Today Ava Saw A Big Jet

We feared you might fall asleep on the way,  but you made it. 

Uncle Joe arranged for us to get an up-close look at his "office," the C-17 Globemaster III. We had been telling you since we got here, and even before, that you'd get to see big jets and you were excited. 

As we walked across the base parking lot toward the Ops building and to the flight line you caught sight of the tail of a plain protruding above the building "There it is!!!!" you exclaimed. 

Uncle Joe grabbed some ear plugs and off we went to the jet. It's an every day thing for Joe but was still a cool experience for us to walk across the flight line towards the plane. 

We got in and Joe took us upstairs - literally - to the cockpit. Mom snapped a few photos (I can't post them here, so I'll show them to you). Uncle Joe showed us all of the dials and switches as you looked out the window. At one point another C-17 took off and you said "He's going home. He needs a tubby." 

Random, but humerous. 

About 45 minutes later we finished our walk around and made our way to get some lunch. You passed out in the car and was out for the duration of lunch and our tour of base. 

We went home for a bit and relaxed. After we watched Frozen again, we took you to the park in Joe's community to play before heading to dinner. 

 

Before the sun sunk too low on the horizon we left for dinner. Uncle Joe knows a spot where most nights you can see dolphins in the water while you eat dinner. 

Unfortunately we didn't see any tonight but it was a beautiful night to watch the water and get a good meal. 

After our dinner we headed back to Joe's to wish cousin Addy a Happy 1st Birthday! 

Today Ava Showed Affection

The rain didn't stop so we were limited to indoor activities - shopping. 

It's funny, I never buy anything at home but make out like a bandit on trips like this. 

We started at the mall and eventually made our way to an outlet mall (it's partially covered). 

You'll never remember the outlet mall because you fell asleep just as we pulled in and remained on my shoulder nearly the entire time we were there. 

We were all hungry by the time we left and Uncle Joe wanted to take us to a new BBQ joint that he raves about. 

This was the leftovers ...

We're Waechter's, we like our food. 

I swear you could make living giving food tours in Charleston. There's so much good stuff here. 

As we would down and were getting ready to leave, you - seated between mom and me - got up and threw an arm around each of us. Pulling us in tight to you, you offered kisses on our cheeks and said "I got you now!" 

 

It wasn't just a one-off moment either. You wouldn't let us go and help on for a big cheese like you see above. 

Moments like this I'll remember forever. 

Today Ava Went to Brunch

After a full day of driving, a nice steak dinner and a good night's sleep, today was our first full day seeing Uncle Joe. 


Joe wanted to acclimate us to the Chucktown culture so we went to brunch. 

We had to get ready first, of course.

 

 Then we headed across the bridge to downtown.

Brunch is a popular thing in Charleston and Joe took us to one of his favorite spots. 

 

As with any food that's not Goldfish, chicken nuggets, cake pops, or ranch dressing, you were less than interested. 

We had plans to go downtown and walk around following brunch but thing changed when the rain came. So, we hit up Target - you had a cake pop for lunch - and Lowe's then headed back to Uncle Joe's to hang out for the day. 

Tomorrow the rain is supposed to be heavier so we'll see where the day takes us.

Today Ava Went On A Road Trip

Charkeston here we come! 

For weeks now we've been asking you "Do you want to go see big jets? We're going to see Uncle Joe soon and he's going to show them to you." 

We packed as much as we could last night with the goal of hitting the road by 6:00 a.m. This morning. 

We were close to our mark, leaving the driveway at 6:21 for an enjoyable week in Chalreston, SC. 

The last time we were here you were in baby sisters situation - mom was pregnant with you. One of these days we'll visit when mom isn't with child ...

I've been worried about how you would handle such a long period of time in restrained in your car seat since without stops it's roughly a 10 hour drive. Our plan is two stops - Chalreston, WV and Charlotte, NC. 

You slept until almost 8:40 a.m. making the first two hours a breeze. 

Another hour or so and it was time for breakfast at our first stop. 

