Back from Iowa

We have made it back from our 5 day trip to Iowa. We left on Wednesday and got home this evening. We stayed very busy and the time went by far to quickly. I feel like there is never enough time when we go to Des Moines and stay with my sister and her family.

Like I said, we left on Wednesday. Ava turned 6 months that day. I can't believe that a half of a year has gone by already. She has grown so much and changed from this little infant who lays around and sleeps into this big girl who chats and now sits up on her own and eats cereal. She has become her own little person. She has taught us what unconditional love truly is. She brings so much happiness and joy into Nate and my life. We love to go into her room together in the morning and see her big smiles that greet us...there is no better way to start the day. We have been so blessed!

We stopped to see Nana on the way to Des Moines. We enjoyed our visit even if it was short. Reece was waiting anxiously to see Ava when we arrived to his house. We were there in time to meet Zackery at the bus stop after his first day of school. That evening Lisa was kind enough to watch Ava for us so that Nate and I could go and have dinner with our friends Erin and Kevin. It was so nice to see them and catch up.

Thursday Lisa, Nate, Ava, and I went to the mall. Ava got her first pair of "skinny jeans". I can't wait to get them on her...they are so darn cute! That afternoon/evening Lisa and I picked kids up and dropped them off while Brent with Nate went golfing. Life with 5 kids is crazy!!! I'm not sure how Lisa and Brent do it.

Friday morning Nate, Ava, and I went to the cemetery to visit Grandma and Grandpa Hinds. We're pretty sure that they've met already, as Nate and I believe that Grandma helped hand picked Ava for us. Before Grandma passed away I has asked her to pull some strings and send me a little girl. Ava is such a good natured little girl, and has been very easy on us as first time parents...we believe Grandma had a part in that. Ava's middle name is Maxine, after Grandma Hinds. While we were at the cemetery I was holding Ava and moved her from one arm to the other. I looked down and noticed that there was baby poop on my shirt and all over her leg...what great timing. So, we march back to the car and hope that nobody sees us lowering an infant into the trunk of my car. We gave her a quick wash down with the wipes and headed back to Lisa and Brent's so that we could both change clothes. After we were both in clean clothes we headed over to "Grandma Judy's". There we had a wonderful visit and lunch with Judy and Linda. It was so nice to see them again and spend a little time with them. Judy hadn't seen Ava since her baptism, so she had changed a lot. Judy, thank you so much for having us. We wish we could have stayed longer to see Tom and the rest of the family, but we'll be back again sometime!

Friday night Brent, Reece, and Nate went to the campsite to drop off the motor home and then headed to the Valley vs Ottumwa football game. It was a great night for a game. Unfortunately Ottumwa lost, but Nate had a great time seeing some old college friends and watching the game. That night "the boys" camped out while Lisa, Ava, and I stayed home for a girls night, and fell asleep early.

Saturday Grandma Great and Grandma and Grandpa Becker arrived. We all headed to the campground except for Nate. He had a tee time with Kevin at the Des Moines Country Club. Ava took her first trip to the beach after lunch. She loved running her toes through the sand. Nate was at the campground by the time that we got back from the beach. Aunt Lori and Dave joined us that evening as well. Ava decided that night that she did NOT like camping. She could not get herself to sleep. For the first time in 6 months I rocked her to sleep in my arms. The poor thing was exhausted. She then woke up again at 9:30 and we sent her back to the house with Grandma and Grandpa. After her bad day Nate and I decided that we wanted to go back to the house as well in case she got up some more. So no, we still haven't spent a night away from her yet. As our friend Anne wrote the other day, When I'm with my kids I think about how nice it would be to get away, and when I'm away from my kids all I can think about is them". So true!

