Spring Dress Up

 I have a shocking confession. I love dressing Ava up in silly outfits and taking her picture. Sadly, Ava has recently become disillusioned with this oh-so-fun process. Gone are the days of her just sitting around and taking it like a man. These days, photo shoots involve evasion, wrestling, running away from mommy as fast as she can, and climbing. Then why do I do it, you might ask? Um, how else is a mother going to embarrass her 18 year old daughter when she brings her first (morally conscious, goody-two-shoes, abstinent, sober) boyfriend home?

I wanted to try on some of Ava's spring things to see if they fit. And if they were as cute as I thought they were. (they were)

Ava l-o-v-e-s books. Which makes me happy. And they act as a crutch to get us through photo shoots. My tiny Pebbles rocking her tankini swimsuit. Now, I know Art said 'NO MORE BIKINIS" last summer. But dude, they make beach diaper changes SO much easier. Try peeling a one piece off a squirming 14 month old covered in sand and saltwater. I dare you. 

Ava's cousins, the Fourniers, gave her this coat and boot ensemble for her birthday. It's still a bit big, but when you're walking AND reading your matching "Olivia" book, does it really matter? 

Let's be honest. This blog usually has two central themes: 

1)Dressing Ava up in silly outfits

2) Her hair

This picture satisfies both requirements. 

Stop running away from me! I just want a picture of your super duper cute Mud Pie get-up WITHOUT a book in front of it! Geez, is that too much to ask? ;) Grandma P bought this for Ava in Naples last fall and I will make sure she wears it every chance she gets. Navy Pier, hello!

My parents friends Jim & Dena gave Ava this sailor outfit. It took several attempts to get it on. Here we are with just the top...

And here is the final product...enhanced with the paci to complete the look. 

Kissing Elmo's face gave her added security and made her forget her mortification. 

And by the end she totally embraced the look! Hello, future yearbook picture!

One more for good measure, just because I love your face. 

My favorite little rocker

It's the weekend! Let your hair down. 

Valentine's Day Playdate

For Valentine's Day, Ava had some of her buddies over for a playdate! 

All the kids really got into the spirit of love. They held hands... 

Practiced hugging...

And sharing!

Our new friends Graham Elsener and Owen Kalita were bored by the events and decided to sleep, instead. 

Happy Valentine's Day!!

We love you Great-Grandma E!

This past weekend, my Grandma E passed away. Before she passed, it was her greatest wish to see all four of her great-grandaughters together. Here they are, Grandma. We love you!

Alexandra, Olivia, Ava and Madeline. 

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.