No Puke in the Pool to Slow us Down this Saturday

This weekend was big for the Avers. The pool at our new gym was all clear, and Ainsley took to the water like the little crab her zodiac sign suggests she would. She eyed the other kids, giggled, looked to dad and mom for reassurance, and then grabbed at the water, kicked her feet, and tried to launch herself to the nearest kick board. Upon grasping the kick board, she proceeded to hold onto the sides and tongue-dive the wells of water pooled up on the board's surface. No fraidy-cat here...

Among other fun tricks as Ainsley met her 8 month birthday:

• scrunching eyebrows and breathing quickly only through her nose (like a little bull) -- seems to be associated with frustration or to get a laugh -- she will mimic when interested in performing
• interested in solid food; we're moving slowly here, but we did present her with a teething biscuit earlier this week, and she was in seventh heaven, moving her jaw rapidly and testing out her two bottom teeth
• mimicking when people make funny faces (she really likes to perform for Alex)
  
• uttering momma or um-mah and meaning "I want momma now"
• trying to drink from a cup (she really likes it when grandpa VH lets her at his ice water)
  
• pulling herself up alongside the crib railing or against the ottoman--standing strong with little support from furniture or adults

In other news, our friends Andrew and Carrie Beredo babysat Ainsley Saturday night. Scott and I enjoyed a great dinner, and Ainsley performed for the Beredo's and showed no signs of missing her parents. Of course, we like to think that this means we've fostered a well adjusted child; though, in reality, it's likely more attributable to the fact that Carrie and Andrew are natural baby-pleasers and adept at all that they do. They even managed to keep everyone calm when our over sensitive fire alarm went off when they were cooking pizza.

We'll put a pic up soon of Ainsley in her swim suit...too cute for words...