Proud Parents of Brilliant Baby

Isn't she amazing??? We still can't believe we birthed such an incredible being. Dustin gushes everytime he sees her and she reciprocates, kicking and grinning in my arms, reaching fervently for him as soon as he walks through the door each evening. She's brilliant, too. She signs book and duck whenever she hears the words or sees the pictures. She points to her head when we say head, shoulders when we say shoulders, mouth... well, you get the picture. And since Friday she has been playing peek-a-boo by using her hands to cover her eyes, then dramatically pulling them away. I assumed her sitter, Samara, recently taught her that. But she says Ava must have learned that by looking at a book they read with a picture of a baby playing peek-a-boo. We all just can't get over how quickly she learns. Can you tell how proud we are??? We're thinking of putting her in first grade next year...

Beautiful Baby Elle

This past weekend Ava and I were thrilled to finally meet Elle for the first time. Born September 20 at 8:15am, she weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. Momma Tawyna and Daddy Lyle are absolutely smitten with her. We all can't get over how much thick, brown hair she has!!!

Spending time with her 14 week old buddy, Leyton, was also great fun. Hard to believe, but dainty 10 month old Ava is about to be passed up in the weight department by Leyton as he currently weighs only a half pound less than her. He's sure to be strong, athletic fellow one day!!!!

Ava and Isaac celebrating Isaac's first birthday this weekend. 

Swimming in the whale

Don't we get along marviously? Wait a minute, is Isaac giving me the medicine bottle or taking it away? Geez - I tried to be nice and scrub his back for him. And all he wants to do is splash water in my face. He's such a silly boy!

The Candy Man

Hey little kids, want some candy???

Bath time

Oh, how I love going to Mawmaw's because she bathes me in the kitchen sink. I am fascinated by facets running with water and medicine droppers. Talk about some interesting stuff!

Just in...

At 9 months old, Ava's first tooth has finally made its appearance. Following a finger sweep of dog food (yes, Ava made a bee-line for the dog food bowl and succeeded), Dustin noticed a sharp tiny nub of a tooth poking out of Ava's bottom gum.

And.... as you can see by the photos, Ava is beginning to stand independently. This has definitely been an exciting day at the Wright house;)

Spoiled by Daddy

Ava loves being pushed around on this walker/rider by Dustin. She giggles and carries on so cutely. Such a doting Daddy, Dustin pushes her until his back can't take it anymore.

My sweet baby girl

Ava hung out in her carrier on my hip while I cooked dinner tonight. She was unusually quiet the entire 20 minutes it took me to cook dinner. She seemed so interested in all the steps it takes to cook bean and barley soup. As I was cleaning up I noticed she was very limp and leaning snuggly into me. A quick glance in the mirror comfirmed my thoughts; she had fallen asleep. Hoping to give her a chance to sleep longer - I layed her in her crib.

I just love these photos of her.

Aunt Connie's house

Went to Aunt Connie's new house last weekend. She's got some pretty neat climbing things called "stairs." Was having a great time until I turned around and tumbled down. Luckily Mom was there to catch me.

Here's a great shot of me and Aunt Connie. Aren't we a smashing pair?!

thank your aunt, too

Thanks Aunt Lorraine for the cool onesie! I definitely think there's a market out there for t-shirts with Isaac and my photo on them. And the caption "thank your parents for the dna" is right on. Plus, I played so hard in my T, I had a great nap that afternoon!

Little cabin on the lake

Fond memories of the cabin - both indoors and out. Madison and Taylor kept me very entertained as they sang songs, played with toys, giggled frequently. Uncle Dean also proved to be quite entertaining as he read one of my favorite Miss Spider books to us. I also enjoyed brief spells in the cool lake water.

Tub time

I started out playing in a tub with my cousin Madison, then Mommy decided I needed a bath. Either way - I had fun!

Sand... this stuff is amazing.

My first trip by plane

Mom, Dad and I spent all last week in Maine visiting with Uncle Mike and Aunt Duska (who flew up from Orlando) Uncle Dean, Aunt Dana, cousins Madison and Taylor (who live near Freeport), and Grammie and Grandpa (who live in Poland, ME). Spending several days at a cabin on the lake proved to be a relaxing get away. I napped like a champ during the day - but kept Mom and Dad up several times a night wanting to snack.

Here we are at a beach near Grammie and Grandpa's house. I was having a good time playing in the sand until they forced my to pose for this goofy photo.

"And I say heal thy child of all thy earthly ailments!!!!"

Fatal attraction?

Ava's first outing to a birthday celebration and she attacks the birthday boy. Maybe we need to discuss better methods to make new friends...

Leyton is finally here!

Born on his due date, June 14th, Leyton Lassiter weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 20 inches in length. Both Momma Rachel and Daddy Lawren are so proud of him. Ava is thrilled to finally get to meet her youngest best friend!