Weekend With Cousins

Last weekend Brandon and family came down to visit. Brandon and Kim got concert tickets for Ivan and I for Christmas. The plan was to let the grandparents babysit the kids and the parents go out for the evening. Well the grandparents decided to take a two week vacation to Texas over the weekend of the concert. But it all worked out - we found a great baby sitter for the kids and we all crashed at at Mom and Dad's house. It was fun to get out for the evening and both Ivan and I really enjoyed the concert - we saw Josh Ritter. We have been listening to his music at home all week. 

I think Avery had the most fun hanging out with her cousins. Oliver fed her breakfast one morning and Eve was great at supplying her with toys. Overall, a great weekend with the family. 

Exploring the World of Food

When we started giving Avery food she was not very interested in vegetables. You could give her a bite of fruit and her mouth would open wide then a bite of pretty much any vegetable and her mouth would stay closed like a little vault. We thought it might be the home made baby food texture so we attempted with store bought baby food but it was about the same maybe worse. So this momma went on a mission to try and find creative baby food options. This week we made Blueberry, Apple, and Spinach puree - it was a huge hit. Below is a picture of her eating an avocado and pear popsicle. I also made some baby turkey meatballs which were a huge success. Yesterday we made Lentil soup for dinner and she loved it. So overall dinner time has gone from being a fight to having a lot of fun. It seems like she gets excited about just about anything we give her. Last night she got so excited about her prunes that she was dancing in her high chair. 

Avocado and Pear Popsicle 

Baby food in ice cube trays - filling our freezer

Avery and Daddy

Someone is sitting up in the bathtub - we are having fun now! 

Sick Weekend

I am not sure what happened but last Saturday I woke up with a fever of 102. I went to Urgent Care just to make sure I didn't have Strep - luckily I did not. Ivan has his big tests this week so Avery and I headed out to mom and dad's house for the weekend. I am not sure what we would have done without them as they cared for both of us over the weekend. Avery definitely had a good time and I was able to rest and Ivan was able to study. I am not sure what is going on with me, I think I have "new mom" syndrome which consists of have a cold for about 4 months straight (daycare attendance time for Avery). I am feeling much better and hoping that my immune system is strong enough to survive the germ pool of daycare. 

Bath time in the sink 

Adorable Hair

Working out with Grandpa

This face says it all

Rolling Over

We have been working on rolling over at the Lupov house. If you can't tell I like to surround Avery with her toys just out of reach so she has to roll over and get them. Most of the time it works, sometimes she just looks at me like I am crazy and starts crying. 

Here is a fun video of swim lessons for your enjoyment. 

Avery loves to play with my hair. I got her giggling pretty good the other day playing with my hair. It takes a lot of get this girl laughing, I was glad I caught it on video. 

Swim Lessons!

Avery and I headed to the YMCA this morning for her first swim lesson. We were a little nervous she wouldn't fit in the bathing suit I bought for her a few weeks ago but we were able to stretch it on her no problem. Turns out I was misinformed on the start date of swim class - it doesn't start until next week. But there were about 5 other kids/parents there that also thought it started today. So Avery and I just played in the pool for about 45 minutes. She was a bit reluctant at the start because the water was a little chilly but once she got use to it she loved it. The YMCA has a kids play area with water falls and then she just swam around with me. She was ready for her morning nap by the time we made it home. I am already excited for next week. She wanted me to show you her cute bathing suit. 

Back to the Routine!

We have been spending a lot of time at home the past few weeks. Between the Holidays and the crazy weather my office was closed for a day and Ivan's classes were cancelled for two days. We have had a wonderful break and are sad to see it come to a close. It has been such a blessing to spend so much time at home with our girl. She is changing so quickly. Here are some updates on the life of Avery. 

1. She is very close to rolling over, she gets stuck about half way
2. She is a picky eater - so far she is enjoying pears, prunes, and bananas. We have been trying a lot of other foods but she doesn't have much interest. 
3. She loves to sit up and play with her toys - she can sit on the floor for 20-30 minutes with her toys. She likes to sit up and see the world around her. 
4. She has two teeth and we think maybe another on the way. 
5. She has discovered the world off constipation - not fun! 

Update on Mackenzie and Ivan:

1. Ivan continues to have difficulty with his back. He had an MRI which showed a herniated disc. He is trying to take it easy and starts physical therapy this week. 
2. This is a big semester at school for Ivan, he has a big test in June that he is already preparing for. 
3. I am back into running after about 8 years off it feels great. Ivan signed me up for a 5K in April and I am very excited. 
4. Work is good! I have changed my day off to Wednesday which I like much better.

Floor time with Toys

Trying to taste Daddy's beer

A visit from Dallas - Avery wasn't so sure! 

Avery seems to take to Dayna better

Floor time with Daddy

Ok - this is just cute! 

Discovering Static Electricity 

Crazy Hair

Christmas 2013

The Lupov family has been busy with the Christmas season. A few weeks ago we had a family getaway to French Lick Indiana. We rented a cabin for 3 nights and pretty much spent all our time playing with Avery. It was great to have several days with no work and lots of baby play time. 

Last weekend we spent Saturday with family celebrating Christmas. Avery was worn out with the opening of presents and playing with her cousins. Turns out Avery and her cousin Eve had matching pajamas - this was not planned.  Christmas Eve we made a full dinner for my parents - 4th year in a row! 

Christmas day has been a day for the Lupovs. We woke up late (thank you Avery) and opened presents at home with homemade cinnamon rolls. Spent the day playing with Christmas presents and napping - all three of us. 

Overall, a great first christmas for Avery. Ivan and I both agree that having a daughter has changed the spirit of Christmas for us. The best gift of 2013 is our little Angel Girl.