Notes from Mom and Dad

8 months already- are you kidding!?

Matt's first summer as Mr. Mom went off without a hitch! No one got hurt!!! They spent a lot of time taking walks, swinging at the park, listening to music, speaking and reading Spanish and appreciating their time together.

Avery has grown so much these past months- it is amazing and beautiful to watch. Quite humbling, in fact, watching such a young mind grow and develop. She is creeping around on her stomach and doesn't stand for staying still for very long. Her newest thing is walking around while holding our hands- yikes! Our living room is strewn with bright, plastic toys made in China that I swore would never enter our home and dinner conversations revolve around napping strategies and eventful diaper changes.

Traveling with Avery was more delightful than we imagined it could be. She did great on the plane, in the car, in her tent (aka crib) and meeting new people. Our little travel buddy- I wonder where we will go next...

Day care lies ahead in the next weeks. It will likely be harder for us than it will be for Avery. She loves other kids and I am confident that it will be a great experience for her; nonetheless, I hate everything about it. I know, I know- it will be fine.

Finally, at the risk of sounding like a Hallmark card, it is truly awesome to understand the love of a parent. It will be many years before Avery understands what it's like to be a parent, but I am sure she will reflect as warmly and respectfully as we do now about all our parents have done for us.

To what lies ahead!!! Love, Steph and Matt

Notes from mom and dad

Avery is almost three months old now and time has flown. Parenthood is most amazing and special. Who knew what a couple of smiles could do? She is learning new things every day. She loves to be held and talked to and she has been working hard at finding her voice (when she does it makes your heart melt). Her favorite past times are looking at pictures on the walls and in books and magazines, play mats with lots of colors, taking walks outside, listening to mom sing and dance around, and her most favorite toys are mom and dad.

I have one month left before I go back to work. Although I am dreading May 4th, I am so thankful for this time with her and think of the many moms and babies who don't get this time. We are thankful for our parents who have graciously agreed to watch Avery the first couple of months I go back and we are thankful that I have a job to go back to in these difficult times.