Update...

Its pointless to say we've been busy the past few weeks... everyone is busy these days. So instead, just a few updates.

On the 15th, Sarah went in and had her implant surgery. The surgery itself took only about 45 minutes, and went smoothly. She was awake for the procedure, and although most people cringe at seeing small screwdrivers, drills, and wrenches being used in their mouth, these things don't bother her. She was given some great pain killers, but when they started making her incredibly tired all the time, she opted for Ibuprofen instead. Needless to say, she has had to endure some discomfort, but otherwise has been fine. (That is until Ava accidentally hits her in the face, which happens at least once a day!) Sarah had her one week check up this past Thursday and everything looked great. The stitches should fall out on their own sometime this week. The next move isn't until next month when she'll back in for temporary caps, which she'll have until there is enough money to get the permanent ones.

In other news, Miss Ava is really growing into her personality, and its left us questioning where she came from. :o) Our little angel is quite aggressive as well as a budding Tomboy. She is rough and tumble and will take on any other child, girl or boy. Ava and Joshua (our neighbor and her best friend) run round in the back yard, throwing and kicking balls, falling on top of each other, and pushing each other off the riding toys. Of course they do have their sweet moments when they share cheerios, gold fish, or other snacks. They sure are two of a kind.

The Holiday season is quickly approaching and that always means our life is much busier than normal. This season we have the hope of traveling less or at least combining trips. (so family... if you any of you would like to come up here for a little visit, just let us know!) Having most of our family in WV is a great thing, unfortunately they seem to live at opposite ends of the state which doesn't make it easy. We'll get through it though, we always do.

Halloween is Saturday and Ava's costume is ready. We're planning on walking around just for a bit with Joshua and then heading back to the house to finish passing out candy. (The Dads get stuck with candy duty this year.) Check back next week for pictures.

Have a

Happy & Safe

Halloween

the Debate...

H1N1, its what everyone seems to be talking about. The thing is, everyone is saying something different. This past week the news has been saturated with information.... yet none of it seems to speak to us. If you're old, if you're young, if you're pregnant, a medical profession... etc, you need to get the vaccine. Yet, there are limitations on each of those, and apparently only so many doses available? So many questions, and very few answers.

Last week Ava went in for her second round of the flu vaccine. I also went in and got a flu shot on the same day. We're set for the seasonal flu... but not for the "swine flu." While in the office I asked the doctor about the H1N1 vaccine and what he thought... "do I get my daughter vaccinated?" His answer. "NO!" Really? I just assumed that we'd get it, since Ava is over 6 months and in the category of people who should receive it. The doctor's explanation, he wasn't my doctor or Ava's mind you, was that this vaccine was created back in the 70's and at that time many people had a bad reaction to it. Apparently he isn't having his children vaccinated. I found that quite odd for being a medical professional.

Then this morning on GMA (my only source of news... Pitt news is full of violence I'd rather not see), they were reporting from the CDC in Alanta, GA, giving as much information to people as possible. But still... nothing that really helped me. If I was pregnant, I'd now know that there is a greater risk that I could contract the virus. If I was a teacher or Ava was in school, I'd know that its important since I'd/she'd be around kids all day. But neither of those are the case. In fact, the only time we are around others is on Sunday and when we are out and about running errands. But in the back of my mind I have this bit of worry... what happens if Ava is in her class at church and a child (who got the vaccine, but still got a mild version of the virus) is there and infects her? I know, I know, what IFs.

I've always been taught to trust doctors, they should know what is best and have our wellbeing in mind. So I value what they think, and was totally thrown off by the doctor who told me not to get it. This morning I played the family card. I don't like to do it often be cause my Uncle gets calls from non patients all the time, but I figured we're family. Besides, its always nice to talk with my Aunt Susan. I needed Orts advice, and if any doctor would know what was in Ava's best interest, it'd be her own Uncle. Unfortunately, Susan and Ort hadn't spent much time talking about it, other than hearing things about possible outbreaks at my cousin's school. (Don't get sick Morgan!!!) But Susan promised she'd ask and get back to me.

So the debate lingers. To get, or Not to get? It is OUR question. (and OUR decision!)

On Saturday we finally got around to having Ava's picture taken. We had been wanting to do it for a while, but were just unable to get to it. The session started off kind of slow, Ava wasn't too sure about Jason the photographer (even though she is a HUGE flirt and loves men!), and she didn't want to take her thumb out of her mouth or stand in the right spot. Several times, we had to hold her in place and then on the count of 3 jump out of the shot. Lots and lots of tickling, funny faces and gestures, and sweat (it was so hot) went into getting these shots.

