The Ball Popper... buy one today!

Close ups... mom always has this camera in my face!

ahhhh... the ball popper has been the catalyst for many giggles and smiles these days. If you don't have one, I highly recommend one. Yes, even if you don't have children, this toy can keep you occupied for hours on end. Her new favorite game is to stand up and look down the hole. I push the botton, the music starts and as soon as the cold burst of air hits her in the face (followed shortly by the colorful plastic balls), the giggling begins. Too fun!

I've got teeth!

Ava and I have been home three days in a row now... so, of course, I couldn't resist getting out the camera. As you can see - she's finally getting teeth. We were starting to think she was going to need dentures. Instead, we're discussing an investment plan for braces.

Happy Valentine's Blizzard

A Valentine's day at home with my family... I couldn't have received a better gift! Here are some photos of our back porch and front lawn. This morning the sun came out and is sparkling all over the newly fallen snow. The snow in the backyard is up to my knees and fluffy white. I tried to get some pictures before everyone was out with their shovels. Many of the neighbors were complaining because our cul-de-sac hadn't been plowed, but I was loving the untouched quiet of our little corner of the neighborhood. Every time we get this Wisconsin- like weather - I can't help but miss home. Lara, Megs, and Jaclyn... know that I'm thinking of you and missing you much this Valentine's day.

Crazy in love!

I am absolutely crazy about these two people!!

See my tongue?

It is difficult to get a picture of the peanut without her tongue sticking out these days...

ahhhhhhh... here is one!

Ava Grace at 7 months... almost 8!

Ava's new tricks

Here are some recent pics of Ava from our Christmas travels. The first couple are of her in her Christmas dress and the last is opening presents. She is becoming more and more fun every day. She is pulling up on everything and crawls like a champ... we can hardly keep track of her. She also says 'ba-ba' very clearly to her daddy when he says 'ava, can you say ba-ba?', but only once a day and it doesn't really mean anything - just sounds cute. She puts her arms up when I reach down to pick her up and opens and closes her hand when she wants something you are holding... new trick she just started today. Every day is more and more fun just watching her discover things and get around. I'll put more pics up soon when I have more time. Love and miss you all!

Ava and the Christmas Tree

These ornaments taste good mommy! I love Christmas!

Playing in the Leaves...

So when we bought this house one of the things I loved about it was the backyard. The house is 10 years old and the trees are full sized and beauitful. Ahhhhhhhh... but we forgot about the fall. 12 large sized garbage bags of leaves later, our yard is no longer crunchy. But before we raked it all up, we had to introduce Ava to her first fall... as you can see she was not amused. :) And as usual - we were!