All Abourd the Potty Train!

The big news this month is that Avery is potty trained. It was so easy, and I am so thankful for that. Cleaning up accidents was not my idea of fun. Luckily I only had to do that once.

So now with the new potty freedom comes, big girl panties! We bought a bunch of different kinds, fun colors, patterns, TinkerBell, and princesses. Well only the princess panties will do for the potty princess. She is very particular.

Christmas shopping is in full swing and I am really looking forward to this year. I think she is going to get what's going on, where last year we had to coerce her to open packages. Now she loves "pwesents".

She has been so attentive to thing things around her lately. She'll notice a dog in someone's yard while we are driving, or hear an sound and identify it. These were all things that seem to have taken her a little longer, because she learned what things were so much later, than kids who hear it their entire life. She also learned Happy Birthday song and let me tell you, it gets old after 500 times.

What a Month

So this month has been quite eventful. As I said in my last update we celebrated our Adoption Day anniversary. Otherwise things have been kinda crazy. I will say Avery has really taken to dragging her Daddy outside to play almost everyday. It is pure bliss for her and it gives me a nice break.

Avery decided last week that she wanted to go to Pre-school - that is until I explained that I would have to leave her there and pick her up when it was over. Her response, "No pee-skool Mommy, I go Aunt Becky's house!" I think that is a better idea too.

We have a future cheerleader in the making. Avery has gotten into practicing stunts. She'll stand in my hands and I can hold her there forever. Talk about balance. I think gymnastics will be our next venture. She would really love that. (Pardon the mess in the picture - my tiny tornado was wreaking havock)

Happy Adoption Day!

Avery at about 2 weeks old
~ isn't she adorable

Avery and her Daddy
~ the day we met her

Avery at 10 months old
~ waiting for Mommy and Daddy Yes, that's right, we made it! It has been one year, one hour and 58 minutes, since a judge in Khabarovsk, Russia made us parents to Avery! I can hardly believe it. I honestly think I am in a state of shock and awe. I was really emotional in the days leading up to today, but now, I am just at peace. We have our daughter and all is right with the world.

This is Avery leaving the Baby Home

9/27/05

Avery has taken it upon herself to grow up over the last month. No more baby in this house, unless you count the diapering that I do every time I turn around. She stopped saying "hold you me" and has resorted to the proper "Hold me!". She has mastered the art of climbing out of her crib, so that makes for some fun evenings and morning suprises. A big girl bed is just around the corner I fear. She is counting and saying her A, B, C's, although we have a way to go before those are mastered. She reads me books from memory and sings songs all day long. Being 2 is fun again! We are thinking about boarding that infamous potty train again, but I am in no hurry. You would think I was, by my earlier diaper reference, but no, I am enjoying one last glimpse of my baby.

My baby girl, in Russia!

2nd day with us

Life has continued to be busy here in the Stevens house. Ryan is busy working. I am trying to get a new business venture off the ground, and Avery is running circles around us. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Life is good, and I am feeling so very blessed to be Avery's Mommy!