Growin'

Behold - The Growth Chart!

This bad boy has been t.h.r.e.e years in the making.

While pregnant with Hazel, I decided to make her a growth chart.  I looked all over online (pre-pinterest, mind you).  And finally found this one:

 (here)

I liked it, but wanted it in red to go with Hazel's room.  I figured I'd make it.  I ran out of time before Hazel's arrival, and well...the six months after her arrival are a big, fuzzy, blur. 

We had the wood and vinyl cut, but the growth chart became a benchwarmer.

Next thing I knew, we were expecting a second.  Well, of course, baby would need his own growth chart.  It got added to "the list".

Somewhere along the line, I decided to scratch the individual growth charts, and make a family one.  That idea floated around for several months and I finally drew up a "rough-ish draft".

...And a few more months passed... (is Hazel driving yet?)

A little more looking online, and a little fine-tuning inspiration:

(here)  

Finally, the stars aligned just right - at a baby shower, where the mom-to-be was given a very cute growth chart, it was discovered that another friend of mine wanted to make a growth chart, too.  A kindred-growth-chart-making-spirit!  Our powers combine and we had a growth-chart making party, just the motivation I needed.  I didn't finish that night, not even close, but the fire was lit and a week later we have this:

Victory!

Nine Months

.. 21 pounds (57%) ..

.. 28.5 inches (58%) ..

.. my perfect little man ..

(1.26.12)

Hazel Highlights -

Hazel, you seriously crack me up.  It is crazy to me that you turn 3 in March.  Man, time flies when you're having fun - and we know how to have fun!

-- You are talking up a storm, the other day you kept repeating a word (freezer) over and over trying to help me understand, it took a while, and a lot of guesses, but I eventually realized what you were saying.  You then gave me a big hug and said, "yes! freezer! good job, Momma!"

-- You want to run and dance everywhere.  At any given moment a Halsey Dance Party will begin, or who knows when you'll need to run around the house because "hurry, hurry a car is coming" (Hazel's favorite thing to say to get us to hold her hand and run inside - it's what we usually say when we're in the parking lot and want her to hold our hand)

-- Speaking of praise, you are always encouraging Averett.  Whenever he attempts to crawl you burst into a "Go Averett, Go Averett!" chant.

-- Holy Tutus.  You found a handful of tutus from when you were a baby, it was like Christmas for you. You love to wear them.  Everyday.  Thankfully they fit.  

-- We know you can't sleep in a crib forever, although you don't seem to mind.  So, we've started leaving the side down.  You think it is the neatest thing that you can crawl in by yourself.  (You don't crawl out very often (also super cool - to us).  You actually like "quiet time" (nap time), now that you can crawl into your own crib. 

-- Phones - you love our phones.  You'll grab my phone, curl up on the couch, turn on Pandora and look through the pictures on my phone.  It's a preview of you as a teenager.  

-- You are our little helper, and it amazes me (and is a little intimidating) how much you want to be like us and do things just like Mommy and Daddy.

(making our weekly bread with Daddy)

(wanting your hair done, like Mom's)

 

(taking pictures, just like Dad)

-- Potty training- you're doing great, you can even go all by yourself...as long as you remember to wash your hands!

-- The other day you were finishing up quiet time/nap time and I heard you sneak into Averett's room.  It wasn't long before you were both laughing, I peaked in and saw you tossing toys and clothes in the air.  It was making Averett laugh, which made you laugh, and then he laughed harder, etc.  I love it.

-- Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious.  You are very sensitive to those around you and work extra hard to make sure Averett is taken care of.  I love having you by my side everywhere I go.  You are the greatest helper!

 (you like watching your shadow dance)

(sorry - mostly phone pics...not the greatest!)

Averett Adventures - Month 9

... well, your belly button is definitely still an outie ...

... after a few wobbly attempts, you can STAND (December 24)...

... 4 "feedings" a day ...

... first Christmas! (which also meant a lot of quality time with Dad) ...

... you always wake up so happy, I love it! ...

... you have slid and squirmed all over, but you are officially CRAWLing (January 13) ...

(you started out with a backwards crawl/scoot - unfortunately that meant you sometimes got stuck on a few "roadblocks")

(chasing Grandpa and Grandma G)

... we finally lowered your mattress ...

... your mouth is finally catching up to your tongue, and it's not sticking out quite as much ...

... you love playing and splashing in the bath ...

... Hazel is still your number one fan, she'll do anything to make you smile ...

... 2 or 3 naps a day, seems to be your thing ...

... your cousins really like you, especially your buddy, Marianna ...

 ... you are growing up so fast; crawling, standing, laughing, playing.   You are so sweet, happy and easy-going.  I love watching you grow, but most of all, I love that you are still my little baby ...