FLU

All of us (dog included) have been hit with the flu in the past four days. Saturday we woke up to see that Sophie had vomited a couple times during the night. Saturday afternoon, I got a call at work from Darren to tell me that Ava was vomiting as well. (She vomited a total of 4 times, but didn't run a fever). She was pretty tired and just wanted to cuddle most of Sunday. Sunday night/Monday morning Darren got hit pretty hard with it and tried to go to work Monday morning, only to make it a whole 10 minutes before vomiting at work and coming home. Now, I have to admit I may have mentioned in the past few weeks that getting the flu would be like the best diet ever. I take it all back! I got hit hard Tuesday and regret ever saying those words! I spent most of Tuesday in bed or on the bathroom floor. I seriously thought I was dying! Although, I did lose 6 pounds in less than 24 hours...

A cow says....

"Moo!" This is one of Ava's new "tricks"! She moo's like a cow when you ask her what a cow says. Gosh, I can't get enough of her.

15 months

We had Ava's 15 month well check today with Dr. Huwe. Apparently the 12 month shots were so memorable that Ava started crying as soon as she saw the nurse. She bawled when I was taking her clothes off, getting weighed, measured, ears checked, and then finally shots. It was not an enjoyable morning. Poor baby.

At 15 months, Ava weighs 28 lbs, 12 oz (99%) and was 32.5 inches (96%).

These are a few of Ava's favorite things to do:
Scribble with crayons
Read books
Play with her new Mega Blocks
Play with her babies
Puzzles
Dance
Elmo and Clifford on tv

Ava is still totally uninterested in walking. Her balance is very good, she can walk with you by just holding on to the tip of your pinkie finger, but as soon as you try to let go she plops down. She is too nervous and won't even attempt. She has taken a few steps here and there, but I don't even think she realized that she did it.

Ava has also gotten really good at pointing out pigs, cows, and dogs in her farm book. Sometimes when I ask her where the dog is, she points to our dog, Sophie. Like, "duh, Mom, she's right there!"

Ava is still such a little lovey and gives the best hugs and kisses. One of my favorite things to do is cuddle her in the morning on the days we don't have to go to work/daycare right away. I love it when she pats my back when she hugs me.

Haircut

I had been avoiding giving Ava a haircut because I just wanted her hair to grow out. I am able most of the time to put a ponytail or pigtails in and that keeps her bangs out of her eyes. Although today when we picked her up from daycare she didn't have the ponytail in anymore and her hair was completely blocking her sight! There have also been a couple other times when we've been running late in the morning or she has been grouchy and I didn't want to deal with fighting her to put a pony in her hair. So... tonight was the night! Ava had her first haircut! (Well... first bang trim anyway.) She was absolutely hating it so we gave her a candy cane to keep her entertained.

BEFORE


AFTER

One final Christmas

We went to Darren's brother, Mark's house on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with the Malcolm family. We all drew names this year instead of buying gifts for everyone. I think it worked out pretty good. Ava got a new puzzle and a tea set (which unfortunately she already has so I'll be picking something else out instead.) The new puzzle has been a huge hit. She has gotten really good at pointing out the cow, dog, and pig.

We had a great afternoon with Darren's family playing games and eating too much food. The games were cut short when there was a heated argument over the difference between hotels and motels. Guess you had to be there!

Aunt Jody even rocked Ava to sleep and she was able to take a quick nap! Parties are exhausting

Gave her an M & M to try. It was love at first taste! I don't know where she gets it, me and Darren hate sweets! ;o)

Ava with cousin Zach and Grammy.
Ava and cousin Emily
Reading Emily's "Seventeen" magazine.
Ava and cousin Josie.
Mommy and Ava
Nap Time!

New Year's

We had a fun New Year's at home this year. Our normal party animal Ava pooped out early. Can you believe she went to bed by 6:15 pm? That left lots of time for Mommy & Daddy to have a little date night at home. We played Rummy for a long time (of course, I won), watched a movie, and had a great time talking and laughing and having some drinks... all in our sweats! It was fantastic! And the best part? Ava slept 14 1/2 hours that night and didn't wake up until 8:45 am!