Ava's New Adirondack Chair

My mom got Ava a new adirondack chair for lounging beside the pool this summer. She decided to test it out this afternoon with her Baby in the living room. Now if we could just get rid of this stupid rain!!! She's just so darn cute, I had to take a few pictures. She gave a nice big toothy grin too! She's now up to 6 teeth in total (four on the bottom...including a molar, and 2 on the top).

Sarah's Bridal Shower

Ava and I took a trip to Antigonish with my mom for my cousin's fiancee's bridal shower. Ava was quite the little entertainer in her polka-dot party dress that my cousin sent up from the States when she was born. I'd been waiting forever...or so it seemed for her to fit into it and Sarah's shower was the perfect occasion! Ava was a bit timid at first when all of the guests arrived, but she soon realized that she actually LOVES being the center of attention...I think she gets this from her mom! The only photos I was able to get were before everyone arrived, since she would not sit still for any more pictures after that, but at least you can check out the awesome outfit!!! Oh, and check out Ava's "concerned" face with the wrinkled brow...she does this all the time now, especially after she hears the word "no"...which is quite often!!!

A Three-Ring Circus!

I decided to let Ava try to eat her cereal right out of the dish, but quickly realized that this was not the best idea! Before I could stop her, she'd dumped the entire bowl onto the floor. Then, of course, the food became toys rather than a snack. I couldn't resist grabbing the camera to capture the expression on her face!!!

Later that night, the little monkey discovered that Mommy forgot to put her shoes away. These were also a terrific pair of playthings for her to investigate. As JP always says, "It's like a three-ring circus around here!" The circus is lots of fun though!!!!

Happy First Birthday Ava!!!!!!

Okay, so there's no excuse why it's taken me over two weeks to blog about the most exciting event in Ava's life so far other than the fact that I've returned to work, got a new job, and went away for a weekend...well maybe there are a few excuses, but no good ones!!

Ava turned one year old on June 4th. We celebrated the special occasion with a small party at our house the weekend before. Both sets of grandparents were there along with Ava's best friend Alexa (who'll be turning one later this month!!) and my friend Kari (Alexa's mom). We decorated the house with lots of pink and purple streamers and balloons to go along with the "princess" theme. On the afternoon of the party once all the guests arrived we let the babies play for a bit. The cutest thing was when Ava went over to Alexa, kissed her and started playing Pat-a-Cake with her like she does with her dolls!! After a bit, I helped Ava open up all of her gifts...she was one lucky birthday girl!!! Then we enjoyed a BBQ and the two-tiered castle cake that my mom baked.

It was a wonderful day celebrating a wonderful little girl! JP and I are so proud to be her parents and we've enjoyed this past year immensely. Ava is the best thing that's ever happened to us and we really feel blessed to have her in our lives. We were so glad that we could share it with the important people in her life and I'm glad that I can share some pictures and video with everyone else who loves her too!

Ava the "Project Manager"

Our backyard has quickly turned into a construction zone with the long-awaited arrival of our new swimming pool and deck! Ava has adapted quite easily to napping during the day to the sound of jigsaws and nail guns. On this particular day she decided to be the "Project Manager" just like her Daddy and watch the guys work from our living room window to make sure they stay on schedule!! Maybe Strescon could give us a little baby hardhat for her to wear!!! :)