Reading Books

Avery has been so into books lately that she's even learned how to say "book." She's a lover of all sorts of books, but especially lift-and-tear-off-the-flap so mommy has to repair it books, object picture books, touch-and-feel books, and stories like Olivia. One of her favorite activities is to pick a book from her shelf, then back-that-ass up into a waiting lap to be read to.

We usually read a few books before bed time to wind down in her room, and I love spending this time reading with her. My favorite book to read to her is "Goodnight Moon." We've read it so much that Avery knows just when to say "shhh" at the part where the old lady whispers hush.

Who needs "My Baby Can Read" when it's so wonderful reading to a child?

Speaking of babies, over the weekend, Avery pointed to an old picture of herself on the fridge and said "baby." It melted my heart because she's officially not a baby anymore. I told this little anecdote to Heather, who said it sounded like I was getting baby fever. I assured her the only fever we have had in this household was from Avery's recent bout with strep throat. But I reserve the right to change my tune when I get one of those coveted kissed from Miss Avery!

RIP Chase, 1998-2010

Our loyal companion Chase was laid to rest today. Having recently gone blind, become incontinent, lost her appetite, and having suffered for the past few years with arthritis/bone cancer and hearing loss, her bad days far outnumbered any good ones. We made the very difficult decision to euthanize, and poor Greg had to bear the emotional task of taking Chase on a one-way vet appointment early this morning. I definitely got the easier end of that arrangement by taking Avery to school.

In the last few months, Avery had taken a strong liking to “Cha,” and showered her with hugs and affection. Avery surely won’t remember her, but we’ll at least have these pictures to tell her what good buddies she and Chase used to be. It’s a sad day in the Bayer household, but we’ll try to think happy thoughts, and envision Chase at her peak hunting game birds in doggie heaven along side Winnie and Cricket.

Weekend at Home

We had a pretty relaxing weekend just hanging around home. Avery was busy as usual, and displayed her newly aquired climbing skills by climbing up onto the chaise lounge all by herself. Yikes. She took one spill off it Saturday and I forsee many more in the future for Miss Independant.

Check out these curly locks! And no, it's NOT time for a hair cut.

Avery has eight teeth now. All the better for eating goldfish crackers and, well, goldfish crackers.

We experimented with pig tails this weekend. Super cute, but they lasted about 3 minutes.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Avery's new development here. Avery now gives kisses. To Greg. She showers him with wet, sloppy kisses. And me? The woman that carried her for 40 weeks and gave birth to her (without an epidural, don't forget) and has been peed on, pooped on, and puked on too many times to count? Nothing. Not even a pucker in my direction.

Clearly, Avery needs a brother.

Mother's Day #2

We celebrated Mother's Day this year at home with a weekend visit from Meme and Grandpa and had a great weekend together. While the boys golfed on Saturday, the girls enjoyed lunch at an Atlanta institution - Mary Mac's Tearoom. Afterwards, we visited the Princess Diana exhibit. I think even Avery was in awe of the Princess's wedding dress with a 25 foot train. Or, maybe it was the constant supply of teddy grahams she enjoyed....we'll never know!

Speaking of eating, above, Avery took a break from eating chips at La Parilla to take a family photo. We enjoyed lunch on their patio on Mother's Day before Meme and Grandpa headed back to Charlotte.

I really racked up the loot this year. Avery made me some sweet hand and foot print art at school, and told her Daddy to buy me a pair of leather cowboy boots. I just can't wait to break them in! I hope your Mother's Day was just as special as mine was, and that you racked up the loot, too!

Steeplechase & The Derby

We've been watching lots of horse racing over the past two weekends. On April 25, we went to Steeplechase with the Kahlans, Papugas, Thompsons, and Doug and Amy, Bob and Betsy, and Missy and Pete. Though it rained all day, we stayed fairly dry in our spot on the rails, and enjoyed front row seats to the four races that were held. Avery especially enjoyed seeing the "doggies" race.

The Kentucky Derby is run the first Saturday in May, and wet weather prevailed for this race as well. Luckily, we were a few states away! We invited our friends Beth, Bosco, Travis and Foster over for Kentucky hot browns, mint juleps, and Derby pie. Yum!

Though Avery didn't partake in the Derby food, she had a great time with our company, especially the doggies!

Here Avery is with Bosco. He let her love on him a little, but wouldn't let Greg or me near him. Is Avery the future dog whisperer or what? Watch out Caesar Milan!