This is our family.

Last Pregnant Post.

2010-04-20T23:58:00.002-05:00

Okay so I have no new pics yet, but tomrrow after 7:30 am we will have pictures of Mr. Callum James. Not sure when they will make it on the blog, but we will have pics. I am just trying to get tired and go to sleep so that when my alarm goes off at 4am I can wake up stumble into the shower, get dressed and head for the hospital. We are supposed to be there by 5:30, yuck. C Section set for 7:30. Wish me luck since this is my last offical post as a pregnant woman EVER.

Easter

2010-04-06T17:26:00.003-05:00

So we had a wonderful Easter Sunday. The local family came over for some good food, entertainment by Ava and great time together. Think mom was a little amazed at 37 weeks I was up for this much, but the family is great. Everyone brought something and helped out so there was very little I had to do. Thanks guys!

Ava and her first Easter Egg hunt. We had to do it inside since it was spitting rain and we didn't want to get all wet.

We did eventually get to go outside and crack eggs over each other. Mom and I purchased the confetti eggs and went out side to make a mess. Ava really loved this part.

Yup you see right I am 37 weeks pregnant here and only two weeks left. I feel huge.

Only 4 more weeks left!

2010-03-21T16:02:00.004-05:00

So I officially have four weeks left before my scheduled c-section. So I guess mark your calendars for April 21st 7:30ish am Mr. Callum James Shelby will be here. Unless he is like me and decides that it is better to be early than arrive on time. So help me I need him to take after Mike and be on time or late. (Sorry honey, but it is true)

Everything is going well so far. I did have to spend a few days in the hospital early March due to a sinus infection. I know what you are thinking, what a wimp, but I have a good excuse...it was not your typical sinus infection. I had a horrible headache that was only getting worse not better. We made one trip the the ER (morphine helped, but it was still there) and then called the doc the next day and she admitted me for a neurological consult. So they hooked me up, doped me up and gave me a MRI. There is no way I could have laid still for 30 min and be in that stupid small machine without being heavily sedated. OMG I knew I was claustrophobic, but this takes it to new heights. Long story short I had a acute sinus infection in my middle brain sinus cavity. No other sinus infection precursors, signs or warnings. Pregnancy masks everything. Either way long story short a few days in hospital two weeks off work and lots of pain meds and antibiotics and we are current. I am much better. Still off work, but still have a headache. Mike and Ava have taken very good care of me.

In other news, we are to weekly visits to the baby doc. Since I have so much medicine in my system I get weekly sonograms and non-stress test monitoring of Callum. Longer visits, but at least I know my little boy is okay.

As for work, well...I hope to go back Monday the 29th. I know just for three weeks before I go out for 8 weeks of maternity leave. What timing. Keep your fingers crossed I get to go back. Actually part of me wants to just stay home until going back for good, but I think I will have either cleaned everything in sight or driven Mike nuts.

Okay sorry so long of a written post. I will try to post some pics soon of Ava Lynn Shelby (as she now calls her self).

Minnie Mouse

2009-11-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

Sorry I forgot to post Minnie Pictures.

Hold on to your hats, my o my Ava is so big!

2009-11-01T15:33:00.004-06:00

So time to update the blog a bit. Since I last posted we have been to the pumpkin patch and even gone out "Trunk or Treating" at a friends church. Ava is way into this candy. She must be reminded, but she will say trick or treat and thank you. Enjoy the pics of Ava at the pumpkin patch and out and about as Minnie Mouse.

Ava the two year old....

2009-09-01T10:25:00.005-05:00

Okay so happy second birthday to my little girl. Can you believe just two short years ago she was born. Well we did her well visit with the doctor today and she has grown 2 inches and gained 2 lbs!!! Ava is still in the 97th percentile for height and 80th percentile for weight. Yeah!!!

We had her party this past weekend and it was a blast per usual. Lynn made the beautiful princess cake.

Enjoy the pics.

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

2009-07-18T16:38:00.004-05:00

Ha Ha, made you look. It is a girlie room now. Starting the 4th of July weekend and finished today July 18th Ava now has a little girl's room. It has been repainted and made little girl friendly. Furniture has been secured to the wall and plugs all covered. We even up graded the fan, door knobs and outlet. If only we had redone the floors. That will be next. Not anytime soon, but next.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I will add curtains again, but have not found material that I like just yet.

Family Photos

2009-07-11T10:34:00.002-05:00

Okay this is just a very short post to show off a few of the family photos taken by a wonderful photographer in Kerrville. Only in hill country can you get this wonderful back drop.

Kerville and Back

2009-06-09T16:47:00.004-05:00

The family went to Kerrville this weekend to visit our friends Erin and Justin. They have recently moved back from Wyoming. Erin is a very talented photographer so we had her take our family pics. I will add those to the blog soon.

We left for Kerrville after work on Friday. Ava slept off and on while we drove down. It is about a 4.5 hr drive, so not too bad. Once we arrived we were greeted by everyone. Even though it was a few hours after Ava's bed time, we were all awake so we hung out under the new covered porch that Scott (Erin's dad) had built. It is so nice up there.

We of course we all crashed about 11:30pm. Ava even slept in a new bed all by herself!!!!

Waking way to early for that late night (7am) we went down and grabbed breakfast. Then showered and prepared for a full day of picture taking.

Once it got too hot we hit the river for some swimming. It was way too much fun.

After a needed nap we took our evening pictures. Unfortunately Mike and I were eaten alive by bugs and still continue to itch today. Ava was carried and not a bite on her. Lucky.

Again another good night in her own bed (until she tumbled off onto the pillows on the floor). We got to sleep in a bit on Sunday (8am).

