A first that no parent wants

Yesterday marked a parenting "first" that no one wants to see- our first trip to the ER with Ava. While I was right next to her, she tripped and fell face-first into the hardwood stair riser. 

Henceforth to be referred to as "The Step on my Sh*tlist". It was immediately apparent that Ava needed stitches so I bundled her up (with the help of our friend Bekah Kalita, thank God she was there!) and took her to the hospital; daddy and grandma were en route as soon as I called them. 

After several hours, one bout of twilight anesthetic, and five stitches later, we were home again. Ava seems to be recovering well and isn't hip the fact (yet) that Daddy is imposing an "Ava can have whatever she wants" edict. 

Some suggestions for her list: 

Personal visit from Elmo

A unicorn pony

A return to trip to Four Seasons Manele Bay...wait, how did that get in there? 

Ava's First Election

One of Ava's most important firsts happened today- her first Election Day!

She started off the day walking to our local polling place with Dad and Mom. 
But who to vote for? Ava's been researching the issues for weeks.

Would she choose Romney? She has family and friends who would urge her to do so.

Would she choose Obama? She has family and friends on this side of the coin, too.

Time for the final vote. 

I should have known. Ava wrote-in for Elmo (her BFF 4 lyfe) because of his stance on the "important issues". 

-Later bedtimes

-He's a good singer and likes to share

-Bananas for every meal

-She's a member of SPEW (Society for the Promotion of Elmo's Worldwide domination)

-Cookie Monster likes cookies, as does Ava

However you voted, Ava's just glad you did. Happy Election Day!

Happy Halloween!

Ava had a great Halloween. She started off her day at Munchkins (our parent-toddler class), where she celebrated with friends. 

We went sans tutu at class in order to have better maneuverability. 

With all of her buddies waiting for the sugar rush to begin.

Later in the day, she donned the full costume and got ready to trick or treat. 

So Art made so much fun of me for buying this ghost on clearance after Halloween last year. Ava (and all the neighborhood kids) LOVED it! 

Her first (and last) candy run with Dad. However, there were no tantrums, which I consider a victory. If you think about it, Halloween is literally horrific for Ava. She has to approach strangers and talk to them while they wait for her to say trick or treat.  Pretty much her worst nightmare.

Ava was able to lift 40 pound pumpkins with ease after chowing down on some Twix. 

*Just kidding. The pumpkin is plastic and I successfully made it through the day without letting her have any actual candy. You may think I'm mean, but I know once she actually figures out what candy is next year, we're in for it.*