Back in the (family blogging) Saddle

While at home with a sick little Ava (Strep), I thought I'd unearth our long-forgotten family blog.  "Bitts of Us" had been hardly that for quite a while, but now I hope to write more consistently about our family. 

We've been very lucky when it comes to the health of our girls.  Other than Ava being delivered through Cesarean, and Sophia's 104 temp at age two weeks, we've had very few issues.  This week, Ava made her first trip to the doctor's office since her last round of vaccinations.  Turns out she was supposed to have a physical when she turned 4.  Oh, well, she's been healthy.  The crazy thing is that she still only weighs 31lbs!


Demo is always the most fun!

Over the last few months, Erin & I have rekindled our interest in doing DIY jobs around the house. Thanks to Pinterest, there is never a shortage of inspiration.  We finally got our counter tops installed, and are currently creating (copying) a headboard project Erin pinned a while back.  



Self-portrait X-mas card shoot

After recently feeling like I'm letting opportunity slip through the cracks, the girls are finally beginning to learn Spanish.  Two things I wish I could do is to speak a second language and play an instrument.  I'll feel like I've let them down if I don't urge them to achieve at least one of these at an early age.  We've prodded their daycare to take up foreign language training as part of their curriculum, and they've finally made it happen (now that Ava only has a few months left).  On Fridays, they work with Miss Jessica, who is from Puerto Rica, on colors, animals, greetings, etc.  On top of that, I've arranged for two of my students to visit the center to read in Spanish.  Another comes once a week to read in Chinese, the native language of multiple students, as well as her own.  I'm very happy this is starting to happen, and a little proud I'm meeting one of my goals as a father.
Side Note:  Sophia likes to pretend she's riding in a car. When entering & exiting her car (usually within seconds of one another) she always imitates the putting on her seat belt by saying, "buckle-buckle, buckle-buckle."  I love it every time!

Photo Book

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Little Orphan Smava

Ava does not like to go to bed. She often...check that...always gets up and attempts to sneak back upstairs after being put down for the night. This is on top of her disdain for obedience. It seems that Ava looks at listening to her parents as a sign of weakness. I kind of respect that, but won't tolerate it at this point in her life.

After a frustrating weekend, I went to the extreme. Surely, many a parent has threatened to send their kid away if they didn't behave. Perhaps I would have too had I thought my daughter would have understood. Instead I told her a story about a little girl named, "Smava." Clearly, this tale was being pulled from thin air. It kind of when like this for few minutes...

Dad: Once upon a time there was a little girl named, Smava.
Ava: My name is Ava
Dad: Yes, but this little girl is Smava
A: I’m Ava
Dad: I know. This is about Smava
A: I AM AVA!
Dad: Moving on.

Smava's parents were having a hard time getting her to be a good little girl. One day, they told her that they'd be visiting an orphanage. About this time, the story became quite detailed. Point being, my girl would now easily comprehend Dickens' "Oliver Twist," the musical "Annie" and relate to Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life."

But here is where the story made a sharp turn. Smava took it upon herself to assume she was the reason for the family visit to the state-run home for naughty children. Ava's rare razor sharp focus made it clear that she did the same. Well, as it turned out, Smava's mommy & daddy had no intention of ditching their daughter. They were there to bring home new little brother or sister.

Whether they had given up on their own genetic make-up, or trusted the stereotypical tough-love approach of an orphanage to better raise a child, is for you to decide. The point was clearly made to both little girls. I don't know about Smava, but the inspiration for her character went right to sleep shortly after the story.

Cover Girl

Is this the start of Sophia's modeling career? After lots of practice, she definitely has the finger tasting pose down pat. Too bad there isn't a "Bed Wetters Illustrated." Ava could be their centerfold.

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.