Today Ava Sat in The Basket

Certain things you learn from me, the smart hings from your mother and other stuff while you're at Marissa's. Yet there's still a few things we're not sure where you pick them up from. 

I do think, oddly enough, that you recently picked one thing up from the cats and thankfully it's not peeing on the furniture.You like to climb into odd objects like baskets or boxes.

You have an interesting habit of taking your stuffed toys out of their wicker basket home and placing them on the couch, in the recliner, or a laundry basket - whatever other storage system is available. Once their stacked you'll then put them right back where you found them. 

After emptying your toys this evening you climbed right into the basket and sat down to watch TV. 

Whatever floats your boat. 

Per the norm, we stuggled to get you to eat tonight. It was more of a paint the counter session with our tomato soup. 

Eventually you asked me for some chocolate. I hate to reward you with candy since you didn't eat dinner but it's at least something in your tummy. I went for the M&M's but you refused and walked over to the pantry. The light bulb went off. You wanted a granola bar. 

I offered you what you asked for and after gladly accepting it was right back to the basket to munch on your snack. 

I know this won't be enough to get you through the night so we'll see you at 4:00 a.m. for a bottle of milk.

Today Ava Wanted Me To Slow Down

By now, I shouldn't be surprised at what I hear come out of your mouth. 

Who? Me?

When I came home for lunch this afternoon the spring on the door snapped and the door came crashing down. Keith came over after work to help lift the garage door so we could get mom's car out.

When Keith and his mom left it was nearly 7:30 p.m. Since it was getting late we opted for a cheap, fast meal at El Camp's rather than cook tonight. 

As we were leaving mom received an offer on one of her listings and we headed to the Keller Williams office so she could print the materials she needed for the seller to sign. 

Dad's first crack at a pony tail. Loose, but not terrible.

On the way to office it became clear to me that you must not like my driving ... throwing your hands up and yelling "weeeeeee!" as we went over a few hills. Okay - I know that's more fun than critical of my driving. It's what came next that made us laugh. 

"Slow down, buddy ... buddy!" we heard as I prepared to make a left onto Munson from Whipple Ave. 

Excuse me. 

"Slow down buddy." 

1. I wasn't going that fast. 
2. I was braking to turn anyway.
3. No backseat drivers! - especially 1.5 year olds! 

I find this highly hypocritical coming from the little girl who's constantly 100 miles per hour herself and only slows down when she's out of gas for the day. :)

That being said - Life's way to short to slow down. Stay in the fast lane and enjoy as much of life as you can. 

You didn't think you were going to finish reading this and without  your daily dose of blackmail, did you? Enjoy.

Today Ava Made It Hard to Leave

Ugh. I know it isn't intentional yet on your part but good Lord do you make it hard for us to leave sometimes. 

After missing my previous two appointments to get the oil changed in the truck I finally remembered to go this morning. When I got home, you and mom were on the couch watching Mickey. 

As I entered the kitchen I heard mom whisper "go get him" as you slid off the couch. 

The little pitter patter of your feet on the floor brought a smile to my face and I met you at the divide of the kitchen and living room. 

You squeezed my leg and asked to be picked up. 

There's no way I'm turning that down!

After I showered and got dressed I sat with you on the couch so mom could do the same. 

You quickly laid our head on my stomach and wrapped your hand around my arm and quietly laid there as we watched Mick-O. 

Under this macho exterior (cue the laughter) is a sentimentalist at heart. 

Thanks for unwittingly giving me a moment I'll never forget!

Now that the heartstrings have been tugged, let's fast forward to dinner time. 


Really, not much more needs to be said other than it was spaghetti night.

We stripped you down to save mom the task of scrubbing your clothes clean of sauce then set you into your high chair to go to town. 

Here's a few photos. You'll enjoy the last one. 

Ah blackmail.

