AVA ROSE ISABEL

Labor Day....My Karaoke kid

2009-10-10T08:23:00.001-07:00

Cute picture but this little girl was so mean to Ava!
Eventually they all got along...

On Labor Day we went to a friends house on the lake. Ava had a blast. She loves to hear herself singing and grabbed the microphone and belted out numerous kid favorites! It was so funny, I know this child will be on stage someday!

Summer Happenings

2009-10-09T17:53:00.001-07:00

on our way to cousin Dalton's graduation party...

This was the outfit Ava chose to go food shopping in! The most worn Abby Cadabby costume ever!

Ava and the boys...Noah, Nate and Ben
Check out Ava playing drums along with her band!
Little Miss bathing beauty...in the nude at night!

At cousin Dylan and Austin's birthday party

Ava and Ben...how cute are these two! I love Ben's face like he is showing off his girl and Ava looks so smitten!
Swimming...
Ava and cousin Kaylie....the two princesses

Being silly...
Going out for a stroll in their princess wear!

Too funny!

Can you say girlie girls?
Catching fireflies...

Mommy's Birthday

Summer vacation 2009--Cape May Point

2009-10-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Gran and Ava...getting ready for the bicycle parade
Zaza and Ava on the beach

Papa and Bean reading...
cousins Emily and Erik
Meeting our blog friends at the zoo (Greta Jo and Carson)
Ava and Carson...

Ava will not go into the ocean so we brought her pool...
Just like her momma...relaxing in the sun

Ava and Aunt Amy
Life guarding with Aunt Melissa
It's smores time!

Finally....Ava goes on a ride without screaming
Our professional photos on the beach!

4th of July and "forever family day"--two years ago Ava became a citizen today!

My big girl riding her bicycle in the bike parade

Miss Patriotic!
Some gymnastics on the beach...
At the Atlantic City Aquarium

Strolling down the street....stopping for an occasional pose
and a snack...

Hula hula baby
Okay, vacation was a long time ago! We are well into fall...but life is busy so blogging has to wait. We went to Cape May and as always had a great time! Ava still is not a huge ocean fan but was more willing to play in the sand although not thrilled. Her daily quote when I said lets to go the beach was "maybe later". We did some day trips and a lot of relaxing. Life is definitely better at the beach!

Froggy Adventures

2009-10-01T14:15:00.001-07:00

Uncle Tony and Ava's great frog hunt--summer 2009!

There were thousands of baby frogs running all over Grandma's yard...Ava loved them

Gotcha Day Celebration

2009-10-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

At the Dairy Queen with Dan and Ben

Ava and her daycare buddies celebrating with cupcakes...
4th of July--the anniversary of Ava's arrival home!

Okay so this is 3 months late! Life has been busy. On Ava's gotcha day we had a party at her babysitter's house and then went to her favorite place--Dairy Queen. Ava will tell everyone that she is from Guatemala. It is so cute. She recognizes the flag and the dolls--she claims to remember me coming to get her when she was "tiny tiny" and being on a plane. One day a little girl said that Ava was in my belly once. I explained briefly that she was not. Ava turned to her and so bluntly shouted "I did not come out of my mommy's belly, I came from Guatemala!". Very true sweet girl and we cannot be prouder to have you here with us!

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day!

2009-07-01T08:01:00.001-07:00

July 1-July 4, 2007

Ava and her foster-mother, Blanca
Our first moments with Ava

And now, July 2009...my Mayan Princess!

Happy second Gotcha Day! I cannot believe that it was two years ago that my dad and I went to get Ava. What is really difficult this year is that my dad is no longer with us. It is hard to wrap my head around how much can change in such a short time. It seems like yesterday that we made the journey to Guatemala together and yet nothing is even merely the same. While I still celebrate today for the miracle of my child, my heart is heavy for the loss of the only other person who was there on the pick up trip. I am so thankful that he came with me and we had the time together that we did. I will remember the look on his face when he held Ava, he would light up. He was so proud and pretty convinced that there was not another baby anywhere in the world that was as pretty or smart as his Ava.

Ava, you have grown so much this year! You will always be my baby but you are no longer a baby. You are a little girl. You are so funny and so bright. You are still so snuggly and affectionate. My favorite line is when you say "I want to nuggle you". You are social and love your little friends. You are compassionate and you get sad when others are crying or hurt. You only had a brief time with the "terrible twos". You are just such an easy and pleasant child. You make everyone smile.

You learned to ride a tri-cycle this year and a scooter. You got the scooter once you agreed to stay in your big girl bed--yes your crib is gone now too! You became potty trained this winter beginning in November. You were so fast, you basically trained yourself! You gave up bottles without a problem and refuse to use a highchair or booster seat. You remain the indepedent force that you have always been repeatedly telling us "Me do it myself!". The one saving grace for me this year is you finally learned to like the car! You continue to be my dancing queen and speaking of Abba, you love "mama mia" and sing every song.

We have had a tough year Ava and without you it would have been unbearable. We all know that. Your happy little spirit got us through some of the darkest and hardest days of our lives. When your grandfather died so suddenly and without warning we were lost. But you kept us grounded and focused. He died shortly after your second birthday and he was so cheated to only have you for a year. I can only hope and pray that he gets to see you. He would get such a kick out of you now! He thought everything that you did was amazing...and you are by the way, very amazing!

We had to keep moving forward for you. I know that everything was pre-planned, God moved you into our lives for a reason. The timing of it all amazes me. Your grandpa always said that life goes on, that babies prove that. It is not always easy but you make it manageable. I am so glad that you see his pictures and wave up to the sky and say "Hi Grandpa". I promise that you will always know how much he loved you and what a big part of my adopting you had to do with him. You would not be here with me if it were not for Grandma and Grandpa.

He will always be part of your story. Happy Gotcha Day Ava--you are by far the best thing that has ever happened to us!

Memorial Day and recent happenings...

2009-05-27T07:41:00.001-07:00

Ava climbing her first tree...