Sunday we didn't have any pictures left to take so we all went for a four wheeler ride. Ava loved it and never once showed any fear.

Has it been a while!

2009-04-26T17:42:00.003-05:00

Okay so quick update....Life here is crazy, but thank goodness it has slowed for the moment. I will just tell the story by all my pics since that is why most of yall check the blog out to begin with.

Okay so Ava has now had her first black eye. She ran into the corner of the kitchen table since she is at the right height.

She also now has this thing with bath time that after it is over she wraps herself in the towle and runs out to show Mike what character she is now.

O and she loves to color. Too bad it is not always on papter.

Then there was the time we were rocking out in the car waiting for Mike to come out and she pushed the onstar button. Yes they are really that nice and understanding when you stay on the line and let them know it was a mistake by your 19 month old daughter. Sorry onstar guy.
I even caught her in the act with the camera.

Later that same day we tried a new place in Lewisville called Going Bonkers. It is the best. Kids can climb and go wild all indoors. Mike and I climbed with Ava just to make sure no big kids bullied her.

The next weekend we went to Tulsa for Easter. Mom and I took Ava to the park just for fun and happened to take a few great picutres.

And lastly Grandma (GJ) taught Ava to throw rocks into the pond!

O also POPPA caught a large fish and Ava actually petted it.

2009 Here we come.

2009-02-01T14:19:00.004-06:00

Okay so a quick update for 2009. Mike is now working away from the house as a training officer for a security company!!! He really seems to love it and like being able to interact with adults instead of just Ava. I am still with Travelers and love it most of the time. I spend about one week a month out of town in my remote territory, but the rest of the time in town. Ava is in daycare full time. It is not my favorite, but she is interacting with others and building up her immune system. Our hairy babies are still well and kicking. Ava challenges them daily and chases them around the house. Other than that we are just blowing through the new year just like any other crazy family of three. Pictures below are from Ava and Mike playing with the blocks Lynn and Rob got her for Christmas, a tea party birthday party Ava attend and the petting zoo at the rodeo. O and the mishap of Mike adding dish soap to the dishwasher. Enjoy.

Long overdue Christmas Pics

2009-02-01T13:54:00.006-06:00

So as you can see we hit Tulsa and Missouri for Christmas. It was a long fun trip.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T19:17:00.003-06:00

Okay so this year Thanksgiving was much smaller than usual. We only had six adults and one Ava. We did however have five dogs if that counts. Not much to say other than it was a blast. Enjoy the pics.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-19T18:53:00.005-05:00

So today was a pretty good day. I had the brilliant idea of going to the pumpkin patch to take cute pics with Ava and maybe even get a pumpkin. My friend Jennifer and her three kids from work tagged along. We even drug Uncle Pat out too. Once we go there we were able to do the hay ride, take a few family photos and even walk around the patch. There were so many people there, but it was worth it. I think we will make this a yearly event.

Enjoy the pics.

Zoo trip #2

2008-10-17T22:11:00.004-05:00

Okay so many of you remember me blogging about the OKC zoo and how it suck. Well Ava, Aunt Kay and I went to the FTW zoo. It was freaking awesome. Ava called a brown bear kitty....it was too cute. She didn't call the big cat's kitty, even though I tried and she stayed awake until the very end. We tried to do a train ride, but that is just about the time she conked out. Oh at the FTW zoo they have the Texas area and it has a petting zoo part. Ava got to pet a goat, a cow and a pig. We of course washed our hands before going any further.

Enjoy the pics.

Where to begin....

2008-10-12T16:43:00.004-05:00

Okay I am going to start small and try to add a new post every day this week. Don't hold your breath, but I have a lot to update and didn't think a super long post was a good place to start. That and I really don't have time for that. So here we go.

Okay so Ava is now 13 months old. We had her 1st birthday blow out the first of September. Everyone one came down and it was a blast. Lynn made the best and cutest monkey cake. I thought it was going to be way to big since she had two layers, but I was wrong. We had just enough left over to enjoy the following days.

11 1/2 months old oh my.

2008-08-10T19:07:00.003-05:00

Okay so quick update for Miss Ava. Sorry it has been so long our computer got a virus and we had to buy a new one.

Ava is now 22lbs 13oz. Super tall. Wearing size 18 month cloths and finally her hair will go in a clip. Only set back with the clip is she will not leave it in.

We are now preparing for the great 1st birthday party. I have picked out the theme (beach monkey) and gotten all the decorations. I am so excited to have all the out of town family in. I don't think this year Ava will have a clue that this is all for her, but in the next years, watch out she will be all about the party. Guess this means I started with high standards and I will have to keep it up year after year.

Here are a few pics we took trying to get a cute on for her birthday e-Vite.

She can walk....

2008-07-18T19:12:00.004-05:00

Well I totally forgot to blog about this on Sunday, but Miss Ava has taken her first steps to freedom. She took 6 steps to Mike and yes we have it on video. I can not believe that my little girl is growing up so fast. Less than 2 months and Ava will be 1 yr old. Oh my Oh my.

Other news, since Keria has not updated her blog.....Ava will have a cousin to play with in less than 9 months. Mike's little sister Keria and her husband Cody are pregnant. Yes you heard me right...the oldest child and the youngest child of the Shelby clan will have kids. Sorry I just find that funny. Guess in comparison Mike was older when Ava was born. That's okay, it has not hurt him at all. As for you Tom and Monique, don't worry no rush to have kids from this blogger.

Other news...Ava and I went to a gymboree class today. I must suck cause I found the whole thing too corny and silly. Oh well, not sure I would pay for it, thank goodness it was free!!!

