just 'cuz

Just because I haven't picked up my camera in months. Just because it was a warm summer night. Just because Ava and I were home alone and needed something to do after our grilled cheese dinner. Just because I can't believe how much my baby has grown. Just because seeing pictures of her takes my breath away and makes my heart happy. And just because she happily agreed to model IF she could choose her own outfit including crazy high shoes from my closet that she has declared hers once she grows into them. Just because, we took some pictures.





Oh how I love her :)

my baby is 7 (updated)

For the record, I did not forget my daughter's birthday. Unfortunately, I had to be out of town for work that day, which absolutely killed me! She's seven now. I cannot believe it myself. I barely remember that chubby little baby. She's so grown up, but she'll always be my baby.

Dear Ava,

From the moment your dad said, "it's a girl!" and I said, "SHUT UP!" I knew we were really lucky to have you. Life has been so much more fun with you in it. You are an incredibly special little girl that I would be utterly lost without.

Ava...funny, fun, dramatic, quirky, weird, lovable, girly, helpful, outgoing, spirited, sweet, ruthless, relentless, crazy, cute, curly, cuddly... These are just a few of the adjectives I can easily use to describe you. I love being your mom.

Love,
Mom


Update:
I finally got around to getting Ava's birthday pictures off my camera. I completely forgot to mention the highlight of her party. She wanted the spanking machine...15+ people, grandparents included, lined the hallway so Ava could scoot through. HILARIOUS. No picture, but trust me it was very funny. I love that crazy kid. And I love this picture. She's so happy and a little embarrassed with everyone singing to her.

what to do when your kid's teacher gets a better back to school picture of your kid than you do?

Post it.

look who got her ears pierced

Her dad finally said "I think you're ready to take care of your ears if you want to get them pierced..." and that's all it took. I promptly took Ava to the mall on Saturday. Without a second thought she hopped in the chair and the rest is history. She never cried or freaked out in the slightest. That is saying a lot for Ava! She's taking great care of them, and she is really, really proud :)

flower children

Tell me you don't want to be 5 years old in the summer time again...

on 2 wheels

Ava learned how to ride her bike without training wheels, two summers ago. She promptly threw a fit and refused to ride without training wheels the entire last summer. We've finally got her back on two wheels again. Every time she gets ready to go she repeats her "I can do it, I can do it, I can do it" mantra. I think she's on to something.

Gabe has been extremely encouraging throughout the bike riding lessons. He tries to give her tips and helps her get started. Most of the time she's too stubborn to appreciate it and ends up yelling at him "I don't need your help, Gabe!"

Oh well, his heart is in the right place. And that's just one of the things we love about Gabe.

happy campers

Carla sent me an email today with the subject line 'happy campers' and included the pictures below. Ava and Kasey are having a fun summer so far, thanks in large part to Carla. Someday we'll be pulling these out for the girl's grad party. Great memories! Thanks for sharing, C!

Pre-school graduation

Girls dressed up for the garage sale...they are fancy!

Post performance, Ava's first play, Abiyoyo

Ava's first day camp experience

fancy nancy

If you are not already familiar, there is a series of books by Jane O'Connor based on a character named Fancy Nancy. Ava has tendencies that are so much like Nancy, that I couldn't help but persuade her just a bit to be Fancy Nancy for Character Day at school today. She chose 'Bonjour, Butterfly' as her inspiration. She picked out most everything herself and came up with a stunning outfit...picture below is minus the wings - she did find blue ones - and extremely poor lighting, but you get the idea. It's hard for me to come to terms with the fact that my baby is no longer a baby or even a toddler anymore. Watching her grow is truly bittersweet. I know it won't be long and she'll too cool to be dressing fancy and silly. For now, I am really enjoying this time of mis-matched fanciness and her ability to pull it off.