Princess Ava

8 months old

2007-02-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Ava loves to make silly faces

YUMMY!!

Ava's trip to Ohio

2007-02-23T12:34:00.000-08:00

Ava & Mommy

Ava, Mommy, Grammy, and Grandma

7 months old

2007-02-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

Big girl Ava standing up

Ava's ready for spring!!

6 months old

2007-02-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas as a family

Beautiful Ava at Christmas

5 Months old

2006-11-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ava had her 5 month portraits taken on November 6, 2006. She took some of the best pictures she has ever done.

4 months old

2006-10-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

A few pics from Ava's 4 month portraits on October 7, 2006. Again, Daddy will add the link to the rest later.

3 months old

2006-10-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

Some pics from Ava's 3 month portraits on September 4, 2006.

3 Month Photos

Trip to Brownwood

2006-09-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

Friday September 8th Ava made her first trip to Brownwood. Mommy's hometown. Besides this being her first trip there, this was also Ava's first overnight trip. Ava had a great time. She got to see Grammy, Grampa, and Uncle David. Ava also got to meet some of her Great Aunts and Uncles, along with some cousins. During our time in Brownwood, Ava, Mommy, and Grammy went to a wedding. Daddy, Grampa, and Uncle David stayed at home to watch the UT vs OU football game.Ava got all dressed up and looked so pretty. Ava also went to church on sunday morning. She stayed in the nursery and played while mommy went to sunday school. When I went to get her, Ms. Martha said she had taken a little nap, played in the bouncer and did alot of talking. Before making the long drive back home to Round Rock, we had to stay awhile longer so daddy could watch the Dallas Cowboys game. It was a great trip but we were all glad to be back home in our own beds.

Back up....

2006-09-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Make sure you look further back in the blog. We've added a few posts before the Bumbo post, and will be adding more soon. Thanks for your patients.

My Bumbo...

2006-08-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ava has become such a big girl. She is now able to hold her head up all by herself. Here she is showing off for mommy and daddy. She is sitting in her bumbo, which she couldn't do untill she could hold her head up.

I wonder what Ava thinks now that she has her glasses and can see better...

We tried putting Ava in her Bumbo back at the end of July but as you can see... she was not a happy girl. You can also see how much she has grown since then.

I can see clearly now....

2006-08-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Ava has been doing so many new things since she got her glasses. The majority of the time, Ava wears her contacts and her glasses together. When we put her glasses on her for the first time, she started looking around and smiling and talking. The other day we had taken Ava's contacts out for a few hours and just had her glasses on. She started looking around and got a little upset. It was obvious that she couldn't see as well, and it upset her. Everytime she has her glasses and contacts on she is very happy and just talks and talks. I think she's telling us about everything she can see. It is just so wonderful knowing that she can finally see, and knowing how happy it makes her. Ava's world has completely changed.

Ava's New Glasses

2006-08-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Ava got her glasses on Thursday, and she couldn't be happier. It is so obvious to Mommy and Daddy how much more Ava can see. She's doing a great job keeping them on also. When we talk to Ava, she looks at us and smiles and jabbers away. She can't wait till she can really see the rest of her family.

Roll Over, Roll Over....

2006-08-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

"There were 2 in the bed and the little one said, Roll over, Roll over."

That's what our little princess did the other day. Ava rolled over for the first time!!! It was so exciting... I tried to get her to do it again, but she just got mad at me. She even did it the next morning to show daddy. Ava is becoming such a big girl, and doing so many new things every day.

Update 9/26/06: Ava is getting to be a pro at rolling over. Sometimes she has to get mad to do it, but it's official... Ava is rolling over!!!

I Miss My Daddy

2006-08-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Daddy's not here right now. I asked mommy where he was. Mommy told me that daddy is at "Sid Car" working late. I told mommy to make him come home, but mommy said that he is only working late tonight so he can spend more time with me later. Mommy also said to make sure I have a big smile and a hug waiting for daddy when he gets home. So I'm waiting daddy... Hurry home!!