Sarah, mommy and Ava at the parade...
Dan, "Scotts" and Ben
Ava loved the parade....
Ben & Ava patiently waiting...
waving to everyone who came by
These two are so cute together!
Ava before church on Sunday...
This girl still loves her shoes...thanks Georgina for letting her wreck your closet!
Check out these poses and my little bathing beauty below
"Big Smile"
Loves for Ben...
The grill master Matt and Victor (thanks for cooking!)
A little after party dip for the two crazy dancers
Scott and "Grandma Connie" watching the performance
Tim, Jennifer and baby Gracie
These two danced to "I like to move it" at least 10 times in a row!
Look at them go!
Too funny
Aunt Leslie and Georgina
Ava's best buddy Mimi
It was a bit chilly so some warmed up by the fire...
We had over40 people so I'm glad the rain mostly held out!
Family and Friends...
Sofia and Baby Gracie...I cannot believe she is sitting up already!
Going for a swing...

She is too funny with all of these poses!
Watching the flag wave...
Oh the "Ava look"
Ava's new scooter which she got for staying in her big girl bed
Testing out her new pool
Finally...warm weather to enjoy the yard!
On the way to daycare...she is always so tired in the morning...
Okay, this child has never had a dance lesson but you would not know it!
She will begin ballet in the fall

Ava walking her bunny
Ava is full of stain...she really helped me with staining in the yard
No more crib!
She looks so little
We are past two weeks without a problem...go Ava!

We are so ready for the summer! I have 10 days of school left--yippee!!!! We had a Memorial Day BBQ and it was great. Lots of family and friends. We enjoyed the weekend with two other parties at our friends home and the parade. Ava was all decked out in her American gear...she will soon be in her Guatemalan wear for her 2nd Gotcha Day. We will honor both countries of course.

Ava is doing great--chatting away, showing her independence and pushing every button possible! Perfectly two.

We have so much fun stuff coming up so let the summer begin!

Mother's Day and recent pictures...

2009-05-11T07:18:00.001-07:00

Katie is very smart to get on Ava's head...she is not always so kind to her!
Austin
Dylan
Grumpy looking bunch in this shot! LOL...Aunt Kim, Uncle Rob, cousins Diane and Danny, Grandma and Sarah
Blowing out Birthday Candles with Sarah

Riding around on her Dora tricycle
Taking a break with Aunt Kim
Ava absolutely loves her cousins Dylan and Austin
I try to get a good shot and my little monkey sticks her tongue out!
I try to forget she is sitting in my garden and focus on her cuteness!
All of these totally posed shots were all Ava! She hates the camera unless I say to model and then she does this. I have never taught this to her...who knows where she got it from!

I love this one!
It is finally looking like spring in our yard!
Uncle Rob, Aunt Kim and cousin Danny

My new desktop photo, too cute...
Gran, Aunt Melissa and Aunt Amy
Pop-pop, Eric and Uncle Ed
Trying to pretend that it wasn't cold out!

She did not want her picture taken and right after she reached in her water bucket and smeared it on my leg!
Grandma taking care of the cleaning--thanks mom!

The king of the household taking a nap with the Yo-Gabba-Gabba gang

Ava got a new bed and I need to take down her crib but it makes me so sad!
I made her take pictures in it before I disassemble it
Ava took this picture of me taking a picture of her...pretty impressive for a two year old
Another shot for Ava to be mortified by...I came in and she emptied the entire roll of paper and then said there was not any more left!

I went shopping and when I came back Ava was all done up! Yikes...reminds me of those scary pageant tikes!
and then the princess fell asleep
This is Katie who is so needy she always wants to be with us...she was hanging out in the window so she could see us on the deck

This is not a great picture but look how old she appears...
Ava insisted on wearing my pjs...
of course she kept losing her pants!

Ava potato head!
This is the most I have blogged in a long time! Mother's day was nice although a bit cold. I was happy to finally be able to have people sit around our chiminea though. We had a good day and Ava had a blast with her cousins. She likes when we have "parties". She did not take a nap and fell asleep around 5:45. I thought she would be up all night but she slept until this morning. Poor little monkey was all worn out.

So we are taking down Ava's crib and putting in a twin size bed...sad. I do not like the idea that she is getting so old! I know I have to do it though so she can sleep better.

School is almost over! I cannot wait to stay home with Ava everyday.

More pictures...

2009-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ava admiring the flowers she helped plant

Ava uses the fountain to wash off her toys...whatever works!
Being silly for the camera...
A new pair of converse...
Welcome Baby Mason....Ava wanted to take him home!
Congrats to our friends on their new arrival...look how sweet Ava is touching his head...
and this is when she has had it with the camera!
this is Ava's supergirl pose...not even sure where it came from!
Mommy and Ava at the prom
Ava shaking her "oove" thing...she sings shake your oove thing instead of groove...so funny
showing off her moves
she was actually bending over putting her butt in the air and shaking it! Scary....
The older kids did not intimidate her!
I love this shot of her from behind
Not so cooperative...
downright mad!
flirty with the camera
full attitude shot!

Mixed Pix

2009-04-15T18:54:00.001-07:00

zonked out on the way home from "Dora Live"
Ava and her best friend Naffi showing off their souvenirs

Nothing fun about two pre-schoolers in NYC in the rain...with umbrellas
All excited on the way to the show

Ava at the Habitat for Humanity Walk....
Asleep 15 minutes into the walk....

It was way too hot for this walk but it was a good cause!

She surprisingly stayed in her stroller a lot longer than usual!

This is Ava who took the stage at a local restaurant--dancing all by herself!

Ava in her Easter Dress...look at her dimples which have appeared since her cheeks have gone down some

My little Diva wearing my lipstick which she applied by herself quite neatly I might add!

Little Miss Hollywood

Ava and her light up fairy wings which comes with a microphone...she likes to entertain

This is the "I am going to do something bad" look

She insisted we were going to buy this dress--I am sure it was because of the tutu

Things are hopping around our home lately! We saw Dora Live in NY and Ava loved it. Her daycare provider wanted to bring her so we all went...it was fun. My poor little bean has been sick for over 4 weeks. First it was an ear infection and pink eye in both eyes. Then one night we ended up in the ER because she couldn't breathe, stuff was blocking her ability to get air in! Scary evening that I do not want to relive. Now she has been coughing so hard in her sleep that she vomits so I'm constantly worried she will choke again. We went back to the doctor who said she has another ear infection and gave her stronger meds and something to keep her asleep. I have felt so bad for her--she lost 3 lbs. but it gaining it back.

