Big Girl Bed: Trials and Tribulations

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!

In Case You Were Curious...

This is how we roll when it's raining and we can't play outside!

Zoo Atlanta with the Zachs

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!

Spring Break in Atlanta

Since my last post, the spring weather arrived in Atlanta and so did Spring Break! Not only did that bring lighter traffic than normal for those of us that didn't take the week off, it brought our good friends, the Zachs, on a road trip down from Wisconsin. Noah, age 9, Luke aka "Loot" age 6, and Marco and KC planned a busy week hitting all the city's major attractions. So on Sunday, we opted to show them a little bit of "city life" and took them to spend a leisurely afternoon at Piedmont Park. Sunday proved to be a beautiful day to spend outside enjoying the park's playground, Mayor's Grove, walking along the pedestrian paths, and ending our jaunt with some libations at Park Tavern. It was a great day with great friends!

P. S.

Special thanks to KC and her fancy new camera for the photos!

"Hi, New Car!"

Greg and I have been talking for some time about replacing my 2001 Ford Escape, which I'd become rather attached to over the past 10.5 years and 190,000 miles. I really enjoyed not having a car payment so wasn't quick to jump on the new car bandwagon, but it soon became 2 against 1 when Greg turned Avery on his side. Miss Avery, you see, dislikes messes. And Mommy's car was making a bit of a mess in the garage due to a slow oil leak. Every day when she got in her Dad's car to go to school, my car and I would be long gone leaving an icky black puddle in our wake. My source says thier conversatios went something like this:

Avery: "Daddy! Mommy's car make mess."

Daddy: "Yes, you're right. Mommy needs a new car. One that's not messy."

Avery, making a perfectly logical conclusion: "Mommy needs new purple car from grocery store."

So, though I didn't get a purple car and I certainly didn't buy it from Publix (where apparently Avery thinks all new things come from) I did make the leap on Monday and got a new Escape. When Avery spied it in the garage the next morning, she was very happy to see it. Despite it being silver, she even gave it an energetic "Hi, new car!"

Avery and I have sure have had fun cruising around town this week in my long awaited new ride!

March Madness

I'm a little behind in my blogging. Perhaps it was because I was a bit busy enjoying a fantastic girl's weekend at Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa in Miami Beach last weekend while Greg played Mr. Mom back home. Or maybe it's because I've been a little distracted by March Madness! My Tar Heels haven't disappointed me yet in the big dance and have advanced to the Elite 8. I must admit I've really enjoyed the opportunity to teach my little girl a few of the important things about college basketball this season. With two phrases under her belt already, "Go Heels" and "Boo Doot" (aka Duke), she's well on her way to being her generation's Erin Andrews.

To show her spirit, Avery wore her Tar Heels cheer leading outfit to school today, and I secretly granted her permission to bully any toddler-sized Dook fans that crossed her path. I would have proudly put that note home from school in her baby book!

Let's go Heels! Looks like the next one's going to be a tough one!

Elmo Invasion

Uncle Travis hooked Avery up with this red plush Elmo costume for her 2nd birthday. Since we took it out of the package, Avery has asked to "wear Elmo" every night. After I help her suit up, she runs to her bathroom to climb up on her stool to admire herself in the mirror, dressed just like Elmo.

The greatest thing about the costume is it's versitility. It can be worn while watching Elmo's World, while playing with Tickle-Me-Elmo, and while playing Elmo play-doh shape maker. Sunday, Avery even wore her red Elmo sweatshirt underneath her Elmo costume. Is there a thing as too much Elmo!?!?

As for me, I am thankful that Avery hasn't discovered the currently disabled Elmo giggle sound box in the costume!