I Love You

Comment Spam

2006-08-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ava has been very busy moderating all the comments she gets on her blog. Mainly because alot of it is spam... Random links to random sites from anonymous people. So Ava told me that we need to turn on word verification. Anyone can still comment, but now you have to type the letters/numbers you see before it will let you post. It will look similar to the example below. It's not hard, but it will save Mommy and Ava from doing a bunch of deleting.

Fit for FireFox

2006-08-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

For all you FireFox users out there, the Princess Ava Blog finally works! I've been struggling with a bug in the tamplate for a few days now and I finally figured it out. It was very frustrating and Ava was giving me "the look". But chill out girl...it works now!!

Fix it Daddy...Now!!
AHHHHHH!

2 Months Old

2006-08-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

Ava celebrated her 2 month birthday on Friday, her gift was 5 shots, yeah right....but Mommy made up for it by taking her to find some new clothes to wear for her photo shoot on Saturday.

The rest of the shots are posted on Ava's Web Album

2 Month Photos

Aug 4, 2006 - 16 Photos

Big Talker

2006-08-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Ava went for her 2 month doctor appointment on Friday August 4th. When she was laying on the examining table, she looked at the wall and saw Pooh and Tigger. She started talking to them, and seemed to have a whole conversation. She was very happy until she got her shots. Since it was her 2 month appointment she had to have 5 shots!!! She did fine until shot #3, when she got that one she scrunched up her face and let out a huge cry. I did my best to comfort her, but there's only so much mommy could do. She eventually calmed down, and slept for quite awhile. Mommy and Ava even had time to do a little shopping at Old Navy again. She slept the whole time. Later that evening Ava had a little bit of a fever. It got up to 100.2. So obviously, Ava had a rough night. On Saturday, she was still a little warm, but feeling better. Grammy and Grampa came to visit. Ava had a lot of fun playing peek - a - boo with grampa, and showing him all her toys. She also showed them how much she likes to talk. Mommy and Daddy also took her to Sears to get her 2 month pictures taken. She did wonderful as always. She started out sleeping, but eventually woke up and took some great pictures with her eyes wide open. Check them out on Ava's Web Album.

So you're Tigger??
You're so silly Pooh!!

Today, Sunday August 6th, Ava had a great day. She woke Daddy up this morning by telling him a story. After Ava ate, mommy had some errands to run, so she stayed with daddy. They played and talked almost the whole time mommy was gone. While mommy and daddy where eating lunch Ava took a nap. When she woke up, she decided she wanted to start talking to her friends, the animals on her mobile. She layed in her crib and talked for about 10 minutes or so. Ava is growing up so much and doing so many new things. She talks and coos more and more everyday. I look forward to each day, just to see what else she is going to be able to do.

This video is funny, Ava was coo'ing and playing with her voice, but she also had the hick-ups...

First Shopping Trip

2006-08-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

Mommy and daddy took Ava on her first of many shopping trips on Wednesday, 8-2-06, we went to Old Navy. They had some great sales, and of course we have to teach Ava how to find good bargins while shopping. We found her some very cute outfits. She got two little skirts, a shirt, and some shoes. Ava was very good during her shopping trip. I guess she knows if she behaves while we shop, she'll get to go more often. I think I'm gonna have me a great little shopping buddy. Daddy doesn't like to shop very much, but he went along anyways so we could get some pictures of Ava picking out clothes.

I want that one Mommy!!
I'm gonna look so cute in this
Yep, I do!!

Polka-Dot Princess
Our future Miss Texas

Contact Lenses & Other Stuff

2006-08-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

On Monday July 24th, Ava was allowed to remove the last of her eye shields. She was estactic; she had gotten rid of those pesky cataracts and now she could see mommy and daddy un-obstructed. We took immediate advantage of that.

Here's ava playing one of her first games of peek-a-boo with mommy. I came in too late with the camera; just before these shots she was really into it and laughing...Peek-a-boo...Awesome stuff!!!

