While I Was Out and 9 Month Update

While I was away last weekend, Todd and Avery entered their first race together. Todd was such a responsible father. Check out how well he bundled her up. By all accounts, they both had a great time for their first 5k. Here is Justin on the left, Nick on the right, and of course Todd and Avery in the middle.

Todd was the only one out there with a baby, so he enjoyed lots of attention. He was even interviewed by a local television personality.Here is more of the gang. (Troy, Justin, Randy, Todd, Nick, Sean). Avery looks like she is sleeping, but I think she stayed awake for the whole event.Our 9 month check up went well this morning. Avery now comes in at 28.75 inches and 22 pounds. Her weight has held steady recently which drops her back to 90%, and her heights puts her at 80%.

Treasures Part 1

Here are a few more photos from our Warrenton antique weekend. These are a few of the items that were able to come home with me. (Brooke - don't look if you don't want a preview of your present.)

This is one of my favorite finds. I needed a little more lighting around my sewing table. The "vintage" sewing machine is hiding for now. I promise to get a better bulb when I can.

If you know me, you know I like purple. This sweet sugar bowl was calling my name.Avery scored another shirt from Junk Gypsy and a cute owl flash card. Brooke asked me to keep an eye out for vintage pin cushions, so I picked out my favorites. I'll get them in the mail after I enjoy them for a couple more days.

More to come later.

Successful Hunting

WE TRAVELED. In style of course.

WE SHOPPED. These cute signs will make it to Katy and Rachel's adorable shop, but the cupcake one is mine of course.WE SAW THE SIGHTS.

WE LUSTED. Sorry Avery, this one had to stay.

WE DINED. Fried tweenkies are a Warrenton must. What can I say, it's a twice a year indulgence.

Don't worry, I'll show off my other treasures as I get them displayed. I brought back a couple of projects, so I'll bore you with my before and after shots at some point. All in all, it was a fantastic trip. I needed the time away with my favorite girls, but it's good to be home. I was only able to peek in on my beautiful sleeping baby, so I can't wait to get my hands on her this morning. It's 5am, and I can't figure out why I am unable sleep (other than thinking about the items I wish I could go back and buy).

Road Trip

It's almost time. I have to go pack. And I have my orders.

Birthday Girl

I may be the birthday girl, but its hard to say who had more fun opening the presents.

Treasures to be Found

Warrenton Antique Weekend starts this weekend!!! I simply can't wait. I'm due for a weekend of shopping with my girls. It will be Todd's first weekend solo with Avery, so I'll let you know how that goes. I can't wait to see what treasures we will find this year. Avery is wearing her cotton candy cowgirl t-shirt from last year's visit to the wonderful Junk Gypsy. I'll be keeping a eye out for any old clocks that need to join this collection.

or vintage china

Ready for the road trip!!

Mommy's Little Helper

I had the best little helper while I was baking some triple chocolate chip cookies yesterday.

I've been super busy on the sewing front, but unfortunately I can't show much of anything yet since most items are for gifts. Here is one that I recently gave to a dear friend. This apron was made from the "apron in a hour" tutorial from Fabritopia (of course it took me a little more than an hour). I also made matching napkins for her.

More to come as I can reveal them.

New Recipe to Try

Last night I experimented with cooking with goat cheese. So good. If you love cheese, and you love quesadillas, then you must give these a try. The recipe is from Cooking Light, so it's somewhat good for you too. If you give it a try, let me know what you think.

On the Road Again

Well, we've returned from the long road trip up to Dallas. Todd had successful Lasik surgery done on his eyes, and Avery had tons of fun visiting with Aunt Casey... ...and Uncle Lane. We were able to meet the latest addition to the Allen family, Paper. Lane gave Casey this Yorkie for their one year anniversary when paper is the customary gift. He is a cutie.

Avery and Paper were never quite sure what to make of each other.

Agua

I was pureeing some cucumbers this morning for baby food when I was reminded of a treat we had on our honeymoon in St. Lucia. The wait staff would come around the restaurant and place thin slices of cucumber in your water. I immediately poured myself some water and dropped some cucumber in. If you haven't tried this, you should. It is deliciously refreshing. Of course, yours may not taste quite as good without the memories of this.
or this.

or this.

or this.

I think you get the idea.

Saturday Swing Time

We took Avery to the playground in our neighborhood this morning. I think she had a pretty good time; don't you?

I may have to frame one of these with one of the pictures below. Like mother, like daughter.
I'll probably go with this one.

Isn't This Lovely

I found this quilt in the mail the day we all returned from Avery's doctor's appointment in San Antonio. It instantly brightened my mood. The amazing and talented Cathy Smith made this beautiful quilt for Avery. Cathy tried to teach me painting back in junior high. She is so gifted. Thank you so much Cathy!!

Wonderful Weekend

We were up in San Antonio for the weekend celebrating Aunt Carolyn's 60th birthday. I did the cake and some cupcakes for her. I tried a new buttercream recipe that was delicious. Of course, how could something with chocolate ganache and Godiva liqueur not be good?!?Avery wore her new outfit even though I had to squeeze her into the pants. (Sorry for the really bad picture.) Today she is back to sleeping in her own bed. Apparently, she rolled over to have some fun with her toys before drifting off to sleep.

We had the appointment with a neurologist yesterday, but we don't really have anything new to report. They want us to have a 3D CT scan done of Avery's skull before they rule anything out. The condition they are concerned about is that some of the plates in Avery's skull have started to fuse together too early. The doctor does not seem overly concerned, but would not give us a clean bill of health without the scan. Keep sending up those prayers when you can.