Easter was nice and she looked so cute. I don't have more than one picture though because I got a new fancy Nikon and blogger will not accept the pictures! Anyone know how to fix this?

We went to the prom on Friday and Ava boogied on down with the big kids. I'll post pix later. Last weekend we were out at a restaurant where the kids play in this giant sand area and the parents can actually talk and eat. Well at one point I couldn't find her--heart attack moment-yet I knew she could not escape or get by me. So I start to walk around only to find Ava on the stage dancing in front of a lot of people all by herself happy as can be. The woman next to me said "Brittney Spears is nervous". She is such a performer. Lately she sings into the mirror making up dance routines that she teaches me. I apparently never do it right! LOL.

Ava is getting so big. She talks in real sentences and makes sense! It's amazing. I have to say that 2 is my favorite age so far. She continues to be my snuggly bug. She constantly offers words of wisdom like "mommy, don't put poopies in your mouth". Yikes! She will tell me to be careful when I am going to work, it's so cute. She hugs me and says "your my best friend mommy"...that is until she gets to her peers and then I get bumped out of first position. She was sitting in her car seat this morning watching the wiggles and she said to me "mommy I need to get out, I cannot shake my hips when I sit". LOL. At almost two years since her homecoming there are still those emotional moments that take me by surprise that she is actually here and is my child. I am so lucky to have her in my life.

I'm going out of town to Washington D.C. for a couple of days. I hope she is well when I'm away! Not that I am much good--I absolutely panic when I think she is in true distress!

I've been a slacker...again!

2009-03-17T08:33:00.001-07:00

Ava is resistant to giving me any smiles these days once the camera comes out!

Potty training now consists of needing books and then she kicks me out, which I am glad for! On February 18th, Tricia and Jamison came to visit!

We have not seen each other in two years...since our kids were little peanuts in Guatemala

Eating breakfast...

A day at "Jumping Jakes" where Kristen and Bianca joined us! 3 of our gifts together

Bianca & Jamison playing videos games

Eating "chocolate icey pops" which Ava asks me to make warm!

Chilling out watching some Wiggles...lots of Wiggles actually!

Bath time! They were so cute together...both of them scream like you are pouring acid on their heads when you put shampoo on them

Cutest little duckies ever!

One happy duckling...and one not so much! This is Ava's mad face

Visiting Grandma and Toby....poor dog dealing with two toddlers and a leprachaun hat!

Miss Cheesey....when she wants to be

All bundled up in NYC

We ate at Mars in Manhattan...it was definitely different

How handsome is this boy?!

They loved jumping on the bed

Visiting Orange County Choppers

This is the "I'm about to sob if you don't put that camera away" look

Running all over the mall

Bribery pops to keep them in their strollers, clearly as evidenced by the above picture, it didn't work! It just revved them up

More "tubby" as Jamison calls it

Tricia and Jamison contemplating dinner choices

Valentine's Day

She looks even older :( with her hair up!

Ava and the other man in her life, Ben. They had their own little dining experience for Valentine's Day

Notice the little finger that was pointed at me seconds later saying "no pictures"

Things as usual have been crazy busy! Ava continues to be her funny little self, independent self I should say. Everything is "I do it myself". She is so entertaining and helpful too. She loves to help cook dinner and to clean. We finally got outside for a full day and she loved it. She threw dirt on me and said "I told you you were dirty". That's a new phrase, "I told you". It's not in a mean way, it's so cute. I think she gets it because when I pick her up from daycare I'll say "I told you mommy was coming back". So everything now is "I told you". She has been very clingy lately. She says "I want you" and it breaks my heart when I have to leave her. When I come back from working in my home office she will say "mommy I lost you". She is old enough now to know when I'm leaving for work and she will literally wrap her legs around my waist and beg me not to go. I am getting used to it but it is not fun. She is in full mommy mode. I try to enjoy it now before the years come that she wants nothing to do with me!

She enjoys playing with her image in the mirror. She dances and sings and finds herself quite funny. Last night she was singing "shake your groove thing" and she was! She loves make up and nail polish. One night several of us let her do our make up. It was so funny. We looked like some rejects from clown college although she said we looked "beautiful". She is obsessed with polishing her toe nails and finger nails...and tattoo's. She wants them on her stomach all the time. Today she went off to daycare with a mermaid adorning her belly button.

Ava's little attitude is so apparent. I have to look away to not laugh sometimes. She rolls her eyes, stamps her foot and yells "not me" whenever I tell her no or something she doesn't like. That whole time out thing, she is not getting it! She doesn't care. On a positive note she is quick to apologize. She has learned the fine art of manipulation too. One day at daycare she wanted what her babysitter was eating. So she turned to her and gave her a hug and said "you're my favorite". I am in for it with this one! She also is beginning to tell stories and have lengthy conversations. It's just so fun. Her dolls are now engaged in conversations too that are so cute to watch.

Tricia and Jamison came to visit and it was so fun. We met on our visit trip in Feb. of 2007. To watch the kids together was so amazing. After all the frustration that we shared trying to get them home it was so special to actually watch them play in person years later. We miss them! I also realize that having twins much be interesting! It was a nice change to have a boy in the house. There were some toddler wars but for the most part they did great. Ava kept calling him "boy". She would say "the boy is awake", "the boy is crying". Now she points to where his carseat was and says "the boy went bye bye".

I love 2 1/2. It's a great age. I cannot wait until summer so we can spend all day together.

p.s.--I am well aware that she will not be happy about the potty picture one day but I couldn't help it!

Catching up...lots of pictures!

2009-02-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

I am so jealous of this girls hair!
Ava's valentine's cards
Lots of Ava hands...
messy but fun!

silly girl!
Opening presents from Aunt Jenn, Uncle Kevan and Kaylie
She was so excited...

