Today Ava Got Loosey Goosey

Early this afternoon, when your mom finally got out of bed (I kid) we had an impromptu workout. You see I'm an early riser so I've always joked with your mom - much to her frustration - about how she can sleep in. I'm jealous to say the least. Sometimes it would be great to sleep until I felt rested. I digress, our sleep habits are not the reason for this entry.

A few days ago I started doing "jumping jacks" with you. Basically just lifting your arms above your head, down again, rinse and repeat. 

So this morning, we worked it into "Ava's workout routine." 

Is it necessary for me to say you were happy when we did this? I mean, come on, I've said it a hundred times already, you're always happy. 

Anyway, your mom recorded it and put it into a "Vine." 

Who know the app will be around when you are old enough to understand this, but it is an app where you can record up to six seconds of video and do stop motion, or mesh snippets together. 

It turned out to be your moms greatest cinemographic (is that a word?) moment to date. It's priceless for your reaction if not for my odd voice. Not sure what was going on there. Without further adieu here is the video. Enjoy, we did!

Today Ava Needed Changed

We started the afternoon by meeting your Grandma and Grandpa Fenner and Great Grandpa Fenner at Walsh for the final game of the season against rival Malone. 

The end result wasn't what we had hoped for so the details aren't necessary here.

What I want you to know about as you get older is what happened afterwords. 

The way to Walsh vs. the way home from Walsh today.

We had dinner at Perkin's at Belden Village and your mom noticed you needed changed. I smartly played the "Men's rooms typically do not have changing tables" card and handed you to your mom. She took you to the restroom to change and a few minutes later emerged. 

She rounded the corner towards our table and you were in nothing but your diaper. Not appropriate restaurant attire. Only one word to describe what must have happened: blowout. 

You had messed out your diaper and in yet another rookie dad mistake, I forgot to put an extra outfit in the diaper bag. I told your mom to just put your onesie back on and since it was bath night we could deal with it later. Your Grandpa Waechter always told your uncles and I when we were young to "think before you speak." this was one of those instances where I should have taken his advice. He's a smart man. 

Your mom refused to heed my words and after getting "the look" we dressed you as well as we could, wiped off your little jeans and put your fleece jacket back on. 

On the pus side, your mom took a few photos and a video of your great grandpa playing with you. It was cute. We'll be sure to show you.

Today Ava Went to Bed Early

Your mom wasn't feeling well today, I think she caught a little bit of the bug I had on Sunday.

The cats needed some canned food so I decided to take you with me to the pet store after work in order to give your mom a few minutes of peace and quiet. 

Since it would only be a few minutes we went to Giant Eagle to waste a little more time. We got home just before 7:00 p.m. and you fell asleep in the car just before we pulled in the driveway. 

I only turned the light on long enough to
snap a quick picture.

Normally, the movement of getting you unbuckled and out of your car seat wakes you up. Not tonight. You were spent. 

I brought you upstairs and laid you down on our bed. I didn't even bother taking your purple suit off of you. I figured you'd be awake in a few minutes. 

Again, wrong. 

Around 8:30 we decided it best to get you out of your suit and change your diaper so you could sleep for the night. 

You woke up while we were changing you and you made it for about another half hour before going down for the night. 

Your mother had you on the couch and I was in the recliner, we played a little peek-a-boo. You were enjoying at as you flashed smiles that could melt the coldest heart. 

Adorable.

Like I said, you quickly tired and went down for the night. 

Sleep tight Gravy Pie.

Today Ava got a Tooth

It's just a little white speck peeking out of the bottom left of your gum, but it's there. 

Today, your first tooth finally reached the surface. It was a slow climb, but it made it. For months we have been speculating that you were teething. The constant drooling, continual chewing of anything you could fit in your mouth were just a few of the symptoms. 

I received a text from your mom this morning telling me that she could without a doubt feel your tooth and also see it. 

I was excited to get home from work and have a look myself. 

You were reluctant to show me, I pulled out my bag of tricks to get you to smile or open your mouth so I could look. I think you were on to me, nothing worked. 

I was able to rub my little finger across your gums and yes, it was there. Among the smooth gum was a little hard bump. 

Eventually I was able to get a little peek. 

On a side note, we often speak of how happy of a baby you are. We're serious when we say this. Out in public you are so well behaved, and tonight was no exception. 

