FIRST CROCS

2 weeks ago I tried Ava in her first pair of crocs. I think I bought them before she was born. They are 12-18 month size, so they fit now. She'd only ever walked barefoot or in Robeez, and I thought for sure she'd be tripping all over herself at first. This particular day we were playing outside and Ava really wanted to play and walk on the gravel/rock drive. So I thought it was time to bring out the crocs! She took off immediately like a pro and wasn't in the least phased, and happily walked all over the rocks!

I still can't believe Ava is one! But last week I finally took her in for her 12 month well check and (yikes!) shots! She weighed in at 22.4# and 29.75 inches long! (I thought she'd be heavier!) She did really well, and only cried when Dr. Acevedo (LOVE HIM!) looked in her ears/mouth. I remember Rylan used to scream from the time he sat on the scale until we left the building! Unfortunately Ava still has a heart murmur, so we will have to still f/u with the cardiologist in November. But obviously, it is not stopping her one bit! She cried during her FIVE shots, but got over it quick and slept a lot the rest of the day!

Silly, Funny, Whiny, Happy, Big Brother

So, too many posts lately have just been about Ava, so here's a much needed update on my sweet boy, Rylan! This 3 year old is growing up! He's still a very sensitive heart, and often whines too much (which he gets from his dad, of course!), but he is so imaginative, creative, and a wonderful big brother! Just today the three of us took a walk with the double stroller (yes, I've finally started exercising again!) and Ava was fussing a bit at first. Rylan was sitting behind her and says, "It's ok, baby girl, I'm right behind you. I'm not going away." She calmed down and we had a great walk! Later in the car waiting for my mom so we could go to Bible study, Rylan says "Where's Popo?" "She's coming," I answer. "Ok," says Ry, "I'm just hanging out!"
The photos show Rylan trying on my mom's glasses, making "cupcakes" out of the snacks in the diaper bag (entirely his own creation, up to the candles and singing "Happy birthday" to me), creative mopping, on a bridge in Chinatown, snuggling with Grandma Magaret and "fishing" in a large puddle in our front yard.

NWGA FAIR

Never Say Never, this was a post on my friend Lisa's blog, and now it applies to me. I never thought I would put my kid in a beauty pageant, but the girls at work whittled me down. And even despite the $50 fee which offended me, I still did it. And it was agony! First of all, it started at 7pm, which is Ava's normal bedtime. So I tried to battle her restlessness with snacks and getting her dressed at the last minute. I do not like those frilly pageant dresses so I decided to put her in her Chinese outfit, she'd at least be unique. Being backstage for 20 minutes prior to going on was so rough, finding myself battling to keep her clothes buttoned, hat on, and stop her from picking up dirt, paper or bugs off the floor. Finally we lined up to go out as a group, and then paraded out. I noticed many of the other kids sitting very still and content with their moms. Not Ava, she has a mind and will of her own. I had to flick a bug off the stage before she grabbed it to put it in her mouth. We filed off and then lined up again for individual rounds. When we finally got out Ava turned shy at first, burying her head into my leg, but then we walked around ok. I even saw some smiles on the camera. In any case, who knows what the judges are looking for because despite only 12 kids, 4 runners-up and one winner were chosen along with most photogenic and 3 other categories that you could pay even more to enter ($10 a piece for best hair - I laughed - best eyes and best smile) ----- Ava got NOTHIN'!!! Nada!!!! Nyet!!!! Now, I know all mom's think their kid is the best/cutest, whatever, but hey now -- Ava is gorgeous! Oh, well, live and learn! Either they were predjudiced against Asians or didn't approve of a girl wearin' pants to a pageant! SHOWBIZ IS CUTTHROAT!
I must say (sorry I'm rambling) that despite all this silliness, I had the most supportive husband throughout! He took Rylan on some rides at the fair while we waited, and sat through the whole show! Rylan had fun except a few rides which were dubbed "too much fun" when they were scary!
Enjoy the photos!

Ava's 1st Birthday/Housewarming!

YEA! We survived! I am now on the other side of this party! We had a great but CRAZY weekend wit the Brooks, Kuzmas and my in-laws, and then about 60 people for the party on Sunday! Thanks to everyone for pulling together and helping me get everything clean and organized for the big event! Ava did really well with so many new people around, especially since she's had some big time stranger anxiety lately! The cakes were awesome, and we surprised my mom for her birthday on th 10th as well! Ava loved the cake part, as did Rylan, who blew out the candle for her and begged for pink polka dots, but he also was so sweet and fed them to her as well! As a wonderful bonus, the pastors came over and anointed our home towards the end -- as we want it to be a place where Jesus reigns and dwells! Enjoy the slide show -- it's LONG!