Today Ava Was On To Our Game

Sitting on my lap, you reached across the table to mom with a chopsticks wrapper in hand. Once mom reached for your offering, you yanked it back and laughed at her.

Lady rides with mom!

Surprised, we thought we were having a moment when you were learning to share, rather, it was a moment when you saw what mom was doing with you and took it upon yourself to return the favor. 

She had been playing with you in this manner across the table, offering the wrapper and pulling it back. After a few attempts she let you have it and that's when you turned the tables on her.

Where were we? We went to one of our all-time favorite restaurants tonight, Jasmine's Asian Bistro, for a "last supper." I'm about to fall off the radar for the week and thought going to dinner as a family would be nice.

You're such a busy person that it's becoming increasingly difficult to take you out to eat, to Church, to anywhere that you'll have to sit and be confined for any length of time. At one point mom had to take you outside and have a talk about your behavior.

You had my phone in your hand watching a PBS app when our waitress stopped by to check on the table. You turned, offered her the phone and when she reached for it, you pulled it back and giggled again. You did this with her three or four times. 

Some time had passed since you were playing with mom so we were astounded that you weren't just mimicking mom but you retained and made a game out of it with others.

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 Chatted With Dad

I was able to see you this afternoon ... sort of. Suddenly my phone started to vibrate across my desk. Looking down I saw that mom was attempting to FaceTime with me. 

I excitedly got up and went into one of our conference rooms. When the phones connected I saw you playing with a big box in the living room. Earlier in the day Aunt Suz sent mom and I a message saying your birthday present was on it's way and could arrive today. 

We discussed if you should open it now or wait until your birthday. You made the decision for us and began to tear into the box. Inside was a small shopping cart with space for two dolls. I received a picture from mom later where Mickey was front and center strapped into the seat of the cart. I'm not surprised. You love Mickey.

We chatted for a few more minute before I had to return to work. We laughed a little and you read me a book. 

Thanks, mom! It was a wonderful break to my day. 

Often times i end this journal with a video. Today, mom caught you combing your own hair. She was only able to capture a few seconds at the end, but it' adorable nonetheless. 

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 Was A Lover Not A Fighter

Gotcha!

It's about time for a change kid. I keep telling myself it's only a few weeks but as I say that, I also look ahead, years down the line to memories potentially missed as work consumes my life and my summer. It was difficult but manageable prior to your arrival, but this year is different. I don't want to miss you growing up.

Even though i've only been working late this week so far, it's just going to get worse until Aug. 5. 

Technology can be a blessing and a curse. A blessing because mom keeps me constantly updated on what you're doing by sending me pictures and videos but a curse since it makes me want to be home that much more. The pros of technology outweigh the cons right now.

I'm putting these thoughts to "paper" as my promise to you that I'll work diligently to change this scenario and we'll get to spend our summers together as a family. 

What does mom send me throughout the day? Well, this afternoon it was photos of how much you love your cats. I can't guarantee the feeling is mutual, but you adore them

You can't escape my love!

Your latest kick is hugging. I know McGee can handle it, he's young and beefy. Cookie on the other hand is old and frail, so I worry a bit about her. We know you have no ill intent, but poor Cook isn't too fond of the affection. You might say she's a bit of a grumpy old lady.

If they are laying in the sun, or just sitting around and it catches you're eye, they're doomed for some love. You'll head their way and before they know what's upon them, you're on the ground they're in your clutches Typically it looks like a yoga pose - on your knees with arms extended over your head and holding on to them with your head resting on their sides. 

McGee will tolerate this to an extent, but Cookie will try and immediately wiggle out of your grasp. 

I have an idea, hug mom and I! We'd be fine with that. 

One other thing that I feel compelled to share is a video from this afternoon. It's been in the 90s all week and mom took you outside to play with your water table. I think you enjoyed it:

Today Ava Was In My Dreams

Your red catching gear on you walked towards home plate with that  signature gate in your step every catcher has as they carry all that extra protection to the plate. I nervously inched closer and closer to the chalk of the first base line so I could see through the crowd of people and watch your debut without obstruction.

You crouched behind the plate and in came the overhead pitch. My heart racing as I anxiously awaited the smack of the ball into the mit, you caught it and I breathed a sigh of relief. I could feel a proud smile extend across my face.That's my girl!

All seemed normal - a 90 mph overhead pitch in a little league girl's softball game - until the all too familiar blare of my alarm yanked me from your World Series run. Once I came to, I realized how outlandish that scenario is.

It was just a dream, but could it be an omen of the future? Only time will tell. 

Some of your favorite toys are in our basement, a container of baseballs, softballs and a tiny wooden bat that we use as decor. I can only speak for myself, but your mom and I are former athletes and this makes me prideful to see. 

I could be biased, but I think you're hand-eye coordination is exceptional at your young age. We sit you down and roll a ball to, your eyes find the ball and watch it the whole way in then grab it once it's in reach. It's rare for one to get by you. Hence a new nickname - shortstop. 

So, why you were a catcher in my dream last night, I have yet to figure out the meaning behind it. Maybe as a catcher you have to watch the ball in the whole way? That's my only guess. 

I woke up excited, maybe a look into the future? Though, I hope to be coaching rather than sitting on the sideline.