We found an iHop and stopped in thinking it would be quick. An hour later we were back on the road and you didn't even touch your pancake.

We brought Grandpa Bernie's portable DVD player with us and that proved to be a Godsend. You watched your movies for the next few hours, barely making a peep. 

Other than to have mom swap movies you were content. 

the longest leg of the trip was between stops - just shy of four hours. An hour outside of Charlotte - around 1:00 p.m. - your eyes grew heavy and you were out for your afternoon nap. 

We debated as to whether or not we should wake you at our planned point to get off of the road but our dilemma was moot as you woke up as we were going through Charlotte. We drove to the other side of the city and found a nice little deli called McAlister's in a place called Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC. 

We "stretched our knees" as you kept saying, had a small lunch and then hit the road for the final three hour leg of the trip. 

It was during the final leg that you became the most restless of the trip and it really wasn't bad at all.

I think you were just more awake now than before. 

Mom and I had to laugh because when we were about ten minutes out from Uncle Joe's I accepted a pretzel that you offered to me and in turn offered it to mom. 

You were none too happy when mom popped that pretzel in her mouth and ate it. 

Mom looked at me and said "Great, she's been awesome to this entire trip and ten minutes away from our destination she's going to throw a fit." 

We laughed about it and the fit didn't last more than 30 seconds before you were back to your happy self. 

Soon we were at Joe's and you were running around like a crazy person. 

Run free, you've earned it.

Just don't destroy Joe's stuff! 

Today Ava Came Looking For Me

As the clock crept closer to 7:30 I knew it was getting to the point where I had to make the decision of whether to stay at home for 20 more minutes and risk you waking up and seei me for five minutes and throw a fit when I leave or chance it and leave when I normally would? 

I opted for the former and headed in to work so it would be as peaceful as possible for mom. 

It wasn't long after I left that the following sequence of photos gave me a good laugh. 

It started with this:

"Got herself out of bed." 

Yes, the struggle is real You're lying halfway out of your room. 

You made it to the office:

"Crawled to the next location looking for you"

Still lying in the office ...

Ahhh, much better. 

you could have easily laid in bed for a little while longer if you were still tired. I'm sure mom wouldn't have minded one bit.

Today Ava Learned Left And Right

I almost wrote this entry before breakfast today but I'm glad I didn't. 

I was watching from the monitor as you began to stir this morning. Suddenly you popped up and I expected to hear cries of "Daddy!" like I do almost every morning.

But instead you swung your legs over the side, climbed out of bed and opened your bedroom door. 

I was amazed. Since we put you in your big girl bed a few weeks ago I was wondering how long it would take you to realize you can just get out. 

I waited at the end of the hallway near the kitchen and when you opened your door you tiredly asked for me. 

I let you know where I was and you sleepily pin balled down the hallway to me. 

Since this countdown has come to an end, I have a new one: how long until it's 2:30 in the morning and I'm awoken to you staring at me in our room? 

Anyway, I thought right then and there that I had my post for the day but it just got better. 

Since we're leaving for Charleston soon to see Uncle Joe we had a few errands to run which led us to Target. 

And to you Target is synonymous with cake pops ... thanks Starbucks ...

There was a bit of a holdup so mom took the cart and began shopping while we waited in line. 

Before she left, mom handed you the "money" - our Target Red Card. 

I'm not sure what prompted me to do so but I asked you to put the card in your right hand (you were holding it in your left), you switched hands and proudly said "This one!" showing me the card. 

I praised you and asked you to put it back in your left. Again, the switch and "This one!" 

Since I was holding you I asked you to show me your left foot. You proudly kicked it out for me 

You got it! 

As we inched closer in line, we could see two cake pops in the glass case. I asked you if you wanted the one on the left (salted caramel chocolate) or the one on the right (double chocolate). 

You picked the the double chocolate. 

With cake pop in hand we went to find mom. 

I let you down and you began to run from me saying "You can't catcha me! Na na na boo boo." 

Na na na boo boo? Where did that come from? I almost fell to the floor laughing. 

Once we got home and changed you into your jammies - of which you insisted that "I look cute" in - I wanted to show mom what you've learned.

