Today Ava Made Me "Walk Pillows"

I'll be honest, I was a bit on the tired side when I finally got home tonight. It's getting to be the time of year where you'll gradually see me less and less until August. 4. 

5 O'clock means nothing this time of year so I knew I'd be working over, but thought I'd be out the door before 7:30 tonight. 

Needless to say, by the time I got home, it was a quick dinner and time to relax. 

While we were preparing dinner mom said to me that she could easily lay down and fall asleep right now. I can't speak for her, but it seems that this pregnancy has really been taking a toll on her. From being sick to being exhausted, it hasn't be an easy go for her. She continued by telling me that she thought she was getting in the clear because she just had a week or so of good days. 

Today though, she was exhausted as well. 

After mom and I ate (and you dipped your hands in ranch dressing), we all gravitated towards the living room to take it easy. 

We were watching the Cavs summer league game when you walked over to the recliner where I was sitting and said "Daddy, walk piddows" and pointed to a line of pillows on laid out on the floor. 

We've done this before and I knew exactly what you wanted. 

So I got up and theatrically walked across the pillows as if they were a rickety old wooden bridge - you know, something like you'd see deep in the jungle on a movie - and pretended that I was going to fall off with each step. 

You loved it and even told me where on the loveseat to eventually fall. 

 
 After I fell I told you it was your turn and you mimicked my theatrics. 

Once thing that I have failed to mention was that as you can see from the video above, you were wearing mom's shirt. I brought up a load of laundry to fold before we started playing and you wouldn't do anything until you had mom's shirt on. 

Then, we started to walk together. I grabbed your hands and would walk you while swaying side to side and front and back helping you to "keep your balance" even though it was me that was pulling you in all directions. 

When we'd get to the end of the line I picked you up and tossed you gently onto the loveseat. 

I love the laughter and the giggles. 

You may not meet me at the top of the steps anymore when I get home from work but my new motivation to come home are the giant "two hands" as we call them (big hugs) I get when I come upstairs after a long day.

Today Ava Was Outlined

"Play chalk?" I was asked as we pulled in the garage following dinner with Keith and his mom this evening. 

"Not until we go upstairs and you go potty" which was met by moans and a few fake tears. 

When you and mom got home from Shelby this afternoon you were fast asleep in the car and remained passed out until we went to dinner, barely waking up in between and your head was on my shoulder for the entire meal. 

So, needless to say, I had no idea when the last time was that you went potty or were changed. Your pull-up felt dry so upstairs we went. 

I set you on the potty and you earned another star right away. You went, and went, and went. Which tells me you had been holding it for a while. 

It must be clicking for you. 

I'll spare you the details but a few seconds after putting your star on your chart I saw "the face."  Mom knows what I'm talking about. 

I scooped you up and hustled to the bathroom where you earned two more stars! 

We can now play outside! 

Today was the World Cup final (Germany defeated Argentina if you were wondering) so we took your Minnie ball outside to kick it around for a few minutes. 

We've never explained the boundaries of our yard to you that I can recall but strangely enough if you kicked the ball into our neighbors yard, you stopped at the grass line and wouldn't go over to pick it up. You asked me to. 

Soon enough you were done with the ball and remembered the chalk from earlier. 

We made our way down front and you made some scribbles on the sidewalk, demanded some smiley's from me, then wanted bigger smileys. 

Standing on the driveway you held out a piece of white chalk in my direction and demanded a bigger smiley. 

I drew a small one and as you sat there I got another idea. 

I asked you to lay back and began to trace your outline on the driveway. 

You giggled and laid down again and asked for another one. 

 
When that one was done, same results. 

I've created a monster, but we had fun! I had to cut you off after three or our driveway would be peppered in chalk outlines and the neighbors might begin to wonder ... 

Mom saw the outlines in the driveway when she got home from her appointments and laughed about them with me.

Today Ava Was Money In The Bank (and used the potty)

It seems as though the values we're teaching you are beginning to take hold. 

In some regards Mom and I could be described as frugal when it comes to money and it looks like the value of the dollar is something you've taken to heart. 

Keith was holding you while he stood at the counter to pay for his breakfast. When he pulled his wallet out you reached in and snagged a dollar bill. He later texted me and said he was thankful you didn't spot the 20 he had in there. 

On our drive home you kept examining the bill and told me that we need to put it in your "piggy." 

Your piggy is the green porcelain piggy bank that your great grandma and grandpa Kempf gifted to you when you were born. 

It's been sitting on the shelf in your room collecting loose change and bills ever since. Any time I get a dollar bill with an "A" stamped on it, I place it in the bank or if someone offers you loose change  - or you steal a dollar - it goes in there. 

It's not like we point the bank out to you. I usually just slip dollar bills in when I have a spare one without any fan fare and I couldn't tell you the last time the bank was off of it's perch on the shelf. 

Being porcelain we don't let you play with it. It's a keepsake. 

So when you were in the car and asked to put your money in the piggy bank I was a little dumbfounded. But hey, who am I to argue if you want to save your cash?

