Sea Legs - Avi's first steps!

On July 5, 2010 Avi took her official first steps while aboard the Pursnickadee! This makes her a sea-fairing-baby! Mommy defined her first steps as more than 2 consecutive forward motion steps, because one or two steps could be a stumble. Well, while my mom and I and Avi were hanging out on the salon couch, while the boat was under tow(!), and the boat was rocking(!!) - Avi took three quick steps from Mimi to Mommy's arms! It was really amazing. The next morning, she took several steps for Mimi. Then she took a couple days off. She is now standing a lot and will take a step or two if I hold out my arms to her. So cute. So scary (she's growing up too quick)!

Avi's first boat experience

The Pursnickadee, a 65-foot yacht, and our happy home for 5 days. We might be spoiling Avi for future boating experiences by letting this be her first boating experience.

When we took shore excursions in the dingy, Avi had to wear her lifejacket, as you can see, she didn't like it much.

Safe from drowning, the sun, the cold air, and from fun! Poor Avi...

Checking for pirates through the peep hole.

We went hiking while on a shore excursion in Montague Bay. Avi did some serious hiking herself!

Go Avi! Look at how dusty her little feet are. She really was hauling!

A happy family!

We hit some cold weather the first few days of our trip. Here is Maren wearing Avi and Peggy out on a cropping of rocks.

Mommy got to relax and indulge in a novel while on the boat since we had 5 other adults who would hold and entertain Avi.

Our Muffin Monster

Why Avi Needs a Yacht.

This isn't a superflous statement. Avi really needs a yacht - or more aptly put: her parents need a yacht to sleep Avi in so they can get some sleep. It's true, Avi has never slept better! The rocking of the hull in the gentle bay waters, the roar of the twin diesel engines, the exhaustion that comes after constantly adjusting your center of gravity while rocking along during the day on the boat... These are the things a luxury yacht can offer to exhausted, sleep-deprived parents. These are the only things parents are interested in! Sure, the 360 degree view while at anchor is breathtaking, the comfort of a central-heated salon while sipping warm coffee on the cloudy mornings is divine, and the full size kitchen and personal bathroom with teak accents is so much that it makes you wonder why you want to live on land, but really, the main attraction is a happily sleeping babe.

Michael, Paul, Peggy, Avi, and Captain Frank.

This is a serious yacht, with a serious captain Bette at the helm,

and a not-so-serious co-captian, Avi, at the wheel in the pilot house.

studying the charts, fearlessly navigating us through the Gulf Islands. Thanks, Avi!

Avi's first ferry ride

Crossing from Tsawwassen, British Columbia to Sidney, Vancouver Island

Avi made about a million friends while on the ferry. People would be absorbed in their books, magazines, even snoozing, but then Avi would walk by, smile, and all attention was on her. In fact, Michael believes several of the Chinese tourist women would have taken her home, would we have let them!

The trip took about 90 minutes. During that time, Avi explore the entire perimeter of the ferry. I mean she really explored everything. Here she is checking the integrity of the ropes.

A sentimental, cheesy shot for Michael.

Avi's First Birthday

Avi turned one year old on a Sunday this year. We had shot a wedding in San Luis Obispo the day before, and were heading to Canada the day after, and had planned a birthday party in Fresno on the day of! We like to pack things in tight. On the drive to Fresno, at exactly 12:02pm, I was driving and I pulled over on the shoulder in the middle of nowhere. Michael asked why I was stopping. I said because this is the time she was born a year ago, and I needed a group hug. So we pulled her out of the car seat and stood there: Michael hugging Maren, Avi wondering what the heck was going on (and just happy to be out of her carseat), and Maren bawling like a baby. I cried because this moment marked the passing of my "baby" no longer being a baby - she is now officially a toddler. This last year with her has been the happiest year of my life. She has brought us so much joy. I cherished the moments that Michael, her and I would just lie in bed and look at each other - completely entertained and content. I will miss her "littleness" so much, and this made me weep. Life is way too fast ~ especially when you're having the time of your life. Goodbye, my little infant Avi. I loved you from the moment I met you.

Here are some pictures from Avi's Fresno birthday party. In attendance were: Grandpa Alan, Step-Grandma Jeannette, Mimi Peggy, Papa Paul, Sitti Julia, Step-Grandpa Jim, Great-Aunt Julie, Great-Uncle David, Cousins Meagan & Emily, Great-Great-Aunt Carolyn, Bob & Becky Chambers, Uncle Brant, Sophie, Mama Maren and Daddy Michael. (Great Nana Barbara and Great-PapPap Ed couldn't make it due to sickness.)

Wearing her "birthday girl" shirt, compliments of Sitti Julie, who always keeps Avi in style!

In between costume, err... clothes, changing. Her real birthday suit!

Cousin Emily hand made this card - sooo cute!

Avi trying to figure out these things called toys.

Walking in her birthday dress Sitti Julie got for her.

Uncle Brant normally would get the prize for traveling the furthest to come to Avi's 1st birthday party (considering he drove a motorbike 9 hours round trip, in 100+ degree weather, partially on dirt roads, which earned him the toughest-traveled award), but...

my friend Sophie, who came from Kenya, gets the furthest-traveled award this year!

Working with Avi

I think I've posted before about wearing Avi during a shoot, but I love it so much I have to post again! These pictures were taken without me even knowing it, and when I got them, my heart melted. She is such a good little helper. She just remains quiet and curious during the shoot, then afterwards, woos everyone with her cute face and little words. I love my job! I really, really love my job when wearing my baby!