I asked her to watch and I stood you up in front of big chair and asked you to show me your left hand. 

Here's the results:

So smart!

Today Ava Played Too Hard At Lunch

"You can't catcha me!" you screamed as you rounded the dining room and headed for the kitchen.

Wanna bet?

I came lumbering after you, let you get a lap or two in to make you think you stood a chance then I got you and flipped you into the air and onto my shoulder.

"Put me down! Let me go!" you said as you struggled to get free.

Such was our afternoon until the clock made it's turn and I had to head back to the job.

I love to come to the house on my free hour and and give mom a little break from keeping an eye on you. Plus, we try and have fun.

And much to our surprise, before the ruckus you sampled a little of my soup as well as mom's.

The clock is one of the only constants in life and soon enough it was time for me to head back to the office. 

You and mom walked out with me as she had to make a quick stop at the KW office this afternoon.

She was barely out of the driveway when she turned around to see this:

I guess we played just a little too hard this afternoon.

Today Ava Wanted To Show Me How Cute She Was

I had been at work maybe an hour or so when my phone vibrated on my desk. I looked down from my computer screen to see a photo ... 

The comment from mom read "She thinks she looks cute today so she says 'I show my daddy!'"

You look adorable - not just today, but everyday!

Talking with mom after work about it and she told me that once you got dressed you wanted a photo. You came in so close she could see the pores of your skin. She asked you to take a step back and you eagerly took a leap backwards to get the photo above. 

Messages like these make my day. 

On a side note - mom closed the deal that fell through yesterday so I had to pick you up from Marissa's. I won't bore you with the details but we met mom out at Chilli's for dinner. We had a gift card. 

When we drive separate from mom you like to play a little game. "We catch blue car?" 

I said "You betcha!"

And you promptly stated "Blue car needs a butt spankin!" 

There was no catching blue car this time, but just wait until we drive home. 

I recorded a few videos on the drive home, here's one that short enough to post here and gives you an idea of the fun we have when we chase blue car:

Today Ava Was Mommy's Assistant

From all accounts relayed to me, you were a trooper for your mom. 

And trust me, she thanks you for it. 

Mom had a busy day today and due to a late night at work for me I was not able to pick you up from Marissa's. That meant mom would need to take you all over Northeast Ohio with her today. 

Believe me when I tell you she hate doing that to you. 

So much so that she lets you get away with this:

 

Mom knows the details better than I do but what I know is this - you went from Canton to Hartville ... waited for a closing that didn't happen, then an hour plus drive to the lakehouse near Carrolton for a showing that the client wouldn't even walk in the house, reversing course and making that same drive back to Canton. With a lot of hurry up and wait in between. 

You've already got the makings of a wonderful assistant for when mom becomes the next big real estate magnate. 

 Finally, around dinner time, you and mom were back home and settling in. I get a text from mom in quotes that says "I miss my daddy. I really do." 

As if my day wasn't long enough. I just wanted to drop everything, get home as fast as possible and give you a huge squeeze. 

I was finally in the door at about a quarter after 9 and as I walked into the kitchen you came running at me and gave me the hug I was yearning for.

"Daddy I want to see you." 

That made every minute of the long day worthwhile.

Today Ava Was Offered A Place To Crash

Another napless afternoon, so of course you fell asleep on the way to Ben and Kristi's for Briley's first birthday party. 

Eventually we coaxed you awake and once out of your sleepy daze you began to play with the other kids. 

You latched on to a little girl, McKenna, who was eight or nine and followed her around the house. We're not sure why, but you gravitate towards the older kids in the crowd. You always have. 

Slowly guests began to leave, including McKenna and her family - to which you were none too happy. 

You began to paint on one of the toys that we gifted to Briley. After a few minutes Brycen wanted to paint. We need to teach you how to hare so I forced you to give him a turn. 

You rolled over and did your silent fit. Brycen, being a true gentleman, was right there to comfort you. 

A second paint brush was thrown into the mix and the world was right again. 

