Today Ava Went Miniature Golfing

As we were finishing up dinner this evening I had an epiphany, let's go putt putting!

Mom agreed and once the table was cleared and dishes away we headed to Pro Putt Miniature Golf on Whipple Ave.

All started out well ... you took a par on the first hole, nearly sinking a hole-in-one on your very first swing ...

... but it was all downhill from there.

You grew less and less interested in swinging the club.

And insisted on grabbing the ball after each swing mom and I took. We ended up playing a round of speed golf and keep away all in one. 

If you didn't have all there golf balls in your hand, a fit was to be had.

We were moments away from conceding our round and walking straight to the car. As we approached the 16th Tee you were irate that we wouldn't let you have mom's golf ball. 

With tears flowing and screams of "mommy's ball" over and over it took some stern words and threats of going to the car to get you to calm down. 

You agreed to calm down and we finished out our round. 

I had a few bad holes and mom ended up beating me ... this time. 

After today's outing I'm not sure how quickly we'll get back on the course. It might be next summer ...

Today Ava Said Goodbye To Daddy's Truck

Little did we know that your jaunt to the ER yesterday would mark your last ride in "daddy's truck." 

For reasons we cannot come up with an answer for you have grown wildly attached to my truck. 

During the last month or so every time we head to the garage to go somewhere it's "ride daddy's truck?" 

At times you would even cry when we place you in the Carolla because you couln't go for a ride in the truck. 

We don't know if it's because you sit up higher and can see more of your surroundings or if my truck reminds you of Rocket from one of your favorite cartoons, "Little Einstein's." 

Either way, I think it broke your heat more for me to trade it in tonight than it did mine. And I've had the truck for seven years ... 

Reading this now, you have no recollection of the big red machine (and who knows, I may just have another one when you read this for the first time) here are a few photos to jog your memory. 

Looking back, I should have gotten a pic of you in the beast. Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. 

She will be missed by the both of us, but it was time to get something more family friendly and fuel efficient. 

Not to worry, I think you'll grow quite fond of "blue car." And who knows, it might just be your first car someday.

I met you and mom at the Ron Marhofer dealership right after work and as I parked the truck for the last time as it's second owner I stepped out to hear you yell "daddy's truck!" one last time. 

I chuckled and responded, not for much longer. 

You were well behaved as you sat on my lap while I signed all of the documents. 

When we were done mom laced you in the new blue car and off you went. 

And I sat in the parking lot with the Carolla, sans keys. 

Funny story: the new Mazda has a push-button starting feature and as I started the Carolla to meet you two at the mall my phone began to ring. I look down to see "Wife" on the screen. 

"Honey, how do I start this thing?" mom asked. followed by "Calmly walk over here and show me, please." 

I shut down the Carolla and walked over to the Mazda that was conveniently parked right in front of the show room. I looked in the passanger side as mom tried hitting the ignition button. 

No go. Hmmmm .... 

Finally after a few attempts I asked mom to put her foot on the brake. Bingo. The car fired right up. 

I grabbed my phone from the passenger seat and went back to the Carolla. Only to watch as you an mom drove away with the car keys sitting on the passenger seat. 

I tossed both my phone and keys on the passenger seat when I walked over.  

I'm sure the salespeople got a kick out of us as I sat there and called your mom and waited for her return. 

Finally we got everything situated and could leave the lot. 

We headed to the mall to walk around and grab a bite at the food court. After we left we opted for some dessert at Country Cones. 

We ran into Marissa and her family there who ironically, just bought a van from the same dealership we were at a few hours before us. 

You enjoyed your chocolate cone and running around with your friends. Although, I must admit, we nearly ended up back in the ER. 

While playing you ran through the area with picnic tables and lost your footing, coming mere inches away from splitting your head on the leg of a table. 

I had to sheepishly go over and gather you up as a lady gasped and commented about how she thought you seriously injured yourself. 

Nope, once up all was forgotten and you continued along your way. 

After you and Laney and Liv wore yourselves out we headed home to relax for the night. 

And, as you like to do, we curled up with a good book before bed. 

