Let’s face facts. Avery has never been a calm, docile child. She’s always been spirited and a little bit stubborn, with just the right amount of sweet and loving thrown in to fool me into thinking I might want another child some day. And I
wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now that she’s two, to our chagrin, Avery has learned how to verbalize her every desire. This makes for some interesting moments (stand-offs) around our house, so I thought I’d share a few of her catchphrases for your amusement (or apprehension of what’s to come if your child has not reached two years old yet). Here they are, in no particular order:
“No want it!” in response to anything that is not her idea. This includes, but is not limited to getting
PJs on, putting a jacket on because it’s 40 degrees outside, or changing her out of a
poopy diaper.
“Pick you up!” Indicating that, in addition to the purse, set of car keys, and bag of groceries that I am carrying, I should also pick up a 28 lb toddler who has two perfectly good legs of her own.
“Me do it!” Translation: Mommy, how dare you even think about helping me into my highchair 3 feet of the ground? Clearly, I can do it myself.
“Mommy do it!” This phrase is most typically used when anyone besides me tries to play with Avery, make something for her to eat or drink, change her diaper, or dress her. Clearly, Avery has designated me and only me as her slave for life.
Good thing she’s so cute…and that there is a no returns policy on 2-year
olds!
Avery has always loved bubbles, but hadn't mastered the art of blowing them herself until last weekend.
Her Daddy gave her a tutorial and after a few attempts...
She did it!
In case you spotted it, I am aware that there is a ketchup smudge on Avery's cheek in these photos. That's because we're showing you our real unedited selves here on this blog. Well, that, and Daddy was responsible for wiping her face after lunch!
A few weeks ago, Greg busted out his tool box and converted the rail on Avery's crib to a toddler rail. We've really built up Avery's "big girl bed" to her and she's done very well with following the main rule: no getting out of bed unless Mommy or Daddy is there. Apparently, however, I need to institute a new rule ASAP: no falling out of bed in the middle of the night! My poor baby has taken two spills out of her bed over the last two nights. Both times, she's just stayed where she landed on the floor, fast asleep. She doesn't seem to hurt herself, and last night she even broke her fall on the pillow I placed on the floor, just in case. Not wanting to continue to chance it, today we're heading to Target to purchase a bike helmet for bedtime. Don't worry, we'll get a pink one to coordinate with her Minnie Mouse jammies! 
We ended the Zach's visit with us by spending their last day in town together at Zoo Atlanta. This was Avery's 2nd trip to the zoo and Greg's first. She was thrilled to show Daddy the animals and especially loved riding up on his shoulders to get a view above the crowds. 
Avery was particularly interested in the snakes in the Reptile House this visit. She also liked seeing a mommy gorilla caring for her baby, but was very concerned where the daddy was while the mother fulfilled her child-rearing duties. She has a lot to learn about motherhood!
We ended our visit early Thursday afternoon with just enough time to hit one of our favorite watering holes, Six Feet Under, to enjoy some libations on their roof top patio. The patio overlooks one of the most historic sites in Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery. Famous locals like Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones make Oakland Cemetery their final resting place. 
We lucked out and spoiled Miss KC, Mr. Marco, Noah and Loot with great weather last week. They sure weren't happy to head back home to the cool and rainy weather in WI. Hopefully that means they will plan a visit again soon! 