Ava's first real Barbie

Future librarian! She is wearing my shoes
2 different ones though
Ava, so excited about her card from Aunt Kim, Uncle Rob
and Dylan and Austin
Introducing Max! Our new lop bunny. Clearly he endures
a lot living with a toddler

You cannot see it in this picture, not only is she in her undies but she has black mary janes on!
Ava loves her bunny
Max watching Ava play with her legos
He is such a cute little fella
This is the day I returned home from 4 days in Phillie
Ava surprised me with flowers and a picture
loving on her Max

Ava is very into the Princess world...thanks Kaylie for the hand me downs!
How sweet is this picture!

Ava and cousin Kaylie sharing some Chinese food
Ava--decorating herself with stickers
Ava with her "raff"
Princess nightgown....
She just cracks me up...

"Hold everything"
Ava's new dress from Aunt Leslie..it's for spring but she insisted on putting it on

Ava is obsessed with pjs so I dress her and have to put them back on over her clothes just to get her to daycare in the morning

Adjusting to the snowy weather we have had
Ava's first attempt at snow angels

Happy 2nd Metcha Day!

2009-01-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, February 1st, 2007, we boarded a plane to finally hold and touch this face!
February 2nd, 2007....our first moments. I can still feel the weight of her in the carrier when I look at this picture
Grandpa and his girl, he loved her so much that it was amazing to witness

The first time I ever had her in my arms...I was so overwhelmed
Blanca had her dressed so sweet...she made her outfit

Sarah, now referred to as "Za-Za" and her little monkey
Grandpa comforting Ava
I loved every moment of the visit trip despite the tears that flowed when it was over

From this trip on the wait to hold this baby again was agonizing
My sweet smiley baby!

I remember it so well! My dad, Sarah and I boarded an early morning plane and we were off. My mom was sad that she could not come but a severe fear of flying kept her back. I was so nervous and so excited at the same time. We got to Guatemala on a Thursday and with our agency you travel by group so all of our babies would arrive on Friday morning. I met my daughter for the first time on the street corner! Blanca, her foster mother, was lost and I saw her from my hotel room and I ran out to greet her. I will never forget her pulling back the blanket to finally reveal my daughter's face to me in the flesh versus a picture. And there she was, full head of hair beautiful as can be!

This year's Metcha Day is very bittersweet for me. With my dad's recent passing anything related to Ava's adoption is very painful. He was part of of every step and it's just too hard for me right now. I know that in time the fact that he was with me will be a blessing and a gift but now it's just sad.

P.S.--Happy Metcha Day to Jamison's family too! They are coming to visit in two and a half weeks and we haven't seen each other since this trip. We cannot wait!

Ava happenings...

2009-01-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ava is totally obsessed with "Yo Gabba Gabba", we now have all the little critters and she wants them in her jammies
My little elephant at Lauryn's birthday party
This picture just cracks me up
Ava loves costumes so this birthday party was a hit
onto being Tigger...
So cute
My little sweet tooth enjoying birthday cake
Ava and the birthday girl, Happy 2nd Birthday Lauryn!
Balloon chasing...always fun until they pop!
My girl sure loves shoes...especially boots!

Wearing a fudge pop...she calls them "icey chocolate pops"
"all done"
Ava loves her new drum set, she plays them whenever people play guitar hero
she shakes her head to the music and she turns to me and says "momma, do your head"

Ava is doing so much these days! She is definitely a little girl and not a baby. We are almost done potty training--during the day is easy. The sleeping hours are the next challenge. Ava pretty much potty trained herself in one day. We had a snow day so I kept her without a diaper and she just got it. She likes all of her character underwear so she remembers to "not pee pee on Dora". Number two took about a week for her to get comfortable with. You know your kid sees you take too many pictures when she looks at her poopies in the potty and says "mommy take a picture!". Don't worry, I didn't!

She continues to talk up a storm. She learns things in daycare that while are amusing to hear are not great. Her new one is to tell me "it's not funny" to everything even when no one is laughing. She crossed her arms the other day and said "not fair". She got mad at me one day and said something in what we call her hexing voice and it ended in a loud "ever and ever and ever!". Pretend play is big, she takes all of the yo gabba gabba guys and has them talk to each other. Each time we got a new one she would run in the house to show them their "friends" We couldn't find Muno in any local Targets so I told her we would buy him. Thank goodness for e-bay. She was so excited to get him in the mail. Everyday she would say "muno, I want to buy him". I splurged on some yo gabba gabba undies...keep the motivation alive!

I can say pretty much that Ava is finally sleeping through the night. She is attempting to give up nap time so we are locking horns on this one. I love how much she can understand now too. She quickly says "I'm sorry" when she knows she was not being nice. The only problem is she says it for things she doesn't need to. If I drop something, she says "I'm sorry momma". If I say I'm tired, same thing. I'm sure she will get it. The funniest thing to me is how honest she is because she doesn't know better yet! If she gets a time-out I'll ask her what happened and she will tell me blow by blow "I took toy from Danielle, she took it so I hit her and she cried" with an imitation of this poor toddler crying. If something is a mess on the floor she says "Ava did it". If I call her my baby she says "No, I Ava". She finally likes to be called a big girl and remains super independent. One night I was busy and she wanted her pjs on. I turn around she put them on, top , bottom and socks all by herself. I was very impressed!

Ava continues to be very social and friendly. I am so thankful for this. She loves talking on the phone and anything to do with music. She has been painting a lot too. The other night she painted her face, arms and hands and came running into the kitchen making monster sounds and gestures. Too funny! She makes me laugh every single day.

2009-01-21T17:23:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I know I've been a bad blogger...here are some belated holiday photos! Tanya after all of your harassment you better leave a comment! LOL

First Real haircut and Santa pictures...

2008-12-15T05:59:00.001-08:00

Getting ready...check out her fancy shoes with her Dora socks.
Despite the look on her face, she didn't fuss at all....
By the end she looked at me and said "I don't like it"

My big kid! I cannot believe how old she seems to me now.

