Grandma & Boppa Becker visit

Grandma & Boppa Becker finally arrived to our house Friday morning around 1:30 am. Ava was so excited to see them Friday morning and head up to the cabin. We even got to stop at Pizza Ranch for lunch on the way up. Ava enjoyed sampling everything off of Grandma's plate, and putting back the things that she didn't like after she had them in her mouth. Unfortunately, the weather was really crummy all weekend...cool and rainy. Friday we just hung out and we stopped at a couple of shops in town while Grandpa took a nap. Saturday morning Grandma and I got up and went for a bike ride. We went 20 miles, which I didn't think was too bad considering that I hadn't ridden for about 2 years. My butt could definitely tell it had been that long, as it was quite sore that evening. Boppa & Daddy made it out on the lake to fish for a couple of hours, and we went on a little boat ride before dinner. We even got to play some cards after Ava went to sleep.

Sunday was Father's Day. Nate made us a nice breakfast and then he and Grandma went for a bike ride. They guys headed out fishing for awhile, and after Ava's nap we packed up and headed back to the city. It was back to work for me Monday morning, and Grandma & Boppa packed up and headed out Monday morning as well. The weekend went far to quickly, and we wish we would have had nicer weather. However, we still enjoyed the time that we got to spend with Grandma & Boppa. We hope that they had a good time as well, and hope that they'll come to play again soon. Thanks for the visit!!!

Just a little side note before signing off for the night. Today was Ava's last day in the infant room. She is officially considered a toddler at daycare when she goes next week. I'm pretty sure that she was in there all day today. That was except for when they were stuck in the bathroom (aka, tornado shelter) while the sirens were going off today. Luckily the bad storms missed our house. I honestly can't imagine being stuck in a bathroom with a bunch of infants and toddlers, sounds like a natural disaster in itself!

Boppa & Ava reading "Brown Bear"

Grandma & Ava

One shoe on, one shoe off...this picture cracks me up

A little kissy for Daddy

Grandma & Ava getting ready for a boat ride

Ava, the co-captain of the boat, sleeping

Ava helping Daddy open his Father's Day gift

A little family photo before heading back home

Grandma, Ava, Mommy, & Boppa Becker

Ava with Boppa & Grandma Becker

One last walk with Grandma & Boppa before they head home to IA

Almost got it (walking)

The updates are getting fewer and fewer and our schedule seems to get busier and busier. I've been picking up more hours at work over the past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago we got the unfortunate news that Nate lost his job. It came as a shock to our family. We are hoping and praying that it won't be long before he finds employment. I am fortunate that I work in a profession that allows me to pick up extra shifts. In the meantime Ava is getting some extra time with Daddy and only going to daycare once a week.

Last weekend I had to work my 12 hour nights, so Daddy & Ava headed up to the cabin with Grandma & Boppa Veldman (this allows me to sleep during the day). Evidently Daddy became an avid fisherman over the weekend, getting up early both mornings to go with the neighbor. Ava got to hang with Grandma, which I'm sure both of them enjoyed.

Ava has decided that it may be time to start walking on her own. Last night she walked across the room before falling. She's been attempting to walk a lot more, and will stand up on her own and then take off. She continues to expand her vocabulary every day. She can now tell me what a bear, cow, horse, and kitty say, and that a bunny "hops". This week she has also been practicing her "no". She's quite good at it, and even shakes her head when she really means it.

Grandma & Grandpa Becker are currently on their way here. They'll be spending the weekend with us. We're planning on heading up to the cabin tomorrow, and hoping for nice weather to enjoy some bike riding, fishing, BBQ, boat rides, and most likely swinging for Ava. We're looking forward to seeing them and spending some time with them.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and a Happy Father's Day to all you dads!

Ava enjoying yet another ride in the swing at the cabin

Where is Ava?!? When in doubt, she's in the bathroom emptying out her bath toys onto the floor.

This would be Ava eating the finger paint while we were trying to make Daddy a Father's Day card. This child eats Everything! I now have a deep appreciation for every craft that Ava makes at daycare. I don't know how they keep her clean. By the time she was done she had paint all over her onesie and my shirt.

Our little Van Gogh

Play date

Today we had a very much needed, and overdue play date with Miss Cora and her mommy Kristi. We couldn't have picked a better day since Ava was driving me crazy. She woke up early and was cranky all morning (and afternoon for that matter) and very clingy. I don't know if she's getting another tooth or what her deal is. I hope that there's a reason and that this is not her temperament now. Otherwise we could have some major issues! Anyway, we went to play with Cora this morning. It was a beautiful and cool day to be outside. We went for a walk to the park and played for a bit. Cora was running circles around the playground, while Ava was crawling around in the dirt and wood chips. She even had on her new shoes that were supposed to miraculously make her walk. We had a lovely lunch and were able to catch up on a few things. I tried to get some pictures of the girls, but they weren't real interested in sitting. Actually I should say Ava wasn't interested in sitting. Cora was a little angel. Thank you ladies for having us!

