Thursday, December 9, 2010

The last 3 months....


Ava-Kate and me at the Hogle Zoo; can you tell she missed her nap?
Ava-Kate still loves her bumbo and baba.


Trying on mommy's clothes

Throwing a fit while trying on mommy's clothes

Waking up



Halloween 2010. Cutest costume EVeR! Thanks to Aunt Annika

We didn't take pictures of Thanksgiving, and I'll put up some of our Christmas festivities in a bit. But for news James started a new job on Nov 15 with Fidelity Investments. I am no longer working! WooHoo! Ava-Kate had her 15 month appointment last Tuesday and she is so smart!
Dr. Cramer said that she's an over achiever with her development.
She's talking so much now, she learns a new word almost daily it seems. My favorites lately are "not-not" =knock-knock
"bye-bye"
"dypa"= diaper
and her favorite= "uh-oh"!
Everything is "uh-oh" even when she drops something on purpose. She's also climbing on everything! Ahhh... what a fun age. If I had to describe Ava-Kate in one word it would probably be "energy". She is full of it! Or "flirt" because that's what she is. She loves people and loves making them laugh. Lots of Love to all our family and friends that read this blog and as Ava-Kate would say "mmmmmm" which means she wants to give you a kiss! xoxo

Friday, October 1, 2010

Mamas Who Know

I just now found a fantastic blog that every woman, especially mothers should add to their blogs- to- follow- list. It's Mammas who Know. It gives inspiration to live and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to our children. When I was pregnant with Ava Kate, my greatest fear was that I wouldn't know how to teach her to love the gospel as I love it and the happiness it brings to my life. That I didn't know enough, or that I wasn't perfect enough in my devotion and faith. But I'm so grateful for all the resources that Heavenly Father has blessed us with as mothers- and fathers- to teach our children. My father-in-law and his wife also gave us a dvd from www.lds.org called "Teach the Children", it's also a great resource.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Ava Kate Turns One....a while ago!

Ava Kate's party was a family event full of fun! I have never had so much fun at a birthday party, especially one where the birthday girl had no clue what was going on! James' sister Alison flew in from Alabama to share the day with us, and even though being hugely prego in the heat of Summer was miserable I love having her birthday near Labor Day because it's a whole long weekend of fun! The decorations were the creative child of Brett's wife Annika, I wish I could take credit for those cute cute flowers, but alas, she's the crafter.
All of those presents on the fireplace are hers! Van said he wants as many presents as Ava-Kate got for his birthday. She received clothes and clothes galore from both grandmas and grandpas and aunts. A piano and quiet book from mom and dad. A backpack from U. Van. a TuTu and wand from A. Annika and U. Brett. And a cute plush bowling pin and ball set from Nana K.


Once AK figured out "opening presents" she was all for it, especially when the applause came at the end. Which the picture above is her giving herself a clap. Ava Kate also gave us a beautiful piano concert...enjoy!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Ava Kate Turns One... Tomorrow!

I haven't been great at keeping our out-of-town grandma's, grandpa's, aunts, uncles, etc. updated in what Ava-Kate is really like. First and probably craziest is she walks! EVERYWHERE! She loves just walking down the street, yep that's right, the street, she will not stay on the sidewalk. I'm afraid I have a shopper in the making. When we go to stores she will walk up to the displays, or racks, or shelves and touch whatever is at her level, but she touches it very gently, and will kind of squat and look at it, smile, then move on to the next display. It is hilarious! I should really get that on video. She LOVES dancing and singing. She'll dance to any music no matter where she is, so if you ever see us at the grocery store, when I think nobody is looking I'll dance right along with her. Her singing is really cute too, it's mostly to the radio when we're in the car she'll kind of just ooh and aah musically, it's hard to describe, but I know it's singing. Ava-Kate is already trying to talk and mimic everything we say. So far her words are gog=dog; top=stop; maaam= I'm hungry/thirsty/more; pop=pop (as in: goes the weasel); bah= boo!; uh-oo= uh-oh. She loves banging and making all the noise she can possibly get out of anything and everything. She is really testing out her independence, but only if I'm close by for a little bit of safety. It's impossible to get anything done around the house because she either wants to be held (while making dinner, doing the dishes, or laundry, or I have to be sitting by her so that she'll play with her toys. We're weaning her off "the bottle" which is quite the journey but she loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, string cheese, bananas, yogurt, oatmeal, and whole milk. oh! and beets! What!?! That's right, she LOVES canned beets! Random story as to how that was discovered, but it's one of her faves. Finally, she loves herself! Here's a video of her in the car, and then of her watching her video of her in the car. enjoy!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Pioneer Day



Pioneer Day is my most favorite holiday. Unfortunately if we ever move outside of Utah, July 24th is just another summer day. I LOVE the parade! Which is kind of odd, because we never went to it, or even watched it on TV when I was younger, but for the last 4 years I've gone every year; even at 8.5 months prego. This year was Ava Kate's first, and she was so great! (she was so tired though, the second we put her back into the stroller she was out like a light; literally the very second!)