As it got to be later Kristi needed to give Briley a bath before putting her down for the night and mom decided to give you a tubby with her. By this time we fully anticipate you being passed out in the car on the drive which rules out a much needed tubby on the way home. 

I grabbed your jammies from the car while mom washed you up. When i came upstairs and began drying you off Brycen cam to the door of the bathroom and offered you a place to crash for the night. 

"She can sleep in my firetruck bed tonight with me. I can share." 

Bold. I like your moves kid.

We couldn't help but laugh. It was an innocent offer, but funny nonetheless. 

We're already planning the party wedding.

Today Ava Attempted A Photo Shoot

We have a busy weekend ahead of us. 

It began with breakfast ... 

... and continued with an afternoon birthday party for Hadley (the daughter of one of my coworkers) before heading to Shelby for the evening. 

You were very well behaved at the birthday party, running around and playing with the other kids and when it came time for Hadley to open gifts, I held on to you while you were perched on the railing of the deck. Eventually you went and sat with mom but you didn't try and take over the presents - which I was slightly concerned about. 

I was supposed to shoot photos of your friends this afternoon but Marissa had to cancel due to her husband getting called in to work. 

We altered our plans a bit and when Hadley's party was over we headed to the Kingwood Center in Mansfield to take a few shots of you. 

The plan was going smoothly until you fell asleep in the car. We know all to well how slow your wake up process is and I figured we were doomed from the get go. 

We had to wake you up to get you out of the car. 

Every time I attempted to set you down for a cute photo you clung to me, or held your feet off the ground so I couldn't set you down. 

Your mom has all the patience in the world, whereas I have none. I was ready to throw in the towel and go but she convinced me to give it a little time and she softly spoke to you until you were awake. 

Soon you were awake and running around the center. 

We haven't had a chance to get formal two-year photos and were hoping to use this as our opportunity. 

I think we got a few good ones once you woke up.

Today Ava Wouldn't Let Me Play

"Ava can I play Play-Doh with you?" I asked.

"No, Uncle Dees pay play-doh with me." was your reply. 

I repeated my question, you repeated your answer. 

I told mom we should just leave and go on a date. You wanted nothing to do with us when Uncle Dees was around tonight. 

It was so bad that I was replaced when it came time for your bottle. 

That's our time! You sit with me almost every night in the "big chair," take a bottle and when it's gone roll over and fall asleep. 

But, tonight I was replaced.

Today Ava Was a Gravy Bear

With your new schedule at Marissa's - getting there around 1:00 p.m. or so - naps are hard to come by on those days. 

I'll probably get into trouble for this but a story was told to me by your grandparents once or twice over the years about your mom's nickname growing up - Heather Bear. 

As cute and cuddly as your mom is, the nickname arose for another reason. She could be pretty ferocious if she didn't get adequate sleep and was awoken prematurely from her evening  hibernation. 

Cue Gravy Bear. 

Following some much needed moisturization ... 

 

... it was off to Miss Marissa's for the afternoon so mom could get into the office. 

We had a phone conversation on your way home and you told me how excited you were to see me and all about your day.

You couldn't get out of the car quickly enough when you saw me in the garage and trust me, after the day I had at work, it doesn't get any better. 

Your energy quickly faded though, and as we packed back up to make a run to Michael's on The Strip you were out cold within minutes. 

You slept on my arm all through the store but woke back up as soon as I put you into your seat. 

The lack of sleep was apparent as you curled up into the best ball you could under the circumstance and were inconsolable the entire 15 minute drive home.

The sobs continued in the house until you had some chicken nuggets and white dippy do. 

That helped stir a short second wind, but it wasn't long until you had a "baby bottle" and rolled over to fall asleep on my chest in the recliner. 

Change is never easy, but I'm certain you'll fall into a routine soon and be able to get a short nap or two at Marissa's.

Today Ava Had a Day Of Learning

It began with this video from mom:

 

Obviously you're learning, but I also learned two things from this video:

1. Your paying attention to Mickey - and if anyone says it isn't educational, I have undeniable proof that it is. 

2. Repetition truly is the key to learning. Almost every morning you ask me for the "Mickey shapes" episode. DVR is a beautiful thing. 

