Baby's First Christmas

Well, it happened and I can't say that I didn't know it was coming.  Christmas with a three month old!! 

Christmas Eve was spent with both sets of grandparents and it was so special to spend quality time with them before the busy weekend ahead.  The night started with a beautiful (and quite entertaining) church service, and despite the loud bass and microphones, Av slept through most of it!  Then we headed back to our house where we enjoyed a delicious gourmet dinner prepared by Jeff.  It was amazing and I'm proud to say that Jeff didn't follow any recipes...he just knew what he wanted to make and went for it.  He's a modest guy, so I'll be the one to say that he is a great chef!!

Christmas was a day filled with family, more great food and SO MANY gifts for Avery.  She is one lucky baby and has the best grandparents, aunts and uncles in the world!!  Avery was such an angel and really seemed to enjoy all that was going on.  I need to get better at taking pictures and with the smart phone I am determined to get next weekend that will be a lot easier.  Anyways, here is one Christmas picture of Avery.  There are more on other people's cameras, which I may add later...

We spent today over at GramCin and Grandpa's house and enjoyed a fabulous pasta dinner with Great Aunt Marilyn, Great Uncle Fred and cousins Ryan and Jenna.  Despite the Chargers loss (booooo!!!), it was the perfect way to cap off Avery's first Christmas weekend!

Funny picture time...

What's for breakfast?!

And a bonus picture, because it's Christmas and Christmas is about giving...

Yes.  I am that cute.

Milestones, Baby. Milestones!

As those of you with children know, babies change and grow so much during the first few months.  I am amazed every day at the things Avery does that show me she's learning and entering new stages of development.

I am an emotional person and find it hard to curb my excitement when my daughter reaches new milestones.  Yes, I did cry the first time she socially smiled and yes, I did frighten the crap out of her when I yelled with joy and clapped my hands when she first starting batting at toys.  And, yes, I immediately called Jeff and my mom the first time Avery was awake in a stroller while I was shopping and not screaming bloody murder.   (I consider crying less a HUGE milestone!)

Milestone #1 - Smiling!

Milestone #2 - Batting at Toys

Milestone #3 - Not Crying When in Stroller

(Okay, so I don't have a picture of Avery in a stroller not crying and well, this one was just too funny not to include in the post.  If you can't laugh at your own kid, who can?!)

Speaking of laughing, I have decided to add a funny picture of Avery at the end of each post.  This girl has so many facial expressions and I have been lucky enough to catch quite a few on camera.  So, to start the tradition...

It's nice to know my daughter is a bad-ass.  

And this picture can serve as evidence that those "Bodyguard for Mommy" classes are paying off.