We hope you enjoy them!

Priceless!

HHI #2...

just a couple videos we thought you'd enjoy: Ava with unsteady footing trying to get away from Nathan and run into the waves.

HHI 2009

Last week we made the long treck down to Hilton Head Island for our first family vacation. And let me tell you, it was an experiece! The trip down (and back) was all about keeping Ava entertained. We left on Saturday morning at 4am, which was the best idea, and arrived on the island about 12 hours later.

After getting our stuff unloaded we headed to the grocery store to stock up on food for the week, then headed back to the condo to unwind. We spent much of Sunday trying to figure out Ava's schedule while letting her play as much as she wanted in the water. Ava loved and I mean LOVED being dipped in and out of the "big" pool. We took her baby pool so that we didn't have to be in the water all the time, but only helped a little. Our child loves the pool and so when she saw the big one, thats the one she wanted to be in. Since we were trying to unwind from the trip down we unfortunately missed an opportunity to see our friends the Mertens. They live in Savanah, GA, which is only about an hour from HHI. Due to misunderstandings, our "car"lag(think jet lag...), and our excitement to be on vacation, we forgot to call them. We're horrible friends, I know!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were spent by the pool, it was right outside our patio, and we had it all to ourselves. The weather was nice, but not too sunny, and we eventually did get a little color so we aren't so pasty white anymore :o)

Thursday we decided to take Ava down to the beach. It wasn't very pretty that day so we figured the beach wouldn't be too packed. For some reason I wasn't thinking and didn't put a swimsuit on Ava. I guess I thought she'd do the normal little kid thing and run away from the waves... WRONG! She charged them. She absolutely loved the ocean. And even though she wasn't in a suit, she was up to her waist in the water at one point. We knew we had to take her back over to the beach before we left. Friday turned out to be quite a rainy day so we got up and headed over to the outlets for something different. But that evening we headed back over to the beach. Ava ended up falling asleep on the walk over so we sat for a while until she woke up. This time, wearing a suit, Ava jumped and splashed in the waves. The water was warm but with a small breeze, Ava got chilly quickly, so we headed back to the condo to pack up our things so we could head out Saturday morning.

We had a great time on vacation and can't wait to go again. We are both eager to see how Ava will react next time she sees the ocean.

Thanks Uncle Mark and Aunt Kathy for letting us use your condo!

We hope you enjoy our photos.

heading South

unwinding with Daddy after a long trip

our "Water Baby"

Ava loved be dipped in and out over and over and over... again

taking a ride in her floaty car

hanging out in her tube

we couldn't pass up this picture opp.

This was taken at the Oyster Factory on the bay

Ava's first experience in the ocean

soaked!

trip #2 to the beach... sleepy girl

gotta love when strangers offer to take your picture!

lovin' it

just a bit chilly

Daddy's girl

heading home, monkey in tow

And finally heading North again after a great vacation...

New look...

We're trying out a new look... we weren't ever too fond of the last background!

1 year check up...

Ava had her 1 yr check up yesterday. And as always, our beautiful girl is very healthy.

Ava weighed in at 23.1 lbs (85%), apparently the bug she had last week didn't effect her. She was measured at 30-1/2," (90%), but I'm convinced she is longer than that. She wasn't too happy about being put on the table for weighing and measurement, so getting her to stretch out wasn't easy. The doctor's visit wasn't a happy one, as Ava got 4 shots yesterday. We decided to go ahead and get her flu shot, as she is constantly getting colds from the church nursery, and we don't want to face something bigger like the flu. We go for the second round of the flu shot next month. Looks like Daddy & Mommy will be getting flu shots again this year too.



With turn 1, comes the change of carseats. Ava has definitely outgrown her baby carrier, but we were encouraged to keep her in it as long as possible. So when we pulled out her new seat, courtsey off Grammy Amy, Grampa Fred, Aunt Danielle, & Uncles Jack and Andrew, she went crazy. She wanted to sit in it, climb all over it, and learn all about it while it was sitting in our living room. As you can see from the picture above, Ava is one happy camper now that she can see everything. And Daddy and Mommy are much happier now that we have more room on the passenger side, and Mommy can once again offer to drive on trips (Sarah was the only one who could squeeze in the passenger seat, and even then, her knees were in her chest.) Our only problem... figuring out how to keep her head up when she falls asleep. She needs a baby neck pillow! I'll have to get on that before our big drive in a couple of weeks down to HHI.

We hope you enjoy the little update on our BIG girl!