Wednesday...family, food and road rage

The cliche is true...they grow up so fast. Ava's getting so big! Though not as big as the 14 pound baby born recently who was in the news. Ava's almost 12 pounds now, and about 24 inches. I can't imagine 14... Anyway, we're doing well. Family's in town from San Diego...ahhh I miss the ocean... so we've been very busy. Picnics and dinners, more to come. It's great seeing Borah, Jim and having Kim stay with us. Kim's doing a documentary on reality television and some of the effects. I get to preview a rough cut while she's here. The trailer looks great. Kim came to work with me Tuesday, and she and the girls are picking cherries today. So it's busy, busy, busy!

Nick didn't win the EMMY last weekend. But he says just being nominated is an honor. --I call foul on the academy. He and Rachel are off to Florida for Sarah and Greg's wedding. I'm jealous, I'll bet it's less muggy there. Plus there's that ocean again... Oh well.

I don't know how bad I want to drive again for awhile...had a road rage incident happen to us on the way home from my folks place Tuesday. Guy ended up throwing something at the car. It hit us, but no damage. Though I thought he was going to rear-end us on the highway. It was scary, but we're okay.

Becky's Aunt Margaret had a spill from a horse last week. She's okay, but that was pretty scary, too. (Glad you're okay M) Plus they had another miniature born at the farm near their house. Ev says it's just beautiful - the pictures are too cute!

So that's what's going on 'round these parts. Hope everyone is well. Enjoy today's pics.


Ava's finding her thumb, like I used to do.


My girls.


Playing with my mom and her dad.


Playing horse with Great-Pa.


Cuddling with Great-Grandma.


Here's a good shot.

Muggy Monday

So it's going to be a thick, muggy, hazy day here today. Upper 90s and high humidity. Welcome to Michigan Borah, Jim and Kim! (They're from San Diego) We had a nice weekend. Becky's folks came over Friday for a great dinner. Now that Ava's here we tend to graze. I don't think we'll have an actual hot meal for quite awhile. But that's okay, it was still great. Then Saturday was quiet. Becky had to work a party for a valued client. She had a milestone birthday { I won't divulge the age in case she reads the blog! :^) } and asked Becky to come do manicures for her guests. Beck said it was a good time. I'm sure the guests enjoyed themselves, as my wife is the best in town!! --Had to brag--

And Sunday was the big picnic for the California crowd. Lots of people to see Ava. We stayed inside so people could hold her a little more than last time most of them saw her. So we had a great time. And Kim's staying with us for a couple days.

So back to Ava, as I'm sure that's really why you're here! Beck and I just can't believe how big she's getting. Now when you hold her hands she pull herself to sit up. And in her car seat Sunday she was wanting to sit forward. Won't be long till she's sitting up I'm sure. And she gives Mama and me kisses. Open mouthed and full-on drool, but fun nonetheless. So that's the update. Hope ya'll are well. Enjoy the pictures.

Sittin' with Mama.


Ava loves to share her Harley. Shelby and her Mama Hilary came to visit the other day to share clothes with Ava. We're a very giving group. :)


Before it got so darn humid, my folks were over and hung out on our back patio.


Ava was having fun with Grandpa


Aren't they beautiful.


Fire....it's from the bonfire for Grady and Megan's shower. I thought it was pretty cool.

Yep, we're still taking pictures!

So Ava rolled over for the first time this morning. She only had a little help. We were lying on the bed, so there was a little indentation where my elbow was. We were having tummy time so she can start to get the hang of crawling and lifting herself up on her arms. She was on her tummy, and all of a sudden **boop** she was on her back. I’m not sure if my elbow helped or not, but she did it!

We had a nice dinner with Becky’s folks last night. Plus we had a surprise visit from a friend of ours. Her name is Sue, and she sees the blog all the time, but it was her first time meeting Ava. Of course we caught her right out of a nap and before feeding, so she wasn’t the most gracious host. But she was excited to meet someone new.

