Day Fifty-Nine

Bathroom Extras...

Today we made a run out to BabiesRUs to get a few needed and soon to be needed bathroom accessories.  Ava has taken a liking to the stand up shower which I don't mind but she likes to march around and the floor is slippery.  So the solution is a shower mat and here is the little miss trying it out.  She had to get in right away...I barely had enough time to remove her socks.

She approved and had a much safer shower tonight so score for that.

Let's see....we also have started to notice that missy wakes up dry every morning and is wet within ten minutes of being up.  So we got her a potty chair so I can start putting her on it in the mornings.  I don't plan to rush her and my real goal is to start potty training at 18 months.  However since she is waking up dry I am going to see how things go.  We also got her an extra for Nana's house since Nan already mentioned needing one soon.  I can't believe how fast they grow up.  A part of me will be sad to not have to change her diapers any more...well, when that time comes.  

Day Fifty-Eight

Precious sleep....

When you have a child your first and probably hardest lesson is how to function on little to no sleep.  You can no longer nap or lay down just because you're tired.  In fact, you will most likely go to sleep hours after you should have and wake up hours before you're ready to.  Sleep is no longer a necessity but a luxury and as a nursing Momma it was deprivation times ten.  Nursing your baby takes more energy than most people realize because your body becomes a machine; working around the clock.  It is busy meeting your babies every need so not only are you just tired but your body needs rest.

One of the greatest tricks I have learned as a Mom is how to efficiently power nap.  I'm talking closing your eyes for fifteen minutes and actually feeling refreshed.  That was something I never knew how to do prior to being a Mom.

Today we set up our new mattress set.  We got it back during the snow storm and haven't been able to get it in the house.  It has been sitting in the garage but today we got it in.  So tonight I should enjoy a good nights sleep.  Sleep is a parents greatest gift to themselves.    

 

Day Fifty-Seven

Another First...

Today I got Ava's hair up into her first official ponytail.  We have managed piggy's and half pony's but this was a first.  She looks absolutely adorable.  I just have to share an overload of pictures in honor of the pony.

 

 

 

  

 

Makes your heart melt doesn't it. 

Day Fifty-Six

Better late than never...

We ended up driving to Trader Joe's last night and I didn't get a chance to post my photos.  Here are some photos of the visitors we had yesterday afternoon.  The melt has brought out the wilderness.

These pictures do not do them justice.  They were massive!!!  Oh, and in case you are still wondering what they are...those are wild turkeys :)

Day Fifty-Five

Taxes and Toys

Today I decided I might as well get our taxes done so that I have one less thing on my list.  The morning is the best time as far as Ava's schedule and mood go.  The biggest thing is getting her fed, putting on her cartoons, and finding the right toy to entertain her.  We went down to her ball pit and she picked a few balls to take up; combine those with the remote and she was content.

It took most of the morning to gather the paperwork, receipts, etc. and get it all done.  We were both ready for lunch when I was done.  Not too much exciting about our day.  Here is the little miss playing this afternoon.

 

Snow is in the forecast again.  Supposedly starting some time tonight.  I had wanted to go to Trader Joes and Whole Foods tomorrow but that might have to wait until Friday.  Ugh, I need some healthy food and Southern MD sucks for that.

Day Fifty-Four

Appeal to the senses....

Today I went with my massage class to downtown Annapolis where we participated in an AMTA Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Day.  It was an amazing experience for us to both learn and give.  I was apprehensive at first because this was my first time providing massage to the general public.  Well, at least the general public outside of CSM.

I wish I had taken my camera and had been able to get pictures of the event and some of the scenes from historic Annapolis however I was unsure of where I would have to put my camera while I was massaging.  I decided it was too big of a risk to take it.  So that being said I found myself sitting for the first time after a long day and thinking what am I going to photograph.  Well my lovely daughter plays with scarves a lot and had brought one of my sisters down.  It has amazing texture and color so I thought it would be perfect.

Now, I need to relax and unwind from the day so I'm going to go hop in the shower, put some pj's on, get some hot tea and chill.  Night everyone!!!

Day Fifty-Three

A little birdie...

This morning I was getting ready for class and I kept hearing this tapping noise.  I stopped applying my makeup and peered out the bathroom to see what it could be.  I walked out into the room and laughed when I saw a little red cardinal at the window tapping to get in.  I actually watched him hop away and hop back three different times before it dawned on me to grab my camera.  Of course because it's my luck by the time I ran into the next room and got it the little birdie had flown away.  However the view through the window was still pretty cool so I had to share.