A little later mom and I were getting ready, I had to work and she was taking you to Shelby for "Bicycle Days" which is a local festival complete with a parade, rides, and fireworks at night. 

From the photos Aunt Holly sent me, it looked like you were having a blast! 

But, it was all down hill from there ... 

This was the description I got (keep in mind it was 25 minutes of a tantrum). 

Now that you've read that, hug your mom and apologize. 

The day wasn't all bad though. What I was starting to describe before getting off course was how proud we are of you. 

As we were getting ready, I stepped out to water the garden while mom dried her hair and you watched Little Einsteins and ate a bowl of cereal. 

I came back in to mom's excitement and telling me to hurry. I was too late, but what she described to me was great to hear! 

Your little potty was sitting in front of the couch and she told me you suddenly stopped eating, turned around and walked over to he potty and sat down. She said you never made a peep to her, this was all on your own. 

We're so proud!  You're getting it!!! 

Who cares that it's 9:30 or so in the morning, when you go, you get chocolate (it's our bribe).

We think it's clicking with you and we could be well on our way to a diaper-less toddler soon! 

Keep it up kiddo, we're so proud of you!

Today Ava Wanted Bigger "Miley's"

I met you and mom in the parking lot of the Hall of Fame just before quitting time so she coud make her listing appointment. 

I needed to get a little work done so we stuck around for about another hour before calling it a day at the office. 

We were going to run to Walmart to pick up a few odds and ends that we needed at home- most importantly contact solution -  until you told me "time to eat." 

I asked if you wanted a sandwich and fries (I was thinking Arby's since it's in WalMarts parking lot) but you ere adamant about "chicken nuggets, white dippy do). So, we detoured to the house first..

When we got home there was a little portable potty sitting against the wall of the living room. Mom had mentioned that Marissa was going to let her borrow one. 

You must have thought Mickey had been holding it all day because as soon as we got in the door you put Mickey on the potty and told him to go! 

When "dinner" was ready we sat down to eat. I had a feeling I knew what was coming, and my hunch was spot on - you took one bite of a nugget then went hands-first into the ranch dressing. 

Lately you've been begging for them and not eating them. 

Proof that you're my girl (as if you needed more): while at Walmart I gave you the choice of a Minnie Mouse toy or a die-cast airplane toy. You chose the latter. I'm so proud! 

We finished out run and took "big jet" home so we could work on more potty training. 

Again, you had other ideas. You insisted on playing with your chalk out front. It's a clear cool evening so why not? 

The chalk was already out and fresh "miley's" were on the concrete which told me you and mom were already here once today. Who needs Sherlock? I got this. 

You asked me to draw a "daddy miley" so I did, then an "mommy miley" followed by an "Ava miley." When my artistry was complete you asked for "bigger miley." 

Well alright. We moved to a clear part of the pavement and drew the biggest smiley I could. 

But that wasn't large enough for you. You insisted on a bigger one. 

I asked you to grab a few sticks of chalk and we walked over to the driveway where I drew the absolute biggest smiley I possibly could.

You giggled with excitement. 

It wasn't the prettiest smiley by any stretch, but you liked you so that's all that matters.

Since we've already tagged the driveway with your signature graffiti I decided we should leave a message for mom to see when she pulls in. 

You called out all of the letters as I wrote. And with that, our masterpiece was complete!

Today Ava Earned More Stars

Today is all about the potty and where we stand - well sit, actually - on the training. 

No accidents at Marissa's today but no success on the potty there either. 

We tried to get you to go before I left for work but it was impossible for me to get you to sit. As soon as you knew we were headed towards the bathroom you began to cry and bear hug me. 

I tried to reason with you but it didn't work. As I tried to sit you down on your Minnie Mouse seat you extended your legs in such a way that I couldn't get you seated and you had a death grip on my neck. 

Mom said she would try again in a few minutes after I left for work. Maybe she'll have better luck I wondered?

Eventually she did text me and told me she had success and I saw another star on your potty chart. That's three over two days!  

In our conversation mom said she noticed that you crossed your legs and began to dance a little so she picked you up and ran to the bathroom. Within seconds you were going. 

That's leading me to believe that you're beginning to recognize the feeling. That's the first step. Now, if we could just get you to tell us you need to go so we can help you to the potty I think we'll be rolling. 

We're making progress! 

I came home from work today to find mom sitting in the bathroom while you were on the toilet playing an alphabet game on the iPad. You wouldn't even look up to say hi. I had to knock on the open door to even get you to glance up. 

I asked mom how long she'd been sitting there and she said "a little over 30 minutes." 

I changed into my softball uniform and relieved her. About another twenty minutes later and you finally wanted down. Nearly an hour on the toilet and no luck. 

Not long after getting down mom saw you leaning against the coffee table and crossing your legs. She commented to me that this is what she did this morning before going. 

I went to grab something out of the kitchen and before I knew it mom had whisked you into the bathroom. 

I got there just in time to hear the tell tale sign of you going. 

