A Face Like this Melts a Mamma!

Justin took Ava Kate for a walk around the block this afternoon because she was a little restless. This is what I saw when they returned and she absolutely made me melt looking so precious! A walk around the block takes a lot out of a baby girl.

A Fun Weekend with Grandma & Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit us for the weekend. As always they spoiled us while they were here. We ate lots of good food and did a little shopping. They even helped daddy give Bella and Oscar a much needed haircut and bath! Thank you for all you do for us Grandma and Grandpa, we had a wonderful visit with you and look forward to the next!

Got on My Big Girl Jeans!

We figured we better at least get a picture in her first pair of jeans since it appears with her not so little belly that snap might pop any second. And a girl can't wear her jeans without some oh so chic leapard flats and a flower on her head to pull it all together.

You Want Me to Eat What?

At Ava Kate's 4 month checkup Dr. Wiley told us we could go ahead and start trying out solid foods with her. Obviously it wasn't because she needed any additional calories but more to start getting her used to eating solids, using a spoon, eating sitting up, etc.
Oh look they have put me in another new contraption. I wonder what cool tricks this one does?
Hmm that sure is a shiny toy mommy has in her hand. I sure would like to get that in my mouth!
Oh good she is going to do it for me.
Not to sure about this!
That is not quite what I was expecting.
Wait, where's it going?
Well that is alright I think this plastic bib tastes better than that stuff!
Daddy, do you think you could help me out here?
You really expect me to eat more of this stuff?
I'm not that crazy about the cereal but I sure do like these flowers!
I think I might actually gag if I have to eat anymore of it!
What you mean we have to do this again tomorrow?

Okay So There's Good News and Bad News

Which do you want first? Well the bad news is my sweet funny bunny had to get four shots today and isn't feeling so good after all that poking! It was a traumatic morning for all three of us but we survived. The first bit of good news is she is a healthy and thriving baby girl and is in the 90th percentile on height, weight and head circumference.

The really good news in our house today though is that Justin passed his principal certification exam! He spent a lot of time preparing for the exam and has also worked really hard in his masters program and has maintained a 4.0 in the program and we could not be anymore proud of him! Congratulations babe!

We celebrated tonight with all of our family while enjoying my Papa's mouthwatering steaks! Uncle Dave has been in town so we also got to hang out with him and his precious new kitten Roscoe.

We are so proud of you daddy! (If you can't tell from all the pictures I am a drooling machine these days.)
Silly cousins
My funny Uncle Dave
Roscoe
Daddy was having fun with photo shop again!

An Extra Special Day!

Funny Bunny,
Today you are 4 months old and one year ago today I found out you, my greatest dream, was coming true! That makes today an extra special day at our house. The last four months you have absolutely been a constant source of joy to your daddy and me. I don’t think we had any idea a year ago today just how much we were going to love you. You have taught us more about ourselves and about who we want to become. Because of you we both have a desire to become better parents, spouses and Christians all because we want only the very best for you. Each month brings with it new experiences and memories with you. As I look forward to the future months and experiences I also get a little sad that another month has gone by already and another stage is gone. You are at such a fun stage though right now- so responsive and curious to what is going on around you. In honor of your 4 month birthday I made a list of my favorite things you are doing now.

4. Our bedtime routine of watching daddy give you your bath and massage, praying as a family, reading a bedtime story and sitting in the rocker feeding you in your nursery has become one of my favorite times with you. The night before last was the first night you slept through the night (yippee) and we were hoping for a repeat last night but I guess you had other plans!

3. It makes me so happy that you love music already! I have always had a passion for music. I truly think music moves the soul, at least it does mine. I am thrilled we stumbled upon Elizabeth Mitchell’s music for families because I wasn’t sure I could endure some of the baby music that is out there. And I’m even more thrilled that you seem to love her as much as I do. I love that as soon as I turn on her music in your nursery your head immediately turns towards the ipod speakers and your eyes get wide. Even more I love it that when I start singing along and dancing with the music your face just lights up. We are going to have so much fun singing and dancing together when you get a little more mobile!

2. I love that you are laughing out loud at me and they are big laughs now. It is one of the most precious sounds I’ve ever heard. I love that you think I’m funny or maybe it isn’t funny but more like crazy since I’m usually in your face talking in some sort of funny voice and shaking my head when you laugh at me. Oh the things we do to try and amuse you!

1. I don’t think anyone can make me feel as special as you do. When I come home from work and you get your first glimpse of me and your eyes light up and that big, beautiful smile is all over your sweet face and you lean out as if you are reaching for me it totally melts me and makes me feel like a million bucks.

Happy 4 month birthday lovey! Thank you for the joy you bring to my life every day!

Love,

Mommy

Listen to My Laugh!

Wednesday we got the pleasure of meeting sweet baby Bella for the first time! She has the prettiest blue eyes and full lips. Her mommy and I have been friends since we were little girls. Bella is about 2 months older than Ava Kate. It was great to visit with Stefani and Kim and meet Bella and get to see where we will be in just a couple of months. Bella is sitting up and crawling. We got some cute pictures of her and Ava together. It is fun to have all these friends having baby girls at the same time.

Watch Me Roll!

4th of July Festivities

We had a fun filled 4th of July weekend. Justin's parents were in town for the weekend for the 4th of July tournament. Justin and his dad got to play lots of golf and enjoy some quality time with each other. Pat and I enjoyed the social events that were part of the tournament- lunch, dinner and swimming. Thursday night Justin's parents treated us to a mouth watering steak dinner at Perini's. Lila and Laney were in town so we also got to enjoy spending time with them and they got to enjoy seeing Ava Kate. There is no shortage of hands to hold her when we are with family and especially when Lila and Laney are around. They love their newest baby cousin! Saturday morning our neighborhood had the second annual 4th of July parade so all the cousins got to participate in that. We did miss Keller though although I don't think he was missing us while he was having fun at Sea World! We spent Saturday afternoon at Becky's pool trying our best to stay cool. All weekend I kept thinking back to this time last year and how we were in the middle of our IVF cycle and wondering if it was going to work or not. I think for that reason the 4th of July weekend will always be a pretty special weekend to our family. It is hard to believe how much our life has changed in a year.














Lila and Laney playing dress up with Ava Kate!