It was a BIG week!

Ava is growing up so fast! We can't believe how BIG our little baby is already - She's starting to do some BIG things now too!

This past Monday Ava began pushing herself up onto her hands and knees! She loves this new position and smiles with excitement when she does it :) As the week went on she began to add a little movement - rocking back and forth and pushing herself backward. It won't be long and she'll be scootin' and crawlin' all over the place! Mom and Dad better start to baby proof the house - yikes!

On Thursday Ava surprised us with another BIG girl skill - She picked up her cheerios and Gerber puffs and put them in her mouth! She's beginning to feed herself ! Looks like we'll be expanding our diet to include more finger foods soon :)

I wish I knew how to add video to this blog so you could see the fun new things Ava is doing...

I took this pic last week and had to share it - Ava in her apple hat :) "Aunt" Carmen made it for Ava for Christmas - It's the most adorbale thing ever! Thanks again Carmen!

Love the angel bear slippers!

8 months old

Ava is quite a little lady - 8 months old already!

Go Vikings!!!

The Minnesota Vikings made the playoffs this year.

Ava was all dressed up to watch the game.
She cheered as hard as she could.

But sadly they lost anyway...maybe next year!

Who really cares about football - Doesn't she look adorable?!!!

Happy New Year - 2009!!!

We're looking forward to all that is to come in 2009!

We wish our friends and family health and happiness in the coming year!

Ava & "Aunt" Shannon

Keaton's sister, Shannon, came to stay with us while she recovered from surgery. She and Ava became good buddies!

Christmas in Sioux Falls

On Friday, December 26th we headed for Sioux Falls to celebrate Christmas with the Noltes

Grandma Nolte picked out this outfit before Ava was even born - It fit her perfectly!


Ava and a picture of Ryan as a baby (he would be about a month older than Ava in this picture)

To: Mom - Love, Ava

I feel so blessed to be a mom and to have a happy and healthy baby!

It truly is the greatest gift!

Christmas Day 2008

Having fun with our new toys!

Santa brought Ava her very own Rudolph

Ava loves him!

Emma was a good girl too and got to open a few gifts as well :)

Christmas Morning

Our family at home on Christmas morning

Time to open presents!!!

Daddy is very excited to open presents too!

Actually he's sick of Mommy taking pictures so he's acting silly - I think Santa put coal in his stocking for that one :)

Ava was a very good girl this year!

Christmas Eve 2008

Visiting Great Grandma Windsperger on Christmas Eve

Ava, Joe and Santa Bear having a good time together!

Ava in the Santa Bear hat :)

Auntie Melisa, Ava, Great Grandma & Ryan (Daddy)

Ava & Ava

Ava Helen came over one night to play and

Ava Marie learned how to share her toys :)

They had lots of fun together!

Best Buds!

Pretty in pink!

Uncle Carl

Ava loves her Uncle Carl or Howard as we like to call him :) He loves to make her laugh and he's very good at it! It's taken 7 months for him to finally hold her - This is the 1st time! Yea!
Ava loves to jump and play! She's getting so BIG!!!

Early Christmas presents from Amy & Corey

Ava loved the shiny wrapping paper...oh and the presents too of course! :)

Santa's Little Helper