Today Ava Had Her Teeth Cleaned

Dentists get a bad rap, kids seem to fear them and have a lot of hesitation about going. Not sure why ... the two dentists you've seen have been wonderful with you. 

And you've enjoyed going. 

This morning we had an appointment with Dr. Dutton at Green Family Dentistry. A new doctor and new facility for us. Previously you had seen Dr. Matinedes in North Canton. We liked him and his team a lot but he's not in network with my new insurance and it's a bit too far to drive now. 

Mom asked for a recommendation from our neighbors and they led us to Dr. Dutton. She was wonderful. 

You and mom were called first. I headed back to the room with you and Chuck followed mom. 

I was very proud of the way you handled yourself while in the chair, listening intently, answering the doctor's questions, and doing everything she asked you to. 

And, at the very end she surprised you by allowing you to pick a trinket from her little office treasure box! 

I think she has a return customer in you. 

Today Ava Outsmarted Me

I thought I had a few more years before I had to write this headline ... I was thinking 6th or 7th grade minimally. Not 2nd year Pre-K. 

Looks like mom is going to be helping you with all of your homework. 

What am i talking about? Well, we were sitting in the lobby at dance class while Arlee was in there doing Ring around the Rosie. 

We always bring the iPad, not to act as a babysitter, but to give you some entertainment while Arlee is in class and visa versa. 

You and a little boy - Maddox - were watching a clip on YouTube Kids that had Finding Dory theme. 

Since our one-on-one time is limited, I was doing my best to engage with you and the video by asking questions. 

We couldn't recall the turtle's name and suddenly a minute later you said "Crush!" 

"His name is Crush. I remembered because in preschool ..." now, I can't remember exactly how this part of the conversation went so I'll paraphrase. In preschool something you do is called "Squirt" and you brought it back to Finding Dory by making that connection. 

"... and I remembered that Squirt is the little turtle which reminded me that Crush is the big turtle. His name is Crush, dad!" 

Thanks, kiddo. 

Your mind and how it works at this age amazes me. You'll do great things with it. 

Soon, an Octopus came on the screen and we had the follwoing conversation - which, as you can see, I sent to mom.

"We'll just call them legs for now" eh? I'm not the smartest man out there, but give me some credit, sheesh! 

I was floored, how did you know what a Septopus is, or that it was even a thing? It took me until I sat down to write this that it maybe it was explained in the movie and I wasn't paying that close of attention. 

Afterall, Finding Dory is currently the flick you and Chuck are watching in the van. 

Hello, Google. I searched "Septopus Finding Dory" and sure enough a multitude of explanations and references were returned. 

Well done, you outsmarted me.

Today Ava Was An Artist

When you show potential at something mom and I want to encourage you to continue. All we ask is that when you commit to something you give it your best. If it doesn't work out, so be it. We'll try something else. 

Even though you've only played organized soccer to this point, that philosophy goes for sports as well. You've told me that you don't like it and would like to not play. You've said this to me in the middle of a game this session. 

That's totally fine, but we'll finish out the season. Mom and I have strong convictions that when we start something, we finish it. And we're working to pass that philosophy on to you and your sister.

This doesn't just go for sports, it carries over into every aspect of life. 

Yes, it's mid-October and no shoes or coats required.

You've shown a real interest in art, always drawing, always crafting. Being creative in general. I enjoy seeing this in you and really want to nurture it. Give your mom a hug because she has the patience of a Saint to let you try whatever you want, no matter how messy it might be. 

They say "the artist is her own worst critic" and I think this suits you well. the past few days you've gotten angry with yourself when a drawing isn't turning out the way you want it to. 

Just the other day mom was on appointments and you wanted to draw something for her. We were sitting on the floor with the crayons and colored pencils. I can't even begin to tell you how many sheets of paper we went through because you weren't happy with the results. 

Don't be so hard on yourself. My goal is to take this energy and figure out how to channel it in a positive way. 

Today, mom and I were sitting on the porch while you and Chuck played with chalk in the driveway. 

I looked down once to see you wildly scribbling out a sketch and moving on to a clean spot to start over. Luckily no frustration or tears. 

You wouldn't let us see your new sketch until the masterpiece was complete. And I have to say, what a masterpiece it was. 

"It's an Appaloosa horse jumping over a fence." 

Impressed! 

I mean, you drew this from your own mind without any visual aids. It was a head-on drawing, not a profile and you even pulled the back legs up to create the visual of going over the fence. 

I gotta say, kid, this blew me away.  

