Backlog

I've been a slacker-blogger lately. I know.
This is my attempt at a quick catch-up.

FIRST
Dean went to the doctor on Wed. for a scheduled shot. It wasn't an official weigh-in appt, but I asked the nurse to weigh him anyway. Technically, he still had his shirt on. But really, how much can that weigh?
7 months: 20 pounds, 9 ounces (89th percentile)

SECOND
This weekend Ava asked to get her hair cut. Just a few inches. Off we went.So, she had her first official haircut at Snip-its. She told me the next day that she wanted to go back and have some more cut off. I had to politely explain that we can't get our hair trimmed every day. =)

THIRD
While I was at the mall yesterday with the kiddos, we decided to say hello to the Easter Bunny!

FOURTH
Okay. I'm not quite sure how to document this.
Our Ava has had four bday celebrations so far, this birthday. How many does one girl need, you ask? I think you know the answer to that.

First, we celebrated at Red Robin. They sang, we ate ice cream. Then we had a bday "party" for Ava at home with Mamaw & Papaw, with homemade vanilla cupcakes with pink frosting. Then Papa & Gram had a pretty cake & presents for her on her actual bday. Then, we had an extended Graziano family "party." On special request, Mommy even made a strawberry cake with strawberry icing. Oh my. Let's hope all this celebrating leads to the best year yet! =)

(slideshow of bday festivities below)

Ava's 4th Birthdays

Mamaw & Papaw's Visit

Welcome Spring!

7 Months

Dean turns 7 months old today!

What's new since last month?

-Dean will "Give me 5!" That's a lot of fun and he seems to never tire. It's very entertaining and absolutely adorable.

-He has officially outgrown his infant car seat. I should have really switched him last month but I was trying to hold out as long as I could for better weather.

-He took his first "big boy" stroller ride in the mall. No car seat! He loved it. -He's still loving his Puffs!
-He's started creeping. Sort of. I'm thinking since he's so big, he might just skip crawling all together and start with walking, he seems much more interested in that. We'll see. For now, he's barely creeping, whenever the mood strikes him.

-He's fascinated by pets and board books. We had his 6 month photos done with a bunny and he just kept snuggling it. So cute!

-Dean loves to practice clapping, he gets really into it. Be careful though, if you stop, he can flip his little lid.

-Still no tooth. I can see his first one, just barely below the surface, it should arrive any day now.

-He's still happily chanting "Dada" and whining "Mama." =)
Daddy thinks that "Baba" has officially entered the repertoire, and I'm thinking he's right. Not every time, but it's definitely not coincidence at this point.
Here's a little video of some "Mama" for ya. Click arrow to play.

-Oh yeah, in case you were wondering...Dean's still shocked! HA.

Happy 7 Months, Little Rascal! xoxo

Happy 4th Birthday, Ava Grace!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OUR DEAR AVA GRACE....
HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

My Best Girl

Dear Ava,
You will soon be four.

In any other message I would lament the fact that you are growing up. I would wonder where the time went. True, four years is no time at all, but my life has changed so profoundly since you came into it, it seems like an eternity.

I’m torn. I’m sad and I’m happy. I miss the baby you were, but I love the little girl you are right now. I am so proud of you in so many ways. I love your curiosity, your humor, your determination. I love that you are so interested in the world around you. I love that you never forget a thing.

You’ve gone from my tiny baby girl to my tiny little girl. You are sweet and smart and strong. I love you for all of your complexity. I know that any effort people make on your behalf will be repaid, with interest. You have so many layers, and you always keep me guessing. Sometimes you’re shy and reserved, and sometimes your confidence and playfulness run free.

I love that there are parts of you that you seem to save just for me.

I’ve watched you proudly embrace my growing belly and become a devoted big sister. I admire how kind, compassionate, and inquisitive you are. I often sit shocked by just how precocious you can be. God bless your little, over the top, dramatic heart!

I know things aren’t always easy or perfect. I know there are sensitivities and frustrations. I know there are more commands for silence around here than there once were. Our family has been in transition and you have shown remarkable resilience. Thank you, you help me more than you know.

I’ve spent my lifetime coming to terms with who I thought I was, only to have a 6 lb, 14 oz baby girl show me who I could be, and more importantly, who I want to be.

I’m so lucky to be your Mommy. I want you to know that I love you, always and forever. You’re my “best girl.” I wouldn't want you to be anybody but who you are.

Happy 4th Birthday....almost.
Love, Mommy

Visit

We're very excited that Mamaw & Papaw are coming from TX for a visit! They'll be here Thursday to Tuesday. We haven't seen them since Thanksgiving, so it'll be nice to just hang out a bit and relax.
See you soon!!

No Vacancy

I carried Dean downstairs from his nap. I plopped on the sofa to feed him his bottle. Ava walked up to us and said, "I don't know where you're gonna put Dean, everything is full!" hee hee

Happy Bday Ashley!

Hope you have such a great day!! Miss you and hope to see you soon! Can't wait to see pics of your vacation!
xo The G Family

Happy Birthday Amy

Hope you have such a great birthday and year ahead. You know I love you. Cheers!
xo Janis

Shake it.

Comedy on the birthday party dance floor last night. This gives me a good chuckle.

Eatin' candy...
Shakin' some bootie...
Collision averted...
Shakin' some more bootie...

(click on arrow to play)

Lastly, a pic on the carousel. Just cuz.

Things that make you go Hmmm...

There was just something about Ava's pink, floral dress that said "Dada."

Enough said...



(click arrow to play)

Happy Birthday Papa!

Big birthday wishes for Papa, who turns 60 today!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us. We love you very much!
xoxoxo Ava Grace, Dean Douglas, Chet & Janis

Happy Bday Uncle Tony

HAPPY 29th BIRTHDAY,
UNCLE TONY!
Cheers to savoring this last year of your 20's! We hope you have a wonderful birthday! We love you!
xoxo Janis, Chet, Ava & Dean