So this morning we hung out for a bit and then headed home after lunch. Ava did great in the car, and caught up on some much needed sleep. She is now sleeping soundly in her crib, and I imagine that she's happy to be home and hopefully back into her routine shortly. We have what will hopefully be her last PT appointment in the morning. They wanted to see her until she was sitting up, and now she's doing that. I have an eye appt. tomorrow so Spencer will be coming over to watch her. Then it's back to work for me on Tuesday, and back to daycare for Ava. Hopefully she'll do ok. It's been a lot of traveling and moving around over the past couple of weeks. We thought we would try one more new thing this week...solids (besides cereal)!!! We'll be purchasing some avocados tomorrow and see how she does with that. I have a feeling that that girl will eat anything we put in her mouth. I'll keep you posted!

Nana & Ava. Ava turned 6 months old on this day

Linda, Judy, and Ava

Silly little girl

Grandma Great & Ava

Ava getting a photography lesson. Doesn't she look like a pro?

Reece, Ava, & Zackery celebrating Zackery's 10th b-day at the beach. Happy Birthday Zack!!!

Looking out at the water

Ava & Mommy on the beach

Ava & Grandma

Ava checking Grandpa out

No smiles

Ava spent the day at home with Daddy since I had to work today. She was evidently a champion sleeper, taking her two morning naps, and then a two hour nap this afternoon. She Never sleeps that long for me! I got home from work and she was all smiles. I thought to myself, "this is great, she's going to be so happy for her pictures tonight". She even laid down for her 5:00 nap and was sleeping so soundly. Ang got here at 5:30 as scheduled so I went and woke up my little sleeping beauty and got her dressed. That darn little turkey didn't smile once the whole hour that Ang was here!!! Every time that we've had her professional pictures taken her smiles go away. You would think that she's the most serious and unhappy child on earth. At least we have our home pictures of her smiling. I'm sure that she'll be all smiles once again tomorrow.

We're leaving for Iowa in the morning so I'm hoping that she'll be all smiles. We'll be stopping to see Nana on the way down. We hope that you have a great rest of the week!

Uncle Wes feeding Ava her cereal on Sunday. From what I hear he did a great job, especially for it being his first time feeding a baby.

A little sneak peak of one of Ava's "outfits" from her photo shoot today.

Dumb hackers!

I apologize that we haven't had an update on here for a week now. I've spent quite a few hours on this computer trying to get rid of a virus that attacked it last Wednesday. It frustrates me beyond belief that these "hackers" have nothing better to do with their time than infect other people's computers with viruses that waste hours and hours of my time. With a little assistance from my brother-in-law I finally got rid of the darn thing. So, we are back! However, we're leaving town Wednesday so there won't be a lot of updates this week.

Let's see, a recap of last week...Day number 2 went well at daycare. She still fought her morning nap and blew out her adorable outfit, but it was reported to me that she had a good day. I worked Wednesday evening so Nate worked a half day and hung out with Ava. Thursday Ava and I ran some errands in Maple Grove. We had to stop at Edelweiss Baby for her adorable head band to go with her ruffle butt for her pictures tomorrow. That's right, Ava has her 6 month pictures tomorrow. It's hard to believe that she'll be half a year old on Wednesday. My sweet baby girl is growing too quickly!!!

Ava had a busy weekend while I was at work. I worked my 12 hour days this weekend, so I didn't get to see her awake at all...that's very hard! Nate had to work Saturday morning so Cheryl came over to watch Ava. We are so blessed to have her watch Ava on these Saturday mornings when both Nate and I work. She takes Ava for walks, plays toys, and loves her up like she's her own. Thank you so much Cheryl for watching her!!! Saturday afternoon Nate took Ava down to a hotel near the Mall of America. Grandma and Grandpa Becker were up here visiting on their annual ball trip. They were very excited to see both Nate and Ava. I hear that Ava was a very good girl.

Sunday Daddy and Ava went to church and then went for lunch with John, Cheryl, and Jonathan. They had Chipotle while I was at work eating a Lean Pocket...hardly seems fair. :) That evening Grandma Veldman, Uncle Wes, and Sarah came over to play with Miss Ava and then had dinner. It was great to see Sarah again, even if it was for only a short while. We're hoping to see her again when she's back next month.

