Waterbabies

Last Fall I signed Ava up for a "Waterbabies" class that is offered for babies from 4-14 months of age. Since we're planning on putting in a pool this summer, we thought that we should get Ava used to the water at an early age. The classes are lots of fun, filled with lots of songs and games while at the same time introducing the babies to the water; having them float on their backs and bellies, splashing and kicking, and dunking underwater. Ava especially loves going down the slide!

Ava and Alexa

I met my friend Kari while working at BLT. I'll never forget the day when I told her that I was pregnant and she announced that she was too!!! Her daughter, Alexa, was born 2 weeks after Ava and they have since become best friends! Here are some pictures of their playdates together...I'm sure there'll be many more fun times ahead for these two!!

Playdates with "Pre-Natal Friends"

We quickly realized that Ava is a very social baby and she loves receiving attention! Back in the summer we got together with some of the other moms and babies that we'd met at our Pre-Natal classes. The babies were all born within 2 months of each other (Ava being the youngest) and they are so adorable together! We try to get together for playdates every couple of weeks. It's been so great to have a network of friends for Ava and it's been wonderful to share this first year with such a terrific group of ladies!

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park

J.P. took a well-deserved vacation in September. Ava and I loved having him home with us throughout the day and we enjoyed the beautiful weather! We took Ava to the Wildlife Park for the first time. She slept during most of the walk, but she enjoyed herself at the playground after our picnic lunch. It was an awesome day!!

Labor Day Weekend

I'd been really looking forward to Labor Day weekend as our good friends, Shawn and Melanie, were coming home for a visit AND my cousin Tracy was getting married. We managed to fit in everyone in in a few fun-filled days. It was the highlight of my summer to be able to introduce Ava to so many of our friends and family members!

Over the summer

It was an eventful summer to say the least! As if it wasn't enough for me to take on the task of caring for a newborn, I also thought I could fit in a couple Master's courses too! During the first two weeks of July, Ava and I made the drive down to Acadia with my friend Tricia where we spent the day in classes. Looking back I'm amazed that I was able to get through it, but I had LOTS of help with a roomful of women who readily volunteered to cuddle with Ava...even my professors took turns holding her! Once the courses were finished I spent the remaining weeks of the summer enjoying my daughter and watching her personality really start to shine through.

Early days

We brought Ava home from the hospital on June 6th. She was a little, bitty thing and loved being swaddled and snuggled by everyone who came over to visit. J.P. actually started setting a "time limit" for visitors to hold her...especially the grandparents! :) Everyone was just so excited to welcome her into our family that it was hard not to hog her all the time! Here are some pics from the early days of our new little family!

Our first family picture taken at home.