I just have to laugh at times. You're too funny.
In fact, mom even commented yesterday "I think she's going to be the class clown."
I can't say that I disagree.
This morning I walked into the kitchen to see that you pulled your stool over to the sink and were standing there like a human statue.
I quizzically asked what you were doing and you responded "I'm stretching my arm and my leg."
Oooookkkkkaaaayyyy.
Before I could even think of something to say you did a 360 on the dismount, proudly looked up at me and said "I spinned off."
Yeah, these dance classes are going to be a lifesaver for us.
Before you were dressed you also insisted on helping mom paint the hallway. We've got a lot of wall to cover and started this week with the hallway.
Mom was finishing up the trim this morning so I could roll the walls and have that part done before Gram and Papa Fenner arrived for the Buckeyes game.
"Mom, please, I help you!"
After continued begging, we gave in and got you a brush. It's not that we don't trust you, but we put towels down before giving you access to the paint.
So helpful!
Let the days of shuttling the kids around from practice to practice and events commence!
Not only are you and AJ in swimming, you'll also be starting dance classes on Monday.
This afternoon, your outfit arrived.
Of course we had to have you try it on!
After work, it was out to find the proper shoes.
They mean business at this place!
When we got home, it was time to try everything on once again.
Our own tiny dancer!
I had to work a little late tonight and offered to buy you some ice cream when I got home.
I texted mom as I was about to leave and offered up BAM Healthy Cuisine and some Handel's over in Washington Square.
She was on board and as soon I was home and changed, we hit the road.
We were sitting on the outside patio between the two establishments. Mom ran back inside to grab a high chair for AJ. When she returned I had my bck to you to put Arlee into her seat and mom was looking through the diaper bag for the baby food.
We both heard the distinct sound of a brick hitting the ground and our heads swiveled.
I turned around to see you standing there with a large paver brick in two pieces with smaller pieces all over the patio.
You looked p and began to cry a little. Mom scooped you up and we began to check for injuries. Neither of us saw the incident but what we gathered from you is that you tried to sit on the wall when the brick let loose.
Save for a scrape on your calf and a little injured pride, you weren't hurt. Thank God.
This could have been far worse if that brick landed in any other way.
You kept complaining that it hurt and we asked you where just to make sure there wasn't an issue we couldn't see, but you always pointed to the scrape. That made me comfortable in knowing there wasn't a larger issue.
Another customer stopped me to tell me that we got lucky and it could have been much much worse. I agreed and he continued by saying that brick shouldn't have let loose like that.
You continued to complain of the pain for a little while and as we stood in line for ice cream a nice lady offered you a band aid.
It was like magic. As soon as mom put the band aid on, all pain was forgotten and we had our rambunctious Ava back.
You began to do laps around our table and singing a song I couldn't figure out.
I also have to share this story that mom told me on the way home.
Due to my work commitment this afternoon, mom had to take you and your sister to the office for a closing.
She told me that normally you'll talk to all of the other agents in the office but were in a mood today where you wouldn't say a word.
You ran back to Lauren's chair and stated "Lauren and her mommy (Marcy) are not here."
As the other agents continued to try and talk with you, you just gave them a mean mug and turned away.
Mom asked what your deal was and ou threw your fists to your side and said "Ugh ... I'm just not nice to other nice people."
Oh Ava ...
We have opted to let you enjoy being a kid for one more year and not start you in preschool. Honestly, the only reason you would need it would be for the social skills. Cognitively you are doing really well.
Mom works hard with you to make sure you're always learning and having fun in the process.
This morning she sent me a photo and a couple videos of you working on your fine motor skills and color by number.
For Christmas you received an owl pillow in which you are tasked with decorating by punching little pieces of cloth into the proper place.
You had gotten to work on it and then it was cast aside.
I had mentioned something to mom about pitching it but she insisted we keep it.
Glad she kept it from going to the landfill!
You're hand-eye coordination is pretty impressive!
You were so proud when you finished the job!
It looks amazing!
Mom and I were beaming with pride as you were at the front of the line when the swim class walked across the pool deck to the waiting parents.
I got a text from mom this afternoon saying "Signed the girls up for swim lessons."
Awesome, I thought. We've been wanting to get you back in the pool.
When do they start? I responded.
5:55 and 6:30 mom replied.
