A sweet memory

I can't recall how Ken and I began the conversation about fishing, but I couldn't help but recall some very sweet memories of my late Father, Jack.  

Oh how I loved to go fishing with him.  And oh how he loved to fish!  He saw his way through many fishing boats while I grew up... his Champion was always his favorite though.  

Our fishing trips always began VERY early.  Usually around 5 AM, we would wake up to get things ready.  I would be responsible for making the bologna/ cheese/ mustard sandwiches, while Dad got the cooler loaded with lots of pop and water.  We'd set out at dawn and arrive at one of his many favorite lakes to fish, just in time!  

He had a knack for backing those boats in!  He always did it just right.  He'd back it in, just so far (to where the tailpipe of his truck was under water and making bubbles with a fury).  He would then throw the truck in park, get out of the truck to walk back to the boat.  He pushed the boat off the trailer into the water, getting himself soaked up to his waist.  He'd tie it off and say, "Hold it tight, Goose".  And that's what I did.  He'd return, shortly after parking the truck and trailer in a nearby lot.  And that's when the adventures began. 

He always knew the spots to find them... Bass, Blue Gill, Walleye.. you name it, we caught it.  

One fishing trip will always come to mind.  I can't recall the lake we fished, but I remember something very comical happened.  We had been fishing all day and it was around 2:00 pm.  I was bored.  I had given up on casting because the fish weren't biting.  So I retreated to the front of our tiny boat so I could get some sun, while listening to my walkman... yes, walkman.  No iPods back then!

Anyway, he had brought his new rod n' reel that he ordered from Cabella's.  He hadn't used it yet but was certainly looking forward to it... he told me he was waiting for the perfect spot to use it for the very first time.  He looked at me, sunbathing and said, "Hey Goose, cast a few... I'll bet you'll get a bite".  So I reluctantly picked up my pole.  I drew it back and threw it out there in the open water.  What a HUGE splash it made!  Hmmmmm, why the huge splash you ask?  Well, that's because my lure had caught Dad's BRAND NEW rod n' reel by the line & I just cast it into the deep open water.  I was speechless. He turned around, so excited by the splash... most likely thinking I had caught "the big one".  I slowly turned back to meet his elated face, only to inform him that his beloved rod n' reel, that had NEVER been used, was now at the bottom of the lake.  

He didn't care one bit.  He basically gave the whole, "Oh well, no big deal" so not to make me feel bad.  He didn't walk away that easy though.  He eagerly jumped in the water (the fish finder said we were around 5 ft deep), and began sweeping his foot along the lake floor... searching for the rod n' reel.  After 10 minutes of looking... and him swallowing water from stepping into drop-offs, he gave up and got back into the boat.  I felt so bad.  He didn't dwell on it... but I did.  

I thought the least I could do was to continue to fish along side of him to know that the day wasn't a complete waste.  So I casted a few more... but got nothing.  

With my last cast, I threw it right toward the cast that tossed the rod n' reel.  I let the line sink and began to reel.  "I got something! I got something!" I squealed!  He turned around and said "Nice and easy... nice and easy."

The "catch" got about 10 feet away from the boat and I started to wonder why the fish wasn't putting up a fight.  Why wasn't I pulling back as hard as usual?!  And then it surfaced.  

I had caught... the rod n' reel.  

We. Were. Speechless.  I mean, what are the odds of something like that happening?!?!  

We laughed the rest of the day, the whole way home and well into the future about that day.  And no, it's by no means a "fisherman's tale".  It happened, and it is our memory to have forever. 

I love you Daddy.  I want you to know that I see you in Ava, every day.    

Pics from Beth Wild Photography in Sarasota, FL

We visited Nana & Papa a few weeks ago at their home in Florida.  It was a nice long vacation... 8 days of fun in the sun.  We got our pictures taken by Beth Wild while we were there (my friend Kristi Davis introduced me to her... and she takes AMAZING photos). Well, despite great planning, the day turned out to be a disastrous experience.  We forgot my clothes and had to turn around, got lost, ran out of gas, had to pull over twice for 2 diaper blowouts, etc.  We got there an hour late and had to get our pics taken at her studio because of the weather (we had planned for them in a beautiful park).  To top it off, Ava had surprised us with a terrible case of diaper rash and teething.  Ava was so unhappy and feeling so bad that she just cried the whole time.  

