Ava Kate's First Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Ava Kate! You are 1 year old!
We had a big first Birthday Party for you sweet Ava Kate. Aunt Jilly and Uncle Josh came to celebrate too. We had lots of good food and you had your first cupcake too! You didn't seem to care about the cupcake much but you loved all the people that came to celebrate with you!Here you are with your Uncle Josh - you love him!

Everyone gathering around the food.

You - walking with some help!

Cupcakes that say Happy Birthday - to you of course!!!

-Sparkling Pink Lemon-aid-

Gifts for the Birthday Girl!!!

Your first cupcake ever!
It was vanilla strawberry cupcake with lemon cream cheese icing. You were not sure if you liked it or not. You ate the icing more than the cupcake but seemed to enjoy yourself as everyone was singing to you.

Here you are listening as everyone sang, Happy Birthday dear Ava Kate...Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Ava Kate!
- 1 -
March 25th, 2011

Spring is on the Way

Sweet Baby Girl

We are looking for a new day care for you because your current daycare is closing! We are so sad but know that God will provide for us a safe, loving daycare for you. Our small group is praying for you and us. You are a precious treasure and we are praying that God leads us to the perfect place for you. It won't be long and you will be turning 1 year old sweet Ava Kate! The weekend of the 25th we will be having your party and dedicating you at church. Your Aunt Jilly and Uncle Josh will be coming to help us celebrate. They will bring their sweet dogs, Reno and Vegas. You loved playing with them at Christmas time at Grama and Grampa's house.
You have been doing so many new things! You have taken your first steps and you are eating so many new foods. You are sleeping through the night most every night now. You love climbing the stairs with Dad or Mom right behind you. You are exploring your world. You still love walks and going to the park. We often walk to the library near our house. Spring is coming and you are going to love it! Daddy and I took you on a hike recently. You love the trails and being out doors.
Here you are in some pictures and you are all smiles! We love you sweet baby and are praying that you continue to grow in God's love and in the love he has given to us for you! We love you.
Love, your mommy

Ava Kate is almost a year old!

New Year!

Playing with Grama

in your pretty pink tutu

You are growing up sweet girl! You are standing now on your own!
You are so happy to play with Grama!

10 Months and Growing Up!

The family is all here...

Aunt Jilly, Uncle Josh and Cousin Gabe - So cute!

Grama and Papa and Cousin Gabe

Stay warm!

sledding with your daddy

You loved the sled that Grama bought!

Sweet Ava Kate,
It is the new year! We had a great Christmas and you enjoyed playing with your cousin Gabe. It was fun to all be together! You are now almost 10 months and pulling up on everything. You are eating so many new things and exploring your world. I am already starting to plan your first birthday. It won't be long! March 25th is not that far away.
Here are some pictures from Christmas...Love you sweet girl!

Christmas is on the Way

Merry Christmas Ava Kate

Here we are tree hunting. It is your first Christmas and we are having so much fun! We always get a real tree. Daddy ties it to the top of the car and we bring it home. Then we decorate it and the whole house, bake cookies and begin the beautiful season together. Helping out DaddyYou helped Daddy and me pick out the biggest and best tree of them all!
Merry Christmas!

A few decorations...

Welcome

The Tree...

Daddy, getting ready to bring in the tree.

Here you are, going crazy, crawling around the tree and exploring the Christmas decorations around you. You seem to love Christmas!

Having fun!

You look curious and surprised all at the same time! You are the most precious sweet girl!

Eating an ornament...

Playing with Mommy

love this one...

sweet profile

those big eyes...

Ava Cakes - Merry Christmas Baby Girl!
I love celebrating the season with you. You know something? This is your Mommy's favorite time of year. I just love the fact that God became a small, tiny baby to save the world. Who would have guessed such a miracle would come to such a everyday sort of way? "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given..." I can't wait to share the beauty, traditions and meaning of Christmas with you. We have already put up the tree and the decorations, made Christmas goodies, ordered lots of presents, listened to Christmas music and ordered our Christmas cards. You are the star of our Christmas Card this year, and for years to come I would imagine! Well there are many more parties to attend and fun to be had. Now you are fast asleep.
Sweet dreams my love, sweet dreams. Love - your Mommy
P.S.
Recently, Ava Kate, you have done so many things!
You started playing with your baby doll...you will squeal at her and pat her on the head...it is so cute! You started stage two baby food. You especially love the strawberry, pear, granola mixture. You started standing up and you will push up on your tip toes too. You have started saying MaMa and DaDa more consistently and you reach for us too. You also are playing with your toys all by yourself and taking out your blocks, one by one. You clap your hands together when you sit up, as though you are so proud of yourself. It is super cute! You weigh 22 pounds and are 28 inches long. You are 8 months and 2 weeks old. On Christmas day you will be 9 months old. I cannot believe that it has almost been 9 months. It has gone by so fast. You now have 4 teeth and are cutting another tooth. You will get your two front teeth for Christmas this year, that is for sure.