Today Ava Had a Conversation

With anyone who would listen!

Looking so grown up!

I've wanted to know what you've been trying to tell us since you first figured out that you could create noise.

Lately it's turned into full-blown conversations. 

I've written about your "screams" about "Dad" and "Button" but today it was a whole new level. Mom showed me a few videos she captured today of you yelling at the TV, the cat, pretty much anyone who would listen. And with the tone, everyone within ear shot couldn't help but listen. 

I've replayed the video a  number of times and laugh just as hard each time I see it. 

I sent your Uncle Kris the video telling him if your cousin is anything like you, neither of us will get a word in again, ever. He agreed, saying we're both screwed.

It's something the written word simply can't describe, you just need to see it for yourself. 

Enjoy, we sure have: 

Today Ava Had a Dance Party

With each passing day you're becoming more and more animated. 

This was never more evident than tonight when you had yourself a little dance party. Since you were tiny (I refrain from using the term "little" because you still are) we've danced and sang with you. I fear - jokingly - that you're beginning to pick up some of my bad habits. 

Do my a favor, when you learn to drive and are dancing and singing in the car, keep both eyes open. Ask your mom. 

In life you'll quickly figure out what lessons to take from me and what to learn from mom. Trust me, take your dancing skills from her. 

When the "Hot Dog Dance" isn't on Mickey, you opt for something a little more risque and mainstream: Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines." I swear you can name that song in 2 notes. That beat comes on and your arms and hips start going. 

The living room, basement, wherever we are at immediately transforms into your dance floor. 

I'm glad your mom caught some of it on video. No way will I ever be able to demonstrate this one. 

How many years of recitals are in my future?
 
Keep dancing little one. As the sating goes "Dance like no one is watching." 

Today Ava Learned A Life Lesson

Easy transition from baby to boss.

Today went by rather quickly. After work it was out to the yard to clean up the remainder of the bush we removed from the front yard and mow. 

We also threw a quick dinner in the mix before it was off to the late night softball games. Although I'm sure it was a little chilly for mom, the weather was pleasant. She brought you out to the first game. It was here you learned your first life lesson from me "Do as I say, not as I do." 

I've been in a bit of a batting slump lately but tonight got a hold of one and sent it to the fence. 

It had extra bases written all over it. Feeling good I rounded second and hustled for third. In I went standing up ... and was quickly tagged out. You saw the whole thing, and yes, had I not been lazy and slid, I would have been safe. 

So please, if I ever have the good fortune of coaching you in softball, do as I say. Not as I do. 

Today Ava Took Her Lumps

She didn't mean it, you snuck up on her and she took a right when you took a left. Knee, meet face. 

Down goes Gravy. 

Towel Thief

We'll be installing a "Nanny Cam" next time she comes over to babysit. Grandma felt terrible as you cried from the shock of what happened. 

Once you realized "Hey, this doesn't really hurt." it was back to your mumbles and chasing Scout around your grandparents house. 

Something struck me as this incident was playing out, now that you're walking, we better have the first aid kit ready. You're going to take your lumps, whether it was like this morning when your throat and coffee table kissed or this evening where you stealthily crept up on Grandma and she didn't know you were there.

Let me explain about this morning, you get ridiculously excited when Mickey Mouse Clubhouse comes on and not to mention this excitement goes off the charts when they do the "Hot Dog Dance." 

We watched it once, did our dance and I decided to rewind and see how happy you would be the second time. Your arms flew into the air and you began to walk excitedly towards the TV. Losing your balance, you fell forward and your neck met the edge of the coffee table. 

Mom and I felt horrible, but you were fine. I feel like this entry is making us sound like bad parents, but we always have a close eye on you. These were just accidents and don't worry, the band aids are ready. 

We took you to Paul's Drive In for an ice cream cone to make peace.

Today Ava Had a Daddy/Daughter Night

We haven't had one of these for a while. 

Your mom is taking her real estate agent's exam tomorrow and thought it best to go to Starbucks so she could study without distraction. No TV, no internet, etc. to keep her from her books.

We didn't want to see her leave, but fully support because we know how important this test is to her. If there is anything you need to know about your mom it's this: she is the most competitive person I know, whether it be sports, the classroom, or life in general. Like me, she hates to lose - especially to me.

And I usually let her win. 

Okay - let's be real, I can't beat her at anything. Once in H-O-R-S-E. But that's all I got. Scrabble - not a chance. Card games - why bother? Sports - nada (maybe home run derby, but I have an unfair advantage; though come to think of it, I did beat her in tennis once on our honeymoon - BOOM).

So we wished her well and off she went to the coffee shop and we hung out. 

It was short-lived though. 

We played in the basement, worked on your throwing and generally hung out. You've officially foregone crawling and are walking everywhere. When you fall down, you pop right back up. 

At around 8:30 you started show your signs of being tired. This is earlier than normal. We tried to go lay down but you wouldn't do it. We tried again just after nine o'clock and out you were. Not even a fight. 

I thought we would be hanging out longer, but it gave me time to clean the house for Grandma Fenner tomorrow. She'll be watching you since mom will be taking her test and I have to work. 

Keep your tiny little fingers crossed for mom! 

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.