Today Ava Did Some Heavy Lifting

Everyone knows you love McGee. From your bear hugs of the cuddly fella to calling "Oh, MaaaaaGeeeeeeee!" and "McGee come here!" 

Tonight, you wanted nothing more than to pick the big guy up. The sad part is, he weighs a lot more than you can handle right now. 

Mom tried to help you out a bit but end result was the same. 

Maybe when I get back into a gym routine I'll bring you with me.

There is also a cute pic I want to share with you from this evening. Before you felt compelled to get closer to the kitty, you and I went to my final softball practice. 

Mom had a showing come up this afternoon at the same time as practice. I brought you with me to Bors field and we watched for a few minutes before heading to the store. Well, I watched while you played in the dirt. 

 

It was the end of the world to you when I picked you up to leave. Once in the truck I used a wipe to clean off your hands while the tears flowed and everyone heard cries for "more dirt!"
 

We're so happy you'd rather be outside and getting dirty than inside in front of the TV!

Today Ava Wore A Helmet

You were supposed to sleep in today. It was a rough night - you woke up at 1:00 a.m. and asked for a bottle then again at 2:30 and whispered for more milk.

In our half-awake states, mom and I decided that we should let you sleep in rather than me take you to breakfast. 

When I left at 6:40 a.m. you were still zonked on our bed. 

It was too late for me to turn around when I received a text from mom ten minutes later that said "Your daughter is awake."

Hindsight - I should have brought you with me. 

When I got home I was excited to finish the basement mud room. All there was left to do was the grout. 

I got started but was quickly interrupted with statements of "I do it!" and the grout float being taken from me. 

 

You really enjoyed helping - especially sticking your fingers in the mud and throwing it on the floor. You got quite angry when we were almost done and I set you back so I could finish.  

 

We were just about finished when mom scooped you up to take you to her showings with her. She was showing an acquaintance from high school and his wife a few homes this afternoon.

She thought you might be able to keep their daughter company and entertain each other during the showings. And from what I hear, you made a new friend. 

It gave me time to get the basement finished and the hayfield for a yard mowed. 

I also set out the hammock, of which we took advantage later. 

We're almost through the day and no mention of a helmet yet, I know.

Before we get to that, I must show you this:

Now, for the helmet - as we were all settling in, I was doing a few loose dishes while mom was straightening the living room. You walked over to the cabinet with the pots and pans, grabbed a few and took them into the living room and then walked to the other side of the oven and grabbed the mixing bowls. 

I heard mom chuckling so I peeked into the living room to see this:

I was even prompted to try on a few of your new "hats."  Looks like I have a few more dishes to do. That's cool, though. I'll take it if it means you're using your imagination.

Today Ava Won

Looking back to see if we were giving chase you exclaimed "I win!" as you ran from the living room to the dining room as part of your nightly lap routine. 

Mom was in pursuit and I was waiting between the living room and kitchen for you to came back my way. 

We both stopped and looked at each other and began laughing. 

I had never heard you say this before.  After talking about it with mom we deduced that you picked this up from here. When she "races" you through the house she'll jokingly say "I win" when you're done racing. 

It's incredible the things you're picking up from each of us. 

You're such a sponge at this point in your life. Expect more video as there's never a dull moment in our household.

Also - I've never been one to worry about baby-proofing the house until I saw this tonight:

You climbed you're little fanny up into the dining room chair all by yourself. They're not the sturdiest chairs, especially with how you climb them, so I'm just waiting on the day i have my back turned for a moment and hear it come crashing down. Let's try not to make that happen. Kapish?

And for good measure, more fun with mom from tonight:

 

Today Ava Continued The Renovation

We're going to pick up where we left off yesterday.

I was happy to cut softball practice short tonight because Mom and Karen acquired a new client this afternoon who wanted to see her listing on Wise Ave ASAP.

We changed the spark plug on the mower - okay, let's be real - I changed the spark plug while you insisted on skipping around the garage and front yard. 

