Today Ava Ran To Greet Me

There's certain things in life that no matter what kind of day it was - good, bad, long or short - can put a smile on my face. 

One of them is the pitter patter of tiny feet running across the floor as I get out of my truck after work. 

Trap a kitty!

It's been well noted that one of my favorite things is when you and mom greet me at the top of the steps after work. This has become engrained in your daily routine and has evolved since you've become mobile. 

Due to the setup of our home I'm able to hear every step you take as you anticipate me turning the corner and coming up the stairs. 

You see, the way our home is setup, our living room, dining room, and kitchen are above the garage.. To enter the house we come in through the basement and make a left to go up the stairs. Those steps bring you to the main level via the kitchen. 

With this setup you can hear and feel the garage door come up and once you realize it, I can only imagine you making a break for the stairs (with your mom of course!).

As I said, on the opposite end I can hear all the movement above as I come in. 

Hearing your feet run across the floor above me puts an instant smile on my face and makes me hustle to get in. 

This isn't our forever home, but as time continues and we move on and grow both physically and as a family ... I'll always come back mentally to these days to the sound of little feet running to greet me at the door.

Today Ava Put On Mom's Glasses

From mom's slippers to her glasses you're transforming into a young lady. 

First things first - SLOW DOWN! 

As much as we love who you're becoming, mom and I miss what you were. That's not a bad thing, it's just the passing of time. 

Tonight as we were getting ready to go to bed I walked into the kitchen to rinse out the bottle you just finished and as I came back into the living room you were looking at me with a wide grin and mom's glasses perched loosely on your nose

I literally was taken aback. You were so proud of your accomplishment and wanted me to look. As the eye wear slid from your face you begged us to put it back on. We did a few times and your excitement is so contageous. 

Soon, though, it was time for bed. I asked if you were ready to go back to the room. Without hesitation you grabbed your blanket and took off running down the hallway. 

"How about your crib?" I asked as you scurried. All I heard was "no!" as you made a left and waited for me to lift you into our bed. 

Sleep well little on.

Today Ava Put On Mom's Slippers

Cute moments, moments of growth, moments of learning ... that's what this journal is all about. 

Sometimes I get long winded trying to tell my story and I hope that someday you'll appreciate that.

Tonight was one of those cute moments. Playing in the living room as we do a lot to close out the evening; you spied mom's slippers on the floor and left foot followed by right you placed your feet into them.

With a huge grin of accomplishment you did your best to walk around. High stepping your way into the kitchen the slippers inevitably would fall off. To which, you apologized to us a number of times.

As the slippers came loose from your feet we would hear "Sorry!" 

Not sure why you were apologizing, but it was cute nonetheless. Eventually your apologies were replaced with frustration as you struggled to keep the slippers on your feet. 

Don't rush it, soon enough your feet will surely fill mom's slippers. And I'm sure you'll be swapping outfits in no time.

Today Ava Had Stole My Blanket

Before I get into today's entry I must share a moment from yesterday that I can't believe I forgot to mention.

Sitting in the living room mom and I were watching as you ran your nightly laps around the kitchen, dining room and living room. Suddenly, Cookie ran in front of your path and without hesitation you lifted your right leg and booted her under the belly. 

Once we knew Cookie wasn't injured, it took everything we had not to laugh. We needed to discipline you, but at the same time it was hysterical. We sternly told you not to do it again. 

The running continued and a few laps later you deviated from your path and followed McGee lifting your leg in a kicking motion as he dove underneath the end table. 

Again, we sternly warned you not to do it or a timeout was in order. 

A few minutes later you began to walk towards Cookie who was at our feet near the couch, swinging your leg as you took each step. I intervened before you could connect and pointing my finger at you again sternly said "we don't kick the cats!"

To which you knew my seriousness and immediately looked at me and began to cry. 

You really know how to make me melt! I scooped you up and told you I'm not mad but we cannot go around kicking the cats. They're part of the family. You quickly calmed down and all was forgiven.

Now ... for today's post: 

We held a mini-photo shoot in your room for some 18-month photos. See, rather than posed portraits we were trying to catch you doing what you enjoy, which in this case was reading. We got some great photos: 

Okay, I've been long winded without even getting to the point of this entry yet. So here goes ... 

We were all in the living room again relaxing for the evening when you began to walk away carrying your "towel." I snatched it from you and laid down and pretended to fall asleep with it. 