Ava and Pat hanging out on the couch.

Ava swimming in Steve and Susan's pool in Tulsa

Ava and Gwen playing

Ava's new sleeping position on the couch

Do you think I am tired?

Happy Birthday to me....

2008-07-17T20:55:00.002-05:00

Okay so if you don't already know today was my 27th birthday. Yes I know I am getting old. I was however thinking and I am now the age Mike was when we got married. I am also one year younger than my mom when she got married. It is funny to think that this time last year I was very pregnant and now I have a 10 month old little girl. Okay enough time down memory lane.

This year was so much better than my last birthday. Last year we had just moved in to our house a month earlier, the baby shower was the following weekend and there was just too much other stuff going on to really celebrate. So being so wonderful Mike made it up to me. I now am the proud owner of an IPOD (yes I know I am behind the times) and we had a date night. Thanks Pat for baby sitting. All in all I give today 2 thumbs up.

Oh I totally forgot...I got a facial today too!!!! Yup I am spoiled and love it.

Okay more to blog tomorrow. Enjoy.

1st week of July.

2008-07-05T19:12:00.004-05:00

Here is my update for July. Unfortunatly I worked all week (all but Friday) while most of the guys in my office took off. Don't worry it was my choice, I am saving my vacation for later in the year. So back to my week. Very uneventful.

Ava is getting two more teeth on her lower jaw. When they come in that will be a total of 8 teeth before she is a year old. Nuts I tell you.

What else did we do...oh for the Forth of July Mike, Ava, Pat and I went to the lake. We tried out a new lake. Lake Ray Roberts, just north of Denton. So nice. A sandy beach and not too crowed. I wanted to go to that Lake for Memorial day, but "due to the cost of gas" (inside joke) we did not.

Other than that we are all still surviving down here in the heat.

Enjoy the latest pics.

You can not tell it, but Ava is jumping in her bed like the little monkey she is.

I was experimenting and letting missy feed her self her rice cereal. Not too bad, only 1/2 ended up on the face, floor and chair.

Her Ava is giving me her "look". After the look she barked at me. I know I know she hangs out with the dogs way too much.

Mike decided to rearrange the living room here is the after shot.

Storm a Brewing....

2008-06-30T13:09:00.003-05:00

Well we had some much needed rain Saturday night. Ava had just finished her bath and Mike was at work when the dogs insisted that we go out side and watch the storm roll in. So we did. With all the static in the air we watched as the winds picked up and the air cooled off. We watched the wind blow the trees all around and let the dogs go wild. Something about an impending storm and the wonderful energy in the air that made the dogs wild with excitement.

I also realized I had not posted a picture of our newest house guest. Lady (bug) Shelby is staying with us for a while. She and Pat have moved in and have been here about a month now. Ava enjoys a new dog to play and crawl all over. Beau and Lady have always enjoyed playing, but now they actually will calm down a bit. Any one who has been here understands this was a rare occurrence when they just came for a visit. Either way they all have fun and Lady is a joy to have around. She has only chewed on a few of Ava's toys and one leg of my briefcase.

Flash Back Friday

2008-06-27T20:38:00.004-05:00

Okay so I stole this idea from a few other blogger out there...sorry. I have decided that I will post a few older pictures from my past. This will not happen every Friday, but today I was feeling reflective so enjoy.

This is Erin and I out on the town for my 22nd birthday (July 2003)

Bella as a puppy the first day we brought her home. July 2004

Beau as a puppy the first day we brought him home....my how small he was and my how big he is now. June 2006

Mike and I in Breckenridge Colorado July 2006

Mike when he first moved to TX March/April 2004

Me my senior year in College 2002-2003 getting ready to go out on the town.

I know lots of random pics with no rhym or reason, but what can I say, I like these pics. Reminds me of my care free days when sleep was not so important to me and I thought I was mostly invensable.

OKC and the not so great Zoo

2008-06-25T19:47:00.003-05:00

Well a few weekends ago now, I know I suck at keeping up to date, Miss Ava and I met my mom in Oklahoma City (OKC) for a girls weekend. It was a blast. Ava is finally out of the "I want only momma" stage and is open to all. She crawled around the hotel floor...I know gross. * this was something I heavily debated, but could you keep a newly crawling 9 month old kid occupied with out being on the floor...No* And we even went down and around to Brick Town (better if you are out for a good time to drink and party) but still fun to walk and look at people. We even ventured out in the humid heat to see the zoo. Mom and I had heard wonderful things about the zoo and how it was the best. NOOOOOOOOO. Sorry OKC, but your zoo sucked. The elephants had been transferred to Tulsa for mating or something like that and all the other animals were hiding out. When I was not trying to get Ava to look at the animals she was snoozing in her stroller. Trust me this was nice to find that she could sleep in it, but not the way I wanted to learn it. Oh well maybe when she gets a bit older it will be more fun. The trip was not a total loss. I no longer have to make the sock monkey, Grandma bought her one!!!! Yeah, you are my hero mom, you have no idea how much I suck at sewing...I had even thought about having Mike make it. LOL

Well enjoy the few pics of the animals we (mom and I saw) since Ava was out cold.

Sleep!

2008-06-08T21:13:00.005-05:00

Okay so I did lots of Internet research...even read a little in a book or two about this and it mostly worked....what am I talking about you ask. The cry it out method. I do not agree fully with this method so I did a mixture of the controlled crying and a little of my own soothing method for teaching Miss Ava to sleep. It took four nights of crying off and on before Ava realized that she was okay and that I would still come and see her, but that I would not pick her up. It also took four nights for me to break my habit of picking her up every time she cried. Of coursed I picked a weekend that Mike had to work to start this and if it were not for Pat distracting me with Internet movies and chatting I would not have been able to get far at all. I will not go into all the boring details but I must say after 1 week Miss Ava is sleeping much better, she is able to soother herself much better and all is right with the world. Or as all who have kids knows it is okay for now, who knows when they will buck the system and make up some new rules.