Sleep well, little one. It's been a busy couple of days.

Today Ava Busted Open Her Chin

"Can you take an early lunch and come home?" Mom asked. 

I glanced down to the clock. 11:46 a.m.

 "Sure, why? What's up?" I responded. 

"Ava fell and I need your opinion on whether or not she needs stitches." 

"On my way" I told her and began to close up shop. 

As soon as I hung up with mom she sent me the photo below. 

I showed it to my boss and and other co-worker both of whom said we should go to the hospital immediately. They both said if you need stitches to have it done ASAP to avoid scarring.

I called mom back and relayed the we need to take you to the emergency room right away. 

I hurried home to find you and mom both soaked in blood. The cut itself wasn't very big, maybe a centimeter wide, but underneath the chin it really bleeds.

I asked mom for more details of what happened as she changed her blood-soaked tee shirt. 

She explained that you two were outside playing corn hole in the driveway - a game you love to play. You were doing your thing of taking bags one-by-one and dropping them in the hole. She said that you intentionally missed one and laughed about it. Much like you do when she tosses the bags and misses one. 

You went to pick it up - standing on the thin area between the hole and the edge of the board. She tried to warn you that you'll fall but before she could do anything her fear came true and your foot slipped off the side. 

You fell chin-first into the board. 

Right away she scooped you up to get you upstairs and cleaned up. She did her best to stop the bleeding and calm you.

You've fallen before, but never one this serious. 

I knew I would have to go back to work so we drove separate. You and I in the truck and mom in the Carolla. 

We met at Aultman's ER, which, had this been a real emergency, we all would have been hosed. There wasn't a single parking spot. Mom got there before us and luckily found one as someone was leaving but I drove around aimlessly for a few minutes. 

I threw the truck in park and mom came over to take you in while I found a spot. 

Eventually I was in the right place to take a space as someone was leaving. 

Once inside we registered and gave the nurses all of your info. 

The wanted to get your vitals like height, weight, pulse and blood pressure but you weren't so trusting. 

We tried to stand you on the scale but you balled your little eyes out. So I held you and stepped on the scale and then handed you off to mom and back on the scale I went to balance it out. 

Then, we sat in a chair so they could get your pulse and blood pressure.

The nurse was excellent. She showed you that nothing would hurt by trying it on me first. You still were a little unsure and it took some calming but they got it eventually. 

You really were disinterested in the blood pressure. It was a green band that they put around your leg for a minute.

"No green!" you screamed between sobs.

Once that was done they gave you a gift. I sweet little ankle bracelet with your name on it. 

You didn't want that either. 

"Off!" you kept telling us. 

Time to play the waiting game. The clock crept closer and closer to my deadline of 1:40 p.m. when I would have to excuse myself as nearly an hour had passed since we arrived. 

All of this trauma tired you out and you fell asleep on my shoulder. 

Suddenly my phone began to ring in my pocket so I passed you to mom and excused myself to answer it. Normally in this situation I would ignore it but we have been jockeying back and forth with the dealership and the bank to purchase your blue car and I needed to take the call. 

Wouldn't you know it, I hang up and you and mom are gone. 

1:37 p.m. 

Mom knew I had to go but I still wanted to check and make sure all was as well as could be. 

I checked with a physician at the desk who took me to your room. You were still asleep on mom's chest when a doctor came in to assess your injuries. 

Mom told me to jet before you woke up as she knew if you did all hell would break loose. 

So, I headed back to work to jump on my conference call. 

At the time it seemed like the right thing to do because we all knew the injuries weren't threatening in any way but the further away from the hospital I got, the worse I felt about my decision. Especially when I got back to work and was scolded by the same two people I showed your picture to originally. 

Luckily mom texted me that stitches were not required and they just glued you back together, literally. 

You bit your tongue and the impact loosened two of your teeth that we'll need to keep an eye on. You you resisted mom changing your shirt for most of the day. 

It seemed like one of those "You should have seen the other guy!" moments. 

Judging by the photo mom sent me once you got home, you're proud of your toughness!