Ava is obsessed with pjs...and shoes...and both together. These are are frog boots which she calls ducks, don't quite know why
Ava climbed in baby Grace's carseat and said "carry me"...not at almost 30 pounds!
Ava, Ben and the newest addition...baby Gracie.
Look how cute these two are...
Gracie is so beautiful and such an easy baby
Ava sporting some of her holiday wear
Her hair is still long but it's not so jungle book looking now!
Ava is back to cooperating with the camera but her newest thing is to strike little poses when she says cheese
We went to a local store where Santa pictures are actually free! So she sat on his lap for at least the 8th time!
Santa handed Ava a candy cane and she turned to him and said "I don't like it"
Ava's first shopping expedition with her own cart...very cute despite the fact that several people were almost taken out and it took quadruple the time!
when we got home there was a mysterious apple in our asparagus bag!
Ava was mimicking the carolers, it was very funny
She attempted to get me to purchase this penguin
another one of Ava's new photo poses, I think it's too cute!

Ava had her first professional haircut on Saturday. I kept putting it off for fear that they would cut it short. She marched right in and climbed into the seat without a problem. Afterwards I got my hair cut and she kept saying "mommy's turn". She saw me pick up some of her hair as it fell to the floor for her keepsake book so she attempted to hand me mine when it was my turn!

We have had a lot of holiday happenings lately. We got together with friends and Ava loved being with her buddy Ben and baby Gracie. She is on a baby kick. She does not get jealous anymore when I hold them but she always wants to hold them to. She is so sweet with Gracie, she kisses her head and rocks her. One day at church she gave her a bottle. My baby girl is growing too quickly! Speaking of church, Ava is going to be an angel in the Christmas pageant next Sunday. We will see how she does...my secret fear is that she will abduct baby Jesus! She is a bit possessive over dolls. Regardless, she will be one cute angel!

Thanksgiving Pictures...

2008-12-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Weekend
Eating her first full taco on her own

Ava loves dogs and loves to walk them. This is her cousin "Daisy" who took several days of abuse from a toddler. Poor thing!
On the beach in Cape May Point: As soon as we got there she said "shoes off". It amazes me how they remember things like that.
Digging in the sand with cousin Faith
Taking a little break....
and a little taunting for her silly hat!
Cousin Austin at Grandma's house....
One day I picked up Ava at daycare and she had these on, she is such a character
My little Wii girl! She thinks she is playing as long as you give her a paddle. Here she is with cousins Danielle and Morgan

Austin is so good to Ava, he always shares his toys...she loves him!

And she still loves to eat! Check out her tongue in this picture. Too funny!
She was mixing up come concoction...she does this often and it makes you nauseous to watch!
Dancing to Barney..."Elephant" is and has been a favorite of Avas
Playing Wii with cousin Kaylie. They were so cute together.
"skiing" with Sarah--Ava has got the ski stance down. Whenever I would crash, which was often, she would say "mama, big b00-boo, you need medicine?"
Ava and Kaylie excited again about the game
showing big cousin Tony how to ski jump
helping Dylan and Austin with their cow racing

I know I've been a slacker. Too much going on! Thanksgiving was different of course but we were all together and that was helpful. It's such a different feeling to go home now although I can feel my father's presence there really strongly. Ava continues to ask for him and when she sees his pictures there she walks around with them. It is so sweet and so painful all at the same time. We all got through the day not pointing out the obvious, we didn't need to. Christmas will be hard and if it weren't for Ava I'm not sure how much celebrating I would be up to. As a family we are all so glad to have kids that remind us that life keeps going. My dad always used to say that you have to go on because life is for the living. He said a lot of things that I find very helpful during this still surreal time.

After spending some time at my mom's house we headed to Cape May Point. Ava is such the little traveler although the car is still sometimes an issue. I finally got my car back, the same horrific week in October began with someone rear ending me pretty severely-my new car was a mess! Thank God Ava was not with me. She does far better in the mini-van with the dvd player than the small tin can rental I had for a month. She has never liked any kind of containment device.

Ava continues to amaze me everyday. She is so bright. She is fiercely independent which I think is great. She can pretty much get dressed by herself including her shoes. One night she wanted to put her pjs on and she kept putting the shirt on backwards. She would come to me when she was tangled but then insisted on starting it again until she got it right. It took her 45 minutes and she was so proud of herself. Every time she puts her shoes on she says "it fit me". When she likes something she will ask for "more again". It makes me laugh every time. She is obsessed with make up and if I don't hide mine it's all over! She sings all the time and has recently discovered microphones. She was singing into the mike, her abc's, and in the middle she stopped and said "it's loud". She then proceeded to sing "shake shake booty" while doing exactly that. I am in for it with this one!

Whenever Ava re-enters a room she puts her arms out and says "I back". So cute. She puts me to bed now, she pats my back, gives me a kiss and says night night momma. Of course putting her to sleep is not that simple! She is such a night owl--if I get her to sleep by 9:15 I'm thankful. She is into helping me cook and clean. She helped with the Christmas decorations but was really not impressed! I was a little bummed. She is, however, loving the chocolate advent calendar. She still loves Santa and visits him regularly. The other day she was carrying my CVS bag through the mall when she approached him. Before I knew it she reached in and handed him a package of razor blades! I was a bit embarrassed although realize it could have been worse! He just cracked up.

Life has been difficult lately and without this little cutie I would be lost. No matter what happens you cannot help but be happy when you get home and this little person wraps her arms around you and says "love you momma".

I finally got around to holiday cards, some of you getting cards done and sent before December 1st stressed me all out! If anyone wants one, please e-mail me addresses again.

Take care

October

2008-11-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

Ava putting together her potato head pumpkin--thanks Aunt Jenn!
At the pumpkin patch with Ben
Check out Ben's pose, how cute is he!
patiently waiting for the tractor ride
kissing her boyfriend good-bye
We went to a fall festival and Bob Bob was there, she loves him and I don't know why!
Her other passion, riding horses. She won't go on a carousel but the real one is fine
Ava was pretty convinced she could carry any pumpkin
Checking out her witch hat in the mirror...

My little Abby Cadabby
Trick or Treating--I cannot believe she is big enough to do this!
Out and about with the big kids!
Ava with her buddy Mia and friends
Ava was so cute, she would thank people for the candy so they would give her more!
She loved looking at other kids in costume, at one point there was a moment when she tried to rip her Abby dress off to be a dragon that she saw passing by
"Come on you all, we have plenty more houses to hit!"

