Christmas 2011

Wow what a weekend. Busy, Busy, Busy. We had a lot going on with many different Christmas's and family gatherings! Friday night we spent over at Grandma Schoonover's house. Ava got lots of toys and clothing from Aunts and Uncles and great grandma and Grandpa. She also got some cash for her piggy bank, as did Cole and I :). Saturday we started out the day over at Kay and Bruce's for the Odneal (immediate family) x-mas. Ava got a couple of new toys, some socks (Kay claims will stay on!) I say we just invent sock suspenders as Ava's socks constantly fall off-they did stay on pretty good though, and she also got a new Ornament personalized with her name! Cute! Then we headed over to my Dad and Andi's to have our Schoonover (immediate family) x-mas that night. We had lots of Appetizers Andi made up and Desserts from Jillian (Josh's g-friend) they were soooo good, and I totally overate. We stayed the night there since we knew in the morning we had to be in Waterloo anyways.  Then Sunday we went to Grandma Niemann's for Christmas. We had a good time seeing all of my relatives from out of state, and catching up. The days events at Grandma's took longer then expected. We didn't eat until later in the afternoon, and got done with the gift exchange later. Ava began getting fussy and tired and we had decided that we would let her nap and get refreshed. She napped for 2 1/2 hours (that never happens!) at Grandmas while Cole and I and the others played a few different card games. which was lots of fun. We decided that it was getting late and we weren't able to make it over the Caley x-mas in CF. Bummer. I was looking forward to seeing everyone, and getting the xmas cards delivered (without buying postage :) but by the end of the day I was zonked! Will get in the mail ASAP. I am trying to get a play date set up with Ms. Braelynn so the 2nd cousins can catch up on baby talk! As that was what I was looking forward to the most! We did our best to visit all the family, but things come up with kids!  Thanks to all the family and friends for the gifts and well wishes. It was a great first x-mas with Ava Nicole. She is definitely loved...no doubt about it...and a little spoiled I will add.  With all the eating over the Holidays, and thanks to Dad's bathroom with surrounding mirrors after showering, Cole and I are gearing up to start our resolutions of weight loss! I need to get off the rest of the baby weight, and Cole just wants to get back into shape! We are excited for this and hope to just get healthier so we can keep up with our active girl! Happy Holidays. Here's to a great, happy and healthy 2012!
 I am writing  this at work and unable to upload photos, so pics to follow!

Holidays!

Wow...Sorry all! It's been quite a while since I have posted, but I am happy to say that I am DONE with student teaching! I can't believe I made it through 16 weeks, I am sooooo happy. I will be starting full time at GMAC tomorrow. In a couple of weeks once my teaching license comes, I can start applying for teaching jobs. Hoping one close comes open!

Ava has since turned 6 months old! Unreal! She is such a little angel...most of the time! She is awake much longer now, and is pretty snoopy if you ask me! She always has to know whats going on, and it is getting harder and harder for us to get her to sleep if she knows she is missing out on something. She has discovered her toes and is always trying to eat them, and anything else she can get her hands on. She is also doing very well at sitting. She hasn't got it completely mastered yet, she still is a little top heavy at times, but she is improving everyday. Pretty soon I have a feeling we will be looking down at her sitting and she will have taken off crawling. She is very close!

Her new favorite food at the moment is green beans. She gobbles them up! She is also enjoying the Gerber graduate puffs. We have them in banana, strawberry apple, apple cinnamon, veggie, Cheddar cheese and maple. They are little snacks for her that she really loves. I have tried them too, and while feeding her some, somehow half the tin got eaten...hmmmm?
We just had a great night at great Aunt Sharon and great Uncle Barts for one of the Odneal x-mas's. Of course she was spoiled getting gifts from great Grandpa and Grandma Odneal, Sharon, and Helen & Louie. We also got family pics, and Ava's 6 month pics taken. So excited to see those, they looked adorable when being taken!

