3!

Today Avery is 3. How did that happen?

We started our celebrating early. Avery woke up before 7 - something highly discouraged at our house. But we decided to head out for a birthday doughnut - also something usually discouraged, but birthdays only come once a year, right!?

I think she liked it. (Don't you love the helmet? We bought it a couple of days ago and she pretty much hasn't stopped wearing it. Hilarious.)

I think Riley's face is saying, "What are we doing up this early and why is she wearing that helmet!?"

Avery is so proud of being three. For weeks I've been waking up to the sound of her yelling from her bed, "Mom! Is it June 10 today?" Finally it is.

We had planned on a day at the pool, but given the rainy morning we ended up finger painting instead. Equally fun. Definitely more messy.

I'm a super fun and exciting mom, so what did I plan for my daughter's 3rd birthday? A trip to our favorite family doctor for a well-child check up. (Seriously, though, we ARE having a party next week and it will be LOTS of fun.) Dr. Hilary said Avery is growing great! She measured in at 37.5 pounds (93rd %tile!!!) and 41 inches tall (99th%tile!!!). No shots involved. Only suckers and stickers...those are like little birthday presents, right!?

What's Avery looking at in this picture, you ask? Well, she's keeping her eye on the instruments that are on the wall...Avery was none too thrilled about having her eyes looked at, but she did perfectly and didn't make a fuss when it was time for the doctor to look her over!
Next up on our day of celebrating was lunch and Avery got to choose ANY place she wanted to go, so of course, we ended up at Chick-fil-A!
Riley seems to enjoy Chick-fil-A, too. Or maybe it's her daddy who makes her smile like that...I can't say for sure...
Next up, nap time. Sweet angel. Sometimes, when she's asleep and I look at that sweet face, I still see my precious little baby girl all bundled up in footed jammies and snuggling in the rocking chair. Isn't it amazing how much she's grown and learned in just three years. AMAZING!
In the evening, daddy had to go to work, so the girls and mommy spent the evening with Momo and Papa and Uncle Stuie. Avery waited patiently on the front porch for them to arrive. She was pretty sure a gift would be arriving, too.
And she was right....
However some...or a lot...of assembly was required.
So we had dinner and waited...
But it was worth it. She loves her new picnic table. I'm sure she'll be disappointed to learn it will NOT be staying in the living room. Thought I'd wait until tomorrow to break that news to her.

Happy Birthday, Avery Dawn! You're a blessing to our family. An absolute delight. We are so proud of who you are and who you are becoming. You are deeply loved.