Campbell's

Our BABY GIRL IS 2!!!!

2012-01-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

This post is slightly belated but regardless our little baby girl turned two on Monday the 23rd! It is absolutely mind-blowing how fast these past two years have gone! Seriously, where did the time go?

I am going to document here everything she is doing, saying, liking, etc.. for my personal records. I would love for you to share in reading it but understand not everyone is interested in all the tiny details!

Ava you are an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT!

You fill mine and daddy's hearts to overflowing on a daily basis! You have been God's perfect and precious gift to us! Each stage you reach brings new joys and challenges. We love seeing your personality develop and pray God guides us in training you up to have a heart that knows and chases after Him!

Your vocabulary my darling is crazy. You are a very verbal for your age and talk in complete sentences a lot of the time! It is funny to sit down and have conversations with my two year old, but I love it!

A few of the phrases you say often....

"I want to play together with _________ mommy or whomever."

"I don't like it"

"Oatmeal Papa"

"Come here guys" or "Come here daddy"

"Where did ____ go? ... Oh, there it is."

"I want to drive Ava's car"

"I want Hobby Lobby"

"I want my paci back"

"Sit down right here"

"I want to cook cookies in the microwave"

"I want to see it or him"

"I want to go potty"

"It's Ava's turn now"

"I washed my hands real good"

Now notice many of your common phrases start with I want... surprise, surprise:)! Those are just the tip of the iceberg.

I really want to document all the words you say but feel it would be impossible to type the list. There are not many everyday items or words I can think of that you don't say or at least repeat clearly.

You are starting to grasps concepts of his/her or boy/girl, there/here, this/that, "Yaya is coming too", and are becoming aware of the concept of time. You also are starting to recognize and talk about emotions. You sing your A,B,C's and count to ten!

YOU LOVE TO SING!!!

We love your voice and enthusiasm behind your singing and dancing! You also are starting to carry the tune on pitch sometimes- precious! A few of your favorite songs and ones you know all the words to are..

Joy to the World

Away in a Manger

Jesus Loves Me

Twinkle, Twinkle,

Itsty Bitsy Spider

Peace, Peace

Knock, Knock, Knock

I'm in the Lord's Army

If You're Happy and You Know It

Things you enjoy doing...

Your imagination and pretend play has just recently begun to flourish! You love playing with your kitchen, tea pots, dishes, etc... You will bake something and say you are saving it for tomorrow- haha! Love it!

You love baby dolls! You have many, they all have names, and you are very specific about which ones you want to nap or go night night with you on different days. You love to rock them, feed them, change their diapers, put them to sleep, etc... We are praying that all translates very well here in about a month when baby Lucy arrives!!

You are finally very active with large motor skills. Running, climbing, using your knees, jumping,dancing (constantly- we love music) starting to ride your tricycle, etc...

You love to play chase!!! You love to laugh!

You are super SOCIAL!! You love people, other kids, everybody! You remember every one's names (family and friends) and ask about them periodically or constantly, depending!

You still really enjoy reading and there has been more time lately where you have been good about independent reading or play- Thank You Lord!! A true blessing!!

Cute things you do.....

When we ask you a question you sit and think about it while moving your eyes up and to the side and saying "ummm...........(long pause)- then your answer"! --- Your eyes do a lot of your talking in addition to your words!

Anytime we say we don't think we can find something, do something, etc... you ask us to please try or inform us that you are going try while shaking your head up and down.

You ask any cashier at any store for a sticker and if they tell you they don't have any you say "I want to look!"

You like to decide how you wear your hair, pick out your own bow, pick out your own shoes, and are starting to have opinions about what you wear. You also don't like to leave the house without your own purse or backpack! SUCH A GIRL!!

You ask to see Lucy aka my tummy often throughout the day. You bring her toys, kiss her, sing to her, like to feel her kick, try to feed her bites of your food, etc.. You are so sweet about her! At night when I am putting you to bed the last thing you do every night is "cuddle Lucy"! You lift up my shirt kiss her, then cover her up and lay your head down on my tummy while we rock! Heart melting and really sweet! We pray those feelings of love and affection remain when the true understanding of Lucy hits!

Physical stats....

You are 36" tall- 95%

You are 32 lbs 10 oz- 95%

Your head is 19.5 inches- 95%

(all of your stats fall in the 50% for 3 year olds- hehe)

You are cutting your bottom right 2nd year molar.

You finally have enough hair to start playing around with pigtails, pony tails, etc...

We love it curly but smoothed into pigtails is pretty precious!

You are wearing majority 3T clothes and a size 7-8 shoe depending!

Challenges.....

We are also beginning to have some behavioral issues, if you will, that come with the territory of your age combined with your temperament and persistence! We are praying for guidance and trying to parent with patience and grace while being consistent and setting expectations.

We pray that you quickly decide that emphatic and defiant No's aren't a necessary part of your vocabulary, along with the phrase "I don't want to!". We also pray the experimenting with hitting and saying words you know you shouldn't for attention are short lived! - oh the joys- lol!

We are so incredibly thankful for you and the opportunity to raise you! You make us smile so much and we love being your mommy and daddy!! Our last two years have been our BEST BECAUSE OF YOU! We have loved all of our time with just you and now are looking forward to adding sweet Lucy to the mix.

Happy 2 Year Birthday Squeaker!!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND EVERYONE!

A few pics of events lately...

2012-01-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Our little Bumblebee at Halloween!

Jamie and I took Mom out to Max's Wine Dive for brunch and then to a movie for her birthday! A great and fun kiddo free day!

Jason and I before his work Christmas party- good to start meeting the people he is now working with

Ava playing

We met GJ half way for a Christmas gift exchange, meal, and playtime! We had a fun time!

Ava LOVES her GJ and she is loving on her in this pic:)- sweet!

Ava and I before a Christmas PJ party with mommies and other kiddos- she is a poser for the camera. As you can see she loves to say cheese and ham it up!

The best shot of all the kids that night- thanks Heidi!

Family Christmas pic- love her sweet expression

Cousins reading Twas the Night before Christmas- (Pop Up) on Christmas Eve

Lucy and Sophie's Stockings

Jo's Christmas

Ava's Christmas

Just because pic- lol

That is a very brief run down of some fun events lately. Hopefully one day I will really start blogging again more frequently and thoroughly. In the meantime I will do my best. Our family is doing good.

Ava is 2 years old tomorrow!- Insane!

Lucy will be here in 6 weeks or less!

Still house hunting!

Thankful for my precious parents and their generosity to let Jason, I, and Ava invade their home- soon to possibly be the four of us!

Enjoying building relationships and reconnecting with lifelong friends here in Houston!

LOVE having Jason around more with his improved work hours!

Jason is enjoying his job!

Ava is loving have lots of kiddos around all the time!

We all are loving seeing so much family all the time!

WE ARE BLESSED!

Houston!

2011-11-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I have not updated since we moved! It has been a very busy and very blessed several weeks. It goes without saying that we miss our dear friends in Abilene:(. With that being said we are very excited to build relationships here and plant roots! We have been very welcomed since we have been here. It has been wonderful seeing the friends I grew up going to church with on a more regular basis and watching Ava play with their kiddos!! We are getting to see different family members much more often- which ROCKS! Ava has had a blast and has so many new friends to play with all the time!!! Jason is really enjoying his job and excited for where the new programs will take him and what his job will look like!

We think we are almost ready to announce what baby girl #2 will be named- woohoo!

We are house hunting and ask for lots of prayers over our search and decisions!

I still need to post Halloween pics soon!

I guess that is all for now. However, developing relationships, house hunting, planning for a new baby, holidays coming up, etcc.. are all a pretty big deal;)- haha!

Have a blessed week!

Pictures

2011-09-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

These pics are random from the last two months. Just wanted to post a few!

Ava found my knee pads one morning early and wanted to wear them:)

Before church one Sunday

Static much? This pic is hilarious! It was a cool, overcast day and every time she slid down the slide her hair looked like this.

Before the zoo on Labor Day

Night time reading for kids while listening to Papa play

Snack time in YaYa's lap

GJ came to visit

Harper and Ava are best friends

Have a great weekend!

Long Overdue......

2011-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Sophie Tate Blackburn, my niece was born on August 22!

She is an absolute angel, as you will quickly see for yourself;)!

I am in love, I miss her, she gets more beautiful everyday.

I am going to post pics to tell the story.

Quick note first, I got to be there!! I made it from Abilene to see Jamie for like 15 minutes before we all were kicked out and Sophie arrived shortly after! Great day and such a blessing!

Sweet Pic of Mommy and Daddy with Sophie right after delivery!

Papa and YaYa with 3rd gran and look how beautiful Jamie looks!

Beautiful Sophie girl! One of Jamie's good friends got to transition Sophie and made her this bow hat- too cute!

Josiah coming to meet his sister and saying hello to his Mommy:)

Beautiful family- look at Jo's grin! He was very curious about Sophie. He wanted to see both hands and make sure she had feet! He was precious and loved being there with everyone!

Her first nail trim. Love this pic- so peaceful!

Such a good big brother with the prompting of Freckles (Jay's mom), Josiah made Sophie a coming home picture!

Getting in my last cuddles before I had to head back to Abilene!!!

First sweet mommy and daughter moment at home:)

This pic is from my visit when Sophie was two weeks! Melts my heart! Angelic!

We love you Sophie Tate! We miss you!

For more recent pictures look at Jamie's facebook!!

At two or so weeks I stayed and helped out there while my parents kept Ava. We then brought Josiah back with us to my parents for the weekend! It was a great visit! I will post more on that another time hopefully!

I also have lots of new pics of Ava and updating on our family to do! Don't hold your breath- haha, but I will try soon!

The past month or so....(random)

2011-08-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since my last post. I realized I still haven't posted any pics of Father's Day, Fourth of July, a cousins wedding on Jason's side, and more!

Life has been good around here for our family. I have been dealing with some morning sickness but on the tail end of that now, thank goodness! I had forgotten how much I used to be able to get done in one day until the last few when I have felt better. Ava is thankful too! I had been struggling to interact with her the same way. The average of 106 degree temp here for the last two months has been rough as well. It is bad when your 18 month old wants to go back inside after a bit because it is so stinking HOT!!

Anyhow, we have been having FUN inside:)! Ava is become quite vocal! She is starting to string together phrases and some short sentences, mainly beginning with, "I want" or "I need"- lol! It amazes me the things she will say sometimes. I know all moms feel that way. It is just so neat watching them grow into expressing themselves and verbalizing the knowledge they have had but not been able to put into words! I love it!

The other night at a wedding, Jason started walking off with our camera and Ava ran after him saying, "I want a picture!!" So cute. She played with a disposable camera at the reception and was quite the photographer! The day after the wedding we took her to a local splash park in Gatesville, her first one, and she squealed the entire time! It was great to have the chance to do that with GJ!

Anyhow, she is such a joy!! Every age is more FUN and DELIGHTFUL, not to pretend each isn't met with its own set of challenges!

As for me, I HAVE BEEN ON PINS AND NEEDLES waiting for my little niece, Sophie Tate, to join us!! I can not wait to meet her. I have also been slowly getting back into a workout routine since not feeling well.

Jason has started getting up to workout in the mornings at 5:30 again and has really been enjoying it, although I know sometimes bed sure seems more cozy! His softball league is about to start back up! We are all excited because this year Ava and I should be able to make it to some of his games!