I must say that I loved it when Ava was a baby. Rocking her, holding her, her needed me for everything, but 9 months old is wonderful in a completely separate way. She is so independent. Learning to play and crawl. She goes all over the house now getting into everything. Yes I actually had to do some baby proofing to keep her from getting into to much. Right now she loves to chase the cat. Chew on dog bones and play tug with Beau on the red bone. More and more she is growing up in to the little independent person. She is trying to feet herself and the dogs. Who will know what Missy gets into next.

Ava after feeding herself. What a mess

Ava yelling at me she is done.

Smiling!

Ava just noticed I have a camera, what a ham.

Coming to get momma.

I'm getting closer to getting you momma.

Gotcha

9 Months old oh my.

2008-06-02T18:11:00.003-05:00

Well today was Miss Ava's 9 month well baby check up. Her current stats are:
Weight 21.5 lbs (90%)
Height 30 inches (97%)

So we know she is going to be tall. Each time the doctor measures her and goes over her percentile he looks at us and lets us know she will most likely be taller than Mike and I. Mike looks at me every time and says she must have gotten it from your side.

Oh I forgot to say so, but Ava is mobile. She can crawl. Friday I was working from home and just happen to take a break when Ava decided to come to me. Her little dress did get in the way a bit, but she made her way over to me. This whole weekend she has practiced going further and further from us and around the house. There is no getting away from her now. Funny thing is she is much happier now that she can come to us and move her self about.

Okay so I will try to post a video of her crawling soon. Also keep your fingers crossed Ava does not discover the dog food.

So much to blog about where to start...

2008-05-30T18:00:00.006-05:00

Okay so there has been a lot going this past week. I don't even know where to begin. Hmmmm....

Okay first last Friday our friends Steve and Charlene came in to visit from Utah. Unfortunately I was stuck at work when they arrived, but Mike and Ava were able to greet them at the airport. The weekend was filled with lots of fun times. Saturday we took a ride around Justin and showed off the town and even looked at a few model homes to tempt Steve with. Think we also might have overwhelmed him a bit. That night Mike and Steve went to work the Ice house guard job. Yucky, but Charlene, Ava and I did get to hang out and have girl time. Then Sunday the boys slept in, since they had been out late the night before working and we prepared for our BBQ. I made home made ice cream and thought about making brownies. Little did I know everyone would have to cancel on us for the BBQ. That ended up being okay. Charlene made a wonderful pizza and the boys went to work again that night.

Monday: Memorial day!!! Time for the lake. Of course the boys slept in again, but this time as soon as they got up I packed some sandwiches and we all headed to Lake Lewisville. Pat and Amber would meet us there. We swam, we played and no one got sun burned!!! What a good day at the lake. I actually might think about going to the lake every weekend. Good cheep fun. Ava truly enjoyed the water,splashing and floating in her new turtle tube.

Sadly Steve and Charlene had to leave on Tuesday and I had to return to work. Yucky. But Tuesday after the rain that flattened my hair and drenched me from head to toe I got my hair cut. Yup you got it right I chopped it off. I was going for the Katie Holmes look, but not sure how close I got. I still have to get used to it every time I pass a mirror. Ava and Mike still look at me weird.

The rest of the week was so so. I worked extremely hard and was very ready for the weekend.

Oh I almost forgot to mention I am trying the controlled crying method to help teach Ava to sleep through the night. Last night was the first night and it was horrible. Neither she or I got much sleep at all. It seemed like every time I would go in her room to lay her down and sooth her for a moment she would fall asleep and 5 minutes later she would be back up crying again. I did however stick to my guns until about 2am when I had enough and scooped her up to fall a sleep together in my chair. Tonight is much better. So far no crying, she is sound a sleep. I however don't think that will last long at all. Who knows maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.

Oh in addition to trying to teach her to self sooth Charlene and I decieded she needed a sock monekey to grab onto..so being a good mom I ordered one and it should be here in a few days!

My Wonderful Husband.

2008-05-20T05:36:00.002-05:00

Okay so Ava has been having a few sleep problems again. I know, I know let her cry...blah, blah, blah, I promise I will hit the next person that tells me this. Sorry on the the real point of my blog. We all went to our respective beds about 9 last night. I must have been extremely tired cause I never heard Ava move. The crazy cat woke me up about 12:30 and low and behold no Mike next to me. I looked down the hall and Ava's door was open. Yup you guessed it. My wonderful husband had gotten up before I heard Ava cry and took care of it and fell asleep on the couch with her. So needless to say I got a lot of sleep in my bed. However at 1:30 I did hear her cry and I relieved him so he could sleep in the bed for a bit.

This is the first time he has ever been able to do this. Generally he is sound a sleep and I hear Ava first. He really knew what I horrible day I had yesterday and stepped up to take care of me, again.

I love you Mike, thanks for the extra sleep last night!!!

My life is so boring.

2008-05-17T17:28:00.002-05:00

Okay so this week after the crazy vacation that was not a vacation I realized that my life is actually very boring. I work, come home and then hang out with Mike and Ava. While most of the time I do not mind this, sometimes I crave a bit of fun. This being said, next weekend I plan on going to the lake and showing some friends a good time in down town Ft. Worth. I might even get a sitter and do this as an adult all without Ava. I know horrible, but sometimes I need my space. Of course I will let yall know next week if this wonderful plan really works out. Keep your fingers crossed.

