Tiny tooth!

I was strolling around Target today and Ava was chewing on my hand when I felt something sharp. So I go digging around her mouth and sure enough, there is a teeny tiny little tooth starting to poke out! Her bottom right center incisor to be exact. What a big lady!

Happy Birthday to me!

Day three of my Birthday weekend was a great day, because it was my actual birthday. I got to sleep in a little and wake up to a Mocha and breakfast waiting for me. Yum! After that it was off to the barn again. Because after all it is my birthday and I love my horseys.

We started off lunging Joey in the arena. Ava was unimpressed with today's happenings so she nodded off.While Joey cooled down in a turnout and after a quick lunch for Ava, I saddled up my Thoroughbred, Bentley to for a ride.

The view from above.

Ava decided she was ready for her first time in the saddle too so with some help from Daddy, up she went. (Pardon my dusty saddle!)My view from below. This is really what I see when I'm next to Bentley. He is Humongo and I am just knee high to a grasshopper.Look at my tiny baby WAY up there!Ava things the best part of a Western saddle is the built in teether!

After a nap for Ava and showers for us we headed off to lunch at P.F Chang's. We had lettuce wraps and Ava enjoyed her green beans.After we walked around the outdoor mall, making our way to Whole Foods so I could get my Boston Cream Pie birthday cake. (which they were out of! Didn't they know it was my birthday?!) On the way back Ava took her stroller off roading at one of the sporting goods stores.

Overall I had a great birthday spend doing what I want with my 2 favorite people. But apparently being 23 (again) is hard work because day 4 of my birthday weekend I was so tired I could barely get anything done and spend a large portion of the day napping. Graham says it was my lack of sleep and the Stormy weather that did me in, but I think getting older is taking it's toll. Sigh.

Barn and BBQ

Day two of my birthday weekend started out bright and early. We walked for 30 minutes and arrived for Ava to get a little show. Look how interested she is.Because this is going on in front of her.

This is Joey. Joey is my other baby. I bought him as a 4 month old to be my first horse I start without the help of a trainer. I didn't know what I was getting into. Boy, I didn't know. Joey is one wild child. Very smart, but also... well... there is no other way to describe him except he's Joey. Tons of energy and TONS of personality. He gave Graham a black eye for our wedding, that's Joey.

That explains why Ava is even more amazed and has to point out...

This! Joey under saddle! I know it doesn't look it to those of you who have never meet Joey but this is super impressive! Especially considering Graham knows squat about riding horses(hence why he is riding in running shoes). Joey is not trained so I made Graham wear a helmet despite his protests he looks silly in it. I need those brains protected!

Way to go Joe! Of course there are no pictures of me working or riding Joey because Graham doesn't take pictures without being prompted. I was a little busy to prompt.

So after a successful barn trip we walk home and put Ava down for a nap. We all get showered and changed and head out to a going away party for Jen and her daughter Alexis who are off to bigger and better things.

This isn't Jen, nor is it Lexie. Just Dave. I can't seem to find the rest of my pictures. Oh well.

Ava spent most of the day like this. Nothing like a baby girl to peak the interest of other little girls.

Thankfully Ashlyn and Sam were kind enough to share their blocks with Ava. At first she was a little unsure of being put down. She was showing some stranger danger and was being fussy. One her pacifier was popped in she relaxed a little.

Pacifier goes out, block goes in. Mmmm, block.

Sam says "Oh, no you don't. I saw how slobbery you got my last block."

Soon Ava's attention was diverted to these little cuties. TWO King Charles Spaniel puppies. How cute are they? I tried to sneak one out with me, but got busted by their owner. Darn.


Ava liked them too.

OOOooo, whats that?

Got it! The puppy was so good it didn't do a thing while Ava gleefully pulled its ear.
Quick to forgive the puppy came back for more.

See this guy? This is Jeff. Jeff, a year ago was on the kids are cool and all, but not for me plan'. He and his wife were on the same page. Were on the same page. Now he's singing a different tune and Chris is a little more then nervous. He held Ava for a long time, only giving her back when Graham stole her.

Don't worry Chris, their not as hard as they appear! ha! ;)

Home Depot

In our house we have very strict rule about work for Graham. They really are quite simple, no working on weekends. During the week Graham puts in countless hours and the occasional all nighter. When he does come home work comes with him. He spends his evenings glued to his computer working, taking calls and chatting to China. I don't know if he realizes the sun come out during the week. I understand because #1 I'm a good wife. And #2 one of us has to work. Right now the hospital is sloooow so I get canceled, a lot. We joke I have a job, but I don't work. True story. I think my last paycheck had 4 hours on it.