I ♥ faces "Hands On Fun" Challenge

It's been a few weeks since I have participated in an I heart faces challenge.  I decided to try again this week since I had a photo for the topic already done.  Many of you may recognize it from a previous post.  The lighting was great that day as Ava peered outside.  This time instead of focusing on her adorable face I decided to go for something different and get those chubby fingers tapping on the sill.

Contest Link

Day Fifty-Two

Long Day...

We just got home from a long day on the road.  We drove to Ashland to Gander Mountain and Bass Pro and the only one of us who is not sleepy is missy rose.  In fact, Aaron is asleep on the couch and I am struggling.  I'm just going to apologize for the mediocre pictures today.

I put on Yo Gabba Gabba to entertain Ava so Aaron and I could relax.  The lighting was rough so I used the flash which I hate so I converted them to B&W.

 

Now, it's time for Ava and I to get on our pajamas and for me to get a cup of hot tea and begin to unwind.  Night Everyone!!

Day Fifty-One

Running Errands...

Today we did not end up doing much other than a few trips out and about to get some things done.  In the morning we went out to the bank and to get gas.  The original plan was to head out to Target as well but there were just too many people out.

Later in the evening Aaron and I went out to Target and Blockbuster.  We needed diapers and wipes and some other miscellaneous items.  We both got new water bottles so we can stop using so many plastic water bottles and to encourage us both to drink more water.  We also stopped by blockbuster to get a movie that wasn't there we we went earlier this week.  I think we'll be watching it tonight.  Here is a photo of my water bottle (Aarons is upstairs) and the new movie.

We haven't finished all of the movies from the other day.  We still have one of those left so I'll review them when we are done.  Plus Ava is asleep on my lap making it hard to type :)  Speaking of Ava, I'll leave you with some gems from February of last year taken with my trusty Kodak P&S...pre-Nikon.

 

 

Day Fifty

You are my sunshine...

Fridays are wonderful for a few reasons.  First and foremost I get to spend the whole day with little miss Ava Rose, second I get to spend the whole day with little miss Ava Rose, third...well, I think you know where this is going.  I will never ever in my life understand how some people can have children and not want to spend every possible hour with them.  Now I agree that everyone needs "me" time and for me I get my fill at school but that's just me.  I just think that there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing your child smile, hear them laugh, see the wonder and amazement on their face when they discover something new.

Today I had some chores to get done like laundry.  Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely loath doing laundry.  It's not the washing or drying of it but the folding and putting away.  It's just one of those never ending cycles and why, is there always a months worth of clothes to wash when it's only been a week?!?!  That is a mystery to me because as far as I know Aaron, Ava and I normally only wear one outfit a day so where are the extra clothes coming from.  Okay, maybe Aaron may put on a different pair of pants but that still doesn't explain it.  Ugh, I'll never know!!!


I am so excited for this weekend or rather every weekend because I get to enjoy family time.  Some of the best moments of my day are when I get to just sit and watch Aaron and Ava interact.  He is an amazing Father and Ava is a very lucky little girl.  Not sure what we are going to do just yet but I can't wait to find out.


So back to the purpose of this blog...the photos!!!!  Ava was playing with a Popsicle stick and I decided to take advantage of the moment and capture her in all of her cuteness.

 

The exposure in the next one was way off so I just did a conversion on it.  I had to share this expression with you.  Aaron says she looks sad but she was actually just talking.

 Hope everyone else had a good Friday.  Enjoy your weekends and take some time to sit and appreciate your families, your children, and your life.

Day Fourty-Nine

Look Familiar...

I am exhausted but we went to blockbuster again so I shot a photo that probably looks semi-familiar.  We go to blockbuster a lot so who knows this may become a "thing" on here.  This is the picture of the day.

Last week I posted this post about three other movies.  Just for fun I'll do a quick movie review of them before I watch cold souls tonight.

The Couples Retreat- Funny, but not as funny as Forgetting Sarah Marshall.  It had some really funny parts mixed in with a semi-serious story line.  I did find it hard to believe that all of the characters really would have been friends.

The Time Travelers Wife-  This was a good movie and the story is very different than most time traveling stories.  This showed more of the dark side of time traveling.  I would recommend reading the book first because the movie left out a lot of really important parts.

