Today Ava Wanted Me To Hurry Home!

You were able to add a little bounce to my step as I slowly made my way to the truck following a 13 hour day. 

As I was walking I received a text from mom with a photo attached that said "Hurry Home." I was already after 9:00 p.m. and I knew you'd be going to bed soon. 

 

As I was walking, staring at the photo with a little more pep, another text came through, this time with a video.  You just have to watch it. I'll swear on this for a long time that you said "Hurry home!" and then a second later added "Dad."

The bounce in my step was nearly a run by this point. 

Today Ava Was Topless

This is a headline I better only write once!

For some reason or another you felt that wearing a shirt was too confining and cried until mom removed it. Not once, but at least twice today. We both questioned your reasoning, but let you be free and happy. 

Watch:

Not sure what that was all about ... 

You weren't acting like your normal self today. Mom caught you using a binky. You haven't used a binky for something other than a chew toy since you were born. It's something that we were happy about, since we didn't want to have to go through the trauma of weening you from it. 

I asked mom if it were possible that you were swapped out last night? Where did our Ava go?

No shirt, no shoes, no problem!

It was a little chilly this evening and we had a birthday party for a family friend's daughter to attend. Mom was prepared to change you into long sleeves but I said it wouldn't be necessary. I didn't realize how chilly it was tonight. After a bit, mom grabbed a few light jackets from the car. All adult sizes. She came back with one shirt and we put you in it and tied up the sides. You were restless and walking around the yard when mom captured the photo below. One of my new faves!

Toda Ava Made The Connection

I clicked the button on the garage door opener,  pulled in the driveway gathered my stuff and in the door I went. 

Someone love her Biscoff!

I took a little longer to round the corner than usual. Since it was late (8:45) I fed the fish and turned off the light on the tank. Most of the time I can hear you making noise at the top of the steps, tonight I didn't hear anything. 

I was honestly a little disappointed. It makes my day to see you and mom at the top of the steps when I get home. I switched the lights and rounded the corner and to my surprise there you were!

You tarted jumping and squealing like normal. I scooped you up from mom's arms and we went into the kitchen. 

Mom began to tell me that you've made the connection between hearing the garage door go up and me walking in. 

She said that tonight, when you heard the door go up that you got excited and began to make your way to the door. Too awesome. 

You're growing up o fast and call me biased, but you're so smart. 

Year one is almost in the books, I can't wait to see the development year two and beyond brings!

Today Ava Was Pretty In Pink

I came home from work tonight to find out that you and mom had matching pink toenails.

Tootsie pops

And I thought the adjustment of having a girl was getting the knack of buying your clothes. Once I conquered that I thought it would be smooth sailing. 

First a tea party, now this? My comfort zone is turned on its head once again.

I'm not saying it isn't cute, sometimes I lose sight of the fact that we're raising a little girl. You must understand, all I know is Legos, Tonka trucks and playing in dirt. 

So the last two days have snapped me back to reality. I've learned two things: 

1. You're growing up. Way too fast I might ad. 

2. Your allowed. No matter how big you get, and how much I'll need to adjust - you'll always be my "little girl."

See, the girly-est thing I've ever done in my nearly 32 years on this earth is paint your moms toe nails. And it wasn't very long ago that this happened. She was pregnant with you and could no longer reach her feet.

One thing you need to know about me ... I hate feet so it was quite an accomplishment for me and if it made mom feel better about herself, then it made me feel good too.

Stealing mom's ice cream.

At this stage in your life your I'm okay with your feet. As Uncle Shawn would say "they are still pure." You squirm and giggle when I rub my beard along the soles of your feet or pretend I'm eating your toes. 

For as little as your feet are, mom said it was quite the daunting task to get your toes all dolled up. Knowing how much of a busy body you are, I can understand.

As I write this I wonder what other aspects of raising a girl I'll need to get used to? 

1. Boyfriends. I was young once and know how they think. Advantage: me. I'll know how to scare the bejesus out of them if they try and date you. I have GREAT aim.