No other news this week. Here are a few more pics from our trip and the lovey new face that Ava has learned to make. Enjoy.

TX to OK to MO to IL to MO to OK back to TX

2008-05-13T17:44:00.007-05:00

Okay so yes the title suggest we did a bit of traveling this past week. Where do I begin...so my aunt Lora graciously let us borrow her trail blazer, since we were going to need lots of space and take the dogs on this week long adventure. Thanks Lora!!!!

Well late Tuesday night after work the adventure began. With the car fully loaded we began our trip to Tulsa. It seems as if we were there long enough to unload the car, sleep, shower and reload the car again.

Off to Missouri we went on Wed morning. Once arriving in Missouri we met up with Sara and Jason Johnson (Mike's High school friend) for dinner.

Thursday Keira and I set out to Columbia for a mani, pedi and waxing time. Keira had too look her best for the wedding and shoot I deserve spoiling too. After 4.5hrs at the spa (yup it should have only taken 2 hrs) we had had our fill of the self proclaimed Pedicure King of Missouri. Let me just say that the spa time is a blog entry in its own. We arrived back to find the California Shelby's and Miss Joy had arrived from their red eye flight.

The craziness began from there. Less than 24 hrs till the wedding and so much to do. There were still a few touches on the dress and makeup had to be tested. Monique and Keira headed to the bathroom to see just how to accentuate Keira's best features.

After that the evening was a blur. Ava and I of course fell asleep early while the rest of the family scurried around working to make tomorrow the best day for Keira and Cody.

Finally wedding day has arrived. After leaving about 1 hour late for a 2.5 hour drive the bride and family arrived in Navoo.

Ava and I hung out outside, not knowing that we would regret this later that day. Yup you guessed it we got sun burned. Unfortunately Ava did not get the Shelby skin, but the Corn fairness and ability to burn in a second. After a million pictures we all headed back to Missouri.

Amazingly our day was not done. Mike and I took a side trip to Hanna and meet up with Sonny and his new wife. After dinner and a quick trip to their new house we headed to Moberly.

One long nap for Ava and one close call with the highway patrol we made it back. Nope no ticket this trip, knock on wood. I think the screaming baby in the back helped.

Saturday was the day of the reception. 11 or so cakes iced and a few of Pat's fingers in the top layer of icing and we made it to the reception hall. Only about 1 hr late. No worries, no one noticed.

They sang, danced, took more pictures and cut the cake. I met more family and friends than I can begin to remember names.
Then about 8pm (Ava's bed time) we headed back to Tulsa. 3am and a few stops for gas we arrived just to climb in bed.

Sunday (my first Mother's day) Mom fixed a wonderful breakfast and I took a long nap while Mike watched Ava. Over all not horrible.

Now we are back in Texas and glad to be home. Although it was a good trip it was no vacation. Vacation will be this week back at work.

So to all our family and friends it was good to see yall and hope to do it again September 1st our house for Ava's 1st birthday!!!

Wichita Falls, falls you suck.

2008-04-20T05:35:00.008-05:00

So last week Mike, Ava and I went to Wichita Falls, TX so that I could work. Yes I am back in the swing of traveling, the only difference now is that where I go the family goes. It makes traveling fun, but harder in some aspects. My normal rituals still stand. Chinese food delivered to the hotel on the first night, pizza on the second. Yes I eat extremely healthy when I travel.
I am ready to go...Shot Gun!

How will I bugg dad today?
Playing on the hotel bed, I might not sleep in it, but I will play on it.

OK so now on to why Wichita Falls sucks. I always thought there would be this wonderful falls there....nope. In the 1880's, on the frontier of the Wichita River, the town of Wichita Falls emerged, named after the Indian word "Wee-Chi-Tah" and a small waterfall. There is now a 54-foot man-made waterfall that was completed in 1986 and replaced the original falls that washed away more than 100 years ago. The problem with this is that they turn it on and off. The first day it was off. The second day it was on, but muddy. I talked to the locals and they said it is usually clear and beautiful but they have had a lot of rain and it washed the Oklahoma dirt into the falls making it muddy and red...a lot like the red river that separates TX and OK. Oh well. Mike and I said we will go back for a day trip when Ava is older and do the trail and falls when they are cleaner.

Now the hotel was a total experience in its own. Now that Ava is sleeping a bit better, and on her tummy, we got a double bed room and just placed her on the spare bed surrounded by pillows. This was a good idea in theory, but it was not what Ava was used to. So the nightly ritual of getting up every 2 hours returned. I am sure the combo of the hard bed, hotel noises and highway noises was not good for any one's sleep. Yes I realize at this point I have been spoiled for the 1 year of no travel. I guess I should stop my whining and deal with some noise and a hard bed every now and then.

One day after work, this is what I came back to at the hotel. I couldn't resist, I had to take a picture. Isn't that too cute?

One good thing about the hotel is that there was an indoor pool. A little salty, so I didn't put Ava underwater at all, but fun. She did really well for her first pool experience. At first she clung tightly to me, but later she would try to go off on her own. Yup we might have a fish. I guess this means I will need to take her swimming as often as possible this summer. Oh random, I learned that Mike did not learn to swim until he was 13ish and he still really doesn't know how to swim very well. I just didn't know people didn't learn to swim early on....I thought it was a right of passage to do swim lessons when you were a kid or to live in the pool during the summers, guess not.

Such...

2008-03-30T16:02:00.002-05:00

Okay so I don't really have much to say, but a just a few pictures of Ava.

Don't even ask what Mike put on her head. It does however go to show that Ava is relaxed at times and could care less what is on her.

