Snow Days

Snow days are here and I convinced my 'rents to take me outside. I borrowed my bestie Liv's awesome snowsuit and my parents sprung for a wee baby toboggan! 

 First Dad took me for a spin around the yard. After he strapped me in and triple-checked the lock and positioning of the seat. Did I mention he's a safety nut?

I tried to give Dad a heart attack. Look, no hands! 

Ava: What do snowmen wear on their heads?

Mom: I don't know, stove pipe hats? 

Ava (sigh): No. Ice caps! HA! 

Mom had to take a turn. Mush, mommy, mush! Where's my whip? 

Then Mom thought it would be cute to have me make a snow angel. I, obviously, did NOT think it was cute. 

But Mom says I look like a snow angel anyway! 

Of course, Weezy had to join in the fun. Dad says to stay away from the yellow snow, whatever that is. Sounds pretty. 

Then I came in, had a nice warm bottle, and went down for a nap. Hooray for winter fun! 

She's One!...and Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year!

The name of this blog needs to be changed to "Ava Bug's Blog that's usually really late and therefore sort of anti-climatic". Seriously. 

Here she is on her actual birthday! You may be asking yourself "Does the end of the monthly birthdays mean that Ava won't be subjected to endless supplies of tutus anymore?". Ha! You rascal. Ava loves tutus (she told me). So I've learned to make them. 

When Art and I were dating, our parents each decided (separately) to buy condos in Naples. Very fortuitous; we never have to rotate Christmas and get to see the whole family every year!  We didn't go last year, obviously, since she was just days old. But now we're back in the groove! 

On Christmas morning, she was thrilled to open presents...and then run around the house with them. The only reason I included this picture was for the look of total determination on her face. 

Here's my little hula dancer on the beach. Even though it was a blustery 65 degrees that day, she ran herself ragged and rewarded us with a two hour nap. 

Ever since Ava was born, my Dad has been talking about playing "Baby Toss" in the pool with her. He finally got his chance. Sink or swim, Ava. 

Ava was THRILLED to eat at Tommy Bahamas with Uncle Rob...

And Aunt Alexis (she was breaking down by the end of vacay; time to go pack up). Let us never speak of the plane ride home, except to call it "The Flight Which Shall Not Be Named".

Art had to go back to Chicago for work, but Ava and I stayed longer in order to enjoy some more family time. Here with are with Grandma and Grandpa P before we left. Notice the roll in her hand- it's like baby crack. 

Christmas baby! 

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas to my sweet girl. 

New tricks:

Walking! On December 2nd, even though she'd walked a few steps before, she got up and walked across the basement on her own. Now she's everywhere!

-Can now identify her belly. And your belly. If you ever see Ava and she comes over and lifts up your shirt, don't be offended. She's just showing you where your belly is. 

-Claps...and expects you to clap along with her. She will repeatedly prompt you until you do as she says. Bossy.

Favorite Toys:

-Bitty Baby and stroller. She pushes it around and takes the baby out and smacks her in the face and then gives her a hug. We're trying to work on "gentle".

-Kate. Poor, poor Kate is just abused all the time. But she takes it like a good hound and lets Ava pull her ears, yank on her tail and "kiss" her on the side.

Favorite Foods:

-Spinach cakes. Which sound disgusting...but are actually tasty.

-Mini wheat bagels. I pull these things out and you'd think I was offering her the keys to the castle. I'll take it.

New words:

-"Ho ho" (when asked what Santa says).

-"Bebe" (when asked to say baby)

-Two days ago she looked at Art and said, "Hi, Dada". Twice. 

Stats: 


Weight: 21 lbs; 50th %ile
Height: 29": 47th %ile
Head: 48.5 cm: 100%ile....every time I'm at the doctor with her and he enters her head stats into the computer, it comes up all red with warning flags. 

Wee Pirate Big Belly

Until I find the motivation/time to post a Christmas blog (lazy, I am), here are some pics of my tiny pirate, sporting an enormous post-holiday belly. 

Holding her tuna; she's on her Uncle Rob's all-meat diet. 

We don't walk anymore. These days we run. 

Trying to escape out the window before her bath. 

Happy New Year! Ava's shirt says, "I think that everybody should like everybody. Smart child. 

Birthday Par-Tay

Because Ava's birthday is so close to Christmas (next time, we'll have to plan better), we had her birthday party this past weekend. We were thrilled to host many of our family and friends, some of whom flew in just for the day (good job, Kumbare Steven) to celebrate with Ava.