Well today is June 25th. Ten years ago today Becky and I started “dating.” She was at a volleyball thing out of state, and we’d been talking and hanging out for a couple of weeks. So I asked her to “be my girlfriend” while we were on the phone that night. A full decade later, here we are! Life couldn’t get any better for me. A terrific wife and the world’s most beautiful baby. (At least I think so!) Well, my Buell up and running would be nice, but otherwise…. Time flies, right?

Okay, on with the pictures. I’m going to post the most recent…last night’s set. But I have a lot more. It’s been a little heavy on my family lately, so here are some of Becky’s folks, and of Becky. Yes, Ava has a Mama! You wouldn’t hardly know it by my postings as of late. But then I’ll update the rest soon, too.

Can you feel the love?


Tummy time!


Hi Sue...my name's Ava. So nice to meet you.


Playing with the grandparents.


This is what I came home to on Friday. Mama napping and Ava saying "Hey! Wake up and play!" Aren't they cute?!

Big Day / Weekend

So I've finally updated my pictures at home, and I'll have more from this weekend. I'll be blogging this weekend, so check in for new pictures.

It's a big day today for Ava...her first day with Grandma. My mom is done with school and is helping us out by taking care of her on Fridays. I'd say how nice she is, but I know it's just so she can see her all day without having to put up with Daddy! :) (love you mom!)

**Side note...I'm listening to music on CMT right now. Toby Keith's new single "As Good As I Once Was." Check it out if you get a chance, it's pretty good. The other music I'm really into right now is Jack Johnson. Doug and Crystal introduced me to his music. It's great. If you get a chance, check him out too.

So anyway, back to Ava. I know that's the real reason you're here. We're having dinner with Becky's folks tonight. Grammie gets time with Ava off the clock. Plus we haven't seen Grandpa in more than a week. Then the California crew comes in this weekend for a week visit. We can't wait!

Plus my good friend and colleague Nick is up for an Emmy!!!!! The awards are Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit. Here's what Rachel says about it...

Ok – So I’m going to be shameless and brag on my extremely talented husband a bit…I’m sure nobody minds!

For those who don’t know – and for those who do – Nick has been nominated for an EMMY from the National Television Academy – Michigan Chapter for his work on “Michigan Football Memories”. This was a video he did while at Unique Film and Video when we lived in West Bloomfield. It’s a film showing the history of the University of Michigan Football and it aired several times on PBS around the state and is sold in any store that carries Michigan gear or DVDs. Check out more information about the video here and you can even see a bit of Nick’s work.

Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know that on Saturday, June 25th, Nick and I will be all decked out in our formal gear and going to Ford Field for the Twenty Seventh Annual EMMY Awards. Nick is nominated for the category “Program Editing”. You can see the list of nominees here. His category is 10Y so you’ll have to scroll down a bit.

Please pray for Nick and be thinking about him on the 25th. He has worked very hard and deserves this. He is SO talented and this would just validate that and allow him to sell himself better to the marketplace.

GOOD LUCK NICK!!!!

So that's what's new 'round these parts. Look for pictures soon!

P.S.
I'm so happy everyone is enjoying this blog. In fact, it's inspired others to get on board. Our friends Chad and Jen have plans to blog the progress on their new house (hopefully this mention will get the ball rolling! :^) ) and a former classmate set up a blog for her family. (That link's here - give it a look-see)

A First

So Ava had her first real belly laughs last night. I was laying down and had her sitting on my belly...I would sit up a little and make a zerbert sound with my lips and tongue and she would laugh and squeal. And then all of a sudden one was a real hearty laugh from the depths. It was so cool. Becky was in the bathroom taking out her contacts (we were getting ready for bedtime) and came in the bedroom cause Ava laughed so loud. Of course as soon as we grabbed the video camera she was done with that and got fussy and hungry. But it was so neat!