Now for the next trick I will dye her hair pink...no just kidding, here Ava had just finished eating peaches and sort of had gotten them all in her hair and on her face. Boring as I am I decided to give her a bit of character with a Mohawk.

Easter

2008-03-30T15:43:00.004-05:00

I must first start off with an apology for all my blogger fans. This has been a long and I kept falling asleep before I could blog in the evening. Sorry.

Okay so for Easter the Shelby clan came down from Missouri for Easter. We all got to meet Keira's new fiance Cody. Yup you got it right Mike's little sis is all grown up and getting married in May. Wow, I remember when I first met her and she was just 16. Actually she had just started to really drive then. I remember thinking what a mature girl. Now, sorry Keira, I think oh my she is too young to get married, maybe I still have her stuck at 16? I actually have my Aunt Lora stuck at 26, which is ironic since I am 26. See I guess time really does fly and as you grow older you loose all track of time.

Okay so back to Easter. The TX and MO Shelby's all joined with Aunt Kay, Aunt Lora and Dean for a large feast. We all hung out in the kitchen, even after Mike kicked everyone out to clean. It was a good time to be had by all. Again I am so glad we moved into the larger house. We slept 5 additional bodies this trip. I know nuts, but they all had a room and a place to hide there things.

Rain Rain go away come again some other day....

2008-03-18T18:52:00.006-05:00

Okay so the back yard is offically flooded and the dogs are going crazy inside. One week snow the next rain galor. Man I love the crazy North Texas weather. As you can see our back yard is flooded.

You know I was out and about today for work and I think I got fully soaked 5 different times. I am not sure I ever got dry. Silly me for doing my hair. By the end of the day I looked like one of my wet dogs.

On Ava news she is starting to sleep longer and longer amounts of time. Usually we go to bed about 8 pm and lately she has been waking up an where from 3 am to 5am. These hours I can deal with. The times Ava wakes up 3 she is hungry, she eats and we both fall back to sleep. The other day she woke up at 3 and we fell asleep in our chair until 9. Talk about a well rested day.

In case I did not mention it before Mike and I struggle with getting Ava to nap in her crib. She loves to be held when she naps. Right now we are working to get her to nap at least once a day in her crib and next week we will tackle twice a day. Eventually she will love to sleep in her crib. I had actually just gotten her to nap in her crib when I first went back to work, but as things changed so did the naping.

Also on the Ava front she is now bathing in the tub without any support. Yes you got it right she can sit with no help while soaking in the tub. Wow is she getting so big.

Oh also her six month check up was last week. She is 100+ percentil in her height. She is 26" long! She takes after my side of the family on that. She is 80 percentile in weight, she weighs 18.6 lbs. It is pretty true that babies double their weight at the 6 month check up. Remember miss thing was 9lbs when she was born. Not to brag, but it looks like we have a pretty healthy kiddo! I must give Kudos to Mike who spends all day with Ava, when I work out of the house. Thanks honey, I love you!

Let it snow let it snow let it snow...

2008-03-06T12:23:00.010-06:00

Thunder and snow? Well I know these pics are old now, but several Thursdays ago I awoke to Thunder. Yes this is normal for this time of year, but just a few hours later it was snowing. At about 11:30 the snow/sleeting rain had just started. Mike went to the dentist and by 1:30 there were several inches already on the ground. A drive that would normally take only 45 minutes took Mike 2.5 hours due to the lovely native Texan's and their in ability to drive in the snow. Oh I did forget to say that this was the second time in one week that it actually snowed. Amazing.

The dogs really seemed to love it, maybe we should think about moving some place that gets more snow......NOOOOOOO we will just enjoy it once a year.

As for up dates, nothing new here. We are having everyone over for Easter late lunch. I think that adds up to like 12 people and Ava. Nuts I know, but it should be fun. More fun when Ava can look for Easter eggs and give Mike and I the candy, but still fun.

Oh other news I finally found shoes for Ava's Jackie O dress. Hope to scheudal professional pictures soon.

Also Mike and the whole crew and I have been walking every night. Hope this gets me in a little bit of shape for summer.

Enjoy the snow pics.

Ava in her tilted up bed (remember she was sick)

Yes 5" of snow!

Bella and Beau Frolic in the snow!

2PM

11:30am

Update...

2008-03-06T05:14:00.004-06:00

Okay I know it has been almost a week since I posted....sorry. My regional meeting is finally over and all is back to normal. Well almost. I don't even know where to begin......

Well I will start with the weirdest...it snowed on Tuesday...yes snow in Texas in March. We usually get one round in Feb, but I really don't remember ever getting it in March. Sorry I didn't take a picture....remember meeting all week. I don't even think I saw the light of day for three days.

Next Ava is sick with her first cold. Guess the fact that we lasted until 6 months to get sick is not too bad. The only thing is that it happened of course when I had to be at work. Poor Mike had a rough week trying to sooth Ava when nothing would work. He said there were several times he would set her in her saucer and she would fall asleep sitting up....now that would have been a picture.

Guess that is really all, it seems like it has been such a long week, but I guess looking back it was just filled with unpleasant things.

Here are the only pics I have to post. They do not relate to the post, but this morning Ava and Beau were playing so I took a few shots. Enjoy.

Warmer days and a new swing.

2008-03-01T15:11:00.006-06:00

Well Ava's collection of toys is growing. Soon our house will be nothing, but toys. Well hopefully not. I would still like to think this is a house with two adults living in it too. Back to my point My manager at work was nice enough to pass along an outdoor swing for Ava to play in. He has three boys that have out grown the swing. After a few minutes of whining to Mike he finally hung up the swing so that Ava and I could go outside and swing in the sun. Don't worry I am trying to remember to put a hat on her. She has very much inherited my fair skin.