We FINALLY BOUGHT A NEW CAMERA!!!! It will be here shortly! I can not tell you how excited I am about it! I am not a great photographer but I have the ability to catch precious moments when I am using a good camera. I feel like I have missed so many with Ava because ours takes like 5 full seconds to take! Anyhow our Nikon d3000 is on its way! YIPPEEEEE!!!

Father's Day was a low key and sweet day for the three of us! Ava walked her gift over to Jason and sat with him while he looked at it! We played, ate, and enjoyed a family day! We loved honoring Jason and all the hard work he puts in at work and home to take care of and serve us! We are two very lucky ladies!!!

Our vacation to Gruene with our friends was wonderful and relaxing. We floated the river two days, ate lots of good food, played games, and enjoy adult conversation with no kiddos! We laughed alot! Medicine to the soul:)!

Fourth of July was the day we found out that baby #2 is on the way. We were with the whole family and had a great day PLAYING IN THE POOL! We stayed out there all day and had a blast! The kiddos love Yaya and Papa's pool and so do we! We had my Dad's steaks- there is none better anywhere!!! Great day of fellowship and fun!!

Finally, baby #2 is healthy and growing. Heartbeat was 189 at my appointment:). We could see baby c's head bobbing up and down. It was exciting! Due date still set for March 3rd!

Last but not least, pics from recently....

Ava's first snow cone! I had to post this pic, we came across it yesterday. Not sure exactly what happened here- we just found it hilarious!

Father's Day!

The girls (Talan- preggers, Kellen, and Me-preggers- but didn't know)!

The boys and very typical. Jason and Paul being funny and Dillon laughing at them!

Ava's playhouse that was a complete surprise from YaYa and Papa:)

The best pic I have to capture the 4th! Jason is the one behind the camera, the rest of us are in there somewhere- ha!

Family pic at Trey and Derah's wedding

Saying their vows- congrats you two!

Our little photographer- "Say cheese"

Fun at the splash park!

What comes after the number 3?

2011-07-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

We are going to be a family of 4:)

Ava is......

GOING TO BE A BIG SISTER!!!!

We are thrilled!! :) We found out on July 4th while spending the day with the whole family. It was FUN! We are still really early, like 5.5-6 weeks along. My first appointment is still three weeks away.

We covet your prayers for a healthy pregnancy for both little baby C and myself.

I intend to do my best to enjoy all the moments I have left of just Ava and I!

We are so curious to know if it will be a boy or another little girl!

Ava will be such a good big sister. She loves her babies and real babies. She loves to try and feed them, give them paci's, rock them, and say "shhhh" when they are sleeping.

Gotta run!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Campbell Househould Lately...

2011-06-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

I don't feel like I have anything real exciting to catch everyone up on but our everyday life:)!

Jason has begun to gain a little more flexibility at work which has been an incredibly nice change for us! One half day a week on top of Sundays and his boss advocating for him to get more days off for vacation type purposes! YAY!!

Ava and I have both been doing a lot of traveling. We have been to Houston, Temple, Colorado (just me) and so on. Kellen and I drove to CO for a wedding of one of our former players! It was a very sweet wedding that fit her and her husband perfectly. They honored Kellen and I at the beginning of the ceremony along with their family members. It was quite touching! Then as only Shawna would, for her bouquet she threw a hot pink volleyball- lol! Priceless.

Ava and I are about to head back to Houston for a crazy, busy time. We are coming for a shower for my sister. Right after the shower I am leaving town to meet Jason and two other couples for a vacation in Gruene TX. Leaving the munchkin behind- wohoo! Thanks mom and dad! We are going to float the river, golf, hangout, etc... Just enjoy one another's company without all the kiddos running around!

Jason then gets to turn around and come back to Houston the Sunday before the 4th and join us for the 4th in Houston! We are so excited. The nine (including baby Sophie, of course) very rarely all have time together, we are usually missing Jason! We will have a great family day!

Ava is FOR SURE NO LONGER A BABY! It is crazy. I was holding her yesterday and saw our reflection in the mirror! She is SOO BIG! She is repeating almost everything we say, talking, singing, dancing, climbing, etc... I really can't believe it! She also finally learned to crawl at 1.5 years old-ha! She is for sure her own person!

Her personality is precious, fun-loving, and very independent:).

She lately ..

(this will be a long list mainly for my records)

started counting (1,2, and we occasionally get the three;))
making animal sounds for sheep, cow, rooster, monkey, lion, snake, camel (sometimes), elephant, puppy, horse, bird, and duck
has added dusting to her already superb sweeping and mopping skills
climbing on everything
blowing her nose and wiping her mouth
is asking for specific books
has become obsessed with Winnie the Pooh movie, books, and stuffed animal
helps pick up her toys
puts objects in random places
loves to take things out and put them back in over and over
runs fast
"jumps" without her feet leaving the floor unless she is in her crib then she jumps up and down
fallen in love with the Zoo and doesn't understand why she can't get in the cages with the animals
has Tea parties with her tea set
she has begun to identify the color purple
sings "It's a hap, its a hap, its a happy day" by singing "happy, happy, happy, dddddaaaaayyyyyy"
does some motions to "My God is so big"
does some motions to "Head and shoulders"
acts out happy, sad, silly, giggling, mad, crying
points out her belly button, ears, eyes, hair, head, nose, mouth, and toes
helps me load water into the fridge, two at a time- what? too cute!
loves her baby pool
tells me what the letters A, B, C, and sometimes D say
laughs alot
loves to pray and say Amen
loves to read her Bible, especially the story page- Jesus Loves the Little Children
loves to be tickled
loves music
loves to dance
LOVES HER DADDY!!!!
saying (new words from last post I think)... oatmeal, giraffe, pool, pooh, teeth, chur-oh (cheerio), juice, milk, water, bach (block), bed, park, pear, manna (bannana), wamama (watermelon), I know, I want _____, air-pay (airplane) or plane, read it, rock, circle, and then repeats almost everything!
hates brushing her teeth
thinks it's funny to stick her finger in her nose, "wake up" Jason and I from pretend sleep, tickle us, or touch our belly buttons
is really testing boundaries just for the heck of it
cuddling much more- Yay!!
missing her Yaya, Papa, GJ, Uncle J, Jamie, and Josiah.

Every morning she goes over to a pic of the Blackburns and takes it down, points to all three of them, and gives Josiah kisses. Then throughout the day she always "is on the phone" with Yaya or Papa. So sweet!

Jason and I are still praying and waiting to see what God has in store next! We are learning and growing as we wait! Prayers for our next step would be AWEOSME! Thanks.

I will leave you with a few pics:)

She loves to wear my headbands

Kel and I at Shawna's wedding

The volleyball bouquet

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ava- 15 Month Post (a tid bit late)

2011-05-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

So I realized the other day that I had not done an update on Ava lately. I was wanting to find a place to record some of the new things she is doing now that I no longer have a baby calendar. The blog is going to have to do for now!

Anyhow, Ava, you are at such a FUN AGE!! Every day your precious, loving, and spunky personality shine through a little more! You are starting to use more words and just do more big kid things! So precious (and sometimes so challenging;))!

Lately baby girl the words you have either clearly said or attempted to say are.....

bird- twee-twee

diaper

chicken

turkey

hat

baby

bye-bye

shoes

dragon

puppy- woof woof

shine (this little light of mine)

bible

Jesus

bath

wa-wa (water)

keys

bottle

cacker (cracker)

outside

wee (anytime you see a swing or a rocking chair)

Jo (josiah)

Harper (friend)

Haddie (friend)

ball

apple

mine

please

cheese

thank you

bawoon (balloon)

hush or shh - with your finger over your mouth- love it!

There are more that I am missing I am sure but those are some of the new additions to your vocab right now- lol!

You also are:

Dancing in circles to Ring Around the Rosie and enjoy being dizzy

Throwing and catching balls

Trying to hit the golf ball with the club

Starting to "get/tickle" daddy and I

You pound it with people

You like to back up to daddy and I when you want to sit in our laps

You give the best voluntary and involuntary kisses

You love your friends and cousins

Saying Hi and Bye to anyone and everyone

Starting to put things back in their places

Chasing the balls of your ball popper and putting them back in

Knocking on doors when someone is in a room or outside that you want to get to

Going down smaller slides by yourself with someone waiting at bottom

Starting to climb

Doing stairs by yourself as long as you have some kind of railing to hold onto

Becoming interested in buckles

Undoing your shoes constantly

Starting to understand drinking from a straw

Almost using a spoon by yourself

Still loving your sleep and your bed

Associating some letters with words

You love to sweep or mop with your broom or any of mine

Testing your boundaries (a lot)

I think I will stop there! You are just growing so fast! Everyday I have at least one if not a gazillion precious or funny stories to tell your daddy when he gets home! We are so very in love with you!

Thank You sweet girl for the joy and love you share with us each and every day!

A few random pics

Have a great week!!

Fun Weekend- coming right up:)!

2011-04-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

So this weekend is going to be so FUN AND EXCITING because....

1. YaYa and Papa are coming to visit!! We are so ready for them to get here!!

2. ACU Volleyball Alumni Weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are having the first annual ACU Alumni weekend. Alot of old teammates and players are coming in town! We are going to meet for a social event on Friday night for a little while to reconnect. On Saturday, we will watch the current ACU team play in a tournament here on campus and then....... we are all going to play eachother starting at 2:00! After we play alumni vs. alumni for a while we are going to have alumni vs. current ACU team! Oh boy- going to be entertaining! I am going to get to play with old teammates I haven't played with since our college days but also get to play with some of my players that I have close relationships with! I am so excited that mom and dad are going to be here to watch and enjoy the weekend with me (Jason has to work :( , and I it is cool to think that Ava will get to watch her mommy play volleyball:)!!

Today is going to be a good day BECAUSE......

They just decided to start letting Jason leave at noon on Tuesdays!!!!!!! This is such a huge blessing for us as a family for more family time! YAY- THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS!

Well I got to go get baby girl- have a good one!

Hallelujah- warm weather!

2011-04-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Campbell Clan is praising God up above for the warm weather! What do people do with little ones who live in places that stay cold year round?? Anyhow, we have been enjoying the great outdoors! We literally are always outside!

There is not much to catch up on. Jason and I are just embracing life, learning, growing, and enjoying each other and precious Ava! We CHERISH our Sundays because they are only family day since January:(.

Anyhow, here are a few pics of February and March.

Super Bowl Night with friends and it started snowing!

The girls! Talan and I each have one and the other two are preggers (both have their sweet baby boys now)!

Besties!

Amanda and her two kiddos with Ava and I at Run4Rex

TN Weekend- went to visit a dear group of college friends! Oh how we miss them!

Sarah and I loving on each other's kiddos!

Ava's hair one day after nap- crazy! She must have slept good;)

Harper and Ava reading books

Ava and Daddy at zoo-she LOOOOVVEEESS HER DADDY!

Playdate with Ava, Harper, and Haddie all together

Harper's Birthday Party- 2 years old

Starting early- perfect passing form!

Weekend alone with YaYa and Papa!

Trying out the lion and frog chairs so she can have her own when we go camping! We went with the frog but cousin Jo is probably going to end up with the lion or maybe the monkey!

Harper and Ava riding in the wagon!

We have spent time with family lately, but I always grab Mom or Jamie's cameras since they take better pics. Problem is I never end up with copies to post!

Have a great weekend!

God's Compassion and Healing Power!!!!

