Today Ava Hated The Park

I was about 45 minutes late leaving the office this afternoon and I couldn't wait to get home and talk to mom about going for a walk or even to the park down the street.

I walked in the door aaaaaannnnnnnddddd ... you were out cold in mom's arms on the couch. 

Deflated. 

Maybe this is what wore you out?

Since your nap was so late in the afternoon we opted to rouse you after an hour so you wouldn't be up all night. 

What a mistake that proved to be Miss Crankypants! 

You seemed excited to go to the park when we asked you and even giddy to take a seat in your car. 

The fun stopped there. Things were promising as we arrived at the park. "Ava do you want to swing?"

"Okay" you replied. 

As soon as you got seated you wanted down. 

Maybe a trip down the slide? As you would say "Nope."

You looked for ducks in the stream that borders the park and wouldn't you know it, two landed as we were walking away. Such was our luck today. 

We quickly packed up shop and headed back home. 

Lesson learned, let you sleep!

Tomorrow is promising to be an even better day so maybe we'll try again? 

Today Ava Helped With Dinner

You're so eager to help out. Whether it be cleaning, laundry, or making meals you're always willing to toe the line.

Tonight was no exception. 

We planned on making one of my favorite summer meals - sliced potatoes and smoked sausage with peppers and onions. Meant for the grill, we improvise at times and prepare it on the stove. It was one of those nights. 

You desperately wanted picked up so you could see the prep work and be a part of the action. After a little discussion, we compromised and seated you in your high chair.

And with that you went from worker to supervisor ...

Living the good life.

I'll remember this when it comes time for allowance.

Today Ava Told Dad He Was Pretty

We had planned a nice dinner with Keith and Jenna tonight and who knew it included live music?

As we were all gathered around the table suddenly you busted out into a rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" for our guests. 

You were on a roll tonight and that's where it began.  

Following dinner the adults relaxed with a glass of wine and "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

Here's what you thought of that:

You didn't want to put on the Minnie Mouse ears that Jenna brought for you tonight so I put them on to illicit a reaction. 

Little did I know how pretty you thought it made me. I appreciate the boost in my self esteem!

The night was capped with an encore of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Today Ava Had A Dozen

I've said time and time again how much mom works with you and how well it pays off. 

Call me a proud papa but I don't know of many 19 month old's that can count to twelve. 

So you skipped a few steps -don't worry, we'll work on filling in the blanks, but you've got it! 

Today Ava Had An Accident

Give your mom a hug when you read this. You owe her one. 

It felt good to get back to our early morning routine of a bottle of milk and too many early morning episodes of Mickey.

Luckily my bug was just a 24-hour one.

I couldn't help but laugh at the text I received from mom this afternoon.

Just know, I'm not sharing this embarrassing story because I want to make you uneay, I share it because it's jut plain funny. I like to call it Karma (more on that in a sentences).

The last few days you've been enjoying - how should I say this - the wind beneath your wings? Frankly, you're happy when you're in just a diaper but happiest when you're running around like a nudist. 

As you can see from the text above ... the latter is done

When I read that text on my phone it reminded me of a time (in the few months of your life before this journal) that I was changing one of your diapers after a bath.

Mom was down the hall drawing your bathwater as I got you undressed and ready for your tubby.

Suddenly, the volcano erupted. Without warning I was looking at poo all over the changing table. I stood you up to avoid getting it all over yourself. But, herein lies the problem - you weren't strong enough or sturdy enough to hold yourself up. There I was, standing there crying to mom for help while trying to figure out how to get out of this situation. 

All the while cow patties continued to hit the table. 

Gross, I know. 

I couldn't pick you up, because it was still oozing out and I couldn't grab a diaper because if I let go with even one of my fingers you'd lose balance and wallow like a pig in your own filth. 

We're trying to avoid that. 

Am I painting a pretty picture? :) 

When mom finally heard my pleas for help she came in and just doubled over laughing. 

Excuse me, a little help here? 

Rest assured we didn't even bother trying to resurrect that changing pad cover. It went straight to the trash.

I'll save you the embarrassment of the visuals here, but be on your best behavior knowing  a few photos of this incident do exist and can be surfaced at a moments notice. 

Ah, parent privilege.

