White Christmas (Eve) Stroll

Well, this morning we were hoping to depart for Chicago to spend Christmas with Chris' family and friends. Nature however, had other plans in store. In the past 24 hours we've had approximately 8 inches of snow, which made traversing the Iowa and Illinois landscape pretty near impossible in our Corolla, especially with Ava. So today we were stuck at home, waiting for the snow to clear, drinking plenty of coffee and hot cocoa mixtures (we had no food in the fridge). While we would have rather been in Chicago to share in the holiday festivities with everyone else, it wasn't all bad being stuck at home for our first major snowfall. The snow was beautiful, and made for some nice photos, as Chris decided to head down to the river for a hike.

We're looking forward to next winter when Ava will be able to play in the snow a little more, right now we're trying to get her to take more than one or two steps on her own without plopping back to the floor, or looking backwards for our guidance. Merry Christmas to everyone who happens to check this blog (all 5 of you), here's to hoping that your travel itineraries worked out better than ours.

"Green" X-Mas Tree

Wrapped with Grandpa

"Christmas Lights"

Of course we're Coldplay fans, duh. . . but this song is definitely one of the better releases in recent memory in the Christmas genre. Not a bad video either.

Ava's hair continues to lighten

Hard to believe at one point that Ava's hair was as dark as Chris' . . . not the case any longer!

Just Shy of 11 Months

Ava Does Thanksgiving

What should I make for Thanksgiving? . . . salad with chocolate syrup . . . that's about all I can reach!

That turkey dinner sure was good, but they never served my special salad!

Sultry Ava

Drool Me A River

Ava Goes to the Dentist

Yesterday Emily took Ava for her first dental exam, to which she cried for the entire duration. Luckily the assistant snapped a couple quick photos for us. The look on Ava's face says it all. Four teeth and counting . . .

Happy Halloween!

"I say, I say, what's the big idea callin' me Foghorn Leghorn? . . . Pay attention BOY!"

No longer edentulous

I have my first teeth, but I'm not showing . . .

Boo Love

While she may be interested in everything else but us (or the camera), it won't stop us from trying. . . 

Energy Independence, v.8.0

If you enjoy Jon Stewart, and happen to have a few minutes to spare, this was funny. . .

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
An Energy-Independent Future
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

Soapbox Ava

The big 5

This last month has probably brought about the biggest change in Ava. While she mastered the art of rolling from back to front we were awakened numerous times in the night as she fought her way out of her swaddle. So, we slowly weaned her by letting her "break out" but not going in to reswaddle her and instead just let her cry it out for awhile. We had never swaddled her for naps so a slow weaning with the arm transitioning wouldn't work. Amazingly this was very successful and we had her weaned from the swaddle in 3 nights. She's also been rejecting the binky for the last several weeks so now we only hear her fuss at night if she's managed to get herself into a corner and can't get out.

Now, that being said...

Ava is possessed by the devil. In fact, I'm so convinced, that I've wondered if she needs an exorcism. This past week I have been completely unable to leave her sight, AND, if I'm not directly interacting with her (and she would prefer to be held upright facing out) then I am subjected to the most blood curdling screams imaginable. WORSE than when she gets her shots. In fact, I even called my mom on one occasion to ask what I should do...let her cry, or indulge her in her tantrum? I mean, I'm all about loving my baby and all, but it's totally uncalled for. Big tears and all. (Don't you dare feel sorry for her either...) Even Chris was subjected to it today and he couldn't believe his ears. Short of wearing her on my body I don't know what to do. My mom thought maybe she just wants to be upright and that I need an exersaucer. Anyone have one to loan?

Ok, so maybe I'm being a little harsh. I'll be damned if I don't love the little booger, despite her tantrums. She's been a total riot with her giggles, and new wiggles. I told Chris just tonight that I bet if she got some momentum going she could scoot herself all the way across the room just by bucking her back. She's also pulling on everything...hair, the food on your plate, pamphlets at Lowes...you name it. We've managed to get her to sit upright on her own for about 3 seconds. She hasn't figured out how to brace herself on her arms (probably because she'd prefer to grab at the carpet, or her feet, or anything within a foot radius.)