2011-03-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have so many things I still want to catch everyone up on and pictures to post; however, the story of God healing Ava is of first priority!!!

As many of you know since Ava was six weeks old she has not been able to have dairy or soy. We tried several times over the first year of her life to give her soy or dairy and it always ended up with Ava being sick, in pain, not sleeping, etc... So, when she turned one we were giving it another shot.

I began giving her just 2 ounces of milk each day for four days then four ounces for three days and then six ounces one day. As the days went on she began to get much more irritable, had no idea what she wanted, constantly crying, not sleeping, and her skin was reacting in a few places- ughh! I took her off and knew I had to wait a few days before we could continue with another plan of action. I was frustrated, weary, and discouraged!

That Sunday morning at church David McQueen was starting a new sermon series about the Spirit. He was talking about how the God of Old is the same God of today. He walked us through the life of Jesus and how so much of his time was spent performing miracles of healing. He discussed that there is without a doubt a place for doctors and medicine and how blessed we are with modern medicine and technology. However, he also mentioned how the church as a whole doesn't stop often enough and pray first for God's hand in healing and sickness! I am not doing justice for the words God spoke through David that morning, but hopefully you get the idea!

Anyhow, on the way home from church that morning I just felt God saying to me, "Go back to formula only for this entire week and pray over her faithfully every night for her healing". Of course, I am thinking of all the excuses not to do that... the timing isn't convenient, is that really you, etc! And of course he was persistent in letting me know that He was leading me to do just that!

So I prayed over Ava every night as I was putting her to bed and Jason and I prayed over Ava as a couple every night once he was home. Throughout the week God kept placing the scripture on my heart that states if any of you are sick- go to the elders, be anointed with oil, and you will be healed. So I knew at that point the Sunday that would fall at the end of this week of praying would need to include Ava being prayed over and anointed by elders at Beltway.

At Beltway they have prayer partners who pray during service and give a list to David of things the Holy Spirit has spoken to them the people need prayer over. Over the last three months of this practice there has never been the following mentioned.... At the end of the service that Sunday, a prayer partner had received a word of knowledge that someone who has been struggling with chronic reflux and lactose intolerance needs to be prayed over this morning! ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW??! So as you may guess we went forward after service for Ava to be prayed over!

We felt strongly it needed to be an elder and were unsure of how to handle that if the first available prayer partner wasn't an elder. (God is probably saying if you hadn't noticed I got this... I have set this in motion...) Anyhow, of course the first available prayer partner was an elder and the first thing he said was I am going to anoint her with oil because that is what the scripture teaches us! WHAT?! Anyhow, he prayed over Ava.

Since that day Ava has been drinking milk, eating yogurt, eating cheese, etc... etc... etc.... She has had not one problem or negative consequence of it! GOD HEALED AVA!!! What a GOOD AND GRACIOUS God! He didn't heal her because He had to but because He loves us and her and has compassion for us!

I won't go into detail but through the week of praying over Ava and the first few days of her having dairy the enemy was at work in full force trying to cause skepticism and fear! THANK THE LORD ABOVE that He has already won the battle and He is victorious! We had people surrounding us who stood in faith with us and in the gap for us when we were tempted to give way and doubt!

We are so in awe, humbled, and thankful-- we had to share!!

Run4Rex

2011-02-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

There are so many things I would like to update everyone on and post about; however, this easily tops the chart!

Today in Abilene there was a 5k run in order to raise money for a precious 8 year old boy, Rex Fleming. The Sports Information Director at ACU, Lance Fleming, and his family have had a rough time since mid November when his son, Rex, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He has undergone the heart of his radiation treatments in Ft. Worth over the last several months. He is now able to come back to Abilene and resume a normal routine as much as possible. The family is so thankful to be all back together in Abilene on a regular basis. They go to Ft. Worth on February 28th for the first post op/post treatment MRI. Please PRAY this simple yet powerful prayer that we have all been praying since Rex's diagnosis, "God- KILL Rex's caner!".

This family has been extremely transparent with their emotions through their caring bridge site and have been a powerful witness to many in this time of heartache and uncertainty. Rex has been a trooper! It was A BLESSING to see this sweet boy at the race today. He started all of us racers off over a megaphone and his sweet voice was like music to our ears:)!

At the end of the race the Fleming family was presented with a check (composed of entry fee for race and extra donations) totaling $21,500! It was incredible to be there to witness the overwhelming gratitude the Fleming family felt! GOD IS GOOD!! The race then ended with Rex in the middle of the circle of the 300+ people that raced while we all stretched out our hands to him and God and prayed. The prayer then ended as all have the past few months with the words, God kill Rex's cancer!

POWERFUL!!! THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR LOVE, COMPASSION, AND PROVISION!

1st Birthday Pics!

2011-02-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

The pics are not in any particular order! There were so many to choose from. I tried to narrow them down but didn't do so hot!

The best family pic we were able to take

Table decorations. The pots held her pics from nb to twelve months.

Birthday Girl!

Eating her new book!

When YaYa and Papa brought Ava's gift from them, the wagon, around the corner... Kate was sitting in it like a little princess! So precious! Her and Ava rode around together!

Reserved at first.....

delighted to be a mess...

loving her first dessert of her life...

NOT a fan of clean up time after cake! Yaya, Jason, and I on clean up duty!

Cousin picture with the addition of me. Ava come to find out had an ear infection and would not stay put without me right there.

Ava and GJ

Loving opening presents

Mia and Grace were very helpful in assisting Ava while she opened:)

Ava and Josiah playing the drums together

Shopping with her new cart

Playing with Papa

Table decorations

We had such a great time! Thanks for hosting at your house YaYa and Papa! Thank you to everyone who came! Can't believe she has already lived the first year of her life!

Ava is 1- Happy Late Birthday Post!!

2011-01-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA REESE!!

I can not believe that you are one years old baby girl! It seems like just a little while ago that daddy and I were driving home form the hospital with you, our little bundle of joy! Time has flown by so fast and you change and grow so much every single day! You have brought endless smiles and laughter to our home! You are just so stinkin' cute! You have way too much personality for your own good and I know we have not even scraped the tip of the iceberg in that department!

You are lovable, so sweet, determined, funny, a flirt, curious, studious, and sassy!

You are walking all over the place!

You LOVE to laugh and giggle!

You like to play, "I'm going to get you" by running away from mom and dad. You run a little ahead and then stop and shrug your shoulders up and wait for us to tickle you and kiss your neck!

You give high fives.

You give kisses!

You give hugs when we say "can we have some love?".

You are now blowing kisses!

You flash a big grin when I say cheese or give us a smile!

You look forward to bath time every night.

Your hair is growing and really starting to look as if it is going to curl!

You are a good eater!

You LOVE your sleep! You always let us know you are ready for nap or night-night by walking over to us- lifting hands up to be picked up- and waving bye-bye with bunny in your hand!

You love your daddy- yall have so much fun playing together!

You still do not crawl but get up from a laying or sitting position via the bear crawl!

You are beginning to repeat more words even if just once.

So far you have said or do say, Yaya-Papa-Mama-Dada-Jo suh( for Josiah)- Aba (Ava)- Dut (duck)- hot- Pup or Puppy- Ba Ba(bottle)- Bye Bye- Hey! That is all I can think of for now!

You LOVE to read! You like any books and I find you reading them all the time! However, flap books provide that extra measure of fun!

You are very social and like people!

You still have a seriously high pitched squeal/scream when you get upset!

YOU ARE SO MUCH FUN! We love you and can't wait to see what adventures each day holds! Happy 1 Year Birthday baby girl!

We had a GREAT 1st Birthday Party with the family in Houston this past weekend! Thank you everyone who came and made Ava's day super special! I will post about the party with pictures once I get some. They are all on Mom and Jamie's cameras!

I think I am a big girl now....

2011-01-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we took our first trip to the indoor mall playground!! Since Ava has not been mobile on her until now we have not had the opportunity to do that. Now that she is walking we decided to give it a go! OH BOY - did we have fun or what?

Ava has absolutely no fear and was just walking right up in the middle of all the older kids and it was crowded! She just kept walking around to all the different areas, parents, other people's strollers, other kids, etc.. She has no concept of being leary of strangers yet- lol! She had a blast.

We also experienced the bully type kiddos! One little boy took his palm on her forehead and just shoved her head backwards which of course knocked her over. Then another little boy wanted where she was and just completely body bumped her right out of his way. It was hilarious because both times I am dying inside at these kids treating my baby that way- how dare they- right? LOL. Ava on the other hand doesn't cry, get upset, or even look for my help to defend her. She just looks at both of those boys with this face that could have only meant one of two things-

1. And exactly who do you think you are? (this response cracks me up- I love it; hoping she will be resilient and hold her own)

2. She was studying the situation trying to understand what just happened, because all she was doing was trying to play and these people aren't playing very nice! (this breaks me heart:( tear)

Anyhow, all in all a GREAT experience for Miss Aves, especially considering the bullying didn't seem to bother her a bit! SHE FELT SO BIG AND JUST LAUGHED THE ENTIRE TIME!!

Playground pics!

A few more random pics from lately.......

One last thing....

I came home this morning from workout to this- WONDERFUL!

I am off for a weekend with friends and playing volleyball in Dallas! Can't wait!

Have a great weekend!

On the go....

2011-01-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

So, since Ava's first steps she has steadily starting walking longer distances more often with encouragement and then the little distances on her own accord. However, today Ava's walking mobility progressed dramatically. We were at a friends house and all the sudden she was just taking off almost anywhere and everywhere! She was so loving exploring a new place and "chasing" (as fast as she can) after Millie, a very sweet and kid friendly yellow lab!

When we got home she kept at it, going in circles over the house, walking longer distances here and there, and talking up a storm. We were then on the phone with YaYa and when I hung up and said bye-bye YaYa, Ava turned and looked at me and clear as day said YaYa! She has been saying it for awhile now but never as clear or contextual as that! Then we called my mom back and she started saying bye-bye Ava and Ava said bye-bye several times. She also continued to say bye-bye all through her bath time tonight!

She is too darn cute and growing so fast! We love you Ava girl!

Ava's 1st Steps..

2010-12-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

So Ava has been taking a few steps at at a time recently as I have said, but the day after Christmas she took her most ever!!! She took between 3-8ish steps several times:). Of course as it goes I don't have the best ones on film! Oh well, here is our shirtless wonder taking her first steps!

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! I will post Christmas with GJ sometime over the next week!

Christmas with YaYa and Pappa Bear!

2010-12-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was so FUN and special:)! Mom and Dad came into town very late Thursday night or you could just say wee hours of Friday morning to spend the weekend!

Friday we spent the day just hanging out at the house in our PJ's and enjoying time with Miss Aves. She LOVED having YaYa and Pappa here! She couldn't get enough of their attention- precious. Then Friday night we had one of my former players come over and watch Ava after she had gone to bed so we could go out as adults- babe free! It was the first time since Ava has been born that we have done that where all four of us were together. It was FANTABULOUS! Even better- we were celebrating mine and Dad's birthdays. Mine was Thursday and his Friday, so we went to Belle's Chicken Dinner House. Not a heart healthy meal- but delicious fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, gravy, and rolls! Oh yeah- Go Big or Go Home- haha!! Anyhow we had a fun dinner out!

Saturday- we all hung out together for parts of the day (Jason was working) and Mom and I left Pappa Bear in charge of Ava Reese for several hours while we ran errands, did a little shopping, and went to the grocery store! Pappa wears Ava out- they always play so hard!