And so are we!

Today Ava Was The Grocery Getter

No, that isn't a comparison to a station wagon. Which, you might wonder what the heck a station wagon is after reading that sentence, well, they were effectionaly called the "grocery getter" because they had plenty of space in the back for all of the families groceries. 

The station wagon was doomed with the advent of the mini van and the SUV. 

Anyhoo, we missed our weekly Sunday trip to Aldi due to the Memorial Day weekend and didn't make it yesterday because we test drove your blue car.

So tonight it was off to the grocery store to pick up a few staples until we get back on track this weekend. 

You were content for a little while but soon wanted out of the cart to help load up groceries. 

We'd walk down the aisles and hand you something to toss in the cart. You would excitedly lift the item over your head and toss it in. You love feeling like such a big helper and we enjoy making you feel that way!

I did have to scold you a little bit as you became distracted by the wall of freezers. There's a little ledge that you'd stand on and grab the handles and press yourself up against the doors.

I gave you a few chances to get down and follow us but my requests fell on deaf ears. So, I had to sternly tell you to get down. When you still didn't listen I picked you up. which you were none too happy about. 

It's not that you were dong something dangerous, but we just need to make sure you know when it's appropriate to climb on things. I know you love to climb and be adventurous, unfortunately the grocery store isn't the place.

Knowing that we had to "pay first" before enjoying our fare, as always do, you got a kick out of placing our items on the belt at the checkout. 

One-by-one you'd toss what we handed you onto the belt. 

With items purchased, it was on to your favorite part of grocery shopping - bagging! 

At Aldi, you bring your own boxes or bags and have to load your own groceries after paying. It's one way in which they keep their costs down. 

You don't mind at all! Once through the checkout you take your cart to the back wall where there's a shelf the length of the store and you bag your own items. 

Mom lifts you up onto the shelf and you get so excited. As we pull items out of the cart and sort them you pick them up and put them in the bag. 

You'd grab an item within reach - cheese, boxed stuff, fruit - it didn't matter what it was as long as you could lift it up, then say  "Here mommy" and place it in a bag mom had waiting for you.

"Thank you, Ava" mom would reply and inevitably a quiet "You're welcome, mom-o" would come from your mouth. 

 I could pack groceries all day if I got to listen to the exchange the entire time. 

It looks like we'll be eating flat bread sandwiches for the remainder of the week.

Today Ava Wanted The Blue Car

Your day began with a little face painting  ...

 

... but as soon as I got home from work we loaded up the family and went to look at a 2013 Mazda CX-5 at Ron Marhofer on Whipple Ave. 

I was close to their closing time when we got there but they were still willing to let us take a look and got for a drive. Why wouldn't they? They're trying to make a sale. 

The girl behind the counter unlocked the car for us while we waited for a salesman and we took a look. 

"I like blue car" you told us as we set you in the backseat and checked out all of the features. 

"Drive blue car, Daddy" you were sure to tell us. 

We did once we talked to a salesman and really liked the ride. While we were out we asked if you liked it.

"Yeah, I like it" you told us. We haven't heard that about a vehicle yet. 

After talking numbers, it's still a little out of our range, but, we have a start on what color to keep in our search. 

I'll have to work hard to replace "Daddy's truck" in your eyes. 

Today Ava Used Plural Tense

With the help of your Grandpa and Grandma Fenner and Aunt Casey and Brian we got our hands dirty today as landscaped the front flower bed with new paver stone.

 At least the guys got to work while the ladies enjoyed an afternoon by the pool.

That was too cute not to mention. It didn't matter to you that the water was straight from the hose and freezing cold. 

Hard work deserves a popsicle.

After the wall was in it was time for us to head over to Keith's for a small cookout with his mom and dad.

After we ate and relaxed for a while it was time to come home for the night. Mom went to change you as I was changing in the office. Suddenly you appeared in the office holding two tubes of diaper cream. You looked at me and said "Butt creams!" 

It was just that little "s" at the end that I noticed but you used it correctly. You indeed had two tubes of cream. 