Oh, and here's a funny story. The other day, it was hot and Ava was sweaty so I put her in the crib in only her diaper. (We use cloth, so this consists of a cloth square folded and held together by 'snappi' then covered with a plastic wrapper...I tell you this so you can visualize that I walked in on.) So, after her nap I hear her usual chatter and self-talk. I waited 10 minutes or so to see if she'd go back to sleep. Upon entering her room (which is dark) I see she's got something in her mouth. As soon as she sees me she starts waving her sucking object at me. NO! It was her diaper! Pee and all! She had somehow managed to rip open her velcro straps, unhook the snappi and remove her peepee diaper...and then proceeded to suck on it. I'm not sure if I should be impressed at her ingenuity or disgusted by her choice in appetizers. Luckily, there was no poop (see below).

She's worked her way up to cereal twice a day and we just added sweet potatoes a few days ago. Unfortunately, she's now pooping what she's eating...GROSS! The downside of solids (besides the diapers) is she's not interested in the bottle and will just roll the nipple around her mouth and try to chew it. What used to take 15 minutes to eat, now takes 45 due to the bottle-tongue wrestling match.

I am also still doing the pumping thing because she doesn't want to nurse. I don't even attempt it unless it's in the middle of the night. Basically I'm doing this because it's free and I'm cheap. Screw the "breast is best" theory. If it was best she'd take what was good for her. However, I'm not sure if I can continue this for 7 more months. (But it is a routine now and I do produce enough to still store extra in the freezer, and did I mention it's free?)

Now, if only we can hear "ma ma" and "da da"...

Today's Forecast? . . . Rain

Bathtime for Ava

One of our favorite times of day with Ava is bath time. We love to watch her splash in the tub, smile, and slather her with moisturizer. Most likely, we also love this time because it is the last "happy" phase of her day, before she hulks out while being strapped into her monitor and wisked away to crib. In any case, here are a couple pics of Mom and Ava from this evening's bath . . .

Cereal Moustache Ava

The many faces of Ava

Ava meets Kobi

Our friend Paula recently adopted a shih tzu named Kobi. So we decided it would be fun for Ava to finally meet a puppy in person, rather than just see pictures of puppies in one of her many books that we repeatedly read to her.

So after a nice little nap, Ava opened her eyes to the bright sunlight of the afternoon and fixed her gaze upon Kobi . . . to which she began to cry. But alas, the crying did not last too long, and before we knew it, Ava and Kobi were becoming close friends. Mostly this friendship rested on Kobi enjoying licking Ava's lint-laden toes, while Ava continued to explore her hands by enjoying a tight-fisted grip on Kobi's fur. Ava has not yet realized that she can't pull on everything like it's a toy on her playmat, that when released vibrates in reverse.

We're not sure who tired out who more, but we're pretty sure this won't be the last these two see of each other.

I am 'The Houdini'

Watch me disappear. . . .

eh. . . eh . . . where's my binky?!!!!

4 months going on 4

Moving past the 3 month mark seemed to bring a huge change in Ava. While Chris happily enjoyed her cuddly "leisure-suit Larry" babyness, she's quickly become an independent free-thinking lady. Gone are the days of snuggles and sleepers. Now she would rather explore than be held. Not that Emily can complain much since this allows for more time to get things done around the house without Ava crying to be picked back up. As long as she can see you, she's fine. We purchased a bumbo (by suggestion of Tiff...thanks!) and she seems to like it. (Well, for about 15-20 minutes then she needs to move on to activities that allow her to move about.) Some milestones this month include rolling over from tummy to back, first bites of cereal (loves it...if only she could better control her tongue), and holding her head steady when pulled upright. She LOVES to talk. Thank God her squeals sound more like stridor at this point. (She hasn't figured out quite yet how to make them noisy.)

However happy we are for these milestones to be reached, there are other 'no no's' that we could do without. First, since Emily returned to work, Ava refuses to breast feed unless it's her 5 am feeding. So, Emily has been pumping 5-6 times per day to keep up with Ava's demand so we don't have to start formula. Emily figured out that she's pumping or feeding Ava for a total of 6 hours per day. In fact, she's pumping so much that the motor broke on her pump. (Thank goodness Medela sent a new one free of charge.) So, we're not sure how much longer we'll continue with breast milk.