Taking a break...
and we're off again...
Ava loves pumpkins
Starting to get the zone look, she was spent!
Second wind back at Mia's house, she loves this horse! Santa needs to make more $$$!
Too tired to walk
Ava did not want to take her costume off so we compromised--she kept the Abby doo
Out in a flash with Roby on the way home
lounging around with the pilgrims
Quite a sinister look in her "Mr. Potato Head" glasses!
Reading to our friend, Susan
"mom, don't make me wear this marshmallow fluff jacket!"
Ava with her fairy wings and skirt...a birthday present that she feels goes with everything!
If you look closely there is parmesan cheese all over her face! She eats it right out of a bowl
Ava's new obsession, yo gabba gabba, especially her Roby
one day she was talking to Roby and I heard her say "you my friend, I love you"

looking spiffy for Church!

Ava loved Halloween. She got to run around with her big friend Mia. She was so cute and it was so fun to do this with her. She did not really care much for the candy, she liked seeing people more.

My baby is so not a baby anymore! She is two and very much two...making mommy nuts at times. Doing what she is supposed to be doing I guess. She is so funny at times when she is being bossy that I have to hide the fact that I want to laugh out loud. She is definitely her own person! Her favorite thing to do is to put her little hands up to her mouth, bend at the waist and yell "no" over and over again. Or she won't like when you tell her no so she will calmly walk over and swat you. Or she will bite and snap into the air towards you if she doesn't like what you have to say...lovely! Now she is not always being this way--she has her sweet moments to that make all the above worth it. She is so in tune with people emotions for her age. It amazes me. She will point out people and tell me that they are sad or happy. If anyone says anything that she perceives to be distressing she says "Are you okay?". It is so sweet. If she thinks you are hurt she will say "You need medicine?" and she will put some on you (it's really hand cream!) and then she says "All better?" and she will kiss your boo-boos. She also constantly says "loves you". She is getting such a sense of humor. She often throws her head back in laughter and says "that's funny" or she'll gesture with her hands when I do something silly and she says "momma" as if I'm being totally ridiculous!

Ava did not walk until she was good and ready at almost 18 months old. Well the potty will be on her time too. I had started putting her on and keeping her busy, painting her nails, she painting mine, etc. and nothing. Then one day she announced she was going to go potty, she unzipped her sleeper and she did just that! It was on November 9th to be exact. She was so excited, she looked at me and put her hand to her ear and said "momma listen". She also when trying yells "come out pee-pees, hurry up". She has gone several times now. I don't push it, it is more following her lead.

We saw Santa the other day. I cannot believe he is out already! She loved him last year but I thought she would be scared this year. Nope, not her. She started yelling "ho ho ho" from the parking lot. When she saw him in the mall she literally ran to him yelling and waving. Even he was shocked! He asked her if she wanted to sit on his lap and she said yes. She grabbed his finger and walked with him, I wish I had my video camera. She sat on his lap and told him that she wanted toys and surprises. She skipped happily out of the mall showing off the coloring book that he gave her. A couple of days before he arrived she saw his seat and she sat down and said "I wait for ho ho". She is a character!

Ava is chatting away like crazy and singing too. Still the dancer and performer. She loves to make people laugh. I am always thankful for her but in the recent sadness in our family she brings such happiness and I am even more thankful for her . She is so opposite of grief and death, she is so much life! She asks for Grandpa and looks at his pictures. It always breaks my heart when she calls for him but at the same time I am so glad she has a memory of him. It is hard for me right now to look at pictures but I do it with Ava because I don't want her to ever forget him. I have to believe that he can see her even though she cannot see him.

In memory of my father

2008-10-27T07:00:00.001-07:00

June 2008

August 2008
August 2008
Ava's 2nd Birthday Party
Sharing an ice cream cone on Ava's 1st Birthday
Embassy Day, July 2007
July 2007

Pick up trip

Visit Trip, February 2007
Watching the Super Bowl, Feb. 2007

My father, Bob, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, October 18th. He was a crucial part of all of our lives and we are shocked and deeply saddened. He was 68 years old. He and my mom have been together since she was 13.

There was not a prouder husband, father or grandfather in this world. I am thankful that he joined me on my journey to visit Ava and then to bring her home. He beamed when he was with her. He would just stare at her and smile always saying "This one is so special". One of the hardest parts is knowing the great man that she will not get to know in life--she will know him though. I promise that.

I have received numerous calls, e-mails, etc. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. I would really appreciate it if those of you who knew him would leave a message on Ava's blog for her about her grandpa that she could read when she is older. He was a huge advocate for adoption. We asked for donations to global orphan team in lieu of flowers.

Please say a prayer for my dad and my family.

Love,
Donna

Mega-Picture Post!

2008-10-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is my funny face!

I love shoes and slippers, these are my new giraffes...

These are my mommies shoes, I love them! I put them on in the store and hid under the table because I did not want to give them back. Now I cook in them...

Mommy says I walk better in them than she does....
These are my Dorothy shoes that Grandma gave me. I wear them with everything...

This is my Abby costume which I need to wear whenever I see it! I thought my giraffes gave it a nice touch...
And my favorite thing to wear...jammies! Some mornings I refuse to take them off...

Me and my birdies...I cry whenever they fly off of me. I just don't get why they leave after I hug them so tightly that their feathers come out!

I have a lot of Abbys! They are all over the place

See...this one even talks to me

I do some of my best art in my diaper...mommy doesn't like it when I color the walls though
Me and my buddy Ben jamming on our guitars (mommy says we make a huge mess)
This is my new coat that I just had to have! I wore it for my dinner date with Ben
Ben played the keyboard when I performed on my zebra
PJ time! We are so cute together, don't you think?
Taking a break from destroying the house...
One night I discovered where all these stuffed toys live and set them all free...
and there were lots of them!
My new trick...wearing my bloomers on my head...

here I am!

and there I go, down the hall running away from mommy so she couldn't take them off my head

Admiring my new tatoo...I love to have at least 4 on per day
Why do you always take my picture?
My new game...riding on my books...
Brushing time...check out this outfit...overalls with a nightgown on top. I chose my own outfit this day...
That's all....