We saw President Uchtdorf, horses, floats, and our favorite- mustache motorcycle cops. We were about 95% prepared to go parade-ing with a baby, we just forgot a hat.


Later that night we got to watch our friend Natalie sing the national anthem at the Real Soccer
game. We saw Real tie to Chivas USA 1-1, and a FANTASTIC fireworks show. Ava Kate was fantastic the entire game! She loved the clapping and cheers at the game. (I think she thought it was for her). She stayed up until 11 pm, and then we all slept in 'til 9:30 the next morning! Woo-hoo for a day with my family to celebrate the pioneer spirit!

Monday, July 19, 2010

It's been a while



Ava Kate got her first hair cut! So big!
We Went to
This is the Place with our friends the Hortons on Free Day to celebrate Pioneer Day and Utah's Heritage.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

miStakE!

I have made a terrible, terrible, very difficult-to-undo mistake! Don't ever, ever train your child to fall asleep with a bottle. This picture, though cute, haunts me day and NIGHT!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Afternoon Off!




James has been so busy, that even when he has work off, he's ALWAYS doing homework. Well, he decided to take some time off and hang with his girls for the afternoon. And what an adventure we had! It started with a delightful lunch at Litza's Pizza, where, as it turns out, we discovered Ava-Kate likes beets. After our bellies were full, it was off to the Fort Douglas Army Museum. Ever since "The Guardian" came out, I've had this love affair with the Coast Guard. Our other favorite were the different displays of helicopters, tanks, and cannons outside. But our most favorite was, it was all FREE! So if you ever have an afternoon off, I suggest you check out the museum, Ava-Kate liked it so much she was out like a light before we even pulled out of the parking lot.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Baby Feet



Ava-Kate has this adorable little quirk about her when she's in her high chair. She rarely lets her feet just "hang there". I don't know how to explain in words what she does, so I'll let the pictures tell this story.

SpRInG!

It's so great that James works downtown because there are so many wonderful picnic places. Now that the weather is getting warmer we're trying to start a new weekly event, Wednesdays with Daddy. Each Wednesday, weather permitting, we're going to try to have lunch all together. This was on the south-east side of the Salt Lake Library. And yes, all of the pictures of us are with food in our mouths, even A.K. :)

Saturday, April 3, 2010

180th LDS General Conference

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth." Article of Faith 12.
That's right, Conference is underway! I LOVE CONFERENCE WEEKEND! However, I must give credit where credit is due. My mom has taught me to love, and the importance of, listening to our prophets and apostles today. I can think of many times where she would buy a personal radio so that she could listen while at Brett's Saturday basketball games, or Shad's football games. For her, there was no excuse and no reason why you wouldn't, or wouldn't want to listen to the words of the Lord and our Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful for the messages of hope, and guidance, and warning for our lives today.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Giggles

I have finally gotten a video to upload, hope you enjoy the angelic sounds of baby giggles.

Messes




Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Secret

I have found the secret to weight loss... There is NO secret! Eat veggies, protein, and grains, and exercise with both cardio and weights, and STOP worrying about it! I truly did not know that losing "baby weight" would be so difficult. And it was worse because I was constantly focusing on the weight I hadn't lost, instead of being excited that I am a hot momma with a beautiful, healthy baby girl, and that if I keep working out and actually, truly, following the word of wisdom it would come off, and it is! Yay! Since I changed my thinking I've lost 7lbs and 1% body fat. To me that's progress. Of course I haven't done it by myself. I got a trainer at Gold's Gym, and it has been the best thing I've done for myself and my health. I'm a huge supporter of getting a personal trainer if only for 2x a month (what I could afford). I'm getting the most out of my workouts, and free weights no longer intimidate me! So hoorah for stretch marks, baby fat and proving that you can get your body back!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Thoughts

Why are there so many different flavors of ice cream?!? I may be in the mood for cookies and cream tonight, but then strawberry the next....I settled on Moose Tracks. Haven't had it in a while. Also, not sure how I feel about Taylor Swift's new song "Today is a Fairytale"