Once we got the mower started I decided another run to Sears Hardware on 30th was in order. After studying our mud room I thought I might need a chalk line to keep our lines straight. I'm quickly learning that Honey-Do lists aren't all that terrible. Why? Because it's an excuse to purchase tools I don't have. And who doesn't love new tools???

From lawn mowers to hardware - I might inadvertently be turning you into a tomboy. 

There's no denying it, you ARE my daughter!

Back home, we played for a while and started dinner while waiting for mom. Once she was home and we ate - and by we I mean mom and I. Something tells me I'll be seeing you early in the morning for a bottle of milk as I don't think 6 tater tots is going to get you through the night. 

Before laying the tiles, we let you draw on the floor. A little surprise for whomever decides to tear up our work in the future. 

There's a lot of red H's under these tiles!

It was getting late, but you were still more than willing to help, setting the spacers so mom was getting just the right gap between the tiles!

Shortly after the photos above fatigue set in and mom had to take a cranky little girl upstairs to lay down. It's okay though, you worked hard tonight and earned your rest! 

Sleep well kiddo and we'll continue tomorrow!

Today Ava Learned Home Improvement

Since we moved into this house three years ago mom has been wanting to update the floors in the mud room and bathrooms. 

Well, I finally stopped stalling and we made our way to Home Depot to purchase the materials needed. 

It's funny how the simple things will stick with me, there was nothing out of the ordinary today but what I will take from it is the memory of having to keep you corralled while we tried to calculate how many boxes of tiles we would need. 

Hey look, a picture and you're not in it!

We were standing in these same aisles a mere 24 hours earlier deciding on the style of tile that we wanted and adding up the total cost of materials in our heads all while trying to keep you from running all over the store. 

You're busy, we've known that since day one and you'll get impatient if we try and hold you for too long in a store. 

"Down." is what we hear as you fold in half and reach for the floor. Eventually we cave and today was no different. You went to each individual item on the shelves that was at your level and touched it. 

I kept one eye on you while trying to give mom my attention. Soon you got too far for my liking and I had to run over to you before you wandered into the main traffic pattern. 

My calls of "Ava, stop" and "Ava, that's far enough" fell on deaf ears.

We love the desire to explore, but need you to listen to us. You may not like us for it as you get older, but trust me, someday you'll understand and thank us. It's for your own good. 

You're always eager to help and we try to include you whenever we can. When we got home this evening we began to lay out the tiles to decide on a pattern and who was our little helper? You of course! You felt so proud to get the tiles from the box and give them to us or even put them on the floor.

Today Ava Was Wound Tight

I wasn't sure you'd ever crash this evening. 

There's a saying that goes "wound tighter than a rubber band." Had you been wound any tighter tonight, the rubber band would have snapped. 

From the moment mom picked you up at Marissa's you were in an excellent mood. Hopefully you were this happy for her as well. 

We did a little bit of everything it seemed. You ran lap after lap after lap around the house. With that left arm doing circles as you went to keep you balanced and your tongue hanging out as you went. 

Soon, McGee caught your attention and you and mom went on the hunt. 

"McGee back! McGee back!" which in Ava speak is "McGee come back!"

She got down on all fours and prompted you to do the same. It wasn't a quiet hunt as you thought it was hilarious and laughed the entire time.

The elusive tiger cat made his way to the safety of his lair before you could catch him.

We even worked on your swing a bit tonight. I never saw your mom play softball but she claims she was better on the diamond than on the court. I know how good she is at basketball so if that's the case, you might have the genes to be the next Jenny Finch.

Finally your rubber band unwound and it was time to settle in. What better way than with a book? 

We sat in the recliner and traded off on reading the Three Little Pigs before you finally threw in the towel on the day. 

Today Ava Went Looking For Her Turtle

Following the winter we've experienced when the weather is nice, we go outside. 