However... we got some GREAT pics!!  

  

Vote for Ava!

I clearly have far too much time on my hands. Therefore I've taken up a new hobby. Ken and I have decided to make Ava our retirement plan. We just need her to get discovered. I sure hope it works... I've got my eye on some snazzy things! ;)


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Original photo is below... their site stretches her head!

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So precious!

Things that make me go GRRRRR....

Leaving the Doctor's office today, I drove down Diversey, excited about the lunch I was about to devour.  I had decided that I would be treating myself to Qdoba... one of my favorite fast food joints (mexican - of course!).  They had just opened a new location, just minutes from my house so I decided to stop there for a bite on my way home.  I pull into the lot (another thing that is rare for Chicago... 1- a parking lot and 2-it being free parking).  As I scan the lot I see one open space... that is being blocked because some idiot cannot park correctly and instead is parked diagonally, taking up 2 of the 10 spots.  I was so enraged that I honestly debated going inside to ask who's crappy car it was.  I mean, I could understand if it was a nice car... I seriously would empathize with that driver.  This guy however... terrible car...  Total-piece-of-crap-car.   I also debated leaving a nasty note on his nasty windshield but I didn't.  Instead, I went inside and scored a table by the window... with just enough room for Ava and I.  This way, I could sneer at that jerk when he got into his clunker to pull out of the 2 spots.


As I sat there, stuffing my face with that glorious mexican concoction, I began to think of all the things that really get on my nerves... and then wondered if they would bother other people.  Which leads me to this post... I've decided to list some (because I could never think of ALL of them) of the things that drive me batty.  Here goes:

1. Homewreckers
2. Gum smackers
3. Slow drivers
4. Static Cling
5. Dog poo on the sidewalk
6. Opening up a toy for Ava, so excited to use it and realizing it doesn't come with batteries
7. Meter maids
8. People that stare
9. Stubbing my toe
10. People that talk with their mouth full
11. Drivers that text
12. People that cough without covering their mouth
13. My dogs beginning to bark as soon as Ava goes down for a nap
14. Drivers that don't use signals
15. The smell inside of cabs
16. Car salesmen
17. Insomnia
18. Having an empty wine glass
19. People that steal my fries
20. Bums begging for change when I stop to get my daily coffee
21. Dogs begging for food while I eat
22. Car alarms
23. Sitting in front of a loud popcorn eater at the theatre (I think this is my BIGGEST grrrrr)
24. Girl next to me on a cell phone while I'm trying to enjoy my manicure/ pedicure
25. People driving while talking on the phone
26. people that dont use punctuation
27. People that talk about themselves in the 3rd person on Facebook (you know who you are)
28. Tuna salad
29. Kanye
30. When my water or tea comes and there's a lemon wedge on the glass 

Now, I'm not one that likes to dwell on the bad... so I thought I would list some of my favorite things.  

1. The way Ava smells when she wakes up from a nap
2. The love of my life, telling me I'm beautiful
3. Sunshine 
4. The way Ava smells after a bath
5. Date night
6. Ava's facial expression when trying a new food
7. Dogs keeping my feet warm with their heads
8. The way I feel after a good workout
9. The way I feel when I skip a workout
10. Christmas Eve
11. The way Ava's morning breath smells
12. The smell at midnight mass
13. Hitting all green lights
14. Hearing Ava giggle
15. Ellen
16. Ava sleeping in my arms
17. New Carmex
18. New socks
19. Back rubs
20. The smell of baby powder
21. My wedding dress
22. When I try on my jeans and they're loose
23. Napping with Ava
24. Maui
25. Champagne
26. I love that Ava smells like cherry fruit roll ups
27. Puppies
28. Puppy breath
29. Starbucks
30. Not wishing for anything more than what I already have

Did you learn anything new about me?  Are you still awake?  :)  

Stupid buzzer on our dryer

Dear Ava- I wonder... is there a switch somewhere so i can turn off that obnoxious buzzer on our dryer?! It ALWAYS wakes you up... and for once, you're taking a nap that is longer than 30 minutes. Yep... you usually only nap for about 30 minutes. I don't complain about it because you're sleeping through the night... usually for about 11 hours. It is nice though, when you go down for a nap that is more than 30 minutes because it gives me the chance to get stuff done around the house. You're in your bed now, snoozing soundly. :) I hear you dreaming and stirring though... Looks like you'll be up and at em soon, ready to play!


