Christmas

Our Christmas day in pictures and video.

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7 weeks

Avery is 7 weeks old! Avery is still a very happy baby, although she is starting to be a little bit more fussy, but usually only at night. And for the most part, Avery only wakes up 2 times a night to eat, and then she immediately falls back to sleep. I rarely, rarely have to rock her back to sleep. It's wonderful. Thank you letting me sleep, Avery. She is also definitely starting to get chubby. I wonder how much she weighs? Too bad I don't have a scale. Otherwise I could check. Oh well.

Here are some recent pictures of Avery.

sprouts

We just got back from the store, and I want to share a funny conversation that Corbin and I had.

In the car:

Corbin: "Where are we going?"

Staci: "A store called Sprouts"

Corbin: (very excited) "Hey! I get to be with the big kids at Sprouts!"

Staci: ???

Walking into the store:

Corbin: "Daddy goes to Sprouts"

Staci: "really?" (while thinking, I don't think Clark has ever taken you to this store.)

Corbin: "Yeah. He goes to Sprouts, and goes camping, and hiking..."

Staci: "Oh! (ding! the light bulb turns on) You mean Scouts. Daddy goes to Scouts, not Sprouts."

Corbin: "Oh, yeah. Scouts."

Caught on tape

Avery smiling at Corbin

Smile

Avery gave me her first real smile this morning when I went to get her after she woke up from a little nap. It made my day. But at the same time it makes me a little sad that she is growing so quickly. She is such a sweet little baby, I am enjoying every moment of cuddle time that I can get.

And, in Corbin news, Corbin has started using a new word: shiggle. It's a combination of "shake" and "wiggle." For example: "Izzy shiggled her tail!"

Who's got her eyes open

Corbin made up this song a while ago. He sings it many times a day. He is such a great big brother. He loves giving Avery kisses. Today he told me, "Avery is my buddy." In fact, while I am writing this, Corbin just went and turned the swing on (because Avery is asleep in it right now), and then he gave her a kiss on the forehead. I love it.

When Avery was born, my mom gave me some of my old baby clothes and booties. Today she is wearing one of those outfits. The picture below is of me and Travis.

And here is that same red outfit on Avery, 26 years later.

Santa!

We went to the library this morning and met Santa! Corbin was very, very excited. Santa was the cutest. He recited "The Night Before Christmas," sang songs with the kids, and he answered questions from the kids. Corbin got picked, and he asked Santa which is his favorite cookie. Santa replied that it is chocolate chip. :) After that the kids got to go and sit on Santa's lap. Corbin brought his letter to Santa, and they read it together, and then Santa talked to Corbin about garbage trucks (since Corbin asked for "Stinky the Garbage Truck").

Reading Corbin's letter to Santa

Corbin's letter reads:

Dear Santa,

I have been a good boy this year. Can I have Stinky the Garbage truck?

From,

Corbin

Blessing Day

We were able to bless Avery in church on Sunday, November 28. Clark gave her a beautiful blessing. We were so happy that we could share this important day with the family that could make it out to Colorado, and we greatly missed all those family members that were could not come. We feel so blessed that Heavenly Father sent this sweet baby to our family.

The blanket that Avery is laying on in this picture is special to me. My Grandma Burton made it and she gave it to me years ago, at least back in high school. It has been sitting in my cedar chest, waiting for just this special day. It was so nice that I could bring a little piece of my Grandma to Avery's blessing.

Thanksgiving

We were lucky enough to have a lot of family come to town for Thanksgiving this year. Clark's parents, my parents, and two of my brothers, Kyle and Travis, were able to make the trip out to Colorado. We were so spoiled to have them all come and visit. Unfortunately, the only picture I have from the Thanksgiving dinner is this picture of Corbin covered in flour. He was busy helping Grandma B. make rolls.

The weather on Thanksgiving was beautiful, and so we were able to spend some time outside.

The day after Thanksgiving we went bowling. Clark and Kyle kicked our trash. Corbin had a blast. He was very independent. No one could help him pick up or hold his bowling ball. He almost dropped it on his feet a couple of times at the end when his arms were tired.

Also, over Thanksgiving weekend, we gave Avery her first real bath. She really enjoyed kicking her legs in the water. She is such a happy, mild tempered baby.

Photo shoot

One reason I love living in Colorado:

Two days ago it was 70 degrees and we were playing baseball at the park. And then the very next day we got our first snowstorm of the season. Clark and Corbin went out and built a snowman. I am so glad that Clark was home to play with Corbin. Corbin would have been so disappointed if he had not been able to play in the snow. He is a boy after my own heart. As soon as he saw the snow falling, Corbin said, "Let's put up our Christmas tree!"

Pictures from week 1

Yesterday, Avery turned 1 week old. She hates getting her diaper changed, and she has a tendency to sneeze a lot after she eats. She weighed 7 lb 8 oz when she was born. When we left the hospital she weighed 7 lbs even, and at her doctor appointment the next day she was up an ounce to 7 lb 1 oz.

A picture of the baby bump 2 days before Avery was born.

Ready to leave the hospital

We were lucky enough to have my mom come out and help with Corbin and Avery. Thanks so much for all your help, Mom! You spoiled us all rotten.

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Yesterday, we enjoyed what was probably the last warm day of the year by heading to the park. Clark took Corbin in the bike trailer, and Avery and I drove in the car and met them there.