Five Weeks Old

Our Avery Alison is already five weeks old. They sure don't stay small for very long at all. I miss the newborn already!!! I just wanted to update all the things she has been doing. First, she is an absolute angel, she never cries. There is lots of grunting and cooing and noises of all kind, but she isn't a crier. Second, she has the most beautiful smile, and she can use it on cue to melt her daddy. She doesn't smile as much for anyone except her dad. They must have a special bond. Third, she can really hold her head up so well and not to mention he really strong legs and arms that hurt if she decides to use them against ya. I know she'll be able to hold her own while playing with her older brothers. Fourth, she loves to sleep on her tummy. I know the doc says the back is best but she can just sleep for hours on her tummy. At nights she is still on her back but for naps during the day I let her lay on her stomach.

Here are some adorable pics of that great smile!!

A firery fourth

Well our "firery" fourth was lots of fun until the fire turned out to be fire ants rather than fireworks!! We had a great BBQ and swimming party at our complex with lots of great friends. We were just wrapping it up when I heard some screaming. I ran over to the grass to see what it was about and found Conner and Jace covered with tiny fire ants. They were just standing there with these little ants all over the legs. I immediately started brushing them off with my hands and screaming for Kevin. When he came around the corner he was relieved to see it was just ants!! He grabbed both of them by the arm and we got them away and stripped them naked in just a few seconds. Then one of our friends grabbed the hose and we gave the boys a good spray down. Don't forget that all of our friends watched the whole event. I guess it's just not a Keys' party without naked two year olds!!I felt bad for the boys but they actually haven't seemed to mind it much. THey are soo tough!!

Blessing Day

Dad and Avery

We thought it would be a special opportunity to bless our little Avery on Father's Day. We were really lucky to have my mom, Grandma, here with us and then Kevin's family drove in that morning and met us at church to share our special day. Kevin blessed Avery in sacrament along with his dad, the bishopric, and a few close friends. It was a beautiful blessing and everyone really felt the spirit that Kevin brought. Conner and Jace were a little noisy and I was wishing they could understand the moment so I could hear a little better, but I guess you can't expect too much with two two-year olds.

Avery looked gorgeous with her full head of dark hair against the white gown. She was perfect for her blessing and it was almost like she was listening herself. I was excited that she was able to wear the same dress I was blessed in. It was so pretty. She is such a pretty little baby!!

Dad, Avery, Papa (Kevin's dad)

Dad, Avery, Mom

Conner, Jace, Dad, Avery, Mom

After church we took pictures and then headed home for some much needed lunch. We had sandwiches, yummy pasta salad, chips, and ice cream sandwiches. (Thanks for all your help, mom!) I think everyone was starving. Then it was nice to sit around and talk together with the family. We don't get to have our family in town much so we really enjoyed all the company. Kevin's family ended up leaving early the next morning and then my mom's plane left later in the afternoon but it was nice while it lasted.

Happy Father's Day

Here is a better-late-than-never Happy Father's Day wish to the best dad ever. The boys had a great time making homemade presents for their dad. In fact I think they had more fun making them than actually giving them. They made a beautifully hand-painted poster for the door and a two FruitLoop necklaces for their daddy.

Jace and Conner doing handprints with Grandma Jace with green and Conner with red paint

Conner and the glitter paint

Kevin really is a tremendous father to his boys. He loves them so much. They love spending quality daddy time. Some of their favorite things to do are go for rides in the bike trailer to try and catch some fishing bait in nearby ponds--you can tell they had a good time by all the mud all over their clothes and faces. They also love to go to Hermann Park and fish with dad and feed the ducks (or catch one by accident!!) If they can't be outside I can always find them upstairs playing "hide-seek" or just chasing each other around and having a tickle match. Conner and Jace love having some one around who is willing to get down and play with them.

Happy Father's Day Kevin!!

Announcing Avery

I just loved the pictures that my friends took of Avery so I wanted to use them for her birth announcement. My awesomely talented friends was able to design them for me and I just love them.

3 is a crowd

Well now it has officially been 3 weeks of having 3 children. I can honestly say that I am exhausted and I am sure this is only the beginning. Along with the tired feeling also comes a feeling of happiness and peace. Kevin and I are so truly lucky to have three beautiful healthy children who are all happy and loving.

Conner and Jace are great big brothers to little Avery. The other day I picked her up off the couch and looked at her and said, "What happened to her face?!?" At a second look I realized that it was just chocolate smears on her cheeks left from loving kisses by her brothers. They really do love her and have such a special way of showing it. There have been many times I go to check on her and see that the boys have left many of their toys tucked in all around her, they love to share with her. I am even more amazed at how they resist the temptation to steal her binkie and put it in their own mouth.

It has been a huge blessing to have my mom in town for the last 2 1/2 weeks to help me out. Kevin has been really busy attending school and then studying for his upcoming board test. My mom has so lovingly taken up all my jobs around the house including entertaining the two boys. She has been busy taking them to the park, childrens museum, zoo, pool, and everywhere else. It is has given me a chance to recover and catch up on some much needed sleep. I can't begin to thank her enough.

Here are some pictures of our little family over the last few weeks since Avery was born.

We found out in the hospital that Avery was allergic to adhesive. The scab on her stomach is from the heart monitor they put on her right after she was born. Then she got another scab on her foot from a band-aid. Now we know NO MORE adhesive for this gal.

Jace is giving her a kiss and Conner has such a sweet smile cause he knows he's next!!

Daddy and his little pink princess. Can you believe all that gorgeous hair!!

Grandma and Avery learning to suck her binky

My beautiful little girl!

Our family of five

Sleepy "Avee"

A gorgeous new addition

Baby Avery

I can't believe how lucky I am to have some wonderfully talented friends volunteer to practice their picture taking skills on my little girl. We had a great afternoon (or at least I had a great afternoon) watching my darling girl have her first photo shoot. It was fun to watch Kristen and Brekke use their creative genius to dress her up and pose her in so many great ways. You guys are amazing. She is going to love looking back at these pics, and it makes me proud to have such a beautiful daughter. You are more than welcome to practice any time!!

Here are some of the pics...