Toilet paper?!?

Despite all the new toys it is amazing that kids can find fun in the simplest things. This include the new pack of toilet paper that finally made it in from the trunk of the car.

This is by far one of the greatest joys of being a parent!

Playing with all the new toys

Ava and I have been home all week having lots of fun with all her new toys. One of her favorites is definitely the water drawing mat from Aunt Alexandra. When we played with it at Grandma's house Alexandra showed Ava how to dry the mat to erase the picture by picking it up and shaking it, obviously the best part of drawing!

Christmas

Christmas morning we got up and headed downstairs to see what Santa had brought for Ava. Ava was very excited to open the presents. She saw her new bike and then headed for the piles of presents. She also got a new huge box of mega blocks, puzzles, and play-doh. Ava spent the rest of the morning at home playing with her train from Uncle Chris and Angela before we headed to PA.

We stopped at Grandma Heckman's to pick up Alexandra and Shannon before heading to the Heckman family Christmas party. Ava again was a little leery when we first walked in but warmed up after some time even going outside with Uncle Dave to see the 7 deer in the yard. Ava got lost of presents including clothes, some cool boots, and a baby doll. We headed back to Grandma Heckman's for dinner. Grandma made a fabulous beef wellington with roasted vegetables. We exchanged presents before Danielle, Kevin, and Kayden had to go home. Ava got a bath and went to bed. It was a great Christmas and we were glad we got to see everyone.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve with the Stoddard's. Today we headed to Delaware for Earl's extended family Christmas Brunch. Ava was a little shy at first but warmed up to everyone after about 20 minutes. She was running laps around the tables and dancing. She even hopped up on Kevin's lap to help do announcements for the gift exchange.

We headed back to Grandma and Grandpa Stoddard's to open presents. Ava had lots of fun opening her presents. She got books, clothes, a baby doll, and a train. She gave everyone kisses to thank them for the presents.


Next we put on Ava's PJs and had a snack. Ava had a great time with Great Grandma Stoddard but was definitely hitting the point of delirious.

All smiles

Pictures with Santa

This morning we headed to Montgomery Mall to get pictures with Santa. Ava put on her Christmas dress and was twirling around. It was so adorable. When we got to the mall the line was long but bearable. Daddy waited while we went to the play area for a little bit. This big smile made me hopeful we would get the same when she was on Santa's lap. After an hour in line we were told that our pictures would be free courtesy of yahoo "ripples of kindness". Yahoo staff members were all over the country at grocery stores, gas stations, and Santa stations. We got a package with enough pictures for family and a CD with the image so I could share it on the blog. The package also have a $20 gift card to shutterfly. The picture we chose was the 3rd picture we took. The first 2 were just Ava and Santa and she was screaming with her arms reaching out to Mommy. She still looks a little upset but it isn't too bad considering the screaming fit that occurred in the previous 20 seconds. On the way home Ava fell asleep.

Holiday Party at Feri's

Today was Ava's holiday party at daycare. Daddy got back from Baltimore just in time. Actually we were the first parents to arrive. It was the perfect excuse for Mommy to get in the jumper with the kids. At the halloween party Ava was too scared to go in and she was too scared today until I climbed in there too. She sat on my lap for the first 20 minutes and eventually she warmed up and was climbing around jumping. There was lots of great food including sweets! At the end Feri handed out presents to all the kids. Ava got a great set of kitchen food which she promptly opened when we got home.
We feel so lucky to have found this great daycare.

Snow!

We have a few flurries that actually stuck to the ground while I was in San Antonio but since Ava was sick she didn't go out and play. Today we got a couple of inches of snow. It started overnight and was already sticking to the ground by the time we dropped Ava off at daycare. The roads were pretty bad by the time we headed home but we got there safely. We put on Ava's boots and gloves and took her outside. At first she just stood very still but eventually she took a few steps when she saw the neighbors kitty in the window. I can't wait until she throws snow balls back at Daddy :)

Uh-oh!

Ava's new favorite thing is dumping her food out of whatever container it is in. Ava had a few goldfish while I was making dinner and they were very quickly all on the floor. She got up and walked out to me but by the time we got back to the goldfish Rusty had eaten them all. The good and bad part of having a dog :)

FYI: I love this outfit. Pink plaid tunic, navy leggings, and pink uggs!

Daddy antics

Daddy thinks it is hilarious to put toys in his mouth and Ava has easily learned this trick.

Just a sip :P

Daddy was feeling a bit mischievous today and let Ava have a sip of his peach snapple.