Crazy to  think Christmas is only a week away. We will be busy all weekend with Christmas's. We have Grandma Schoonover's Friday night, My dad's and Cole's parents Christmas Eve, then we will be out to Rick's and Grandma Niemann Sunday. Luckily I will be getting off at 6 now, so I should be able to find some time to finish up some shopping as we are not completely done yet!

Hope everyone has a great holiday season! We are so excited to enjoy this one with Ava!

Another month bites the dust!

Yup! It's that time again. Our little princess is one month older! She has been such a happy girl lately! She has started eating cereal, oatmeal, and baby foods. That may be contributing to her happiness! So far she has LOVED bananas, green beans, carrots, and applesauce. I am thinking that I may start making her food instead of buying it. The fresh stuff tastes so much better then the processed! She has started rolling over more and more. I am no longer able to leave her on her changing table for a quick second as she is moving non stop. She has recently discovered her feet and is always trying to grab them to put them into her mouth! Her chattiness is continuing...I am thinking we may have to make a version of the shirt we did for her dad! haha Kay should know what that means! A few years ago we were up in Lancing and Cole was just talking and talking and talking, wouldn't sit down and would not shut up. So the family made a shirt that said "I'm standing and can't shut up". Obviously we would have to adjust it to something like, "I'm gabbing and I love my voice"..? something like that! 

It's crazy to think that I only have a full 3 weeks of student teaching left with breaks for Thanksgiving and planning days. I can't believe it. It really has gone pretty fast, and I am MORE then ready to have a normal life and schedule again! I am starting full time at GMAC on the 19th of December and will start applying for teaching jobs in January. Hoping I get something close!

Here's a pic of my Dunkerton crew, I haven't taken one of Highland yet

Yes..the hand gestures made them "that" much cooler! Haha

Well once again I will add that we have been blessed with our beautiful healthy girl and are so grateful for her and ALL of our amazing family for everything they do for us! We would have had a hard time getting through these past 5 months without you!

Aunt Mandy was home!

It was so great to have my sister home for the short time she was back last week. It is always nice to have her home, and now with Ava I love seeing them bond! Mandy got a little alone time with little miss as she watched her last Wednesday morning. I was told Ava was pretty good for her, and mostly slept. So thankfully she wasn't a crabby pants for Aunt Mandy. I know Ava loves when she is back and they really seem to get along great. I pray that they are close as she grows up even though Mandy is far away. I am hoping we can get her home for her baptism on the 13th, haven't heard back from Amanda as to whether she can get work off or not, but she will be Ava's godmother. Love and miss you Mandy!

Trying new things

I think I am ready for this, I am a big girl now!

What is that stuff Mom? I'm not so sure I wanna do this now!

Alright, let me try the stuff....It better be good!

Hmm...this stuff doesn't taste like Mommy's milk! Not so sure if I like this yet!

So here is a photo opt of Ava's first time trying rice cereal.She got a couple bites in but then thought it would be fun to try to blow bubbles when it was in her mouth, so more ended up on her then in her! I'm not sure that she even swallowed any of it. I think we are going to wait a little longer before we introduce it to her on a daily basis, as she seems satisfied with just milk now. It was pretty cute to watch her try this stuff out, but we will see if it works better around 5 months!

Put another notch on her belt!

Wow! I can't believe the time has come again to post her monthly birthday! 4 months old today! She was such a good girl yesterday at her 4 month apt as well. She weighed in a 13 pounds 4 oz and was 24 inches long! She has come a long way in four months. The Dr. gave us the go ahead to try some rice cereal, which we did. Hillarious! I will be posting pics of that moment soon! Ava has continued to develope on schedule and is a very healthy little girl. She has really found her voice and gabs to Mommy, Daddy, and anyone else who listen for that matter! She is getting stronger and stronger everyday. She stands well when holding our hands and can keep her head up completly on her own when sitting or hanging on mommys hip. She has been our little drool monster for the past week or so and has me wondering if she will be getting some teeth soon. EVERYTHING is making it's way into her mouth, I think it's her way of discovering things! It's about time for Cole and I to baby proof the house as I'm sure in no time she will be crawling everywhere! Happy birthday to my little peanut! Love you!

