Cereal

Forget our accomplishments, forget what we think about our successes... this is headline stuff:
Avery is now eating, or learning to eat, solid (ish) food.

We dedicate this to the grandparents.

These are a few of my favorite things.

I'm feeling thankful. As I reflect, I notice that the things I treasure most are the peripherals and the sub-significant things. You might know what I mean, you might not, but I'll share with you anyway... we might find some common ground.

Knuckle dimples.

The way Amy sighes when she wakes up.

Crisp cotton sheets on a newly made bed.

Singing, Music.

Standing at the top of a slope loaded with deep, untouched snow.

Flopping down exhausted after a good workout.

Family time.

Water

Milestones ...

Well, both Avery and I have been reaching milestones lately. For Avery, she is beginning to enjoy her tummy time (a big change!), laugh more and more, and even show early signs of rolling over! She's been working hard on these skills, which also means she's been napping longer and more soundly during the day ... a treat for the whole family. She also received flowers for the first time in her little life, thanks to her Nonnie (Grandma Joanie), who left to return home to the great state of Wisconsin earlier this week. We were completely spoiled having her with us for the last 6 weeks and we know she is going to miss her "Baby Tate" very much ... thankfully, we'll be traveling home to WI in May for Kya's graduation from college. Way to go, Kya!

For me, I had the joy and pleasure of turning 30 last week. (Marty met this milestone last year, so he has graciously welcomed me into the "over 29" club.) We went out with friends to celebrate and had a wonderful time! I have this theory that no one really takes you seriously until you're 30 ... not as a doctor, anyway ... so I'm actually quite happy to have arrived at the big 3-0. I suspect I won't have the same peace of mind about turning 40, but at least I have a decade to adjust to the idea!

Grins, Guests, and Getaways

Long time, no blog. I blame Avery. Just like any suspect smell that may happen across someone's nose; I blame Avery. And with her new coffee addiction, she'll agree to any and all accusations if we just keep the juice flowing.

So it really has been a bit since we last logged an entry. What has transpired in the meantime? A weekend away, Valentine's Day, visitors from all over the country, and two parents blindness to any world happenings caused by a baby smiling at them. So number one: Weekend Getaway. Amy and I took advantage of Nonnie (Grandma Schnettler) staying with us to take a weekend away in the Shenendoah Valley with our friends Matt and Audrey. It was a ton of fun, and even more so that it was a surprise for Amy, since Matt and I had been scheming since December to plan it. I recommend checking out their blog for a more complete weekend report. (http://dimarcofamily.blogspot.com/2008/02/our-valentines-weekend.html)

Shortly thereafter, Valentine's Day! V-D is a great high-profile holiday in the Harms household, this year did not let us down. One of these years I'll get it right.

Today our other Grandma (Kathy) returned to Montana after a week visiting. We had a great time playing, visiting, and making general merriment. As a special treat for the visit, Avery has chosen to pull out all her greatest tricks: smiling, thrashing about, crying, sleeping, and making processed milk distillates. OK, that's what she always does. Oh well.

Ninja Baby.

2 Months: Now I look like a Glo-Worm

Our lives have been very full lately. Avery is now 2 months old and has been attempting new skills every day - among her latest tricks are smiling all the time, turning herself 90 degrees whenever she's on her back, and our personal favorite, SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT! Yippee!!!! She's recently started sleeping anywhere from 6-8 hours at night, giving us some well-needed rest. She also had her first round of immunizations (5 shots at one visit ... ouch!) and handled it like a trooper. She's growing quickly, now a whopping 10lbs. 4oz. and eating like a champ. She's also enjoying her days with her 'Nonnie' (Amy's mom), who is taking care of her, now that Amy has gone back to work.
Our other big news is that Amy has accepted a job in a fantastic general pediatric practice here in Norfolk, Tidewater Children's Associates, to start when she finishes her residency. All that training is finally coming to a close, yet another reason to be grateful.
Finally, we had the joy of celebrating Avery's baptism this past Sunday. As you can see from the pictures, she cooperated quite well! We were pleasantly VERY surprised when her Auntie Kya (also her godmother, along with her godparents -Marty's sister, Denise and her husband Rich) arrived for the occassion all the way from Seattle ... so cool! By the way, the baptism gown Avery is wearing is actually made almost entirely from Amy's mother's wedding gown and was also worn by her cousin Kelsey for her baptism ... a very special Schnettler tradition. We have so much to be thankful for.

Happy New Year

Avery et al have been home in Wisconsin since December 24th, staying with Grandpa and Nonnie Schnettler until the 4th of January. Avery has done some great travelling: sleeping through 2 flights, over 10 car rides, and through the clutches of countless friends and relatives. She's also becoming quite the little athlete. With the Badger football season over, combined with little time to participate in other sports, Avery is now the star in the spectator sport of BURPING. The play looks like this: 1. Food gets shoved in her mouth by the offense (Mom, Dad, whoever) 2. Avery forces the transition by moving to an upright stance, either in-lap or over-the-shoulder. 3. She swiftly puts herself on the offensive by making a sourpuss face while the defense whacks her repeatedly on the back (she knows that should be a foul). 4. She finishes the play by ripping a tremendous belch, immediately sending the spectators (anyone within 30ft) into wild cheering and applause. Amy and I are her biggest fans, by the way. Goodbye kiteboarding, Hello Burping!
Avery's 'Wisconsin Friends and Family Tour' is almost complete. Tomorrow she leaves to return to Virginia, Mom and Dad in tow with all her luggage and Christmas loot.

After a month with our Li'l Punkin, we're getting the hang of what 'normal' is. Answer: Nothing. Knowing that makes everything easier to deal with. Now we can look forward to another day and some more 'normal' experiences. Happy New Year everyone. Love that tree. Yawning with Nonnie and Grandpa.I'm Always a good girl when hangin with Daddy. Avery, Amy, and Great Grandma Betty. Three generations of Harms. Relaxing with Aunt Dede. Tummy Time!!!

Life with Avery ...

Only 1 word can begin to describe our first week at home with Avery ... AMAZING! Everything from her tiny feet to her many crazy facial expressions has both of us totally head-over-heels for our little one. She is steadily developing a routine to her feeding, sleeping, pooping, etc. and we continue to find it incredible how she can totally entertain all nearby adults with her cooing and her big bright eyes. She's also starting to have a little more alert-awake time, as you can see from her pictures! Even though we're only 10 days into this adventure called 'parenthood,' we are rapidly forgetting what life was like before Avery and living in continued amazement that she actually belongs to us. How blessed are we!