Finally it was Sunday and time for our Christmas celebration!! It was Ava's first Christmas celebration and she was precious through it all! She only opened gifts from YaYa and Pappa since we will be doing Christmas from us and GJ on Christmas Day at her house! Ava tore her wrapping paper and smiled big every time she realized that there was actually a toy beyond the fun crinklyy paper! She got a baby doll, books, a shape sorter, a puzzle,a special scripture ornament for the tree, and a riding-walking-scooter zebra toy! That morning she played with all of them quite a bit and has ever since! However, I will have to say that the Zebra walking toy was the hit and she was ALL over the place with her new assistance to mobility! Thanks YaYa and Pappa for my Christmas gifts, coming all the way to see me in Abilene, and loving on me all weekend! It was GREAT!

I will have to say the first 24-36 hours after they had left she was a tid bit fussy wondering where all the attention and her playmates had gone:(!

Look at that little smirk as she eyes her presents

Giving baby kisses

Tearing Paper!

Before our outing Friday night

Great Grandma came for a short visit! So full of life at 92! (picked all 25 lbs of Ava up from floor while sitting on couch!)

In addition to Christmas- tomorrow is Ava's 11 month Birthday!

Since my last update on Ava's tricks if you will, she is now....

Cruising super fast and all over the house at a whole new level!

She has started standing all by herself for up to a minute or so at a time throughout the day.

She has begun semi-leaping and taking super fast steps between objects when she is not holding on to anything for balance.

Finally rolling around often!

Pulling herself up on anything.

Still refusing to crawl. Instead she lunges forward enough to get her feet planted on the ground and pushes up into a bear crawl. From there she pushes back and then sits down- she is so silly!

She is "sharing" everything with those around from toys to paci to bottle to bunny, etc...

She has begun teasing us as if she is going to share. The minute we reach for the object she smiles, turns her head, and pulls the object away from us.

These days when I ask for a kiss I normally no longer get an open mouth but a shy smile preceding a batting of the eyelashes and her sticking her cheek out for me to kiss! - Seriously? ADORABLE!

Cruising her way to her high chair and reaching up when she is hungry.

Saying- Mama, DaDa, BaBa(bottle), YaYa, PaPa, hot.

Attempting to say - Duh-Duh (duck), cold, and boom.

Signing more or all done at the end of meals to let us know which it is!

I am sure there is more but that is good for now! You brighten our lives Ava Reese! We love you so much- you are just PERFECT! Happy Birthday- can't believe you are almost one!

This would be early morning random bundle for warmth on patio

Ava Loves Christmas Music....

2010-12-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

So the past week or so anytime we have played Christmas music at home or been out shopping, Ava immediately starts to dance! And for the last couple of days she literally has spent a substantial amount of time at our stereo player at home. She plays with it, turns it on and off, dances when it comes on, sits next to it and plays with empty CD cases, etc... If she gets fussy at all, I can turn on Christmas music and she is soothed! It is SO FUN!!

Needless to say we have been jammin' out to Christmas music! This time next year will really be EXCITING! She will be almost two and I am sure have alot to say and some serious moves to entertain us with:)!!

On another note, YaYa and Pappa are coming to spend the weekend with us this weekend and do Christmas! WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BLAST! We even got a sitter for Friday night so the adults could go out and have a good time:)!

Have a great day!

Happenings at the Campbell's

2010-12-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

We went to Sugar Land for Thanksgiving! It was so great to see everyone. I feel I don't get to see my family enough already, especially my cousins and their spouses and kiddos! We had a great time:) The men visited and watched football. The kids all played games and watched a movie in Mom's bed. And the women sat around and talked until we decided on a game of spoons to end the days festivities!

Ava and I stayed extra and had great relaxing time with Mom and Dad as well as knocked out some Christmas shopping!

Ava

She is just growing up so fast! She will be one year old is 6 weeks! CRAZY!!

She is a cruisin' fool! She makes her way all around our house, cruising from surface to surface! She loves it:).

She has started dancing to any upbeat music by bouncing up and down or shaking side to side.

She "sings along" to a Jesus Loves Me bunny that my parents have!

She will kiss or give love to anything- including Jason's house shoe and wait for one of us to recognize her and say "Aww- so sweet!" And she does it over and over and over again!

She weighs 23 lbs 10 oz and is 29.5 inches long!

Ava, your personality continues to reveal itself and we love everything about you! Even your frustration and passionate screams:).

Jason

Jason is doing well. He is an excellent Daddy and servant to Ava and I both. He is playing his last night of softball for awhile right now. His job is still going well but he is ready for a change.

Lindsey

I am doing okay. I have been struggling a little bit lately. I kinda had stopped any of my good habits like eating well, working out, etc... In addition I am just lonely here sometimes. However, I have started eating healthy again and have gotten back in my workout routine this week. Several of my friends schedules here should be calming down soon- so that should help as well.

I am loving all the precious time and moments I am blessed to have with Ava. She just makes my heart swell with joy and happiness!

Christmas Time

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR! I love the lights, the music, the hustle and bustle of excitement, the cold air, the fires that make homes so cozy, the kindness that tends to pour out of people, and the family time it brings! Most importantly, I know that the reason that all of it takes place is because we are celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Last Thought

Jason and I just recently celebrated our 4 year anniversary! We had a great night going to dinner, hanging out and talking, roaming the mall babeless, and then going to a movie! It has been an incredible four years! This last year with the addition of Ava has been INCREDIBLE! We love having our own little family. We are learning and growing together as parents and it is challenging yet rewarding and FUN! We are stronger than ever before and we both shared the same sentiment in our cards that night about the blessing it has been to watch one another be a parent to our sweet baby girl! Thank You God for the last four years! We can not wait to see what all you have in store for the ones to come!

Anniversary Date!

Reflux & Teething Equals No Sleep....

2010-11-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

So...

I am having one of those mornings where I am frustrated at myself as a mom! Sometimes I don't think through things enough or I just assume it won't be that bad. This time though Ava is suffering for it!

I had finally thought that we could reduce her Prevacid to once a day and began to try it. However, during the process we ran out of her prescription and I began giving her OTC instead to see if it would work. Needless to say none of the above turned out to be wise decisions. Ava has not been napping well or sleeping well at night! We have been up for atleast 2 solid hours majority of the nights for a week now! And my sweet angel who normally loves to sleep and takes two naps a day normally at least 1.5 hours is barely taking 45 minute naps with an occasional longer one!

On top of her reflux really bothering her- she is cutting six teeth and they are really starting to come through! I really couldn't tell you though how much that is actually bothering her or if it has just been the change in her medicine this whole time!

I could just kick myself for this but to CVS Pharmacy we go in a few minutes to get her back on her prescription Prevacid!

This Lesson LEARNED!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!

Halloween and Pumpkin Patch!

2010-11-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

We had a great Halloween! Ava and I went to the pumpkin patch on Saturday with friends to take pictures- Ava LOVED the pumpkin patch! She enjoyed beating on the pumpkins like drums and looking at the scarecrows that were all around, but most of all she enjoyed tyring to eat all the hay/grass/dirt combo that she sat on:)!! She is too funny!!

Sunday we dressed Ava up in her AWESOME Halloween pumpkin(aka-fall beauty) costume that many of you will recognize. Shelley Gowens made it for Kate a few years back! Thanks Shel for letting us borrow it- Ava looked like a Fall Princess if I do say so myself! Ava did pretty well being dressed up in all that fuss:) We made it long enough to take pictures at home, get to a fall festival at a church in town, and visit with friends for about 45 minutes before we changed her out of it! Her playmate most often in Abilene was dressed up in a handmade rose bush costume- they were very interested in one another's costumes! Overall FUN -I love playing dress up:)!!

Also, my nephew Josiah was Larry the Cucumber from Veggie Tales and he looked adorable in the pics I saw! Hopefully next year Ava and Josiah will be doing Halloween together!

Eating the hay- lol!

I am just kicking myself for not having her in her costume at the pumpkin patch! Would have been great!

Ava 9 Months & More!

2010-10-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Ava

Ava is 9 months old! I can not believe it! Time is flying by! I love each new stage and they all get better, yet it is so sad to see the true baby stages fading out!

We are praising the Lord for a healthy angel girl! Everything looked good at her check up. She is cutting two if not four teeth currently. I have a feeling we are going to go from her two teeth she currently has to a mouth full in a short period of time!

Height- 28.5 inches= 75%

Weight- 22 lbs 10 oz = 95%

Baby girl you currently are....

Saying "MaMa" constantly and "Dada" occasionally

Have said "YaYa" and "PaPa"

Giving High Fives

Giving Kisses and cuddles

Waving Bye-Bye occasionally

Holding your own bottle and sippy cup

Using your pincer grasp to feed yourself everything- including any piece of fuzz you see laying around-lol:)

You love lunch meat turkey, tomatoes, peas, beans, any fruit chunks, and oatmeal:) You also will take breaks while eating your meals and pick up your sippy, get a drink, and then put it back down to resume your chow-down sessions! ADORABLE!

Pulling up to hard surfaces or holding on to our hands!

Walking with assistance

Beginning to cruise just a little bit- a few steps here and there

Still not crawling, but becoming more mobile and using people as jungle gyms!

Reaching for anyone or anything you want with force and determination!

Reach for one of my hands and then the other- so that you can stand up- which is your favorite activity.

Laughing at your videos, for attention, etc.

Babbling non-stop

Kissing baby dolls

Getting more hair finallly!

Love watching older kids

Taking baths in the big bath tub

Screaming short (and long sometimes) "Frustration screams" because you want to be mobile but haven't figure it out yet.

You are determined, demonstrative, and passionate! We love you and you are delightful!

Sweet Kisses with playmate Harper!

Love those eyes!

Josiah's Birthday- He is so LITTLE BOY GROWN UP LIKE!

Other Happenings

We just went on a long trip where we started in the Woodlands visiting Jamie, Jay, and Jo-man! We got to celebrate Josiah turning 2 years old! He is the most joyful little guy ever! His party was basketball theme and he shot baskets for hours on end! Literally he couldn't stop- so precious! Ava loved watching him. She literally is always happy when she has Jo-man around! They are going to have so much fun together soon! They also played with Josiah's new train tracks together:)

Jamie and I stayed up one night after the kiddos went down and watched a dance movie! It was AWESOME! We would have watched another but it wasn't out for rent yet- boo! I miss having more sister time without kiddos! Kiddos are wonderful but they are still at the age where they need us and we get so distracted:).

Then we headed to Sugar Land where we had a very low key week- not even leaving the house much. I got a really bad sinus infection. So Mom pampered me and took care of Ava while I worked on getting well! It was special time to be there but not be so busy with plans 24-7:)! We did do a little shopping for Ava though and she has some really cute clothes now! Mom bought her a few things and the most adorable winter coat ever! Thanks Mom!

Then Ava and I headed to Gatesville to meet up with Jason at GJ's! Jason's 10 year HS reunion was this past weekend so we went to that! We really had a good time! I enjoyed getting to meet some of his friends and classmates and hear stories, etc... Jason was a very highly respected athlete at Temple High and I heard about it alot- I was PROUD!

We also visited with Jason's grandma, Ava's great grandma for a little bit and got to see Launa and Alex! Alex and Ava played together and had a FUN TIME:)!