I know, long time no post! We have been busy as usual. Ava is so funny now that she talks. One of my new favorites is da-ta (ta-da), whenever she wants to show you something she yells it. She also cannot say the w-i sound. So we are in Lowes and she asks what the witch was. I said "That's a witch" to which Ava yells "Hi Bitch". Now if you know Ava, you know that she is loud! So it was quite attention getting. On the way out she was yelling "Bye _itch" and everyone was cracking up. Now we have decorated for Halloween so it has become a household word. It's innocent enough since she is not using the actual word. I had to warn her day care provider now that they are beginning to read Halloween books. She says so many things now. If I drop something or stub my toe she comes running over and says "Are you okay momma". It's too cute. She is also obsessed with medicine. She drops a block on her foot and says "I need medicine". So I give her hand lotion on a cotton ball and she is satisfied. When I was vacuuming one day she came running over covering her ears yelling "momma, too loud, okay?". Sometimes I call her the little tyrant! She has become my little helper with everything, laundry, cooking, etc...unfortunately she also has become the interior decorator! She has colored the walls and kitchen cabinets with crayon, thank God for the magic eraser. She got a pen (my fault for leaving it out) and drew all over my couch. That is bad but I'll just flip the cushions for special occasions!

Ava continues to dance and sing up a storm. She was at daycare one morning eating breakfast and apparently began singing "shake, shake your bootie". I have no idea where she learned that! I think it's funny. We were shopping and she stopped in the dressing room in front of the 3-way mirror and she started posing. I was in shock, where did she get that from? Answer, daycare! She said they "model" all the time. The "fur" coat she is wearing was all her. We were in Macy's and she saw it and kept saying "on". Then she refused to take it off! I don't typically cave but she has gift cards so we got it. She wore it in the mall despite the fact that it was hot as heck. I don't particularly like the coat but she does and so it begins...She just cracks me up every single day! If she gets mad at me she yells "stay momma" and often tells me "don't touch" to anything that is hers. She does this new thing now where she chomps her teeth like she is biting the air when I tell her no. Don't know where that came from either!

I am going out of town for a week without Ava :{. It is very hard but she will be in good hands with friends and family. It makes me sad but I think it's healthy too to have some adult time! So I won't be at Guatoberfest, I'll be in the Mexican Riviera. I hope it goes well for all the families going, it was great last year!

Take care!

Party Pictures

2008-09-08T09:43:00.001-07:00

Everyone just relaxing, the weather was beautiful!

Some of our family..

The birthday girl on her way outside, she was asleep at the beginningAva in her Abby Costume loving it!

snow cones and popcorn, who needed real food! A huge thank you to Marcy and Mystery who worked the machine and helped with countless other things yesterday!

Ava chatting with Kaylie and Aunt Jenn

Peter and Amanda in the sandbox

Opening presents, she loved the chair she got that she is sitting in

The new toddler ATV from Grandma and Grandpa

Miss Thing in her new shades
How cool are these Elmo cupcakes? Mia and Tanya made them...

Ava clapped as everyone was singing to her

A little pool time

Pinata time...

Grandma, Grandpa and their grandchildren

She pushes this with her feet, the button scares her for right now

After the party, the princess lounged in her new chair...not nearly as exhausted as mommy!
We had a great day for Ava's party. It was supposed to be on Saturday but with all the reports of rain we moved it to Sunday. Thank goodness, it would have been a mess otherwise. I woke up Ava really early so she would nap before her party and it worked. She went to bed and the backyard was normal and then she woke up and there was everyone she knows and balloons, etc. poor little thing was so confused.

Ava was not into opening presents, I'm sure next year will be a different story. She was quite content with her popcorn and snow cones. I was impressed that she allowed so many little kids to play with her things. It's not usually how she rolls!

It was so nice for so many people to celebrate with us! Tomorrow is Ava's 2 year check up. At 18 months she was 23 lbs, we'll see where she is now...

It was two years ago today that I got my referral call about Ava.

Birthday Pictures

2008-09-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

Ava, September 3, 2006

Ava, September 3rd, 2007

and September 3rd, 2008

Poor Ava was forced to wake up and get moving and mommy insisted on taking pictures

She quickly became excited when she got to put on her hat, all week she wanted to wear it. She went into daycare with it on

Ava putting her fingers in her ears, refusing to buy into this "big girl" stuff

I love her expression in this picture...

Ava's birthday party at daycare

Mesmerized by the candles....

Each time she heard about cupcakes, she would go "mmmmm"

"Do I have anything on my face?"

The daycare crew...they made her a card with all the handprintsWhen Ava got home she got her birthday surprises

Guess what she liked best? The balloons!

Opening up her kitchen...

Back to the balloons...boy I could have saved a lot of $$

Opening presents from Mia (aka Mimi)
Swinging at the park, she would stay in this swing all day if she were allowed to

Round and round with Mimi

Yummy, ice-cream at DQ

Anyone who follows this blog may remember her first cone on her birthday last year, she was a mess! Now she's pretty neat...
We had a great day with Ava. She doesn't quite now what her birthday means but she knew something was special about the day. She helped me bake cupcakes for daycare and we would sing "Happy Birthday" so as soon as I walked into daycare at pick up with the cupcakes she yelled out "Happy". So cute! She wore her hat all day. She truly liked the balloons better than her present but I think she will grow into it. If nothing else, the kitchen matches my living room and dining room! Finally a toy that is not in bright primary colors...

It was so fun to watch Ava have her little daycare buddies celebrating her birthday. Then Ava's idol Mia came over. The only way I got her to leave daycare was to tell her that her mimi was coming over! We went to the park and they had a McDonald's picnic. Then we went to DQ for dessert.

We're having a small little party on Sunday for her. I'll post pictures afterwards.

I cannot believe I have a two year old!

Sesame Place and other random pix

2008-09-01T18:20:00.001-07:00

Waiting for the parade to start with this huge Abby Cadabby Balloon

Dancing to the music!

Ava loved the parade and shows the best

No fear of the characters, we saw them all numerous times and all Ava would do was hug them and give high 5s

No lollipop could ever be too big

Very messy!

