So much to celebrate

We had a fun filled weekend starting with Friday afternoon. Daddy took a half day of work since he had to work on Saturday morning. He & Ava got to carve Ava's first pumpkin. I am quite impressed with their creation. After that we got to meet up with Great Grandma, Aunt Darlene, Aunt Marilyn, Aunt Lisa, and cousins Zackery & Reece. They came up to celebrate Aunt Darlene's 50th birthday. Grandma, Aunt Darlene, & Aunt Marilyn stayed at the hotel near our house. We got to go over to the hotel and go swimming when they arrived Friday afternoon. That evening they came over for dinner, we played cards, and just hung out.

Saturday morning was play time with Zacky & Reece before we left for the Mall of America. We were there for about 7 hours, and the kids were so good. We were all exhausted by the time that we got home so we just got pizza for dinner. Everybody went back to the hotel while Mommy stayed up until Daddy got home from the gopher football game (which the game did not go well).

Sunday morning we said good-bye to everybody. The time that we got to spend with everybody went by too quickly. We wish that they could have stayed longer, and that we got to see them more often. We hope that they had fun while they were here, and hope that Aunt Darlene had a fabulous birthday. After everybody left Miss Ava took a nap, we had lunch, and then went to visit our new friend Nora; our friends Josh and Jenny's new baby. It was so good to see the three of them. Nora is beautiful, and is so lucky to have Josh and Jenny as parents! We thank them for letting us visit, as we're sure that they've had lots of visitors and are running short on sleep.

After we left Josh & Jenny's we went over to Grandma & Grandpa V's. Uncle Wes was there too. Ava put on her costume and made her one and only trick-or-treating stop at Terri & Eric's (she was asleep for the night before most kids started trick-or-treating). She looked so darn cute in her little pumpkin outfit. We then had a fabulous dinner prepared by Grandma & Grandpa. Ava fell asleep on the way home and is now out for the night. I'm sure that she's exhausted after all the attention that she got this weekend.


Ava "helping" clean out the pumpkin

Ava's pumpkin created by DaddyMommy, Aunt Marilyn, Ava, Aunt Darlene, Zacky, Aunt Lisa, & Reece swimming at the hotel (Great Grandma was in the room & daddy was taking the picture). Please note Ava trying to pull Aunt Darlene's teeth out. Pajama time Saturday morning with Zacky, Reece, & Aunt Lisa

Happy Birthday Aunt Darlene!!!

Ava eating her animal crackers at the restaurant Saturday. She's so cute trying to pick up the little pieces with those tiny little fingers.

The whole group before they left Sunday morning

Meeting Baby Nora...Ava looks a little unsure but I'm sure they'll be friends

Our little pumpkin

The Big 8

Ava turned 8 months old today. She was very excited about it. After not getting to see her awake since Friday (I worked this past weekend) I picked her up from daycare this afternoon. She was so happy to see me, and full of smiles all evening. We took pictures with her pumpkin, took a bath in mommy & daddy's bath tub (since she has a crack in her tub, not sure how that happened), and then settled in for the night with some carrots, peas, and milk before bed. What a way to celebrate huh? Happy 8 months old my little pumpkin, we love you!

Bath time with rubber ducky

Happy Anniversary

What a difference three years makes....

Three years ago yesterday Nate and I had the second most amazing day our lives. It's hard to believe that it's been three years since our wedding day, as we remember every detail so well. The weather was beautiful, we were surrounded by so many of our friends and family, and it was a truly perfect and carefree day. Now, I sit here today and pray that some day our daughter will be able to find a man who will make her happy, and experience the joys that I have...plus some. Life has changed so much in these three years; it keeps getting better. What did we do to celebrate you ask...well, we didn't really see each other. Nate was out the door at 6:30 am for the gym and then to work, and I worked an evening shift. We made a nice dinner tonight, and plan to go to Decorah for a little get away in a couple of weeks.

