Today Ava was Not Happy With Me

Again, I was out the door this morning before you woke up. It honestly was by design. I want to see you as much as possible these next few weeks but I also don't want to leave mom with a screaming toddler if I walk out the door five minutes after you wake up. I was out the door by 7:40 this morning. 

Impromptu dinner with mom at Bob Evans.

After a 12.5 hour day I walked in the door and set my things down to come say hi to you and mom only to get the cold shoulder from you. 

Is it because I've been absent for the last week and will be for the next two? Sitting on the couch with your face buried in the iPad you whined when I picked you up to get a hug.

"Down" you begged as you crane necked to find the device. 

"Give me a big two-hand" I replied. 

You obliged but there was no meaning behind it. How do I know? You threw your arms around my neck and simultaneously tried to wiggle your way out of my grasp.

I let you back down to lose yourself in your tablet. 

I sat down to talk with mom about her day and well into our conversation she mentioned that you needed a bath but she as feeling tired.

I told her I'd take care of it and sit with you while you splashed around in the tub. I thought maybe we could reclaim some of that bond we've lost lately. 

I picked you up from the couch and as soon as your butt was off the cushion tears began to flow and screams of "I need iPad" coursed down the hall as we walked. 

You don't "need" the iPad. It's a privilege. Mom and I can take it away at any moment for any reason. Consider it executive power. We have a lot of that. 

The screams continued as I drew your bath and got you ready. 

When it was time to lift you in you switched to full survival mode as if the water were lava. 

We play a game when we're walking through the store that you'll grip my neck and I'll let go and say "oh no, you're falling!" and let you slide down a little bit before catching you again. 

Well, it was something similar trying to get you into the bath this evening, but it wasn't a game.

You gripped my neck like never before and tried your darndest to scale me and get out of the tub. 

It was quite the scene and the screams were real. Mom eventually came in and remedied the situation like only a mom can. 

She started filling the tub with bubbles. 

 

It was as if all was forgotten. That is, until it was time to get out. 

The clock was already falling into the 9 'O clock hour so it was time to get dried off and ready for bed. 

As always, you disagreed. 

Another fit ensued as I lifted you out and dried you off. 

"I need more bubbles!" you cried as we walked back into your room.

It continued even as we walked back down the hall and returned to the living room. 

The screams weren't squelched until we sat down for a bottle of milk. 

Mom said you were an angel all day. Not sure why you were reluctant to let me do anything. 

Not to worry, after Hall of Fame week, I'll reclaim my title. 

Today Ava Looked For "White Ducks"

Grandma Fenner was kind enough to come in to today to watch you for a while since I had to work and mom and a few showings. 

After I got home we decided on grabbing a bite to eat and your grandma suggested Gervasi Vineyard. Who are we to say no to that? It's one of our favorite places. 

It was busy this evening and we were eight deep on the list for a table. 

Thinking it might go quickly we put our name in and began to walk the grounds. 

Walking around the lake looking for fish we eventually spotted the Swan's on the property. The vineyard now boasts five after an apparently successful mating season. 

 

It took a second for your eye to catch them, but once you did, it was all about the "White ducks." 

Those are swans, honey.

"No, white ducks." 

Swans ...

"Like white ducks." 

I'm arguing with a two-year-old. I'll let you have this one.

After watching the "white ducks" for a few minutes we made our way back to the hostess table at the patio to see where we stood. 

 

The live music people kept people at their tables longer than normal so we removed our name from the list and moved on. 

It's alright though, it was a muggy evening so somewhere with air conditioning was fine with me.

Today Ava Made Silly Faces

I woke you up from a sound sleep to go to breakfast. I hope you don't mind. My logic is this: you will take a nap during the day and if I don't bring you there's a chance you'll wake up before I get home so if I do bring you with me, it gives mom a chance to sleep in. 

Make sense?

You know you're a part of the regular crowd when the servers bring you a cup of apple juice with our coffees as soon as we are seated. 

You insisted on drinking your juice like dad and Uncle Dees were drinking their coffee. A legit member of the breakfast club. 

After breakfast it was off to work for me yet again. At least we were able to hang out for a little bit this morning. 

I wasn't at work for very long when i got a series of photos from mom via a text message that had me literally laughing in my cube. And with as many hours as I've been at work this week, i needed a good laugh. Thank you. 

So without further adieu, I'll wrap up this quick post with the images mom sent me. 

It's safe to say you get the silly faces from the Fenner side. :)

That's your mom when she was your age - 23 months - and your Aunt Holly. 

Today Ava Saw Balloons

Like I eluded to yesterday, I was out the door before the sun came up.

I actually caught the sun coming up from the roof of the Hall of Fame. 

But, it was when the sun went down that we were able to see some of your favorite things ... balloons! 

Hot air balloons to be exact. 

Tonight was the launch of the Jackson/Belden Food Fest and Balloon Classic. Each year numerous hot air balloons fill the skies of Canton to "kick off" the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. On the first evening they partake in what is known as the "night glow" where the balloons are inflated and when it's dark the pilots light them up with their burners. 

We went last year and you had fun, but were a little too young to understand. Being a little older this year we thought you'd really enjoy it. 

We must have timed it right as it's always crowded but this year we found a close parking spot thanks to people leaving early. 

Dozens of food vendors line the campus of Kent Stark and first things first, we grabbed some grub. I was surprised when you willingly ate the meat from my philly sandwich and asked for more. If you're willing to eat, I'll gladly let you have as much as you want. 

We met up with Roy and your friend Keelie whim you ran in circles with while the adults chatted. Soon we were making our way through the masses to find a spot to watch the glow. 