Ava has been also enjoyed playing with her toys alot more now. She likes colors man...The Colors!! WoW!! This girl has got some strong legs and she uses them. She's racked me a couple of times and made me change the way I hold her.
Maybe if I concentrate he won't run away

Ava has also begun trying to put thumb in her mouth. She hasn't quite got the hang of it; she tries to put her whole hand and her knuckles in. I keep asking Cathy to demonstrate to Ava how to suck her thumb, but she won't do it. This video is one of Ava's thumb-sucking endeavors. The start of the clip is Cathy telling me that I missed some spots when cutting the grass the day before...I'm cluess how that happened b/c I'm a grass-cutting Jedi.

On Wednesday July 26th, Ava got her right contact lens in. We went to Dr. Onan's office and they showed us how to put it in and out. Now, if you're thinking that putting a contact lens in and out of the eye of a 2-month old is difficult...you have NO IDEA! The contact lenses are not permanent implants, they are similar to the contact lenses that an adult would wear, the difference is that are much more durable and made from super-breathable silicon material (did you hear what i said?? heee!)

On Saturday July 29th Grammy and Grampa came down. She only had her right contact lens in so far at this point.

Grampa rocking Ava to sleep
Grampa, Mommy, and Ava
Grampa's got a comfy lap
If you only knew...

Ava had her EUA (Exam Under Anesthesia) on Monday July 31st. They call this a procedure and not surgery, hmmm. The purpose of the exam was to remove the sutures from her left eye, measure her left eye for a contact lens, and just to get a good look @ the healing process from the previous two sugeries. It seemed like we were in and out of there. By the time we left Ava had both contact lenses in and could see things clearly.
I love bath time
Daddy, How did you get in there??
Clean face
Ava measured 10 pounds @ the hospital. Double digits..woohoo! Here she is!!
10lb Ava!
Who you gonna call?

The Real Baby Einstein

2006-07-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

Playing dress-up with Mommy

2006-07-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

On 7-20 and 7-23 Cathy felt like dressing our daughter up. CUTE STUFF!!! I'm just putting this out for now so that Cathy can add some more content later...she's feeding Ava @ the moment.

Ava has been growing more and more every day. So she decided that we needed to start trying on her bigger clothes, to see if they fit. Which turns into a big game of dress up. Ava really seems to enjoy it; and so does daddy(the proof is in the pictures). She is now wearing 3-9 month in some of her clothes. Ava really loves putting on her little girly girl dresses and having a fashion show for daddy.

Bumbo?? NOOOO!!
Ava is actually farting in this photo

Girly Girl Ava Bing

NaNa and PawPaw

2006-07-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

NaNa and PawPaw stayed with us the weekend before Ava's first surgery. Ava had a great time with here grandparents and Cathy and I were able to get out for a bit and go see Superman Returns.

Being silly with PawPaw
Someone did something...It wasn't me!
Grand-Madre
PawPaw, how do you make that noise??
Out for a stroll through the neighborhood

Ava's 1st Photo Shoot

2006-07-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

On July 8th we took Ava to Sears for her 1 month old photos. We plan to do a small photo shoot every month for her. We wanted to get her in before her surgery on Monday. The shoot went great, Ava didn't fuss much at all. Here are a few of our favorite shots. I apologize for the quality, Sears.com purposely makes the online photos low res and the ones we ordered didn't scan well...

All original shots are available at Sears.com. Click here to visit their site where you can view the session and order prints. These photos will be available through 1/8/2007, so you've got time to procrastinate.

Also check out our Maternity Photo Shoot also @ Sears. These are only available for ordering through 11/6/2006.

Of course, don't forget about Ava's Web Album where you can find all this and about a million more photos and memories of her majesity.

Playtime and Gifts

2006-07-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

Jeremy and Nikki sent Ava a very nice gift package on July 11th. There was alot of clothes and alot of pink! Ava begged me to surround her with all her new clothes and take a picture, so there ya go. The cigars in the photo are for me, for me to hand out. Thanks Jeremy! That was one tradition I was always looking forward to. It's a strange tradition if you think about it...celebrating life by handing out little sticks of tar and tabacco. Oh well...PUFF PUFF!!

Forget Waldo ... Where's Ava?!?

Gettin' Her Play On!
Ava loves her little acquiram sound-making gym thing. These shots were taken 3 days before her first surgery so we're not sure that she got alot out of it visually, but ever since she got her contacts in, she seems to enjoy it even more.

