Monday, April 12, 2010

Happy Birthday, Aves!

I remember at one point during labour, just about a year and 5 hours ago, I thought to myself, "How is it that I could have ever forgotten this pain enough to have another child?!". But the honest truth is that today, a year later, I remember that labour was the most excruciating pain I've ever experienced, but I cannot physically remember that pain! It's amazing how the human mind works!

Avery was born a year ago today. I can't believe she's 1 already! It was also my first day back at work today, so it was quite an eventful day. All I can say is that I can't believe that this year went by so quickly! It's been an amazing time.

Parenting the second time around has been a completely different experience than the first time. It's been much harder, but I've enjoyed it much more! Maybe because I don't have all that first-time parent anxiety. I'm not sure what it is, but I loved having the time to bond with my children.

I remember hearing friends talk being afraid that they couldn't love the second child as much as the first. I mean, the most love you've ever felt at that point in your life has been concentrated on that first child! Well, just as amazing as the human mind works, so does the human heart. I can't remember what love felt like before Avery (probably because I'm so exhausted most of the time! Just kidding...).

But, I really want to know where the year has gone! I still remember those first few nights at home when Brian, Avery and I slept in the living room and Avery spent most of the night sleeping on my chest. I remember thinking that I needed to stop that practice before she got too used to it, but really, I wanted to hold her like that forever.

Now, just in the last couple of days, she is standing on her own. I can feel her determination as she tries to take that first step! When I ask her for a kissy, kissy, she leans in to my face - sometimes she'll purse her lips and give me a proper kiss, but most times, I get grossed out by all the drool! She can wave bye-bye and she can say bye-bye too! And she definitely has no problem communicating when she wants something! It's usually quite screechy or squealy.

She is quickly becoming Daddy's little girl, too! Aves has no problem crying out her needs and Bri HATES to hear her cry. She still has trouble going to sleep on her own and Bri still has trouble leaving the room before she falls asleep! I remember that Bri was already throwing Josh in the air at 3 months old, claiming he was a tough boy. Well, he has barely carried Aves over his head, much less thrown her in the air yet! Right now, Aves still gravitates to me for comfort, but I'm sure she will be going more to Brian soon enough!

Watching Aves and Josh is always a treat, too! Most times, Josh's idea of "playing" with Avery consists of taking away every single toy she picks up. But in the rare moments where they are communicating with each other, Josh tries to make Aves laugh, she giggles and that makes him laugh, too. She laughs even more and it's so infectious that soon we're all laughing! I love it.

Happy 1st Birthday, Aves! We are so lucky to have you in our lives!

Playtime during Rhythm Kids

Aves playing ball with Natasha, the Rhythm Kids teacher

Hehehe...this is the finger that I have Daddy wrapped around!

My stretchy face

My scrunchy face

Quality family time on my birthday!

I love my Daddy

Joshie helps Aves open her presents

A Van Dop Easter and Birthday event

Auntie Renee and Aves share their birthday cake!

Mmmmm...spaghetti and meatballs is the best birthday dinner!

I stand corrected - cupcake is the best birthday dinner!

Enough cupcake for 2!

Joshie sings Happy Birthday to Aves

Does this cupcake make my face look messy?!

Mommy, I'm all done!