Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday, baby!

We love you!!

Thank you, Ava

Oh I believe there are angels among us

Sent down to us from somewhere up above

They come to you and me in our darkest hours

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give

To guide us with the light of love

-Alabama

Ava Mae Monahan came to us December 21, 2005, after a pregnancy about which everyone had an opinion. Dusky and unresponsive, small and imperfect, but a precious miracle that took hold of us that morning and hasn't let go.

Ava has tightened family ties, and created new ones. Deep-rooted connections that never would have existed but for her. Bruce, Geri, Paul & Arline, Matt & Lizzy, Becky--I am honored to know you and share in the love we have for our niece and granddaughter. She is a blessed gift.

I Made a Mistake!!

I made a mistake while adding links to Ava's site. I accidentally omitted a crucial "s" in Brady's link. So, if any of you were directed to the lesbian/bisexual site, I APOLOGIZE!!

She's a Big Girl Now

Our baby girl is growing up. She will be one year old December 21. It's been quite a ride!

Ava can clap her hands, sit up, sleep (almost) all night, and light up your world with her pretty smile. It seems she is in a growth spurt now, and is filling out her 12-months clothing pretty well. She is so funny...one minute she's wrapping her little arms around you and planting a slobbery kiss. The next she looks you in the eyes and says, "Arrrgh!", hoping for your pseudo-terrified reaction. Grandma Geri taught her that trick!

Ava is learning about speech. One night I offered her a choice between her bottle and her pacifier. Lo! and behold...she reached out for her bottle and said, "Ba-ba". I KNOW she knew what she was saying. Also, I heard her trying to say "Papa". She stretched her bottom lip up over her top lip and blew air to make the "p" sound. Needless to say, Papa is gonna love that one!

I have been working out of town for the last couple of months, so I can't stop in to visit Ava everyday. Sometimes I miss her so much it hurts. She never fails to brighten my mood. After Christmas I will not be traveling anymore, thank God! Life just isn't fun without my daily Ava-fix:-(

Here are some recent pictures for you to enjoy. The date stamp on them is incorrect. All were taken recently. I will be posting more goodies soon. Until then, be healthy and happy!