Now we are just back home in A-town- living life- hanging out with friends- and enjoying our family time!

Two Random Thoughts...

1. If you haven't read Josh Hamilton's book, Beyond Belief, I highly recommend it! I read it awhile back and then the other night on ESPN they had Josh Hamilton Homecoming special where they discussed alot of his story once again! He continues to give credit to the Lord, be real with the fact that he is an addict, etc. I know alot of people have differing opinions, but I am a FAN and believe He WITHOUT FAIL GIVES GOD THE GLORY!

2. This whole deal about the article in the Marie Claire magazine discussing the author's disgust with watching overweight people do anything is beyond heartbreaking. Heartbreaking for her that she feels that way, heartbreaking for overweight people who have to ever hear something like that, and infuriating because it is a portrayal of the emphasis our society puts on looks! I will leave my soap box with this- we are all children of God and loved by Him regardless of our weight! We all struggle with something!

at Picnic for Jason's Reunion

Yesterday

Couldn't get pics to place where I wanted them so they are all over!

Precious!

2010-09-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

So.. I know I have alot of updating to do, but quick story!

Ava loves to give kisses now! For awhile she just gave myself and occasionally Jason kisses. Then as we spent time with family over the last several weeks she gave others kisses! Her new thing though is when we are reading books and there are faces of babies (real or cartoon) she chooses different ones in which she wants to kiss! She sits up from a relaxed position, puts her hands on the book and pulls her face towards book (with paci in or out) and rest her mouth on the pictures face! She normally kisses in groups of 2-5 kisses! She just loves on the babies over and over! ADORABLE!!

THANK YOU LORD FOR THE SWEET HEARTS OF CHILDREN!

A Few More...

2010-08-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

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....

2010-08-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

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....

2010-08-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

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....

2010-08-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

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!

Ava's Bikini;)

2010-07-28T07:25:00.001-07:00

We went swimming at YaYa's! She had outgrown her smaller bathing suit so two piece it was! Precious! She loved the pool!

Ava 6 Months!

2010-07-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Happy 6 Month Birthday Angel Girl!!

(post is one day early)
Your Dad and I adore you so much! You bring such JOY to our lives! You are a little bit of Heaven to us! Here are some of the things you are up to these days....

You love bath time:)

You love to laugh-- laughing spontaneously a lot!

You have a new found expression of pure excitement!- Your eyes get really big and you smile like you just saw the coolest thing ever!
You are still totally into blowing your bubbles, it has just intensified! Several times this week, I have come back in the room after you have been on a blowing bubble fest and found huge drops/ puddles of saliva all over your forehead!:)

You are sitting up! Last week one day you sat up for 10 minutes straight and since then, you are sitting up all the time and finding your center when you start to wobble! You are loving the new found perspective and independence!

You are still stubborn about rolling over, only tummy to back and still not very often.

You are eating rice cereal once a day, occasionally two and you so far love apples and pears mixed in with it!

You still love taking walks and just being outside!

You enjoyed watching my old team play this past week and would join in with high pitched squeals while they would celebrate!

Sophie, the giraffe, "teething toy", has quickly become a new favorite!

You can take small little sips out of my water bottle if I help you!

We have introduced a learner, sippy cup, but you mainly just want to chew on that funky shaped nipple:)!

You are enjoying your swing, bouncer, and exersaucer more and more everyday!

Currently, your new favorite song is "The Ants Go Marching One By One!"

Your favorite books are Bouncy Baby and Daddy Loves Me!

You enjoy your baby DVD's but would still choose baseball or sports center over them!

You love to dance in Daddy's arms!

And....

You are finally becoming a little more cuddly-- I will continue to hope and pray that you will one day love to cuddle:)!

Height and Weight are currently unknown. I will try to update those sometime next week and no later than August 3rd when we go in for your 6 month checkup.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart, We LOVE you!

Here are a few pics of lately.....

Loving her ability to sit up, she is proud!

Helping Dad with his telecast for work!

And finally... today's 6 month pic! I was just gonna post one, but the photo shoot was to priceless, enjoy!

So happy...

being sweet...

blowing bubbles and smirking...

starting to wonder when this will end....

ATTITUDE, okay mom, I am getting sick of this! (lol)...

but, I will be an angel for this last one!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

The 4th, Family, Friends, and Random Thoughts....

2010-07-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

It has been a while once again!

We have been busy visiting friends and family and it has been alot of FUN!

We went for a short trip to Dallas a few weekends ago to visit the Ratliff and Farrell families! They are both great friends of ours from college and the Abilene area and both recently moved to Dallas! We spent time with just Haylee and Kendall and then a few hours with Amanda, Kaycin, and Madi! It was so good to see them. They are two of my very dear friends who are also stay at home moms. It was hard when they left and much needed quality time. Haylee and I both felt refreshed after our weekend together and had an extra boost of desire and energy for life! Here are all the sweet kids that were in town of our three families. The other two Ratliff kiddos, Raegan and Stone, were at the lake with grandparents.

Best one I got- you know how that goes!

Kaycin Farrell (2), Madi Farrell (1), Kendall Ratliff (18 months), Ava Campbell (5.5 months)

We went to Gatesville and Temple for the 4th and 5th to celebrate Independence Day with Jason's side of the family! It was so good to see them, we don't get to often enough! We stayed at GJ's new house in Gatesville! We visited the Richardson's and all their kiddos and saw a few other family members.

Once again, best shot (lol)

Kennedy (almost 3), Alex (1), Ava, and Savannah (5)

Our Festive Girl!

Shout out to Shelley Gowens for the patriotic bow!

We didn't get any pics with GJ, but I think someone did, I will try to hunt one down.

Ava missed a couple naps on the fourth with the travel, etc.. She was so tired she went to bed at 5:30- slept until 4:30 then again until 7:20. She then woke up and played until 9 where she slept two hours! Craziness!

Ava and I then headed to Houston! We stayed with my Aunt Vicki and Uncle Doug because that's where my parents had been living while waiting on their new house renovations to be complete! Ava and I both loved the unique situation of being surrounded by so much family! We got to see Jay, Jamie and Josiah the first night we got there! We are in love with the little man. (All pics of Blackburn clan are too grainy to even attempt posting). Lance and Kayla stayed two nights and then Betho and Cody showed up on Saturday. We don't get to spend nearly enough time together and it was such a treat! Ava loved all the attention of the Freede and Martin Clan and she also had a few other visitors in Aunt Cheryl and my bestie, Aunt Court! She loved Courtney and just cuddled with her, so sweet!

Ava and I spending time with my bestie, Aunt Courtney:)

Playtime with YaYa and Pappa

Aunt Betho loving on Ava

Aunt K loving on Ava

The three sisters (my mom and two Aunts) playing with Aves

Anyhow, it was a good and relaxing trip! Thanks Freede's for opening your home to Ava, myself, and a whole lot of baby "stuff"!

Next time we will get to stay at my parents new house for the first time and we are excited about that!

Now my random thoughts...

It seems like all my friends with kiddos in town are always busy at different times than us and Ava and I are desperate for more social and play time with others. I am going to make more of an advanced effort on my part though and try to remedy the situation.

God has been speaking to me alot about embracing where our life is currently. For awhile I was kinda just floating thinking we would be moving soon, but for whatever reasons God has us here in Abilene for the time being. Who knows how long it will be?! So, I am finally listening and going to embrace it and pour into my friends, old players, etc.. more than I have been. I am sure God is looking down half-smirking, half-frustrated wondering why He is having to teach me this lesson again! Why are we so stubborn and forgetful of the things of the Lord sometimes? Thank You God for your unconditional love and your patience!

Season for my old team is just around the corner. It is going to start getting harder for me as it approaches and I am not apart of the volleyball aspect! I loved it and miss it! For so long I have been wishing there was a way I could be involved. However, God has opened the door for me to continue spiritually mentoring several of the girls! Of course the volleyball would be fun, but I always loved the ministry aspect of the job just as much as the volleyball and they are still reaching out in that way! I mean what an AWESOME opportunity for God to speak through me and use me to touch the lives of these young women! Please be praying for my lunches and time I have with the different players! I want God to be able to use me as his vessel in mighty ways for His glory and I feel He intends to, I just don't know exactly how yet!

Ava is almost 6 months old and I can't believe it! She is growing so much, becoming a lot more social, sitting up without support here and there, eating rice cereal, and so much more! I will give a lot more details when I post a 6 month update!

Saw Eclipse last night! It was great! Can't wait for the next one!

Also, if you can't tell by the grainy appearance of my photos, I need a new camera!

Anyhow, I better go now! This post has been long enough!

Adios!

Question for moms...

2010-06-28T08:34:00.001-07:00

We are starting to look into convertible car seats. At this point I know nothing. I am assuming that there are some that can be both rear and forward facing and some that are one or the other. I think I would line to just make one purchase. If you don't mind and have young kids, I would live to hear what you have found that you like and don't like, the reasons, and any other advice! Thanks:).

5 Months

2010-06-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our precious little angel is five months old today! It is hard to believe. Everyday we spend with her brings us more and more joy! We are cherishing every little detail of her little personality from day to day!

Since she has started formula exclusively she is like an entirely different baby! She is so easy and EXTREMELY happy!! She also is getting rahter chunky, lol:)!

Height- 25 3/4 in
Weight- ?? I am assuming about 16.5-17.5 lbs. I am gonna weigh her soon and will post it then.

A few things she is up to these days....

Squealing in delight in this adorably cute high pitch tone pretty constantly
Sitting up and playing in bumbo for extended periods of time
Playing in exesaucer, reaching for toys, turning occassionally, etc...
Sitting on her own for five seconds or so at a time
Rolling from tummy to back (when she feels like it)
Constantly playing with her feet
Holding her bottle some
Sucking her thumb
Laughing/ cackling--- makes us melt
She also talks non-stop, literally whithout even many little breaks for sometimes up to about 45 minutes. I guess baby girl just has a lot to say!
Trying to blow raspberries, pretty darn cute! She puts her top lip over her bottom lip and tries to blow air that results in lots of spit bubbles.
She is also quite the drooler.
Loves going on walks outside-- which can always make her calm
Loves bath time!!!!!!!!!
Sleeps from about 6:30 -7:30pm to 7:00am with either one or two feedings in the middle of night
Normally takes two- two hour naps a day, except on Jason's days off. They are always shorter then because she wants to hang out with daddy.

You are just getting so big and growing so fast baby girl! We love you more than words could ever express!! You light up our lives!

Here are some recent pics of Miss Ava the last two weeks! Also, I don't have the video icon near my image icon on my tool bar at the top. So, I do not have a way of uploading videos which I would like to do. Any ideas from any blogging peeps as to why my video icon doesn't exist? Help a girl out!

One of the ics capturing Josiah's precious and sweet demeanor towards his fousin Ava

And the following pictures were taken today on Miss Ava's 5 month birthday!

(I realize there is no need for three poses from the same outfit that occurred in like one minute, but I am a new obsessed mom who thinks everyone must see all her different looks!)

Check out those feet

Can't get enough of these cheeks!

That's all for now folks!

Vacation Pictures and Family in A-town....

2010-06-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well I finally have vacation pictures to post, yipee!!

They are so fun! It is going to be hard to select which ones to post, but I will try to keep it sort of limited.