I'm sure this is embarrassing for you to read, but you'll be in our shoes someday and know exactly what we're going through. Let's just hope your kids aren't as stubborn as ours. :)

We showered you with praise and went through the routine of placing the star on the chart and flushing the toilet. 

Progress! Here's to a successful tomorrow!

Today Ava Let McGee In

You caught a glimpse of McGee peeking in through the window of the front storm door and excitedly slid from the couch where we were sitting. 

As you ran towards the door my first thought was "don't go out on the deck." But before I could verbalize my thoughts I heard "McGee outside. I get him." 

I was still unsure if that meant you were going to go outside and smother him or if you were going to let him in. 

I stayed put on the couch just observing, ready to spring into action should you go outside without me. With one arm on the door frame for support and your legs far enough back for the cat to come in between you and the door you pushed the door open with your right hand. 

You held the door open and waited patiently for him to make his decision. He took liked your generosity and came in. 

When mom came home from her showings I shared this picture with her and she commented that it was you that let him out. I like the responsibility you're showing. A hermit crab may be in your future. 

A few side notes worthy of mentioning: 

1. I don't know why "white dippy do," or, more commonly known as ranch dressing, does this to your face ... 

It doesn't seem to bother you other than leave this Joker-looking rash on your face for a few minutes. And as soon as I pulled my phone out to get an image of the after-effects you began to giggle and say "Cheese!" 

2. Potty training update. 

You gave mom quite the fit today with five or six accidents on the carpet but there was some success.  She said after 30 minutes or so of you sitting on the potty that you wanted down and right away noticed a look on your face that said you needed to go. She put you back on the potty and seconds later you earned your first star on your potty chart!

When I got home from work and mom left for her showing you had just woken up from your nap and we all know how long it takes you to wake up. I tried to get you on the potty a few times without success. You begged to play downstairs and I finally gave in. We were sitting on the floor playing with your horse toy and all was going great until I turned my head for three seconds to catch a SportsCenter update.

Suddenly I hear "cat puke" come out of your mouth. In a panic I turned around to see a large pile of what certainly wasn't cat puke on the floor. No warning. Suddenly you went. 

Play time downstairs was over in the blink of an eye ... 

We cleaned up the mess and cleaned you up and it was back upstairs. 

You can't have peaks without valleys and before the night was through we reached the peak again. 

Before getting you ready for bed we tried one last time to get you to go on the potty. 

Sitting there laying games on your iPad I suddenly heard you going. It never phased you. Not once did you look up from your games. 

Like mom did with you this afternoon I instantly began to shower you with praise and took the iPad so you could get a sticker. 

You just begged to have the iPad back which just showed us that you might not be ready yet to be potty trained, but like Grandpa Bernie taught your uncles and me when we were little - when you start something, you finish it. So by golly, we're going to get this! 

Today Ava Said "Excuse Me"

It came with a lot of giggles but I think it was an attempt at being polite. So I'll take it. 

Let's continue on this path. 

Speaking of paths, and continuing, we are still working on the potty training. No tangible results yet, but a breakthrough is looming. I can feel it. 

Only one accident at Marissa's today on the carpet and no accidents at home, but nothing in the potty yet. 

Mom had a showing this evening and I wanted to try something new for dinner so we needed to head to the store for ingredients which meant you'd be diapered for a little bit. 

On our way out the door you saw your pink car and begged for a ride. 

How could I turn it down? 

Once back in the driveway we swapped pink car for blue car and headed to the store. 

The moment I pulled my phone out of my pocket to check the ingredients we needed, the waterworks started. You wanted Mickey on my phone so badly the entire store knew it. 

"I need it!" you screamed and added "Mickey .... Mickey ... Mickey ..." 

No, you don't need it and mom and I are going to curb your dependency on electronic devices. 

Finally we made it home and it was time for Nakey Ava. 

I began getting dinner ready while keeping one eye on you looking for signs of needing to go as you paraded around the house in your birthday suit.

Mom was home a few minutes later and she joined me in my watch and dinner prep. 

Dinner (a few chips and salsa after snacking on half a bag of cheese puffs) must not have agreed with you and soon you were filling the house with noxious fumes. 

You thought this was a riot and would fess up to it and say "I tooted!" 

Which is a step from laying the blame on me. 

What you said next surprised both mom and me. 

"Excuse me!" we heard. 

That cute little voice combined with us not expecting that out of you was too much. Mom and I both started to crack up. 

Noticing this you ran with it. 

"I tooted! Excuse me!" you kept running around saying with a sly grin on your face and laughing as you went. 

Once or twice you even boasted "I farted!" 

As much as we laughed with each other tonight, a little discipline was necessary. At the end of the video you'll see that you bit the blanket at mom's toes. You ignored us as we repeatedly told you to stop. 

You spent a little time in the corner for not listening. 

We don't seek out opportunities to discipline you, but when it's necessary, we will. 

It's all part of growing up and learning your boundaries. 

Let's have some more fun tomorrow!