Our trip to Ft. Lauderdale

After Ava's soiree in the woods we headed to Ft. Lauderdale for some R&R but Ava had other plans in store for us. The ride there went smoothly but it got a little bumpy after that. Ava was still not fully well and was not thrilled that we were in a foreign place. Our hotel was right on the beach with an ocean view on the 24th floor, it was sunny and in the low to mid 70's, it was perfect EXCEPT it was so windy! To the point that it was annoying and to be laying on the beach with these conditions were no fun! But we made the best of it. Ava was enamored with her cousin Regann and everything Regann did Ava mimicked, monkey see, monkey do.

Our little girl sure does have a sweet personality and loves to laugh. She is so fun to be around. In the morning I would wake up with her and she would crawl all around the room exploring, pulling herself up, taking a step here and there but then falling to her knees. It was Ava and Mommy time and I cherished it. We didn't leave the hotel and beach much, would you if you were across the street from the beach? So glad everyone stopped by even though I didn't get pictures with all of you. Lali, next time you visit us don't take things home with you that aren't yours (hehe)

Ava Grey's Birthday Party

For Ava's first birthday we went to my Mom's in Newberry, Florida where tons of family and friends showed up. It was a fun time even though the guest of honor had a stomach virus, she did very well considering. I think the kid out numbered the adults which is always a good time. Once the festivities got underway there was some good cookin' out, company and something called drunk chicken that Joey couldn't stop talking about. Ava eventually warmed up to Kristi and stayed in her arms for most of the party giving mommy and daddy a break and some time to go on the ATVs - which I will never do again since Amalia flipped ours over, thanks girl!! Thanks to everyone who made the drive deep into the woods for Avita's party. Stay tuned to the blog when Ava debuts the outfits and toys you all gave her. CAUTION: There are a lot of pictures

Grandpa Bill lovin' on the grand kids

Ava's first taste of sugar - wondering why she hasn't had this before.

Present time

Grandpa Bill and Nana got a Gator bounce house



The Rodriguez's

Family picture - all girls and one boy!

Baby Ava

Since Ava was born so many of our family and friends have called her "Baby Ava." She's always been Baby Ava and now as she approaches her first birthday, while she'll always be my baby, she really isn't going to be a baby anymore. This really made me sad, I mean tears sad. Soon we will have a toddler running around our house. I know this is the natural course of life and while I'm thrilled she is growing up, I still find myself a little sad that my infant will cross over into toddlerhood.

Soon she will be using her five senses to explore the world, finding pleasure in causing things to happen and doing that 'thing' over and over again, sticking her belly out to balance while she walks and maybe, just maybe sleeping past 7:00am.