Something to talk about!

Ava and her therapist Miss Somer

Ava loves the therapy room

In many blogs I read, I see children and parents living out picture perfect lives. I have also found myself only posting pictures and stories showing my daughter being precious. It would be easy for someone to read my blog and feel that my life was problem free and but that would be a misrepresentation of reality. So in trying to always live a transparent, genuine and authentic life, I want to be a little vulnerable in this post. In doing so, I hope it will free other mom bloggers to show flaws...even in blog land.

Many of you who have followed our family's journey, know that my sweet Ava decided to enter into the world a little early and in a dramatic fashion. This early entrance was not necessarily her doing, but that whole story is for another post! Due to her being born a little too early, we have had to face some "bumps" in the road the last two years and three months. At every developmental stage crawling, walking, eating, and now talking we have had to work just a little bit harder. Now that she is over two, and is still a little delayed in speech, we have decided to ask for some more professional assistance. Ava has begun going to speech one day a week. She goes to the Pediatric Therapy Clinic and has an amazing therapist, Somer working with her each week. In just two visits I can already see Ava improving in her talking and communication.

I am so thankful that God has placed such a wonderful facility and people in Ava's life. A verse that keeps coming to my mind as I struggle with feeling insecure in telling others about Ava's delays is 1st Corinthians 1:27 "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." I am excited to see what amazing things God is going to accomplish in and through Ava's life! In fact, I can not wait for the day when one of her teachers at school sends home a note that tells me that Ava needs to talk less in class. It just might get framed!

Future Gymnast

Jumping with friends

Playing on the bars

The foam pit

On the beam

Hanging out with Addison

Yummy cupcake!

This afternoon Ava had a super fun time at her friend Emily's birthday party at the local gymnastic academy. Since sometimes Ava gets a little overwhelmed with big crowds and new things, I thought she would be a little nervous...but I was wrong. She loved it. She loved bouncing, running, going through the obstacle course and walking on the beam. As a former gymnast I was very excited that by just her third try, she walked across the beam with just holding onto one of my hands and was able to stand on it with out any help!! Ava had a great time with her friend Addison. All during the party, Addison and Ava played together. I am so glad I caught a cute picture of them holding hands together...precious. Big breakthrough, Ava even ate some cupcake and icing...well mainly icing!

Sunny Sunday!

This afternoon was a perfect time for a popsicle

Ava had fun helping Daddy in the yard

OOOH! What a beautiful flower!

After last week's gloomy weather, today was such a blessing! So after Ava's nap, we went outside and enjoyed the fabulous weather. Snack time was extra special with a yummy popsicle. Ava calls popsicles, "pop-sicks". Ava played, ran, kicked the ball, and even stopped to help Daddy with some yard work. On a side note, yes Ava is wearing her dressy, brown shoes to play outside. When I started getting her ready to go play outside, I had laid out her tennis shoes and brown shoes. She pointed to her brown shoes and said, with some opinion, "me shoes". I suggested that she wear her tennis shoes, but she kept on pointing and say, me shoes, me shoes to the brown shoes. At that moment, I thought, "pick your battles". So the brown shoes it was!!

Thankful for the amazing weather and look forward to a week of more spring like weather!

Dress Up!

Today was another cold, windy, yucky day, but that did not stop Ava from brightening up my day. After she came home from school and had a nap, we played dress up. She has really gotten into dress up lately and it is soooooo much fun! She really likes hates lately, but the only "hatish" items I have are he winter sock hats and the above Easter bunny ears. But with a little imagination we had a great afternoon playing dress up!

On a side note, when I was little I use to have some red and white kids ( I think they were called ZIPS). So when I found some red keds at a consignment sale for just $1, I had to break the bank and get them for her. PRECIOUS!!

What to do on a rainy day?

Peak a boo!!

This tube is soo much fun!

Today was super rainy and yucky outside. After Ava woke up from her nap (thus still wearing her PJ's), I pulled out her tent and tube. You would have thought I had just given her the great present at all, she was squealing and laughing. We had a great time playing and hiding in the tent today. Again, it just reminded me that simple things can bring so much joy!