You found this amusing and came over and took your blanket back. I quickly jumped up said "You took my blanket!" and picked you up to place you on your Minnie couch. I tickled you and took the blanket back. I've never heard such laughter come from you. 

You thought this was the funnest thing in the world. Our cycle repeated for about ten minutes. You trying to run away with a blanket, me stealing it, you taking it back only for me to playfully toss you onto your couch and tickle you until I stole the blanket back. 

With times like this, who could possibly have a care in the world for that moment? 

I hope you had as much fun as I did tonight - and judging by the laughter I'd say you did.

Today Ava Was Chatty

I thought my entry today would be about the new word I heard you say this morning, but the talking just kept coming. 

When you were an infant you would coo a lot and make other noises like you were trying to communicate with us. I said on numerous occasions "When she starts talking, I'll neve get a word in again." 

My prophecy is beginning to come true. 

This morning I was clearing out the miscellaneous items from your diaper bag when I came across dry erase stickers that Grandpa Fenner gave you at the basketbal game on Saturday night. 

They caught your eye and right away you wanted to play with them. "Open!" you said. 

A word I hadn't heard before and it was clear as day. 

In my excitement I kept asking you to repeat it. "Open! Open!" 

We made our way to the bathroom where mom was getting ready. As we approached the bathroom mom said "She's saying 'Open.'" 

I guess mom had already heard you say that word ... 

It turned out it wouldn't be the first new word I would hear today. 

After work we ate dinner - well mom and I ate dinner - and had a few errands to run. After a quick run to Target we made our way to the mall to pick up the broken necklaces you and I had dropped off earlier this month. 

On the way to the mall you asked for "Awesome boss" or, as we've come to know it, applesauce.

Mom and I agreed, though, that we are the "awesome bosses" of this operation.

After getting some new kicks at Finish Line ($20 for a sweet pair of Reebok's) we made our way to the jewelry store for mom's necklaces. To which you discovered diamonds.

Following a lap around the mall it was time to make for home and begin settling in for the night.

As soon as we walked in the door you asked for your slide. Mom decided to bring it upstairs for the evening so you could play while we put our things away. 

This is when I heard my second new word of the night! Following a few times up and down the slide I asked you "Are you having fun?" To which you immidietly replied "Have fun!" and slid down once more with a giggle. 

I'm floored at how quickly you're picking up words and short phrases. 

Soon thereafter you became bored of the slide and began to read to us. 

This is by far one of the cutest things I've ever witnessed. I love to hear you "read" and I'm glad you have such an interest in books. 

I need to start reading to you more often than I do. 

Our conversations for the day drew to an end when I asked if you wanted to go to your room and you beelined down the hall and into our room. 

Get a good nights sleep. We'll talk tomorrow!

Today Ava Had Ice Cream From Paul's

At just under 19 months old you've had your fair shareof ice cream already. From Country Cones here at home to Paul's Drive In - the local Shelby classic and many ice cream stands in between. 

Paul's recently opened and even though the weather was barely above freezing, the first trip to Paul's of the season was necessary. Having stayed with your grandparents last night, we were able to go down the road for a cone this afternoon. 

Which I might ad you enjoyed before we were even out the door. 

In  testament to how quickly you're growing up, you insisted on holding the cone and feeding yourself. Last summer, it was up to your mom and I to hold your cone for you and let you lick the ice cream.

Sadly, those days are gone. But, on the plus side, that just means we can eat our treats before they melt

Today Ava Asked For Shawn

Clutching "Stuffy" you ran around the living room asking for Uncle Shawn. 

"Shawn, Shawn, Shawn ...." over and over again. 

We reintroduced Stuffy to you after finding him buried at the bottom of the bin holding all of yuor stuffed animals. 

We can only assume you made the connection between the stuffed dragon - a character from the Doc McStuffin's cartoon on Disney Junior - and Uncle Shawn since he bought it for you for Christmas. 

Soon, you made your way to the dining room window where the quest for Uncle Shawn continued. 

"Who are you looking for, Ava?" asked mom. To which we heard the reply "Shawn!" Followed by "Shawn? Shawn?" 

He wasn't out there this time, but don't worry, next month when we help Aunt Holly and Uncle Shawn move into their new house we'll let you bring Stuffy and I'm sure he'll play for a few minutes.