Also, this past week we have had family in town visiting. It has been so much fun:). Last Thursday YaYa hit town to just hang for several days and see Ava. We had a great, relaxed time not having any obligations or events taking place. Then Sunday, Jamie, Jay, and Josiah hit the scene:)! They were here for M-Pulse and Jamie and Josiah spent the days with us everyday. Jay came over in the mornings and evenings when he could! Mom took off to head home on Tuesday morning so she could go get ready to FINALLY close on their new house! They are so excited to be moving, I can't wait to see the new place. The Blackburn clan took off on Friday morning. Then Saturday morning GJ hit town to be here for the weekend and celebrate Jason's 1st Father's Day with us!

We had such a good time and were blessed by having so much family in town and in our home!

The activities of the week included...

Lots of Fousin time-- Josiah loves Ava and always is looking out for her. He randomly would go over and give her love by hugging her or resting his head on hers, precious!
Fun lunches
Girls game night with Mom, Jamie, and I at the dorm once kids were down to sleep
Family dinners
Celebrating Father's Day
Play date with Harper, Josiah, and Ava at the pool
YaYa loving on her grandchildren
GJ loving on Ava
Walks
and more!

Ava sure is missing having all the family around and all the attention:)!

Vactation Pictures (others from this past week in another post!)

We Kayaked the canal

We fished off the dock and out in the boat

We surfed

Jamie ended up having the best picture that got snapped so there she is:)

Josiah did....

Jo man absolutely loved the ocean!! They couldn't keep him out of it! For more pics and fun of Josiah I will let you go to Jamie's blog, I am sure she will post soon.

We also played Wii but unfortunately I didn't take any pics only videos. However, it was quiet hilarious and memories were made that will never be forgotten-- Yeah YaYa and Pappa Bear;)

Most importantly we just had a lot of great family time.....

Ava's first pool experience, she enjoyed it.

She loved the hammock!

and YaYa and Pappa!

Great Family Pic!

Thanks for looking at the small recap of Galveston Vacation 2010!

Ava's 4 Month Check Up

2010-06-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

So... today was Ava's four month check up. Everything is looking great.

weight - 14 lbs 10 oz
height - 24.5 inches long

She got her shots and as the first one began her eyes opened up wide and scared as she looked at me and then the hysteria began! She did the hold breath for like 20 seconds, while face is beat red scream and then the hurt feelings cry. One time would have been enough but oh no with all three shots she reacted the same way! It was so sad and she was looking at me like why aren't you helping me or why are you letting them do this to me!

Anyhow, on Saturday we were at the doctor because Ava had a cold and that day she weighed 14 lbs 3 oz. So in 72 hours baby girl gained 7 oz! It is safe to say that we are well on our way to a beautiful, squishy, super chunk ball!

Ava also started weaning herself already, so young! She obviously is fine with it, it being her choice and all. I am a little sad about it, but it wasn't easy for us. It was a forty minute battle everytime to try to get her to nurse! She also seems like a much happier baby now that she is getting formula often. I am beginning to think she was never getting enough in the first place. Ideally I wish it would have been easier and she hadn't started refusing to nurse because there is something so sweet about nursing and having that time, but life will go on!

The problem with formula is the expense. Due to her dairy and soy sensitivities the formula that we are having to put her on right now is $26 dollars per can which makes 19 bottles. Today I gave her her first soy formula bottle to see if she can tolerate it now. That would make the cost of the formula half the price. So please join Jason and I in praying that God will allow her body to accept the soy formula!!

That is all for now, I hope everyone has a great week!

Life...

2010-05-30T12:31:00.001-07:00

1. Vacation was awesome! Although different with kids:), we had a blast, a pimp beach house with a pool, and tons of good fam time!! I want to post more about it but have to wait to get pics from mom or Jamie who both are very busy so dont hold your breath!

2. Still praying and searching job front for J!

3. J and I are falling in love with our baby girl more and more each day. Here is our chunky monkey after church this morning:)

4. We are about to go hang with good friends of ours, yeah!

That's all for now, enjoy a wonderful Sunday!

Countdown....

2010-05-14T14:12:00.001-07:00

7 days exactly until our family vacation to Galveston!!!!! Jason and I can not wait!

Also, yesterday was a BIG day for Miss Ava Reese. She rolled over from tummy to back and giggled/ laughed out loud- so precious!

She had been getting really frustrated lately on tummy time, grunting alot, fussing, drawing her knees up under her, etc. Once again she was at it and then all of sudden quieted down, pushed her chest off ground and flipped right over! I made a big deal of it of course and she got really talkative. Adorable!

As for the laugh, she has this grin where she is just turning inside out! For awoke she would give that grin and then do a series of little coughing noises. This time the grin remained and the bubbliness and bliss spilled out in the sweetest giggle sound I have ever heard!:)

Well that is all for now, have a great weekend!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make sure and honor you on Mother's Day! I wish so badly I could be there with you this weekend!

For all of those out there who know my mom the following description won't come as any surprise and for those who don't, you will be blessed by reading!

My mom is the most selfless and giving person of her time and love that I know. She pours her heart and soul into our family whether doing FUN and thoughtful things for us, planning vacations, listening to our long winded stories, giving Godly wisdom or advice, traveling back and forth to us as often as we need her to, going above and beyond for her grandchildren and serving us in that way, cooking special meals when we are around, and praying for us on a consistent basis! Those are only a few ways in which my mom makes my world go round:)! I can not imagine life without her. She is the glue in our family and is what brings the warmth, love, and comfort to us all that we call home!

I am so thankful that as I get older and now have a baby of my own God reveals to me more and more the depth of my mom's sacrifices and love over the years as well as the profound Spritual impact she has has on my life!

In addition, my mom is just a COOL person! She is not only my mom but one of my BEST friends! We have so much fun together! We talk mutlitple times a day, she is the second person (after Jason) that I call with good news, heartache, prayers requests, and so forth! So she is my mom, a best friend, and we share the bond of being sisters in Christ! What a blessing to have all of that wrapped up in the package that God allowed me to call MOM!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM, I LOVE YOU!

and....

Happy YaYa Day from Ava and Josiah:)!!!!!

We all love you very much!

Picture Mania.....

2010-05-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a few pics of lately. The ones that are kinda grainy are from my I-Phone. I apologize but it sure helps for me to catch the moment:)!

Aren't I a little lady?

Bundled up outside at Daddy's softball game

Bumbo play time

Maybe an athlete? She is already kick boxing;)

Capturing the chunk!

Waking up from nap time- I always stretch!

Tummy time

Love those eyes!

(also notice in pic above and this one, same outfit and different bow- couldn't decide but landed on the pink)

So, this pic makes her look so much chunkier than she is, but I love it!

Jason's best friend in college and room mate with their kids. We had a play date the other day and had alot of fun. When we showed up the boys were also matching, so glad we weren't meeting up in public!

Talan, Harper, and Ava

Don't you love how Harper is wanting to poke at Ava while exploring her?

Possible future Wildcat?

We are enjoying our new toy- the exersaucer

Bumbo and book time-- getting so big!

Two more just cause pics!

Hope you enjoyed the Ava journey:)

Just one quick thought...

2010-05-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to love a person so much?!? I cherish everyday with Ava more and more. She melts my heart more each day! It is amazing how much your heart can swell with no limits! I LOVE being a mother:)!

Thank You God for giving us this most precious gift!

Lots of happenings....

2010-04-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

There has been so much happening since I last blogged that I don't know where to begin. I suppose sharing all thoughts and events in chronological order would be the easiest so I will attempt to fill you all in that way!

Well my parents came to visit three weekends ago for baby dedication. Mom and Dad got here Friday and we all just hung out and had a good old time! Ava loved having YaYa and Pappa around:) On Saturday night, mom and dad kept Ava so Jason and I could go out on a date-- yippee! Jason and I had an incredible evening together! It was much needed-- date nights are so important once children are involved! We felt like we were in college or engaged again or something- very refreshing!

Then on Sunday we all went to baby dedication at church which was special! It was nice to have some family here with us to go up to the front and pray with and over us and Ava. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Then after lunch to Houston we headed, we meaning all of us but Jason of course:(! In Houston Ava and I had so much quality family and friend time!! Mainly family with a few dear friends that I consider family anyways! Instead of trying to describe all of the special time with a ton of words, I will let the pictures do the talking!

Sills gang get together!

However, it is necessary to tell one story to you all about the "fousin" time that Josiah and Ava had when we were staying out there with them! Before the story though- everytime JO is around Ava he warms up more and more, this time, I think he is finally ok with her being around:)

So... we took Ava's activity gym to their house and Ava plays in it alot! Josiah kept getting down in her activity gym with her, playing with her, watching her, etc... Then one time Ava begin getting a little fussy because it was time to go down for a nap. So I picked her up, when down the hall to the guest bedroom where we were staying but then decided the nursery would be better to rock her. In the meantime, my mom and Jamie witnessed the following.... Josiah picked up the activity gym by the top (not a little thing) and started sprinting down the hall and into the guest bedroom where Ava and I were staying. He was looking around trying to find us, because he wanted to give Ava her toy! He thought her toy would make her feel better. Absolutely precious! I mean seriously what a sweet heart that shows he has. I loved it! He did similar things the whole time we were staying there!

On the flip side Ava watched and studied him whenever he was around! His activity must of worn her out though because she was napping like a champ those two days:)! It was such a SPECIAL TIME for the fousins and Jamie and I! Thank you sipper for housing us and letting us crash, it was wonderful!

Ava admiring Aunt Jamie

And dear friends/family....

Then on Sunday, Ava and I headed back home. We stopped in Temple to meet up with Jason! After we stopped and I fed her, we laid her down to play for a bit and when she saw Jason-- she recognized him and lit up with smiles!

We then went to see Janice's (GJ's) new house! She got a promotion and moved about 30 miles away from Temple, Praise God for her opportunity through this promotion!

Since we have been home this week, Ava has kinda had a rough time which caused me to have a rough time! I had my first few days of feeling lonely and needing to get out of the house more, find some adult interaction, and make sure that I am taking some time for myself everyday! Today though was a better day for Ava and myself. I went and watched the team play in town which was a little weird but wonderful to see them. Ava did great and has had a good day today! I feel like I have my little girl back-- she must have been a little sick with a bug we think she might have caught!

Anyhow, today God spoke to me over and over about all the blessings in my life and I was just moved to tears! I am so THANKFUL for so many things, but today I am extremely grateful for my parents and the way they raised Jamie and I. The love they showed us and the community of people through First Colony they surrounded us with who loved on us as well is a blessing beyond measure! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Finally, Ava turned 3 months yesterday-- it is nuts! Here is a bullet list of some of what she is up to...

holds her head pretty much on her own
turns and looks at any sound, voice, etc...
finds Jason and I no matter how far away we are in the house if we are in her line of vision
smiling and talking alot
holding onto her toys and rattles
beginning stages of batting at toys
likes to sit up with some help of course and take everything in
loves bath time (but beginning to hate lotion time)
sleeping at night with first stretch of actual sleep averaging 7-8 hours
starting to try to giggle or laugh
rolling to her side during play time and when sleeping
rolled from tummy to back on tummy time the other day but was supported under chest with receiving blanket
getting chunkier
finally likes her bouncer and swing... hooray!!

She is just getting so much more personality which is hard to describe through words! The interaction and conversations we have are so much fun! She melts my heart regularly and it is hard to believe that everyday Jason and I love her more and more when we thought we already loved her more than ever possible! Being a parent is such a hard thing but SUCH A COOL THING as well!

WE LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!

If you are still reading this- bless you!