Today Ava Couldn't Go Near Dad

As much as I wanted to hold you and play today, I couldn't. 

I came down with an awful stomach bug early this morning. It took a toll on me. I'm not one to call off work, but today I stayed home. 

Luckily it was a day you were scheduled to go to Marissa's and mom went to the office. Thankfully, with you two gone there was no risk of passing it on. 

Mom touched base with me in the afternoon and when I told her it wasn''t any better she opted to take you out for a bit to eat and straight to gymnastics. That way, you both would be out of the house a little while longer. 

I'm disappointing that I missed gymnastics. Based on the pics mom showed me, you had a great time.  She even commented that you stretched! That's a rarity.

It was nearly a quarter after seven when I heard the garage door go up. I wanted to meet you at the top o the steps but I was zapped of energy and barely moved from the recliner. 

For good reason mom wanted me to stay clear of you which didn't go over well with a certain little lady. 

You kept coming to the recliner wanting up and saying "Daddy!" 

A few times as I walked to the kitchen you came over and wanted up. I felt like you thought I was ignoring you but I just couldn't do it. I'd feel worse than I do now If you would come down with this. 

Your mom is a trooper, she just was getting over something as well so I know she wasn't 100% but she took great care of you all day and took the trash out.

I wish I could have helped take some of the load off of her shoulders. I owe her a nice dinner or something.

At one point, I did lay on the floor and you covered me with your polka dot fleece blanket. It was the easiest entertainment I've done in a while. All I had to do was lay there while you crawled over my back and covered my face with the blanket so I could ""hide" from you. 

It wasn't long and it was time for bed. Mom took you back to lay down. 

Here's to hoping it's just a 24-hour bug!

Today Ava Called For Matt

I heard something out of the ordinary when I walked in the door for lunch this afternoon. I heard someone yell "Matt!"  from upstairs.

A little confused I paused and listened. Seconds later I heard it again but it wasn't mom's voice, "Maaaaaatttttt!!"

It was coming from you. Even though we'll raise you to be respectful young lady, I couldn't help but crack a little smile. 

As I came up stairs you continued to call for me. And there you were, sitting with mom at the counter looking through the ads and saying my name. 

Today Ava Controlled The Remote

Okay, so not really. There wasn't any batteries on your remote. Cruel trick, right?

"Remote?" you asked as you looked around for it.

"The channel stays, Ava, we're watching this."

"Remote?" Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence ...

Eventually you forgot and moved on.

A little while later we changed the channel to Disney Junior for you. Sophia the First happened to be on and you were content.

Rooting through the baskets of junk underneath the coffee tabe you stumbled upon the dummy remote we have. We found this remote a long time ago in the basement sectional that we purchased second hand. Mom sanitized the heck out of it so that in instances like this it would come in handy.

Laying on the floor against the recliner I looked up to see you pointing your remote at the TV.

Sophia must have been a rerun.

You get the point of the remote and think that if you pint it at the television that it will magically do what you want. 

What you don't grasp yet is that we are hitting the buttons to make it do so. 

You pointed the remote at the TV a few times and after not getting the result you wanted, came to us for assistance. 

It was just one of those little moments that stuck with me.

Today Ava Ran Around "Nakey"

The day started out topless and ended full bore naked. 

Mom left for a quick meeting with Karen and a potential co-listing over by Malone before you were dressed. 

I figured I should have you ready to face the day before she got home. At the first foul whiff of something I took you back, changed you and got you dressed. 

With your pants on it was time for your shirt - a cute pink fleece with an owl on the chest. Cue the mini meltdown.

"No shirt!" you yelled as I attempted to get one arm through the sleeve. I was met with toddler-strength resistance. 

Through the tears and the struggle I was able to get the shirt on. 

"Off! Off! Off!" you said as you tried to do your best "Hulk Hogan" on the poor little owl.

I figured you would calm down in a minute or two but not this time. Finally, you won and I removed your shirt. 

It's amazing how quickly the waterworks stop when you get your way. 

About an hour later you must have gotten cold because you brought me your shirt and asked me to put it on. You may have won the initial battle, but I knew in the long run I'd win this war.

After a spaghetti dinner (of which you actually a handful of noodles!!!!!!!!) it was bath time. 

