Happy 2010!

We enjoyed an uneventful - but fun - family New Year's Eve to ring in the new decade. We celebrated once at 12pm at the art museum, where Radio Disney was doing a Noon Year's Eve celebration for kids. Ava got to meet the museum mascot, Arturo the Parrot, whom she adores. The next celebration occurred at 7:30pm, with Gaga, Tada, Ava, dorky hats, and confetti, and then, after a rousing game of Sequence, we had a grown-up toast on New York time before heading to bed at 11:05pm.

Ava will turn 3 this year, I will turn 33 in a few weeks, and I'm not sure if Todd likes his age advertised anymore. Let's just say he's a might older than me. Anyway, I can't believe how old we are all getting! Ava continues to skip naps on most days, which is leading to lots of whining and tantrums, but mercifully early bedtimes. Despite this bump in the road, she remains smart, funny, interesting, strong-willed, and, well, Ava. It's never a dull moment!

I'm also pleased to report that Miss Ava weathered her first morning back at preschool brilliantly - and for the first time, she didn't cry or even bat an eyelash when I left her. Now that's progress.

Here's to a healthy, happy, and peaceful 2010! (Also, please note: I am NOT wearing the purple turtleneck sweater in our annual NYE family picture! Hurrah!)

Feliz Mommy-Dad!

Thanks to Dora, Ava now knows how to wish you a Merry Christmas in Spanish. Well, sort of.

We had an unexpected and enthusiastically welcomed White Christmas this year - yes, in Texas! It was wonderful. We spent a lovely Christmas Eve with Gaga and Tada, enjoying Chinese food and watching Ava open one early present (lucky duck, she chose a two-parter gift and got to open two packages!).

Christmas Day was sunny and snowy - but we braved the cold in our pjs to roll a large snow ball and later we tried out Ava's new trike/stroller from Gaga and Tada. Santa gave her a darling little doll house, and she got a rockin' musical instrument set and tool table/box ("I'm just like Bob the Builder!") from Grandma and Grandpa. She also got more stuffed animals to add to her ever-growing collection: Clifford the Big Red Dog's friends and her new favorites, Max and Ruby (bunnies). Mommy and Daddy got her some learning cards as well as very cute doggie bath toys. The dogs are all "muddy" until you wash them with a little washcloth in the bath tub. Fun!

Todd and I got a new point and shoot camera, after Todd declared that our Thanksgiving pictures were terrible (those weren't his exact words). We are very happy to have a camera that seems to do much better in low light and have a less aggressive flash. And it's tiny! I'm still learning how to use it, and since we are no longer napping who knows how long that will take. Not much free time these days.

Happy Holidays, y'all!

Napping Nightmare

Our dear, sweet Super-Ava has, of late, been masquerading as Ava Hyde. She's transitioning to no naps and it's killing us! When she does happen to nap, she can't go to sleep until 9:30pm. When she doesn't nap - which is occurring more and more regularly - she is exhausted and is asleep by 7:30, and she really should probably be asleep by more like 6:30...but how in the world do we fit that into our schedule? We don't eat dinner until at least 6 or 6:30!

So, moms of the world (or the three of you who are still reading this blog) - HELLLLLP! I need advice! How do we handle this situation? Any suggestions for calming the too-tired tantrums? Easing the transition? I'd love to hear from you!

Thanksgiving

Happy Belated Thanksgiving dear readers! We've been super busy in the Super-Ava household, so we're playing catch-up with things like blogging. Ava and I got sick the week before Thanksgiving, so that really fouled us up. We're finally getting back on track.

Here are some photos from our very busy weekend:






We enjoyed a wonderful, family-filled Thanksgiving this year without leaving the comfort of our own city. My uncle Michael, 2 cousins, Anna and Stella, and my grandmother all spent Thanksgiving with us at my parents' house. Then Todd's parents joined us over the weekend. In addition to celebrating Turkey Day, we also feted my father, aka Tada, aka Tottie, who turned 40. Plus 20. Today was his actual birthday - happy birthday, Dad! We love you!

PS

Ava stayed at school by herself both days this week. I stayed in the school lobby just in case. Baby steps. (I'm not writing more because I don't want to jinx it.)

Two Angry Moms

I've been trying to get involved in the movement to improve public school lunches for a few months now, with a couple of false starts at various meetings around town. Tonight I discovered the potential for a more grassroots route - right in my neighborhood! Our neighborhood moms group gets together for various activities, and tonight we had a potluck. I met a group of moms all interested in really working to get more nutritious foods in our local elementary school and beyond. I AM SO EXCITED! One woman in particular seemed very knowledgeable about the movement and how to really make things happen. She turned me on to this website:

http://www.angrymoms.org/

This is a great reminder that moms are awesome and can do pretty much anything if we're pissed enough. I can't wait to get started with my new activist pals! I'll keep you posted!

Like Father, Like Daughter

I love these picture - they demonstrate just how much Ava is like her daddy.