I don't know if I just didn't expect it or just haven't noticed it to this point, but you correctly used the tense. 

After I thought about it, that was the second time today that you spoke in plural tense. 

While we were chilling in Keith's backyard you heard an airplane fly overhead and pointed to the sky. What came out of your mouth stunned me just as much as using a plural tense. 

"Uncle Joe fly airplanes." 

I can only figure that that sentence stemmed from me asking you "is that Unce Joe up there?" whenever we see an airplane fly over. 

A lot of times you'll simply repeat what we tell you or say "Okay" or "no" to things, but, that sentence was all your own, you formulated it and put it together in your own little mind.

Today Ava Was A Bit of A Loner

Hopefully this changes when baby brother or sister arrives but you kept to yourself for the most part today. 

We had planned on playing a whiffle ball game at a Alpine Park this afternoon followed by a cookout at Bill and Dana's in the evening.

We arrived at the park and took you over to play with the other kids but you really wanted to blaze your own trail. 

As the guys were getting the field ready I glanced over at the playground equipment to see you going down the slide on your own. 

It was cute, but I was hoping you'd play with the other kids a little more. 

That's not to say that I don't mind the independence you show, we just want to make sure you learn how to socialize with other kids your age.

You stayed by my side pretty much the entire softball game, we ran the bases together and fielded together. 

Mom and I were on opposite teams and she was standing on first following one at bat when another batter hit the ball and the next thing I know you were on your butt crying and mom was standing on second. 

I didn't see the play, so you'll have to ask her for her side of the story. :) 

We made it through eight innings before the kids all grew tired and we had to call it a game. A short break for the kids to nap then it was off to the cookout.

You fell asleep on my shoulder before we even got to the car. Three and a half hours later we finally coaxed the sleep from your eyes and could get ready. 

After about two hours you popped up in our room and mom went to get you, only for you to lay your head down again and sleep in her arms for another hour and a half. I don't think mom minded one bit. 

We arrived at Dana and Bill's to see the kids running around and having a good time while the adults chatted over some hot dogs. 

You went straight for the sandbox where you again played by yourself, shoveling sand into a buckt. 

You finally came out of your shell when the other kids began to play on the pint-sized trampoline. 

You went over and climbed in with them. I kept looking over and seeing a huge smile on your face even though you couldn't keep your footing and were continually falling down.

Soon, all the kids made their way over to the play set and you followed suit, even climbing the fake rock wall to the top. 

It's good to see you playing well with other kids. 

Once on the play set, though, it was nearly impossible to get you away from it.

You wanted to slide and climb the slide ... 

... and go up and down the rock wall.

I wonder how soon we'll be visiting Keith at Omni Orthopedics so he can put a cast on your arm. 

Don't let that discourage you though, Keep up the daredevil ways!

Today Ava Was a Huge Help

When you're inside you can be a "girly girl" in the sense that if you get even the slightest speck of dirt on your hands you need us to brush it off or wash your hands. 

Outside, though, it's a whole different ball game. You'd roll in the dirt if we let you. 

when we planted the garden you were getting right in there and getting your hands dirty and today we began to re-landscape the front flower bed. 

When we moved in the front bed was more of a rock bed than flower bed with large stones forming the base instead of mulch. This morning we finally began to tear out those stones so we can build a proper flower bed with a small retaining wall. 

You didn't hesitate to dive right in and help as best you could. 

We never could figure out what to do with the side set of steps and how to dress up the underside of them. Cue the rocks. Rather than try to find somewhere to dispose of them we thought it best to place them under the stairs.

We are lucky to have an extra set of willing hands.

One-by-one you brought me a stone to place under the stairs. 

A lot of them were too large for you to carry and we heard "big rock, too heavy."

We actually heard that with nearly every rock you carried which helped lighten the mood of working under the hot sun. 

Mom caught the telltale sound of the ice cream man coming up the street and the timing couldn't have been better. We were all baking under the sun and could use  a cool treat. 

Mom flagged him down as I ran in to get my wallet. 

With cash in hand we made our selections and headed back the the shade of the garage and the tailgate of the truck. 