 

 
Mom scrubbed you up and washed your long hair while I cleaned the kitchen and packed your lunch for tomorrow.

Suddenly a naked baby came running from the bathroom and proceeded to run laps around the house. Mom was not far behind holding a towel. She looked at me and just shrugged her shoulders.

You got away. 

And the giggles as you ran tell us you were happy as could be!

You ran and ran and ran. Then you found your slide. 

Mom warned you that a naked booty and plastic don't mix for good sliding. You didn't seem to care.

After a little confusion and letting us know you were "stuck" you got to the bottom and excitedly said "I made it!" and ran over to give me a high five. 

Mom was laughing so hard at this you thought something was wrong. You left me to run over to her and said "It's okay, mommy" all while rubbing her back.

The fun continued until the fear of an accident got the best of us. 

Time for a fresh diaper and jammies.

Much like your shirt you weren't happy about this either. 

"No diaper!" we kept hearing through the tears. Sorry, kiddo, you're not getting your way this time. 

"Jammies off!" you cried as you tugged at them trying to pull them off. 

Sometimes, you just want to be free!

Today Ava Supervised The Move

The big day for Aunt Holly and Uncle Shawn has finally arrived. They moved into their new home in Columbus and we were there to help. Okay, mom and I were there for muscle while you were there to supervise.

And what a good job you did!

Floor plans are a lot like puzzles! Just fit the pieces together.

Once the U-Haul was empty and everything in place, you earned the right to kick back and relax. 

This supervisor role is draining!

I don't know if things would have been as efficient as they were without your leadership!

Today Ava Had a Rough Morning

Following a sleepless night thankfully the day got better as it continued. 

It started at around 2:15 a.m. when we heard you begin to whine in the monitor. To mom and I this means you're stomach is rumbling since you didn't eat anything for dinner and refused food again before going to bed. 

Tell me again how this is comfy?

A bottle of milk soothes you back to sleep so I headed for the kitchen as mom went to get you. 

"Oh my gosh, she puked!" I heard from the back room.

I dropped what I was doing and headed to your room, sure enough that stinky pile of nastiness is what woke you.

It was all over you hair and PJs. We felt terrible, but we had no choice other than to throw you into the tub. You like baths just as much as the next kid your age, but not at this hour!

I made it as quick as I possibly could while mom stripped your bed and tossed everything into the wash.

Once calmed back down, I laid with you in the recliner until you were asleep again. At around 4:00 a.m. we made our way back to our room so you could sleep comfortably. 

Nearly an hour later I woke up to the undeniable sound of puking. I flew out of bed to find whatever I could to catch it, but it was too late. 

Mom later commented that that's the fastest I've moved in a long time.

If you're ever in this situation with my grand kids, remember this and let me know how quickly you move when those sounds are right beside your ear. 

I rolled you over and held you so that you wouldn't sit in it and if anymore were to come up, it would just hit the already messed bed.

This time though, you didn't even wake up. I'm glad we had you in our room.

In went the second load of laundry for the night. 

You never ran a fever nor did you act out of the ordinary and there was no more occurances as the day went on. 

We're not sure of the cause, but we're glad you're not sick.

Today Ava Read Her Caterpillar Book

In keeping with the spirit of your complex words, I asked you to read a book to me tonight. 

I feel guilty admitting this, but I asked you to read it to me so I could rest my voice.

Honesty is the best policy, right?

After about the 7th time through "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" I needed a break. 

"Ava, why don't you read it to me?" I asked.

You were quick to oblige and went right back to the front of the book.

Mom told me you knew some of the words. Not that I doubted her but it was cool to see for myself. 

You pick up on certain gestures that we use when accentuating parts such as the "pop!" when the caterpillar hatches. 

You know the egg lays on a leaf in the light of the moon and then flipped the page. Included in some gibberish was the word "sun" and suddenly your right arm flew up and you yelled "pop!" when the caterpillar hatched from its egg. 

There's a part where the caterpillar eats too much and at the end they say he had a stomach ache. At that part I always pat you on the belly and say "His tum tum hurt!" 

When you got to that point in the book, you patted your stomach and said in clear as day English "Tummy hurt." 