A Serious Man- Another black comedy from the Coen brothers.  This was a decent movie.  I like to watch movies sometimes that you really can't predict.  I will say this though, the ending sucked.  It seriously just stopped and that was disappointing.

Ok off to watch another movie :)

Day Forty-Eight

A Little Discipline Please...

Right off the bat I bet a lot of you are thinking I am referring to Ava, well you are wrong.  Ava is one and while she needs some guidance she is not quite in need of discipline just yet.  Me, I am the one in need of some discipline and I mean dietary discipline.  I use to be on a super strict diet that meant I could have no alcohol, no caffeine, no chocolate, no dairy, no greasy foods, no spicy foods, no acidic foods, and no red meat.  Basically if it was bland and colorless I could have at it.  When I got pregnant I found I was able to eat anything and it did not upset my stomach at all.  So what did I do; I splurged and it was wonderful. 

I am no longer pregnant and haven't been so for over a year so I need to get back on track because my tummy is not happy with me.  I am slowly cutting majority of dairy out of my life.  I will leave cheese as long as it is not greasy, melted, or heavy cheese and see how that goes.  I am allowing myself to drink caffeine in the form of coffee and tea but plan to cut out soda.  I will allow myself a soda on occasion but no more daily soda drinking.  I will never ever cut out chocolate again because that's no fun but I will try to lean more towards dark chocolate treats.  I will also be staying clear of all things greasy because they are never good for anyone.

In honor of my return to strict eating habits and hopefully a happy tummy I give you the roughest battle of all.  The most evil thing ever created because it is oh so good and oh so bad.  Soda!!!!!  When I got pregnant I suffered from horrible heartburn and I drank soda constantly in effort to sooth my sore throat.  This week I have had one soda which is pretty good since I use to drink one or two a day.  I am a firm believer that if you need to be drinking diet then you shouldn't be drinking it at all.  I don't believe I need diet I just don't believe I should be drinking soda, period.  Oh and I also believe that aspartame will kill you and it gives me massive headaches so I stay away from it.

They just had to make the can blue...isn't it pretty!! (This picture depicts last week)

This picture is this week

 

Soon very soon you will be in the corner only to resurface on occasion.

 

I need to find other things to drink that aren't so poisoning.  I will miss my fizzy friend at dinner :( 

Day Forty-Seven

Returning to Normal...

School is back in session and life is pushing forward, snow or not.  I will admit it was nice to get back to massage class even though my brain felt foggy throughout the whole thing.  Parking at the school is a serious joke, not that the school didn't do their best, but there is just so much snow still.  The school has to be down a good third of their parking spots which can cause havoc when there are more students than spaces.  I had to park almost clear across campus today.  I didn't mind the walk but it was windy and the pavement was icy.

Tomorrow I am going up to my Grandmothers to go to the grocery store for her.  The roads in her county are really bad still so I'd feel better if she didn't venture out just yet.  Just today as I was leaving her house a neighbor got stuck trying to come down their street.  Every time I drive down it I do so with my fingers crossed.  People are trying to return back to their normal routines and have all but forgot that they still need to use caution in the elements.  It is still icy, visibility is blocked by enormous mounds of snow, lanes are narrow and in places non-existent because of un-plowed snow.  Let's face it, we are in Maryland.  Yes, it starts with an M but we are no Minnesota.  We have no clue what to do with this kind of snow fall. 

So you can see what it looks like here is a shot of the backyard as the sun was beginning to set this evening.

The sad part is that a ton of it has melted and become more packed down but it's still everywhere.  Maybe after this winter I will finally splurge and get some proper snow gear.  I do not own snow boots or any form of snow pants.  I hate to spend money and we will probably not see another winter like this for a very long time but it would still be a worthwhile investment since I now have a child would will for sure be ready for some sledding next winter.  Ugh, but I still hate to spend money. 

Well, this Momma needs to get herself to bed.  Goodnight everyone!  Till tomorrow!!!!

Day Forty-Six

Are you my lovey???

Since Ava was a baby I have tried to introduce different forms of loveys or soothers.  It began with the search for a pacifier and I believe we tried about five different types but she just did not like them.  When she first began to teeth she would chew on one of them but never as a source of comfort or to sooth herself. 

