All right then...it's been longer than normal. Sorry about that. I finally updated my pictures, so now I am able to post new ones. So....we've been busy. Ava had a fussy/rough couple of nights. A couple of screaming fits and just didn't know what she wanted. Which, at eight weeks wasn't "normal" for her. So we got a little worried and took her to the pediatrican. They think she just has 'the crud.' That's a technical term, by the way. She had a slight temperature, but her ears, nose and throat were clear. They ran a couple of blood tests, and all's clear. She doesn't feel real good. So we're just loving on her and letting her sleep it off.

She's so responsive. She'll smile and almost giggle now. I'll lay her down on her changing table (I'll have to snap a photo of that soon) and if she's not hungry, she'll just smile at me and talk to me. It's so much fun. Mama, Ava and Grammie went on their first real walk Friday. I was shooting a wedding with my father in law at Celery Flats in Portage. The grooms parents are neighbors of my in-laws. Beautiful day for it, so the girls came to visit as we were wrapping up.

Then later in the weekend we went to visit my folks for a Memorial Day grill-out. So the pics are from the weekend. Hope you all enjoy!


Wonder who got this onesie for her?


Eating dinner with Mama.


Ava says, "Hanging out with my goofy Uncle Douger."


Here's the old guy with Zeke. Know what an old hound dog and an old Harley have in common?

They both spend most of their time in the back of a pick up truck.

Last but not least...love you Crystal!!!!!!!(She hates having her picture taken)



More photos to come later....

Working

Well all...I'm working Sunday night into Monday morning this weekend. So, no new photos right now. But, we've been busy this weekend, so I should have some new ones this week. We've had a nice holiday weekend so far. We've been to see my folks, Becky's folks have been over...and there's a cook out Monday with friends. And of course Ava's just getting bigger and bigger. Smiling all the time and already being responsive. It's amazing. Hope everyone has/had a great weekend. Hope the laser game has taken over!

Happy Memorial Day (Weekend)

To all the families of fallen soldiers: thank you. Your sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, siblings...are heroes. God bless them.


Well we had a fun night Thursday. First I took a nap with Ava after work. Then we went to Uncle Douger's place to visit the recovering gimp. He's doing well. My folks were there, so Ava got to see them. Then we went to the salon to visit Mama. Ava got to meet a couple of coworkers and a client of Becky's. And we watched Mama work for a little while. I can't wait till we get to go to the library, the park, maybe South Haven.

So here are a few photos from her nap the other day.

What a cute hand. Mama can't hardly wait to start giving her manicures and polish.


Ava's enjoying her Pack 'n' Play.


And here's the close up. Look at that lip.


And here's one from a week ago or so.



Enjoy the weekend!

7 Weeks Old Now

Well, no pictures today. Picture taking has decreased in frequency as we're finding our groove and getting life back into order so-to-speak. Ava's doing great. I read to her yesterday. Becky also did, but I wasn't home so I can't give you the low-down. She said Ava liked it, and it put her to sleep. I read from "Where the Sidewalk Ends." (Here's a review that pretty much sums it up) She was smiling as I read the poems. I tried to give her the dramatic, different voices readings, too. It was a lot of fun. Then later I moved my bass guitar and amp out of the garage, and played a little for her. She loved that, too. Hmm, a reader and a musician. Jackpot! Anyway, I've linked a game below...caution!! It's addicting.


Click this link here for a brain busting, addicting game when you have time. And shoot me an email or leave a comment on what you think/how far you get. I can't stop playing.

Right now on the radio Rush's "Subdivisions" is playing. Great song. I'm out....lates.

Nothing New...But Here Are Some Photos Anyway

I thought I'd post a few fun pictures. That's what this site's for after all, right?


Our friends Jen and Chad...practicing. No, they aren't expecting...but I think Ava is having that effect on our childless friends.


Ava checking out Jen.


For fun...here are the motorcycle 'models' I got for Christmas. They're at the office as inspiration.

Tuesday

Well Ava and I went galavanting Monday. We went to GG and Poppy's house. It was only the second time shes seen them. Then while we were so close, we stopped at the Cramers and Moyles. Then Ava went home to see Mama and I went to visit Uncle Douger after his surgery. He's doing great - a little doped up - and will hopefully have a speedy recovery. So it was a big evening for Ava and I think she really loved it.

Today's photos are from the other day with Grandma and Granpa C.

First, this is one of the plants outside our front door. It had rained that day.


Here we are for our first visit to Grandma and Grandpa C's house. Becky brought a plant for Mother's Day. (I gave one to my mom, too)


Posing for Grandpa


Ava loves to stare at whoever's feeding her. Especially Mama.


Making faces at Daddy.


Getting burped.


SO big!!