Mom and I were astonished. She looked at me and said "I've never seen her do that before." 

Neither have I. 

Aaaaaaannnnnnndddddd if you watch this you'll see everything I mention above. 

Today Ava Said Her Last Name

The running joke that you're mom and I use is that we gave you an easy first name because your surname is, well, not Smith or Jones. 

Tonight, though, you blew that theory out of the water.

You've become really good at repeating what we ask you. 

Holy Moley ... "Hody Mody"

"Oh Man! and "Oh No!" for starters. 

You're also gaining more complex words.As you went up and down your slide we asked you to repeat words and eventually I tossed out "Waechter" to see what might happen.

You contemplated it for a split second and out came "Weker." 

Close enough for me!

We said "Ava Waechter" and like a broken record you repeated "Ava Weker" over and over again.

I can't begin to tell you how surprised and proud we are!

Today Ava Was Ava

Just a regular day around the house. Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing monumental. 

What sticks out to me, though, was when I walked out of the mud room and saw you in the basement. 

Mom was prepping your laundry for the wash and I was cleaning to mud room while you were playing in the basement. 

When I finished I stepped out to see this:

You had found my stocking cap that I set aside to put away with winter things as I cleaned.

I had to laugh because it is too big for your tiny head and as you watched Doc McStuffin's it would slide down over your eyes. You continually had to keep pushing it up. 

Today Ava Got A Fresh Coat

We got you all dolled up for mom's basketball banquet tonight. Your pretty little yellow Easter dress, a nice tight braid in the hair topped off with a white cardigan.

Too bad no one was really able to see you. 

You, being your typical busy self, wouldn't cooperate once the program began. So rather than casue a distraction you and I ventured down the school's hallway and eventually into the gym. 

I'm hopeful that all of this energy translates onto a court, into a arena or pool, or onto the diamond somehow.

I'm telling you the above so that when you read this you'll understand someday the lengths we went through to keep you content in public. In the not-so-distant future though, you'll be required to stay content and quiet in scenarios such as this.

For as busy as you were at the school tonight, I was amazed at how calm you were for mom when she gave you a fresh coat of paint on your "tood pops." 

I'm not a foot guy, you'll learn that. I painted your mom's toes once when she was pregnant with you because she could no longer reach her feet. 

That was enough for me. 

I watched (and obviously took a photo or two) as mom carefully applied brush to toe. You sat there totally content - not begging "Mickey on?" or wanting to run laps - long enough for her to take care of all ten. 

Maybe you were tired but I guess when it's something you want you'll wait for it.

Today Ava Refused A Nap

I'm not sure what it is but I can never seem to get you down for a nap. And if I do, it's a short one. 

Mom on the the hand can can get you down with a snap of her fingers and you'll be out for two, three, sometimes upwards of four hours. 

St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow and my German blood really could have used some of that Irish luck. 

Mom was working an open house so it was just the two of us this afternoon. After showing obvious signs of being tired, sitting on the couch staring blankly at the TV and tugging at your ears, I thought the time was right. 

We went back to the room and tried to lay down. Couldn't have been 30 seconds and you were crawling over top of me and down the side of the bed. Back out to the living room it was. 

"Ava are you tired? want to go to the room?" I asked. A simple response "Nope." 

I replied, "Last chance, you can take a nap or we can go to the grocery store." 

"Nope." 

Okay then, grocery store it was. I thought for sure you'd pass out in the truck on the way or at least in the store. 

Not a chance ... 

After we got home and the groceries away it was one more trip back to the room to lay down before mom got home. 

You asked for Mickey and laid your head down on the pillow. A few times you even rolled onto my chest and laid there like you did as an infant. And once even used my belly as a comfy pillow for a better angle at the TV.

 Yes! You're going to fall asleep!

As you would say "Nope." 

After ten minutes or so you popped up, slid off the bed and ran to your slide. Play time. 

Once mom got home we realized there were a few things we needed to get that we couldn't at Aldi so we made a quick WalMart run. 

No sooner did we step into the store than you fell asleep in moms arms and stayed asleep the entire time we were there.

It would have been so much more comfortable for you to sleep when I asked you to. 

Just answer me this: What do you have against me and nap time?