I digress.

Last week Graham had to fly out of town early on a Sunday morning thus breaking the "rules". To make up for it he took off Friday giving him a 4 day weekend (I think that's the longest he's been away from work since we got married!) It was also my Birthday weekend (yep, I get a whole weekend of doing what I want to do.) My first order of business on Friday was to go to Home Depot to get flowers and plants to redo our flower beds.

So bright and early Ava and I proceed to the garage to get her in the car. As usual Graham is not quite ready to go. So Ava plays in the driver seat until Daddy shows up.

Graham "forgets" something inside so I buckle Ava and myself in and wait, and wait and wait. Finally Graham shows up again and we are off.

Grahams first order of business anytime we hit Home Depot is to get a hot dog. How is it that Home Depots hot dogs are so good? My mouth is watering just thinking of them...
this guy in line in front of us apparently think ordering a hot dog is complicated work because he sure took his sweet time! But Finally we get our food and set off to cruise the aisles. Ava steals away Daddies Cheetos. She chewed on this bag for most of our trip. Our first stop is to get some plumbing supplies so Graham can run a water line to our new fridge. Ava thinks the plumbing section is about as exciting as I think it is.
Next we are off to the flowers, which is way more fun!
We get our loot and are on our way.But first a quick stop at the store. In the process of switching fridges we've run low on food and unless we want to make dinner of expired condiments this is a necessary stop. Notice Graham on his phone, sneaking in some work...tsk, tsk.

The flowers of our labor.I love how flowers cheer up a house! I went low maintenance this year with lots of petunias and Geraniums and Day lilies. My goal is not to kill them. Plants in our house seem to die rather quickly. We do still have a few more things to plant, but that will come next weekend.

Daddy's Girl

Every day since Ava was born I would recite "Momma, Ma-Ma, Momma." To her to try to get her first words to be well... Momma. So a few days ago I'm doing my Momma bit hoping Ava will mimic me.

Me: "Ava say momma."

Ava stares

Me: "Momma! Ma-Ma-Ma-ma!"

Ava stares

Me: Ava say Momma! Maaaaaa- Ma! Ma-ma-ma-ma Momma!

Ava blinks looks me square in the eyes, opens her mouth, smiles....

Ava: "Da da!"

Sigh. Oh well. At least she'll hold her arms out for me (and not Graham) to pick her up. I guess you can't win 'em all.


if the video doesn't work try this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9AgIkxdIHg

Tech difficulties

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. We've been experiencing some technical difficulties. First Lola, the Rottie pulled my laptop off the coffee table and it landed on the power cord breaking it, and possibly the computer as well. It won't turn on. I don't know if its because the battery is dead (which is possible, I'm terrible at charging stuff) or it's a gonner. Soon I'll have the hubby take a look at it and fix it but his free time is limited and I'd rather have him hang out with us then worry about my computer.

I'm able to access the Internet from our office computer, but for some reason it's being silly about accepting my camera, so no pictures. I need pictures to fool you all into thinking I actually have something interesting to write about. I'm not a strong blogger alone. Hopefully Graham figures that out too. The extend of my computer knowledge stops after turning it on and checking my email.

A few sneak peaks at what's to come....

• Ava rides a horse.
• Ava visits Home Depot and gardens.
• Ava goes to a BBQ

.....And Ava says her first word, complete with video!

Mulitple Myhr's

This is our work friend, Angela. She works in NICU. 5 weeks ago she was blessed with a little joy of her own.

Two little joys actually. Meet Benjamin and Jeremiah.

Angela and I used to work as CNA's together long ago on RCU when we both first started at the hospital. We lost paths for a while when she graduated from nursing school and I moved to PP. A few years ago she came to work on NICU and we had a chance to reconnect. We both tried for a long time to get pregnant together. Angela suffered many devastating miscarriages and these two little boys are defiantly a gift from God. Ava and I were so excited to meet them. Since traveling with twins is hard work we came to them to go for a little walk and catch up.

The boys in their stroller

Ava, in hers, checking them out. Hmm..there's two of them.

Unfortunately we were so busy catching up I never took a picture of all 3 babies together. I wish would have. Ava loves babies and was so sweet with them, smiling and rubbing their little arms and hands. This is the closest picture I got, Ava checking them out in their pack N play while we were getting ready to leave.

Hopefully we get a chance to do it again soon!