The End!

Sista time...

2010-04-13T17:44:00.001-07:00

So.. I am staying at my sisters house for a couple of nights! It is wonderful:) I will have to post some cousin stories of Jo-man and Ava later. For now just wanted to share how neat it is we are together with our kids- when did we get to this stage? Crazy! Jamie just bathed Josiah and is putting him down for night and I am feeding Ava so I can bathe and put her down. Then we will do the dishes from dinner and with what energy we have left enjoy talking, catching up, and possibly bake some dairy and soy free choc chip cookies!! Life with kids is a zoo at times but what a JOY and delight:)

THANK YOU Lord for family!

Happy Thoughts...

2010-04-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

I love my family of three
I love the rest of my family and CAN'T WAIT too see them next week in H-town!
The weather has been so great here in Abilene now for Avaton and I to go on walks and runs around campus!
Jason, Ava, and I got to spend some great QT together yesterday afternoon, which was wonderful-- doesn't happen enough- I don't think there is ever enough of that though.
Ava is doing better the past week, she is such a doll!
I love that even in long periods of waiting on the Lord we can wait with eager expectation knowing He always is FAITHFUL!
I have found a delicious coconut milk ice cream-- it helps satisfy my cravings from all the things I can't have:).
I hear our camping crew had a great trip this year! We were sorry we missed out, but so GLAD they had a blast!
I got to go on a walk this morning around campus with Ava and Mary Beth and Ben Davis:). So good to see you MB, love ya!
46 DAYS UNTIL OUR SUMMER VACATION IN GALVESTON WITH Yaya, Papa Bear, Jamie, Jay, and Josiah! Yipee:)

Now more pics of baby girl...

Easter Morning! She started to sneeze just as camera was about to flash:)

Play time on floor

Easter morning- sleeping and snuggling with bunny

Same deal, different angle:)

Last one-- haha!

Hanging out with mom after eating:) Love the belly wrinkles.

Floor time with daddy, I was trying to roll over!

Angel face

Pretty Ava (about to go see Ben for our walk;)-- practicing my flirty face!)

The End!

Pics...

2010-04-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Juicy Coture onsie and Mary Jane socks that were given to us:) haha!

Precious

Headed to my friend Darius's wedding, what a cute dress she has on- Thanks YaYa!

Jason taking care of meltdown moment before ceremony (which ended up lasting through the entire ceremony)- they sat in the truck:(

Calmed down by reception and we enjoyed about 1.5 hours before we had to head out

Flirting with the camera

Ava and I up at school watching one of the team's practices

So...Ava is smiling all the time now! My camera is just to gosh darn slow to capture the moment ever and my blackberry takes horrible pictures. Hopefully one day soon I will catch one! Everyone needs to see because it is so darn adorable, it just makes me laugh. I will try to upload a video soon where all can hear her talk and see her smile!

Have a BLESSED Easter weekend! Thank You Lord for raising our Savior!

What a cool daddy!

2010-03-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

So I am sure I will post another picture post soon, but this is on my mind and needs to be shared:)

Ava has the coolest dad!

Jason is so involved as a dad! It is wonderful! He is literally in Heaven 24/7 when he is with her, can't stop asking how she is doing during the day, and can't wait to get home to both of his girls everyday! He grows to love and adore her more each day and he is so super patient with her in her really fussy/ inconsolable times (which is wonderful for me).

He is such a servant to both of us. He changes, bathes, and puts her down for naps or night time literally anytime he is home. They play and have fun! She does so good with him!

As for me, all of the ways he serves Ava are ways he is serving me but here is more. He cooks me breakfast when we are up in the mornings and he is getting ready for work. He gets up with Ava in the middle of the night if she is extra upset so I can sleep. He stays up for the late feeding at night so I can get to bed. He also gets up early for work in mornings to take care of her so I can either sleep or go workout! There are more but those are a few examples.

I know many of these things might seem simple, but he is constantly looking for ways to serve us both and take care of us! I don't have to ask.

It is so FUN AND WONDERFUL having him as a hubby and daddy!

Thank You Lord for blessing us with a man who loves his family so much and serves us both! Thank You for growing our marriage and relationship through the birth of this precious little girl! We love you Lord!

Pics

2010-03-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

she wiggled one arm out of her swaddler:)

In this pic she is tired of her long day of church and shopping at mall!

Ava Girl and Breakthrough:)

2010-03-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have updaed with pics, so I am going to put a whole jumbled up group of pics for your enjoyment:)!! They range from Feb. 26th-yesterday.

As for Ava, she is almost completely back to her original temperament from when we first got home from hospital through 2-3weeks. The dairy and soy out of my diet has made all the difference! Praise God!

She is now...
-smiling alot and has several different smiles
-one is an open mouth, kinda circle smile where she really smiles with her eyes
- one she smiles so big with her lips spreading wide that she has that adorable toothless grin
- the third one is a full face smile- big grin, eyes, cheeks-- it all engages!
-talking and cooing to her toys and people
-starting to grasp a small bunny toy from YaYa
- "accidentally" batting at toys in activity gym
- rolling to her side quickly and alot on her back-- it won't be long
- lifting her head up and looking around for brief seconds on tummy time!

We are having fun and I feel like I have possibly heard a few almost giggles lately. We will see.

The breakthrough beyond the dairy is this...all day yesterday for naps and all night last night Miss Ava transitioned to her crib like a champ. She was getting to big for her bassinet and I just felt it was time to start trying to transition her. Sure enough, I guess it was because she is sleeping in there well and putting her self to sleep. She even wakes up a lot while she is in there for naps and just looks around, plays a little, and then soothes herself back to sleep! Pretty cool!

At two month check up which was about five days early, Ava, was 10 lbs 15 oz and 22.5 inches long! Her cheeks and thighs are both really meaty but the rest of her is pretty small.

Anyhow, that is all for now! I am just going to post pics in chronological order.

Such a neat pic, i love it.

4 generations- Ava's Great Grandma on Jason's side

Ava's Great Granda on my side

The rotate didn't take, who knows

Sleeping beauty

loved the full view also

Ava and I at baseball game

talking and smiling at dad

playing with mom

Have a great weekend!

An answer to Ava's pain....

2010-03-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

So, it is for sure that Ava either has a milk protein allergy or a milk sensitivity! If interested in more information on the two conditions visit this link- milk allergy and sensitivity. I had gone to the doctor on Monday upon returning from Houston to have her checked to see what was going on. The doc said she had fluid on her ears so it was probably the ear pain. He prescribed medicine that we are on and said if she did not get better to call back and we would look further.

She didn't get better so we looked into other possibilities. I had to see a doctor other than mine when I went back in and she did a stool test on Ava that she said meant she has a milk protein allergy. However, all the research I have found on internet claims the stool test only detects milk sensitivity or lactose intolerance not protein allergy. I go back in next week and will get more clear answers from Ava's doc. Regardless, it doesn't change the foods I will eliminate from my diet. At this point I have to eliminate any and all foods with dairy, whey, milk protein, casein, or soy.

At first I was a little overwhelmed; however the internet is a great resource! There are so many moms who have had to do this or vegan types that there are a ton of products out there that are dairy and soy free.

I have found chocolate, ice cream, butter, cheese (what?), and tons of recipes from lasagnas to cookies! So all in all I am going to be fine! I love how instead of seeing this unfortunate circumstance as a tool towards weight management I am ferociously scowering the internet to find all the treats I can have!! haha!:) Oh well.

Anyhow, with the dairy out of my diet for almost 72 hours now, I am starting to see bits and peices of Ava's original temprament back. Continue to pray for her to feel better and the dairy to quickly leave my system!

Thanks!

Lots of Family Time:) (and news towards end)!!

2010-03-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

So, lately Ava and I have gotten to spend a lot of time with family members who needed to meet her, love on her, and bond a little with her!

On Thursday the 25th my Aunt Vicki, Bethany, Kayla, and my mom all came to Abilene. We got to spend some great time together without a big event. It seems we only see eachother for Holidays for weddings, etc... This time however we sat around and had so much time just to talk and share life! It was wonderful, although, we missed Jamie lots!

Then on Saturday Ava and I headed back to Houston to spend the week there! It was wonderful to have Ava at YaYa and Papa Bear's house and have lots of family and friends visiting to love on Ava!!

My days consisted of these exciting events...
- All the family kids at my Aunt Cheryls- how crazy but so much FUN!
- Spending several hours one afternoon with three lifelong friends MB, Ambre, and Martha --- very special and dear time for me
- High School friends Courtney and Kristin coming over
- Going out to lunch with a big group of women from church after their pilates class
- Ron, Penny, and Brenda coming over for dessert and coffee- but really for AVA.
- Spending Jamie's Bday with her family on Saturday at their house which mean I also got to spend some good time with Brittnie, another lifelong and dear friend of mine
- Quality time with my Mom and Dad!!!!!!!!!
- An afternoon with Jason's side of the family Sunday so they could meet Ava

That is not an exhaustive list but as you can tell we kept busy! Ava was a trooper but at the week wore on she began not acting like herself. I took her to doc yesterday and there was some fluid on her ears. Are you kidding me? So young, but we got some prescriptions and so far today she is acting much more like herself. We will see!

Anyhow, I don't have many pics to post because I took all the pics in Houston on my mom's camera. I did that because her camera is so much better than mine and easier to catch the moment. However, now I don't have them yet in order to make a post.

I will try to come back one day and post pics of all the fun visitors and family time from this past week.

Well that is enough rambling about that!

Last peice of information/news...

I turned in my letter of resignation at work on Friday the 26th. I am now going to be a stay at home mamma for the time being. I am very excited about this!

However, there has also been alot of emotion, sadness, and heartbreak to let go of a job I have so dearly loved. ACU volleyball has been a HUGE part of my life for the last 9.5 years! I have loved coaching and ministering to these girls!! It has been such a blessing to have had the honor of being the assistant coach. I decided to step away because God strongly convicted me beyond a shadow of a doubt that for this season on my life He was commanding me to. Let me tell you, I am so thankful that God is a compassionate God and provides us with a peace that surpasses our own emotions understanding. There has been affirmation right and left that this is what God desired. Maybe one day I will post the entire story so you all can see His goodness and His faithfulness when we step out and obey.

For now though, continue to keep the team, Kellen (my boss, dear friend, and head coach), and myself in your prayers as this transition is taking place. We all are handling this the best we can but we all are also dealing with all kinds of emotions.

On the flip side, YAY for all the time I will get to have with Ava I would have lost!!! I am so ready to nurture and take care of her and Jason:) Life is good. I am blessed!

Life at the Campbell's

2010-02-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

Life is good! I say that with an amount of enthusiasm and gratefulness I am sure can't be picked up on through the internet. However, right now for Jason and I, we are blessed! We both have jobs, a precious new joy in our life, and are surrounded by spiritual family here that love and support us! On the flip side some days it is hard not to feel anxious, disheartened, or curious of what God's plan really is for our lives.

Jason has been looking for a new job since June. He is still searching and will continue to search until he does indeed find one! Please be praying that God will reveal to Jason exactly what it is he is passionate about and created to do as well as open doors or even windows on that front.

I also am struggling trying to figure out exactly what life is going to look like with having Ava and working. There are lots of decisions that need to be made.

Please be praying for us to have discernment, open eyes, open ears, and hearts willing to obey his guidance!