Now for Ava, not too much to report on her. Grandma watched her on Monday and Tuesday afternoon while I went to work, and then she went to daycare yesterday. She unfortunately continues to think that taking naps really isn't important. She's been taking 2 naps that last a whole 30 minutes. This gives me just enough time to shower in the morning, and eat lunch in the afternoon. I try to remind myself that I should just be grateful that she sleeps so well at night. But some days I just want to lay down for 15 minutes myself, or it might be nice to fold some laundry or get something done around the house. If she weren't so darn cute I'd have to be upset with her.

As for this weekend, I'll be working my 12 hour shifts, and Daddy is going to the Gopher game. Cheryl has once again offered to watch Ava while Daddy tailgates and watches the game. I don't know what we would do without her!!! We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend.

PS-We just want to welcome a couple of Ava's "to be friends" into the world. Miles was born Oct. 9th (4 weeks early) and got to come home from the hospital today. Nora was born last weekend and is doing good as well. We can't wait to meet both of you!!!

She hasn't quite grasped the concept of putting the ball in the basket rather than her mouth

Game over, time for a nap

Exhausted!

That's one word to describe Ava after our busy week. We left for Des Moines (DeSoto) Wednesday afternoon to go to Aunt Lisa and Uncle Brent's new house. Ava and I made our first trip alone. Ava did a great job, except for about 15 minutes on the way down when she was tired and wanted her crib and not the carseat. She was very excited to see her aunt, uncle, and cousins down there. We helped them unpack, went shopping (not for fun stuff), and got a few things organized in their new house. They have a beautiful place out in the country. An added bonus is that Erin, Kevin, Porter, & Magoo came to visit. We only got to see them for a very short time, but really apprecaited them coming over to visit. We miss them a lot! The time went by very quickly, and we were on our way home Saturday morning. Ava was a wonderful passenger. She slept for awhile (she was exhausted from playing with Reece on Thursday, and being hauled around shopping on Friday). She was even good when I had to pull over on the side of the interstate to try to dislodge a hard plastic planting pot that got stuck under my car and melted to the bottom of my car after it flew off a pick-up in front of us (Not cool!). Gone are the days when people stop for nice girls on the side of the interstate. So, under my car I climbed...a few scrapes later I finally pryed the stupid thing out and we were on our way again. Ava did a great job on the way down and home, but I can't say that traveling alone with a 7 month old is my favorite thing to do. It makes restroom stops a little interesting.

We got home around 1:30 on Saturday. We quickly unpacked and then off to the pumpkin patch we went. Grandma Veldman came over and joined us. We got to see animals, went on a hayride, and picked out the perfect pumpkins. Ava was tired, but was a trooper and enjoyed being outside. She was asleep very quickly after getting in the car for the ride home.

This morning we went to church and then over to Grandma & Grandpa's. Ava hung out with Daddy & Grandpa while Grandma and I went shopping for a couple of hours. Uncle Wes came over to join the guys for the Vikings game and for dinner. Ava loved all the attention she got, but was extremely over tired. I have no doubt that she'll sleep well tonight, and will be happy to spend the whole day at home tomorrow. Grandma will be coming over to watch her while I work an evening shift.

One more picture of Ava driving the firetruck at Grandma & Grandpa Becker's

Ava's first time swinging at the park

Reece pulling Ava around in his mega blocks wagon

Cousins Reece & Zack

Ava & Cousin Zack playing

Porter, Erin, Ava, Kevin, & Magoo

Ava getting ready to go into the pumpkin patch

Our little pumpkin

Grandma & Ava

Daddy, Mommy, & Ava

Weekend in Iowa

We've had a very busy week since our last blog update. Thursday afternoon Ava was a very brave girl as she went in for her 6 month shots. She cried for only a very short time after her four shots, and was a champ for the rest of the night. Daddy got off work a little early so that we could get a head start on our trip to IA. Our friends Jenny and Russ got married on Saturday and I was in the wedding so we went down early.