Tonight?
Yup.
Okay cool. I know what we're doing tonight.
Arlee's class was first, which meant that we had to be patient and wait your turn.
Quite frankly, mom and I were more than a little concerned since with your class, we weren't permitted to be in the pool. You'd have to go this one alone.
After AJs class we had to walk you back up to the main pool stands and then following directions from your instructor, Joyce, mom walked you to the steps and let you go.
You seemed okay, although we could see you looking for us as the parents then had to go to a room upstairs where we could watch the class via closed circuit TV.
We were encouraged to see that you were enjoying yourself and listening to the teachers.
When your time was up, we waited with the other parents at the pool eck for you to come back.
You spotted us and were smiling from ear-to-ear.
You told us you had fun but did say you "wanted to cry" when we left you "but the other kids were happy" so you kept your cool.
Mom and I can relax a little knowing you'll do just fine on your own. This was a great intro for you to do thongs on your own and to make friends.
Next Monday is your first dance lesson and we're not allowed in the room there either. We can rest a little easier now. You'll be just fine.
Grandpa Bernie came over this afternoon to hang out and take a look at some projects I need help with around the house.
You told him you were going to go to your room and bring out a book. Down the hall you ent and when you returned you had a bag full of books.
And wouldn't you know it, he sat there and read every one of them with you.
But you know kiddo, what I can't get out of my head is a comment you made while we were all settling in for the night.
I had just put Arlee to bed and you were sitting with mom, wrapped in dot blanket, on the recliner.
You looked as though you were going to close your eyes at any moment and call it a day.
Quietly, with a little defeat in your soft voice you said "I hate myself."
Whoa, what?
"I hate myself" you repeated.
Mom and I were instantly concerned. She gave you a big hug and asked why you would say that?
I didn't quite catch your response but I think it had something to do with when you get into trouble.
"I'm sad because I hate myself when ..." and I missed the rest.
This is one that mom and I need to stop right away. There's going to be times of doubt in your life, we all go through it, but don't ever hate yourself!
You've been acting out a bit lately, taking toys from your sister when she's playing with them, not listening. But, you're three and we expect that. It's natural.
It's our job to make sure we raise you properly and that you continue to grow into the beautiful girl that you are!
In order to do so, we need to discipline you at times. We don't enjoy it. We'll both be the first to tell you that.
Rest assured knowing that we love you and would do anything for you!
We spent the afternoon on the shores of Lake Erie at Aunt Theresa's house. She had the family over for a little cookout. It's been a number of years since I've been to her house. She typically comes down to our neck of the woods.
She lives within walking distance of the Lake.
We took a walk down to the water and you went for a dip ... clothes and all.
With the temps in the 90s and not a cloud in the sky, we figured you'd be dry before we got back to the house.
Shortly after getting back to the house, people started to leave. Eventually it was us, Aaron and Dianne, and Aunt Theresa.
We opted to grab a bite to eat before hitting the road and Aunt Theresa suggested a local place called the Local Tavern.
"What would you like for her?" asked the waitress.
"Nothing, she won't eat anyway." we responded. "She'll pick at ours."
Pick you did, and we couldn't have been more thrilled.
You started by asking to try an appetizer that was a bacon-wrapped jalapeno pepper stuffed with sausage.
Mom got one for you and we cut it up. You ate nearly the entire thing.
Are you feeling okay?
Next came dinner, we both got a side of fries thinking that would be all you'd eat.
You spotted Aunt Theresa's wings and asked for one. She gave you a drum stick ... luckily they arent spun in sauce here and you dipped it in ranch and took a bite.
Did that for real just happen?
After a few bites mom had to strip the meat from the bone for you, but you ate the whole thing and asked for more.
We had to laugh because mom offered you a bite of her burger, to which you wanted nothing more than to see her eat it.
When she put the final bite in her mouth it was a melt down. You stated over and over between the tears that you wanted to try it.
Okay, a McDonald's run for a burger it is.
We stopped and got a cheeseburger, ketchup only, and a small order of nuggs as backup.
After eating about a third of the burger you handed it to mom for safe keeping saying "I'll finish it tomorrow" and curled up with purple blanket for the remainder of the hours and a half drive home.
We have our fingers crossed that this is the start of an expanded palate for you!
