Avery's First Birthday

Can you believe it? The Princess is a year old! She has been such an amazing addition to our lives. Tim and I have enjoyed every second of being with little Avery. She is such a happy little baby and so funny! Even Finlay loves to give her kisses and lets her pet him. We just want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped us survive this first year of parenthood. From all the emotional support to all the babysitting, we couldn't have done it without our friends and family. So thank you and we love you all!

We had Avery's one year doctor appointment and she is still a munchkin. She weighs 16lb 12 oz (1.6 percentile) and is 27.5 inches in length (9th percentile). The doctor says she's doing great. We're starting her on real food and milk. I'm kinda nervous about it, but she seems to be doing pretty well. Of course, we also had Avery's first birthday party. It couldn't have turned out better. We had beautiful weather and wonderful friends and family to share it with. I couldn't have done it without my sister Shaunna. She worked her little butt off all weekend helping me prepare, decorating the cake, clean up, and helping me not to freak out. She knows I owe her big time, but thank you Shanaenae!! Here are a bunch of pictures from our day. Enjoy!

Part 1: Pre-Party

Avery's 52 Week pic. Opening presents from Mommy and Daddy

The amazing decorating talents of Chef Shaunna. This was a gluten free, dairy free cake. It actually tasted really yummy.

Yard sign

Centerpieces

Cupcakes for the guests (not gluten or dairy free :) )

Chocolate Finlay's for the party favors. I made pink ones and also some larger Finlay suckers

Avery's Birthday Attire

Part 2: PARTY!

Friends and Family

Hmm...what's in there?

Cake Time!

Post-cake hair salvaging

Swimming with Aunt Carolyn

A Mom's B-day Dinner

As you all know, Avery was born the day after my birthday. Needless to say, my birthday was really just a last little thought in my mind. We did get to go out to dinner before Avery's big shindig. Since I haven't been able to have sushi in....one year and 9 months, we went to the best sushi place in town. It was AMAZING!! Mmmm. I really want some now! Aunt Shaunna was already in town so she came with us (even though she really wanted Jersey Mikes :) ). Anyway, it was a nice relaxing dinner before the "tornado" of Avery's first birthday. I'm going through her pictures now, but here are some from my b-day dinner.

Aaaaaaaah! I love to be loud in public places, aaaah!

First Mother's Day

Wow, my first Mother's Day. It sounds so odd to say. Last year at this time, I was extremely pregnant and was just hoping the baby would come soon. Now, we have a beautiful little girl to help celebrate this special day. Well, first I woke up to the sweetest cards from Tim, Avery, and Finlay. This was the first time that day I teared up. Tim also got me a zoo membership (so excited for Avery to play with the animals). Then, we had a lovely church service and blessing for all the mothers. After that, we went to an amazing mediterranean restaurant to celebrate with my family. We did the whole family style meal with the lebanese food we love: grape leaves, tabouli, baba ghanoush, kibbi, and finished it off with a chocolate pizza. Can you say the perfect meal??? Mom and Dad gave me a gorgeous watch and Carlos and Amy gave me a beautiful locket with Avery's picture. They were so sweet and thoughtful. This was the other time a teared up that day. I've become very...what's the word...mushy since having Avery. Anyway, nothing wrong with that.

Later on, we celebrated with the Sinclairs at their house. Sutton grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and my favorite-asparagus. We also got to spend some time with Tim's cousins Boo and Josh. It was very nice sitting out on the porch and relaxing. In fact, Tim and I were so exhausted from the day's activities, we completely forgot to take pictures that night. But, I do have some from the lunch and Avery's 51 Week pics. Oh, and one other amazing Mother's day gift- my friend Alison welcomed her beautiful twin babies this week. They came a little early, but are doing well. Congratulations Alison and Kyle!!!

Avery and I with the most amazing woman I know. Love you Mom!!

Amy, Carlos, Tim, and Avery

The Staring Contest. My money's on the short one.

My special girls

51 WEEKS

Tea party (Thanks Dave and Kathleen for the set, she loves it!)

Finlay showing is disproval of the baby gates

Aunt Gabrielle's Wedding

Congrats to Gabrielle and Ben!! They were married this weekend in a beautiful ceremony. Avery was the flower baby and did a great job- no fussing, a few squeals, and a lot of staring at all the people. She also had a great time meeting the little "Ring Bear", Wilson. He's just a few months older than Avery and was absolutely precious. As for the bride, she looked radiant. Her dress was gorgeous. The pictures below really don't do it justice. The boys looked very handsome too. The reception was lovely as well. Everything seemed to go without a hitch. We are just so excited for Gabrielle and Ben to begin their journey together!

Here are some pics from the wedding as well as Avery's weekly ones. Everyone have a wonderful day!!

Gabrielle dancing with Sutton

Ben dancing with Nancy

Avery in her flower baby dress

Mmm...the cake and the happy couple

Princess with her mommy and daddy

Gabrielle and Avery, aww.

50 WEEKS

Sitting in her monogrammed reading chair from Poppy and Sitti