Don't lose the imagination! 

Today Ava Played Catch

Coaching soccer has made me doubt my ability to be a good coach. Maybe because it's a sport that I don't know much about, or could be a bit of a self confidence issue, but tonight you reaffirmed that if you ever play softball, I want to be your coach. 

The red van was sitting right outside the garage and the blue car parked on the street. Which opened up the garage and a throwing lane in the driveway. 

The vehicles were arranges as such because your friends Ellie and Sydney came over to play. I had backed the van out to wash it and when Julie and the girls arrived, they parked behind the van. 

While everyone was inside playing "Pony Bingo" I ran to Lowe's to pick up a few items and do some work in the garage. 

After your friends left mom and I went to the garage to work while you and Arlee stayed in for a little screen time. 

Every few minutes I'd peek in the door, ask if you were okay and back to work I went. One time, Arlee didn't answer - I ended up finding her passed out on the couch with the iPad a mere inches from her face. 

Anyhoo ... eventually I coaxed you outside and you piked up a tennis ball that I found while cleaning. 

The light bulb went off. I positioned you near the fridge to give you a backstop in case a ball got past you and I went to the edge of the garage. 

we began by simply bouncing the ball back and forth. Eventually working our way up to a soft toss. 

You made some good throws which boosted your confidence and opened the door for me to do a bit of coaching. 

Mom worked on the step with your throw. You were trying to step with the same foot as your throwing hand. Once she got that down, I stepped in with turning your hips towards me and using the step to drive your front shoulder down, helping you get velocity on the ball. 

The excited giggles and desire to keep moving me back a step with each throw let us know you were having a good time. 

Look at that form! 

Don't pay attention to the attitude at the end. That's something we need to work on and turn into positive energy. 

It reminded me a lot of my younger self, and made me realize that we need to harmess that energy and turn it into a positive. 

As we wound down, mom commented to you that some of her fondest memories from growing up were playing catch with her dad in the yard. 

I'm looking forward to making those same memories with you!

Today Ava Found A Car

It's not what you're thinking!

Did we stop at a car lot? Yes.

Did we get out and look at a car? Yes.

Was the intent of stopping for you and Arlee? Yes.

Did we buy the car? No (thought at $10,400, it surprised mom and I both as being affordable).

You might be asking yourself, so what's he big deal then? Let me tell you.

We pass the dealership, VanDevere, frequently as we make our way to the Belden area for shopping, medical appointments, etc. A few weeks ago as we drove past, mom and I noticed something different on the lot. A car you and your sister would swoon over.

Fast forward to tonight, Fun Friday - a weekly tradition mom started a month or so ago.

Earlier in the day mom texted me and said you and Arlee chose to see Despicable Me 3 at Movies 10. for your Fun Friday treat. 

We loaded everyone into Blue Car and I checked the clock, plenty of time! I mentioned to mom that we would stop and surprise you with a close up look at "Pony Car," a tiny Smart car wrapped with My Little Pony graphics. 

I think the smiles say it all. We stayed for a few minutes and walked around the vehicle so you could check out all of the ponies adorning the car. 

I had been wanting to stop and show you guys the car for a while. Even though I knew we wouldn't be bringing it home, I knew you would really enjoy seeing it. It's these little things that make me smile. 

Today Ava Was My Lunch Buddy

For the past few days now you've been insisting on helping me pack my lunch in the evening. 

This desire began rather randomly one day. Mom sent me a text while I was at work saying that you were upset that you didn't get to help me pack my lunch. 

You and your sister have a hard enough time sleeping, so i'm not about to wake you up at 6:15 a.m. when I typically pack my lunch for the day. 

So, I thought if you could help me pack my lunch in the evening then it would satisfy you as well as allow for a little bonding between the two of us. 

We got Arlee to bed and I said "Let's go!"

You hoped out of your bed and we proceeded down to the kitchen. 

"Dad, you need something different. You can't pack the same thing everyday!" 

Following this lecture for packing the same meal day in and day out, a PB&J sandwich, spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing and a bit of vanilla yogurt for "dessert," we agreed on some grapes.

As much as I like to think I'm unpredictable, I'm a creature of habit.  

Cutting grapes in half is serious business!

Why are you cutting them in half? Because it's what you know. 

When we pack my lunch, we'll also pack your snacks for preschool the next day. Often times it's grapes and for Loving Hands, they require the grapes to be cut in half to reduce risk of choking. 

So, you employ that rationale with my grapes. I don't want to choke at my desk while eating them!

