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!

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)

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.

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...

Sommerville/Carpenter Family Pictures!

SEC Champions 2009

Twas the night before the big game and all through the south

all the Gators were busy running their mouths.

Tebow was cocky and spreading his cheer

telling everyone of the victory Florida saw this year.

With Ingram and his heisman and the record 12-0

all the Bama fans around the world knew this wouldn't Roll

Saban in his glory and the Bear smiling down

knew what would happen when Alabama came to town.

As they all laid thier heads down for a peaceful nights rest

everyone knew they were ready for the test

As they woke that fine morning and thanked God for their pride

God looked down upon the south and spoke ROLL TIDE!

3 months old

Ava Kate is officially three months old! We can't believe how fast she's growing. She changes and learns something new everyday! The other day she started to do this crazy squeal when she's happy. She also has decided that she no longer will suck on her "binkers", she likes her entire right fist, which I suppose is a good thing because you can't loose a fist. While her fist is in her mouth she slobbers and drools all over the place, what a baby! Finally she's sleeping a lot better. I read the "Babywise" book, and must admit I was not a fan. I've decided I'm just not a cry-it-out parent, especially when your baby won't cry-it-out, she'll just cry....forever! What I did like from it was the routine of eat/wake/sleep. I think that has helped, but other than that we're getting 6 hours of sleep at a time, which is really great actually, and it's only if she's in her carseat. She doesn't particularly like to sleep in her crib for long lengths of time, but whatever works! Gotta love trial and error, until success!

I write about Ava Kate so much that I've forgotten to update you on the rest of our little Carpenter clan. James is finishing up his last semester at SLCC and will start at the U next month. It sure has been crazy whirlwind for him this semester. He's been working full time and taking 3 classes and dealing with a wife and new baby. I really don't know how he does all that he does, but I'm so grateful for it because I get to stay home with my baby so much because of all his hard work.

I recently got my two bottom wisdom teeth out a few weeks ago, and decided that you should definitely do that BEFORE you have a baby to take care of. But it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but I'll be keeping my top teeth thank you! I also went back to work last Monday which was so difficult! I'm just lucky that it's only a few days a week and that my mom can watch her. I was so happy to run home to see her cute smiley face. Well there's a quick little glimpse into what we've been doing these past three months.