Ava and Ben taking a rest

Days end at Sesame Place--two toddlers out cold

nap time

watching a DVD since it rained a lot

strolling down sesame place

Off we go!

skee ball...she just liked to hand the balls to whomever was playing

Ava hit the jackpot twice on this game and won hundreds of tickets

which got her a giant fish--yet another stuffed animal!

bubble bath fun

Avoiding having to get dressed!

Aunt Jenn and cousin Kaylie

Ava was too quiet too long....

Two cans of coffee and breadcrumbs....she was creative though

The EAC picnic in NY

Alone again...this time with sharpie markers!

chunka munka art!

Pool time fun!

a preview of Abby Cadabby

At the county fair...I bought Ava this hat for the winter but she insisted on wearing it despite the heat!

Petting the bunny at the fair

and the goat which she loved

We went to Sesame Place with good friends of ours. We had a great time. Ava did not like any rides but loved the shows and characters. We also saw the Wiggles which was great. She was amazed when they came on stage, it was too cute. We also had the adoption agencies local reunion. Moving, moving, moving...all the time.

Things remain hectic. I'm back at work and Ava is adjusting to full time daycare. She is a little more clingy but she seems to love it there. All is well though and Ava is getting so big! She will be 2 tomorrow and I cannot believe it. She is chatting up a storm and it always takes me by surprise. Her favorite things to say are "I want to see" and "I want tea". She is starting to gesture with her hands and is definitely her own little person. She is definitely going on 2--everything is "mine" and "no". She is still so affectionate and sweet though. Ava is really starting to play with her dolls. I catch her kissing them and rocking them. She also likes to hide...not always fun for mommy.

She is really into Abby Cadabby which is the theme of her upcoming birthday party. She keeps telling everyone that she is going to be 2. I tell her she is a big girl and she insists she is a baby. It's hysterical. I say big girl and she yells baby! Two years ago I had no idea she was about to enter the world and now I cannot imagine a second without her in it.

We are starting potty training this week....yikes, not looking forward to that!

Vacation fun

2008-08-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

sunset at cape may point
my little preppy girl!
only appropriate to wear your sailor dress on the beach

straight up cream cheese for Ava, the bread is optional
I love this smile
my girl is obsessed with shoes, she loves all the play heels and I have to say she walks quite well in them

dancing with Aunt Melissa and Emily
shopping in Cape May

the 80's chicks!
Ava loved these girls. The little one was so cute and told her mother that Ava looked like them
ava with her new friends, Michelle and Iris
getting on sunblock for the beach

this is the "no" face that I get when I take out the camera
every once in a while she will throw me a bone and cooperate!
my little beach baby
visiting Cousin Emily
looking quite trendy in her orange crocs
my little rock band girl

this will be her look when she is a famous drummer!

Ava on the beach, jumping all over the place
this is "eek eek", her buddy

all of the sailor pix are from a professional photo shoot on the beach. Ava was so good and the photographers pix came great, I cannot wait to get them!

We had a great vacation! Ava was so good except for the car ride down...I won't even go into that nightmare. Even the DVD player wasn't helping! She still is not fond of the ocean itself and thinks the sand is "snow". She would walk with me near the water and then when we got to close she would say "bye momma" and run to the blanket...she doesn't like the beach, shopping or amusement park rides...so not like her momma!

Ava continues to be very social which is great. If there are kids anywhere we go she runs off to play with them. It is so cute. At one point I turned around at the beach to see Ava in the middle of a circle of much older girls and teens and she was shaking her little booty! Then we were in the supermarket and she was dancing and the next thing you know another customer joined in, a Grandma type. It was sweet. She has loved music classes so much that I may need to give up my Saturday mornings once I go back to work so she can continue.

Ava went to her first movie--Mamma Mia--she was too funny. She was great through the whole thing. She danced in the aisle to every song and when they were over she would say "more". Now we listen to the soundtrack and she dances all around.We are off to Sesame Place for a couple of days. I think she will love it and her buddy Ben is coming too which will make it even better. Then the weekend after is the Wiggles. Before you know it I'll be going back to school.Ava continues to talk up a storm. My new favorite lines are A)When I say "where did the squirrel go?" and she goes "up in the tree" with the cutest little voice and the all time best one B)When I say "I love you" she says "loves you"! Nothing better than that...

We are out of here!

2008-07-25T14:03:00.001-07:00

Toby came to visit for a week

Grandma got this dress for Ava in the Amish Country
Ava thinks Toby is a horse!

Doesn't everyone wear their swimmies on their head?!

Ava's first pony ride, this girl had no fear at all yet she is petrified on the carousel!

She loves all animals

We're headed out of town for vacation at the beach! Thankfully Ava is much better in the car now since we have a long ride ahead of us. We got a new car today which has a DVD player, this of course helps too. Ava was so confused when I picked her up today in a different car with a new car seat, her old one made me crazy. It had so much padding it would push her off the seat and she could never sleep in it.

We have been busy as ever. The pictures above are from a local little zoo, she loved it. Toby, Grandma and Grandpa's dog, came to visit and she gets sad when he leaves. They shared several meals. I would hear Ava open the snack drawer and say "look woof woof, yum..." She also goes around saying "no no no woof woof" because it steals her food right out of her hands. We have been going to a music class called "musical munchkins" and it has been a lot of fun. She joined right in without hesitation. It amazes me how quickly she catches onto things. We also went to a tumbling class and her favorite was the balance beam. She also liked falling off onto the mats and would do it on purpose.

Ava is talking up a storm all of a sudden, she has about 70 words down and makes up short sentences. Sometimes it is so funny to hear her. I picked her up from the babysitter one day and she said "momma home juice snack lala" which translates to take me home and give me juice, popcorn and put Sesame Street on. She calls all cups "babas" so she will tell me "momma, juice in the baba". Too cute! She is so feisty, she says no and she is not kidding! 2 is so coming and it is not going to be pretty! She will stand her ground though and I see this as a good thing.

We have some fun stuff coming up even after vacation--a trip to Sesame Place and floor seats to the Wiggles! I cannot believe how much money we spent to go and see these people but to watch Ava makes it worth it!