Rough Weekend

Another weekend comes and goes...sorry ahead of time if today's post seems down a notch or two. We had a sad day Saturday...our two beautiful kitties are no longer with us. We'll truly miss Chloe and PJ.

On a brighter note, we had visitors this weekend. Both Grandparents's's's's came to see Ava. Oh yeah, and us too. (so they say anyway!) Here are the pics with my folks, the others I'll post next time. I don't have the photos with me.

The news today -- Ava's getting so strong. She loves to 'stand' on us as we hold her up. It's so amazing. The other day I was holding her up and some music came on. I showed her what dancing was, and told her to go ahead and dance, and she kind of did. It was so cute. I think she's going to be a musician! Then Grandma C held her up on her changing table as she stood. It's going by so quickly! And she loves the swing we have for her. (If this is already posted, my apologies) She falls asleep when it's on high. Plus I put together her Pack 'n Play and she slept in it for a long time Sunday evening. I hope she likes it. Becky weighed her Sunday and Ava's up to 10 pounds! Can you believe it? On with the pictures!

Cuddling with the Grandparents.


She loves this position. So does Ava!


Ohh the paparazzi!


Look, Uncle Douger can read! And it's not about music. Oh, and that's Crystal. Gotcha!

Enjoy the weekend

Well all, I've been a little off on the photos this week. We're trying to find our groove at home with Becky going back to work, and Ava and I hanging out in the evenings. Lots of work to catch up on this weekend...mowing, roof leak-fixing, garage and basement cleaning. Too much "fun." Anyway, here are a couple of random photos. Have a great weekend, check back soon.

Here's the bulletin board behind my desk. Notice the Grotto North (Kalamazoo band) poster and Oceanside stuff?


Here's a shot of my workspace in my office. Yes, that's a fridge in the corner. It was here before the office was mine.


And one of the reason for this site in the first place...my beautiful daughter.

Six Weeks and Counting

Grandma and Grandpa Moyle came over last night. They brought us Coldstone, so I let them in the house. Today is Aunt Cathy's birthday... **sings a little off key** Happy Birthday to you! I don't sing, so that's all you get. And yesterday was Nana's birthday. Ava's six weeks today. So birthday wishes all around. I guess that's about it. Enjoy the day!

Think she adores the one who gives her food?


For being so big, she sure can compact herself. She loves scrunching up.


I think she's dreaming about the beach. I've been telling all about Oceanside since her birth.

No Pics :(

Hello all. No pics today, but here's what's up.

Last night Ava was all smiles. As you saw from the last batch, she'll smile from time to time. But last night, I went to change her diaper and as I was talking to her, she smiled at me. So I told her to smile again for me, and I smiled at her. Her face lit up with a smile too beautiful for words. And then later when she was sitting with Becky, she was making faces and talking to her. Every time Becky would open her mouth and "say ahhh..." Ava would do the same. I don't know how old babies usually are when they start to mimic, I don't care if she's right on or early with it, but it just lights up our hearts. She's so cute.

So that's the tidbit for today. Other than that, we're just doing our thing. Star Wars comes out this week. I'm not in line for it, so I'll probably catch it next week. That's my entertainment news for the month. Anyway, enjoy your day...wherever you may be.

Monday Fun

Hey hey ya'll...hope the weekend was good for everyone. Becky, Ava and I enjoyed ours. It was a little stormy Friday, which happened to be the 25th anniversary of a tornado in Kalamazoo. Nothing close to that severe, but it was a little ironic. We got to hang out with our friends Dave and Lisa...and I finally watched Day of the Dead. Land of the Dead comes out pretty soon, now I'm up to speed. I can't wait!

Anyway, Sunday brought a heavenly breakfast with Doug and Crystal (she's the cook, with Becky) and my folks. Then after church Becky's folks came by for curry chicken. So I finally have photos to put up. Mostly of the Cramers, but also a bath from the other day. She's too cute! And a lilac bush my folks gave us. It's originally from my mom's childhood home, and has made the move three times and generations to my house. So here are the pictures...



Hanging out with Grandma in the kitchen.


It's been awhile since Grandpa C held Ava.


And obviously she likes it!


Her smile makes me melt.


Using my macro focus function.


Mama's burping Ava...she looks thrilled, right?



So you can she Ava's starting to smile at us when we talk to her now. Man, it's something else when she does. So that's the update. We're doing great. She's getting so big so fast. When we're holding Ava up, she pushes down with her legs. I think she wants to stand up. It won't be long I'm sure. Right then...have fun and keep looking up!

Friday Pictureless Post

Well, it's been a busy week and I've slacked off a little on my photography. So today's not a picture filled post. I'm hoping to work on the house this weekend, and of course spend time with the family. If I don't get to it this weekend, I'll be all over it Monday. Hope everyone's weekend is great!

Added Pics

Here are some more pics from Wednesday.

