Levi's visit and Avery's signs

Levi Abbate came over today while his mom was with Emma. They had a lot of fun. Avery is now able to interact and play with other children and Levi was perfect. He'll be 2 in October so just old enough to run around but young enough that he's in to similar things. Avery enjoyed following him around the house. I now have visions of what life will be like when Avery can RUN around the house.
They spent a lot of time out playing at the sand/water table so they got a bath when they came in. Too cute!
Levi is such a good kid and Christi is one of my closest friends here. I will be so sad if they have to move soon.

Avery also started signing for different animals. She got a new video while we were home and it actually works. It doesn't hurt that she likes animals so much that she is mesmerized by the DVD. It is the only thing she will truly sit through without moving!
Her monkey sign should be under her armpit but she just hasn't perfected that yet. I was just impressed that she understands the sound for monkey. We see their picture a lot in books but the only sound she hears is my interpretation...

Playing In Bubbles

I can't believe how quickly children "mature" once they start walking. I sometimes have a hard time thinking of her as a toddler until she does something so different from what she has done before. It is so much fun playing with her now. She plays games and loves to dance. Anytime music is on she is bopping her head and bouncing up and down. She loves to "feed" me during lunch. She has also discovered how to bounce on the bed. When I get her up from her naps she is jumping up and down.
Now that her hair is getting longer I have tried pig tails and I think they are so cute on her. I'm sure you'll agree.

More pics from Indy

Trip in Indy

We just spent a 12 days in Indy! It was a lot of running around but we had a great time. Avery grew up so much while we were there. Before we left she had just started walking but still used crawling if she fell. Now she has mastered walking, can get herself up from the floor without holding on to something and even tries to run! Our home life isn't going to be the same but it is so exciting. She loves all the animals around here and we have visited many dogs and love watching the birds at the feeders. All the grandparents are going to have a hard time when she leaves but we miss daddy. She walks around carrying a picture of him and is getting slightly better at saying Dada.