Goodie two shoes

A long time ago I found a pattern for making cloth baby shoes. They were so cute that I went out and bought a ton of fabric and enlisted the help of my Mom to make them. My first few pairs turned out okay, but nothing great. After pulling out my sewing machine again to make Baby shower gifts I came across my cute fabric and decided to give it another try. I started with making shoes for my friend Tessie's little boy, Tanner. I had to adjust my pattern since Tanner is older now and to my shock they turned out pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself!

Inspired I decided to try to make more for my friend Angela's twin boys (who we are going to see today).They turned out adorable too! So I jumped head first into my fabric box and made a fleet new shoes for Ava.

Since those turned out okay too. I got brave and decided to try to embellish them.

I'm a long way from opening my own Etsy shop (despite what Ashlee says) but I think they all came out pretty cute!

Thanks Graham, for showing me how to use the sewing machine, Mom for helping me with the pattern and a big thanks to Ava for blessed 2 hour naps!

Yummy toes

Someone found her feet!

Grandma Sherry is taking credit for teaching Ava this new trick.

Comes in handy when you want something to suck on and can't find a pacifier!

One year ago today...

One year ago today we had to say good bye to our little Max. He passed away after a very fast moving case of CHF (Congestive Heart Failure). He was diagnosed on May 11th at a routine vet check. The vet though we had time to wait to do more diagnostic testing but Max deteriorated when he came home and passed away 18 hours later despite heroic measures taken at the Emergency Vet.

We miss you every day Max and wish you had a chance to meet Ava. You would have loved her.

May Showers

Our friend Heather is having a little girl soon so we were invited to a small shower at Buca Di Beppos last week to help celebrate baby Madeline Grace.

Graham was out of town on business so Ava had to tag along. I was a little worried how she would do as we were meeting at her bedtime. The whole drive over she screamed and cried. Poor little thing! But as soon as we arrived she was great!

It helped that Rochelle had a yummy necklace that she didn't mind Ava chewing on. Ava spend most of the dinner in Rochelle's lap just munching away.

After we all ate dinner Amanda gave Ava a little snack of her own.

The cake Angela made. It was sooo good!

Opening gifts (Did you know a baby shower isn't complete without a bust of the Pope on the table?)

Here's what Ava and I made for Baby Madeline.


Burp Cloths

Cloth Links

Hair Barrettes

Cloth Block (I know it's not a perfect square. My sewing skills are not great, but luckly Ava doesn't mind and hopefully Baby Madeline won't either!)

And those little purple shoes, that I noticed I messed up on right as we were leaving so I have to fix them and mail them out.

Mother's Day

Mom, now that I'm a Mother

Until I became a Mother,
I did not understand,
The profound sense of love,
In a Mother's heart and hands.


As I whisper, "Mommy loves you",
I rock my precious child to sleep.
Small perfection in my arms,
Sweet breaths, slow and deep.


I now see me as a baby,
You're rocking me to sleep.
You whisper, "Mommy loves you,
My heart is yours to keep."

At last I recognize your love,
As a Mother I now see.
As I hold and love my child,
You feel that love for me.

I will always be your baby,
Despite the years that pass.
You have given me my life,
And a Mother's heart to last.

The greatest thanks I can offer,
More than words can ever say.
Is to give my child the love,
You gave me everyday.

Weight

I forgot to add at Ava's sick visit her weight was up to 14 lbs 14 oz. Which is a 13 gm weight gain a day, which is on track for a baby in the 50-60th percenitle, which brings Ava up to the 15th percentile (this PA said she was in the 10th percentile before). Woo hoo! Grow Ava!

ill Call

A week or so ago Ava and I were shopping at Joann's. I was looking at fabric and Ava was hanging out in the Baby Bjorn, charming anyone who made eye contact with her. One of the employees took on a keen interest in Ava. The first time she came up to us I was a beaming proud momma. I know my baby is adorable so of course she draws attention (especially when she is smiling and cooing at everyone who passes us by).

The second time she came up to us, I thought 'Wow. She sure is friendly.'

The third time she came up and ignored me and baby talked Ava for 10 minutes I thought, 'Weird lady, but I'm sure she means well."

The FOURTH time I'm thinking', "Doesn't this lady work?"

The FIFTH time I turn away from her and ignore her trying to get across the point that I have other things to do then hang out in a fabric store all day.

Big mistake.

