing.  Had to make that clear so none of you think I'm a horrible mother putting my 9 month old child out in the deep blue sea.   Here are some pictures and some videos of my water baby in the ocean. Uncle Jeff and Aunt Nicki were there the first weekend, so they got to spend some time with lil miss Avery before heading back for work the next week (wah wah waaaaaah).  Of course Uncle Mark and Aunt Mary live there and got to spend several days and evenings with their favorite lil niece :)  Avery is hoping for some cousins to play with on the Ellington side of the family, so come on guys!!!!

 

 

 

Joe's parents own a lot in an amazing neighborhood on the water called Cannons Gate. As I mentioned in an earlier post this neighborhood has a beautiful pool that we were able to take advantage of when we wanted to take a day off from the ocean.  Check out this place, not too shabby if I do say so myself.  One evening we packed up the kitchen a few things and grilled out poolside with Mimi, Pop, Uncle Mark and Aunt Mary.

We were so excited to take Avery to the Aquarium near Joe's parents while on our vacation.  She was memorized with all the "fisheys".  I think she was still a little too young to really enjoy it, but Joe and I loved watching her soak it all in.  Next year will be even better, but I'm not rushing that- don't worry.  I wish she'd slow down already.  We will have to get a picture of her on this turtle every year to watch her growth.

This is soooo amazing!!  Thank you POP and MIMI :)

9 FINE Months

Weight:  17lbs 5.5oz (25.87 %tile)
Height: 28 in (69 %tile)-- doc said she had a significant growth spurt here
Head:   43.2 cm (28%tile)
Moods: Happy and smiling 85% of the time.  If she's unhappy all we have to do is pick her up, hold her hands, and let her walk around the house.  She is unhappy being in her life vest on the boat, but I learned if I continuously feed her puffs during the boat ride she will not cry.  She is beginning to give us a glimpse of her temper when she wants something, I find it adorable.
Favorite foods:We started finger foods this month.  She loves sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, apples, bananas, peaches, and Gerber puffs and yogurt melts. 
Favorite toy: She loves all toys, but her two favorites right now are her yellow bunny that plays and her stand up Leap Frog toy (I have no idea what it's called).

 Sounds: "Ba, ba, ba, bah" all day long.  We've head "ma ma"a couple times :)

 Favorite hobbies: Playing with mommy, duh :) Avery and I are enjoying my summer off by playing all day long.  Of course with some shopping trips in between.  She LOVES to swim and be outside.  She's been to the lake several times and we are getting ready to head back to the beach this week.

 Playtime: Gone are the days of placing my sweet girl on a blanket surrounded by toys and she'd entertain herself for while.  She is ALL OVER THE PLACE.  She loves crawling/creeping/scooting throughout the house.  Her favorite thing to do is try to sneak into the dining room to get Zoe's dog food.  I think she finds it even more fun for Joe or I to catch her in the act.  She thinks that is SOOOO funny. She does respond pretty well to "no" when she goes towards the steps.  We have not set up any gates yet, but they may be in our near future.
Sleep habits: If we're at home all day she'll usually takes 3 naps, but when we're out and about it's a good two naps.  She almost always falls asleep in the car.  She still sleeps through the night and (knock on wood) has been a great sleeper since 10 weeks old.  Right now she goes to bed about 7:45 and wakes around 6:30/7:00ish. 
Teeth: Still two on the bottom, but one on the top is beginning to poke through.  It's not a middle tooth though.  Doctor saw it and said she might be a vampire baby for a while.  Hahah!  I cannot wait to see that!

such a big girl :)

feeding herself

proof that she is not always happy... haha

tiny lil elephant

soooo big

never still for long

I'm outta here elephant!!!!

always on the move

Here are some of this month's moments captured:

chillin in WalMart

slip-n-slide at the Huff house

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

One paci in the mouth and one in each hand

eating peas and apples with my hands

Cindy Lou pony :)

learning to use a sippy cup

put me in coach

Christopher Graduates :)

We took our first trip to Maryland for my cousin Christopher's graduation party.  I feel so old now because I remember my aunt being pregnant with him.  I changed his diapers, snuggled with him as he rubbed my thumb, and laughed at him for  remember him wearing his pants up to his armpits and socks to his knees (sorry,  bless your heart).  Now he's heading off to college in the fall.  I know he will invent something amazing and become the next Facebook dude, Mark Z.... (I have no idea how to spell it and don't feel like looking it up.)  I hope he remembers us when he's making it rain. As always my aunt outdid herself with amazing decorations and food.  She worked herself crazy during the weeks/days prior to the party, but I know it was all worth it.  Avery was glad to spend some early morning snuggle time with her Aunt Teezey.  Courtney, Matt, and lil Laila drove up with my dad to surprise my aunt.  It was a great surprise, but I'm sure Courtney and all other mommies out there can attest that traveling with a small child is HARD work. Speaking of traveling we will be leaving for the beach in a little over a week to spend time with Joe's family at the ocean :) We will be there for about 10 days, so I guess I should begin packing. Aghhhhh!!!

Family Photos from Maryland-

Here are some pictures of the amazing decor and food :) 

 

Avery goes for her 9 month check up next week, so stay tuned.  I'm looking forward to talking to the doctor about her eating and seeing her percentiles.  Funtimes!!