You don't know it yet, but I appreciate even the few minutes we get to hang out by ourselves! These moments are what I look forward to each night.

Today Ava Was The Hero

It's never good when you check your phone after softball - it was the first game of the summer - to see a text that says "Scariest parenting moment maybe to date...I put the diaper bag on passengers seat, load Arlee, buckle Ava, shut the door, all car doors locked and I have no phone or key or anything." 

Mom brought you and Arlee down to the ball fields for a little bit. It felt more like a fall game with the chill in the air than a summer game on May 5. 

You guys stuck around long enough to see my third at bat - a long fly to left - and head for the car and the warmth of our house after that. 

The games went long, it was 9:00 p.m. before we finished and I walked into a dark house lit only by the glow of the TV. 

Thinking I need to keep it quiet, I peered into the living room from the kitchen to see everyone sound asleep on the recliner. 

You don't possess a poker face and quickly popped up with  a grin. The jig is up so mom and soon AJ opened their eyes. 

Mom explained the story to me and said that it took some coaxing from her to get you to find the door lock - which you were just barely able to reach. When you leaned forward the seatbelt locked, adding to the problem, but you were able to make yourself long enough to swipe the door lock. 

"Daddy, I saved the day!"  

Today Ava Learned About Deer

What's so exciting about taking out the trash? I wish I knew ... but it's become our Wednesday night chore. 

You love to help, you always have. You're our avocado smasher when we're making guac, my sandwich maker when I'm home for lunch and our sous chef when it's dinner time. 

We appreciate the help, trust me we do and I dread the day you realize some of these tasks, like taking out the trash, are chores and no longer fun to you. 

Let me back track a bit to this afternoon while I was at work. It looks like Arlee is taking a page out of your book and becoming your protege in the help department. 

Mom sent me the pic below with the following caption: 

The picture itself is hilarious and shows great teamwork, but it's the caption that makes it. 

Ava: Mom I'm hungry. Can i have some rice cakes?
Mom: Sure, let me wash your hair and then you can have some when you get out.
Ava: Can't I have them in the tub?
Mom: Nah, not today.

Meanwhile ... As I'm washing Ava's hair, Chuck flops out of the tub. As I rinse Ava's hair I hear crunching. Sure enough, little sis went and grabbed the rice cakes and was feeding them to Ava as I was rinsing her hair. 

Wow, just wow! Now that's working together. 

So tonight after work and mom was back home from her showings, we started our chore of taking out the trash. With your rain boots on, we gathered up the bathroom trash, kitchen trash and Chuck's dirty diaps. 

You plugged your nose from the smell of Arlee's gifts and down the stairs we went. After our first trip we heard the neighbor call to use "You guys just missed four deer at the end of your driveway." 

You became super excited and looked all over for them. 

After a brief conversation with Joanne, we learned that they came down the street, stopped at the end of our drive and went up beside our house and around back into the woods. 

"I can't wait to tell mom" you squealed. 

After our second trip, I pretended to start running and said "I'm going to win." Trying to provoke a race up the asphalt. 

"It's okay dad, we can go together" you said as you reached for my hand. 

Excuse me while I wipe the dust from my eyes. 

We finished up and went back in. As soon as we got upstairs you darted for the living room and I heard "Mom, you're not going to believe this!" and went in to a wild story about the deer. 

It had to do with the deer dropping a newspaper in our driveway and then running away. 

I cleared it up with mom so it made sense while you looked at deer on the iPad. 

I was so happy to see that genuine excitement and the fact that you wanted to learn about deer since you didn't get the chance to see them tonight.

Today Ava worked on sharing

It didn't begin as a cute moment but had an adorable ending. 

I got home from work and as quickly as I could to let Miss Logan head home for the day. Since it's Tuesday she comes to the house after her day of work so mom can go to the office for a few hours. 

Mom's working on a difficult deal and told me she'd be running a little late. We talked dinner and decided on Chipotle since it's near her office and she still had some work to do afterwards.

Socks and shoes for the girls, check. 

Diaper bag, check. 

One cranky Chuck, check. 

Soon enough we were out the door. 

I just happened to toss the snack container that had some left over Aldi brand Lucky Charms in it into the diaper bag. 

Arlee grabbed it and began munching away nearly as soon as we were in the car. 

In typical sibling fashion, you girls have a tendency to want what the other has, no matter what. So naturally, you wanted some cereal. 

A snack you would never even think of if Chuck wasn't eating it. 