Today Ava Had Her First Braid

At only a year and a half old you have many milestones, goals and firsts to reach in your lifetime. But, more time is spanning the "little" firsts. 

Tonight, was one such first but let me give a little back story before getting into the details. 

Your hair is getting so long. Much to your dismay, it takes longer for us to wash and rinse in the tub. You just want to splash and play, the cleaning part of a bath is a side point to you.

When dry, it's funny to watch you clear your hair from your face when you get annoyed with it. You nearly slap yourself as you violently swipe the hair from your eyes and nose. 

A lot of the time we've got a clip in your hair to keep it out or mom will pull your hair into a little "Pebbles Flintstone" type of pony tail on the top of your head. I've tried to put your hair up in this manner and have miserably failed.

The latter was once fittingly described to me as a whale spout. 

Mom came up with a genius and cute way to keep your hair out of your face. Which is one of the few "firsts" we've had in a while. While sitting on the couch with you playing in front of her the idea hit her and she began to loosely braid your hair. 

Growing up sans sister, to me a braid always meant a tightly weaved pony tail or two coming out of the back of your head. What mom was doing was a braid that spanned from your forehead to the back of your head. 

She held it together with a clip towards the right side of your crown. 

You were content! No attempt to pull the clip or to run your fingers through the braid to pull the hair out. 

We failed to get photos so the visual for this entry will just remain in my head until your old enough. Maybe after reading this if you ask nicely, mom (or maybe I'll have it figured out by that time) will demonstrate for you. 

Today Ava Hated Her Crib

Our bad habit has reached whole new levels. 

We used to be able to put you to bed in your crib at night without issue. then, you came down with a cold and we began to lay with you to help ease you to sleep. Laying down with you continued once you felt better - for selfish reasons honestly. Frankly we enjoy spending even those extra few minutes with you as you fall asleep. 

Like a fish needs water, you need us to fall asleep. It's a bit of a struggle as we try to figure out how to break you of this dependency. 

You're too young for a toddler bed yet and we're concerned you're afraid of your crib. 

You refused a nap this afternoon with mom until she used your crib as leverage. She told you if you don't lay down and take a nap now, she would put you in your crib. Walking into your room you clutched her for dear life. She offered you one more chance and you were out within minutes. 

It gets even worse at night. 

I asked you this evening if you were ready to go to sleep and you replied with "room." and began to gather your blanket. 

I said "No, crib" and immediately you became uneasy and almost with a whine replied "room. room."

You gave mom a kiss and a squeeze goodnight and as we walked down the hall towards your room I could feel you become more and more tense. You leaned for our room as I walked straight into yours. 

"Room! Room!" with a point towards our bedroom. 

Before I could try to lay you down in your crib you clutched my shirt and laid your head down on my shoulder. We rocked for a few minutes, I sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star then I attempted to lay you down. 

You almost literally crawled up over my shoulder and down my back to avoid your crib. We laid down in our room and you were quickly fast asleep.

Mom came in a few minutes past 11:00 p.m. ready for bed herself. Looks like I fell asleep with you.

I just wish I knew what was causing your fear. Is it a separation anxiety? 

I don't want to sound like I'm complaining because I know the day is fast approaching when you'll be independent and not need us.

Today Ava Made Her Way To Our Bed

For the last few days you've been waking up in the middle of the night and only calm down when you lay back down with mom and I in our room. 

It's become routine for you to spring awake somewhere around the 3:00 O'clock hour only to ask for a bottle and fall back to sleep once you've had your fill. 

Always fearful of you tossing and turning in your sleep and crashing out of bed, I build a "wall" of pillows and blankets where I was laying before leaving the room for the morning. This way I can start my morning without worry and normally occurs around 6:30 a.m. when I actually get some sleep. 

This morning, following your fill of milk and crashing again you slept ... and slept ... and slept ... 

The minutes ticked away as I got ready for work, packed your lunch and mine. No movement from our bed other than the rise and fall of your chest with each breath. 

As mom and I continued getting ready we frequently checked on you.  Even with the door open and mom and I making no regard to keep quiet, you continued dreaming. 

The time came for me to leave so I kissed my fingers and pressed them to your forehead and out the door I went. 

Plugging away at work I received a text at 9:15 a.m. saying you had finally awoken a few minutes earlier. 

It's about time!

It's good that your getting lot of sleep but would be better if it were in one nice block and in your own bed. 

We'll work on that.