I've been doing lots of shopping for our trip to Florida to visit Nana & Papa Jim. We're going down there from April 5-13th. You're going to be so stylish... I have nearly 2 dresses for you to wear each day.... and 3 swimsuits from Gymboree... and about 12 hats (of course you have a cowboy hat, silly!)!  We're getting our pics taken by Beth Wild (a friend of a friend). She takes AMAZING pictures!! We're going to have some of you by yourself, in all kinds of different outfits... and we'll do some family shots too. I can't wait!! She is so amazing!!  Beth Wild Photography  Best of all, we'll be nice and tan for the pics because she's taking them near the end of our trip.  Well you won't be tan... but your Dad & I will be!!  Ahh... to look human again!  I haven't had color since 2008.  NOT KIDDING!!  Last year, I was too worried about getting my tummy in the sun, considering you were stretching the skin so much!!!   So we're going to drive to Sarasota on that last day to have her take our photos.  Nana wants to come!!  Did I mention that Steph and Dulaney will be in FL too?  They're coming during the time that we're down there.  We're going to have so much fun with you girls!!  

This past weekend we got rid of our Crate & Barrell coffee table.  We had to.  It weighed about 200 lbs and was a huge piece of slate stone with sharp corners.  Given the fact that you're semi-mobile now, we're beginning to baby proof the big stuff.  As your Dad was taking it down the 3 flights of stairs (so we could put it in storage), he dropped the slate top and it broke into a million pieces.  He was so bummed.  He LOVED that table.  We didn't dwell on it though... I tried to put a positive spin on it and said, "Well at least you don't have to lug that big honker to the storage unit!".  So we went shopping for a new coffee table/ ottoman.  We found a leather one that the top flips up.  It's great because I can put your toys in it.  I am now in search of the perfect tray to put on top of it so we have a place for our drinkies.  :)  


Since you were born I've been working on keeping a journal about your growth, development... all the cute little things you do.  I've even put pics alongside the stories so you can one day look at it and have it as a keepsake.  I have a lot of grammatical errors and some stories need some elaboration, but here is a rough draft  The Story of Ava Jean

Long overdue!

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted. Where does the time go?!? And to think that this weekend, it will be March!! Bring on the spring baby!!! I want to get you out and about!

Little Miss Ava- I keep a journal for you. A friend of mine (Cecily) recommended I write down little things you do so I can one day look back on it and remember the cute little things that I would otherwise forget (due to major sleep deprivation!!). Well, even though I've been neglecting this blog, I've been keeping up with your journal. It's actually a word.doc that I keep on my desktop... I add little stories as you write them! I even put digital pics next to the stories. One day, I will have these pages leather bound and will give to you to keep, as your very own baby book. It will certainly be a one-of-a-kind! I've decided to put a few of this past months journal entries in place of my blog post. Yes, I'm being lazy. 

January 24, 2010: 

Today is my 31st birthday! We had a good day! You woke me up at around 4:30 AM for something to eat so I fed you a few ounces and then put you back in your crib. You woke up again at 8:00 so we got up for the day. 

Jason Buttner and his girlfriend, Andrea, came to visit. Then your Auntie Jill came to stay for a few hours. She brought me wine (as a birthday gift) and pink boots for you! They are too cute! You were a very good girl today... just like every other day. You’re drooling a lot now so I usually put a bib on you to catch on the slobber. The Doctor says it’s because you’ll soon be getting your teeth. How crazy!! You’re spending more time in your exersaucer. You’ve gotten so strong... We call you “Rigger” because you get stiff as if you have rigormortous. It’s hilarious! Anyway, you love standing up and flapping your arms up and down as if you’re trying to fly... and your face gets really serious, while you stick out your tongue and make “raspberries”.  You love putting everything in sight, in your mouth, too! 

This weekend, my friend Cecily came to visit us from Denver. She brought her little boy Tanner, who is almost exactly one year older than you. They came to visit because she’s never gotten to meet you. They live in Denver. They moved there in mid July, just before you were born. She adored you!! We got a few cute pictures of you with Tanner. He was teething during the visit and was very unhappy about it. It made me sad because I know that you’ll one day go through all of that and I don’t want you to ever feel pain or discomfort... even if it’s inevitable. 