New Toy

This is a toy that Ava's babysitter Missy actually got her for her baby shower. I just got it put together and she really enjoyed it this past weekend. She would sit in for half hour to forty five minute increments. She was just fascinated by all the new things and the sounds each one made. The toy on her right is one you push down and it makes lots of noise. It would scare her when we would do it and then she would laugh and try to grab it. She eventually started just "punching" it...she couldn't figure it out. It was pretty cute...funny how her frustration is cute, but for some reason it is! I think it's the process of watching her discover things! Once she gets a little longer and her feet actually touch the bottom it will let her bounce a little too. I have a feeling this toy will last her a while and will keep her entertained!

Wahoo

Ava got to sit with mama in the kitchen and help me cook. She loves sitting in her bumbo now as she can be a part of everything that is going on, and I think she gets pretty excited when she gets to do so! I can just picture her saying "yes!" when I look at this picture! Cracks me up! What a sweetie

A look back....

 

Today I was looking through all the beautiful maternity pictures that I had on a CD, and thought I would create a little video with some of my favorites! Time has gone so quickly and I really didn't share these with many people. I really did love being pregnant, and at times miss it! Here is a little look into little miss Ava's creation! Don't mind the music it's all I had on my computer and I have NO idea how to get updated music!

One month older!

Although today is a very sad day for our country (10 year anniversary of September 11th) it is a happy day in the Odneal household as our little peanut is 3 months old today! She is growing so fast, Cole and I are trying to soak up every moment as we know her "littleness" won't last forever. She is really smiling a lot now and can recognize those she knows and smiles when they walk into a room. She tries to communicate with us by mimicking our faces and cooing and making cute voices. She can hold her head up pretty much on her own and has started to grip and hold onto things like her blanket, rattles, and MY HAIR ouch! :)

 I have been super busy with student teaching in Dunkerton and working, and unfortunately my little 4th graders sickness has rubbed of on me, and Cole, and baby Ava. She has a bit of a cough and stuffy nose but she's gonna make it ; ) She's been pretty sleepy today but when she's awake she's been like the picture above :)

I know we tell you everyday Ava but once again Daddy and Mommy (and all your family) love you very much and we are so blessed to have you! Happy 3 month birthday to you princess!

So sleepy!

Cole and I got Ava this onesie that states "Is it nap time yet?" I had to snap a pic when she was napping since it fit with the outfit! We should have a fun day tomorrow as we are going to aunt Sharon's house to get new pics taken! What makes it even better is that Braelyn (Ava's 2nd cousin who is 13 days younger then her) will be there too, and we will get some of the girls together! Yay! I can't wait :)

Bath Time!

Ava loves bath time! Whenever I start the water up she starts kicking her legs in anticipation. She sits so well in her little tub that grandma Julie got her, and it's great because it has a little sling that holds her up, so both my hands can be free. I tried and tried to get her to smile tonight and this is the best that I got, but still precious of her. Like the picture effect? (double click the actual picture to really see it)...did that on Lunapic, a free editing site, I'm gonna have a lot of fun with all my pictures, there is lots of cool stuff on there!

Miss my wittle sister :(

<3 Sisters <3

I was going through my camera tonight uploading pics from my camera to the computer and came across some pics of me and Mandy. I don't realize how much I really miss her until I see her face. Would you have ever guessed all the fighting we did growing up by looking at this picture? Haha...oh the fights we had! But I love her to death! She has always been there for me no matter what, and gives me that push when I need it. I will always cherish all the memories I have growing up with her, from lemonade stands, to flashlight tag (the scary kidnapper man :), dance, to shaving cream on my face....I will get you back for that someday! I look forward to all the memories we will have in our futures as well! You are my best friend  Love you Amanda Marie (fart monster)!

