Walmart and Ava

Ava and Walmart have a love/hate relationship. She gets so excited when she first gets in the cart, she can hardly stand it. However the excitement never lasts and half way through the shopping trip a meltdown tends to occur. At that point I usually push snacks, if that doesn't work, I'll hold her. She never wants me to hold her though. She just wants down. Down is never good, because she is fast. A quick one year old is never helpful grocery shopping, but for now (and I do say now, because I know this probably won't work on our next shopping trip), we found a compromise.

Naptime

The last couple of days Ava has woke up screaming during her nap and I can't seem to get her back to sleep in her crib. So, I have been lucky enough to take two naps with her on the couch. I know I shouldn't enjoy it as much as I do, but I love it!

June...

My mom came to visit and we drug her all over Kansas....Allison got married while she was here and it was soooo wonderful to get most of our friends together. I loved it! And Allison and Tyler looked so happy! We were so lucky to celebrate with her!

From KC we went to Dustin's mom's house in Buhler and had Ava's second 1st birthday party. It was great! So many people came and Ava was completely spoiled. Plus, Grandma Cheri made her an awesome cake! Later that night we attempted to head home, but only made it a few miles away before the winds were 60mph, the rain was pouring, and a tornado warning had been issued.....so I forced Dustin to turn around and wait it out. :) I love you hon!

When we finally made it back to Edmond my mom graciously watched Ava, so Dustin and I could go on a date and spend our first night away from her. We went to Toy Story 3, which was awesome, except that it made me miss Ava. Then we spent the night at a hotel down by the mall. It was wonderful! We both attempted to sleep in, but couldn't of course (thanks to be used to our little alarm clock named Ava). However, our checkout time wasn't until 2, so I got a nap in between the time I woke up and when we had to check out! I was pretty pumped about that!

So, June was a very busy month, but sooo much fun! We are so grateful for all the help we got from my mom and for Brad and Cheri throwing Ava such a wonderful Birthday party. We are so blessed!

More pics...sorry if you're sick of these!

Ava loved all of her gifts! Thanks everyone for making this such a special day for Ava. I know she loved having you there (and I enjoyed hanging out with you all!) Lets use our kids to hangout more often! :)

Pics from the party.

This was my second attempt at making Ava's birthday cake. Thanks Lovett's and Wilkins' for eating my first one! The Teddy grahams chilling under the umbrella's was Dustin's idea (it's great being married to a graphic designer...much more creative than I ever am!) Over all it turned out okay or it tasted good at least!

Where did the time go???

Ava is ONE!!

I honestly never thought this past year would go by so fast. Nor did I think I would be this emotional about my baby turning one! It really is amazing how much you can love your child. You carry them for 9 (more like 10) months and then they are born. You have this love and desire to protect them immediately, but that love only doubles every day. Some days I feel like I'm overflowing with it, because I just love her so much (I know, cheesy, right?) So true though! We are so blessed that God allowed us to be her parents!

12 Month appointment

30 inches long : 75%

19.9lbs : 25%

Head : 85%

-She is tall, skinny, and has lots of brains.....I believe there's a volleyball player in the making! (I don't need my kid to be a doctor, just play sand volleyball in the Olympics. I don't think that's a lot to ask for! haha).

Ava likes her music!

Ava and Ella Dancing