January in Review

Wow, January flew by. The highlight of the month had to be the addition of our niece, Kinley Kate, on the 18th. We enjoyed spending time with Stephen, Hayley, Cole and Baby Kinley. It was precious to witness the confusion that Cole went through trying to understand where this new baby came from and that she was his sister forever. Quite a few times he called her "Baby Avery" and told us "no sister, no sister." He is adjusting well now and will be a great big brother. Avery is excited that she will have a cousin so close in age.

Avery is doing great. She turned 6 months old on the 26th. This month has brought many new changes to our little girl. Here are a few: started eating solid food, got her first tooth, and rolls all over the living room. Some of her favorite things: bath-time, jumping in her jumperoo, laughing at Rudy as he ferociously shakes his toys, and going on walks. Avery's favorite toy in the bathtub is the washcloth. With a number of toys to choose from she prefers to chew on the washcloth. Her other favorite includes shaking the blinds as I change her diaper on the changing table. She continues to be such a happy, outgoing baby. She is such a blessing to Justice and I.

Another highlight was having Avery dedicated at the baby dedication at church on the 27th. With 3 other babies and their parents, Pastor Dave prayed for us as we parents dedicated ourselves to raising our child in "the training and admonition of the Lord."

Justice is enjoying work. He is also enjoying getting out and reffing a few high school soccer games every week. He is looking forward to a weekend with the high schoolers up at Hume Lake in February.

I am enjoying spending time with my little girl. We do fun stuff everyday: play on the floor, read books, take walks, clean, make dinner, and sing songs. The highlights of our week are Tuesday morning bible study, Wednesday night youth group, and running errands. I never thought I'd enjoy grocery shopping so much. I am playing in a women's volleyball league on Monday nights in Paso with some ladies I used to teach with. It is so nice to be able to get out and get some exercise/alone time.

We hope you are all doing well. Keep in touch.