Then I tried to introduce a little blanket or stuffed animal.  Something that she could lay down with at nap time and cuddle with.  She does have a magic seahorse, in fact she has two, but for Ava they were not exactly magical.  They amused her and she liked to look at them but put her to sleep, I think not.  Ava is not a sleeper so any kind of sleep-time comfort would help. 

Don't get me wrong it is nice to know I won't have to break her of a pacifier habit so I am actually glad she never took to one but you would have thought she would have taken to something.  However yesterday she got a gift from her Granddad for Valentines Day.  Have a mentioned that her favorite word is Doggy.

She is in love with these little doggy's.  When I first handed them to her she started yelling Doggy, Doggy, Doggy and opened her arms wide.  She hugs them and loves them and gives them kisses galore.  Now whether or not they will become a lovey for her I really can't say just yet.  I do know this is the most she has ever been attached to a stuffed animal so we'll see how this develops.

On a side note, today was my first day back to school after being off for over a week.  They have decided to extend the semester so looks like I'll be paying for the little snowcation.  I spent all morning breathing into various size dummy's watching their chests rise and fall.  It was really pretty boring but I guess it's good stuff to know.  Tomorrow I will get to go back to my massage class and it's about time.  I was just feeling like I was getting back into my grove after being off for the winter and then there was snow.  Ugh, no more snow please because we are literally in over our heads with what we already have. 

Well, it's time for me to get off of here and get some homework done.  Till tomorrow!!  

Day Forty-Five

Bake up some love...

Valentines Day is always a great reminder for us to cherish the ones we love.  It was great that it feel on a Sunday so that we could enjoy the whole day.  Ava and I baked Daddy a red velvet cake and let me say it was yummy.  Here are some pictures of our baking adventure. 

 

 

Recipe found in the PW's cookbook

Hope everyone else had wonderful valentines day's with their loved ones.  I know I will go to sleep tonight knowing I am loved.  ♥ ♥ ♥

Day Forty-Four

I ♥ You

You can't have valentines day without heart candies.  My original plan today was to take these cuties out in the snow and snap some shots but it was dark before I got my act together.  So plan B meant the kitchen counter would have to suffice.

I almost didn't get today's post posted today (tongue tied yet) because none of my edits were working and the pictures all had this weird orangey haze to them.  Well the photags call it a color cast and no matter what you prefer to call them, they just plain suck.  So I decided to use a selective color edit which I don't do often because it is done so much.  However, sometimes you just get something that screams for it and today it was these hearts.

Also for those interested or following the me part of this blog and not just the photos, Ava's fever is gone.  She has maintained a normal temperature without motrin all day.  Oh and we never made it out to the store for cards but we are still making the red velvet cake tomorrow so Yum to that.  Well this Mommy needs to get to bed so until tomorrow. 

 

 

 

 

To all my readers have a great Valentines Day tomorrow and enjoy the ones you love. ~Amanda

Day Forty-Three

All about Ava...

Ava is still teething but at least her fever is down to a much more manageable number for Mommy.  Let's face it, when your kid is running a high fever you don't get much sleep.  I kept waking up to check on her, take her temp, and administer Motrin when necessary.  With Ava not feeling well and the snow that we have had I just haven't been able to put much effort or attention into Valentines Day.  Ava and I may work on a little project tomorrow if Daddy sleeps in.

This time of the year is extra special because it was right after Valentines Day in 2008 that we found out we were going to have Ava.  So in honor of that today I took some pictures of little miss while she played after lunch.  I'm posting the picture in black and white as well because double Ava is like extra goodness.  Enjoy!!

 

 A daughter is a gift of love.  ~Author Unknown

  

 A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.  ~Author Unknown

  

 A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend.  ~Author Unknown

  

 A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future.  ~Author Unknown

 

And thou shalt in thy daughter see,
This picture, once, resembled thee.
~Ambrose Philips

A daughter is a bundle of firsts that excite and delight, giggles that come from deep inside and are always contagious, everything wonderful and precious and your love for her knows no bounds.
-- Barbara Cage

A daughter is a miracle that never ceases to be miraculous...full of beauty and forever beautiful...loving and caring and truly amazing.
-- Deanna Beisser

Our daughters are the most precious of our treasures, the dearest possessions of our homes and the objects of our most watchful love.
-- Margaret E. Sangster

Chance made you my daughter; love made you my friend. ~Unknown

Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction. ~Annie Sullivan

Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted. ~ Garrison Keillor