Ava in the foreground; a plug-in in the background...Nice
Totally loving Tummy Time
I'm going to get you ... and then eat you
Kickin' it to Mozart, Bach, & Beethoveen

Baby Cry

2006-07-26T23:31:00.000-07:00

You didn't really think Ava was all smiles with a calm demeanor all the time did you?? Here is some of Ava's teary-eyed moments...

Hey, turn that frown upside down!
How would you feel?
Not happy, but still darn cute!

A lesson from Ava on How to Cry...

1. Remain calm on the outside while building up your cry inside
2. Release suddenly, squench your face and really belt it out
3. Turning your face red is key, it takes some skill but you're learn
4. Begin to wind down, keep your face red but start to silent your scream
5. OK now relax, get rid of all those last few sniffles and pouts
6. Any questions??

July 4th Weekend

2006-07-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

Jeremy, Nikki, Jonathan, and Jason came down from San Angelo for the July 4th weekend. The boys have gotten so BIG!!! You have to check out their website, JonathanAndJason.com, for two reasons: 1) They're adorable little munchkins and 2) To see the photos that I couldn't post on here. You can't save photos off of their site (thanks Jeremy!), so you're stuck with the few that I took with our camera. :)

This was Ava's first visit from non-family folk. It was also the first time she's been around any kiddos that run around, jump, play, and SCREAM!! So what did Ava think about her Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Nikki, and her future twin playmates... eh, she slept most of the time.

Ava Z meets the Browns
We all had a blast playing with the boys. They encountered so many new things. Stairs for one...that was fun, and cats for another. Oh yeah, these boys aren't like Ava who ignores Taco and Jersey for now, they're mini-predators who can run them down and pull hair and all sorts of fun stuff; all in search for that soft fur of a freaked out cat. Taco was M.I.A. for most of their visit, but Jersey gave in, I guess she knew she was too old to be out-running J&J all weekend. Jason also discovered that he likes Pilates...fun!!

Jeremy computing, Nikki combing, and Jonathan eating...Sorry no grapes!
Umm??

Goin' Back'ards

2006-07-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

Aside from posting about Ava's surgeries, I have about a month's worth of events to catch up on. The next several posts will be just that....Ketchup! (get it)..lame.

Post-Op: Part 2

2006-07-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Yeap, it's been two weeks since the last post. I checked with Ava, she said that was OK becuase we've got alot of good stuff to share. So it's been worth the wait.

On Monday July 17th, Ava went in for surgery on her left eye. The procedure went fine, there were no problems. The whole day was alot easier on Cathy and I. We didn't cry and we knew what to expect. It's never a good thing when your child goes under the knife, but we were glad that we were ablw to deal with things alot better. Ava seemed to do alot better too; she seemed less groggy coming out of anethesia and was ready to eat right away. She had another week with the eye patch, this time on her left eye and of course the medications continued as normal. Ava's been taking two eye drops and two meds by mouth. She's done great for the most part, but sometimes she just nails her eyes shut and there's no getting in. They say that infants are able to squeeze their eyes closed harder than toddlers can.

This photo was taken at the hospital in surgery pre-op just before they took here back. The nurse had me write "yes" above her left eye as matter of procedure. Once she told me what to do and handed me the pen, I was like "WHAT!!". But eh, so I got to write on my daughter's face, I'm sure she'll return the favor one day.
Yes, Yep, Yeah, Uh Huh

That night Ava and I had a good 'ole time. With her right eye patch off now, she was looking around and seeing the world un-obstructed for the first time. She's asleep because she took one look at me and passed out!

Happy Feet

2006-07-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

What can be said....too cute!!

Pretty in Pink

2006-07-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Mmm'kay we've got to back track a little bit. We are still behind on posts since our 18-day lapse. These are some photos we took of Ms. Ava on her fuzzy pink blanket. This blanket is awesome yo!! We bought the thing at Target...it's soft and furry and silky on one side...you know kinda like a blanket. Too bad it's pink and not a cool color.

Ava took some WONDERFUL pictures and there is no way that we can fit them all on here, so go check out the "Pretty in Pink" collection on Ava's web album.