During her visit, we went to visit our friend Maggie, in Barrington. She has two little girls... so it was quite the play date! 5 babies and 3 adults! Yikes! You and Tanner both slept on the way there and back... so cute to look in the back seat and see the both of you completely tuckered out!  That night, we went to my favorite mexican restaurant Fuego.  It was delish!  


Well, you’re certainly getting the hang of this cereal thing! You are the cutest thing, Ava. I absolutely LOVE you. I have plenty of video footage to show you when you’re older! You seem to like the cereal and oatmeal now... especially if I mix it with applesauce, pears or prunes. You also like sweet potatoes & squash!

You are working so hard to roll over from you back to front. It happened once last week, but hasn’t happened since. You’ll get your legs over but you arm doesn’t go. You look like a little catortionist! Maybe you can have a career with “Cirque de Soleil” one day!

January 30th, 2010: 
SWEET ANGEL. Your Dad & I toted you from place to place today... a total of 7 hours. Guess how many times you cried? Seriously, guess! ZERO. That’s right, ZERO. You are the BEST baby in the entire world. I’m not even kidding. We took you to the bank to get important documents notarized, to the gym (for an hour-long tour) & 2 car dealerships (we spent 3 hours at one of them!). You only fussed when you were hungry. I swear Ava... there is no baby that is sweeter and more beautiful than you, on this entire planet. I always tell your Dad (in my best hillbilly voice), “We didn’t get NO LEMON!”. I wish words on paper could convey the love we feel for you.... and how it grows stronger every day... with every smile. 

You’re sleeping soundly now, in your bed... unswaddled. I decided to “break” you of your swaddle on Wed. I was dreading it for so long. Big surprise, you took it like a champ! You didn’t miss it at all!!! Instead, you rolled onto your side, snuggled with your blanky and went to sleep. Like I said... BEST BABY EVER. Nana tells me I had better enjoy you because our next baby will surely be the exact opposite of you... fussy, uneasy, and AWFUL. Let me tell you.. if every baby we have could have an “Ava guarantee”, we’d have 20... because you are, simply put... the sweetest, most gorgeous, precious thing I have ever experienced... and even better... I have the innate opportunity to call you mine, and for you to call me Mommy. I love you sweet baby. Sweet dreams.

February 4, 2010:

You are 5 months today!!!  And you ROLLED OVER!!!!  I even got it on video!!!  You’re amazing!!

February 8, 2010:
I just realized something incredible today! Ava-your Nana Norma and Late Papa Jack bought your Mommy a ring for my High School Graduation. I can’t recall what made your Dad and I to begin this conversation, but we discovered something amazing!!! The ring that your Nana and Papa gave your Mommy at graduation had a Citrine (yellow topaz) stone... it’s surrounded by 4 diamonds. Your Dad and I figured out that his astrology stone (he’s a Scorpio) is Citrine!! We think it’s a sign!!! I know, laugh all you want... but we’re hopeless romantics! Well.... your Mom is, anyway!

February 10, 2010:

When you're done eating your bottle, I wipe your mouth and you stick out your bottom lip and do the sweetest little pucker / smile with your eyes closed.... as if to say, “All good Mom... I’m full.” You appear to be the most satisfied little baby!




February 12, 2010: 

I’m literally watching you sleep on the video monitor... right now! You are the most adorable thing. You went to bed around 7:15... you’ve changed positions a few times but no big deal. All of a sudden, I look at the monitor and you are wide awake.... tossing and turning, flapping your arms as if you’re trying to fly. I was sure I’d have to come in and comfort you. Sure enough (because I’m convinced you’re the BEST BABY EVER), I look back at the monitor and you are sweetly petting your crib bumper.... feeling the embroidery with your tiny little fingers. You did so for about 30 seconds.... and then I look back... and you’re sleeping again. I swear Ava... there is NO baby in the world as sweet as you. I can’t wait till morning so I can see that bright smile again. I love you sweet girl. 

February 13, 2010:
Guess what?! I just figured out that you were born at EXACTLY 10 months! Pretty cool, eh? My pregnancy began on December 4th and you were born September 4th.

