Chunky Monkey

The four month stats for Averie are:

Height: 25 3/4 inches (95th percentile)
Weight: 17 pounds 9 ounces (um.... off the chart)

Looking back at Parker's stats at his four month appointment he was 25 1/2 inches and 17 pounds 5 ounces. I think Averie will be able to hold her own!

Christmas Fun

It was sure a shock for us to go from sunny weather and temperatures in the 70's to feet of snow and temperatures in the teens. Although we missed seeing many of our friends and some of our family we made the best of the weather and played outside in the snow quite a bit. I am sure glad we can visit the "Great White North" and return home to sunny Florida! Who knew bundling up two kids, plus yourself, could take nearly the whole morning?

Maybe it is because I am a mom

Have you ever felt a connection to someone you have never met? Tonight when I heard the news about Jett Travolta my heart sunk. Maybe it is because Averie was born at the same hospital he was. Or maybe it is because his family lived in the Spruce Creek Fly-in (a fly-in community in the area) and we have driven by his house on the way to Chris' yearly flight physicals. Or maybe it is because we actually considered the name Jett for Parker (We, probably like Jett's parents, wanted to come up with a unique name that tied into aviation.) Or maybe it is just because I am a mom and can't imagine what his parents are feeling right now...

What did Wii get for Christmas?

With Chris starting a new job on December 8 we have been very busy this holiday season and we didn't talk much about Christmas gifts. Knowing that we would have a little extra money coming in I thought I would surprise Chris and Parker with a Wii. Little did I know that they would be next to impossible to find, especially when you begin looking for them on the 16th of December. After having no luck finding a Wii I gave up the search and bought other gifts for Parker and Chris. Imagine my surprise when we came downstairs on Christmas morning to find a Wii under the tree for Parker and me.
How in the world Chris found a Wii on December 23rd will forever be a mystery to me!*

* The real story is after trying to find a Wii at several stores on the 23rd and having several salespeople laugh in his face Chris ended up at Wal-Mart. After asking about the Wii at the electronics desk (and being laughed at again) a salesperson came out of the back with a box and said, "Are you the guy that just asked about the Wii? I just found this box in the back." Not believing his luck, Chris held the box tightly to his chest fearing he would be mugged on his way out of the store.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

We didn't have to do much dreaming as it began snowing
shortly after our plane landed and continued almost
until our plane took off for our return home.

I didn't quite plan this pic, but it turned out the timing was just right

to catch the snowball in mid flight.

Helping Papa snow blow the driveway.

(I have to admit this made me a little nervous!)

Playing in the snow with Aunt Caty.

How is that coat from Iceland treating you, Caty?

The Pack

As promised, here is a pic of the 8 layer stockings.
Although they took too much time and cost too much,
I hope they will be cherished through the years.

How cold?

Sorry for the extended break in posting... I decided to sew new stockings for our family and who knew it would take ages on a 40 year old sewing machine? They are finally done (and I think they turned out pretty cute... I will post pictures soon), but now we are headed out of town for a quick trip to see the family in Michigan. Speaking of that trip, the following conversation took place today after I picked Parker up from school:

Me: Guess who we get to see on Friday?

Parker: Who?

Me: Garrett, Ryan, and baby Josie.

Parker: Do they live in Michigan?

Me: Yes.

Parker: Why?

Me: Well, their daddy and mommy work there and live there.

Parker: They might get cold.

Me: (laughing) You are right. It sure does get cold in Michigan.

It sure will be a shock to us to go from 80 degrees and humid to 30's or less and dry. I hope we are up for the challenge!