Welcoming Home the Troops!

Today we all got dressed in Red, White and Blue and headed to Miramar Air Base to Welcome Home Marine Batallion MTACS-38, including our good friend Lloyd who has been serving in Iraq for the last 7 months! It was a great experience for all, as we stood on the flight line just feet from where their plane landed.

Ava's 2 Year Appointment - What a BRAVE little girl!

Ava had her 2 Year Well Child visit today. She had her measurements done, and we were told she is growing perfect at 24.6 lbs (30th percentile) and 34inches (60th percentile). Her language skills were marked off the charts - the average number of words for a 2 year old to speak is 45, they stopped counting for her at 200!

Then came time for shots, Mom's least favorite time, so she was glad Dad was there to hold her. Well the nurse came in, and got the 3 needles ready, and then.... NOTHING... not a peep, not a sound.. in fact Michael and the Nurse both said they thought she never stopped smiling! Everyone was amazed!

One hurdle down, but the big one was still to come, we had to head down to the Lab and get her blood drawn. She had this done once before, but it was from her foot then because she was so small. This time it was a full vial from her little arm.. again Mom was very glad Dad was there for this too. And again, our little Ava amazed us... not a tear shed! We did get the bottom lip pout, but we think that was more because of the band tied so tight around her arm than the needle. So, so proud!!

Preview of Jack's Big Photoshoot

So as some of you know, our little Jack is going to be the subject of the stock/example book for a local child photographer, Josh Spicer. He saw Jack's photo on facebook and asked if he could use him for a 20 page book that will be on display at 22 different children boutiques and stores in San Diego and Orange County. He of course is doing the photo shoots for free, and then will provide us with a free copy of the book and give us a cd with all the photos on it for our own use.

Saturday we did the first half of the shoot at home. We will be finishing it next weekend, but the photographer, Josh Spicer, posted a few pics from Saturday as a little preview...

Amazing things kids say...

I just have to share this here. This morning Ava came into our room while I was getting ready, and Jack was asleep in the co-sleeper. She climbed on the bed, leaned in and gave Jack a little peck on the lips, then put her head on the pillow and pulled the blankets up. Then here is the best part, she said, "Mommy. Let's cuddle." I just melted, and of course jumped back in bed and we cuddled for maybe 3 or 4 minutes until she jumped up and said "Milk? Mickey?" and my moment was over. We then went down stairs and watched Mickey Mouse and had some milk, but I had to share my happy moment this morning.

Preschool..???

So today we went to see a preschool that a few people have recommended. I have heard nothing but GREAT things about it. It is an arts based school with music and art projects everyday. Well we went and met the owner/teacher and she was amazing. When we arrived she was doing Yoga with the kids, and took us outside to see the hand prints and picture frames they had made that day. Then stopped by to see the school pet, a bunny named Thumper. Michael and I were both very impressed and really, really loved everything about it. So.... we decided our baby girl will be starting preschool 2 days a week next month!! Eek! But I am very glad we found a place that we are so comfortable with and that Ava just seemed to be excited to see and took right to the teacher.

Made me smile today when...

Just a quick entry about something that made me smile today. Ava said "lub you" (love you) then I asked her "how much do you love mommy"... expecting the usual response of "thiiiis much" holding her hands out like Elmo does, but instead I was told "Whole Bunches" :) She must have seen how happy I was to hear her say that, because she has repeated it all day.

Dog Park

This morning we met our friends Donna and Autumn and their four legged friend at the dog park this morning. We all had fun and Indie got some exercise. Ava and Autumn had a blast chasing the dogs around and then both "walked" their dogs to the car (held on to the leash between the dog and Dad). We are going to try and make it a regular thing and check out all the dog parks in San Diego.

Ava's First Haircut

Ava went for her first haircut today! We had to do something about the baby mullet that was beginning to form, so we took her to get some shape and a trim today to Little Locks in La Jolla. Little Locks is a kids only salon with each chair being a cool "ride in" theme and kids shows on tvs in front of each station. She had her hair cut by Joy as she sat in a blue angel airplane chair! Ava did great, and Joy was really fantastic with her. First Joy read her a book, then took a water bottle and sprayed her hair, and "messed it up" and spiked it straight up just to be silly with her. They gave us a little certificate for her First Haircut and of course gave us a "lock" of hair for her babybook. And , Yes, we took photos and will post them soon...

Jackson starts swimming

Jackson started swim class today! He took to it just as well as Ava did when she started and loved the water. He giggled and laughed the whole time. Dad had to work today, so Mom took both the kids, so no pictures this week, but we will have some posted next week.

What a great Hubby!

Just had to give props to Michael today. Around the time Michael gets home from work there was a knock at the door, and Michael was standing there with a big bouquet of flowers (calla lillies, our wedding flower), with a grin on his face. There was no special occassion, or reason.. just because. It really made my day :)