Today Ava Talked In Her Sleep

Mom sent me a text today that literally made me laugh out loud at my desk after reading it. 

There's not much for me to put in words today because the screen shot will explain everything. Just know that I'm still laughing out loud as I type this. 

  

If you ever randomly hear us yell "Toot! Toot!" and there's not a train in sight, you'll know why. 

Today Ava Had Interesting Fashion Sense

We enjoyed a Daddy-Daughter night as mom's team played their tournament game at Union Local -roughly an hour and a half away. 

Since the game wasn't slated to tip off until 8:00 p.m. it was a little too far and a little too late to take you. We enjoy watching mom's games so I wish we could have gone, but we'd be looking at a return of around midnight. 

We continued our pattern of dinner and then playing downstairs. 

I remembered that I had left some laundry in the dryer from this morning and began to fold it while you played. 

Suddenly I looked up to see you walking around the basement with a pair of my (clean) boxers over your head. 

I tried to take them off and put them away but you wouldn't have it. Looking like an Ewok, you continued about your business for another ten minutes or so. 

You may be embarrassed by this someday, but that's okay with me. It's parental prerogative.  I couldn't help but laugh when I looked up and someday you'll do the same with your children!

Today Ava Played In The Snow

We've had a lot of snow this winter but not much you could actually enjoy. It's been too bitter cold to go outside and play. 

It warmed up enough today, and by enough I mean it hit 30 degrees. 

With an open house on the horizon this afternoon for mom, we took you outside this morning. It's quite an undertaking getting you ready to play in the cold. 

First we have to get you dressed, then it's into your snow pants followed by your heavy dual-layer winter coat. Once both zippers are up, it's on to boots and finally your gloves and hat. 

I'm exhausted just recounting it. 

But, the effort is worth it to hear you say "snow!" and want to go play in it. 

It was deep so all you really could do was stand in it, bend over and grab a handful then toss it into the air. You soon realized you could eat it too. 

After playing for a few minutes it was time to slide! We don't own a sled ... honestly didn't think we'd need one until next winter at the earliest. Mom used her creativity and brought a tote lid from the garage and went up the hill on the side of the house. 

It worked to perfection and you loved it!

Have a look: 

You're getting to the age no where we can do more things and I'm loving it! We're going to have a lot of fun this summer.

Today Ava High Fived Everyone

Feeling a little better tonight, we decided to go out and get a couple movies - one for you and one for us. We got you bundled up and loaded into the car and made our ay to Family Video on the corner of Easton and Middlebranch. 

It's a good ten to fifteen minute dive but it's the closest rental store to us. 

After walking around the store we settled on Despicable Me 2 for you and Captain Philips for us. We paid and were on our way. Mom thought it would be nice to get some popcorn for the night so we made our way across the street to Rite Aid. After a quick pit stop we began to discuss dinner options.

After discussing we concluded that there wasn't much at home to choose from so we opted for Leno's, the little diner on the other corner opposite Rite Aid and Family Video.

After an uneventful dinner we were getting ready to leave when I set you down so I could get out of the booth and you playfully took off running. 

Trying not to disturb the other patrons I caught you in the middle of the restaurant. 

You turned around and thinking you were headed to mom. She was asked by a couple how old you were and after some conversation you offered the pair a high five. 

Now, we all know what happens when you offer someone a high five ... everyone gets a high five. 

Mom set you down and you went to each booth and much to the delight of the customers and staff, gave everyone you could get to a high five. One gentleman even called out saying "I better get my high five!" and held his hand up as you made your ay over. 

Sometimes I get worried that we'll make a scene or bother others, but this was by far one of the cutest moments I've witnessed to date. 

Everyone loved it and I think you made some people's day. 

Continue doing good and making a difference in people's lives!  

Today Ava Celebrated Valentine's Day

The subject line is a bit of a misnomer. There wasn't much celebrating as I haven't been feeling all that well the past few days.

On Tuesday, when you decided it was more fun to sleep in the car than to go run and play, we stopped at Gervasi Vineyard to get a small Valentine's gift for mom. We got her a bottle of her favorite wine, Tesoro, and some of their signature brownie mix.

Wine and brownies, screams romance, right?

Well needless to ay, it was a struggle to get through the work day. I was looking forward to picking you up and getting home. 

Few things in life are better than ringing the doorbell at Marissa's and hearing the pitter patter of your little feet coming towards the door followed by "Daddy!" bellowing from the other side. 