Giraffes and Coughs

I worked so hard to make this little giraffe (instructions found here) for Ava Kate thinking that she would love the ribbons (she likes to suck on) and the soft minky fabric. Plus let's be honest it's cute! But for some reason why is it that babies like to play with the most common household items, such as the potato/in-our-case-banana masher, so much more than the toys that we think would be much more fun.Perhaps deep down they already know that we're throwing money down for diapers, food, clothes, did I mention diapers so they're just trying to help us be more frugal. Ah well, not complaining really, but the irony is funny. An update on the sleeping issue, which I'm sure everyone was on their seats waiting to see how it's going for us, well we were doing really well...until the "common cold" decided to visit our house. Poor baby has had a runny nose, watery eyes, and coughs for almost a week now. She's such a trooper though and it hasn't been so bad, except that I had it too, and unfortunately there's nobody to take care of mom when she's sick. So many things you learn later in life that I wish I would've done, like take care of my own mom when she was sick! Sorry mom!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Bronson


One of my friends linked the story of little Bronson to her blog and I think that everybody should have the chance to read it. You can find it here and start from February 1, 2010 post. You can find it at the top of the page after clicking "older posts" and then read to the present. This little boy is proof that miracles still occur today, and that God does hear and answer the prayers of his children. I'm so grateful for the strength and testimony of this boy's mommy, and the reminder to remember what's most important in life. I love my own baby girl, and I love being Mom. Please pray for this family and for mommies everywhere.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Heaven

The closest to heaven on earth is holding your sleeping baby girl with her head against your chest, sucking on her favorite pink binky, rocking her back and forth in the squeaky old rocking chair. With Primary songs playing softly in the background and the lights still turned low because the Sun isn't quite out yet. All while in the midst of the casualties on the battlefield of the morning routine: bottles, towel, diapers, burp rags, toys and pajamas lying on the floor waiting to be picked up and put away. Well they can wait a little longer because I'm holding my angel.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

LaUndRY!

I'm not quite sure anybody has ever been so excited to do laundry as I am right now! We were finally able to get a washer and dryer that will reside in our very own laundry closet. We've been so lucky to have my parent's laundromat open to us 24/7 for the past 3 years, but c'mon who isn't excited about their own set? Now we don't have to spend hours upon hours hogging up the machine from Van on Sunday, and we don't have to make sure we have quarters like at Alta Pines. Hip Hip Hooray!

one of Bama's newest fans!


I know it was a while ago, but there still has to be mention of the BCS Championship Game. Yay BAMA! We watched the game with our twilight, Real, and now Bama friends, the Hortons. Ava Kate had so much fun, but we're pretty sure it was because of Alex. So far, all of our teams have been champions in their respective sports. First Real Salt Lake MLS Champs, then Alabama Crimson Tide BCS National Champs, now we're waiting for Bingham High Basketball 5a State Champs. Good luck Shad! We love you!



Friday, January 22, 2010

Our Cabbage Patch Doll


Everybody that meets Ava Kate tells us she looks just like a cabbage patch doll. What do you think?
(AK at 2 months)




Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Smile

I ran across this blog that definitely put a smile on my face www.colormekatie.blogspot.com I don't know how her world is so colorful, but I love her pictures. I love how she's a 23 year old kid by herself. I'm so glad I have Ava Kate to be a fun kid with me.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

4 MO

Ava Kate is 4 months old and we saw the Dr. today. She weighs in at a healthy 15 lb 2 oz. and is 24" long. Her growth is right on track proportionately according to the growth curve. She was amazing while she got her immunizations. We've been having so much fun with her lately. She loves to play and laugh. The only thing we're struggling with is sleep. Surprise! can you even talk to a mom of a baby without talking about sleep or lack of? Well Ava Kate doesn't do it. So unfortunately Dr. Cramer said that we need to teach her how to fall asleep before she'll stay asleep. Therefore...I have to buy ear plugs. I absolutely abhor listening to her cry, which is how nature intended it.  But nature intended it so that when she's hurt I'll want to soothe her, or when she's hungry I'll want to feed her. But it poses a problem when she isn't hurt and all her needs are met and she just wants to stay up when she needs to sleep, therefore to get me back to play, she cries. And I go back in every time, and I'm also up every 2 hours at night. Well we're going to do everything we can (lovingly) to change that... wish me luck! Oh, and Dr. Cramer confirmed that it's better to put a baby to bed earlier, i.e. 8 pm, rather than later, 10 pm, they'll actually sleep better and longer...I had no idea! Thanks to Karen for suggesting Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, and thanks to Jess for letting me borrow it. I'm really enjoying what it has to offer, today's the first day we've tried implementing it, so hopefully...