Today Ava Had A Visit From "More Pa Paw"

Your grandparents came to town this afternoon to watch the Buckeyes take on TTUN in the Big 10 tourney. 

Along with them came your great grandpa. 

Mom went around the room asking you who everyone was. When she got to your grandpa Fenner you said "Pa Paw."  To his right was great grandpa Fenner seated in the recliner. 

Mom said again "Who's that?" 

You hesitated for a moment and grandma Fenner said "That's another grandpa." 

You lit up and exclaimed "More Pa Paw!" 

We all got a kick out of that. It ended up not being a one-time deal either. 

The rest of the afternoon he was "More Pa Paw."

Following Ohio State's heartbreaking loss we ventured to the mall to walk around for a bit and a bite to eat at Max & Erma's. 

You were seated at one end of the table and great grandpa Fenner was at the other. I happened to looked down at you to see and excited. When I looked up, he was waving to you from the other sie of the table. Your little smile is priceless. 

Seeing this interaction makes me wish you could have met my grandparents. I'm sure I've told you about them before - and if I haven't, ask me about them. They all four were wonderful people and unfortunately they passed before you were born.

In fact, it's funny how the dominoes fall in life, but had your "More Pa Paw" Waechter not passed and the chain of events happened that followed his passsing, I wouldn't be sitting here writing this memory. 

Maybe grandpa Waechter can take you for a ride in his Jeep someday and tell you all about your great grandparents.

I miss them all every day. So I'm sure we'll sit down sometime and go through photos and have a little story session or two, however many it takes, for you to learn about your lineage. 

It's an interesting story how we got to this point and I'm looking forward to it!

Today Ava Stood In The Pan

No sooner did we get you seated for dinner did you want out of your seat. 

Yet another dinner you refused to eat. What are we going to do with you? Mom and I are becoming increasingly concerned with your lack of eating. It seems you'll eat the snacks but not the meals. We need you to eat so you stay healthy, kiddo. 

We let you down so you could go play while we ate and would try to get something in you in a little bit. 

Instead of heading for the living room you headed straight for the low cabinets.

Did you plan on cooking yourself dinner? With a couple pans strewn out on the kitchen floor you got stepped into one and began to twirl. 

Mom and I just sat there and observed. We looked at each other and both stated "Looks like we'll be washing that one when she's done."

We let you go until more and more pans were danced in. We had no choice but after this little diddy we had to put a stop to your one man show. 

We love the creativity and will encourage you to use your mind at every opportunity, but we just weren't into washing each and every pot and pan in the inventory tonight and you''re not old enough to do it yourself yet. 

Maybe for your birthday I'll build you a stage.

Today Ave Introdced Herself

After work I hightailed it to Chik-Fil-A to meet you and mom. She has a meeting coming up and we decided to grab a quick sandwich then you would come home with me.

We were met at the restaurant by mom's coworker, Karen.You wouldn't touch the food we offered you but were more than happy to oblige with Karen's offer of french fries.

Before long you wanted "out" of your high chair. I was done eating so you and I made our way to the play area.

We stuck around for a few more minutes after mom and Karen left for the office.

You didn't seem to mind.

After you exhausted yourself going up and down the slide, we made our way to the truck.

Rather than go home, I thought you might enjoy seeing the animals at Petsmart.

"Fish?" you asked. Yep, let's go see the fish and the kitty's and whatever puppies might be wandering around.

We looked at the fish for a few minutes, you petted a pup that was there and then wanted to see the kitties.

We went and looked to which you noticed a cat that resembled yours. Looking at me and pointing to the cat you said "McGee!"

"No, honey, that's not McGee. He's at home." I told you. "McGee!" you repeated as you bent down to peer into the cage

Pretty soon you requested to go back to the fish. I needed to grab a new heater on our way out so we were headed that way anyway.

It was during our second visit to the fish that I heard it. 

Holding you in my right hand you waved to the tanks and said "Hi fish, me Ava." 

You wave to mom and I and say hi all the time, you've even said hey to the cats. But I didn't expect two phrases to come together like this.

It took me a second to fully grasp what just happened. I just listened to your very first complete sentence.

I wish mom was with us to hear it, but I texted her right away. 

I liken this to your first steps. A monumental move in your development.