Today was our first day of "vacation". Ava must have been exhausted from this weekend because she slept quite a bit. We didn't get out of the house until 1:00 this afternoon. We had some errands to run. I was finally able to get a massage this morning. It was the most painful, and much needed massage I've had in a very long time. It's been about 8 months since I last had one and I could tell!!!

It's back to work for me tomorrow. I have to attend a sort of self defense class for work. So it's another Daddy and Ava day. Then it's pictures tomorrow evening. I'm hoping that she'll give us at least a few of her smiles while Ang is here. Ava has a tendency to be quite stoic in front of the camera.

We'll have lots of pictures for you when we return from Iowa. Hope that this finds you all doing well. Thanks for checking in with us!

1st Day of Daycare

We knew that the day had to come...the day that Ava would start day care. That day was today. I worked a day shift, so Daddy was in charge of getting Ava ready and dropping her off at the day care center. The drop off went well. We decided to let them feed her her morning bottle, in hopes that she would make friends with them if they fed her. They said that she fought her morning nap (which was my fear), but that overall she had a "great first day". I'm hoping that they were just being nice. She was so happy and full of smiles and giggles tonight. It was so great! I'm hoping that tomorrow she'll be able to nap a little better, and have a good day. Our little peanut is growing up!

Most kids get their 1st day of school pictures taken. Ava got her 1st day of day care pictures

We've been trying to teach her that it's not very lady like to pull her dresses up. I hope this doesn't become a habit as she gets older!!!

Where's Ava?!?

That's the question that Nate asked this afternoon. After spending a wonderful weekend up north with Aunt Lisa, Uncle Brent, and cousin Reece, we got home around 1:00 this afternoon. It was beautiful outside (except a little windy) so we thought we would go for a walk. We were excited for Ava to sit in the stroller without her car seat for the first time. Her first "big girl" ride in her stroller. I strapped her in and then asked Nate to go and get a light blanket due to the cool wind when the sun went under. I was waiting for him when I noticed that he had become distracted by his golf clubs so I went inside to get the blanket myself. I was gone for maybe 30 seconds, and Nate came in the house for about 10 seconds. We went back outside and I hear Nate say, "Where is Ava...SH*T" Ummmmm....we kind of didn't put the brakes on when we left her unattended and the wind turned her around and down the driveway she went. She was across the driveway hanging out next to the fire hydrant, just chilling and chewing on her teether. I just kept thinking how lucky we were that she didn't tip over. One of the many lessons that Ava has taught us in her short 5 1/2 months...Use the brakes on the stroller!!!

We had a great weekend, but it started off a bit rocky. Ava and I went to the gym Friday morning. She has been there once before and did just fine in the daycare there. When I dropped her off I decided to take a pager with me just in case they needed to get a hold of me for some reason, even though I was sure she would be fine. Well I had 15 minutes left of my work out and the pager went off. I thought maybe she had a dirty diaper (since they don't change the diapers there). I walk into the daycare and she is just screaming. I have never seen her cry like that before. She didn't even finish her bottle. Look at that girl's thighs...she has never refused food in her life! I couldn't even get her to finish the bottle. She calmed down after I held her for a minute. I was feeling ok about sending her to daycare on Monday, but now I'm really worried. That's right, tomorrow is her first day of real daycare. Nate will be dropping her off and I'll be picking her up. I'm really hoping she does ok. I knew that it would be hard to send her, but I didn't think it would be there hard. I just don't want her to be scared and not be able to be consoled. And I really want her to be able to take naps! Please say a little prayer that she does well there!

Like I've said, we had a great weekend. Cousin Reece and Uncle Brent got here around 2:00 to play with Ava, and then picked Aunt Lisa up from the airport a little before 5:00. We then left for the cabin. We had a nice warm and dry day to play outside and go out on the boat on Saturday. Reece even went tubing with Nate. It didn't last very long before they both ended up in the water. It was a nice relaxing weekend, and it was so nice to spend time with them. Strittmatters, Thank you so much for making the long drive for such a short weekend. We love you all very much and look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks!