Second, Houdini seems to visit Ava in the middle of the night and help her out of her swaddle. On Emily's last week of night shifts (hurray) she managed to break free nearly every night at least once and on one occasion every 2 hours. This wouldn't be a problem if she could fall back asleep on her own. But, she wakes us up, needs to be re-swaddles and then rocked back to sleep with the Binky. We luckily figured out the problem. It's been hot so since our only swaddles are fleece, we've been putting her in it in just her diaper. So, her slick little arms are able to work their way out of the velcro strapped sides. We've ordered some lighter weight ones that will hopefully arrive this week so that we can put her in a onesie when it's warm outside. For now, we're thankful this last weekend was cool.

Third, she's taken to hair pulling. It doesn't matter if it's head hair or chest hair, any will do. And once she's got a handful she'll then attempt to put it in her mouth. Needless to say it becomes a battle of strength vs tenacity. Ava usually wins. Maybe this is why Emily's hair has suddenly been falling out by the handfuls...

She's around 13 pounds and 25 inches long. (Yes, she's tall...Chris is just hoping she's more the volleyball playing tall vs. the shot put throwing tall.)

Goals for next month...getting rid of the binky during sleep and hopefully loving the boob again.

Loving the music

Every Iowa girl needs bibs

Life and Death of the Sock Monkey

On saturday we headed over to the Farmer's Market downtown to get outside and enjoy the nice weather with Ava. Afterwards, we grabbed a bite to eat, while Ava proceeded to cannibilize her friend (make that ex-friend), The Sock Monkey. It's a good thing no other undergarments have been made into stuffed animals . . .

Escaping The Rain

Online Ava

From time to time Ava will get bored with the mundane activities of a typical 4 month-old: playing on her activity mat, avidly suckling her binky while being bounced in her bouncer, or going for walks. When not doing these activities, she likes to check her Twitter and Facebook status, monitor her stock portfolio, watch Glenn Beck on Fox News (fair and balanced . . .), check her favorite blogs, and watch Iron Chef episodes. Next on her list, reading Barnyard Dance on her iPad.

Out For A Stroll(er)

Easter 2010

Last Sunday we headed to Mitchellville to spend Easter with Emily's family. Ava had fun socializing with everyone, and continues to amaze everyone with her unimpeachable behavior. Of course, she continues to have a strong disdain for church-organ hymns, and cries every time they are played. . . almost on cue. We understand your pain Ava, we understand. As Emily has stated before, she's more of a Radiohead girl.

Vamsi Visits

Last weekend, amidst a brief reprieve from New York to come home to visit family in Chicago, "Uncle" Vamsi made a quick jaunt to Iowa City to introduce himself to Ava. Without being to verbose, we'll just say that the two of them hit it off right away. Vamsi was enthralled by Ava's every move and sound, while Ava was more fascinated with using Vamsi's nose as a jungle-gym set. She could quite possibly just be confused, as normally when she grabs her toys on her bouncer, they play songs, and as you can guess, Vamsi's nose does not come with batteries nor interesting sounds. We were glad that the two of them got acquainted, and look forward to them seeing more of each other soon. We'll let the pictures speak for themselves . . .

Prelude to a smile

Not a Heathen

While Ava was originally baptized on January 4th at UIHC in the NICU, we recently had her "reaffirmation" for family on March 21st. Despite crying through the whole thing and finally being put on a "time out" in her bouncer, the day went well and many relatives were able to see her for the first time. Here are some pics of the day. (Much better than the snap shots of her naked in the NICU.)

Radiohead Lullaby?

Recently, while trying to entertain a curious and ever learning baby I've found myself seeking new and exciting ways to either stimulate, sooth, or otherwise distract Ava. While reading is at the top of her list of favorite things (especially Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton), she's recently developed a fondness for Radiohead. Radiohead? Really? Not of course the sleepy baby channel on Pandora, but Radiohead. In particular the In Rainbows CD and more particularly Nude or Reckoner. Can I tell you how excited this makes me? See, babies really do hear while in utero. All my music playing paid off. Take THAT classical music. Next...Pete Yorn?

