Attention To Detail

I'm amazed almost daily at Ava's distinct attention to detail. At less than 2.5 years old, she has a very astute eye. Ava has a knack for noticing, and calling attention to, the most basic elements of change in her life. It could be a slight hole in a pair of jeans, or a logo that matches the one on her shoes, Ava will broadcast its appearance as if it were Breaking News. To her, it most definitely is. My little girl will ask, “Why?” to the slightest new development within her world. She’ll point out her sister’s lack of socks as if completely puzzled. She will question if a bug has bitten her father’s cheek as a result of a slight blemish that developed overnight. Nothing gets by this kid. If you embarass easily, you'd best not spend much time in public with Ava B.

We’ve raised Ava to be comfortable within a schedule and to expect repetition. In turn, we have created a child with an eagle’s eye and unquenchable thirst for quick explanations. At least she’s asleep every night by 8PM.

Sophia So Far

July 24, 2010

Dear Ava and Sophia,

Last weekend our friend Andy from South Bend came to visit us. We spent the afternoon at the pool. Ava had a blast, Sophia slept through most of it. The next day we visited the park and zoo. Andy's favorite animal is the llama. The llama had a summer haircut. Ava had fun petting the goats and watching the prairie dogs play. After the zoo Andy bought everybody pizza from Arni's. It was yummy and Ava especially enjoyed it. When we got home Andy had to return to South Bend. Ava walked around for the rest of the day with her bottom lip stuck out and told us she was sad.

Monday was Sophia's first day of daycare. Daddy wasn't exactly ready to go back to work. He wasn't happy to have to wear pants again! Sophia was a champ all week though. She ate and slept like a good girl. I think they really made her work hard though because she went to bed pretty early each night (close to 8 pm).

Ava enjoys the fact that all of us are riding together to campus each day and she really wants to help us deliver Sophia to her classroom.

Sisters

Sophia seems to absolutely adore her big sister. She coos when Ava talks to her, she opens her mouth wide for baby kisses and watches her every move. Ava is equally enamored and demands to give Sophia kisses and hugs before bed each night. When Sophia cries Ava will pat her and say "It's okay." I love it.

Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day with blueberry pancakes, a trip to church (shows how much we go - service was over when we got there), lunch at Noodles, to the fountain on campus which Ava was deathly afraid of

went swimming at Castaway Bay which Ava LOVED. We wrapped the day up with Chinese takeout and a cold beer. All in all a great day.

And Then There Were Four

Instead of April showers we were blessed with another little girl. So, how has life changed in the past two months? Well, little miss Ava has learned that sometimes she has to be patient. She has been wonderful to her little sister though. Every morning she takes the first few moments she's awake to account for all of us. She insists on kissing "Sia" before bedtime every night and before we leave every morning. She wants Sophia to be able to do all of the things she can do and likes to watch her eat. On the one hand I'm enjoying these precious quiet, sweet moments of early infanthood but on the other I can't wait until Sophia is a little older and I can see the two of my little girls interact, play and become the best of friends.

Sophia is full of coos and smiles these days and will carry on a cooing conversation for as long as you indulge her. She is sleeping in her crib and only awakens once each night.

Two months in and I can't complain. We had a 48 hour hospital stay thanks to Sophia's high fever at 6 weeks old. We spent a week in Kansas introducing Sophia to cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandmas, Grandpa and friends. I have returned to work and now Michael's at home for a few weeks bonding with Sophia.

The past two months have already gone by so quickly. I'm trying to hold on too all the memories.

Welcome to the World, Sophia Rose

Tuesday, April 6th brought the newest addition to our family, Sophia Rose. She is healthy, happy and absolutely gorgeous. Here are some photos from the first days of Sophia's life.

Sophia and big sister, Ava