After work, we got into the car to go to a park. What park? We didn't know so I just began driving. Mom and I narrowed it down to two - Martindale Park or Schneider Park. 

Two great options.

We couldn't settle on one so we did the next best thing. Flipped a coin. 

We flipped once and it landed on heads, problem was, neither of us could remember which park head represented. So we flipped again. 

Tails. This time we knew heads led to Martindale and tails led to Schneider. 

So, we asked you if you wanted to see your turtle again.

You quickly agreed "more turtle." 

I need to work "cowbell" in there somehow, but anyway. 

You had nearly free reign of the playground as there were only two or three other children but all you were interested in was the swing. 

We finally coaxed you out of the swing by asking if you wanted to find your turtle. You and mom were a few feet ahead of me on the path so I stopped to grab a few rocks for you to toss when we got to the water.

"More turtle?" We heard more than once as we neared the water and walked around the perimeter of the pond.

Well, we didn't find the turtle but we did get to throw some rocks! 

Today Ava Celebrated Easter

We've put a lot of miles under our belts the last few weeks. Three of the last  four we've made the two hour trek to Columbus so it was decided that we would host Easter so we could stay home. 

Your Grandma and Grandpa Fenner, Aunt Holly and Uncle Shawn and Aunt Casey and Brian all came to Casa de Waechter. 

But, before they all arrived we went to Church. 

I shouldn't say I was surprised, but dressed in your Easter best you behaved wonderfully for the mass. You were quiet for most of the service, interested in what was going on and even entertained the parishioners around us.  

The elderly lady behind us made it a point to tell me that you're a smart one which instantly reminded me of a story about your Uncle Joe that I'll have to share with you. 

Another lady smiled as she told us "It's a good thing she didn't see lions or bears on the ceiling!" 

She was making light of the fact that at one point you looked up to the ceiling and noticed what you thought was an owl in the decor and began to point it out to all that would listen and mimic the "hoo, hoo!" of the species. 

Following Mass it was off to home and open your Easter basket before frantically concluding the cleaning we began last night. 

Mom brought your basket to you but you weren't interested. You were too busy taking your stuffed animals out of their basket and placing them in the empty laundry basket at the other side of the room. One-by-one. 

Eventually the colorful basket won your attention. 

 

After you were done with your basket ad we cleaned up around the joint, mom and I had one more surprise for you.  

We purchased a tee ball set for you to work on your swing. Needless to say, we think you're a natural.

Uncle Shawn and Aunt Holly were the first to arrive and since it was a beautiful day outside we took the tee ball set to the back yard.

Soon, everyone else arrived and we went back inside to eat dinner.

After we had our fill - all of us but you that is - we went back outside so you could hunt the Easter eggs that mom and Aunt Holly hid in the backyard.

 Once you found them all we headed back inside to watch the remainder of the Indians game. Not much of a though as they lost. 

Then, we loaded up the cars and made our way over to Schneider Park to enjoy the day and toss a ball around. 

You, on the other hand, thought it was a great time for a nap. 

After a little while we thought it best to wake you up so you could enjoy a bit of the playground. 

While we were swinging Brian nearly stepped on a baby turtle trying to cross the playground. He brought it over for everyone to see. 

"Cute turtle" you said. I think you wanted to keep him. 

 

For a moment we considered bringing him home but quickly concluded that we don't know the first thing about caring for a pet turtle. We opted to release him back in the pond which we assumed would give him a better chance. 

You were disappointed and wanted "more turtle."

After the release Aunt Holly and Uncle Shawn headed back to Columbus and everyone else came back to our house for a quick dessert before departing. 

In all it was a busy, yet fun day for everyone and I'm sure we'll head back to the park many times this summer to check on your turtle.

Today Ava Did Not Want Pictures Taken

Prior to their visit, Aunt Suz mentioned to me that she was hoping to get a few photos of you and Adelynne together. 

I thought it was a great idea and we were finally able to work out a time. 

