Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Happy Birthday Ava

My sweet little Ava. I want you to know that we are so blessed to have you in our family. I used to tease your daddy (your "special" daddy, as you call him) that he didn't want you. Not really. He wanted you, he just didn't know how much he wanted you until you were here melting our hearts with your loving personality.
Let me explain. Mommy had a really hard time getting Jordan and Lexi here. Pregnancy is not easy, to say the least for mommy, and miscarriages are always a concern. Lexi gave us quite a scare when she was inside mommy, and we thought we were going to lose her. Mommy handled it a little better than daddy, and I think once Lexi was born alright, he was counting his blessings and calling it good!
Mommy had this strong feeling that there was one more special little spirit up in heaven waiting to bless us. Daddy, wasn't so sure, and kept telling mommy how blessed we were to have 2 beautiful children, a BOY and a GIRL, who were ours, and were healthy.
After some talking, daddy was convinced and would give it a year to try. Mommy has to go on some yucky medication that makes her really sick, and moody (according to daddy). I really didn't like the medication either, so I felt if we gave it 1 year, and I was not pregnant, we would live happily as a family of 4.
Right in the middle of trying, mommy had another scare. I had to stop trying to get pregnant and have a lump removed. Until the lump came back negative for cancer....we gave up trying in case we needed to do something else.
Back to trying...didn't take long, and we were blessed with another baby. Jordan and Lexi came with us to your ultrasound, and Jordan knew, and had known all along, and been telling us even before mommy was pregnant that you were a girl. A beautiful girl.
You have changed our lives in so many ways. You are so happy. Everyone in the neighborhood loves you, and your contagious happy smile and attitude. You are a sweet peacemaker in our home and love to tell me, "I love you to the moon, and stars and back" You have now added, "I love you to the princess moon and stars and back!"
You call your daddy, "special daddy" all the time. You were definitely the child who should bear his name.
Ava Michael (Michael after your daddy) and Ava after a sweet mom I took care of while I was pregnant with you.
We hadn't thought of a name yet when I met this sweet mom at the hospital. We shared similar stories of trying to get pregnant, miscarriages, and other issues. She had finally given birth to 2 sweet babies, that were very early, and in the NICU. Her daughters name was Ava Marie. I remember the minute I heard the name it clicked. I couldn't wait to get home and ask your daddy what he thought of it. (luckily for him, he liked it)
We Love you Ava, and couldn't imagine our lives without you!
Love...Mom, Special daddy, Jordan and Lexi

Ava turns 3!

We had the whole family over for pizza, cake and ice cream. You received lots of amazing presents from everyone!



Opening presents!

Eating Pizza...yumm


Blowing the candles out...make a wish!



This year, mom went for taste over looks! You love princesses, and mom loves homemade cake. (so much better than the store bought stuff) You thought is was the best cake ever.

Meet Marshmallow

I have an amazing lady who lives next door. Every year she travels to Africa to help the mothers and children there. Her bunnies had babies, and Lexi really, I mean REALLY wanted one. (In case you didn't know, this mamma is a NO pet mamma) Don't like them. They are messy, and basically another child to take care of.
After this sweet neighbor informs me that she has promised my daughter one, she assures me that it is the best pet to start out with. Here are some of the reasons she gave me:
Their poop is small...great for the garden
You can go on vacation with no worries...just leave the food container full, and water bottle full.
They can stay outside all winter (this is a big one for me, since I have a hard time with pets in the house)
Didn't seem so bad. She told Lexi she had to EARN her bunny by doing chores around the house, and the money she earned would go to Africa to help a child go to school.


I have to admit....it was a great idea. Lexi was eager to help around the house, and was even more excited to give the money she had earned to our sweet neighbor. This amazing lady taught my daughter a lot! We love her, and our new bunny! (and just may consider a dog someday)





The whole family is in LOVE, and Lexi has learned a great deal about responsibility. (It is HER bunny)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Disneyland May 2010

This Disney trip was extra fun because our neighbors were going at the same time. I really, really believe that I am addicted to Disneyland. Seriously, the minute I walk through the gates, my mind is free from every care at home. I am happy, the kids are happy, and it is a wonderful place to be.



Ava, Naomi, and Abby

The whole bunch in bugs life.


Toy Story Mania



Jordan and Lexi managed to stay somewhat dry this time!




Ava and Lightning



Pirates with the Ruf's



Pirates



Pirates



Tigger


Eeyore

Getting ready for the park to open!

Pinewood Derby

Pinewood derby is a great time for dads and boys to work together on a project. For some odd reason, at my house, mom is the one who puts all of the final finishing touches and makes sure the car is done in time for the race.


This year it was a black race car with 2 red pin stripes. Looks nice, and took 3rd place. Way to go Jordan!


Easter

Every Easter we decorate eggs...






The Easter Bunny sends us on a scavenger hunt to find our baskets full of surprises. We start with one egg. Inside is our first clue, or riddle to lead us to the next egg with a clue inside.



Another Clue...




Still on the Hunt...




Still looking..


Almost done.

Decorating eggs.








Love this happy little face!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Disneyland February 2010

Yes...it is yet another trip to Disneyland. BUT, this trip was extra special because my mom and sister and her family came along!


Carson got us all to go on the monorail, which was a first for us.


Tigger with Lexi, Ava, Ellie and Carson


Eeyore, Grandma, Lexi, Ava, Ellie and Carson



This trip, we went to Ariel's Grotto. This is SO worth the price. Not only do you get a great breakfast, but each of the 5 princesses comes to your table to sign your book, and get a photo. Now that beats waiting for hours in line for 3 princesses!






You are even crowned a "royal princess"




Belle




Sleeping Beauty



Cinderella




Snow White



...and of course Ariel



Outside waiting for our reservation



Toy Story


Toy Story


Ava (a.k.a Snow White)

Building sand castles

Ava and Ellie...buried



Ava and Sawyer


Ava and Ellie building castles


Jordan is getting pretty good at body surfing.
We had a very safe, fun trip, and are excited for many more to come!