A number of failed attempts to snatch it from Arlee's grasp and you began to cry that she wouldn't share. 

I couldn't do anything since I was driving, and quite honestly, I had to side with Chuck on this one. You can't just take it from her simply because you wanted it. 

This is where the adorable part happens. 

Finally, Arlee offered you a piece. It must have been a marshmallow because you took it and thanked her. 

After offering you a few pieces I soon heard "No thanks, Chuck. I only like the marshmallows. Can I have a marshmallow please?" 

Unfortunately for you, Arlee can't understand your reasoning yet and did her best to hand you the cereal. 

So, being the kind big sister you are, you took the cereal piece and said "Thanks, Chuck. I only like the marshmallows, but I'll try this one." 

That was so nice of you! 

I watched in the mirror as you popped the cereal piece in your mouth and chewed. It was a look of disgust but with your graciousness you swallowed it and thanked Arlee again. 

Such a good big sister!

Today Ava worked on her Days of the Week

Mom works very hard during the day to do activities with you girls that are both fun and educational. 

I chip in when I can, but I'm so thankful for your mother because by no means am I nearly as creative as her. 

She would have made a wonderful elementary school teacher if that's the path she chose. 

So last night I thought it might be nice to help mom and we could work on the days of the week. I stopped you and said "do you know what day tomorrow is?" 

You wanted to pretend you knew, I mean who doesn't want to have the right answer all the time? But, you thought for a brief second and said "I don't know." 

I replied, "Today is Sunday so that makes tomorrow ..." and you were quick to play the part of the interrupting cow and blurted out "Swimming day!" 

I said, "Close, but what day of the week is it?" 

"Dance!" and you began to hop up and down excitedly.

"Yes, tomorrow is dance day but what day of the week is it?" 

Stumped. 

"You have dance on Monday. Today is Sunday, tomorrow is Monday." 

"Okay," was the uninterested response I received.: 

So this morning before I left for work, I asked you if you remembered our conversation from last night and knew what day it was. 

It was probably too early as you looked past me to the TV and said "I don't 'member." 

I reminded you that it's Monday and again you got excited for dance. 

We've got some work to do, but no doubt we'll get it. 

Go ahead and relax a little, you've got years of school ahead of you. :)

Today Ava Looked Beautiful in Mom's Wedding Dress

This afternoon we had a newborn shoot for your friend Keelie''s cousin, Kaycee. 

After getting the studio setup in the basement, we began to take a few photos of you and Arlee. 

This is the norm for us, if we have everything out and ready to go, we might as well get shots of our girls! 

It started with you begging to take photos of me.

 
  Future photog?

We messed around with some bubbles for a few minutes, which admittedly did not go as I had planned but you girls had fun. 

Then, mom ducked into the laundry room for a moment and came back out with her wedding dress. 

Much to our surprise, coming from a girl who LOVES dresses, you wanted nothing to do with this one. 

Mom worked her magic and coaxed some good smiles out of you! 

I couldn't help but think that someday I'll walk you down the aisle with that same beautiful smile on your face. 

Is it dusty in here?

Today Ava Made us Part of Her Club

I know it's been a number of months since I've posted and I feel terribly for it. Many memories will forever be missing from this journal, but I hope you enjoy what I have posted and will post! 

Your personality and character are really starting to show. Combine with an incredible imagination you bring smiles and joy to our faces daily. 

See what I mean? 

Tonight as we were all sitting around watching your sisters favorite movie, Home, for probably the fourth time today, you welcomed mom and me to your club. 

1. We have no idea how you even know what a club is
2. How did you figure out that there's an initiation process? 

What do you do while I'm at work?? 

Playing with an old (I think it survived the more more than five years ago) lady bug cat toy that when you pull the cord it vibrates until the cord winds back up, in a slingshot manner, you went to all of us and many objects in the living room "shooting" them. Though the toy never left your hand. 

Side note - look how big you're getting! Stop growing up!!!

You insisted mom try it then me. 

After instructing me on proper handling .... "Hold it in this hand and put your other finger here." 

Per your instructions I held the toy with my right index finger and thumb and pulled the ring on the cord with my left index finger.

"Let go but don't throw it." 

Like this? and I let go of the cord. 

"Yeah!" you squeeled while hopping up and down. "Now you're part of my club." 

Say what? Mom and I both reacted. 

"Don't worry mom, you're in my club too!" 

We attempted to get the details out of you as to how you knew about clubs and such but it must be a secret society as you were tight lipped. 

 

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.