Ava the Tumblina

At the beginning of December Ava had her first Tumblina’s performance (a combination of gymnastics and ballet). It was our first chance to see all that Ava has learned in class over the last few months. Although they were a little distracted having the audience, Ava and her friends did awesome!

First up, Ava had a little pre-performance refreshment…

The girls are anxiously awaiting the start of the music.

Ava is of course checking out Mom, Dad, and baby sister Ali.

Once the performance started the girls did great. Here’s Ava in the “sleeping” portion of the routine.

And doing her pirouettes.

Click on the image above for a video of the ballet.

After the ballet performance, we were treated to some gymnastics. Ava is helping her friend Lily to warm up.

Ava did great on the balance beam (maybe all the practice on the curbs is paying off).

And the somersault rolls.
Handstands are one of Ava’s favorite things to do on the walls at home.

Of course like any performer Ava wants to make sure that the audience is watching…

Click on the image above for a video of the gymnastics.

Afterwards the girls each took a turn on the mini trampoline.

Click on the image above for a video of the trampoline.

We’re looking forward to what Ava learns in the next few months!

Where did November go?

Ok, so we’ve been a bit lax about posting. Between Halloween into Thanksgiving and then the runup to Christmas, we have had little time for an update. So without further ado, here’s a quick rundown of November.

Ali continues to grow and get more mobile. She is now rolling across the floor to get to her toys. She is definitely one of the happiest babies we know – she loves to smile at everyone, giggle, and adores her big sister.

Happy in the stroller around Thanksgiving.

Finding her fingers while waiting with Mom.

Reading books in bed in the morning.

Meanwhile Ava continues to thrive at preschool. She got to play doctor in class, and have a pumpkin party.

Ava is also becoming a little gymnast, climbing on the toys at the playground.

We did manage to squeeze in one last pool day over Thanksgiving weekend.

But of course the girls’ favorite time is being together. Sometimes Ava likes to hold Ali in the morning (yes that clock is right – they were both up before 6 on this day).

And sometimes the girls like to just cozy up in bed together…

More posts to come soon.

Chase in Doggie Heaven

Our best dog Chase made the transition to that great big field in the sky today. He will be missed! Some highlights from the years….

Halloween

Now that we are coming off the sugar rush from last night, here’s a quick post with the Halloween festivities. Ava opted for her Candy Corn costume – almost every Mom professed that candy corn is their favorite candy. Ali was the sweet pea (of course)!

We went trick-or-treating with Sofia. The girls were cute – they took turns ringing the doorbells, and loved checking out all the neighbors’ decorations. Ali of course was just being her adorable self.

Ava with her Halloween flashlight…

Ava and Sofia posing by the pumpkins (which Ava helped Dad to carve)

Closeup of the pumpkins – Ali’s handprints as eyes for the big pumpkin, and a cat and tree for the little one.

The excitement is in the air…

Racing to the next house…

But pausing to check out the decorations.

Back at home, Ava had the most fun handing out candy. She was a little afraid of some of the “scary” costumes – but she was happy to give candy to the “nice people”.

After the eventful evening, Ava will be sad to put away her costume and decorations…

Ali 4 Month Update

Happy 4 Months Sweet Pea!

We went to your pediatrician this morning and you are 11 lb 7 oz, and 23 3/4 inches long.  You are perfectly following the 25 percentile for height and 10th for weight.  Dr. Kaye was very impressed at your bubble blowing and your strong kicking.  You were very talkative and giggled a lot, well, until you got your shots.  :-(

This past month you started Mommy and Me swimming lessons.  One lesson with dad and one with mom.  You are very relaxed and seemed to enjoy the water.  It must be from all the time in the pool when you were in Mommy's tummy. 

Likes:  reading books with Mommy or Daddy and big sister, Ava;  napping in your swing, going on walks with mom in the Ergo, watching TV, and being outside at the park.  You like cuddling in mommy and daddy's bed in the morning. 

Dislikes:  napping in your bed,

New in the past month:  swimming lessons, more teething (none have cut through, but lots of drooling) thumb-sucking, playing in your jumperoo, and sleeping through the night!  You go to bed around 7:30 or 8 pm and sleep until 5-5:30 am.  Rolling over;  if we put you down for tummy time, you quickly roll yourself to your back.  We also find you sleeping on your side many times.  You are also making bubbles and raspberries. 

You are going to be a Sweet Peapod for Halloween, but here you are with mom in your "pumpkin" outfit for Halloween party number one.  (It was too hot for your costume.)

Ali smiling for her 4 month photo…

Amazing the size difference of 3 years between Ava and Ali.

Ali as the cowgirl at the Ranch…

Ali, Ava, and Dad at Alcanterra Vineyard.

Ali’s comfortable post for the camera.

Morning stretches.

Followed by relaxing with big sister Ava.

Mo(m) and Ali getting ready for a Halloween party.

We’re looking forward to all that the next month brings!