As January approaches, Clint and I were discussing what an incredible year we've had and how amazingly fast our little baby has grown into a full fledged toddler. We've grown as a couple too. This new element of having a child to consider in all our decisions has been both a blessing and a learning experience. I couldn't have asked for a better partner to go through all of this with.

Walking is now Avery's preferred mode of transportation. He can go from sitting to walking position without needing something to hold on to for support. Avery loves toddling around the house and even changes direction pretty easily.

Teeth! After many months of teething, two bottom front "toofers" finally sprouted through. Avery enjoys using his new pearly whites to munch on graham crackers.

By the way Avery eats, you would think a warm bottle was a delectable gourmet dinner. He does enjoy a sippy cup now and then as we're in the early stages of transitioning him from the coveted bottle to the cup.

Yes, if you want to make this little man happy, give him the three B's:

1.) binkie

2.) bottle

3.) blue blanket

Oh, and don't mention the "N" word...(*nap*)

Here are the cream cheese danishes we made for the Christmas party. Clint and Avery enjoyed cleaning the filling and icing off the bowls.

If you look beyond the basket of laundry on the table that I have not yet had time to fold and put away, you might notice some cheery window decorations. I remeber making some like these as a kid and thought it would be a quick, cheap and fun way to add a little more holiday spirit to the house. The snowflakes are cut out of coffee filters. The star, santa and angel are paper origami ornaments.

Here's our Christmas tree. I know, it's kind of sad. We had to put it on top of our TV stand so our son wouldn't choke on the ornaments. But hey, at least we have something up, right? We're in the holiday spirit!

This is one of the rare occasions when Avery is finally still. Most of the time, he is walking around exploring things. It's exhausting following him around keeping him from hurting himself, but we're glad he is a curious and active little boy.