From a Preemie in the NICU to....ALMOST ONE!

To my blog readers, I just want to thank all of you for the support that each of you have given to me and my family this past year and beyond. Avery didn't come easy to begin with, she was a blessing that Keith and I had to pray and work very hard for. On top of this and although my daughter was born a completely healthy little girl, thanks be to GOD!!!!!, my life has been affected by what it means to give birth prematurely. My water broke, with no good reason, 6 weeks early. My daughter was born 24 hours later and then whisked away to the NICU, where she then spent almost 3 weeks of her newborn life. Keith and I were there, every day to be with her......but as every parent knows....being in a hospital room is never where you think you'll be for that LONG after you have a baby. You imagine the 24-48 hour stay and then the sleepless nights at home attempting to settle in to your new life as parents. Well.....our new life as parents didn't go quite like that. And the emotions that ran those first few weeks, were INTENSE, to say the least. By the grace of God, Avery has grown into the wonderful "almost" toddler that she is today. She's had her issues (reflux, milk allergies, colds, bumps, bruises, rashes) but now that's she's almost one.....I just can't imagine my life without her.

Avery has truly has taught me the meaning of the word unconditional love. She has reminded me of what it is to be a child again, and to delight in the little things. Her smile can light up a room. Her baby smell is the best therapy after a long day at work. The sound of her voice can instantly put me in a good mood. I've seen some pretty funny comedians in my day, but none can compare to the laughs that I get when I am around my daughter. She is the funniest little girl I know, without even knowing it : )

Avery, when you're 16 and reading this.....know that your mommy loved you from the first time she felt that flutter in her tummy. I knew it was you. Your presence was calming. I knew we'd be together forever....me and you! From that little flutter. That little flutter became a swoosh, which eventually became a KICK! And now that your presence is MUCH more demanding than "just a flutter", I still know that it's me, you and your daddy.....sweetface! You made us a family of three and we just love you so much! I love your sloppy kisses and the way you let me cuddle you before you go to sleep. I love your blonde highlighted hair when it blows in the breeze and tickles my nose when I hold you, I love the way that you look around at new things but always make sure that daddy and I are there to protect you from them. I love you when you "smell new smells" and make that scrunched up face! I love you!!!!

Happy "Almost" First Birthday, Sweetface!
You've DEFINITELY come a LONG way BABY!!!!!!

Funny Faces.....by Avery Grace :)

Some classic 11 month faces, brought to you by Avery Grace Thompson. I'll tell you......something changes at 11 months. Avery is such a HAM. She has such expressive ways to get her point across, despite not having said her "official first word" yet. Check these out!

Mangia! Mangia!

Well.....Avery's Italian roots have definitely started to show of late. Her favorite foods recently? Meatballs and noodles with tomato sauce. She is still on a dairy-free diet so mommy works diligently on attempting to make an Italian dish taste semi-delicious without cheese.....but I have no complaints from the peanut gallery thusfar :)

It's a HOT One!!!!

At 11 months, Avery is finding the joy in the small things. Being outside in her inflatable pool is one of them. She loves to crawl around on the bottom of the pool and "swim", chasing after toys, that so rudely, have tried to escape her grasp. She splishes and splashes all about......soaking mommy and daddy, or whoever else might be in her path :) Avery delights in the small things. I especially need to remember, as this particular wonderful pool item cost me $8.99 at the Christmas tree shop. It has brought HOURS upon HOURS of delight to my daughter's world this summertime. I wonder, however, how long it takes for a child to realize that she needs one of those big, in ground pools to make them happy?? I was at Wegmans the other day comparing the price of locally grown apples to ones that were shipped from Washington, and heard a 13 year old attempt to rationalize this fact to her mother. This teen was BEGGING and BEGGING her poor stressed out mother, for a BIG POOL so that all her friends could be SOOOO impressed that she could invite them all over for a pool party.

*Sigh* How long can I hold on to this adorable 11 month old? How long before her simple joys turn more complicated (and expensive)?