the road to recovery

Having a sick baby is no fun. However, after four days of a runny/stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, dry/cracked/bleeding lips and fever, Miss Avery is finally on the road to recovery. We are giving her an antibiotic and some medication to dry up the runny nose twice a day and it seems to be helping (thank God). If all goes well this evening I/she plan to get back to a "normal" routine tomorrow. That is, whatever "normal" may be.

On another note, please keep your fingers crossed that my sister Lindsay does not get laid off of her job in the next few weeks. Title work is SLOW right now and her place of employment is preparing to let some of their staff go. Pray that she is able to keep her job!

sick baby

My sweet baby girl, Avery is sick! She has had a bad cough and running nose since we touched down on US soil. However, yesterday she got really sick and has not gotten any better. We were up every 1 1/2 to 2 hours last night with fever (99-101), cough, runny nose, and primarily discomfort. I am exhausted to say the least! We went to the doctor this morning and she ordered a chest xray and checked her over thoroughly. Her diagnosis was that of a severe sinus infection. So now we are taking an antibiotic, something to "dry" her up and tylenol. She just looks miserable!

Avery's 1st day of school

Well, we survived the first few days of Avery going to school. The first day was a little rough, considering I am in the classroom with her. She thinks that she needs her mommys attention all the time and that the other babies don't need me. I wonder if she had flashbacks of the orphanage? Anyway, the second day was much better. She even let me work with other children! She love the toy piano, tummy time, the bouncy seat and MS. KIM!!! Keep your fingers crossed that each day becomes easier for her.

On another note, Chuck/Jean Anne, Chuck/Cindy and a STL family received their GNR date yesterday. They will be in Can Tho on Sept. 10th! We are so thrilled for them! We had the opportunity of meeting each of their children when we went a month ago and they are precious! We look forward to seeing updated pictures of their growth and development!

Playdate and Sadness!

Friday night Rob, Kristina and Evelyn came over to play. We had some tummy time, monster truck time (Owen and Rob) and ice cream! Avery enjoyed spending the evening with another baby that was her size! We look forward to our next playdate!

On another note, I am returning to work tomorrow! I am so sad to not be home with my precious baby girl everyday. However, since leaving the public school district and working at a local child development center, I am with the babies all day long. More importantly, I will be with Avery all day long! It does comfort me to know that she will be with me throughout the day but the thought of going back...ARG! Wish us luck!

Avery's Bedroom

This weekend we finished Avery's bedroom (better late than never, right?). We had a shadow box made that encased a au doi and displayed a hat that we bought while in HCMC and Can Tho. It turned out really cool! We also hung a few misc. items to complete the attire!

Busy Weekend

This past weekend was very busy for the Payne household. On Sunday, Miss Avery was baptised. We had a white Au doi made for her while we were in Vietnam specifically for her baptism. The pants were a little big but she was too cute.

Avery did fantastic throughout the entire service (as did her brother). I have to admit, I was a little worried when I had to hand her over to Pastor but it didn't phase her. She didn't even mind having water poured onto her head (she is totally a water baby).

At the conclusion of the service, the church members all stopped to take a look at our beautiful little girl, we took some pictures and then headed to our house for brunch.
Sunday afternoon, we got Owen to use the potty (this has been a battle) and he did quite well, if I do say so myself. He must have gone 10 times. He insists that we put fruit loops in the toilet as an aiming device but if that is what it takes to get him to try, we are all for it!
In addition to the potty chair, Avery got up on all fours and is now crawling! She is not speedy quick just yet but making progress. Gosh, so much accomplished in one day!

Parents As Teachers Visits!

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Today, Ms. Christine, our PAT instructor came to visit! Owen had a ball with pretend play. They played with plastic tools (hammer, screwdriver, saw, etc.), read a story and dressed up as firemen. Avery also got to look at a new soft book, and play with a bowl and balls. From what she communicated to me, they both seem to be doing well and are pretty much on target for their age (which was nice to hear).

Home 1 month!

Avery has now been home one full month - where has the time gone? She is doing so well. She loves the exersaucer, tummy time and eating! We have now introduced her to rice cereal and green beans. She is not to fond of green beans alone but when mixed with cereal, she tolerates them! We have made little progress with the car seat. She seems to do ok unless she is tired. If tired, she screams the entire way (ask Rob and Kristina about their trip to the airport). Other than that, she is now up to 13 lbs. 14 oz. and is thriving! We are so happy to have her in our lives! She is truly a blessing!

News Flash!!!