You loved seeing "Annie's balloons" - likening all of the hot air balloons to an episode of Little Einsteins in which Annie sings "I love balloons, I love I love, balloons." 

You also took a liking to the "Skully" balloon - a giant peg-legged parrot dressed as a pirate. Skully is the parrot on the cartoon Jake and The Neverland Pirates. 

It was a fun evening and I'm glad we were able to do something as a family tonight. The next couple of weeks are going to be long. Be easy on your mom for me!

Today Ava Didn't See Me

Today was day 1 of not seeing you awake. 

Things seem to have picked up a week earlier than normal. I mean, we're busy normally, but not this busy. Nothing short of an 11.5 hour day so far and the rest of the week isn't looking any more promising. 

The next two weeks are going to be just as long if not longer.

I had to be in early again today and quietly crept out the door so you and mom could sleep as long as possible.

I also had the late softball games tonight which meant that'd you be fast asleep before I got home. Thankfully mom periodically sends me texts and photos so I'm not totally in the dark about the day. 

I thought I would have some time - albeit a few minutes to give you a big squeeze before heading to the ball field but as it turned out mom needed to go to a client's house for paperwork at 7:30 which is when I was finally released at work. So, I missed you guys. 

When I got home from my games you were fast asleep in our bed. I didn't have the heart to put you in your crib so you crashed with us for the night. 

I have to be in at work around 6:00 a.m. tomorrow to film a time lapse of our retail tent installation and I know you won't be up by then so hopefully you'll still be up when I get home!

Today Ava Made Me Laugh

The morning was moving along quickly while you slept. As the clock ticked closer and closer to 7:30 I decided it was best if I ducked out for work now rather than you wake up and I leave five minutes later. I feared a lengthy early morning fit and I didn't want to leave mom to deal with that so early. 

Before heading over to my workstation I touched base with my boss and in conversation told him about this morning. He in turn shared a story about one Hall of Fame time when his kids were younger that he didn't see them for 11 days. He was out the door before they woke up and back home after they were in bed. Luckily you're a night owl.

We laughed it off, but on the inside I told myself "I don't want that." 

I made my way over to my office to face the day, hoping that it would be shorter than yesterday. 

My hopes were dashed as the clock yet again fell over into my twelfth hour. 

Even though I left the house before you were up and back home in time to put you to bed you did provide me with two good laughs today. 

Potty training is progressing and to the victor goes the spoils. We've showered you with praise, star stickers on your potty chart and even chocolate. All of which you couldn't care less about but still continue to go (at times even without pressure from us). 

This morning you - the victor - brought mom your spoils - a full potty.

 "Mommy, look at pee!" 

I'm sure that's exactly what she wanted to do, but I got a legit laugh out of it when I saw the text message come through. 

A little while later another message came through and it was even better than the first. 

There's really no description needed. 

This picture is worth way more than a thousand words! I mean who doesn't watch their cartoons topless, in a winter hat while wearing gardening gloves ... in July????

There's never a dull moment with your free spirit. 

Poor mom had to deal with the craziness all by herself today but I was able to break out of the office and spend some time with you two at mom's checkup. 

For the first time you were able to hear the baby's heartbeat. 

When asked today if you were having a baby brother or baby sister you responded "baby brudder." 

We'll know in a few weeks if you're correct.

Today Ava Popped Bubbles

Pulling in the driveway after an 11.5 hour day at work I was happy to see you and mom at the top playing with bubbles. 

I wasn't the only one excited. When you saw the car pulling up I smiled and waved as you hopped around with excitement. 

Mommy's dinner date at CiCi's!

I set my stuff down after getting out of the car and made my way to where you and mom were playing. She was blowing bubbles from a large wand and you were giddy as you popped them, saying "I got it!" over and over as you ran to each bubble.

Mom told you to give me a quick hug and you listened, a little too well. I scooped you up just long enough for you to throw your arms around my neck before wiggling your way down. 

It was a quick hug. Back to bubbles. 

I took over for mom who said you had been outside playing with the bubbles for the better part of a half an hour. It was already nearing 8 when I pulled in. 

We played outside for another ten minutes or so before heading in so I could find something to eat and mom can relax. 

Mom and I chatted about our text conversation morning. You see, she was feeding me messages about your potty progress after I left for work. Apparently I missed some pretty entertaining stuff. 

Potty progress and entertaining? I know, I questioned myself too as I typed those words in the sequential sentences. 

It began innocent enough, with mom relaying to me that you were using the potty. Which I'm proud of you for! Bit, it got better from there. 

She continued to tell me that as she got ready for work this morning you walked over to her and said "Mommy I got potty" then sat down and went. All on your own. 

Mom leaned down, got nose-to-nose with you to praise you and you grabbed both of her cheeks, squeezed, and told her "no." 

A few minutes later and I get another message. This time it read: "And it continues ... I've been in the bathroom for 5-10 min and before I came in I moved her potty over by the door against the wall. Before I came in here, I just went over to her and told her where I put it if she needs to go so she could find it. Came back into the bathroom and she runs down the hall just saying "see!" So I went to see what she was talking about and she walked me over to the potty and pointed to her ee and said "see" with a huge grin on her face." 

But wait, there's more! 

Shortly after that ... "Omg now I'm back in my room and I hear "mommy look." I walk down the hall to see her carrying the potty with pee in it to show me." 

You simply can't make this stuff up. 

It was time for a celebratory dance:

That's a lot better than "Jump, jump, shake your booty." 

You're growing up so quickly. Keep up the good work!