I gathered you up and home we went to enjoy the evening with our Vaentine. 

Unfortunately for my Valentine's it turned in to just being a typical family night as we didn't even make the brownies or open the wine. 

After dinner we played in the basement for a bit before heading to bed. 

Exciting, huh? 

Hopefully I shake this cold soon and get back to normal.

Today Ava Enjoyed a Play Date

Earlier in the week I was asked by a family friend for a lesson in Photoshop as he's been tasked by his company to handle their e-newsletters and the design work that goes along with it.

I'm always willing to help out when and where I can so we set the appointment for tonight at his place. Mom and I thought it would be a great chance for you to get out of the house and have a "play date" with his daughters while the dad's got some work done.

You seem to get along really well with Quinn, who is only six months older than you.

As always, it took you a few minutes to warm up to surroundings other than your own but once you were out of your shell it was a night filled with laughter and giggles.

I lost count of the amount of times the two of you (and older sister Addy) chased each other between the rooms.

And if the amount of toddler selfies I found on my phone when we got home is any indication, I think the two of you also share the same affinity for mobile devices.

Today Ava Was Patriotic

We go to a lot of basketballs games and sometimes it's a bit of a struggle to keep you quiet for the National Anthem. If I get the feeling that you won't be quiet or cooperative we'll strategically leave the gym, or keep you occupied with a toy. 

If there's two things mom and I can teach you in life it would be to love God and your country. Well, you got the latter tonight and hopefully the former will follow. 

When everyone in the gym stands the first hting I do is pick you up and face the flag. I then place your right hand over your heart. It never stays put, you're too young to understand yet and I get that. 

Well tonight mom had her final regular season game at Sandy Valley and when the recording began I picked you up and placed your right hand over your heart. I was astonished when you left it there and kept your eyes fixed on the flag at center court. 

I was even more surprised when you left it there until the conclusion of the song. Maybe you were tired, maybe you say me doing the same ... but, I was proud nonetheless. 

It was a small moment, but one that really stuck with me tonight. 

Today Ava Fell Asleep In The Car

Remember yesterday when I said we didn't want you to get cabin fever? 

Well, I had a chance to get you out of the house today but you felt a nap would be more fun.

Mom had practice at their tournament site nearly an hour and a half away. She couldn't take you with her so I stayed home from work. A daddy-daughter day! 

We left this morning shortly after mom to run a few errands - diapers at Target, a pit stop at Helzberg Diamonds to get mom's rings inspected - then off to the mall to drop off mom's necklaces.

She had a few mishaps this week and the chains on two of her necklaces needed fixed.

Earlier in the morning she suggested that you and I go to the Play Place at First Christian Church so you could run and climb and get out of the house. It was a great idea and after looking up their hours (2 p.m. - 5 p.m.) my plan was simple: run our errands and tire you out then after a nap we go play. 

Simple in theory, not in practice. All went well until the nap part. We finished up with our errands around 1:00 p.m. Perfect! I thought. 

Four times we went back to the room to lay down, four times you slid right off the bed and ran back to the living room. 

Finally, after you asked to go downstairs I told you "We're going to do something better than play downstairs!" 

We got you all bundled up, loaded back into the truck and off to the play place we went! 

Less than a mile down the road it dawned on me that it was awful quiet in the backseat. 

I turned around to see this:

I still continued on to see if you would wake up once we got out of the truck ... nope. Out. Cold. 

We turned around and made our way back home, to which you quickly woke up. No real nap today and no play place. Ah well, we still enjoyed our day together!

Today Ava Went to Sears

And you know what that means ... 

Sears is to you what Cedar Point is to us. An awesome amusement park full of cool rides.

Mom and I want to take a few nice 18-month photos but need a suitable backdrop. We struck out at JoAnn Fabrics so we took you to PetSmart to see the animals. 

After you got your fix of fish, cats, and dogs the next quest was dinner. Our original idea was Chick-Fil-A so you could play in their little kids area. When we drove by we realized you aren't big enough yet to play there. 

With the weather being as cold as its been, we're getting cabin fever and don't want you to get bored doing the same stuff over and over. 

So, you see mom, when you put the magnet underneath like this ....

Our indecisiveness for a meal led us to the food court at the mall. We decided on the Gyro shop thinking that you'd eat the meat. Wrong again, just the french fries. Somehoe we have to get you to eat fruits and veggies ...