Due to late naps by both you and Addy, our window was narrow. 

We decided to meet at Stadium Park just behind the Hall of Fame. 

Addy patiently sat on a blanket while we tried to coax you to pose behind her. 

You were having none of it and much like the Easter Bunny yesterday, as soon a sI sat you down, the water works started flowing with cries of "daddy!" 

Soon after the chain reaction got to AC and she began to cry as well. Which afforded one of the most adorable photos ever.

Credit mom for having the camera ready for this one. 

Mom did her best to calm you down while I snapped a few images of Adelynne by herself before we tried another location. 

You seemed to calm a bit and sat on a rock by yourself while we placed Addy on a blanket in front of you. It seemed to work for a few fleeting moments. 

  

We thought we'd try the bridge over the small stream but you just wanted to throw rocks into the water. 

We had enough time for one more location. I set the blanket down on a paved path while mom and Aunt Suz tried to pose you and your cousin with your backs to each other. 

Again, you didn't wan to sit and immediately asked for mom to pick you back up. We tried a few shots anyway ...

I laugh to myself as I think of how much easier it was to photograph you when you couldn't run away. 

Like Addy: 

Maybe it's just that you've had a camera in your face literally since the moment you were born and you're tired of it?

Naaaaaaa.

Today Ava Saw The Easter Bunny

My what a difference a year makes. 

We went from the happy baby on the bunny's lap to the crying child who wanted nothing to do with him. 

In your defense, now hat you're older you probably understand how creepy that bunny looks. 

As we waited in line with Uncle Kris and Aunt Suz the question arose, do we take individual photos or one with the two of you together? 

We opted for the latter. 

You were great until I went to set you on his lap. As soon as I let go screams of "daddy!!!" rang throughout the mall. 

The lady behind the camera did her best to get you to smile but you weren't having any of it. Addy just sat there and watched your meltdown calm as could be. 

Right when you decided to make a break for freedom the shutter snapped on the camera and what we got is priceless. 

This might pop up again in a graduation slide show. 

Today Ava Ate Dinner

"Should I save some for her?" mom asked before cutting into her last few pieces of chicken kabob. 

"Na, she won't eat it anyway" I responded. People don't typically like to be proven wrong - especially me - but in this case I didn't mind. 

My response was based on two things:

1. You haven't eaten a "meal" in what seems like an eternity. 
2. You stiffened like a board when I tried to put you in your high chair for dinner and turned the water works on. 

Needless to say, when you tore yourself away from Mickey and came to us mom asked "Do you want some chicken?" we were floored when a soft "okay" came from your lips. 

I scooped you up into my lap while mom frantically cut up some of her chicken before you changed your mind. 

She also put a scoop of the parmesan noodles on my plate to test as well. 

It looked like you had changed your mind. The first piece of chicken went in and the tell-tale look of rejection came across your face as your lips pursed and the food started to make it's way out. Then suddenly, you took it back in and began to chew. 

We could exhale!

And you continued to eat. As you ate the chicken I balked at the noodles fearful that if I changed things up you'd close up shop and want down. 

Then, you pointed to the noodles and asked for some. 

Holy cow! 

You ate nearly two large chunks of chicken and a big scoop of noodles before asking to go back to Mickey. 

We were so excited when you ate two chicken nuggets last night but now we are so relieved. Could this have been the breakthrough we've been praying for?

Time will tell. 

Today Ava Met Cousin Addy

I made you a piece of toast with peanut butter for breakfast and sat you on the couch to eat and watch Mickey. 

Mom sat beside you and soon it was time for me to leave for work. As I always do, I asked for a kiss goodbye. As I knelt down to your level you reached out with both hands and grabbed my cheeks as you gave me a kiss. 

It caught mom and I off guard but was adorable as hell. You know the routine and don't get away with just one kiss - you'll understand why someday. 

So as I asked for number two, you did the same.

