Ok… So, we went to visit Santa- and all I can say is that Avery made it very clear to EVERYONE in the mall that she wants nothing to do with him.  Yes, we explained that he is the one that brings all of the gifts, but quite frankly she would rather not get gifts than be tortured and made to sit on his lap for the sake of a stinking picture— Avert was terrified- It was an absolute screamfest- But, the picture is just freakin adorable- and after all, that is what really matters (LOL)- Oh well, maybe next year will be better… (yeah, right!!!)

Next update- Let me tell you all about Avery’s favorite hiding spot- UNDER/ BEHIND our newly decorated Christmas tree!!!  Yep, that is right… Our house is now all decked out for the holiday season and when Avery is not standing in front of the tree mesmerized by the colors and glow, she is crawling behind the tree in hopes that she will be hidden by the lovely (and breakable) ornaments and bright shiny lights.  Needless to say, it is quite the challenge keeping her out from where she isn’t supposed to be- Ahhh… the joys of her being the very INDEPENDENT 14 month old!!! 

Did I mention that Avery has become Miss Independent?!?  Let’s see… well, she is completely obsessed with brushing her teeth- we have a daily routine where she wakes up, we get her out of her crib, and she walks right into the bathroom and cries for her toothbrush— And who says kids don’t like to brush their teeth?…. She has also started walking DOWN the steps- we do make her hold our hand, but she doesn’t give in without a protest.  This little girl has NO FEAR- None whatsoever- this is a blessing and a curse all at the same time.  She is just growing up so fast, we can hardly keep up. 

She has been learning lots of new words- and we finally have heard “MAMA”… everything is usually either Daddy or Doggy, but I was ecstatic to finally hear her call me by name- Proud Mommy- Yep, that’s me!  We are learning all of the parts of the face and body, and she is catching on so quickly…. She will show you where all of her parts are and especially likes to show off her belly….

Lastly, we have officially had our first Snow of the season- Avery LOVED the fluffy white winter wonderland.  Well, really, she just loved eating the snow and cannot wait for some more so that we can test out her new snowsuit and get to sledding down our hills.