Reece "holding Ava" Saturday morning

Reece & Ava in the tube

Uncle Brent, Aunt Lisa, & Ava boating

Chilling on the boat

Daddy talking to Ava about going to daycare, and reminding her how much we love her

Daddy & Ava playing (or eating) cards. By the way, the girls beat the boys! :)

Check out those cute leg warmers. Don't you think they make her legs look thin? :)

Thank you for the adorable outfit Auntie Lisa P

Heat Wave

It has been unbelievably hot here this week. A walk to the mailbox is about as far as we get before breaking out into a sweat, so we've been indoors all week. I've already called and made a reservation for Ava in the daycare at the gym tomorrow morning so that I can get out and actually get a little physical activity. With the intense heat comes some pretty intense storms. Luckily we haven't had to be out driving in them, and luckily Ava is a good sleeper and sleeps through them. Nate even woke up the other night, so I knew it was pretty bad. :)

Today we got out of the house for awhile. We went to Ava's daycare that she'll be starting on Monday to drop off her diapers, extra clothes, etc. I'm really concerned about her getting her naps. She is so scheduled here at home, and when she doesn't get her naps she gets quite cranky. The nap room at the daycare is open to the play room, so I'm really worried that she won't be able to sleep, or won't just put herself to sleep like she does here at home. There was this little girl squealing at the top of her lungs today. All I could think of was her doing that when Ava was trying to sleep, and my poor baby being jolted awake by that little brat screeching (ok, I know she's probably not a little brat, but I don't want her to disturb my little angel). I hope that her first day goes well. I think that Monday will be harder for me than my first day back to work. At least when I went back to work I knew that Ava was at home and getting one on one attention and love from Grandma, and able to stay in her normal routine. I know that she'll get good care, I just want the transition to go smoothly. I don't want her to feel like I'm abandoning her.

After going to the daycare we hit up a garage sale and found Ava a couple of shirts for this fall/winter. Yes, I've become a big fan of garage sales for baby clothes. Then we headed over to see Kristi and Cora for a play date. Cora was such a good girl, smiling and so happy (especially for just getting her shots). She was even nice enough to share her toys with Ava. Ava on the other hand did not even flash Cora a friendly smile. She was being kind of snobby...we're going to have to talk about that. At one point I thought she was leaning over to give Cora a big hug...instead she grabbed onto her shirt and poor Cora started crying. Ava then sat there and tried to look all innocent. Kristi made a lovely lunch for us to eat, and then Ava decided that she needed a nap and it was time to leave. Thank you so much for having us again Kristi. We look forward to the next time!

We have a big weekend ahead of us. Aunt Lisa is flying in from Boston tomorrow, and Uncle Brent and Cousin Reece are driving up from Des Moines. After Lisa lands and Nate gets home from work we'll be heading up to the cabin for the weekend. I'm really hoping for nice weather so that we can be out on the lake. It will be great to spend time with them! We're wishing Aunt Lisa a very Happy Birthday today...we can't wait to see you!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!


Ava giving Cora the stiff arm

Ava & Cora (after Ava made her cry)

Happy Birthday Uncle Wes

Happy Birthday to Uncle Wes today! Ava made Uncle Wes a nice sign, and then decided on eating it...shocking I know. I will be heading off to work here shortly and Grandma will be watching Ava until Daddy gets home. Then tonight Uncle Wes is coming over for a B-day dinner cooked by Daddy. I have no doubt that Ava will love all of the extra attention today.

Ava has been spending quite a bit of quality time with Grandpa V this week. He came over and watched Ava on Monday (with the help of Grandma later in the evening), and then covered for Grandma again on Thursday while I went to work. He completed his first diaper change in 20 some years, and it was reported to me that he even put it on the correct way. Way to go Grandpa!

I decided that after 5 months away from the gym I should probably start going again. I have been holding off because I didn't want to put Ava in the daycare there (even though I added her to our membership and am paying the monthly fee for daycare there). So on Tuesday I took the leap. I know, it's silly considering that it's only 2 hours and I am Upstairs!!! It felt very good to work up a sweat and have some time to myself. She did great at the daycare, but missed her 11:00 nap so she was asleep before we even got to the car.

