Swing and a Tooth

On Sunday Fred and I took Avery to her first park experience and plopped her down in a swing. She was giggling and laughing - she really loved it. We live close to Kiwanis Park, so it will definitely have to be part of our weekend routine. Despite the lovely Ellensburg wind, we all had a blast!

AND...

Avery got her first tooth as it seemed to have cut through on Sunday night! She has been so good, besides being a little extra snugly and slightly restless, I never would have imagined she was working on a tooth coming in. Pretty soon there will be no more gummy smiles...my sweet pea is growing up!!

Arts & Crafts Time!

It's funny how absolutely giddy an 8-month old gets when she sees a tutu. She doesn't know what a tutu is, so maybe it's the frilly tulle that just does something to a girl! Last night I finished this tutu and I'm not sure if I'm going to add any embellishments or not. They are really fun and easy to make! I can see myself getting addicted!

The big 3-0

Who let these two turn 30?

Generally I use this blog to write about milestones of the baby variety (ie, Avery's babbling, sitting, the foods she's eating). But this milestone is about me! Tomorrow I am 30 years old. I used to think 30 was so old, that it would take forever to reach this age. Boy, was I wrong. Just like how I can't wrap my head around the fact that Avery will be 8 months old on Friday, I can't figure out where the last 10 years went!

I'm leaving my twenties with some great memories: graduating from college and all of the fun times with girlfriends who have made a lasting impact on my life (and the new ones I've met along the way), meeting Freddie at the tender age of 20 (that's right, I was just shy of turning 21), and with meeting Freddie came another companion that has continuously amazed us: our black lab Sebastian. Fred got Sebastian only a week after we met. Then came Grace. A yellow lab who needed to be rescued - I don't think she knew what she was in for! But we're so lucky to have her. And so our little family had begun...Fred and I bought our home when I was 24, and we got married when I was 25. My sister got married two months later in Las Vegas. I also went on some very memorable trips! Puerto Vallarta , Hawaii, New York City, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Palm Springs to name a few. Then came my nephew Grayson who brought a sense of peace and love to me that no one else ever has. Fred and I were so excited to start our own family. The greatest joy during my twenties (albeit late 20s) was giving birth to Avery, my sweet, sweet daughter who I love more than anything. I've learned that family is and always will be the most important aspect of my life. I'm sure I've left out many highlights during my twenties but I think I've listed my most memorable, anyway!

Avery with Grandpa

Sebastian

Grace


One of my favorite engagement photos

September 18, 2004


Avery and Grayson (both love their binkies)


Happy as a clam inside a Rubbermaid tub

As they say, life can take many turns. I also lost my Grandpa Jack, Fred's Grandma Dorothy, and my Grandpa Walt and Grandma Florence. I always try to make sure that I keep them alive in my heart with what I do and say. I'll never forget the impact they made on my life.

Fred and I have had our fair share of life's challenges - all of which have made us stronger and more thankful for what we have. When life closes one door, another seems to always open. With this, I've learned that we can plan for our future but nothing is ever set in stone. We just have to live our life the best way we know how and never take anything for granted.

I have a feeling that my next 30 years are going to be amazing! So in honor of my first 30 years, I will be celebrating in Las Vegas this weekend with my sister and a few of our dear friends. I'm going to miss Avery and Freddie like crazy but I'm also looking forward to some much needed R&R...poolside with drink(s) in hand...can't wait!