Back from Washington

We got back from Washington Monday night. It was a good trip. Great to be able to spend Ava's first Easter as I spent every Easter as a child, at my Grandma Dot's house with a million cousins and various other relatives spilling out of the house. We even had a dog in the mix this time, and I do mean MIX. It was pouring down rain all day and we were all forced not to spill out of the house. It was like being together in a blender and mixed. But family traditions are good.

We also had a great time at our friends Gretchen and Sam's wedding. I was a bridesmaid so that was fun and an honor and I even got a pedicure out of the deal. Thanks G! We are very happy for the both of them and it was a privilege to be a part of their big day.

Ava was good on both flights too. The first one was full so we didn't get a seat for her. I think Tony has more sympathy for me and the flight I took alone with her now. Luckily she was fascinated by the germ spreading devices also known as the air vents. She spent the better half of the flight with her head thrown back and her tongue sticking out with the "wind" blowing in her face. With that and crawling around on the airport carpet, an occasional sneak chew on the back of the airplane headrest and who knows what else, I decided to just remove all panic and guilt and deem this and all future flights as "Immune System Building Days." Our flight home we were all exhausted and Tony and I were dreading having to hold her again as we were told the flight was full again. At the very last minute an angel in a AA uniform came on the plane and told us were were given the extra seat, she ran back and grabbed Ava's carseat before they loaded it on the plane and we were set. Thank you Jesus! We might not have survived otherwise.

I got a case of food poisoning from a sandwich I ate in the airport though and have spent the last two days on the couch. Ava's slept nearly all day on Tuesday, so that gave me time to rest and yesterday she played on the floor with her toys next to the couch and just pulled herself up on it every once in awhile to check on me. She's such a sweet girl.

Today I'm feeling better which is good since I woke up and stumbled to the kitchen to heat some water for tea only to discover that the ants had decided to pick this morning as D Day for their attack on my kitchen. They were crawling all over my sink and kitchen counters. Disgusting. So I had to run to the garage for ammunition, clear the counters and end their reign. And I did win. At least for now.

Two more quick stories for the history books. While we were in Washington Ava learned how to say "No". I was up in our bedroom at my parents house with her and she was sitting behind me playing and all of a sudden I heard MY voice behind me saying, "Ohhh, no, no, no, no. Ohhhh, no, no, no, no." It was exactly what I say and how I sound when I tell her "no". It has begun. For now we think it's super cute and also helpful. Now when she's done eating she shakes her head and says "no" rather than swatting the spoon away and spraying sweet potatoes all over us both. And she shakes her had no when she doesn't want a toy or another cheerio. If only we can somehow keep her from figuring out how to tell us "no" when we tell her to do something . . .Not that she'll get away with that. . . her mother did just destroy an entire ant colony this morning. . .not that I would destroy my daughter for any reason . . .anyway. . .

Story #2. This morning at 2:00am I woke up hearing what sounded like coughing/choking in Ava's room. After listening for 1.5 seconds I leaped out of bed, flipped on the light and ran to her room. I stopped just before opening it and heard her cough again. . .and then laugh. . .and then cough again. . .and laugh. She was just having a late night fake coughing practice session. She quickly discovered that fake coughing and fake laughing are two great ways to get every ones attention on herself. Our entire trip in Washington, if we were in a group and there was a pause in conversation, Ava would give this loud fake laugh and then everyone would laugh at her and then she'd laugh and then they'd all laugh. I don't think she's going to be a wallflower . . .