2. Pony tails and braids. Luckily I'll be able to adjust slowly and read up on this one as your hair isn't growing very fast. Advantage: still you. I've never had long hair so this'll be a tough one.

3. Clothes. Baby clothes were an adjustment. Teenage girl clothes are going to be an absolute nightmare. I see too many young girls at the mall looking like they are going clubbing. Advantage: you and mom. I can't handle an "ini" on vacation, I'm sure I'll hate the fashion trends but it'll be two against one. 

4. Fast talking. Teenage girls talk fast. Like too many OMGs and like this and like that and like it's all too much and like I'll need like the new Rosetta Stone "Teen Girl" addition. My head may just start smoking and explode.

Those are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure more will come but I am looking forward too it!

On a side note - tomorrow is Uncle Joe's birthday. We tried to get a pic of you holding a sign that read "Happy Birthday Uncle Joe!" but you didn't cooperate. Watch:

Today Ava And Dad Had Quality Time

It won't be long and I'll be handing over the reigns of this journal to mom. I know she'll do a great job! 

You'll be seeing less and less of me over the next few weeks as work begins to pick up. Such is life at the HOF, mid-July through early August you belong to work as the small staff prepares for the annual Enshrinement Festival. 

Chill out, dad. Relax a little with me.

When I was young and single with nothing to worry about, HOF time was an exciting adventure, then mom and I got married and it became harder to be gone all day.

That was especially true last year as you were due to arrive two days after the festivities. There was a backup plan that went into effect should I have to eject at a moments notice. We reassured everyone that you would wait to arrive until after the festivities. My boss even joked with mom that he was going to have a birthing room built onto the stage to make sure I was at the event. Mom was quick to tell him she was fine with it if he could secure a sponsorship with Pampers. We would even

True to our word, you waited. Now that you are here, it is increasingly more difficult to stay at work all day - and I've only been staying late for two days. It's going to be a long next three weeks as the hours at work take away from my hours at home.

Unless you get up early, I don't expect to see you at all for the week of the Enshrinement and Game, so do me a favor and be good to your mom. 

So, back to our quality time. I doubt you recognized it's significance, but it wasn't lost on me.

You're slow to wake in the morning. There are many similarities between you and mom and the wake up process is one of them. I don't say that as a bad thing. I pop out of bed the moment my alarm goes off or as soon as I wake up. I always have.

You and your mom wisely use the time to relax, adjust to your surroundings and get going when you're ready.

That being stated, it's a rarity for you to simply sit with us, you're constantly on the go. Typically it only happens when you're tired and ready for a nap or bed, or like today, just after I pluck you from your crib. 

I checked the monitor and you were stirring so I went back and brought you to the living room. We sat on the couch and turned on your cartoons. I expected you to come alive as Mickey's voice filled your ears. Nope. 

You just at there. Hey - I'll take it. Like I said, it doesn't happen often. We just sat together watching the cartoon and you slowly woke up and became the busy-body we've come to know and love. 

Soon, it was time for the "Hot Dog Dance" and I caught some of it on video:

 

Today Ava Went To Taggart's

Mom told me you had been in a bit of a crabby mood since waking from your afternoon nap. How were we going to cure this? With some ice cream of course! 

Mom came across a forgotten $10 gift card for Taggart's in the office desk. Bingo, let's go. Taggart's is a little ice cream shop in your hometown of Canton that's been in existence since 1926.

Showing mom all the cool stones in the path.

Walking in, it's like you went back in time. It has that old ice cream parlor feel to it which to me is part of the allure of the place. 

We didn't have plans for this evening so mom and I decided to take you down there for some of their famous ice cream. Mom ordered a brownie sundae, I had an old fashioned banana split and you enjoyed a vanilla kids cone.

We had a family beside us with a little girl eight months older than you. The two of you chatted in only the language the two of you understood. Mom and I exchanged pleasantries with her parents and once we were done with our ice cream, we went to the park for a swing. We also exchanged a few words with the elderly ladies on the other side of us. 

