My Little Picasso!

We're starting her young...but what can I say, it's in her genes!

Take me to the swing, NOW!

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It's the last week of classes, and I'm WAY behind in grading....thus the lack of updates. But here's a view into our fun-filled family evenings!

Ava Movie

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More fun with the video camera! I realize perhaps only parents and grandparents will really appreciate this video...but that's why it's my blog, I can put long videos of my child on here if I want to! I love it. I also realize my videos seems dark, but this house is dark; will try to take more videos outside.

A Lumpy Family

We went to the doctor for me last week, and today was Daddy's turn. I've had this lump high on my mid section for quite a while; I've never really been concerned about it being anything since I've had it since I was about 16 (so roughly half of my life). However, since I was pregnant with Ava it all of a sudden doubled in size (I think the doctor said about 4 cm), turned funny colors and just got really big...Gross! So I went to my doctor and he said we'll stick it to see what it is and then remove it. Good news, it's officially nothing. Better news...it's not a third nipple. Double gross!!...But the doctor actually did consider this. Anyway, Jeff went to the same doc today to look at a lump on his back. Also nothing, cool! But will be removed next month. Sorry for the detailed story about lumps, but this is the easiest way to update the worrisome mothers. Just a family of lumps....sorry Ava!

Just looking through some old pictures...

I was just browsing through my pictures and found a few from last Thanksgiving when Mel + Kiley visited us at Jeff's parents' house in Oklahoma. I don't even know if I've shared these with Mel... probably not. The girls must have been about 5 + 9 months old. We hope to make it out to Dallas this summer to visit family + friends again!

Highlights from Granny + Papa Tim's visit...
Lunch downtown...Ask Papa Tim about what he saw there! (Politically incorrect for me to mention).
Our latest gadget, the bike trailer. Under $100 at Walmart. Money well spent!
The bike trailer became a must when 1) Ava couldn't fit her favorite stuffed animal, Curious George, in the swing and 2) Daddy bitched too much about walking with the stroller or wagon... he prefers the biking.
Ava and her Easter lamb swinging in her swing at Grandma + Grandpa K's house.
Ava with Granny + Papa Tim (and our dog Tula) at my parents' house.

Happy Easter!

See any resemblance?
Mommy hunting eggs, Easter 1978.

Ava hunting eggs, Easter 2006.

The Okies are Invading!!...Just kidding, it's Granny + Grandpa J!

The biggest news this week is that Granny + Grandpa J drove all the way from Oklahoma to come and visit Ava...and mom + dad too, but mostly Ava. It only took a few minutes for Ava to warm up to Granny. By the next day Ava was reaching for Granny and looking all over for her when she'd leave the room. Hmmmm, may not be able to get Granny + Grandpa to leave next week. :) We're so happy they were able to visit, finally!

Ava's Play Date

Ava had a friend come over today to play and go on a wagon walk around the neighborhood. Nolan, and his mom Courtney, stopped by to enjoy the nice weather today and socialize a bit. Ava did pretty good sharing her toys with Nolan, although she did keep trying to poke him in the eyes...Ava! Not the best way to treat your friends. I think Nolan really enjoyed the wagon ride, and he was pretty good at throwing things out of the wagon to have his mom stop to get them. Ava was pretty calm, not much activity in her wagon. Maybe that's the difference between boys and girls??...Or maybe just the difference between Nolan and Ava. They had a nice time either way. Thanks for visiting Nolan and Courtney!

Swinging Monkey!

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Granny & Grandpa J are visiting...and guess what they got Ava today! She had a BLAST in her new swing, obviously. I love those little laughs!!

Crowd Pleaser!

In honor of Daddy...Go Pokes! And for Mommy, a little Purdue hat. Oh, and Ava is demonstrating her snapping ability too. Smart cookie!

Bedtime!

Just some cute pictures before bedtime.
Hmmmm, bed looks more like a play pen than a bed.

Splish, Splash, AJ was takin' a bath!

"Daddy! Please!...I'm busy playing here!"

A new fascinatiopn with the faucet. Where did this come from?

More Door Jamb Swinging!

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This video and yesterday's video showcase a couple of Ava's most entertaining tricks..."Motor-boat mouth" and "Yodelling" (yesterday). Right know I'm still in the "testing phase" of video clips, but bear with me and I'll get some better footage soon; I might even leave the house...well maybe. This video today looks similar to yesterday's, but actually it is a HUGE step in my understanding of my video equipment...it's taken from the camcorder, not our still camera. Jeff - I told you I would figure it out! ;)

Bouncing Baby Ava

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Ava bouncing in the door...forever waiting for Mommy to get ready in the morning.