The Elusive Smile

Ava has been starting to smile more and more these days. I've managed to capture a few on my cell phone camera but not on video. The other morning, she was just grinning away so I ran and got my camera, propped her up, turned it on...and nothing. I tried a few times to coax one out of her but this girl does not do demand performances. So, I thought I would be smarter than her and put her in the swing. She really likes the mobile - especially the monkey. She smiles for him all the time. Well, nada. Maybe the hiccups were distracting her? Either way, here are a few short clips of my attempts.

Note: Oh, by the way, if any of you have skype and are interested in doing video calls, let me know!! I'm dying to try it out.

Strangers and Little Friends

When I was pregnant, I was warned that pregnant bellies provided too much temptation for anyone - family, friends, and especially strangers - to touch. Now, I am usually an open person but I DID NOT want strangers touching my belly. I had prepared biting, witty comments for anyone who dared to try. To my shock (and even disappointment - I really wanted to try out my one line zingers) no unwanted belly rubbing occured. There must have been one hell of a scowl on my face warding off people.

So, even though I had always known that babies are people magnets, I just didn't realize how much. I cannot take Ava anywhere without everyone asking how hold she is, how much she weighs and then making all sorts of cute comments. I've even had babysitting offers from total strangers. "Yeah, Mavis, I'm going to let an 85 year old stranger carry my precious newborn and drop her. Um, no thanks."

A perfect illustration of this point was this past week when my mom was in town. Finally, I could make a run to Costco without either myself or Ava losing our minds. My mom was only too happy to push the cart and hold the binky in her mouth for over an hour. So as I wandered the isles with my mom and Ava following a short distance behind, I cannot tell you how many people stopped my mom to pay her compliments and go through the standard questions (listed above). My mom informed them it was her grandaughter (insert wistful yet snobby tone) and happily answered any question posed to her. Her chest puffed up with every single compliment and she was just glowing. Of course, I was pleased that people thought my child was cute but I was amazed at just how much attention Ava (and my mom) were getting. It was almost as if they announced over the loud speaker there was a baby in the produce isle. Let me tell you, the senior citizens came flocking. So while I expected attention, I was surprised at how much. I guess everyone truly does love babies.

It's also been fun to see how little kids will respond to Ava . I knew that little girls were suckers for babies. I mean, they drag around baby dolls starting at 2 years old and don't stop for years. What has surprised me is how little boys are also suckers for babies. I'm not sure at what age babies are no longer cool but from what I can tell, it extends to at least four year old boys. Ava has received all sorts of visitors but my favorites are the little kids. Here are a few pictures of her new little friends.

My Teenage Baby

Sorry it's been awhile. Jeez. Two weeks. Anyway...

So Ava has just hit her teenage baby years. I know this by the hallmark signs that any parent would recognize. Increased moodiness, unending demands and acne. This child was perfect the first two weeks. Suddenly, between 2-6 pm she has to feed every 1.5-2 hours and is mad as hell at worst and high maintainance at best. She is also covered in baby acne. From what I read in all the books, this is just a phase and will pass. In the meantime, I will have to continue photoshoping all the pictures I take. (I know, I know...that probably makes me a bad mommy.)

Now with the positive. She will sleep through the night if we let her. During the morning hours, she is starting to smile and coo. One big smile wipes all the previous crankiness away. Man, I live for those. Miraculously, she is also very good once her Daddy gets home. This is a huge blessing given that Chris is currently on a ridiculously demanding and stressful rotation. Ava is also growing like crazy. The little onsies that were a bit big last week suddenly don't fit. I guess that's what happens when she gains a pound a week. That milk has to be going somewhere. Our little girl is getting big and strong.

Auntie Renee is coming in this weekend for a very quick trip and we're all very excited. The next weekend some cousins from Denver are visiting and then Grandma Patti and Pop Pop are back out for another visit. I can't wait to see them all.

Quick little observation: None of the little shoes/booties that come with newborn outfits will fit her feet - way too small. The hats, however, are huge! Is this the case with all newborns or is my child just wildly disproportional? Somehow I got these hats to stay on long enough for a picture or two. Notice no socks or botties though!

Nicknames

It has been so funny to see how many nicknames Ava has already. I guess it really shouldn't be too much of a surprise given how many nicknames both Chris and I have had throughout the years. Kristy: Mouth, Red, KJ, Johnson, Krusty, Chrysanthemums, Albino Gorilla, Horse, Killer (the last three were courtesy of our opposing teams in high school) etc. Chris: Momma Sweetums, Worm, Man Child, Gar -as in Gargantuan, Chrissy, Slow, Grape Ape, Big Cat, etc. As I'm writing this, I'm really starting feel badly for Ava as she gets older. :) Anyway, we've already been calling her Ava Babe, Ava Poo-Poo (see previous posts), Ava Marie, Monkey, Peanut. Pop pop only calls her A.C. I'm sure she'll have even more by the next post.

Aunt January left yesterday and we were very sad to see her go. (Although Momma is glad to get her computer back!) We have a little break in vistors for a while until late September and then we have a bunch more coming. It's been great to have so many people here. It really isn't overwhelming and it's helpful because they don't mind holding her and cuddling while I'm trying to catch a nap too.

Ava's umbilical cord finally fell off and she was able to take her first real bath with Chris last night. I am still banned from baths for another two weeks because of my c-section. Overall, I think she loved it. It was so cute. She also had her first massage yesterday too. I am taking an infant massage class and it's been fun. It's pretty intuitive but it's another way to meet new moms, ask question, etc. Afterall, I am new in town and in the market for some friends. :)

Here are some pictures. I'll write more later. Time to nap...or at least try...