Today Ava Was Studious

So studious, even on a Saturday. 

You've become really good at telling us when you want to go to the basement to play. You may not be able to say "basement" or "downstairs" but you'll walk over to the closed door and point. We'll ask "Do you want to go downstairs?" to which you'll get excited, say "Yeah!" and almost dance in place.

We were downstairs this afternoon and mom sat you on your chair and opened the box of crayons so you could color. 

You sat there and studied page after page before deciding on which to color. 

The look on your face is hard to describe, but I can just tell that your mind is hard at work learning. It's total concentration, even if it is just a coloring book. 

I've prayed that you'd have your mom's mind and I think my prayers were answered.

Today Ava Babysat The Adults

I have to admit, this is a little funny.

Keith came over to hang out tonight and as we were all in the basement it dawned on me I don't know who's parenting who. You wanted to go play but we ended up taking over your toys.

Our basement looks like the playroom of a day care center. Toys are strewn about and covering every square inch of floor space.

You, Keith and I were playing with your Elefun when after a minute I realized you had gotten bored and walked away, leaving just Keith and I - two grown adults - trying to capture butterflies out of the Elephants trunk.  

It doesn't end there ... 

At one point I looked and saw mom and Keith coloring in one of your books with you looking over them as if to make sure they stayed within the lines. 

I'm not sure if this was an attempt to get our attention for the evening or not butI turned to my right to see you stuffing the butterflies from your Elefun down your shirt when no one was looking. 

Don't worry, we'll let you play with your own toys. Sometimes it's just fun to be a kid again.

Today Ava Fed Herself Breakfast

This morning we sat down and worked on breakfast. You decided you didn't need me to feed you and gripped the spoon and went for it yourself. 

It wouldn't be much of a big deal if you were eating finger foods but to grab the spoon and bring it to your mouth without spilling is quite an accomplishment - to me at least. 

We've worked on this extensively on many mornings. You insist on trying it yourself but wouldn't quite have the dexterity to bring the spoon to your mouth without help. I'd take your wrist and gently guide your arm in the right direction. My thought is that muscle memory would develop and eventually take over.

Eventually it did but as you can see from the video below, you've got some practice to do.

We'll keep working on it until it's perfecto!

If you wonder what you're wearing in the video, it's Halloween Day at Marissa's. Each of her kiddos is supposed to dress up in their costume. You, of course, are your favorite cartoon character ... Minnie Mouse! 

Today Ava Made Herself Dizzy

Your really taking this coaching job to heart. 

Mom sent me a slew of pics today that are just too adorable not to post. 

So here you go:

Coaching can be a whirlwind, just ask your Mom, but that's not the meaning behind the subject line today. 

It was later in the evening, mom and I were seated on the floor as you played with your blocks. They were strewn about the floor, when suddenly you stood up and began to dance. Normally the dance parties are reserved for your room but not tonight. You gave in to the urge right then and there. 
  It wasn't just a few spins, you turned yourself into the ground for probably close to five minutes. 

The encouragement you were receiving from mom and I probably contributed to the length. Surprisingly you only landed on one Lego.  After a short injury timeout you were back at it. 

It was such a kick to watch and judging by your perpetual grin, you enjoyed every second of it as well. 

Of course I snagged a few seconds: 

Today Ava Coached The Team

Mom told me some fun stories about basketball practice today.

See, you're only part-time at the sitter right now so you accompany her to practice a few days per week. And from hat I hear, you've become quite the assistant coach. 

She told me that today as the girls were running drills you stood to the side and when they finished yelled "Mo!" 

She also said you will stand to the side and request high fives from the girls as they are working on their drills or shooting. 

I always asked her how you behaved at practice and with stories like these, I don't think I have anything to worry about. 

This iis a cute pic mom sent on the first day of practice (Oct. 25):

Today Ava Tried Talking

We're getting oh so close to hearing your sweet little voice. 

You know, the voice that will never back talk mom or me. The voice that will always use "Please" and Thank You." The voice that will use "sir" and "ma'am" when addressing adults. 

This might be old school thinking in today's world but we will raise you to have manners and respect. 

Enough with the lecture, dad ...

You've got a few words down and can associate many more with their respective objects, but with each passing day it seems as though your vocabulary is growing. 

You can point to your nose, eyes, ears, chin, cheeks, and tongue when prompted. Mom will ask you to show her your "chubby face" and you'll smash your cheeks together for her. 

That's just a sampling of your development thus far. Credit mom, she works long and hard with you on these things. 

You can say "Mom," "Mommy," "Dad," "My dad," "Juice," and you've almost got your own name. Phonetically it sounds like "A uh."

Tonight, you added a new one. 

I called mom this evening to let her know that I was on my way home from helping a friend move when you came up to the phone. She asked you to ay what you were pointing to and to my amazement came a soft "eye." 

Mom said you just added that one tonight. 

When I got home you were just getting into your punch-drunk state and we were having a lot of fun playing on the couch.

You also did a lot of "talking." we know you're trying to tell us something, but It's mainly gibberish. We just wish we knew what you wanted us to know. 

I need to record some of it so you know what I'm trying to tell you.

Today Ava Went To Boo At The Zoo

It was the last night for the Akron Zoo's annual "Boo at the Zoo" event. The weather was cooperating so we decided to take you up and have some fun. 

We layered you up in a long-sleeve onesie, leggings, and a pair of yoga pants topped off with your Minnie Mouse costume. Bulky, but warm. 

We passed the penguins and the condor exhibit before you lifted your head from mom's shoulder and woke up. After a look of confusion you began to come alive as you realized where we were. 

Our intent wasn't so much to get candy that you probably can't eat but rather to let you see the animals and interact with kids your own size.

To get out of the house, really.

The Zoo had twelve candy stations setup throughout the park and you enjoyed handing the attendants your card to mark off the stations and receive your treats. Surprisingly, it was mostly Little Debbie's snack cakes that you could enjoy. And you did. You ate a chocolate chip cookie pie as we made our way through the park. 

You haven't been eating much the last few days so even though it wasn't healthy, we were happy you got some calories in you.

Mom and I joked at how disappointed we were that you ate the whole thing. Secretly we hoped you'd only eat a few bites so we could have the rest. 

You insisted on holding each treat in your hands until you got to the next station. At one point mom and I put mittens on you and you had one heck of a time holding on to a pack of fruit snacks.