It's Been Awhile...

I’m sure there’s a lot to catch you up on. Life has gotten a little busier, but in a good way. I’m not complaining, because I know what’s going to be coming up soon. In two short weeks, I’ll be headed back to work and soon after that, back to grad school. YUCK! I’m afraid if I take much more time off from it, it will get harder and harder to go back. So, I’m diving right in head first, hoping I don’t drown.

Avery is doing so well. She is continuing to grow and thrive. She’s babbling more and more, and has two new teeth. You heard me right! It was a little early for them, and she’s been a trooper during the whole teething process.

At our 4 month check-up, she weighed 12 lb. 7 oz. and she was 24in. long. Her weight percentile dropped significantly from birth, so we started supplementing with formula when she is still hungry after nursing. That’s been a little bit of a pain: nursing, pumping and now washing bottles for formula as well. I’ve started nursing 4-5 times a day and giving a bottle the other 1-2 feedings. She’s been doing okay with it, but still not taking much formula even when offered. She’s only eating about 20-22 oz. per day and some babies her age are eating 35 oz. per day by now.

I went to buy more bottles yesterday and they don’t even sell the 4 oz. bottles with the medium flow nipples for 4-6 month olds. I guess that made me realize that it is not normal for her to be eating so little at her feedings, but I can’t make her eat if she’s not hungry. We’re also trying the Dr. Brown’s bottles now, to see if that will help cut down on gas, so she won’t think she’s full when she really isn’t.

We spent the 4th of July in St. Louis and had a great time seeing family and friends there. Avery did somewhat okay, considering she was cutting two teeth and it was so hot outside. We saw fireworks under the arch Saturday night and then Ben and his friends shot off their own firework show on Sunday out in Washington, MO. Avery also got to go to her first Cardinals game on Sunday. It was a hot one, but we lasted about 5 or 6 innings.

We finally decided on a day care. It was a tough decision, but we’re going to start her out at the day care in Stamping Ground. It’s a block from the school, and it will be convenient and a safe place for her to be. I also really like the staff there, as it is all local people from the tiny town of Stamping Ground. Ben reminds me that if we don’t like it, we can always switch, which helps calm my nerves a little.

Spending the whole summer with Avery really has been fun. We get out more and she has gotten used to her car seat and stroller and new places. She even sometimes lets other people hold her—not most of the time though. She is in love with her Mommy. (And I’m head over heels for her!!) She loves going to the pool, and we usually go at night so Daddy can go play too. She also loves going to see her Aunt Kaitlin and Marmie. She watches the puppy dogs and they keep her entertained while visiting. She had her first sleepover there last weekend, while Ben and I were out of town for Rosie’s wedding. She did super and is invited back anytime!
Avery’s schedule is a little crazy most of the time, but she’s usually pretty adaptable. Here’s what today looked like, for example:

6:15 Breakfast, diaper change, finish eating and fell asleep in Mommy’s arms
7:45 Back to bed for morning nap
10:30 Lunch, diaper change, and get dressed for the day
11:45 Play in Exersaucer
12:15 Play in Bouncer while Mommy gets ready for our outing for the day
12:45 Run errands with Mommy
2:00 Afternoon feeding, diaper change, play
3:45 Afternoon nap
5:00 Dinner
6:00 Play, Take a bath, PJs
8:00 Evening feeding, books, prayers, sleepy time
9:00 Go to Sleep

She can now entertain herself for a really long time, but enjoys interaction more. She loves to be talked to with silly voices and silly faces. Aunt Kaitlin is the funniest, and can always make her laugh. She loves her blankie and pink horse. She also sleeps with a pacifier, which we want to work on breaking here in the next couple months. Getting up in the middle of the night to put her pacifier back in her mouth is getting old, but I am thankful that’s all it takes and she will go right back to sleep.

I can’t think of any more big news for now, but I will try to keep you updated on anything.