Dear Avery, 7 Months

Oh my dear Avery Leigh, the little sunshine in my day. You are already 7 months old little one, and getting so big! You haven't gone through any major growth spurts yet, and our scale is broken, so I really don't know what you weigh, but you are growing so much intellectually, it is amazing.

You discovered how to shake your head "no" and "yes" and you don't really have any reason to do it, you just think it's fun so it has become a new game. You really like to shake your head "no" when we are rocking you to sleep. It is pretty funny, I swear you know what you're doing and it's your way of asking to stay up later.

You started screaming this month. It is hilarious, you get quite a bit of attention from it, and you love it. You especially like to scream at your sister, and you copy her now when she is screaming or singing. It is really cute in the car, because we can't really see you, but we can hear you and Addie screaming back and forth at each other, like it's your own special game.

You have started skipping a nap a day this month. You can either skip your morning nap when we are out, and I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to nap either if I were you and we were out at the early years center or the library. There is far too much to look at and play with there! Or you skip your afternoon nap on the days we are home and play with your sister all afternoon. You want so badly to go where she goes and play with what she is playing with. She is really good about bringing you toys and playing with you though. Your sister just adores you.

You finally started sleeping through the night again. I wasn't sure if you were going to start again, but you have. Not consistently, but most nights you do. I really don't mind the nights you wake up a lot though, every time I go into your room, you flash me that beautiful smile and I feel blessed to have some extra time with you. Even if it is in the middle of the night.

You had a really bad cold this month. It is only the second time you have been sick since you were born, but it was awful. You were so congested and stuffed up that you could barely breathe, and I had to sit with you in the bathroom with the shower steam going to give you some relief. You are such a little trooper though. You hardly complained at all.

You are really enjoying your swimming lessons these days. You get in that pool and your little arms and legs start going like a little fish. Daddy and I just love watching you swim, and Addison couldn't be prouder to show you how to jump in and encourage you when you do it.

I know I keep saying it my love, but you are the happiest baby ever. You are so easy to take care of and just such a happy little spirit to have around. I miss you soo much when you aren't with me.

I am so excited to spend your first Christmas with you. We have almost finished our shopping, and Addison even wrote a special part in her letter to Santa about something you would like too. I can't wait to see you and your sister together in your Christmas jammies unwrapping all those pretty presents under the tree. I am so blessed to have you sweetheart.

I love you so much!
Love Mama