Today Ava Headed to the ER

It's been a little while since we've last visited the Aultman Emergency Room staff ... 

Grandpa Bernie had come over to hang out and deliver your Christmas gifts. You were enjoying your new putting green and playing in the living room when the accident happened. 

I was sitting in the recliner, with my outstretched on the floor hitting a balloon into the air with you while you tried to catch it. 

You came running towards me to catch the pink piece of inflated latex when you tripped over my feet and went headfirst into the end table. 

It's a sound I won't soon forget. I popped out of the chair and quickly grabbed you. 

Blood was rushing from a deep cut to the side of your right eye. 

I grabbed a paper towel that was quickly saturated and mom brought over a damp towel covering an ice pack.

Grandpa Bernie scooped up Arlee, who was crying because she was concerned for you.  

While assessing the situation and trying to stop the blood, you told us "I don't want another boo boo!" 

Heartbreaking. 

We had an idea that you'd be okay when you asked for us to take a picture so you could see it. 

Since the cut is so close to your eye, we thought it best to go to the ER and just make sure there wasn't anything wrong with your vision or the orbital bones. 

I was a little surprised as the doctor's and nurses didn't even really check that. Mom was concerned that the cut might need a stitch or two since it was so deep. Luckily all it needed was a little super glue. 

The staff observed you for a little bit to make sure there was no neurological issues and even offered you a popsicle. 

We're so thankful nothing was broken, that your vision is fine and we were able to walk out of the ER with just a little glue and an inflated latex glove. 

Today Avas Went to Her First Cavs Game

I was offered a pair of tickets to see the Cavs take on the Philadelphia 76ers tonight at the Q. Could we pass them up? Absolutely not! 

Chcuck could get in without a ticket, but it was necessary for you to have one. Or so we thought. 

We wanted to take you girls to the game and just figured on getting a ticket at the box office. 

"That will be $300" the attendant told mom. Mom turned around and said "Well I guess we'll just go back home ..." 

He motioned her to lean in close, asked how old you were and then said "Each of you go in at a separate entrance and each say the kids are under two." 

I don't like being dishonest and we're raising you two to be truthful, but if that's what he's instructing us to do, then we'll give it a shot. 

We walked through security without being questioned. 

Things are going in our favor today. 

We got to our seats and noticed that the two beside us were empty. You got your own sea anyway! 

Mom captured one of the cutest photos as the players were being introduced. I'll have to have her send it to me to add here (her Instagram account is set to private so I cannot embed it here.)

The look on your face was priceless. 

Your attention span lasted into the second quarter, even cheering on Lebron a few times!

After that, it quickly faded and in the third quarter you look at mom and said "I'm ready to go home." 

We bribed you with food ... Nachos, a hotdog, pretzels that we brought ... but that wore thin around and with about 4:00 left in the game we left our seats. 

Somebody was tired. 

All in all, you did great at your first game. Get used to them, there'll be a lot more in your future.

Today Ava went to Winter Fest in Akron

Our friends Roy and Brittney invited us to join them at Lock 3 in Akron this evening for their winter fest. It included Ice Skating, sled riding and more. 

With the temps falling into the 20s we got you and Chuck all bundled up and headed out. 

Mom took you out on the ice for your first attempt at ice skating.

Unfortunately you were too interested in eating the shaved ice ... 

 Two slow laps and many falls later, it was time to turn in your skates and hit the sled hill. 

And by sled hill, I mean carpeted wooden structure built into the side of the Lock's hill. 

Since there's no snow yet, they hose the carpet down and let it freeze to give riders the thrill. 

I messed up and said "Ava let's race Keelie!" 

Yeah, a huge mistake because for our entire half hour time slot it was "I just want to win" between sobbs. 

 

Each time we went don the hill you exited the sled just thrilled. "Let's do it again!" you would scream while hopping up and down. 

That's the kind of excitement I love to see from you. 

Don't ever lose that wonder for the simple things!

Today Ava made a Ginger Bread House

Mom sent me a text this afternoon letting me know about a Christmas event at First Chirstian Church this evening and asking if I wanted to go. 

Anytime we can do something with you girls, I'm all for it. 

I hurried home from work as the event began at 5:30 and we got you two all bundled up and out the door. 

I had to change your sister as soon as we got there and you and mom headed for the large inflatable slide. 

We walked around to see what else was on hand while waiting for Laney and Liv to arrive. You were "sad because" they hadn't shown up yet. 

One of the rooms was full of tables loaded with candies and graham crackers and frosting for th ekids to make ginger bread houses. 

I sat with Chuck while you and mom crafted a masterpiece. 

Why do I spend so much time on the gingerbread house? The fake smile, that's why. 

A few minutes later we caught up with your friends and ...

 

... all was right with the world again.

Today Ava Was Overjoyed by Santa

Let's begin with a morning selfie. 

And a little sister bonding after I left for work. 

 

Now, to what I want to remember from the day ... 
 
As we were leaving Chuck's one year well visit at Family Physicians this afternoon, in walked Santa Claus. 

I overheard the lady behind the counter tell someone else that it's just their accountant who dresses up every year and stops in the office. 

That didn't matter to you. 

As I stood there to checkout and schedule AJs next appointment, mom told you to go look around the corner, Santa is here. 

You cautiously stepped forward until you could peek around the corner to your left in the lobby. As soon as you saw him, you began to hop in place excitedly. 

Santa played right into it with a boisterous "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" 

I couldn't see the exchange between the two of you, but when you returned you couldn't have been happier. 

I just love seeing the pure joy on your face and hope it never fades. As adults, we tend to lose sight of the little things. Please don't. 

Not only did Santa make your day, but as one of the nurses began to walk a patient back to the rooms, I heard her say "That just made my day, seeing that little girl so excited." 

See, the excitement is contagious. 

We could all use an extra smile in our day.

Today Ava posed for Christmas Cards

It didn't get off to a great start ... 

 

But once you were bribed with "Tootsies" (tootsie rolls) the game changed. 

 

It's amazing how you can turn the attitude on and off like a switch. 

The pics aren't my best work, but I think we got some usable stuff here. 

Now if we could just get a little snow around here ...