Today Ava Built a Fort

Why we didn't think of this sooner, I'll never know. 

It was too cold to take you and Arlee to the store so mom made a Target run while we stayed back and played. Don't tell mom, but I think we got the better end of this deal.

Arlee fell asleep (here's my surprised face) and we were back in your room playing. I looked at your bed and it hit me ... it's the perfect shape for a fort! 

I said "Ava, I have an idea, follow me" and we went to mommy and daddy's room to grab a spare sheet from under the bed. 

Then, we ran to the laundry room to grab the spring clamps from my photography supplies. 

Presto! We have a fort!

I never vocalized this, but I'm quite jealous. This is better than any of the forts your uncles and I built as kids. 

You loved it, bringing in your books and all of your animals. 

So cute. I would sneak away and just let you and your imagination run wild for a bit. 

So as not to disturb you I'd quietly come in and check to see what you were doing, only to hear you quietly reading to your animals. 

It took a little while but the queen finally emerged from her castle in time to help mom unload her haul from Target. 

With cabin fever setting in, mom offered to let you go outside and play in the snow. With my supervision of course. 

Once we got you bundled up, we were like kids in a candy store! 

Loving the snow! #DailyAva

A video posted by @hwaechter24 on Jan 10, 2015 at 1:44pm PST

 Mom and Arlee watched our shenanigans from your room.

As much fun as you were having, I had no choice but to bring you in. As bundled up as you were, it was bitter cold out and I didn't want to keep you outside too long.

You didn't want to go in, telling me "I have to keep building." 

What you meant was, you were piling snow on top of the the fire kettle. 

I had to play the part of the mean dad and scoop you up to bring you in. 

Today Ava Pooped On The Potty

Yes! Finally! You pooped on the blue potty! 

And of course, this is noteworthy. 

As I commented to mom, I think we might be getting over that plateau.

Peeing in the blue potty is no problem for you, but pooping, well that's a whole other story. 

You have been fighting it tooth and nail, waiting for your overnight diaper to finally unload and feel better. 

Why won't you go on the potty? Only you know. We wish we could figure it out. 

Today, though, we had a breakthrough.

Mom told me that you "hopped around several times and I knew she had to go but I didn't force her to sit, just told her if she feels like she has to poop to sit down and just get it out." 

See, there were days when it would hurt so bad that you would jump up and down and moan for minutes at a time and still refuse to poop. 

Mom continued "after the third or fourth round of jumps, she sat down and let it go." 

Only time will tell, but I hope we're nipping this one in the bud. 

All that stands in out way now is getting you to understand the feeling before you leave a spot in your unnies! 

We're almost there!

Today Ava Worked On Tracing

It's another late night for me at work and for the last few days I've been relying heavily on what mom has been sending me throughout the day to compose my entries. 

Today is no different. 

You wanted to help out with Arlee and keep her noggin warm ...

But it was this video that made me smile the most. 

You're level of concentration is second to none, you can see it in this video. You want nothing more than to trace the toucan to perfection. So much so that when you do get off track, you want to start over. 

Repetition is the key to learning. I love it!

Today Ava Saw Friends

It's been cod, really cold lately. Safe to say cabin fever has been setting in with everyone. 

I especially feel for mom who hasn't had a chance to get out for a few days now. We'll stay home one of these days soon and let her get out for a bit! 

Anyway, I have to work late today and tomorrow, not getting home until bedtime or later, so I won't be much help with you and your sister. That also makes me feel pretty terrible. I want to help out with you girls but sometimes I'm unable to. 

Mom had made plans to go to the Play Land at First Christian Church with Marissa and the girls so you could all get out and release some pent up energy. 

I know you were excited. 

But first, you and Arlee needed matching hats before you could leave the house!

 
You patiently waited as the plans nearly fell through. 

Mom and I both had our fingers crossed that you would go. We knew you were looking forward to seeing your friends again and getting to play. 

And, you need to social interaction with kids your age. 

Mom got word that the plans would continue as scheduled! You were so excited that ... 

... you fell asleep on the way. 

Oh no. 

It didn't last long, and soon you were tearing through the Play Land like a wild child. 

And, I think you have inherited some of your mom's OCD tendencies. 

At the end of the day, it's looks like this one that we as parents live for. 

Keep having fun!

Today Ava tugged on Arlee's Ear

This morning started out just like yesterday with "Queen Elsa." 

 
With some background vocals courtesy of Miss Arlee J. herself.

Later in the afternoon mom tried to get you and Arlee down for a nap. 

No easy task, trust me. 

It was during that process that she sent me two adorable photos. 

In the first one you were giving Arlee a hug. At least that's how I interpreted it. 

In the second one, you were tugging on Arlee's ear. 
 

Have I been replaced?!?

Ever since you've had control over your extremities you've tugged on my ears when you're tired. We've always been able to tell if it's time for a nap, or since I'm usually at work during nap time, it's a signal to start winding down and get ready for bed. 

I was happy to see you interacting with Arlee, but a big jealous that her ear got all of the attention this afternoon!

Today Ava Changed Her Name To 'Queen Elsa'

All hail the queen! 

No longer are we allowed to call you Ava, it's now 'Queen Elsa" according to you. 

One guess as to what you were watching first thing this morning. 

With your Frozen playing on the TV, your dress on and hair braided you looked at mom and said "I not Ava, you call me Elsa, okay mommy?"

As you wish, your majesty.

Today Ava Wanted to Build It By Herself

Little miss independent. 

We purchased a six-cube shelf system to use as storage in Arlee's closet and as I tried to build it you did your best to take over the construction.

"I do it." you said as you reached for my screw driver. 

"Let me show you how and then you can try." I replied. 

"No, I do it by myself."

We've skipped straight to step three in the parable "I'll do, you watch. You do, I watch. You do." 

Sometimes we need steps one and two, but hey, if you're comfortable stepping right in and doing it yourself, then by all means, have at it! We're not going to discourage you.

We'll be there to guide you and step in when necessary. 

 

Using a hammer without a doubt needs one and two.

Great work tonight! We had fun and hopefully you learned something along the way!