"Adios" Crib, "Hola" It's a Dora Bed

Ava's sleeping in a bed-bed. What?!?!?!? Really!?!?!?

We bought this bed frame yesterday at a "Pass It On" sale in Hillsboro, OR. This sale is essentially a county wide garage sale with gently used children's clothing, toys, accessories, or even bed frames.

When we arrived home from the sale I went right to it. I disassembled her crib (thank you great-grandma Marion!) and put it in the storage closet. Then, the Dora bed was erected. (not in 'un-rapido' fashion thanks to a confused "padre.")

ONce finished, dude, our little girl was stoked. The clip below shows her enthusiasm via a song written and performed by Ava. ('Ba' is 'Bed.')



Last night, Laura and were weary about how she might handle the bed, since a crib pretty much keeps our shark in one place. Suprisingly, when it came to 'nigh-nigh time' she only put up a small fuss while staying in her room and in her bed. HOly poo! Really!?!?!?

She stayed in the bed the whole night; even though I (Daddy) had to help Ava through some growing pains last night. This kid amazes me!

She's not a baby anymore, folks.

Yeah, It's Been Awhile.

We've been busy since we got back home. I haven't taken to0 many pics since the trip; I think I got spoiled using my mom's digital SLR. :-)

Here are some recent pics:

Here's Ava playing piano with her dolly.

Not sure what's going on here.

Ah, here is my first successful attempt at some sort of hair implementationatory device.

This week has been all-about-the-coloring.

More coloring.

Here's a short clip of Ava coloring and telling me what Sesame Street's "The Count" says.

Until next time!

And a new chapter begins...

Last night was the first night of a new phase. Ava did not nurse last night. We're done. I have mixed emotions about it. I'm sad, but happy, and realizing that she's stepping up to be a little girl, she's not a baby. I nursed Ava for 21.5 months and am so happy I did. It had it's ups and downs, but all in all, I'm glad I could give her the nutrients and nurturing that only nursing can supply.

All week during our nursing session before bedtime I've been telling her that in __ many days, mama milk will be all done. Last night after her bath, and when we usually cuddle up, she asked for mama milk and I said, "No, remember mama's milk's all done. You can have some juice, water, or milk in a cup." I planned my phrase all week and expected a huge tantrum, but she just smiled at me and said, "juice?" That was it.

I'm expecting this week I may encounter some sort of tantrum as I continue to say no, but so far, so good.