A Star is Born

Aveline, being 20 months old, has finally started chipping in on her living expenses.

A few months ago, we were contacted by someone producing a holiday special on TLC that would highlight the antics of people around the holidays. They found our video of Aveline opening Christmas presents on YouTube, and promised us $400 if they used the clip. I consulted with Dan, and after examining the paper work, decided to go ahead and give them permission. We sent them a hard copy along with the various release forms in mid-October. Having heard nothing about it since, we assumed they decided against using our clip.

Then we got a check in the mail for $400 on Tuesday. They must have used our clip.

We are searching TLC, but realize that since the show was geared for the holidays, it will probably not be rerun until next year.

So, keep your eyes peeled for our firstborn monkey ripping open presents on TLC.

A quick side note: When I uploaded the Christmas videos last year, I had only wanted to upload one clip. Fortunately, I uploaded two wrong videos before finally getting my intended video online. The clip that was used was one of the mistakes. It pays to screw up!



This is the clip that helped fix the transmission on our car!

Sweet Moment

Aveline woke up crying last night near midnight. She has four molars pushing through her swollen gums, causing her fits. After the tylenol drops with a milk chaser, she was reluctant to go back to bed. Being thoroughly exhausted, I brought her into my bed, hoping she would settle down by example. She thrashed around the bed for about five minutes before cuddling up next to me. I had been feigning sleep. She kissed my forehead with an audible smack of the lips and whispered "Nigh, Nigh." After a few minutes, she was calm enough to lay back down. She went to sleep without another peep.

Evel Knievel (with a Sippy Cup)

Aveline is a daredevil. Period. Since she was 10 months old she has been able to climb onto our couch and loveseat. From there she has escalated her behavior to scaling to the top of the couches, shimmying her way over the safety gate and standing in the windows. She loves to climb into or onto anything she can find. It is nerve wrecking trying to watch her. If I turn my back for a second, she is on top of something. I was pumping the other day and watched in shock as she pulled the bouncy seat over to the exersaucer. She used the seat to mount the exersaucer, which was merely a tool to climb over the gate into the pack and play. We had a little talk after that episode.

Her climbing is not the only thing that prematurely grays me. We can't forget her penchant for running, everywhere. Dan and I rarely put her down in public because she takes off. And she is fast. I took the duo solo to the pediatrician's office last week. I had to sign in, so Aveline was placed on the floor. Before I could catch up to her, she had made her way to the measurement located clear in the back of the office. When I got back to the desk, I squeezed her between my legs just to finish the paperwork. At home, she has found a way to climb onto the couch and ease herself down over the gate so she can run from the living room to the back door. Sometimes when I am cooking, I let her make laps back and forth. She giggles and laughs the entire time.

I realize that she is incredibly intelligent and spirited. She figures things out so quickly, that it is hard to keep ahead of her. It is definitely been a challenge to discipline her and keep her safe. I have a feeling it will always be.

Her new nickname is Avel Knievel.