I'll have some pictures from Great-Pa and Great-Grandma's visit before they went home. We had a nice evening. And Grandma's getting her training today. She starts taking care of Ava starting this Friday. We're so lucky...my mom has her on Fridays and Becky's mom has her Tues/Thursday. Between such great and willing Grandma's and Becky's flexible schedule, Ava has family instead of day-care. It was how we wanted it before we were even expecting. I'm so grateful for our families.

So here's something off the subject...I've created a blog of my own, not related to family. I figured it was about time to put my writing and interest in information to use. Those who know me, know I occasionally pull out my soap box from which I rant about everything from drivers to politics to music. So that's what I've done...created my very own Soap Box.

Be warned...this is not necessarily the same kind of nice, PC writing I do here. This will be a place where I put forth information I find and talk about whatever strikes my fancy. I'd love to have anyone stop by for a visit and debate or chat with me through the comment and email and such, but I'm not sure yet what I'll be posting. It won't be a porn site, or full of vulgarity...but I can't guarantee what it will be. So feel free to visit.

I'll be posting pictures here soon. And we'll try to get more pictures for everyone to see.

My First Father's Day

Well here I sit at the end of my very first Father's Day. I don't think the day is meant to "reward" dads...I think it's meant to help us remember how lucky we are. This week, Becky (and Ava) gave me a new razor. She said it was my gift for today. I was excited, I've wanted an electric razor for awhile. I'm terrible about shaving as often as I should. But they're kind of expensive. So I was happy for that. Plus, she had taken Ava for her 1 month portraits, and surprised me with those. So I thought that was really good. Well then Saturday night she asked me if I wanted my present... I of course said yes, so she gave me another picture. It's the black and white below. How amazing and gorgeous are my girls? Plus she gave me a couple of mouse pads, one for work and one for home. Then this morning we had Crystals biscuits and gravy, waffles and cinnamon rolls. Then a wonderful dinner, even banana splits tonight. It couldn't have been a better day. And I got to see my dad today (and mom, aunt Cathy and Kelly) and Becky got to see her dad (and mom). Truly a blessed day. So I'm going to post some pics, and instead of captions, I'll put a description or more with some of them. Have a great Monday!

This first pic is the one Becky gave me.


Here's Ava's one month portrait.


Ava's wearing her "I love my daddy" bib.


Doug and Crystal were entertaining Ava. No, Crystal didn't change her diaper. She thinks she's not good with babies. We're trying to change that.


Doug's impression of Ava. I came downstairs to this, and him saying "Nope, I don't see how this is comfortable."


Here's our front flower box. The tiger lilies and haystack were there. The day lilies are from my mom's family, and the spikes in back are from Sarah. She planted 30, and 23 have come up so far.


Two close-ups...




A bunny in our back yard.


Pa & Grandma renewing their vows...50 years! That's Pastor Grother, he married them, too.


Our clan.


The whole gang (my mom's family).


Awww...


Toasting the (not new) couple :)


Pa and Ava. I think he likes being a "great."


Aunt Barb is moms sister. She and Uncle Dan live in Texas, so this is their first meeting of Ava.


Dude, lay off the champagne. Oh wait, it's just late and they're really tired.



Click here for a neat Father's Day chart my mother-in-law gave me.

Friday of Father's Day Weekend

Fianlly, here are the pics from last weekend. These are heavy on my side of the family, as it was a grad party for my cousin Kevin. My Grandparents (maternal) are in town from Tennessee for their 50th wedding anniversary. It's the first meeting for them and Ava. We have a big weekend planned. Of course Father's Day...Happy Dad's day to all you dad's out there. Plus the anniversary party, and family time involved there. And our friends Grady and Megan have their wedding shower. We're really looking forward to that, too!

That's what's going on around here. Have a great Father's Day weekend, and enjoy the pictures! I recently went through the old pictures...it's already amazing how much Ava has changed over the last 10 weeks. Wow.