We got up and took a lap around the mall only to end up doing your favorite thing ... riding the escalator at Sears. 

I lost count at six times up and down. 

You get so excited, your little feet stomping the stair as I hold onto your hands. As we near the end of the ride we'll count 1-2-3 before you jump and I lift you into the air to land on solid ground. 

I fear someone might think I'm a bad parent letting you ride an escalator like this, but not to worry, I've got a firm grip. No accidents happening under my watch!

Today Ava Played "Trap A Kitty!"

You. Love. McGee. 

Or love to torture him, we're not sure which is the proper description. 

You began chasing him around the house yelling "Mitteee! Mitteee!" as you scampered to find him. 

He sought refuge in a laundry basket until you joined him. 

He pounced (pun intended) on an opportunity to escape your confinement. Once you rolled out of the basket it was back to trying to catch him. 

You took "Trap a kitty" to a whole new level.

Carrying the basket around the house saying "In, McGee!" or a variant of, he eventually found solace behind the glider in the office. You weren't too happy to have failed in your effort to catch him. 

I'll let the video tell the story. I especially love the point where you say "McGee, go in!" 

Today Ava Ran the Stairs

I'm quickly learning that you don't mind repetitiveness. Then again, repetition is the key to learning so maybe your just showing off your smarts!

We spent halftime and the better part of the third quarter of mom's game running a short flight of stairs in the lobby of Tusky Valley High School tonight.

Up, down, up and down again. Much to my delight, you insisted on my help. Not wanting to crawl up and down the steps you begged for my fingers for balance. 

A lasting memory will always be those little hands gripping my index finger and knowing that no matter how big you get, I'll be there when you need support.

Eventually the six stairs in the flight took its toll and you needed a short breather.

Even the most conditioned athletes need a break every now and again.

Today Ava Had Her 18-month Checkup

Want the good news or the bad news? 

I don't like to begin things on the wrong foot so lets start with the good. You're as healthy as can be. Right on target with height and weight and our concern over your lack of eating was all for naught. 

Now for the bad news ... you had to get shots. 

We anticipated two or three, but when the nurse came in with four needles on a tray, your mom's heart sank. 

How would you take them this time? It's getting more difficult as you get older and realize what's coming. 

I was keeping your upper body still as mom and the nurse help your legs. Three of us holding you didn't matter. You have some crazy baby strength, I'm kinda proud of that. 

To help keep you still (and mom from crying) we switched positions and I helped hold your legs steady to make it easy on the nurse. 

You wiggled at just the right time and the second needle scraped your leg a bit. That'll be a nice mark you can show off to your friends. 

You cried for maybe five minutes once the fourth needle was out of your leg. When we walked past the nurses station you gave ours a glare and shortly after that all was forgotten. 

Let's hope you sleep it off!

P.S. - Your new favorite word:

Today Ava Apologized

As soon as you and mom walked in the door this evening I called your uncle Kris so we could see little Addy via FaceTime. She's early to bed so our window was limited. You and mom got home in the nick of time. 

After a little while the conversation began to come to and end. We asked you to say goodnight to Addy and Uncle Kris and give them a kiss. Leaning in to the iPad you gave Uncle Kris a kiss goodnight then leaned in and gave Addy a kiss on the forehead. From Ohio to North Dakota, goodnight.. 

After our call it was time to find something to eat. What to have? What to have? It's our daily struggle. 

Pasta? Na. Soup and sandwich? Na. Smoothy? Nope. 

It was a fish and french fry kind of night for dinner. Not the healthiest, but simple, quick, and we know you'll eat it. 

Nearing the end of the meal you wanted to play with the condiment bottles, "Yellow" we heard as you reached for the mustard. I lid it to within your reach at the counter. Soon, it was on the floor and an innocent little "Uh oh" followed as you peered over your booster seat at the floor. 

I picked up the bottle and placed it back on the counter. You had already moved on to the ketchup bottle and moments later it hit the floor as well. 

Mom looked to you and said "Say 'sorry dad.'" 

Now, I mentioned yesterday about how rapidly your vocabulary is growing and about how you're repeating what we ask you, but to get it on the first try? Awesome!

She only had to ask you once before you replied by looking at me and saying "Sorry Daddy." 

I'm doomed. 

That little voice is going to get you out of a lot of trouble someday. 