You enjoyed using the bed of the truck as your personal play pen while mom and I cooled off. 

When it was time to get back to work you insisted on stealing mom's work gloves. They were obviously too big for your tiny hands but you didn't let that stop you from bringing me stones. 

I sat on the steps and placed the stones underneath when I heard "here daddy, daddy." 

We had a good system going. Mom handed you the rocks that she pulled from the bed and you ran them over to me to place underneath the stairs. 

An early lesson on teamwork.

Today Ava Played With "Flowers"

Weeds more like it ... dandelions to be exact. But to you they are pretty flowers to pick from the yard and play with. 

Mom sent me an adorable photo as I was finishing up work. 

You two were taking advantage of the beautiful weather and playing out back. 

When I got home we struggled to get you in the house. I'm so happy to fight with you to get you in the house than I would be to fight with you to get you away from the TV. 

Mom said you two were out there for about an hour and a half before I got home. 

She also showed me the back of her hand, stained in yellow, from you "painting" her with dandelion flowers. 

I'm sorry I couldn't be a part of the fun and had to play the bad guy to get you in the house, but we have a long three day weekend ahead of us to send as much time outside as possible. 

Today Ava Jumped From New Heights

Your adventurous side has been well documented recently and it just reached a new height. 

While at work and patiently waiting for our appointment I received a video form mom. I stopped what I was doing to watch and suddenly I see you jumping from the couch to the floor. 

That's probably close to a two foot leap. No fear in this little one! 

We've known for a few weeks now that you'll be a big sister but this afternoon had an appointment that included an ultrasound. 

I vividly remember going through the process with you and was even more excited today for you to be able to get the first look at your baby brother or sister with mom and I. 

She had you all ready for the big day with your "Best Sister Ever" tee complete with dual piggies. 

It was a long appointment, taking nearly three hours, of which you got an hour nap in on my shoulder. 

Thankfully you were awake for the ultrasound. A moment I'll never forget. 

Even though when we ask if you're going to be a big sister and you say "no," we know you'll you'll love your role and are looking forward to the fun times that lie ahead!

Today Ava Earned a Cone

The sun is setting on "Daddy's truck" as mom and I are looking at options to replace the big red machine. 

I bought the 2002 Ford F-150 in the summer of 2007. Shortly before meeting your mom and long before I dreamed of you being in the picture. It's been good to us - minus the terrible gas mileage. It's mostly my transportation to and from work but that doesn't mean we haven't enjoyed a long distance trip or two in it - ah hem Bristol, TN. 

As you grow it's becoming increasingly difficult for mom to get you in and out of it. So the time is near to part ways. 

I came across a nice looking Jeep Cherokee this morning and we decided to go take a look. 

The vehicle is in Dalton - roughly 20 to 25 minutes away and directly across the street from the Dalton Dari-ette. 

We've passed the icon of Dalton thousands of time in our trips to grandma and grandpa's and even long before that but never stopped. In those thousands of times I've probably pestered your mom many hundreds to try and coax her to stop and get some ice cream. No dice. 

Tonight though, I stood a chance. 

After we drove the Jeep and received some figures mom surprised me when she said to head across the street. Did I just hear that right? 

"I promised Ava that if she was good, she could get a cone" she told me. 

Well then ... my arm has been twisted. Who am I to not reward my well-behaved daughter? 

We parked, ordered our fare and sat on the tailgate for what could very well be the last time.

The chocolate cone you ordered must have been good!

Today Ava Kept Her Eye On The Ball

You're a natural, kid.

Love seeing this when I come home from work!

I know a lot of adults who can't keep their eye on the ball like you did tonight. 

Mom and I were amazed at your coordination and concentration. 

We just happened to be chilling in the living room when mom asked if you wanted to tee up the ball. 

"Okay!" you said as you hopped over to your tee, grabbed all of the balls you could find and began to hit them across the living room. 

When you put your mind to it (and weren't distracted by the TV) you really gave the ball a ride. 

You're technique was good, too.

