Our beautiful Ava is growing and changing so fast. We are getting ready for her 1st Birthday already! She is walking better than ever. Ava is so steady on her feet and sometimes she's so quick she's almost running to look at a toy, play "keep away" from us, or keep up with our dog Emma. Ava is really trying to talk. She has been able to say "mama" and "dada" for months, but has been trying her hand at new words. We think her first official word was "ball." She plays with a big blue ball often. When eating dinner, we've often asked if she wants more food. She has responded with, "More" before. Emma seems to be very amusing to Ava lately, and she often calls her "Ma" for Emma. Today, she said "Grandpa" when my dad came over for lunch (it sounded like gapa). She's got a beautiful little voice, and I love to hear all the words she's sounding out as we ask her questions, sing to her, and listen to her talk. Her favorite book about the red, ripe strawberry prompted her to attempt to say "strawberry" the other night! Ava is really good listener. She is very attentive and watches/listens to everything we say and do. Something we often do is ask Ava to pick out a toy or book when we first get situated in her play room. She has picked out the red strawberry book, the ball, a stuffed Elmo doll, and a few other books that she likes a lot. I am amazed at how well she listens and observes. She enjoys playing with her cups - both taking them apart and putting them together. She also likes playing with her stacking rings. Ava loves to hear us sing songs. My dad often plays the guitar and sings to her when he comes home for lunch or watches her. Of course, I also sing to her throughout our times together. She knows that singing about rubber ducky means that bath time is just around the corner! She excitedly walks to the bathroom to see Rubber Ducky and her other bath toys. We sing about the weather, and she loves "You Are My Sunshine." She has loved "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" since she was only a few months old, so that has been a longtime favorite. She hums a lot to herself, so hopefully she enjoys music as she gets older. With musicians on both sides of the family, I'd be very surprised if she didn't! Ava has about 12 teeth, and I think she's beginning to teethe again. We've been teething on and off for months now, and I've been amazed at how quickly her mouth has filled up with little pearly whites! It took me forever for my teeth to come in, so she definitely didn't get this trait from me! Ava still takes 2 naps a day and sleeps through the night. She hasn't gotten up at night since she was 3 months, even during teething. We realize we are very blessed! Ava is such a joy. Her laughter, funny faces and expressions, inquisitive nature, and keen observation and listening skills are fun to watch. We are very thankful that God has blessed us with such an amazing little girl. Regardless of what milestones have or have not been reached, we love her just the way she is. She's our daughter, and there is no one in the world like Ava. She is precious and important to God and to us. We are so happy to be a part of her beautiful life.
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