As soon as I turned my head the first thing this lady does is reach out and touch Ava's hands. Now, I'm not a huge germaphobe, but stranger germs on my baby cross a line for me. Usually I can spot a touch coming and intervene before contact is made. This lady was sneaky though, methodical almost. She wore down my defences and then swooped in! Please tell me why, Why, WHY do strangers ALWAYS go for a baby's hands? Don't they know that the first place babies put their hands is in their mouth? Do they not watch the news? We have a pandemic flu going around for Pete's sake! I politely ask her not to touch my baby since germs spread so easily and she tells me, "Don't worry. I have a one year old and a two year old." Like that is supposed to make it all better. I tell her a few things about stranger danger, germs and personal space and excuses ourselves. Call me paranoid but I took Ava to the bathroom and washed her little hands.... Despite our prompt washing, three days later Ava has a cold for the very first time. It may be unrelated but I blame you, Weird Joanne's lady.

After a few days of giving Ava's bulb syringe the workout of a life time the snottiness passed. I was thanking my luck stars that Ava never acted sick. She was just a smiling snotty mess. But then, a few days later, she started pulling and rubbing her ears. She still looked like she felt fine so I just watched. I couldn't figure out if her ears were bothering her or if she just noticed them for the first time and was playing with them.

Not long after the first rubbing incident she started getting fussy while breast feeding and started slowing down on her solids. Since she doesn't have a lot of wiggle room on her weight and I was concerned she might get dehydrated so I offering her formula. What little formula she did actually eat she puked right back up. I took that as my sign that it was time to schedule our first sick visit. Graham is out of town and I have plans to have Ava stay with my Mom for the night. We even bought a new Pack-n-Play for the occasion. But as I drive my poor ear rubbing, puking baby to the doctor I start feeling Mommy guilt. What if Ava is sick and I leave her alone in a new place for her first illness? Poor Ava will be looking for her Mommy for comfort in the middle of the night and I'll be off taking care of other peoples babies. The guilt got to me and I give my work a call, practically in tears and tell them my plight. The Charge Nurse tells me, "Be a good mommy, take care of your baby." and marks me off the schedule for the night. My shoulders feel a little lighter.

As soon as we get to the doctor offices Ava decides now she is feeling great and starts squealing, smiling, kicking and working her charm on the nurses and P.A. I tell the P.A I wanted to be better safe than sorry. The P.A checked one ear and it looked fine. Then she moved on to the left ear, the one Ava's been pulling on. She looks in and says " Oh. Mm." She brings her head back, adjusts her view and looks again. This time telling Ava, "Uh, oh. Sweetie you're not gonna like me." My mind immediately goes to the worse What is it? Major infection? Blown ear drum?! Tumor? Nope, apparently Miss Ava had a huge ball of wax in her ear obstructing the P.A's view. The P.A goes off to get her ear wax removal tool and asks me to help hold Ava down. The two of us put little Ava in a head lock. Ava kinda raises her eyebrows and sits perfectly still while the P.A removed the wax, peaked at Ava's ear again and declared her healthy. That ear must have been itchy, or maybe it muffled her hearing so that's why she was rubbing. Or maybe she did just notice she had things sticking off her head for the first time. Either way I'm just relieved she is fine.

So, to sum it up... Ava wasn't sick after all, I called into work for a ball of wax, and the biggest lesson...don't ever touch a strangers baby. You never know when it could be mine and you receive a tongue lashing for the offence.

Home-made Baby food

I was telling one of the nurses I work how I was making Ava's baby food with my coffee grinder since I only do small portions at a time. The other day she showed up to work with the Baby Food Processor (manufactured in 1989) she used many years ago to make her babies food. (can you believe after 20 years she still had the box!?)

To try it out I decided to try to duplicate one of Ava's favorite jarred baby foods, Butternut Squash and Corn.

Making baby food is way easier than people think it is. I bought frozen organic fruits and veggies from Sunflower Market for 2.99 a bag. You microwave to thaw, throw some into the food processor, add a little water...

...And Voila! With the push of a button, Baby food!

Home-made baby food freezes really well. Although, I generally don't freeze mine. I think it's fun to make so I only do a few days worth at a time and keep it refrigerated.

Thanks so much Vickie for the Food Processor! It works fantastic and is the perfect size to do single portions or large portions!

Fun at the Barn

It was kinda a gloomy day with threats of rain but Graham, Ava and I decided to chance it and walk to the barn. I'm so glad we did because we got some pictures like this...

But our fun was cut short because the rain picked up. Ava had to seek shelter in the comfort of BOB, sugar melts in the rain you know.