As good as I know your mom is at basketball, she'll tell you that she was better at softball. I lettered in diving (of all things) in high school but baseball was always my sport. 

Maybe you inherited something from us? Only time will tell.

Today Ava Went Up The Slide

It's just too nice out to stay home so it was back to Schneider Park for the Waechter's this evening.

Mom and I were curious to see if you'd want to slide or if we would spend all of our time at the swings. 

We got our wish and then some. 

We spent all of our time at the slides tonight and after a number of trips down the big slide you opted for the smaller tandem one. 

This time, though, after going down you thought walking to the side of the equipment and using the steps was too much of a trip, so, you turned around to try and climb up the slide. 

I started to discourage you and tell you to use the steps properly, but mom made a good point.

"How many times did you do this as a kid?

I thought about it and figured numbers don't go that high. 

You had more fun going up the slide than down it. 

When the short tandem slide became too easy and you needed a bigger challenge you ran across the playground to the taller half-twist. 

After going down the slide you turned right around and climbed up it. 

It all goes back to the lack of fear you show. We want you to test your boundaries but it seems you don't have any. 

I blame the "up slide" on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for putting this in your head. :)

Today Ava Was A Daredevil

The day didn't get off to the start I had hoped for, you see, I broke my favorite coffee mug. 

What's the big deal? It's just a coffee mug, right? 

Wrong. 

I received this mug the night before high school graduation and have used it almost every day since - for nearly 15 years. 

Coffee just doesn't taste as good in any other mug. 

Rant over, now to the real point of today's entry. 

Due to yesterday's rain I had to mow the lawn first thing this morning because mom needed to work this afternoon - a few showings for Tim and Julie and some paperwork needed signed by Brittney and Roy. 

I regretted not mowing the hill last week as the grass was now ankle high and tough to mow becaue it was still wet from yesterday's showers. 

I got to the top of the hill and looked down to see you and mom watching me. I stopped for a second to wave and mom told me you were in a hurry to get dressed so you could come out and watch. 

I better curb the four-letter words now that I have an audience. 

Since it was a beautiful morning once I was done with the hill and the remainder of the yard mom began to take out the overgrown rose bush on the North side of the house. 

She also got your bubbles out so you could play while we worked only for you to spill the entire bottle on the driveway. Next up was your bubble gun - a lot less spill proof. 

Once we got most of the bush trimmed back it was back in the house so we all could get cleaned up. 

Mom left and shortly after we decided to head over to Price Park to see the ducks. 

Mom prophetically said to me when she walked out the door "she'll probably fall asleep on the way." 

Yup. 

Even rock stars need their Zs. 

So, we turned around and I was able to successfully transfer you to your crib without you waking. 

It was just a short nap today - about an hour later I heard "Daddy!" come from your room. 

I guess cleaning the office can wait. 

So, once you shook the sleep from your eyes we attempted another trip to the park. This time I opted for Schneider Park, it's a little closer and you like the equipment - okay you like the swings - there.

I was really surprised when you pointed out the "green slide" as we walked from the parking lot to the playground. 

"Do you want to slide?" 

"Okay, slide" you responded. 

You've been skeptical of the slides for some time now and have avoided them. Could we have a change of heart? 

We sure did! 

 
It wasn't overly hot - mid-60s this afternoon - but with just a few clouds in the sky the sun began to bake the plastic slide a bit. 

"Daddy, too hot" you told me as you gripped the side of the slide preparing to propel yourself forward. 

"It's not hot" I replied.

"Okay, warm" you compromised as you slid to the bottom. 

After a few trips down this slide you moved on to a shorter, tandem slide with a good-sized step up. 

The step caught your attention more than the slide and this is what ensued:

Yes, that's a little toot you hear just before leaping. It ultimately lead to our departure from the park. 

You have no fear, missing a landing and falling on your butt was met with "I'm okay" and getting right back up and doing it again. 

Soon I caught a whiff of something foul and we had to make our exit from the park. 

Not to worry, though, the hijinks continued at the house. 

How many broken bones lie ahead with our future X-Gamer? Seriously, no fear.