Following my kisses and a squeeze it was off to work. The seconds ticked by slowly as I knew your Uncle Kris, Aunt Suz and cousin Adelynne would be at the house waiting when I got home. 

Addy is six months old now and we have yet to meet her in person. 

We've connected via FaceTime - which is nice - but in person is so much sweeter. 

I'm trying to remember the last time Kris and Suz were home. It's been a while. It can be tough having your Uncle's so far away with the inability to see them often. For now, Kris is in Minot, North Dakota though he's being transferred in June to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

P.S. - Thank the Lord for spell check, he'll be on his next assignment before I learn to spell that one. 

Your Uncle Joe is in Charleston, South Carolina. Drivable, but we were all so close growing up. 

Anyway ... quitting time finally arrived so I gathered up my gear and was light on my feet as I headed to my truck. 

We only had a short time to visit today since your last gymnastics lesson was tonight. 

I walked up the steps to mom holding Addy and you trying to come down the stairs to see me. Kris and Suz were in the kitchen. 

After we greeted each other and I stole Addy from mom for a few minutes, we placed the two of you on the couch together for a photo.

You were okay with it at first. 

First photo together!

Behind the scenes it looked like you two were famous. You had four cameras in your faces like you were walking the red carpet. Is this a little foreshadowing for what's to come?

After a few seconds though, you grew restless and weren't so cooperative.

You better be a good role model, she's looking up to you!

We even connected with Uncle Joe via FaceTime so he could see everyone together. 

It's always great getting together with your Uncles, it's just unfortunate it's not everyday like it was when we were growing up, but I'll take it. 

Family is very important to your mother and I. We're hopeful through the technology available to us that no matter where life takes our families that you and Addy can grow up and be close with each other. 

Who knows, maybe someday we'll all end up back together or close enough to visit often. 

Fingers crossed.

Today Ava Was Like OMG

Like Oh. My. Gosh. Where did you pick this up? 

Mom took the video above just before I got home from work this afternoon and both laughed when we played it back. 

Then, you began to say it throughout the evening and it was so sincere in the way you said it. 

Dance, minions!

Late in the evening you dropped a toy and out of your mouth popped "Oh my gosh, what happened?"

When you were first born I remember staring at you while you slept in my arms and wondering what that sweet voice of yours would someday sound like. 

We're getting more and more of an idea every day!

Today Ava Learned Road Rage

I'm more than slightly embarrassed to say that I taught you the fine art of road rage. 

We were on our way to Target for a few things that mom didn't pick up with Aunt Holly yesterday and as I hammered on the gas to merge onto the highway I annoyingly blurted out "Come on, dude. Get over!" to the car that was keeping me from blending in with traffic. 

Moments later mom and I heard "Come on, dude!" 

We had no idea you were listening, let alone picking up everything we're saying. 

Lesson learned, I really need to filter my words now!

Today Ava Wanted To See More Airplanes

Aunt Holly and Uncle Shawn live right underneath the final approach for Columbus International Airport. Needless to say, they see quite a few aircraft during the day. Which, to me isn't a terrible thing. 

And from what I learned this morning, you don't mind either.

Mom and Aunt Holly made a Target run while Uncle Shawn got ready to mulch the flower beds and take care of other yard work. So, you and I made our way to the backyard to toss your football around. 

The moment you heard the first jet engines approach your head was on a swivel tracking the noise.

Once you're ears and eyes found the same thing, you pointed to the sky and said "airplane!" 

I picked you up so you could get a better view and you watched it until it was out of sight. hen you could barely see it anymore you bid it farewell by saying "Bye plane!" 

I tried to joke with you and say, "No honey, that's not a biplane, it's a monoplane." My terrible attempt at humor was met with crickets and a confused look. 

You'll learn the difference someday. 

Wouldn't even take the time to stop and smell the flowers.

I couldn't get you back in the house. We sat outside and looked at "more plane" for quite a while.