While mom was paying the tab, they asked me if you re always this happy. 

Of course you are!

It's interesting to me how we have met and talked to so many people since you've been born that we wouldn't have normally conversed with. It's not that we're arrogant or introverted, the common denominator is the children. I'm not putting my thought into words properly, it's just one of those things I didn't understand until I became a parent. 

At the park we met a couple that came to the swing beside us with their two and a half year old granddaughter. We made small talk for a few minutes before parting ways. As we walked you to the car  a lady with her eight-month-old daughter stopped us to as a few questions about when you started walking, you're teeth, etc. I think she was curious as to when her daughter would start doing some of the things you're doing. 

I'm really enjoying this part of life. Let's hope it continues!

Today Ava Took Her 11 Month Photos

Mom and I have enjoyed taking these monthly pictures throughout your first year, yet today was bittersweet as we know it is drawing to a close. Only one more left. 

Oh don't fret, it won't be the last time you'll have a camera in your face.

Hard to believe it's been nearly a year has passed. It's been fun reflecting on how you've grown and how we've grown as parents.

When we first began tracking your growth through these monthly photos I was naive in thinking that as you get older they would get easier. I thought you would understand what we were doing and cooperate. My, how wrong I was. 

On your half-birthday I mentioned the same thing. It hasn't gotten any better.

We coax you to remain still any way we can, with toys, singing, dancing - whatever it takes.I'm sure it looks like a circus to an outside observer.

We work well as a team, mom places you and distracts you while I am on the step stool firing away and hoping for the best before you roll over or get bored. 

We get good shots, but you make us work for them. 

And not to mention, your shiner really darkened up today, adding some character to the images. 

Mom tried to ind some boxing gloves for some fun photos but no one seemed to have any in stock.

Here are a few unedited shots from this evening: 

 

Outtakes:
 

 

 

 

Today Ava Is Teething

Waking up ... slowly.

Judging by the last few days, and especially today, we'd be surprised if you weren't getting another tooth. 

It started on Saturday with a really bad rash on your booty. First thought was maybe the new brand of diapers wasn't sitting well with you - pun intended. Then we noticedyou chewing on everything in sight. From your fingers to combs to whatever will sooth your tender gums. 

Strangely enough this is how your first six teeth came in, started with the rash, then the chewing, then on to a day of two like today before it finally pops through.

Today you slept a lot, refused solid food and took more bottles than usual. 

You woke up around an hour early this morning - 6:45 - and I was surprised to received a text from your mom at 9:20 saying you were down for a nap already. Logically though, I shouldn't have been surprised, up an hour early, down for a nap an hour early.

Your nap lasted nearly three hours - nearly an hour longer than normal. I was sad to come home to an empty stairwell until mom explained to me your sleeping habits and that you were down again. You didn't make me wait long and started stirring minutes after I walked in.

Resting as long as you did today kept you up until about 9:30 when you become punch drunk. 

You sat with mom and did a little light reading before she took you back to bed. 

Watch:

Today Ava Skipped Her Second Nap

And we paid for it! 

It's obvious you need both of your naps throughout the day. It wasn't for our lack of trying, you simply wouldn't go down for a nap.

Mommy's funny when she juggles!

Mom has gotten you on a good schedule of napping around 10:00 a.m. and again at 4:00 p.m. 

You woke up this morning and instead of whimpering to let me know you were ready to come out and play, I checked the monitor and you were playing hide-and-seek with yourself and the blanket. 

It was so cute I almost let you go for a bit but since I didn't see you much yesterday I came in and got you. 

Waking up this way, I thought it was going to be a smooth day. 

Late morning nap - Bingo, right on target. Things quickly went downhill from here. You showed us many times throughout the afternoon that you wanted to sleep, but refused each time we tried.