Her we are in Chicago meeting my Grandparents (Greats for Ava) for the first time.


Yep, we're related.


Great-Grandma gettin' smiles.


G-Pa playing with Ava.


Grandpa watching over Great-Grandma...


...cause he knows what to do.


Mama got this shot the other day.


CHEEEESE!!!

Appetizer

This is hold-you-over till I get the others up. I have better ones from last Sunday, I just haven't uploaded them yet. We had Ava's 2 month appointment last night where she gets her immunizations....five big needles in her little legs. It wasn't fun, but she did well. So last night I didn't get online. But maybe at lunch. Speaking of Dr's...Ava's now up to 11# 4oz. Can you believe it?


The first meeting with G-Pa and Grandma (that's Great-Pa, cause I call him Pa)


Aww, they're so preppy. I mean cute.

From Last Week.........

So finally I've uploaded pictures from Friday. Grandpa C's sister, Jackie, came all the way from Florida. We haven't seen her since our wedding. It was great to visit with her and have dinner.

Here's Aunt Jackie meeting Ava for the first time.


Comfy with Jackie.


The siblings.



More to come later....tomorrow?

More pics to come...

Hey everyone, sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days. I've been pretty busy at work the last couple of days. We're in the development stages of creating a new product...well I should say I am. I'm trying to create Podcasts (Google it if you're curious) that we can have available. We're looking to reach the 15-35 year olds who don't watch local news. I'll let ya'll know how it goes. And at home we've been busy. I took Ava to my folks Tuesday to visit with Pa and Grandma (Greats to Ava). They're in town from Tennessee. We saw them Sunday in Chicago, but I thought it'd be nice to have some "quiet" time with them. And Ava was feeling better. She had the biggest scream-fit we've seen Sunday. We figured it was hunger/over-stimulation/icky-ness. So we had a nice time. I have pictures from Friday's visit with Jackie, and some from the weekend. I'll try to get on it tonight, but our phone line is funky right now too.

So anyway, we're doing well. Let's see...it's 10 weeks today! Can you believe she's 2 1/2 months old?! This morning Becky called me at work so Ava could tell me good morning. She was all coos and noises in bed. She was too cute.

This update is about me, so if you're here for Ava, skip this part. I went to the doctor yesterday to establish a history with a family practice. Got a physical and all that. I need to still get my cholesterol and blood sugar tested, but I checked out pretty good. I need to lose a few pounds, so we'll be eating better and hopefully exercising. But no big abnormalities so far. Other than I'm just abnormal. So that's good news.

Guess that's it for now. I'll try to get on the pics tonight. Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Hi lice, glad you're enjoying the blog. If you haven't dropped me a line, feel free. My email should be on the page somewhere, or you can always leave a comment by clicking on the link that says 0_comments (it may say 1,2 or more as well, but you get the idea). Each post has that option, so you can leave comments in any section. And you can do it anonymously...just sign (type) your name so I know who it is. Have a blessed day!

Hey look...an actual update!

Well we've had a pretty busy week. As you can see from the other pictures, visitors last week kept us busy before and after their arrival. Of course we have to have a clean house :) It was great to see David and Connie and Jeff. It's been quite awhile since the last time. We last saw David and Connie when we stopped at their place on a trip to Oklahoma. They live in St Louis...and we hope to visit soon and see the zoo there. So we visited, and had dinner. Then Friday another family guest...more on that when I post those pics. And a trip Sunday.

Ava's getting bigger everday. She's right at the 11 pound mark now. And she's catching power naps, at less than an hour, more now. She's not asleep all the time. It's amazing how fast it's gone so far, and how much she's developing. She gets more reactive all the time.

On with the pics...

Sleepin' in with Daddy.


Another flower from our house. This is part of a climbing rose bush we have.


We still can't decide what color her eyes will be...but that's okay.



I still have more from last week when we had another visitor from out of town. Plus, our trip to Chicago Sunday. I'll try to not slack any more.