I also have to say that mom is a fantastic teacher as well. She's bringing the episode to life by molding the play-doh into the shapes from the episode. 

Then, when I got home from work and we were trying to keep you calm in your high chair while dinner finished up, mom pulled out a large sheet of paper with words written out. 

She explained to me that you can read a few words. 

I was blown away and needed to see this for myself. 

She wasn't kidding. 

She then flipped the paper over to more words ... 

Incredible. 

Credit mom. Her work with you is paying huge dividends. She makes the learning fun for you and it really shows. I can't thank her enough for how well she does. You and your sister (and any future siblings) owe your intelligence to her. Lord knows it didn't come from me. :)

After all of the brain games, it was time to let loose a little and head to the store. We wanted to hit up GoodWill and see if they had a cheap filing cabinet for mom's soon-to-be home office in the basement. 

You decided it would be a good place to play hide and seek. 

Or, you ran and hid because there was no bathroom in sight and you had to go. 

Yep, we had our first public accident tonight. Don't get discouraged, we'll get the hang of using the potty! 

One minor black mark on an otherwise exceptional day!

Today Ava Wanted To See Me

I promised you when I left that I'd be home to tuck you in. You said "Okay!" and I handed you off to mom and was out the door. 

NFL Network was at the HOF today to film a special for the announcement of the modern-era nominees. And that means a long night for me - the announcement didn't air until 9 which meant it couldn't be posted on the website until then. 

Mom sent me some cute pics throughout the day, like this one ... 

... When you're this close it's like being at the movie theater!

 

Since it doesn't say "Daddy's an" above it, I'll chalk this one up to learning experience. 

The fun images subsided as mom dropped you off at Marissa's and headed into the office for the day. 

One thing we've noticed with the change in schedule at Marissa's is that you're not napping which means your getting tired earlier. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. It means you're going to bed at a normal hour. 

After feeling baby sister kick for a few minutes ... 

... I got a warning that I may not be home in time to fufill my morning promise. 

Walking in the house at about 10:15 I figured I missed my shot. 

If I ever want to be wrong about something, I'm glad it's this. As I walked through the kitchen I could hear you yelling "My daddy!" from our bedroom. How can you not smile to yourself hearing this after a long day? 

I shed my computer, wallet and keys and made my way back to our room. 

I was greeting with "Daddy! I want to see you!" 

Day. Made.

Today Ava Made Shaving Cream Art

After a tearful goodbye it was off to work for the beginning of another long week.

I don't know what it is, but when I attempt to leave for the morning, you get very clingy.

Mom says before the garage door goes down that you're over it, but I still hate leaving her with a screaming toddler. 

But, I knew all was well this morning when she sent me to following video: 

A little shaving cream and food coloring. Who knew it could be so much fun?

Today Ava Helped Make The Chili

Seemingly overnight it went from Summer to Fall ...

And you know what that means - chili!

Mom made plans with Grandma and Grandpa Fenner to come over today to watch the Browns game and we all decided on Chili and grilled cheese for lunch. Not to brag, but the two are kinda my specialty.

We were eating around lunch time which meant we needed to prepare the chili in the crock pot early this morning.

As I was browning the beef and sausage you came over and said "I help you daddy!"

That sweet little voice, how can I ever say no.

Your timing is impeccable, I was just getting ready to add the base and mix the ingredients. A perfect chance for you to help. 

We showed you how to mix the ingredients together and you soon had the hang of it. It may have been a little messy but you did a great job! 

I added the meats while you and mom continued to stir. 

Next come the spices. I'll handle this - or so I thought. You really wanted to be a part of it. My one mistake was to give you the chili powder which you dumped in before I could stop you. 

This could have some kick to it. Time will tell. 

When everyone arrived we sat down to eat. Everyone seemed to like it, including you - who ate ten or so bites from Grandma's bowl. 

Good work this morning kiddo!

I can't wait to see what we'll cook up next!