Why NOT to give a toddler a yummy treat....

like a chocolate covered pretzel.

It will unleash....

a

tantrum

for

more.

Ooops!

Someone's in the Kitchen with Ava

Grandma Laurie bought Ava her first play kitchen for her first birthday this year. We decided to wait to get it out until she knew what it was and would be interested in it.

So after watching her pretend to cook, stir, wipe, stack and sort, we knew it was time to get it out.

She. Loves. It!

Thanks Grandma!!

Here are some pics of her in "Ava's Kitchen". She knows what it is when we ask her where Ava's kitchen is. Also, I think the sink is her favorite. She'll pretend to wash her hands and wash her fruits and vegetables in it for minutes at a time (yes, I said minutes because that is a LONG time in toddler time).

The kitchen is adorable and I'm so excited to use it for years to come.

Opening up the oven to see what's cookin'. Putting her "dish" in the oven to set.One last stir.And tasting it. "Mmmmm" she proclaims!

Mission: Toy Organization

I was so tired of having toys all over the house that were:

1. missing parts

2. not played with

3. not in good condition.

So, after buying Ava a few play kitchen items (to get ready for her play kitchen to be set up...I'm so excited, but that's another post!) I decided I was NOT going to bring in more toys for my child until I get some other toys OUT!


We came home and gathered all the toys in the living room. It was chaos, as you will see. Fortunately, I had a little helper that rediscovered many old toys and slung them around everywhere. No, but she did really well during this.

It took about 1.5 hours and 2 huge rubbermaid bins later, and we cleared out probably 2/3 of her old toys. It was such a great feeling! We found pieces and parts to toys and finally made them complete again.


Now, I just hope we can keep up w/ the organization.

BEFORE, w/ all the toys
My little helper just HAD to put her tutu on to assist me.
AFTER, over by the fireplace. Hey, I'm not claiming to be clutter free, but as you can see she has some BIG toys that need a home somewhere. Btw, those ramps from Parents are the best thing ever!
Over to the side. Previously we had 2 tubs and about 4 different containers.

AFTER, the entire living room that we now have back.....sort of.

Our First Swim

Ava LOVES the water, so we decided we needed to take her in a real pool! At Gigi and Poppy's house, Ava, Daddy and I (not so much, I forgot my suit, but I sat on the edge) went for a dip. She was all smiles. Just relaxing in her element.
Daddy, you are so funny!
Let me try.

Tired little monkey

In her car seat.

Tornado Warning!

Not the Toddler Tornado that you might be expecting, but a real tornado warning. Last night, around 9:30, as we were watching the weather intently, they announced our particular location should go ahead and take cover for a potential tornado warning. After talking to my sister who was going through the same thing just down the street, we decided it was safest to get into the bathtub.

Obviously Ava was asleep so we weren't going to wake her unless need be, but when they said such and such areas should prepare to take cover, we were a bit shocked.

So, I went in and got Ava up, much to her dismay. Ryan had set up candles and the comforter in the bathtub for her and I to lay down, while he watched the weather. She whined for a bit, which I don't blame her, I don't like to be awakened either, and then laid down and passed out. She looked so peaceful all the while we are secretly freaking out. But, there was no tornado and the worst of the storm hit just north of us. So, we are all safe and sound and I couldn't resist taking a picture of her in the tub for her first tornado warning.

Happy Mother's Day to me!

And to Grandma Laurie and Gigi. AND to ALL the wonderful mother's that I have met or know....Jill, Keri, Kara, Carrie, Jenny, Misha, Linda, Grandma Smalley, BG, the list goes on and on! Also, to all my virtual friends on my message board, Happy Mother's Day.

Our First Trip to the Zoo

Ava was so excited to see all the animals for which she knows the sounds for, lol. We saw everything including chimps, tigers, elephants, zebras, penguins, snakes, gorillas, and lizards. We were there for over 3 hours!!! She was exhausted by the end. Here are some pics.





The little monkey looking at the gorillas. It was "Jenny's" 55th birthday, the oldest living female gorilla in captivity.





Ava's favorite impersonation, the elephant!



Amazed by the snakes!



All tuckered out!

Just a blurb about something neat

Yesterday, as Ava woke up from her ONLY (1 hour)nap crying, I knew something was wrong. She normally wakes up, assuming it was long enough, well-rested and cheerful. I just couldn't get her to stop crying. Not a screaming cry, more like a hurt cry. She finally looked at me and pointed to her teeth and then sat down and bit her foot. This may sound bizarre to anyone else, but she was telling me that her teeth were bothering her! I was so amazed at her level of communication. I gave her some Tylenol and within about 20 minutes, I had my baby back.

Ava is trying to count!

She can say "two" if you listen carefully after I say "one" and we are working on "three", it's not quite as clear as "two".

First time in the kiddie pool

We all had a lot of fun!

What is she trying to tell me?

This is what I found when she woke up from nap. Hmmmm....

Too late for bluebonnets....

But we found another field of beauty instead.

First Finger (i.e.hand) Painting

A little hesitant at first, but then quickly signed she needed "more" and then had fun playing around with it. Then she decided she was "all done".