3 Month Pictures

Mommy says:
We are so blessed to be surrounded by so many talented friends. We had our friend Kristin King take Kate's 3 month pictures this week, and they turned out amazing! (Of course, Avery was in on the pics too.) Kristin took our engagement pictures many moons ago, and we're thrilled that she's decided to pursue professional photography as a career. The pictures say it all: we have precious girls and a talented friend!

Click here for the full 34 image slideshow - it's worth your time! :)

Sister Love and Other Joys

There was so much joy to be found this week! Kate and I got to return to an old favorite: Story time with Miss Judy! I went to Toddler Time and Katie and Mommy went to Infant Story Time while I was at school.

There was also joy at Katy Mills... what a magical place I have so close to me! (Where else can a girl watch fish in a huge tank, ride a carousel, and send money down the spiral thingy all in one place?)









I found joy at Tyler's 2nd birthday party - he had a bounce house! - and at swim, and during my after nap treats, and at "new church", and at lunch with my friend Summer... It was really a joyous week!






I also spent a lot of time loving on my sweet sister. I've composed the following in her honor:

To Kate; From Avery

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
I love thee proudly, of all your new accomplishments (giggling, sitting in the Bumbo chair, rolling from front to back...)
I love thee generously, with all of my belongings (especially my books and princesses)
I love thee protectively, fighting off other toddlers who might try to take a peek at you (if anyone is going to suffocate you with hugs, it's going to be me!)
I love thee helpfully, replacing your pacifier when you loose it and helping with diaper changes ("replacing might not be a strong enough word... "shoving" might be better... and admittedly, I've been known to run away if I realize your diaper is dirty...)
I love thee thoroughly!

Click here for MORE pictures!

New Church!

Mommy says:
We could not be more excited about our new church building. The Waters officially has a headquarters, and it is AMAZING! Last Sunday we met in our new location and it was a great first Sunday.

Jordan and I got in on the ground floor of the church 5 years ago when we started meeting in a home in Cinco. The journey since then has been one of the best aspects of our lives. We love how real and relevant the church is and how welcome we feel every time we step foot in the doors. I've never been any place like it, and I'm so thankful we found it!

Props to Kristin King who took these beautiful pics of our new place. Check us out Sunday at 10:30 and see one heck of a drummer while you're there!

www.iamthewaters.com

3 Months of Bliss!

From Kate:

Being three months old is fun! I'm slowly becoming aware of these things - legs and arms, I hear they're called - and they are so much fun to wave around! I really like the way it feels when I kick my legs over and over. One thing I've noticed is if Mommy lays me face down on a blanket and I wiggle my legs and arms some, the next thing I know the room spins and then there are a bunch of faces cheering at me!

I'm so happy with life. I love to sleep, I love to eat. I love to lay with Mommy or Daddy and grin at them, or if they are busy, I love to lay alone on my butterfly and grin at the toys. I love being in busy places, I love being in quiet places. I love night, I love day. I'm pretty thrilled with everything I know about life so far!

Uncle Trey and Aunt Erin's visit

This was a big weekend!

I started it at the park with my friends. Then, I got to play at my new church while Daddy practiced with his band.

On Saturday, after my swim lesson, I headed to Nana and DD's to have CHRISTMAS. Again! Can you believe the luck? Uncle Trey and Aunt Erin came in town to celebrate, and so I got to spend some time with them, as well as Aunt Amanda and Uncle David.

While I slept, the big people got to enjoy a Christmas trivia game and watch Trey and Erin open their gifts. When I woke up, it was present time for me! I love my new dolly and can't wait to spend my Build A Bear gift card!

We also ate at a wonderful, Avery-friendly place called Pappasitos, played with the puppy, flew like Jasmine, swam in the hot tub, and watched Katie Bear learn to roll over. What a weekend!

Click here for pictures

Goldfish Girl!

So for about a week, Mommy and Daddy have been telling me I'm going to go swimming in the pool with Miss Shell and my friends, but no Daddy. They've been making kind of a big deal about it, and I just can't figure out why. So, no Daddy. So what?

This Saturday, Miss Shell came to the door and got me and 3 friends. One of my friends cried a lot, and I just looked at her with total confusion. Why would she be crying? It's swim time!

Miss Shell took us to a new pool - the BIG one! - and asked us to stay on the steps while we each got a turn playing with her. I had trouble sitting still - and one time a lifeguard had to reach in and pull me up from under the water.

Waiting on the steps with my new friend

Floating over to the slide

All done! Walking to the door like big girls!

When it was all over, Mommy and Daddy about fell over themselves telling me how proud they were and how big I am now. I was so over it - "Where's my pop pop?" was all I had to say about the event.

Naptime Solutions

Exciting news! I finally got Mama and Daddy to be on the same page as me regarding this sleep stuff. After trying several strategies that I did not accept, they have finally landed on the one I've been waiting for!

Every day when I climb in bed for nap, Mama asks me what treat I want when I wake up. If I sleep, I get my treat, but if I don't, Mama says I'm too tired and I have to go to bed early, so no time for the treat.

I've been sleeping this week so I can have my treats. It sometimes takes me a full hour to fall asleep, but Mommy comes in and reminds me that I have to lay still to fall asleep and then get my treat.

So far, treats I've chosen:

Swimming in Mama's tub

Meeting Aunt Megan at the mall

Walking Dottie Mae all by myself!

Going to La Centerra and picking out a cookie

Today if I sleep, I get to go watch Daddy practice with his band at "new church". I've actually been asking for this treat all week, but I've had to wait until tonight. I have big plans to take my princess dresses and dance!