Our Ava Bug had a Ladybug themed birthday party. The first rule of a ladybug party to put the baby in a ladybug tutu. Obviously.

The second rule is for mama to make a fondant-covered ladybug cake. Which I'm going to shamelessly flaunt here.

I *may* have chosen the theme to coordinate with my Christmas decorations. Or, if you think I'm ready for the loony bin, it could have been a coincidence. Totally.

We were so excited that Ava's great-grandparents made the trip up for Ava's party!

I figured the huge cake might be a bit much for Ava. So she got a cupcake.

"What is this strange confection? Dare I taste it?"

She dareth. "Why, 'tis a wondrous explosion of sugar and red dye #2!"

"I declare this "cupcake" fit for queens. I shall have another".

And her Dad did, indeed, insist on her having another. A decision which was later regretted.

*I have no idea why Ava started talking like a 19th century English lady. That child....*

After cake, it was time for presents. Where to begin...

I've never met her, but this Cinderella seems like a wise woman. An appropriate gift, too, as Ava got a couple pairs of swank shoes for her birthday. Mom is jealous.

Ava has also recently learned how to give hugs. So she spent a lot of time snuggling her stuffed animals. Love.

The next day we went to the OPCC's Christmas party, where Ava had her 2nd Santa Claus experience.

"How did you get here? I saw you last weekend in North Carolina. This seems suspicious".

"A magical sleigh and eight tiny reindeer you say? Where are your glasses and mustasche?Mom, 'Santa' here smells like beef and cheese."

It was a great weekend and we truly appreciate the effort and time everyone took to be there for Ava. We love you all!



 

Thanksgiving

Another whirlwind couple weeks with Thanksgiving, Ava's birthday party, and the beginning of many (we hope) Christmas celebrations. Our first stop: North Carolina for the annual Thanksgiving/Christmas extravaganza with my family. Past events at Cooning Thanksgiving have included head weighing (my dad has the heaviest, if you were wondering), nostril flaring contests, and posterior (read: butt) measuring. This year, Ava's Great-Aunt Pam threw an early birthday party for her so that everyone could celebrate together.

As with all of Pam's projects, the party was flawless. With one exception.



The birthday girl, was a sleep-deprived-out-of-her-element-booger a little overwhelmed with all the attention and people.

Exhibit A

Later, Santa himself made an appearance at Cooning Christmas! Elle and Sophie told Santa they wanted a puppy. Santa told Ava she wanted a baby brother. Zip it, Santa.

Elle and Sophie tried to explain the Naughty and Nice list to Ava.

Ava chose her side.

In all seriousness, we had a great time, as always, with our crazy, loving, funny family. We can't wait to do it again!

Lucky Number 11

Disclaimer: I know nothing about poker and gambling. If you take your gambling seriously, then you probably don't want to read this because I am going to absolutely murder poker terminology. Also, if it's that important to you, get a life.

Hey Kate, how about a little game of poker? I borrowed Dad's chips.

Um, are you sure that's good idea Ava? I mean, you do have a bit of a temper. I think I'd just rather chase squirrels and sleep on the couch.

Who, me? Nah. It'll be fun. Just a couple of hands between sisters.

Here are your chips. I'm pretty sure the blue ones are worth twelve rainbows and the white ones are worth eight teething biscuits.

Yes! A flush of four kings! She'll never beat that!

Why do you look so happy, Kate? Let me just flop this boat on the river. And let me see your cards. That's part of the game. You share your cards.

Okay, so my Jack and three beat your four kings.

Are you sure about that? Because four kings seems like it would be a pretty decent hand. 

*sigh* Kate, I don't make the rules, except when I do. So just hand over your chips and hope for a better hand next time. Geez, spoilsport much?

Maybe I should take a tip from the pros and put on my shades so that Kate can't read my tells.

Pay no attention to the kitty on my sweater. I am a seriously serious poker player.

This is going to end badly.

Wait a minute. How did I end up with four jokers? I think these are worth five sparkle ponies each and trump anything you've got. For sure.

I don't think jokers are even in poker Ava. You should know that, since you're the "dealer".

If I don't win then NOBODY wins! This poker match is OVER!

(sings) Trouble....trouble, trouble, trouble trouble. Trouble's been doggin' me, since the day I was born.

Happy Eleven months to my little gambling gal. My wish for you is to never play craps like your Mom and to stay away from the slots. Unless you're feeling lucky.