I'm officially handing down your mom's childhood moniker to you; Ava Bear. Ask your mom about it sometime. <------ I'm going to be in trouble for mentioning "Heather Bear."

I don't want to say today was a challenge, because it wasn't; you were simply a little more needy than normal.

We've never had a bad day together; countless great days and a couple good days. There's never a bad day when you're a parent.

Today Ava Saw Swans

I was at work early today and home late due to the annual NFL rookie visits. This morning we toured the drafted AFC rookies through the museum. Saturday it will be the NFC. This seems to mark the beginning of the summer for us at the Hall of Fame, soon it will be very long hours as we gear up for HOF weekend. 

You won't see me much during this period so promise me you'll be good to your mom! We'll talk.

New pet?

Anyway, back to today's thought. It was after 6:00 p.m. when I walked through the door and as she always does, mom met me at the top of the steps with you laying in her arms. It was a little different today as you weren't the burst of energy you typically are when I get home. Mom explained that you had just woken up moments before. 

We enjoy the Wednesday evening Farmer's Market at Gervasi Vineyard during the summer months so we headed down there to get out of the house. A loaf of cheese bread later and dinner on the piazza we went to show you the swans on the property. 

Gervasi has a beautiful property with a scenic lake and villas behind the restaurant and piazza. 

We walked over to their stone arch where the swans were sitting nearby. As we got closer we realized the pair had two babies recently so we kept our distance as not to bother them.

What I can only assume was the dad sat further inland facing the arch to keep watch while his young family sat by the edge of the lake. 

We pointed them out to you and you raised your arm in recognition and even began to talk to them. After a moment I set you down on the stones and you leaned against the arch checking out the swans. 

I snapped a few picks and mom suddenly scooped up the diaper bag and told me to get you. I looked up and the father swan was not okay with his family being photographed. He began to walk towards us with some attitude and wings extended. 

We got the hint. 

I picked you up and we were on our way. 

I also want to share this video - mom sent me a text this morning of you chasing Cookie around. The video is significant because at the beginning and end you mimic Cookie as she's meowing at you. Have a look:

Today Ava Is Officially A Walker

It's crazy to think how far you've come in nearly eleven months. When you were born you needed us for everything - feeding, changing, mobility, etc. In a sense we're still needed for all of these, but not nearly to the extent we used to be. 

I had to bribe you with a banana
cookie, but you sat with me. Rare.

Just sitting back and observing you tonight it struck me at how well you're walking. You still have that drunk stagger about you that is so much fun to watch at this stage, but with each step you are more and more sure of yourself. Your balance is there. It's more than just a few steps in a straight line. 

You can pick yourself up from the floor and start walking, you can turn a corner or walk in circles, you can walk over things without falling. 

Crawling is for babies, not big girls like you. You're shedding the crawling - using it less and less - as a form of locomotion.

I sent a video to your Uncle Kris of you trucking down the hallway and he replied "She's growing up so fast." You are, but I also informed him that you're keeping me young.

It's only going to get better from here.

Showing off your skills:

Today Ava Found Her Button

How many times throughout this journal have I told you how diligently your mom works with you and how much it is paying off?

Punch drunk but still finding
your button.

Well, it happened again. Today you found your belly button. 

You recently began making a noise that loosely resembles "button." We'll demonstrate for you sometime. You also have a habit of sticking your fingers in mom's belly button. This has sparked your mom's endeavor to teach you where your button is. 

It started out with mom pointing to her belly button when you would make your "boutta boutta boutta" noise. Slowly as you began to make the connection she would show you your belly button and ask you to show her where yours is. 

It didn't take long for you to make the connection. 

Now, when she or I ask you where your button is, you lift up your shirt and place your finger in your belly button.

Tonight, I witnessed this for the first time. 

I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say this, but I simply can't get over how quickly you're developing and learning.

I was on the phone with Grandpa Waechter this afternoon and told him about how observant you were seeing the airplanes last evening to which he replied "Matt, she's a smart one." 

He's right.