Post-Op

2006-07-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ava's surgery went well. They took her back at 9:30 and she was in recovery by 11:30. There were no unexpected complications in removing the cataract from her right eye. The doctors and Nurses at Children's Hospial of Austin were great; they kept us informed and took great care of Ava and in making the procedure as painless as possible for all of us. However, pre-op and sitting and waiting was not easy for Cathy and I, we felt helpless. Luckily we had both of our parents there to help us out.

I'm glad that we're on our way to correcting Ava's vision and even though Ava doesn't seem to realize what has heppened to her, I do. When I went back to see her in recovery, it hit me. I won't try to describe it, let's just say that it was difficult to see my little baby like that: having been violated and now groggy and helpless with an eye shield on her face... It made me realize that there really is a special bond between parent and child.

But our princess is fine...she's home now for recovery and doing great with taking her medicine and eye drops and keeping her hands away from her eye. We have our post-op visit with Dr. Onan today at 4:15. I can't wait until her eye heals and we can remove the patch so that Ava can see her mommy and daddy clearly for the first time.

About Those Baby Blues

2006-07-10T03:04:00.000-07:00

Yeap, I broke the previous posts into two parts. So why were we all in San Antonio to begin with?? We were down there to get a second opinion from a respected Pediatric Optimologist about Ava's vision.

On June 15 Ava was diagnosed with Cataracts. This is an inherited vision defect that has affected NaNa, Aunt Kelley, myself, and now little Ava. Cathy and I were dissappointed, upset, sad...all that stuff. But we know how to live with less than perfect vision. So Ava will never be a fighter pilot or fly the space shuttle...big deal. The world is still hers!! Ava's Pediatric Ophthalmologist is Dr. Hillary Onan. She is a terrific doctor. Cathy and I chose her from a short list of recommended doctors.

Ava is scheduled for 2 eye surgeries for cataract extraction. One is today, July 10th @ 9am. The other is next Monday, the 17th. The procedure has not chnaged a whole lot since Kelley and I had it done in the 70's. Dr. Onan will be removing both of Ava's lenses from her eyes. She will have to wear a patch on each eye for a week or so until the eyes heal. I've tried for 28 years to describe to people how I see things, and soon, how Ava will see the world. The best analogy is to imagine yourself very drunk and not able to focus on anything. You can see, but nothing is very clear. You have to hold things very close to your face to read them, hence black newspaper nose..HA!

If you don't know what this is, I'm not going to tell you

On July 31st Ava goes back to the hospital for an EUA (Exam Under Anethesia). Dr. Onan will be measuring her eyes for contact lenses. YEAH... I know and the parents have to put them in and out. Ava will also wear glasses, just like her Daddy. And NO they are NOT Coke Bottle glasses, they're more like Dr. Pepper cans or in Ava's case, since she's a girl, Strawberry soda. Ok, it's 6:30...we gotta go. Keep Ava in your thoughts...wish us well...

Ava with her Larry the Lion headed back from San Antonio

Four Generations

2006-07-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

On June 22, 2006 we had 4 generations all together. This was a very unique opportunity. At my grandma's house in San Antonio we had four generations present on Cathy's side and my side. Ava's grandma and great-grandma from my side are from San Antonio. On Cathy's side, Ava's grandma came in from Brownwood and her great-grandma came all the way from Columbus, Ohio. We all met at my grandma's house for lunch....and OHHHHH was it good!!! There ain't no place in Austin that makes Mexican food like Ava's great-grandma Paula. Not too many people get to have four gnerations on both parent's sides in one place at the same time, it was great. What made the day even more speical was that Ava took her photos with her grandparents in the house that Ava's great-grandmother raised her kids and grandkids.

The money shot...4 Generations
Ava and her Great Grandma Paula
I remember those arms from when I was a baby, no place is more comfortable
Ava and all of her Grandmothers
The Great Phtoto
Ava's Grandmommy's (yes that is their actual height)
Ava and Daddy...teehee!
Cathy's gernation (not to be confused with the Pepsi Generation)
Silly Paw Paw...Silly Daddy

New Web Album

2006-07-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ava has a new web album. We're using Google's Picasa Web Albums. We can never post as many photos as we want to on this blog (it would just take too darn long to load). You can go to the web album to see our full collection of Ava photos, un-edited and often time sooner than I can post them to the blog. So click the link below and bookmark it. And remember Ava loves reading your comments.

