A Few More...

So I realize that I just posted yesterday and with a lot of pics.  However, I just went through all my iPhone pics and have a few more to share!  I completely admit my obsession with posting pics of Ava and I am honestly not ashamed:)!  Enjoy!

If you look closely- you can see her two bottom teeth

Have a great week everyone!

Life lately....

The month of August we have just been enjoying life in Abilene!  Of course there has been the usual work routine for Jason and I have been teaching some private lessons but other than work we have kept busy! 

I have tried to plan a little more activity in Ava and I's schedule a few times a week- so that we both don't go stir crazy indoors and so that she can be exposed to as much as possible!  We have also spent time with couple friends several times!  GJ also came to visit a couple of weeks ago and we might see her again Labor day weekend! 

It has been nice to have more activity in our lives some of the week - yet the low key days are still very much appreciated! 

We have been to the park several times, gone up to the school to watch the team practice or scrimmage several times, had a couple play dates, lunch dates with friends, ex-player time, Jason and I have gone on a date, had a few couples over for dinner, run errands, gone to eat lunch out on Jason's day off,  and more!  We have been having a lot of FUN! 

Ava seems to have really matured the last three weeks or so!  She is thinking really hard about crawling, yet still hasn't done so.  She is beginning to endure if not kinda enjoy tummy time again which is good!  She is saying sounds like "ma" and "ba" alot more regularly.  She is reaching for people, picking up dropped toys all the time, objecting when toys are taken away from her, choosing Dad over Mom occasionally, standing up against coach on her own for up to 3-4 minutes sometimes, etc.. 

One day I cued up a video for her that I was going to let her watch right before bath time.  However, I was still going to play with her some before that point.  She saw the video gearing up and then realized I had paused it.... let's just say after several double takes of the screen and then my face she distinctly and loudly let me know that she was ready to watch her video then!  -- crazy! 

Anyhow she is also wearing 12 month sleepers and PJ's!  We even wore a pair of Christmas PJ's that Betho and Kayla had gotten her for her first Christmas!  I was not sure how long she was going to have to wear them, so we tried them on and the top fits just right- we love our chubster!:)

We are ready for cooler weather but Praise God we have been blessed with a few glorious days here lately! 

Pics below but make sure to read the shout out to Jason towards the end!

Astros fan in the making!  Aunt Vicki and Uncle Doug gave this hat to her as a gift!  One day she couldn't help play with my hat so I thought I would give her one more her size and never dreamed it would fit, but it pretty much does!

Ava- "Are you talking to me?"

12 month PJ's

On slide at park

Big girl standing up!

Daddy Time

So, over the last several weeks, I have been sick a couple of times and just not feeling quite up to par!  Jason has always been a hands on Dad, pretty much when he is home- he does everything for Ava!  He then also helps cook, clean, etc..! He is A WONDERFUL DAD AND HUSBAND!  I didn't know that he could actually help anymore but while I was sick- he did!  He took care of me and Ava like a champ with such a joyous heart. 

Thank You Baby and Thank You Lord for blessing me with my best friend, life partner, and husband!

Friends, Family, and More....

So I have not posted in a while!  Since my last post, we have had the privilege of spending time with lots of family and friends!  I will let the pictures do the talking on that one! 

My mom and I had lunch with Wendi and Melanie at Wendi's new house!  So FUN!

Two of the six HS buddies, loving on Miss Ava

At Lauren's wedding shower- five of the six of us made it- great time!

Lunch to celebrate Martha's birthday- lifelong friends (it is blurry- bummer)!

It was crazy to finally get to be out with all of them and our kiddos!  We are so there!

Ava giving Martha some birthday loves- so sweet:)

Mom and I before Meg Hill Allen's wedding

Aunt Jamie and Josiah feeding Ava one morning- right after this pic Josiah just sat by Ava and held her hand while she ate.  He loves her!

Swimming time in YaYa and Pappa's pool- it is so nice for mom and dad to have a pool!  Ava and Josiah love to go swimming!

Pappa and Ava jamming out one morning- she laid there and listened and sang along for like 25 minutes!

Precious girl LOVES sitting up all by herself in high chairs and shopping carts! 

Ava is doing wonderfully; however, she just came off of one of the roughest weeks for a little babe!  Right when we started sleep training her, we began introducing the new formula.  Then after two days of starting the new formula two teeth broke through the bottom! She slowly started refusing to eat, throwing up, having diarrhea, etc..  So then the question of course was is it the formula?  Part formula, part teething?  Or a non-related bug?  We landed on thinking it was the formula, unfortunately!  I still think it probably was but then two days later- I came down with an awful stomach bug! So-all that to say who knows and poor baby girl!  One tough week!

Anyhow, as for me God has started placing many opportunities for me to dive in here in Abilene.  As of now I am giving private lessons to several players in town, and mentoring a couple of my ex players.  It has been very good for me and I am thankful I am learning a little more to see the things of the Lord He has for me in my everyday life! 

This week is a tough week for me!  The team started two-a-days.  I pretty much can't get them off of my mind!  I still know that I made the right decision for our family for me to stay home, but I really hoped and prayed I would be involved with the team at least at some capacity.  I would love to occasionally help out or even just work with the setter I have coached until this year!  I know this too shall pass.  It is just harder than I expected to be right here and not being used or getting to help!  However, PRAISE GOD for placing other opportunities in front of me, that I know are from Him:)!! 

Random...

• I am ready for some cooler whether so that Ava Reese and I can get outside more
• I love the Art of Strength program I am doing at my gym
• My husband is such a servant and I am grateful
• Requesting prayers for God's continual guidance for Jason and I's lives, careers, etc...
• Can't believe Ava is 6.5 months old
• Miss all my friends and friends kiddos- don't get to see them enough!
• Shout out to Phoebe Clyde... she worked real hard all summer to win the setting position at school! Tonight is their first game and she is setting! Way to go girlie- so PROUD!

That's all for now! Adios!

Ava's 6 Month Check Up....

We went to the doc today and Ava is doing just wonderfully!  There are only good things to report. 

Height- 27 inches long = just below 90th percentile or top 15% whichever way you want to look at it
Weight- 21 lbs = 97th percentile:)

It was good to be at the doctor with her smiling, laughing, playing, etc...   In the past she has always been pretty fussy!  It was also good to see that not only is she a chubby baby which we knew, but also a pretty long one!

He believes firmly that we can stop using Alimentum so over the next few days we will be trying to transition her to Similac Sensitive RS.  Prayers please!  Also, he also told us that her reflux if by then won't be something she outgrows until 10-12 months. So reflux medicine will continue for this little girl! 

We have added more solids with lots of fruits and veggies!  I am excited to start giving her more solids and less liquid:). 

Finally, we began sleep training her last night!  She did amazing!  She woke up and cried from 11:30-12:20 and then slept until 6:00 am this  morning!!  I know it was only the first night but we are praying it only gets better!  She is so old enough and definitely getting enough calories to do it!  We probably put it off to long, but you live, you learn, and you move on;)! 

That is all for now!  Pics and new life post coming soon!