You’ve begun bringing your hands to my face, touching me... squeezing my facial features... petting me. It’s so cute! I feel like you’re trying to explore me. You do it to your Daddy too. In the morning when he leaves for work, he comes into your room where I’m rocking you, and gives you a kiss. You then grab both sides of his face and smile your smile... and bat those sparkley blues... as if to say, “Don’t go Dad! Stay here with Mom and me!” You also seem to be taking a big interest in the dogs! You watch them roam around, and you laugh at them... even when they’re just scratching their ears. You reached out tonight to touch Biscuit... and he let you pet him... which was a big step for him. You pet his nose and his neck, while smiling with delight! It was precious! 

You’re also turning over like crazy! It takes so much to keep you on your back long enough, just to change your diaper. It’s crazy... considering you just turned over about 9 days ago! You’re a seasoned veteran now. You’ve recently discovered your feet... you like trying to put them in your mouth. You often look at them... and your hands... in such wonder. It’s like you’ve discovered magic. I love you baby Ava. You are the light of my life. Every day with you, it’s indescribable. The love is so pure and so strong. I hope you always have the best life and are granted nothing but true happiness. Sweet dreams baby girl.


February 15, 2010: 
Ava you’re a model! Well, sort of. A friend of ours (Pauly) needed to take some shots for a his company and asked us if we would be his models. You did great!! We pretended that I was your babysitter... We did well considering you and I have a lot of experience!!!

February 17, 2010:

You’re starting to sit on your own.. with the help of me and your boppy! Which means now I have another activity to do with you during the day. I must admit, I’m running out of ideas. I’ll put you in your exersaucer for awhile.... then into your rainforest playmat... and then I will feed you and by then I usually repeat the circuit. Now that you are learning to sit, I can play with you and your toys on the floor, which is the most fun! Biscuit is even starting to come around... sitting near you and even giving you a kiss (or lick) every now and then. You are very in love with the doggies these days. You reach for them, and pet them... and boy do you smile! I think you’re still trying to figure out what they are!!

I feed you solids about twice a day now. Foods you love are sweet potatoes, pears & applesauce. You get excited now when I start mixing the foods with the cereal. I do have trouble keeping you focused though. You tend to do the exorcist move, where you head turns completely backwards as if you’re looking for something. By the time I get the food to your mouth, you turn your head and I get it in your ear! You are quite the mess by the time we’re all done. But we have fun with it!

Your teeth are beginning to give you trouble. I am not shy with giving you Tylenol though. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. You’ve been waking up in the middle of the night.... multiple times. So I’ll go in and rock you for a bit until you nod off. You’re so sweet... I can’t resist picking you up out of that crib to comfort you. You always settle down immediately once I reach in and grab you. Sometimes when I go in your room I find you on your belly, sound asleep. It’s happening more and more lately... which means you’re beginning to sleep like your Daddy!

I bought a new camera so I can take even more pics of you! It’s a Canon Rebel xsi.... I feel like a professional! I get on the floor and roll around with you, snapping pics all the while. So far, I’ve gotten some good ones! I can’t stop taking pics of you!

Happiest baby on the block!

I know all kids are happy... well I think they are for the most part, anyway.  But I think our little angel is EXTRA happy.  She has the best disposition... rarely cries (and I mean, hardly ever!)... loves smiling and loves giggling.  I'm posting some of my favorite smiley pics from the last month.  Enjoy!

  

 

You're growing like a weeeeeeed!!

We went to see your pediatrician, Dr Weinstein for your 4 month appointment on January 9th. You now weigh 15 lbs, 8 oz. You've also grown to 24" long! I cannot believe that just 4 months ago you weighed just 6 lbs, 3 oz and were only 18.5" long.

Dr Weinstein looked you over and said you look fantastic! He even complimented me on doing such a great job with you! He didn't forget to mention how cure you are, either! He even said that you should be the new face for Gerber. He gave us the green light to start you on cereal. I was SO excited that I took you straight to the grocery store to pick up cereals and pureed fruits. I got you home, sat you in your bebe pod and told you how exciting this would be!!!

Before:

After:

To say that you hated it would be an understatement! I was so bummed. I thought you would love the different tastes/ textures since you've been drinking formula for each and every meal for the last 4 months. I've tried some other combinations (oatmeal with pears, peaches & bananas). You do like pears and bananas... just don't seem to like the cereal. However, you will drink the cereal if I mix it with your formula and feed it to you in a bottle. I think we'll just keep feeding you by bottle for a while longer and try introducing you to the solids a little later. No rush in making you grow up!