!! Ava's Web Album !!

Life Imitating Art

2006-07-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is Ava's first attempt to re-create Edvard Munch's "The Scream". She's a natural!

More Ava

2006-07-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hey...I have a tounge...COOL!
There's no hands like Mommy's hands
If you ask me, Ava looks like she knows something that we don't

Ava took her first ride in her Baby Bjorn carrier on June 21st. She took to it pretty well.

That looks very comfortable

We had some technical issues around June 15th when our router went out. After we bought a new one, Ava just had to check it out.

It's Been Awhile

2006-07-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been 18 days since the last post. Sorry about that, my fault. Ava says I've been sleeping on the job and made me promise not to do that again. Alot of stuff has happened since June 17th and we have a lot of memories to share with you. So let's get started....

Ava getting her beauty sleep
Daddy sleeping when I shoudl be posting

How do I post a comment??

2006-06-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Some of you have asked us how to post a comment on Ava's blog. Well Cathy and I would really like to hear from all of you, so please follow these instructions on How to Post a Comment. Remember anyone can post a comment, you do NOT have to be a member of Blogger. Happy blogging...

Family Visit

2006-06-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Grammy, Grandpa, and Uncle David came to visit today. Grammy will be staying with us for the next week. Ava met her Uncle David for the first time, they were very good together. David is a natural. Of course Grandpa and Grammy were overjoyed to see their little granddaughter.

Daddy's girl

2006-06-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

It's a Kodak moment
Smile Ava...like this
First time I kissed a real life angel
One of us is starting to fall asleep
Daddy being silly with Ava

Bath time

2006-06-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Ava had her first sponge bath today.

Mommy and Ava
Mommy and Ava
Mommy and Ava
Mommy and Ava
Mommy and Ava

We even had time for a little peek-a-boo.

Gifts from Uncle David

2006-06-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

We just received several gifts from Ava's Uncle David.
This was a very thoughful gesture.

Thank You Uncle David! Ava can't wait to see you this weekend.

Million Dollar Baby

2006-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Let Ava show you how to throw a knockout punch.

1. Find your target
2. Quick Jab
3. Uppercut - rear back and get ready to fire
4. Follow through
5. Lay down boy-eee, you're out!

Good morning Ava

2006-06-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Ava had a good night last night. She woke up like 4 times between 8pm and 8am. Cathy is not used to getting so little sleep, but luckly for me, working at Sydcor has more than prepared me for this.

Ava only lays like this on her Mommy
Ava...un-stick
Absolutely adorable

Turn that car around!

2006-06-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Well we just had our first "turn around". Ava was strapped in, diaper bag packed, we were on our way. Then Ava decided that she was hungry. We didn't even make it to Hazel Nut (about 8 houses down from ours). Turn that car around!! And here we are.

Mommy & Baby "Z"

2006-06-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

Aunt Kelley and Uncle Mike

2006-06-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ava's Aunt Kelley and Uncle Mike came to visit from San Antonio on Sunday June 11. They bought Ava a HUGE stuffed dog. We had a great visit and got some great stills and video of our first extended family visit. Y'all come back now...

Aunt Kelley and Ava
Uncle Mike and Little Ava
No color for you!
The best kind of dog a parent could ask for

Too Cute

2006-06-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Doctor doctor

2006-06-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

Ava's first visit to her pediatrician was on Friday June 9, 2006. Cathy was a bit nervous. She said that she would break down if they had to give our daughter a shot. I was coool, I knew there were no shots scheduled, boo yay! We packed Ava up and headed out about 8:15. We had to stop downtown for my eye doctor appointment first. There were two ladies in the waiting room who oggled over Ava when we came in. That was cool because we are now "that couple"; the people that everyone looks at when you walk in, wanting to get a look at the new little baby, "ohhhh what a cute baby."