With all that being said, I once again say life is GOOD solely because we serve a loving, faithful God. He promises us He has a plan for us, we can rest in His peace, and He created this life to be full of blessings and grace shown through His people. I love that He created life to be all about people and community!

Anyhow, that is alot of jumbled thoughts-that may or may not make much sense, but it is what is on my mind.

On another note, GJ left this morning:( It was so wonderful having her here and getting to spend so much time with her! She loved on Ava all week, cooked yummy dinners for us, cleaned, and did laundry. She came to serve and that she did! Thank you GJ! We had a great time! You will be missed:)

Beyond that...
-Jason and I's date night on Tuesday was FAB! We had such a good time & great conversation. We are looking forward to our next one whenever that may be.

- Ava is changing more and more. I was convinced that she couldn't already be growing in length, but I have now decided she must have! I put on one of her newborn outfits this morning and it is almost too short for her now.

- Thanks for all your prayers about her reflux, colic, milk allergy question mark. It seems to have gotten much better. We are hoping her reflux meds finally kicked in and they are working. However, please do not stop praying!

- Bethany is in town this weekend and is going to spend time with our family tomorrow and Monday! I can't wait for her to meet Ava and Ava meet her! It has been too long.

- I get to start working out today anything I want except lift weights, yipee!! Hopefully I can find the time, the weather here is not permitting Ava to be outdoors with me and Sing Song is ruling ACU at the moment.

- I miss my family!

- I am completely in love with my husband!

I guess that is it for now on thoughts. Now for the good part! We had newborn pics taken by a photographer in town who made this slideshow of the pics and is gracious enough to let us share it with everyone. It is precious and a keepsake-- don't be fooled though, she doesn't look much like that anymore;)

Baby Ava

Updated photos:

GJ playing with Miss Ava

So serious!

Stretch, stretch, stretch! Long little thing!

Daddy time before work:)

The END!

Loving Life...

2010-02-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

So my family has been bugging me for a new post, which I completely understand! I have been trying to get to it, but Ava has had a few fussy days lately, which makes it more difficult.

We are absolutely just loving her. It is crazy how much time has gone by and how much changes so quickly with newborns. I feel like I am finally starting to get a feel for her different crys, what she likes and doesn't like, and she is just so much FUN!

Jason is absolutely head over heels in love with her! He has been so involved. He loves to do anything and everything that has to do with her or taking care of me so I can better take care of her during the days. It is amazing to watch your husband become a father. Another sweet blessing from God above!

Speaking of God we went to church, the actual building and service as a family yesterday! It was so wonderful to be back with a body of believers praising the Lord. It was even more amazing to be standing in service with Ava on me, in my arms after 9 months of sitting in that same place praying over her and giving her to the Lord! It was moving and deeply meaningful to Jason and I.

Last but not least, GJ is here with us this week to help out and love on Miss Ava! We are going to have a lot of fun and it has already been a big help! I am sure I will post more on this as the week unfolds or this upcoming weekend!

Miss Ava...

- eyelashes are growing like crazy-- very pretty
- she seems to be getting heavier and chunkier
- last night she stretched from 10:30pm-4:30am- hello several hours of sleep in a row!
- she is very curious-- loves looking around
- loves to stretch, throw her head back, and stick her rear end out
- is the sweetest and most precious thing in the entire world

Finally, we are still trying to figure out if she has reflux, colic, a food allergy or a combination of some of these listed. We have her on reflux medicine and started her on gripe water yesterday. It seems to be helping. I will let you know as time unfolds and keep you posted. Any moms out there who have dealt with this, feel free to let me know any remedies you found.

I miss my family and can't wait to get Miss Ava down to Houston as well as Temple to meet family and friends! Hopefully, that trip will happen sooner rather than later!

Other random thoughts:
- Jason and I are going on a date tomorrow night! It will be the first time we will be out without Ava-- we are excited to go connect but I know we will also be ready to get home to baby girl.

- The weather this week is supposed to be warm enough that I will finally get to take Ava on an outdoor walk! I have been dying to do that, YIPPEE!

- I love God. I am constantly amazed by how he so intricately created all things, people. etc...

Now, here are pics!

Ava and GJ!!

Chilled out-- who cares about food right?

PRECIOUS GIRL

(this pic semi displays head back, rear end out, and her eyelashes if you look close)

Ava and daddy after getting ready for church

Our sad attempt to get a family pic before our first time to church:) Ava upset and Jason has half a head, oh well!

As you can tell in these two pics she likes to work one hand out of her swaddler these days and rest it on her face:)

Time is flying...

2010-02-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

Jason and I can't believe that Ava is already two weeks old-- seriously where does the time go?! We are having a blast, these two weeks have been so special to us already and we know it will only get sweeter!

So... YaYa had to leave this morning and it was tough. We were both very tearful last night and again this morning. It was so sad to see her go and know she won't get to see Ava as much as we all would like and that Ava won't be loved on by her as often as she has been. However, we realize that for now that is a reality and we have to cherish every moment we get when family does get to be near us or us to them! Having her here was absolutely invaluable! I can't imagine the transition without her wisdom, experience, love, and servan'ts heart! THANK YOU MOM! We love you! Something so sweet about having your mom help you learn and discover becoming a mother yourself! What a blessing!

Since YaYa left this morning, Jason, Ava, and I are spending our first day as a family of three since Ava was born:) How sweet it is and will be! We have decided to stay in today and not do church until next week. However, Ava went down for a nap and we watched last weeks sermon- it was powerful and refreshing! We also are planning on staying in, just the three of us for the Super Bowl! It will be relaxing:)

Beyond that, Ava is still doing well! We love her and being parents so much! It has been the greatest blessing for our family! Last night Ava slept one five hour stretch and then a four hour stretch! Although, during the days right now she has been really upset after feedings and then once we get her to sleep she only has a short time to sleep before I am being told to wake her up to eat again! I am beginning to think she has reflux, please be praying boldly that is not the case. and will pass quickly. Our sweet little girl cries out in what seems to be pain throughout the day. At night though she is fine. Pray for discernment for myself and the pediatrician in exploring what is going on with our sweet girl!

Well I haven't posted pics in a few days so I will post some below! Also we took newborn pictures that are adorable and there is a slideshow that I will eventually put on the blog, but I want to wait until I have sent out birth announcements so I don't spoil the surprise!

Cousin Josiah playing with Ava, he loves her!

YaYa and Papa Bear just being grandparents, SO FUN!

Uncle JJ or Uncle Jay finally got to meet Ava, he is in love as well:)

Above a little Ava shrine:) Sweet sleeping pictures and my new fav in her hat from YaYa!

Last but not least, a few final pics of YaYa and Ava the day before she left! There were many moments of Ava and YaYa like this the past few weeks! I will miss seeing them and Ava has been upset this afternoon, I am sure she is missing you!

Enjoy the Super Bowl everyone!

God Bless:)

New Pics of Ava, Family, and First Outing

2010-01-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

Dad, Jamie, and Josiah came to join YaYa, Jason, Ava, and I this weekend! We have had so much fun!
Josiah at first was not sure what to think of his little cousin, especially when she cried, but he is slowly warming up. He will just run to where she is and then proceed with caution, wide-eyed and taking it all in:) Occasionally he even starts watching and then slowly backs up but never taking his eyes off of her!

Anyhow, we have had fun with the cousin meeting, the family being here (MISS YOU UNCLE JAY- see you tomorrow), and hanging out:)

Today we decided Ava needed her first outing and YaYa and I needed some daylight and time out of the house! So to those of you who know my family and our favorite dive in Abilene, we headed to Mary's Mexican for lunch! Ava was an angel once again! She slept the whole time, she loves her carseat.

Anyhow, that is all I have for now, enjoy looking at this sweet angel girl:)

Playing around with bows, most still too big

Look at that munchkin-smiling and cheeky!

Handmade hat by a good friend Talan

Cousins meeting, the way he is looking at her is priceless! How fun, my sister and I and our children, so cool!

Big yawn

Hat made by same friend, so sweet!

Our family right before we left for our outing, love being the three, can't imagine it any other way!

Papa Bear and Yaya with their two grandbabies! They are in HEAVEN!

Loving my sweet girl!

Eating some Mexican Food:)

Perfection!

Perfection once again!

Love this gown! She is PRECIOUS and perfect in His sight and all of ours:)

Sweet Angel is a Happy Baby:)

2010-01-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

This pic is to show off the canvas hanging over the crib! A sweet friends mom painted it for Miss Ava!

Look at the precious scripture she placed on it-- what a treasure!

Love this little smile!

Could anything be more precious?

Ava loves to stretch!!

Check out the cheeks and chin on this little smooshface!

Another smile from Miss Ava, she loves to roll to her side!

Flirting with Daddy!

First sponge bath, check out the thigh

Angel girl loved her pamper time, so relaxed

More stretching, sweet outfit, content after pampering

Total BLISS, twho hours ago!

This sweet girl is doing so wonderful! She is eating then playing then sleeping, she has got it down, so far anyways!

To all the readers who find me being obsessive with the posting pics of our little girl, you must know that mine and Jason's families live far away! They are begging to see pics and get updates! For awhile you can expect this blog to be all about Ava and loaded with pictures!

Blessings to all!

Perfect Baby Girl

2010-01-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

I don't really know where to begin to describe the feelings, emotions, and perfect bliss Jason and I feel about our precious angel girl! She is absolutely perfect in every way. It is the greatest blessing to finally begin to comprehend the amount of love and adoration you can have for a child.

Yesterday once we got home from the hospital until now has been absolutely so relaxing! I have been so content. All is right in the world:) Several times since then, I have been sitting around loving and cuddling on my little princess and just been so overwhelmed with emotion and tears of love, coupled with an immense JOYand a level of thankfulness to the Father above for allowing Jason and I this precious opportunity to nurture His child! The sweetest gift!

Ava has been doing so well up to this point. She is eating well, sleeping very well, and very content to be sleeping on her own! She loves to stay awake and explore the world and her surroundings with her sweet little eyes after her feedings before she begins to soothe herself to sleep!

Fun little fact about this sweet girl-- she is a LITTLE PIGLET. She has the highest pitch little piglet squeal/ cry! The sweetest thing you have ever heard-- maybe one day we can post an audio clip for you!

Well, we have had many special friends and family visit Miss Ava so far! We are so thankful we are surrounded by so much love. It is incredible to watch other people who love you, love on your baby! Thanks everyone:)

Now, the part you all really have been waiting for...... new pics of Ava Reese Campbell!

Miss Ava with her GJ - Jason's mom

Cuddling with sweet Aunt Jamie

Kayla drove down from Lubbock to meet Miss Ava-- precious!

Sleeping with Papa Bear

Ava Reese Campbell's going home outfit

Jason and I changing her to leave hospital and head home

All dressed for her big outing:)

Cute little ruffles on her backend, love it!

Family pics of us leaving room at hospital and then arriving at home!

She loved her carseat so much that when we got home she slept in it for an hour and forty five minutes before we took her out!

She loved home, look how peaceful!

Hanging out with mommy in her nursery! She loves it:)

Miss Ava sleeping on YaYa

Last night in her pack n' play

Smoosh face on daddy this morning

YaYa brushing Ava's hair

Checking out this new world and all her surroundings

Thank You all so much for all the many prayers for a healthy baby and delivery for myself! I now ask that you continue to lift up this sweet chunky angel over the next several weeks of crucial nourishment and adjustment! Pray for my milk supply to come in quickly over the next day!