Happy Halloween!!

The big day is here. We can shake off the dust from the costume purchased 8 weeks ago (just in case they sold out) and wear it ALL day. What can i say, shes the cutest lil' tiger i ever did see. She even posed for the camera. Did I mention it was 6.30 in the am? I cant wait to see how she takes to trick or treating tonight. If shes anything like her mom and dad, shell be sorting her reeses pb cups into the "good pile" and her "bagged popcorn" into the 'things to trade pile'.

New Rug

The new rug finally came today, which means its real easy to put Ava down on the floor and let her practice creating a strong core. She LOVED looking at all the colors and patterns, not to mention feeling it. Head of the Charles is this weekend. Rich took her to registration in the rain with her poncho. She was quite good and crashed on the way home. I will update the blog with more pics this weekend!

Tights!

Did I think I would really want to dress my 6 mo old in tights? Not until I found these bad boyz! How CUTE is she? I mean I'm biased, but I think shes pretty damn cute! Check out the boots. Who is STYLIN' now?! Rich is looking for a pair so he can be twins with Ava.

Where's Ava?!

Today we tested out the backpack that Amy and Larry 'lent us'* with Ava. Annie and Mike had us over for breakfast which allowed us to "hike" through Menotomy Park. It was a gorgeous morning and Ava really seemed to enjoy herself. So much so, that she fell asleep for the last bit of the walk, head bobbing all over. Very cute.
*lent us: Many of our friends with 2 kids are saying they are done and giving away their kiddie items. Thus far, 3 are surprised by the 3rd pregnancy. So we will hold on to this for Larry and Amy, JUST IN CASE. ;)

6 Month Doc vist

At Avas 6 month visit she looked great! We have a 'showcase showdown' price is right style contest between some friends and ourselves on her measurements whenever we go to the doc. You'd think it would be unfair as Rich and I see her everyday. And you would think it was MORE unfair that the pediatrician wanted in on it right before we started. She even had the chart in front of her! The winning deal-a Jim Dandy from Friendly s. Natasha has won once, I won last time and now Annie has won. THE PEDIATRICIAN DIDN'T EVEN WIN! The Stats: 14.12Lbs(37%), 28.75 inches(97%). {at 4 months: 13.1lbs(50%), 26inches(90%)} Not that percentiles matter, but within her own percentiles she has shot up in length and decreased in weight. The doc has ordered solids once a day versus 2. Reason being she get more nutrition from one bottle than the amount of food she may be getting in that one 'solids' feeding.

She also had a second round of immunizations with an addition flu shot. 5 shots! Rich came along for this one. Ava did an amazing job, she recovered much quicker this time then any other! Rich should come along more often!! She also didnt cry when Dr. Newbold say hello. Teehee. She got a slight fever from the shots and is fighting a stuffy nose, but all and all seems to be doing quite well.

Roll, Roll, Roll...Crawl?

Ava has mastered the roll and is trying to rub it in that she is much better at the yoga move 'plank' than I am. I think its really only because she practices way more than me and has a lower center of gravity. (right?) I know its really the next step to crawling and is she really mad that she cant when she gets into that position. I,m cool if she is late developer in that department....i can barely keep up with her now!! The best is once she rolls she eagerly awaits recognition of clapping or "GOOD JOB! WHAT A BIG GIRL!". She then radiates the biggest smile in the whole wide world. So, I say its worth it to keep giving that recognition.

I give her 2-3 weeks to start crawling. Then we will see how often I get to this blog!

Its official. Ava is Catholic.

The rumors are true, Ava became a catholic today. I have been neglecting the blog and finally have a really good reason to update it. It started off to be a grand day, Ava slept in ate well and took some good naps. We got all the food out and picked up ready for our celebratory guests. I think I ironed Avas gown 10 times...Rich a few more. In the end it didn't even MATTER. The thing was mangled once she got it on. I could have bought some time earlier to..to...i don't know do something. Put batteries in the vid camera, which i forgot to do. I did remember gas i the car to get us there, however. ;)

8 other babies shared this day with Ava. Some very new and some much older. Father Ronan had the pleasure of baptizing her. She was very good in the church, though she has always been quite good in church. Her first appearance in that church was her 5th day on earth! Not to mention spending the 8th day of her life at the easter vigil. Not a peep! She was quite busy looking all around, playing with a few toys, a few cousins & Nan ripping wipes in half and having some small commentary here and there.

I would assume that everyone is DYING to know what her dress looked like, right? Ha! Well because dad had some input it was very very simple and cotton. He did have concern for the length (he didn't believe me that these gowns are supposed to be past the feet). I was looking for a super duper cute Victorian gown with some beautiful vintage lace or eyelet work. Rich wasn't having it though. She was still pretty darn cute in her over sized gown.

Now, if you don't have one of these you should get one. Have you ever heard of a 'Kathy'? Its the latest rage and if you don't know about it, find out about it. Thats all I can say. She kept Ava calm and relaxed all afternoon. Not an easy feat for many.

Unfortunately the pics on my camera were not fantastic. Lots of wiggling....and of course the evil red eye. Here are a few.

I should mention a few things. Friday evening we had a baptism class at the parish with Father Ronan. This happens to us with father Ronan....we got the front row, which means you get picked to answer his questions. You know when there is a pop quiz and your brain freezes? Somhow everything you thought you knew, you never did. Thankfully he picked Rich most of the time. Ava was so bust he picked her up for a bit and walked around with her. She did add commentary here and there through the talk. She also tooted when it was dead silent. I feel bad admitting this, but i was slightly embarrassed between the silent hysterical laughing I was doing. Who did father Ronan look at, thats right....me. ha! Special thaqnks to billy and Lynn for coming out Fri night and sunday-except bill who came out sat to fix the floors with Rich. Also, for being Avas God Parents. Also, thanks to the Scannell fam for brining out so much delicious food. I have all of the extra bowls/trays!