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 . . .