On a yucky note, I planned on posting new pictures of my hair cut from trying out a new stylist, but as luck would have it she double booked...actually she never saw that the owner of the shop had put me in as an appointment, so I guess technically I never had an appointment. Even though it has been since July 07 that I last had my hair cut and that I am way overdue for a trim or cut or any sort of style. AHHHHHH, frustrating. I have a regional meeting this week and I wanted a fresh new do. Guess I will have to be the same old me.

Oh well, I still got to hang out with Kay (Aunt) and shop and do girly stuff. She even bought Ava the cutes Jackie O dress. I am going to have to have her picture taken in it. Professionally and everything.

OK back to the regional meeting. Heads up all my blogger fans. This week is going to be long and nuts so there will most likely not be any updates until the weekend, unless I pull some time out of some place. So miss me, but not too much. Sorry.

Ava's new toy and the nice visit with Grandma

2008-02-28T13:28:00.002-06:00

So this past weekend, which is almost been a week ago now, my mom and grand parents came down. Mom and I did what we do best, hand out, shop and run lots of erronds. I am always so tired when we get done, but you know what, we are training Ava early for shopping sprees and wild outings with lots of people around.

Miss Ava even got a new toy that is an alternative to a walker. Guess this saucer thing will not turn over, damage my walls, cause she can not bump into them and will not run over my toes!!! She seems to really have taken to it. At first she thought she was supposed to sit in it and jump like her jumper since it has the same seat, but now she is figureing out that she can turn in this thing. Mom says it has too many toys on it and she might be overwhelmed by all the selections, but I say what the heck. Choices are good. Besides she has some of my tendisies with getting board easily. So lots to do and entertain her is very good.

Other than that the weekend was calm. The weather was nice. One day it got up to 85. Wow what a weird thing...80's in Feb. Wow. Oh on the exciting, but not happening anytime soon front...mom and I went strolling for houses. She keeps telling us she wants to move down, but I am not sure how soon we will be blessed with that.

It would also be nice to have the Shelby's closer too. Hint Hint. I know everyone says horrible things about having your in-laws close, but Mike and I would actually love it. No lies. Selfishly it would definatly make holidays easier, but for not so selfish reasons, it would be nice for everyone to be close for Ava and the other grand kids that will come....probly not from me, but Pat and Amber will have kids one day.

Okay enough of my rabling and on to the pictures of the new toy. You tell me if yall think it has too much on it. I love the bright colors too!!!

Random thoughts...

2008-02-26T17:36:00.011-06:00

Okay we will start off with these past few days have been nuts. Ava started out having trouble sleeping, but now we are back up to 6-7 hours of sleep straight. Who knows with this one from day to day? I will just go with the flow and hope that soon we will be up to 8 hrs of sleep!!! Here is a picture of us girls being silly.

Now just to show yall how early Ava and I get up, one morning we took a picture of the sun rising. Just think we see this every day.

Ava is also now eating baby food. I know I know milk is baby food, but I mean stuff like applesauce. This is the first week. We start out with one food for a week. We also are supposed to start out with yellow and orange foods. I don't think she is too sure what is going on from one bite to another. It seems to be this foreign substance that she is supposed to swallow. But she does give some entertaining faces when she eats. Oh and she is very interested in helping feed herself. This as you know can be problematic and only add to the stickiness of feeding.

We also had some drama with Flicka this weekend. We had been capping her claws with cat caps. Well a few of them got glued to her pads and the nail had started to grow into the pad. The vet was very nice and took them off and gave us some antibiotic to give her. She has also now claimed Beau's bed and begun trying to eat people food.

I think that is about all for now. I am a bit brain dead and tired so I will tell you all tomorrow about the rest of our weekend with Grandma, GGG (Great Grandma) and PaPa. Oh and show pics of our new toy. What out Ava may end up with ADD like me from this toy? So many options so little time.

I can roll over and sit!

2008-02-21T17:18:00.002-06:00

At approxiatly 4:30pm today Miss Ava rolled over from her belly to her back, all by herself. No she has only done this once, but I figure it is a baby step. Baby step number two Ava can now sit up on her own. It is only for a few minutes at a time, but she us completely unsupported sitting on beds, tables and in chairs! Man she is really growing up fast. No too sure where all the time is going. Soon she will be crawling and walking.

Calling all mothers...

2008-02-19T17:46:00.005-06:00

Okay, so I need to know if I am doing this right or not. Ava has slept swaddled almost every night since night 1 in the hospital. She is now almost 6 months old and we are trying to get her used to sleeping unswaddled. She will fall asleep just fine on her own. I can now lay her down in her crib, but she will only last one-two hours unswaddled. After that I very lightly swaddle her so that her arms stay by her side. This then will keep her okay for another 3-4 hours. Help. What I am I doing wrong that #1 she is not sleeping through the night yet and #2 that she needs to be swaddled. If you have read my blog not too long ago she slept 8 hours straight for four nights, but that was short lived. I am open to all ideas except to let her cry. I have spent 6 months building this trust that I will come when she needs me I am not about to break that now.

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-02-17T04:35:00.000-06:00

I thought I would post a few pictures of my favorate things.

#1 would have to be Ava's winter dress that was made by Meme.

#2 would be my OSU house shoes that Mike got me for Christmas. They keep me entertained and my feet nice and cozy warm.

#3 my lovely husband who does not always let me take his picture, but is always silly.

#4 Ava not protesting to getting put in her car seat, but rather laughing and kicking her feet.