Mommy's home

Ava and Daddy had a rough couple days while Mommy was away. Ava got sent home from daycare on Thursday with a fever. When Daddy took her home she started throwing up and this continued into the night. Thankfully by morning she was a little better but Daddy took her to the see Dr. Hirsch just in case. Dr. said it was a stomach virus and just to keep her hydrated. Daddy and Ava played and cuddled the rest of the weekend until they came to pick me up at the airport on Sunday afternoon. Ava held her loveys when we got home ready for bed.

All done!

This morning as I was packing up to head to San Antonio Ava sat on the bed watching Disney. Here she was telling me she was all done by dumping the rest of her waffle on the bed.

Thanksgiving #2

Mommy and Ava drove to Hummelstown today to take Aunt Alexandra shopping for her birthday. We tried on lots of jeans and eventually settled on a pair and top from American Eagle. Ava have a blast playing in the dressing rooms. We then headed to Grandma's for a second Thanksgiving dinner with Uncle Kevin, Aunt Danielle and Kayden. Kayden and Ava had a blast!

Happy Thanksgiving

Yummy biscuits! We had a great Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa Stoddard's. Great Grandma Stoddard was there as was Grandma Heckman, Alexandra and Shannon. Even Angela's Dad was there. We loved having lots of family all together. Grandpa made a great turkey and Ava loved Grandma's sweet potatoes.

What we do for beauty :)

Mommy's hair is getting cut on tomorrow but the last couple weeks I have been using curlers to make it faster to do my hair. Ava was helping me take them out today so I put one in her hair to see what it was like. She sat very still. If only I could get her to sit that still when I am putting her hair in a ponytail.

Daddy's home

Tonight after Ava's bath we headed to the metro station to pick up Daddy. He got home from Philadelphia just in time to see Ava before bed.

Daddy turns the BIG 3-0

Today is Daddy's 30's birthday. We sang him happy birthday and Ava gave Daddy a big kiss! Unfortunately he had to go to Philadelphia for a conference. We dropped him off at the metro at 1pm to head to union station to catch the train.

Ava and Mommy headed to the zoo to meet Marissa. She lives near the zoo and asked if we wanted to come spend the afternoon. She showed us things we hadn't seen on any of our trips including the flamingos. We also saw a large bird (I can't remember what kind) squawking. Ava put her finger up to her lips and said "shhh".

We saw the baby ape again. He came up to the glass and put his hand up like he was giving a high five. Ava reached out and touched the glass reluctantly. It was too cute! We also discovered that the big cats area is more than just a tiger. It is a big circle and if you walk around there is another tiger and a lion. The lion stood up and let out a huge roar. Ava was amazed and she stood staring at the lion for about 10 minutes after it happened. She kept looking at me saying "roar"....love it!


After the cats we headed back out of the park. It was almost 4pm. We got to the car and dropped off Marissa in Cleavland Park. Ava was passed out by the time we got to the highway. She took a 20 minute cat nap on the way home :)

It was a great day but we wish we could have spent it with Daddy celebrating his birthday. We love you and miss you!

15 month check up

Ava had her check up today. She still hasn't hit 20 lbs....only 19 lbs 13 oz. Being sick probably didn't help this. Her head is 17.25 inches....still 5th percentile (I am sure my Dad would boast that this is because of him). She is 31.5 inches long. Growing well but still a petite little peanut :)

She got 3 shots and was not happy about any of them. Tylenol before bed :(

Veteran's Day at the Zoo

Today after Daddy finished his work we went to the zoo. We haven't been there in a while. We were glad it wasn't crowded because Ava wanted to walk all by herself like a big girl.

Since the last time we were at the zoo a baby gorilla was born. The baby climbed up the wall and slid down the ropes. All the kids were very excited about this. Except Ava who has become afraid of the Apes since the last time we were at the zoo. She clung to us.


The Mamma gorilla sat right by the glass. Ava only wanted her Mamma.



Ava was far more excited about the turtles.



She also had a lot of fun in the prairie dog tunnels.

Food Dance

Ava was very excited to have Mommy back home. We stopped at the park on the way home and then got some Chinese food. Ava thought her chicken and broccoli was so good she did a happy food dance.

Shopping cart car ride

Today we had to go grocery shopping since Daddy's trip got canceled and he will be at home with Daddy instead of at Grandma's. Ava drove the car around the store for the first time and had tons of fun.

A day home with Daddy

All smiles after her day at home with Daddy :)