The 6 month old.

-- This girl is developing quite the personality. She is busy, stubborn and LOUD. Her high pitched squeals are quickly turning into annoying screams when she wants something. The other day she had her first full on tantrum when I stopped feeding her and for the last few days I have found myself having to tell her "no, Ava" in a stern voice over and over. (I don't ever remember having to start discipline this early with the other two.) Oy.

-- She is also becoming more mobile everyday. Not by rolling (even though she totally could) but instead by back-humping the floor. I'm not sure how else to explain it but that way. She lays one her back and bounces her butt up and down which results in moving herself from point A to point B. It's hilarious. I need to record it soon.

-- She is also sitting up better and better by herself everyday. Once she has it totally down I am throwing the damn car seat carrier away and moving her into a bigger one. One that won't break my back anymore by hauling it around everywhere. I think I hate it more than she does.

-- She has mastered eating solids. She gets breakfast, lunch and dinner now and because of this, she nurses a lot less during the day.

-- At night however, she still wants to eat every 2 to 3 hours. (of course, why not?) I am so ready for her to sleep through the night. SO. READY.

-- I have been trying to teach her how to wave. Yeah, yeah it might be a little too early but I swear this morning when I picked her up and took her to the living room? She flapped her right arm up and down when she saw Layton on the couch. Coincidence? Maybe. Genius baby? Most likely.

Fright night.

Like all Halloween nights - it was hectic.
Lee did the make-up on Kaylee and Cailin (and rocked it) like always... while I made a hot casserole for everyone to eat.
The kids got dressed, and I snapped pictures to post on Facebook before leaving.
We were running late, and Ava hated the hat on her costume so she screamed until I took it off of her.
We went to Beccas neighborhood to trick-or-treat. Once there, she let me put it back on her while we walked from door to door.
The older kids hung out on the deck to scare the trick-or-treaters, and once we got back they walked a few blocks themselves.
Once we got home, Ava was cranky and Layton was tired. I got her down for bed, helped him with homework, cleaned my kitchen and folded a load of laundry.
Halloween night 2012: successful and (thankfully) over.

A change in routine.

Texas has thrown Ava off just a little.
She has done pretty well with sleeping at night and napping but every morning after my scheduled shower she thinks it is time to fuss and be held. Every day.
It sure makes getting ready extra challenging.
Thanks kid.

The surprise.

Well, we made it to Texas and I didn't die.
Grandma was a little confused at first and it took her a minute to process that it was actually us standing in front of her.
We have enjoyed catching up and she just loves to sit and hold Ava (for as long as the squirmy worm will let her.) It reminds me of the many times she would hold me like that when I was little and it makes me happy.
I have also really enjoyed spending time with my aunt. The last time I really saw her was when I came to visit at 15 and me growing up has really made a difference when it comes to our relationship. I guess it just took me becoming an adult for me to realize and appreciate just how special she is.
It has taken a little time for Ava to adjust and its been rough on the both of us. Sleeping was hard last night because she was so restless but today we accomplished two full naps so I think she is getting it.
My brother arrives tomorrow and I can't wait. I'm really missing home so I hope that having him here will help with that.
[P.S. Texas is freaking HOT in October.]

Preperation.

Ava and I leave early Thursday morning for Texas.

The time has finally arrived and while I am super excited to see (and SURPRISE) my wonderful Grandma with our visit, the up and coming trip has me a little stressed.

First, I hate to fly. Heights FREAK me out and the thought of being in a plane that high up petrifies me. Then, there is the 'flying with the baby' part. That doesn't scare me, it just doesn't have me very excited. I am guessing she isn't going to enjoy it too much but maybe she will prove me wrong. I'm really hoping she does. The most dreadful part of flying with her? I'm a little uneasy about nursing her in such close quarters with people. Normally, nursing in public doesn't bother me at all, but the thought of touching elbows with perfect strangers and whipping the boob out just inches from them has me a tad bit nervous. I am praying that it goes smoother than I am imagining it will.

Lee isn't taking time off from work so the bestie is picking up the slack for us. She will keep the kids the days that Lee is working and deliver them to and from school, practices, and concerts. I am seriously so grateful for her and her willingness to do this for me. I have been having major anxiety about how things will go while I am gone but I am feeling better about it. I know they are in the best hands. What would I do without her?

I have started the packing for us and that in itself has me stressed out. I don't want to pack too much, but I don't want to forget anything that Ava may need either. Plus, it's crazy weird to be packing things for 90+ dergree weather when it is barely 50 degrees here. On top of that I have to make sure that Kaylee and Layton have all of the stuff they will need while I'm gone.

So, needless to say, I am cleaning the house today and getting caught up on laundry. So far, Ava is in a great mood and she is allowing me to. Fingers crossed she continues to be nice to me today.

Only in Oregon.

Up until early last week we were having really warm temperatures for October. So warm - the kids were able to have the sprinkler on underneath the trampoline for some end-of-summer fun.

Fall is obviously here now. It has now quickly turned to the cold, crisp and wet season practically overnight.  But, we sure enjoyed the extended dose of summer we got.

Hello, food.

I started Ava on solids last week.

We introduced oatmeal cereal and she took right to it. We had that for almost a week before trying bananas. Those? Not such a hit. I tried on three different occasions to get her to eat them with no success.

So, we moved on. I went for a vegetable and tried to give her peas. After about 10 minutes of trying everything including the 'airplane' sound, singing/chanting "yummy, yummy, in your tummy" as I danced the spoon around, and finally, just trying to pry her mouth open - it just wasn't happening.

I continue to give her oatmeal but as for fruits and veggies, she just doesn't seem to like them.

Big people food however? Well, she seems to be super interested in what I eat. I shared a bowl of soup with  her yesterday and the other night she kept getting highly irritated with me when I failed to feed her the sauce from a tator-tot casserole fast enough.

This girl has got me wondering if she would rather just skip the pureed and unsweetened crap and get right to the good stuff. If so, I can't really say I blame the kid.