Friday Grandma Becker took some family pictures of us over her lunch break. I'm very happy with how they turned out. We even got a few smiles from Miss Ava. There is a sampling of the pictures below. Thanks Grandma for doing this! After pictures and a little nap we went to see "Grandma Great". Ava saved a few smiles for her, but was definitely ready for a nap when we left. Thanks for the visit Grandma Great. Friday night Grandma & Grandpa Becker watched Ava while Daddy and I went to rehearsal and dinner.

Saturday I was up and out the door early for hair and pictures before the wedding. Ava got to spend the morning with Daddy. They took a little trip over to Nate Voight's house so that Daddy could hang out with his best friend and Ava could hang with Jackson. They then headed back to Grandma & Grandpa's so that Auntie Lisa & Uncle Craig P. could see Ava since she wasn't going to the wedding. Aunt Darlene then came and picked Ava up. They went down to see Great Grandma Schutterle. From what I hear, Ava was a very good girl. I can't imagine why...rumor has it that she got lots of attention from her cousins, great aunts, & Great Grandma. Grandpa Becker then got Ava that evening. I guess Ava gave him a little grief, but Grandpa got her fed and asleep for the night.

Sunday we hung out with Grandma & Grandpa for a little while before the trek home. Ava got a new "fire hat" and played with Grandma & Grandpa's fire truck. She did a great job on the drive home, as we stopped only once for a diaper change and to eat.

Ava got to hang out with Daddy on Monday since it was Columbus Day and he had the day off. They ran errands and stopped by Grandma Veldman's work to see Grandma and all the other ladies that "oooh and aaaah" over her. She loves all the attention. Today she spent the day at day care. Tomorrow afternoon we're heading back to Iowa. Ava and I are taking our first road trip alone. Aunt Lisa & Uncle Brent moved last weekend, so Ava and I are going to help them unpack and see their new place. Please wish us safe travels and a nice quiet drive! :)


Family pictures...

On her way to the fire (this is before she fell forward and hit her face on the steering wheel)

I think she likes her fire hat

Grandpa & Grandma Becker with Ava

Daddy & Mommy at the wedding reception

No need for dentures

I worked my 12 hour shifts this weekend while Ava hung out with Daddy, Grandma, & Grandpa. Rumor has it that they had a wonderful time playing toys, going to church, a nice walk, and having dinner together. I was able to see my little peanut Monday morning and guess what I found...TWO teeth working their way out of her bottom gums. I could feel their sharp edges when I ran my finger over her gums. They don't seem to bother her much right now, I'm hoping that continues. Nate and I are glad she's getting teeth, we had the conversation just last week about how we wonder if she has any. :) Now hopefully she doesn't use them to bite while nursing!!!

Ava went to daycare Monday afternoon while I went to work an evening shift. Yesterday we got to hang out and then Daddy and I had a "date night" while Grandma watched Ava. We went to Fogo de Chao, which was delicious! Thank you Grandma for watching Ava, she was SO excited to see you!!! Ava and I got to enjoy a nice walk today on this beautiful day. Then this afternoon we went to the mall to pick up a few things, and Grandma joined us. Ava was such a good girl while we were there. We got home just in time to help Daddy lower Ava's mattress on her bed. She's getting to be such a big girl!

Tomorrow Ava has her 6 month shots. She has them now because she was so sick at her 6 month appt. and I couldn't bear causing her any more pain by giving her the shots. After that we're heading over to Daddy's work to pick him up and begin our trek to IA. My friend Jenny is getting married this weekend and I'm in the wedding. Ava will be spending the weekend with Grandma & Grandpa Becker, and Aunt Darlene will be watching her on Saturday. She's looking forward to seeing everybody. We're just hoping for a nice quiet ride. :)

Helping mommy fold clothes

Unfolding the folded clothes, and having a great time doing so

GO TWINS!!!

Smile, it's a beautiful fall day!

I love the flower on my head, and Daddy hates it!

"This photo shoot is over, I'm tired"