I met you and your mom at Walsh after work and we headed to Ellett High School to watch Twinsburg and Aurora play. You never cryed, fussed, or made a peep. You watched the action and sat in the bleachers playing with your toys. 

Only once, when you were a little more than a month old, did we have an unfavorable  experience at a restaurant. We'll tell you about that at a later time. 

The basketball game was near one of my all-time favorite restaurants - Parasson's - and we decided to grab dinner there following the game. 

My long winded explination as to your happiness leads to this video from the restaurant.

Today Ava Ran to me (sorta)

I've come to realize that there are certain feelings in life that you don't know exist until you're a parent. 

Today, I experience yet another one of those. Your mom had a game tonight against the top seeded team in the GLIAC North - Wayne State in which they came out victorious in a stunning upset. 

That being stated, I picked you up from Marissa's and when I got there, she answered the door holding Andrew. Usually when I get there, Marissa is holding you when she answers the door. We get your coat on, gather your stuff and head home.

I was honestly a bit disappointing to not see you as soon as she opened the door. That all changed in a matter of seconds. When you walk in Marissa's front door, you're facing a short hallway that leads to their dining room with the kitchen on the left and living room on the right. 

The floors are hard wood, making it easy for a walker to glide across. When I entered the house, down the hallway you came. In what seemed like a run - I'm sure it was more of a snail's pace, but the way I choose to replay it in my head is a run - you came trucking down the hallway in Marissa's walker. 

This is when the feeling that described earlier came to be. You were the happiest I've seen you. You were giggling and laughing as you scooted across the floor and wanted picked up. I obliged and you just created a laugh that Marissa said she hadn't heard from you all day.

It made me feel like you were genuinely happy to see me. Those 12 words don't describe the feeling properly, but to me it meant that you're making the connection to who your parents are. I really wish I was better able to put it into words.

You're growing up so fast. 

This instant lasted all of 10 seconds, but will remain with me for the rest of my days. It's these unexpected fleeting moments that I've come to enjoy. 

Sleep well little one.

Today Ava Found Her Lungs

Wow ... just wow. I hope tonight wasn't a preview of what your mother and I are in for in the future. 

A little back story - I've jokingly mentioned in previous posts how vain we say you can be and love to see yourself in the mirror. When we moved in to our house there was a wall mirror in the master bathroom left behind by the previous owners. Rather than discarding it, we hung it in the laundry room. There it sat until tonight. I had the bright idea to hang it at your level on the wall near your "creativity corner" in the basement. 

Of course, once it was in place, you wanted nothing to do with it. 

A few minutes later Uncle Kris FaceTimed with us for a little bit. It was nice to catch up with him and your Aunt Suz. We text frequently, but don't chat as often as I would prefer. I think that'll change in the coming months. 

Anyway, you began to get squirmy and a little cranky so we knew bed was near for you. We ended the call with your Aunt and Uncle and decided before we headed upstairs that we'd place you in front of the mirror once more. 

Then it happened. You found your lungs. You weren't mad, or upset, just screaming at the top of your lungs. It was very entertaining to your mom and I. Have a look (it may be wise to lower your volume):

Today Ava had A Mommy/Daughter Day

During the basketball season we have a number of Daddy/Daughter days as your mom travels with the team. We understand it's part of her job and what she needs to do, but she really doesn't like being away from you. 

We go to all of the home games and some of the close away games to show our support. 

Well, today, I was a little under the weather so your mom took care of you all day. Late last evening I came down with a stomach bug that kept me up for the night. It wasn't pretty so I'll omit the details here. Just know I didn't get any sleep at all. 

I was feeling a little better by morning and against your mother's wishes I went to work. It was the longest day of my career. I had no energy whatsoever but got through it. after work, you and your mom went to Target and I napped. 

I was a little worried sending you and your mom to Target alone because pay day isn't until Friday and she likes to keep Target's profit margin pretty high (kidding). I must have fallen into a deep sleep because when she got you home she gave you a bath. Your mom said you were a little fussy through it and she was surprised I slept through it. not waking until 7:40 p.m.

When you started to show your obvious signs of being tired I took you into our room and laid you on my chest until you fell asleep. We must have been sleeping for a bit because I woke up to your mom gently picking you up off my chest and taking you to your crib.

Sleep well Gravy, we all need our rest.