We learned today the importance of Ava getting her naps. Ava took her first trip to the Farmer's Market today. We went to the one in St. Paul since it was raining and it is covered (unlike the one in Minneapolis). We got there around 9:15, and Ava's nap time is 9:00. I figured that she would fall asleep in the car on the way home, but she didn't. We had a meltdown after about half an hour at the market. She fell asleep on the way home, but didn't sleep long. She has been cranky for most of the day. The rain cleared out by early afternoon so we decided to take Ava to the pool at the gym after her 1:00 nap. She loves being outside so we thought she might enjoy it. She seemed indifferent about the whole experience. She didn't cry, but didn't smile or get too excited either. The pool felt great to Nate and me. Even if Ava didn't have a fabulous time, she looked adorable...and let's be honest, that's an important thing! :)

Tomorrow morning we'll be heading off to church and then running a few errands. It's Ava and Daddy time tomorrow evening, as I picked up an evening shift. I'm hoping that it will be better than my last shift which was pretty crazy. I've been working in the ER lately and it's been unbelievably busy with very sick people. I'm really hoping for a calm night tomorrow.

I have to say, it's been very nice spending a weekend at home and not having to drive anywhere. I think it's the only weekend for the next 4 months that we don't have plans. Anyway,we hope that you are all having a wonderful weekend!

I love that smile!!!

It's hard to believe that she was so tiny in that carseat only 5 months ago.

Ava FINALLY got to use her highchair. After waiting for a missing part for 4 weeks, and spending much time on the phone and e-mailing GRACO, Ava got to eat her cereal in her own chair. Honestly, she didn't really care what chair she sat in as long as she got her cereal. I'm just glad that I don' t have a half assembled high chair on our kitchen floor anymore.

Getting ready to get in the pool (please note that her terry cloth shorts even match her swimsuit). Thanks for the outfit Great Grandma Schutterle!

Just chill'n in the pool. Nate says that all she needs is a cold drink.

Work, work, work

I apologize for the lack of updates over the past week. I had only Friday off last week, and then worked my 12 hr weekend and then an evening shift again last night. Needless to say, Ava has gotten some quality time with Grandma, Daddy, and even Grandpa. That's right, Grandpa called yesterday to inform us that the "B team" (aka himself) would be coming to watch Ava while Grandma worked late. Despite the fact that he hasn't changed a diaper in over 20 years, he did a great job and Ava had lots of fun.

There isn't a whole lot new to report. Like I said, I worked a lot so we didn't have a lot of outings. I was hoping to get out of the house today with her, but it is so miserably hot and humid. We're supposed to go over to a neighbor's house tonight for National Night Out, but I think Nate is a bit hesitant due to the weather. The ice cream at the social won't stay cold for too long.

Nate and I were able to go out Friday evening to my friend Molly's BBQ. It was our first evening of being away from Ava and not putting her to bed. Grandma and Grandpa watched her. She did just great. I always worry because I want her to be good for everybody. She's usually just fine as long as she gets her naps, and of course her food! The little turkey has been quite interested in food. I usually put her in her entertainment thing while I eat lunch. She'll turn herself around and just stare at me and chomp her lips together while I eat. She looks at me with those beautiful eyes and makes me feel so guilty for eating, as if saying, "I would REALLY like a bite". She's currently getting cereal just at night. Once she turns 6 months old then we'll start her on more foods. She's obviously not starving (see thighs).

I Love that smile!!!

My little ruffle butt

Ava loves being outside and feeling the breeze blow through her hair (the little that she has left)

Ava playing with "Glow Seahorse"

Ava and Snoopy (Nate's stuffed animal when he was little)

We never know what position we will find Ava in when she gets up. She's been getting her legs stuck in the sides of the crib. This morning she woke up with her head at the foot of her crib. I'm debating whether or not to put the bumper pads back on (so her legs don't keep getting stuck). I'm still so paranoid about SIDS or her sufficating though.

She looks so old here