Today Ava Tattled On Mom

As I began to round the corner to head up the stairs after work I heard a little giggle that let me know you were waiting for me at the top. 

I was about halfway up when you looked at me and said "Mommy tooted." 

Say what? 

"Mommy tooted" you repeated with a laugh. 

"Well, she busted me." Mom said, "Can't argue with her." At least I was given fair warning before finding out the hard way. 

Orange you glad I'm eating?

Those two words further cemented my belief that we need to really monitor our actions around you. As your vocabulary explodes and you pick up on your surroundings, we really need to be careful.

I mention your vocabulary, and this ties in with today's topic, we'll say something and ask you to repeat. Without hesitation you give it your best shot. Some of the words are complex for you but most of the time you nail it or get close enough for us to understand it. 

I may not have been a model student but I love to watch you learn. 

Here's a little P.S. - you also peed on the potty for the first time tonight. I'm not sure you even realized you did, but it's still a step in the right direction.

I had no idea you and mom were in the bathroom until I heard "You did it, yay!!!" excitedly come from mom. She called me over to tell me. 

You're quickly transforming into a big girl!

Today Ava Put Makeup On

"Just wait until you see what your daughter did this morning." I heard shortly after telling mom what work was about to happen to her car. 

She continued to tell me that "I was getting ready in the bathroom and Ava was with me until she heard the 'Jake (and the Neverland Pirates)' theme song. She ran out to the living room and I didn't think anything of it." 

Nothing out of the ordinary there. 

She continued, "A minute or two later I went out to check on her and she got ahold of the markers on the floor." 

I'm thinking you drew on your arms or legs, which happens frequently. "She had grabbed the red marker and was putting it on like lipstick," mom added. 

Auditioning for the role of "Joker?"

Mom doesn't wear lipstick so it took me a while to figure out where you got this concept from. Then it dawned on me, you love to put chap stick on and just happened to grab the red marker.

Today Ava Sang To Us

This subject line may sound familiar, we've used it before. But tonight I deemed it necessary again as I heard the sweetest three words to hit these old ears. 

We got home late, around 9:00 p.m. from mom's basketball game and leaving her car at the mechanic for the morning (keep your fingers crossed it's nothing expensive). 

After a quick gut bomb from McDonald's we all settled in. Mom was cleaning up a few dishes when I heard your little voice softly start singing. I listened for a second and didn't think much of it. You love to sing, never any words just mumbles that you put together. Or so I thought. 

With mom's job as a real estate agent she has the good fortune to spend more time with you during the week than I do so she picks up more of what your learning to say. 

The singing that I cast aside as gibberish was actually words tonight. You picked up on a song we always sing to you.

To soothe you when your tired or when we're trying to get you to sleep for the night mom and I both softly sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to you. Mom is exceptionally good in the fact that she'll let you finish lines. "Twinkle Twinkle Little _______" and you'll gently chime in "Star" with a grin on your face. 

And you've begun singing the song back to us. 

Mom, finished with her dishes, heard the singing and came into the living room. She noticed that I was not picking up on the words and quickly told me you were saying "Above world high."

I listened a little more closely ... spot on. 

The lineage of singers in your family isn't strong. At least on my side. Just ask your Grandpa Waechter. "Would the following students please report to study hall instead of choir ... Bernie Waechter. That is all." (Sorry, dad). 

Need further proof, jut ask your mom about my lyrical genius when songs come on the radio. 

From what I heard this evening, the mold may be broken.

Today Ava Belly-flopped

We were invited over to Keith's house to watch the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks square off in Super Bowl XLVIII. Mom and I weren't sure how long you'd make it but you ended up doing surprisingly well.

Keith let you play with the treasure trove of toys he has for his nephews which kept you occupied for a while but the one thing that caught my attention was this: belly-flopping on the little couch.

Similar to your Minnie Mouse couch, Keith's nephews have a Thomas the Train that pulls out like a bed. Later in the night, I don't know if it was punch-dunk or just plain silliness - you began to run in circles around the room then dive over the back of the couch and land on your stomach. Luckily it was extended and made for a soft landing. 

At first I thought maybe you tripped and fell into the couch but you immediately popped up and made another lap, ending the same a the first - on your tummy.

The six seconds you see above is just a short moment of the 15 minutes you kept yourself entertained. I fully expect to see some bruises in the morning. 

You were the most entertaining part of the game.