12 Weeks or 3 Months?

Yesterday I was looking at my calendar and was writing in on the appropriate days when Ava would be 4 months, 5 months etc and came to the realization that these "months" do not necessarily match up with actual months of the calendar. Obvious, I know, but not realized until now nonetheless. So, since I'm not sure what the appropriate time frame for "months old" is, I'm going to start posting her significant "month milestones" as weeks. Anyone who can shed light on the subject, feel free to comment. So, 12 weeks. A lot has been accomplished in such a short period of time. Ava is holding up her head all on her own when sitting upright. She has moderate trunk control but still topples over when sitting unassisted. She loves to grab at toys and can shake her toys that make noise (although I suspect it's simply because it's within her reach and not due to the noise factor...yet). Her tummy skills are improving and she's doing mini-pushups. Looking into a mirror helps her achieve this. Her cooing is so vocal that she often carries on one sided conversation with her giraffe for at least 45 minutes at a time. She "stands" when agitated and not wanting to be held. Her fists are her best friends and are forever in her mouth (and if something is within her grasp and able to be pulled to her mouth it will inevitably end up soggy). She smiles at everyone who talks and/or smiles at her. She sleeps at night from 8pm until 8am with a sleep feeding at around 5 am. And although I'm sure there are other important things I've forgotten, these are the main things that come to mind.

"Chick-fil-A" Ava

A Visitor In Iowa City

In case you missed it, The President happened to stop through Iowa City today to say hi, even Ava was watching...

House Update

Even with the soggy weather this past week, much progress has been made on the house. All three floors are now framed, and windows are scheduled to be going in sometime this week, as well as the electric walkthrough. Ava continues to change every day, and we can't help but be smitten with her ever changing expressions and sounds.

Teddy Magic

Ava's new best friend. . . 

The Curious Case of the Exploding Ava

Somewhere around the 2 month mark it became apparent that Ava was reaching a new milestone. The art of diaper-filling, clothes-ruining super-poops. This morning I was in bed with her (and no I do not believe in co-sleeping...I was just trying to shut my eyes while she played with her fists) when suddenly the bed shook from the propulsion of poop out of Ava's butt. This of course was followed by her usual UGH. At the time, however, I though it was simply gas so I did nothing about it. She continued to play and I continued to "rest my eyes." Some time later I picked her up to feed her. Whether it was my picking her up that caused the spreading, or if it happened while on the bed I can't be sure. All I know is that the longer I held her while feeding her, the warmer and wetter my arm became. After her feast I carried her into her bedroom to survey the damage. Not only did it leak out the top of the diaper, but spread so far up her back that it coated the chest strap she wears at her nipple line for her EKG monitor. (Luckily she was wearing the strap as I'm sure it would have ended up in her hair.) Needless to say we both had a bath

To date we've ruined 3 onesies, 4 sleepers (one more sleeper than onesie as one poop went down her leg) 2 car seat explosions, 1 bouncer disaster, and a total bed change of MY sheets. Not to mention the numerous poop showers she's given Chris while he's changing her diapers

For now I think I'll coat myself in cellophane and call it good.

Printemps

This weekend we actually began to feel like winter was on it's way out. . . for good. With highs in the upper 40's on saturday, and a ten-day forecast that called for highs in the same range, we were starting to feel good again. It seems like every year it becomes easier to imagine relocating to a temperate climate, if only it were that easy.

At any rate, we celebrated our good fortune by stopping by to see our ever-evolving house-to-be. By week's end the first floor was being constructed, and it became easy to imagine yourself walking through the different spaces of the downstairs. It's always amazing how little there appears to be to a house, structurally speaking, yet somehow when everything is finished it feels so much more imposing and solid.

Ava didn't seem too excited though, and decided to make the trip short-lived by crying lividly in the back seat of the car. We took her back home so she could hang out with her friends Mr. Monkey and Mrs. Giraffe.