Long Johns



Ava Relaxing





Relaxing part 2

So Ava, Cole and I stayed at my dad's this past weekend. While we were there we went through boxes of Shelby's baby clothes. I came across this pair of long johns and thought they were adorable! They looked warm, and we keep the air pretty cool in the house so we always have Ave in long sleves at night. She loved these (while they lasted, she had a blow out a few hours later :) and I think they are the cutest things ever. So here's Ava in aunt Shelbys pj's! They are 3-6 months...but I doubt they will last that long, they already seem snug:)



Pretty Toes :)

So I caved a painted little missy's piggys! She was hanging out on my lap and I looked down at her cute little toes and couldn't resist painting them! It was a little difficult as she was wide awake and squirming around, but I accomplished my goal, even if they weren't perfect. I'm not sure how much Ava enjoyed her first pedicure (she does love her foot massage that she gets nightly, along with the rest of her body...it really relaxes her...and no Amanda I am not spoiling her :)) but I am sure we will enjoy many of them together as she grows up! 

Good Morning!

Can not believe she is 9 weeks old already! This is the beautiful face I get to wake up to every morning! LOVE HER SOOO MUCH! Can't imagine life without her now :)

Bumbo

Here's little missy in her Bumbo. She loved sitting in this, I think she really felt like a big girl! She sat in it for about 10 minutes just looking all around. I wasn't sure at first if her head was strong enough that she could sit by herself, but sure enough it was! I wish this thing could be used in the bath, but unfortunately it can not get wet :( When she gets a little older and eating finger foods (cheerios) there is a little white tray that attaches so that she can sit in it and eat as well. It is very easy to move around as well so I am sure she will get a lot of use out of this as she is growing up. Whether she is hanging in the kitchen watching mommy cook and clean, watching daddy outside grilling or mowing, or just hanging out in her room playing, it will be a common feature in her days now. Thanks grandma Kay! 

Big Girl!

 I can't believe it but our baby girl is 2 months old today! Where does the time go? She has been such a joy for Cole and I and we are very blessed to have our little peanut. She has started to become more and more alert. She is staying awake for longer periods of time and cooing alot. Sometimes these precious moments take place at 4:30 in the morning... when mommy is not so adoring, but she can always make me smile with her little grin. I posted a pic of her at 1 month and now at 2... she sure is a growing girl. Cole took her to the Dr. on Monday and she was up to 10 pounds and 10 3/4 oz! She has about doubled her birth weight of 5 pds 9 oz! Mommy sure is going to miss seeing her during the day and night now. I started student teaching on the 22nd. So this means I will be at school from 7:30-3 then working 4-9 during the week...what have I gotten myself into? I'm crazy I know! But I figure it's only 12 weeks and then I will be a licensed teacher! Wahoo finally! I will try to keep up on the blog as much as I can in between lesson plans and feedings!

Happy Fourth!

I know I have not been connected to the "internet" world and family is staring to nag me, so I decided to finally start up a blog now that Ava has arrived to keep you all updated! Well Cole and I have made it through the first 3.5 weeks of parenthood! Ava has been such a blessing and a great addition to our family. She is sleeping and eating well, and starting to get her personality. It has been a lot of fun watching her change. It is going so fast, only 3 more weeks and mommy has to go back to work :( BOO.  She officially celebrated her first holiday, the 4th of July, up in Lansing at grandpa and grandma Odneal's houseboat. She did really great for her first outing! It got a little warm during the day but nothing that she couldn't handle, I have to admit she is a little spoiled with the air conditioning so the heat was an adjustment for her! She got to meet the Colorado crew which was nice as they are only here once or twice a year, and also received MORE gifts from Sharon, great grandma, and Helen...she is sooo spoiled already! ENOUGH GUYS!..ha ha I know that won't be stopping anytime soon. Hope you all had a safe and fun holiday as well, and check back for our family updates...mostly Ava's, since thats who everyone is interested in!