What Are They Up To?

I thinks it's an absolute blessing, that sometimes...

I can't seem to find my husband and my daughter.

Our house isn't THAT big, and it's not that I mean I don't LIKE that I can't find them,
but when they're gone, I know that wherever they are, they're having a great time together! I admit that when I have some time to myself I truly cherish those quiet moments for just "me" and yet at the same time, I can't help but wonder what fun I'm missing out on. So, in my effort to try and give them their space while embracing my own, I put off my curiosity of what they might be up to.
And then there are times, when I just can't help myself. It's just too quiet... and I need to know what's going on! Because deep down, I know where ever they are...
they're havin' a good time!


One time, I found them reading a book in the hallway on the stairs.

And then last night, while I was on the computer in the living room, I hear Matt calmly requesting my presence to the bathroom because...

Ava decided that while flossing her teeth...


She'd give herself a li'l ride on Daddy!

Matt has been encouraging me to put together a "dictionary" of sorts... of all the adorable ways our li'l Ava speaks to us. She tries so hard, to say the right things at the right time.

Here are a few of our favorites:

"OGO Bar"
Translation: Granola Bar

"Pee Juice"
Translation: Peach Iced Tea Crystal Light
(mixed with water)

"Oooh, Swees Me!"
Translation: "Oh, Excuse Me!
(usually said right after she farts)

"HEY, MATT! Where are ya?!"
Translation: "Hey you! Where are you?!"
(she calls for "MATT" even when trying to get me)

"Med-Sin"
Translation: Medicine
(or any brightly colored liquid in a bottle)

"Hold It Cheese"
Translation: A Slice of Cheddar Cheese
(she can "hold")

"Ice Cweeem"
Translation: Yogurt
(but it still means the other sweet stuff too)

"I Numb You."
Translation: Oh, my favorite of all...
"I love you."

Inspired

I'm learning that viewing life through the eyes of Ava is far more interesting and compassionate, and sincere, and all things pure. Just the way God intended us to view the world. Through the eyes of a child. Here are some examples of that view. From where she sits... the world is pretty AMAZING!

Matt and Ava go on a walk every night together. They have their usual route. Well, on this particular route, there is a rusty old truck. When Ava first laid eyes on it she said,

"Ohhhh, Daddy. OUCHIE TRUCK."

Daddy then explained that yes, indeed the truck has "ouchies."

I love her compassion.


We went to the zoo recently and she was amazed at all the animals. Ava was really starting to participate in the fun of being at the zoo. I just sat back at this moment, watching her gaze as the walrus' paraded back and forth. She kept saying,

"Oooh, dey hab wiskas."

I love her wonder.


We went to the pumpkin patch and had a chance to go through the corn maze. She noticed Daddy looking at the map and wanted to help. As she walked she was determined to help us find our way. She said,

"Where go?!"

I love her determination, bravery and sense of adventure.

There are so many other beautiful things about my daughter that I wish I could share. Ones that I know, you as a parent, can relate to. It's inspiring to try and be child-like in our every day lives. And yet, it's a constant challenge at the same time. I endeavor to be more like Ava in my days, weeks, months, and even years to come.