By Popular Demand

Under pressure from our readers, we have posted this picture of Avery. Yes, he's cute as ever. Tomorrow he spends the day with Grammah while we go to John and Kim's wedding.

To update the "sleeping through the night" situation, Avery is making continued progress. While he hasn't actually made it all the way through he night again, he's been holding out until very nearly morning. It's progress. 

Through the Night !

We know better than to get too excited, but we thought it worth
mentioning that Avery slept through the night for the first time
last night. That's from 7:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. Again, we
won't pretend that this is the new "normal," but it is promising.
-jgr

Penobscot River Cruise

On Wednesday, Jen and I went to my company's outing. It was a cruise along the Penobscot River with dinner. It was our first time out without Avery, and his first time with a babysitter. I forgot to bring the cell phone after we left the number with the babysitter, so that wasn't too smart on my part. Aside from that, it went well, and it was a nice night out. 

He looks like who?

First Love

This is Avery's daycare girlfriend Marissa. They are only 2 weeks apart in age. We really enjoy receiving our CD of photos from daycare each month. 

Batgirl

So last night, J and I were sitting on the couch and we heard a strange noise in the kitchen.  We definitely thought there was a creature in our house.  We cautiously approached the refrigerator.  We pulled it away from the wall, thoroughly investigated (so we thought) with a flashlight, a broom and by removing the back panel.  No creature.  Now, if you have seen - or heard - our fridge, you also would have accepted that it may have just developed a new clunk.  So, we go back in to the living room.  No more noises.  So I headed  to bed and Avery woke up.  So… while comforting Avery… J (still downstairs) lets me know that there was indeed a creature.  A bat.  I'll let everyone's imaginations run wild with how the man of the house let me know there was a bat flying at his head.  I can't even begin to use  my sister-in-law's description of 'cute' for this little beast.  J directed me to open the doors and chase it out… he directed, I executed (the plan, not the bat).  This is our 2nd bat event.  I hope it’s the last!

First Hike

This afternoon, we went for a little hike on some trails near Fields Pond. Though I couldn't see him at the time, it appears that Avery had a pretty good time. We're excited to try out the new pack that we snagged from eBay.  

Avery and Daddy

Yeah, my daddy is back home! Last night we resumed our evening routine. He rinsed the soap suds after my bath and combed my hair. 

Our Sweet Baby

Avery replaced his pacifier rather quickly. For the most part, he sucks his thumb only when he is sleepy. 

A new photo for Daddy

Hi Daddy! Mommy posted this picture of me hoping that you have internet access in your hotel room. We miss you lots! Who will rinse me after my bath and fix my hair? I suppose mommy can do it.. but it won't be the same! EB 

Vegas Baby!

So I'm headed to Las Vegas tomorrow for a CFMA conference. I fly out tomorrow afternoon from Bangor and return on Saturday morning. I'll be staying at the Palms Casino Hotel while I'm there. I probably should have stayed an extra day, but I'm a family man now and I don't want to be away from them for too long. They just might figure out that they don't need me.

Anyway, I've never been there, so it should be fun. And remember: "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." -jgr

Maybe we do have room for more kids

No, I haven't seen Avery. Where did you leave him? 

Saturday Afternoon

Avery had a dip in Grammie and Papa's pool after Isabelle's birthday party this afternoon. 

Jason & Avery's Evening

So Jen dared to leave Avery with me tonight. Mind you, she left me with specific written Avery instructions. It wasn't that I just managed to make it through the evening taking care of Avery by myself. The time all seemed to melt away as we moved from dinner time to bottle time to bath time to play time to story time and to bed time. He laughs when I put my hands under his shoulders to pick him up, and he holds onto me when I hold onto him. It was a good night.

He ate all of his carrots and applesauce, drank all of his milk, enjoyed his bath, alternated his gaze between my face and the pictures in his book at story time and fell asleep when I laid him in his crib. Avery and Dad can manage just fine.

Huggin' my Husky

This is my Alaskan Husky dog that Pepe gave me. I like to bite his nose. 

Pop-Up vs. Family Tent

So we're having this debate about whether to invest in a pop-up camper or a family tent. There are pros and cons with each. Yes, a pop-up is ultimate-pimp, but it would present us with a serious vehicle problem. Our king-cab truck, while perfect for towing a pop-up, is less-than-perfect for all the passengers. Avery has to ride shot-gun, which means one of us has to ride in the jump seat and share the back with Mr. Maxwell. We could trade vehicles and maybe get a crew-cab truck, but that all seems pretty complicated and likely expensive. So we've been considering a family tent instead. We like this one from L.L. Bean. If we got a tent, then we could still take the car and have room enough for passengers and gear. Throw in an air mattress and you're styling in comfort. The screened-in porch on this one is pretty nice too. Any thoughts?

Nature Baby

Another camping picture of Avery. 

Mini me

My little Seminoles fan! 

Monkey in the Middle

Avery enjoys spending time with his friends at daycare. 

Campin'

We took Avery on his first camping trip this weekend to Toddy Pond. The weather was great, and our campsite was right on the water. It gave us both a chance to do some kayaking. Avery loves to be outside, and he had a great time. We are happy to have found this campground, because it's not too far from home and is a very nice place. I know that I loved to go camping with my family when I was a kid, and I'm really looking forward to going camping often with my new family. -jgr

Grammah!

Happy Birthday!! 

Avery and Pepe

Avery's meme and pepe came to visit him on Sunday. They showered Avery with attention, which of course he loved. 

Styling in the Eddie Bauer Highchair

Avery tried out his highchair today. He's not quite ready for it yet. But he's still loving those sweet potatoes. 

Sweet Potatoes

Rice cereal is no longer Avery's only menu choice. Today he enjoyed some delicious sweet potatoes! He definitely didn't waste any time catching on to this solid food thing. I also should mention that he's nookie-free and has spontaneously learned how to suck his thumb. He's also really into growling right now, which is a bit spooky.

July Fourth

Avery and cousin Isabelle cool off in the pool. 

On a Roll

I placed Avery on his back for his morning nap... this is how he was when I went to get him when he awoke (his right elbow was on the mattress before I snapped the photo). By the way, these are Jason's most FAVORITE pants Avery has! 

and one more!

Avery and Great Gramps Bibeau. 

and another...

Avery and Great Granpda Davis. 

Grandparents Galore

Avery and I spent the day visiting with grandparents. First we went to Green Grammah's house and played. Then we visited with Great Grammie and Grandpa Davis (this pic is Avery and Great Grammie Davis) at their new house. Then we visited with Great Grammie and Gramps Bibeau. Avery was so good... smiling for everyone. We enjoyed visiting with all of the grandparents. Grammie and Papa Richard are scheduled for Monday.