Keep talking to us, we love to hear that voice!

Today Ava Stubbed Her "Tood Pop"

So mom shared this funny story with me after work. 

I was getting changed when she came back and was giggling before she could even get the words out.

"I was getting ready this morning when I heard a little thud. I froze for a second half expecting a cry or an 'Uh oh' to come from the living room where she was watching TV in front of the coffee table." 

She continued "A few seconds later I hear Ava coming down the hall repeating 'Oooooo, tood pop, Oooooo, tood pop' over and over until she got to me."

I began laughing with her because I could just picture it. 

The tood pop was healed in time for gymnastics!

 The only summation we have is that the noise mom heard was you stubbing your toe on the coffee table. 

This wouldn't surprise me because you're always putting your elbows on the table and leaning forward, getting your feet off the ground. 

This time, you must have slipped. 

We've always playfully referred to your feet as "tootsie pops" and threatened to eat them or tickle them, etc. Much to your delight. 

Obviously the name has stuck, maybe we need to start using the correct terms? I'd hate for you to get to science class and the teacher points to a foot and calls on you to say what it is only to hear "tootsie pop!" 

I also wanted to share this video ... As soon as I walked in the door and set you down you looked back at me, waved, and said "Hi Daddy" before waving and greeting the cats. That innocent little voice will remain with me forever.

Today Ava Got Outside

I sit down to write this knowing that in a few hours the bottom will fall out of the thermometer and it will be snowing ...

Welcome to northeast Ohio life, kid. 

With our first taste of 60+ degree weather of 2014 mom and I were excited to get you out of the house so you could go play.

"Schneider Park or Price Park?" read the text mom sent me. 

As much as you slide in the house, it's about time we get to slide outside!

Schneider Park is new to us, but not you. Marissa walks you and your friends there periodically when the weather permits. 

I responded and said "We can try Schneider and if it sucks, we move on to Price." 

It was a done deal. 

When I got home you were still down for a nap. But, that didn't last long. I like to think you subconsciously heard my voice and wanted to see me. Wishful thinking, I know. 

Anywho ... We loaded you up and you were quick to tell us that you wearing your "Minnie Coat."

When we arrived at the park I was quite impressed. It sits on a little hill and has two sets of equipment,one for older kids and one a little smaller for the munchkins. 

We're on the verge of a new summer which means we need to try new things, right? 

We worked on letting you learn your boundaries by climbing the plastic boulder that is an access point to the play area. The smile says it all.

You might be a little small for this yet, but with an assist from Mom you made it to the top! 

After running around for a while with mom and I giving chase, it was off to the swings. 

Who needs a kiddie swing? Not this big girl!

Like I said, new summer, new things. We bypassed the kiddie swings and went straight to the big girl swings. 

A quick lesson from mom ... 

 ... then you were on your own. 

You're not fooling us with that stoic look. We caught a few smiles when you thought we weren't looking.

We played for a little while longer before we needed to head home for dinner. With 60 degree temps you better believe we grilled out!

Today Ava Sang Along

We might be on the verge of music lessons. 

As your vocabulary is exploding upon us, so is your ability to understand and put things together. 

Always check the oil before hitting the road!

You watch so much Mickey Mouse Clubhouse that not only is mom going to wean you off of it and introduce you to other cartoons and movies, but you're also able to interact and sing along or speak parts. 

Most notably is during the opening when Mickey says the magic words. You'll say "Meeska, mooska, Mickey Mouse!" 

I can't phonetically spell the way you pronounce it, I'll have to try and capture it on video one of these days. 

It's cute the way your little voice pronounces the words. 

At times throughout the day you'll also start belting out "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." 

As we were relaxing in the living room tonight I caught a few seconds. 

Watch: 

Shortly after capturing this video my nose told me it was time for a bucket change. I embarrass you with this info only because the music didn't stop with the video above.

It continued at the changing table. 

I began by singing the opening verse to which you picked up and sang the second line as best you could "How ... what ... are." 

We continued to trade lines. Following my "Up above the word so high ..." 

You picked up with "Diamond ... sky." 

We completed our little diddy as I finished changing your diaper.

A few words may be missing, but we know what you're doing and saying. 

I love the learning!