Ava's 3rd Christmas

Boy Ava has a had a month!
First the foot, then she whacked her nose at school and had black eyes for several days, then she got strep throat and was out of school for 4 days (sat on the couch for 4 days straight and we must have watched Monsters Inc, Cars, and Shrek II at least 7 times each).

At Ava's last doctors appointment she was up to 22.5 lbs she is now wearing mostly 24 month shirts, 18 month pants and she can now fit in the circo brand 24 month pants. She also is up to a size 6 shoe. She is getting longer and taller. Her hair is so long I can't believe it.
She went back to school on Tuesday this week. Must have been just enough time, Ava started talking to her teachers again (she stopped talking to them after her foot incident, and Ava had a melt down, or two or three ever morning before school). Ava didn't have melt downs before school this week. She started saying more sentences, she started eating a little more this week. Everyday we got her from school she was in a good mood. She has been hitting less, getting along with us better.
Ava says some of the cutest things!
Here are a couple of quotes from this week.
"Is daddy sleeping? Awww he's so cute"
"I sat in Santa lap. Mommy, I see Santa!"
"Are you OK? Awe, are you OK?"
"I want to go whee whee whee (fly in the air) mama"

Phil: " Are you a Diva?"
Ava: "No. I'm Ava"

Tonight she wanted me to read "Ho Ho Ho Tucker". I didn't even know we had that book, but sure enough she found it and read it along with me tonight.


This year I got ready for Christmas early. Ava likes the tree decorations but hasn't touched the presents that are under the tree.
Very thankful for that! As Christmas approaches I grow more depressed. I think this year without my mom and my grandmother and the usual Christmas traditions it has been harder than I imagined. I'm really thankful I did everything early because as of today, I don't feel like doing anything until the holiday is over.

Ava is full of surprises. It seems that if we conquer one thing (like getting over her fear of going to school) she is back to wetting the bed.
I guess its time to buckle down and get down to potty training. We've tried this before, but this time we need to make better effort with consistency, sticker charts, cookies for going potty and maybe even turning her crib into a big girl toddler bed, complete with big girl bedding (which Santa is bringing her for Christmas)