Like I said, today was a nice cool day. Earlier this week was a different story. It got up to 103 degrees on Tuesday. Monday was almost as hot so we decided to head to the pool. Ava enjoyed it for about 5 minutes as was then done. I've decided that next time we will do a small pool in the back yard. It's way to much work to pack everything up, go to the gym, shower there, and pack her up again. It was a nice thought though.

I work this weekend. Unfortunately it's my 12 hour nights. So, Nate & Ava will be heading up to the cabin to hang out with Grandma & Boppa V. This way I'll be able to sleep during the day on Saturday and Sunday. We're then looking forward to Grandma & Grandpa B. coming to visit next week.

Hoping that you all have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for checking in with us!

Playing "blocks"

Goldy got around...first on the train and then in the stroller

Hanging out at the pool

My attempt at getting a few pictures of Ava & Cora

Weekend at the cabin

We just returned home from our first summer weekend at the cabin. Sorry for the lack of updates this past week, it's been busy with me working and then us heading up north. Ava spent a few more days in the toddler room this week and seems to be doing ok. At least she wasn't crying when I picked her up. She's still not sleeping much there, since they don't let her have a morning nap. Hopefully she'll soon adapt and start taking longer afternoon naps.

Ava, Grandma, and I headed up to the cabin on Friday morning. We stopped in Albertville on the way up to look for some Stride Rite shoes for Ava. Ava hit the jackpot. She left with three new pairs of shoes. We have another excuse as to why she's not walking. Our first was that her equilibrium was off for so long due to all the fluid in her ears prior to her tubes being placed. Now our excuse is that we have been unknowingly binding her feet. She's evidently a size 6. Her little jelly shoes are a size 4...oops! She has been wearing her new kicks all weekend. And guess what...she took 6 steps by herself. Unfortunately I was the only one who saw it, but I'm hoping for a repeat performance very soon. Grandpa met us at the cabin shortly after we got there, and the Daddy & Uncle Wes arrived later that evening after work.

Saturday and today were absolutely gorgeous weather wise. Daddy, Uncle Wes, and Grandpa spent most of the day putting in docks and boats. Us girls went for walks and Ava did a lot of swinging. She loves being outdoors! She was exhausted Saturday night since she got up at 3:45 that morning to tell Daddy and me "hi". Her crib is in our bedroom so she felt the need to get up early to chat with us. Not cool! It doesn't help that her crib is next to the window. The sun comes up early and reflects off the lake right into our bedroom. Night number two we pulled a white trash move and put a sheet up over the window...it did the trick. She slept until almost 7 am (which sure beats 5:15).

Today we had lunch and then packed up and headed home. We had a graduation party to attend here in the cities this afternoon. We're now unpacked and Ava is fast asleep in her own room. We're hoping for a nice quiet night and some good quality sleep. We hope that you all had a wonderful weekend and were able to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

Flowers that Daddy brought home for me.

Flowers that Ava brought home for me in the flower pot that she made me at daycare for Mother's Day. The pot has little flowers made from her fingerprints. Unfortunately we left for Kansas City the day after we brought this home. It got no love for 5 days and is quite sad (ok, it's dead).

Ava spent a lot of time in Grandma & Boppa's bathtub this weekend

Stopping to smell the flowers on our walk. She puts her nose up to the flowers and then says, "mmmmm".

It was another Rufflebutts day

Ava & Grandpa Ed at the cabin

Getting ready to head out for our first boat ride of the season

Ava getting some love from Grandma

Ava looks to be having a fabulous time considering that she's in a floating straight jacket and it's dinner time.

While Daddy is away...

This weekend Nate had his annual golf trip with "the guys". They always go up to Giants Ridge for a weekend of golf, beer, unhealthy food, and testosterone. He usually comes home exhausted with a sunburn, sore muscles, an unshaven face, and some great memories. So since he was away, we thought we would have a "girls weekend" with Aunt Darlene and Great Grandma.

Aunt Darlene and Great Grandma arrived Thursday afternoon. That way Nate was able to see them and have dinner with all of us for one night. It also gave Aunt Darlene and me the chance to beat him and Grandma at a game of cards.

