This is Avery, I highjacked Mommy's blog for today...

Hey there, this is Avery. I highjacked Mommy's blog today. She's been a little busy lately and hasn't had time to finish my 12 month and birthday party posts. She told me she's working on them, so be on the look out for them soon.

Anyways, I've been spending my days playing, sleeping, eating and perfecting my walking. Daddy says I look like a little monkey cause I hold up my arms, stick out my tummy, and walk around. Walking is definitely better than crawling. I can get around so much faster. Um, let's see. I got to go swimming for the first time this weekend. It was ok, definitely not the same as the bathtub. The best part was Mommy let me "jump" in from the edge. That was fun. Mommy says I'll learn to love it. And that I'll have the best baby tan of all my friends by the end of the summer.

Oh, I just remembered. I have some big news.

Yep, come January I'm gonna be a BIG sister. Supposedly, its a big deal, but I'm not sure. Mommy and Daddy said I'd have to share my toys and be a good example and help take care of my baby brother or sister. I think I can handle that. Shouldn't be much harder than what I do now. Well, maybe ask me again in a year or so. Anyways, just wanted to let you know.
Thanks for letting me write my first blog! I'll be back again soon. :) ~Avery Marie

Spring has Sprung!

So spring has officially arrived in Texas (if we can call it that). For me, the period from St. Patrick's Day to Memorial Day is Spring. It doesn't always feel like it in Texas when it hits 95 degrees in April. Spring is also one of my favorite seasons - Easter, my birthday, my anniversary, Avery's birthday, Mother's Day, and Memorial Day. Somehow my birthday, my anniversary and Avery's birthday are all within a month of each other. Crazy, I know. Along with all these happy days, comes the gifts, etc. that come along with them. Now that we have grandparents to give gifts to, I have learned quickly that photos are great gifts. Grandparents can't have enough of them. One of my favorite sites to order pics from is Shutterfly. I've ordered cards, photo books, collages, notepads and LOVED them all. Some of my favorite from their spring collection are these:

Mother's Day Cards

I also love these invitations.

These graduation announcements are pretty neat, and probably cheaper than the ones you could order from school.

So next time you are looking for a fun, unique gift, check out Shutterfly first. I've always been pleased with their quality and service.

Do you have a blog?  Sign up for a chance at 50 free cards from Shutterfly. I did. Can't wait to get them in.

This time last year...

As I'm gearing myself up for the fact that my baby girl turns 1 tomorrow, I took a look back at my blogs from then. Several of these were written after the fact, but they tell our story so well. Stay tuned for the BIG birthday post!

38 weeks

3 weeks in and loving it (part 1)

First hours

First visitors (part 1)

First visitors (part 2)

First visitors (part 3)

Going Home

3 weeks in and loving it (part 2)

3 weeks in and loving it (part 3)

3 weeks in and loving it (part 4)

As you can see I had to blog in bits and pieces. That's what having a newborn for the first time does to you. Enjoy!