Ava's got skills

Ava's a walker, err... I mean a knee walker.
Check it out...

Here's a picture of her calloused knees to prove it.

That's my Ava!

Learning new things...

As much as I don't want my children to grow up, I'll admit that it is a joy to watch them learn and figure things out. Stella is becoming quite the reader. I love sitting down with her and having her read to me. It's probably one of the cutest things listening to her sound out the words and then say them again as if to say - "ah ha, I get it." The very first day of school, Stella's teacher came up to her and Stella says to her "I don't know how to read" and her teacher says in response "well I have so much to teach you then." It was so cute. It's amazing, that in just 80 plus days of school, she's reading.

we had a little photo shoot...as you can tell, she enjoyed it :)

Ava's learning things too! She's learning to feed herself. Little miss independent enjoys this very much. I think a little bit of the food actually makes it in the mouth....we're working on it.

Good Kitty Kitty

Tiger, he's a good cat.
He's becoming a fat cat.
Thatta boy Tiger, keep up the good work.

Sleepy face

One of my most favorite things is when the kids wake up and have those cute sleepy faces. Whether it is when they wake up in the morning or when they wake up from their naps. It always amazes me how I can be at my wits end when I put them down for bed, but when they wake up I'm always so excited to see them and their bed head, cute, warm, rosy cheeked face. I practically kiss those hot cheeks right off ! I personally think it's a blessing from the Lord. He knows that us moms need that extra measure of grace during the day.

So, speaking of cute sleep faces, I was able to catch Ava's when she just woke up from her nap. It's probably the only time she sits still long enough to get a good picture.

Yep, she's pretty yummy!

Since we're on the subject of Ava, I might as well give the low-down of what she's been doing...

Almost walking, takes about 5 stiff-legged steps
Loves snacks, and baby food
Not a big fan of table food
Signs all-done, please and thank you
Tries to say mama...but sounds like dada
Has a lovey named Doggie
Takes only one nap during the day
Her plugged tear duct seems to have gotten better on it's own -PTL!
Blows kisses
Likes her milk warmed up in a bottle ;)

Love her.

The beard

4 months down, only one month and 2 days to go.
Can I get a GLORY HALLELUJAH!!!

I'm thinking the above picture was maybe a little too nice since one of you (eh-hmmm, Elaine) is still for the beard. So I'm keeping it real here, and sharing with you all a more true to form beard picture.

And why stop at just the front when you can share the "back" of the beard too.

That's right, I'm hearing those hallelujah shouts friends...keep them coming!

I'm dreaming of a white.....

Christmas!!

Snow
Sledding
Frozen pond
Rosy cheeks
Family
Forts
Good food
Warm house
Card games
Celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus!

Nana and Papa come for a visit!

It's always a treat when Sean's parents come to visit and this time was no exception. Their timing was perfect. They got here before the snow fell and were able to make it back for their flight before even more snow fell. It was so special to have them here during the month of December. They were here to join in Stella and Ava's birthday festivities and they also were able to celebrate an early Christmas with us. They are a blessing to our family. They show an unending amount of patience (Papa enduring a daily, or hourly, game of "lets get Papa" which usually entails balls being thrown and feet being tickled, and Nana reading book after book and chasing Ava around the "loop" a million times) and love for their grandchildren and for us. Their visits always go by way too fast. We are so thankful for them and we are so glad they could come. We're looking forward to their next visit ;)

It's Party Time

The Birthday girls

Time for presents

A princess party wouldn't be complete
without a castle cake!




New clothes
Coloring books and pens
New shoes
Baby doll
Cute clogs
Bath toys
Books
and so much fun!

Stella's Six!!

6 things I love about Stella...
tender hearted
loves her brother and sister
desires to do what is right
wants to marry a prince
her love of learning and school
her ability to color a whole coloring book in one day

S T E L L A

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

6 years old

When I was one,
I had just begun.
When I was two,
I was nearly new.
When I was three,
I was hardly me.
When I was four,
I was not much more.
When I was five,
I was just alive.
But now I am six,
I'm as clever as clever,.
So I think I'll be six now
Forever and ever.
A.A. Milne

Happy Birthday Stella!

A year ago today...

... I looked like this (thank goodness for stretchy shirts!!). I was standing in my nephew's room taking a picture at 5:30am. We were ready to make our way to the hospital to meet our new baby girl. Stella and Jonah stayed with Aunt Kelli and Uncle Steve, and Sean and I headed out.

A year ago today, Ava Evelyn came screaming into the world at 10:10 am and what a blessing it was to hear that scream. She weighed 7lb 8oz and was 19 1/2 in. long. A little peanut compared to my other two.

A year ago today, our family of four became a family of five.

A year ago today, two children became three.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

We love you!