The weather was less than desirable this weekend, but we still had a good time. Friday morning Daddy was on his way with Uncle Wes and Brian. We spent the morning going to the park. and I made my first ever loaf of banana bread. I know, I'm 30 years old and have never made banana bread. Grandma & Aunt Darlene said that it was good. I wasn't sure if they were just being nice or not until I got up this morning and most of the loaf was gone. :) The rain came in Sat. afternoon so it was off to the mall. We all got a little something. We found Ava's 4th of July outfit...it is sooooo cute. I can't wait to see her in it. Too bad I have to work 4th of July weekend.

Saturday morning was pretty low key around here. I left around lunch time to go and surprise our friend Kari for her 30th birthday. Ava stayed home with Great Grandma & Aunt Darlene (thanks for watching her!!!). After I got home we were off to the Como Zoo. It was beautiful outside all day until we got ready to leave. Just as we were pulling into zoo the rain started to fall. We decided to brave it, but stopped in the conservatory first to see if the rain slowed down. We looked at the beautiful flowers and then headed out into the rain to visit the primates. After probably 30 minutes the rain stopped and the sun came out. I'm glad that we braved it and were able to enjoy the zoo.

Aunt Darlene & Great Grandma left around 11:30 today. We were so glad that they came, and sad to see them go. We just don't get to see them often enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making the trip up here and keeping us company this weekend. We didn't do anything too exciting, but we hope that you still had fun. We loved playing with you and just spending time with you. We love you!!!

Ava loves going down the slide

She had sooo much fun with Aunt Darlene pushing her

She crawled through the tunnel for the first time and loved it.

Great Grandma, Ava, & Aunt Darlene at the park

Aunt Darlene, Ava, & and a real "Sophie"

Enjoying the zoo in spite of the rain

Great Grandma, gorilla, Ava, & mommy

Ava giving the gorilla a kiss bye-bye

We tried piggy tails today. They weren't in too long before she pulled the right one out. We'll try again tomorrow. :)

This would be Ava getting very mad that she can't close the oven door with her baby in the oven. I'm slightly concerned about what kind of mother she will be some day.

15 months

Today our baby turned 15 months old. The months just seem to fly by. I look back at the blog posts from a year ago and see this beautiful little baby. I then look at her today and see this beautiful little person with a big personality. She continues to change every day. One thing remains constant though...she's still not walking on her own.

We had her 15 month appt. today. We didn't see her normal pediatrician (as she was booked out 2 months). Ava checked out just fine. However, the Dr. that we saw today seemed almost appalled that Ava wasn't walking. She did say that maybe part of it was because she had so much fluid in her ears for so long that her equilibrium was off. If that's the case, we can't use that excuse for much longer, as her tubes were put in last month. She'll walk while pushing her stroller or when she holds on to your fingers. She's just scared to try it on her own. I was also informed that she should be drinking 2% milk, not whole milk. Perhaps this will help with the size of her "belly belly". Her height and weight are proportionate though...both being above the 90th percentile. She is now 33 inches long and weighs 25 lbs 5 oz.

Daddy leaves for his annual golf trip on Friday, so Aunt Darlene and Great Grandma are coming up to keep us company. They'll be arriving tomorrow afternoon and staying until Sunday. We can't wait to see them!

Wishing you all a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!


She is now pushing around her train, but refused to try to walk on her own

You may think that she's doing her best impression of Christopher Columbus discovering America, but in fact she's pointing to the park that you can see from our yard. She obviously enjoys going there.

It sure was a lot easier to get her to sit still next to those signs when she was younger

She's already looking in to Luther College. To bad she's reading it upside down.

Pointing out puppy's eyes

Sink or Swim

I kind of feel like this is the motto in the "toddler room" at daycare. I picked Ava up from daycare today and when I arrived I was told that she was outside playing with the toddlers. I figured that this was good since she loves being outside. I get to the door and look outside, and see my poor baby sitting on the ground crying. Two of the "teachers" are standing next to her and just looking at her. She's not whining, she's crying. I'm sure that most of it was that she was over tired (since they're trying to wean her to 1 nap per day), but why weren't they at least playing with her or picking her up? They told me that she did fine this morning when she visited the toddler room.

I asked one of the toddler teachers if they get a lot of kids in their room that don't yet walk (since Ava is still not walking on her own). She replied by saying something like, "Oh, she'll learn to walk quickly if she wants to survive." What?!? These kids are going to eat her alive! I feel like I need to start walking boot camp STAT! Otherwise she's going to continue to be the kid who is sitting in the middle of the playground by herself crying. She's got a week off of daycare to make some progress.

So, needless to say, Ava's first day of visiting the toddler room did not go as well as I had anticipated. I'm kind of dreading her going back next week. I'm sure that I'm being the overly sensitive first time mom, but that's who I am. She may be 15 months old, but she's still my baby! Tomorrow we're off to her 15 month old well-baby check (which unfortunately involves more shots).