Any who, about Ava's appointment. Her doctor is Dr. Kimberly Albert of the Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC). It was a treat identifying ourselves as mother and father on the registration forms. Ava weighed in at 7 lbs 4 ounces, that's only 2 ounces shy of her birth weight. The doctor said that this is a sign that Ava is eating good and is off to a healthy start. We don't know anything yet about Ava's vision. With my family history of congenital cataracts and glaucoma the chances are good that Ava will have less than perfect vision. Dr. Albert was not able to get a clear view of the back of her eye on Friday. We are already set up to meet with a pediatric ophthalmologist this week, we'll know the diagnosis at that time. Cathy and I are both sitting on pins and needles until then. The rest of the visit went great; all of Ava's physical and developmental elements are right on track.

It's cool traveling with Ava...packing her up in her carrier / carseat, carrying her around in public. People who look see this cute little girl, that makes me even more proud to be her daddy. I got me some braggin' rights!
back in Mommy's arms

How could I forget...

2006-06-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that I did not thank Darby for her role in the Father-to-be baby shower on March 11. SORRY DARBY!! Darby holds a very special place in the hearts of Cathy and myself. The baby shower was made even more special becuase of this perfect little angel. Ava can't wait to you Darby.

Anyone can comment now!

2006-06-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

I've removed the restriction that you have to be a member of Blogger in order to post a comment. Sorry about that, i'm still learning how this site works. I look forward to reading what you have to say.

I can't sleep

2006-06-09T00:31:00.000-07:00

So it's like 2:30 in the morning, just got done putting Ava back to bed after a feeding and now i'm wired. I have a eye doctor appointment for myself @ 9am and Ava has her first in-office visit with her Pediatrition, Dr. Kimberly Albert, at 11:30am. It's going to be a long day.

Browsing through this here blog, i've realized that I have not been very consistent with my posts, I haven't followed one format or another, etc. So i'm going to try to clean things up a bit.

Ava's first stroller ride
Nice ride Ava!
I hope she doesn't inherit my wake-up hairdo

Family Fotos

2006-06-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

Our first family photo
Cute Cathy Cute Ava

Grammy and Grandpa (Helen and Jerry Low)
Posing with PawPaw (Ken Zimmerman, my pops!)
NaNa and Grammy. Not exactly the Two Towers (since mama is a foot shorter than Helen). Mary Zimmerman and Helen Low.

Ava is born...

2006-06-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

The happiest moment of my life was June 4, 2006 at 11:21 am. That's when my daughter, Ava Dawn Zimmerman, was born. She was 7 lbs 6 ounces and 20 inches long. Cathy labored through 20 hours of difficult labor, but she did it. We are very happy.

Sydcor Baby Shower

2006-06-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

On Monday May 15th I was surprised with a baby shower from the great team at Sydcor.

Thank you Preeti and Melinda. These two wonderful ladies organized the whole thing!! They made the event very special for Cathy and I, everything went very smooth. You guys rock!

More Shots....

2006-05-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

These are a few more pictures that we took at Sears. The quality stinks because I took them from their website.

Brownwood Baby Shower

2006-05-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

Brownwood Baby Shower, April 15, 2006

Father-to-be Shower

2006-05-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Baby shower, "Father-to-be" shower for Ray on March 11, 2006 @ the Fulcher's. Thank you Mom, Pop, Kelley, and Debbie!! It was a lot of fun. We played games, ate food, and received alot of great gifts. And I, for the first time in my life, chugged a BOTTLE!! By the way, the first picture is me trying to put a diaper on a teddy bear while blind folded.

That's a lot of pink

2006-05-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Some earlier pcitures of Ava's room. My diggs were never this nice!

8.5 months...

2006-05-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

We took these just after we finished Ava's room.

Welcome All Zimmermans...

2006-05-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

mm'kay, i sent an e-mail announcing this blog to my "Z" family so i better see some comments from you folks!

Ava's Room

2006-05-13T00:19:00.000-07:00

Belly Head

2006-05-13T00:10:00.000-07:00

Cathy and I took some photos at Sears on 5/6/06, this is our favorite!

For Starters...

2006-05-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings! This is the first post on our blog. Now let's see what i can do with this thing....