A nice surprise from Matt and Colleen - Matt's always a sucker for the camera.


Ava sitting with Grandma Moyle.


Grandpa Moyle giving Ava her dinner.


Another good close up.


Time to burp!


So there you have it. Keep on rockin' ya'll.

Over 200 Visitors!

Woo-woo... We've had more than 200 hits since last week. That's over 30 a day.

So, we finished a roll of film the other day. We're not good with film. But here are the pictures from that.

Can you believe Ava was in there, so tiny?


Here we are at our ultrasound. What an amazing event.


Dang she's cute.


Here's a good close up.


Well I had a positively wonderful birthday yesterday. Becky let me take a 2 hour nap (we're both a little sleep deprived - imagine that!). Then she made tacos for dinner. You'd think she was a professional chef with how amazing her cooking is. And she (and Ava) gave me such nice gifts. A case of Guiness, a Guniess t-shirt, and a new wallet so I can carry pictures finally. My folks and the Cramers came over, and Crystal (Doug works 2nd shift) for dessert. Strawberries and angel food cake - my favorite. Matt and Colleen surprised me with a visit and a Guiness glass. See a theme here? I was so happy you guys came over Matt. Plus the wonderful emails and phone calls from everyone. All in all - a great day.

It's hard to believe Ava's more than a month old. 5 weeks yesterday. She's getting so big. She's losing her infant hair, getting ready for the real thing. And her eyes still haven't changed to a color just yet. But she's doing so well, and we're having a ball. Ya'll enjoy the day.

I'm Old

Well, we picked up our new camera yesterday. I'll post the first pictures from the Fuji here. But first...the ramblings.

So it's someone's birthday today. He's creative, an artistic genius. He was also named after his brother, who died nine months earlier at only 21 months old. Yes, I share a birthday with one of the strangest artists I've heard of...and one of my favorites.

Dali's mother often referred to her dead firstborn as a "genius" and took the infant Dali to see his brother's grave, which, for the little child, seeing his own name on the headstone, was deeply disturbing.

Salvador Dali and I share a birthday. He's the guy who painted the melting clocks and other surreal pieces.

But, I also share a 'day-of-the-week' birthday with Ava. We were both born on Wednesday. Pretty cool stuff.

Anyway, Tuesday Ava and I spent the evening together. Mama had to work. And we surprised her with a visit, to bring her a car. I'll post some of those eventually.

Ava cuddled in with me last night...she practically burrowed into the crook of my arm.


Look at her cute little knee.


I used the fancy-shmancy timer function for this family photo. I'm still figuring out the focus functions and such.



So that's the news for today. Thank you mom and dad. It may be my birthday, but I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. We'll see you for strawberries tonight! ((Mom just sent me an email "singing" to me - it was nice)) I hope everyone has a great day!

And don't forget to click on the Google ads for Ava!

Photos from the Weekend

Monday night was Becky's first night back to work...which means it was Daddy's first night with Ava on our own! I don't understand the dads who say things like "I have to watch the kids tonight" or "I'm babysitting my kids." I was being a dad, not a babysitter. Anyway, we had a very nice evening. She ate and slept. And I changed a couple of diapers. Not earth-shattering stuff, but it was great spending time with my daughter.

So I said I'd post pictures from the weekend. I wasn't able to last night, but here they are today. Enjoy!



We went to Grandma and Grandpa Moyle's on Saturday for Mother's Day...Ava's going to be a biker if her Grandpa get his way!


Uncle Jerry was there when we arrived, he called Auntie and she came over to love on Ava.


You'd think Granparents would be too old to have a child at home...but here's my parents other kid, Zeke.


"Oh look, I'm hanging out with the Cramers!" We visited the Cramers Saturday, too.


We tried to get a nice photo by Grandma and Grandpa's tree, and this is how Ava felt about it. She's going to have to realize Grandpa LIKES to take pictures!


We love her, did you know that?


And here's one from Sunday where we planted the lilac bushes from Grandma and Grandpa Moyle.


Ava is more than 20 inches long, but she loves to scrunch up smaller than my hand. Isn't she tiny!?


Pardon the outfits, but I thought some of you who haven't seen our house would enjoy this picture. We had just moved in and were painting and such. This is in December of 2003, you can see I was trying to get rid of the leaves. So that's our house!


Well, we have no plans for tonight - Becky works again so I'll be 'babysitting' Ava. I'm looking forward to these times where we get to hang out. Last night, I layed her down for a nap on her tummy and she was able to lift her head and turn it from the left cheek to her right. She's so strong. And no, that's not how she sleeps at night. We know about the SIDS warning, she just loves to sleep like that we let her when we can check on her. So anyway, maybe I'll snap some photos tonight and share them. I'm getting a new camera soon, so we'll se if it makes a difference. Enjoy your day!