#5 Eating out every once and a while at Sonic or Chicken Express my two fav places. Good thing to, cause these are the only fast food places Justin has.

Rainy Day Blues.....

2008-02-16T17:06:00.004-06:00

So Ava and I woke up about 1am this morning to lots of wind, rain, thunder and lightning that shook the house. I know lightning should just be bright, but no here in Texas it can shake a house when it cracks. How Mike and the hairy babies slept through it all I have no clue, but they were lucky.

Lately it seems as if Ava and I are spending more and more time a sleep together in "our" chair. To think I almost didn't get this chair when Mike and I bought new furniture for the house, what a mistake that would have been. So back to my point any tips on keeping Ava asleep all night send them my way...other than letting her cry it out. That I will not do, so don't even try to mention it, or you will have the unfortunate wrath of me like a coworker did when he tried to tell me to do this.

Sorry extremely scatter brained today, back to the rain.... so it has rained off and mostly on all day. Instead of going to a park and getting some sun, we have all been forced to nap and watch movies all day long. Generally I am not apposed to this, but now at 5pm, I am extremely board and wondering what to do for the next few hours with Ava until she goes to bed. Thank goodness for bath time.

On another random note, I have noticed that I cannot sing, but at this point it does not matter. I will randomly break out into song, just to get Ava's attention, cheer her up, or for no good reason at all.

Justin, TX as the sky is clearing from a rainy day.

Happy Valentines Day Yall

2008-02-14T18:32:00.013-06:00

Well V-day started out true to form...I hate Valentines Day. Usually I am working out of town, on a training trip or do not have a Valentine. This year ended up different. I of course have my Valentines (Mike and Ava), but when I got home today from doing a survey I had red roses and a nice card from Mike. What a man what a man.

Oh I also had to dress Ava in red today. If you look closely you will se ruffles on her butt. Only at her age can a "woman" get away with stuff on their butt and look cute!

Lastly I would like to show the progression of me and my Valentine over these past four years.

Our engagement pic

The wedding picture

Vacation pic

and lastly our most recient family picture!!!

Ava is so noisy.

2008-02-12T07:22:00.000-06:00

Here is a little video of Miss Ava and some of her new noises. Enjoy. This is only 1/2 the volume she normally is and remember she will do this all hours of the day when she is just happy. I also forgot to say that Ava now has figured out where the bounce noise comes from and looks up at the spring often.
Also enjoy the pic of Beau rolling on the floor. Sometimes he has a bone, sometimes he just rolls with his paws in the air. Here is one of Bella also...she just wanted to say Hi.

Bathroom

2008-02-12T07:04:00.000-06:00

Well after four weeks the bathroom is done!!!! I did not expect it to take over two weekends, but you know things come up and the bathroom gets pushed aside. I can say now that the only room left to paint in the house is the laundry room and this is a project I am not willing to undertake for another month or so. The only picture I missed out on is what the bathroom looked like with all the horrible wallpaper. I sort of got started picking at the wallpaper before Ava was even born.

No wallpaper, no texture yet.
texture no paint yet.
and now we have paint and the bathroom is clean and usable again. Mike even added two hooks instead of a towel bar for us to hang our towels.
P.S. We will be adding white wooden blinds to the windows when our budget allows.

Happy Birthday Pat....

2008-02-05T17:54:00.000-06:00

Well Sunday was a big day, Mr. Pat Shelby turned a quarter of a century old. 25 for those of you who choose not to do the math. So Mike and I had him over for dinner. Of course he had an extremely large steaks, potato casserole, home made potato rolls and for dessert cheesecake and his mom's chocolate cake. I also forgot to tell you Ava helped with each cake.

Now I love to bake, but sometimes I am not very good at it. I tend to miss read directions or not fully read them. That was the case with cake number one. I put in coffee instead of making the coffee. Oops. So the cake was a bit dry. No worries, cake number two was perfect. I even was able to write Happy Birthday Pat on it.

Other than that, Sunday was a very relaxing day.

On a lighter note for those of you who thought Bella and Flicka did not get along....well it was an act. I now have picture proof to show they have no problems with one another.

Rugby and Ava's great outdoor adventure...

2008-02-03T16:53:00.000-06:00

Saturday started out like any other day. Exhaustion, lots of naps and food here and there....but low and behold it warmed up and we all decided to go support Uncle Pat at his double game.

Pat has taken up rugby. A sport of rough housing, tackling and no pads. Much rougher than football or soccer.

While Pat was playing the whole Texas Shelby group was enjoying the weather and hanging out. Ava even is starting to look like mom with her big sunglasses. She even wears the on her head when she does not need them.

Even the dogs enjoyed the weather and being out and about among people.

This week.

2008-02-02T07:43:00.000-06:00

Well as many have noticed this week has been horrible on sleep for all. Between dogs barking, Ava not feeling the best and having to wake up at oh gosh thirty for work, I am not sure I know what sleeping in is. For now I guess that is okay, but I would love for one morning Mike to hear Ava before me, rush up and take care of her while I sleep for 2-3 more hours instead of the other way around. I know I know, not exactly possible right now, but maybe soon! Maybe that can be my Valentines Day gift from Ava and Mike....SLEEP!!!

The following are a few pictures from this week just randomly collected. Enjoy.

Only 14 days to wear the heck out of my Valentines outfit Grandma bought!!!

I am talking, don't you understand me...MOMMA you forgot my bib!

Splish Splash I was taking a bath...

Middle of the Night Noise.

2008-01-31T01:24:00.000-06:00

Okay so this is my only outage to rant about the neighborhood dogs. I fully understand allowing your dogs out in the day and them barking. I might not like it, but I can not always stop my two large dogs from barking right away during the day, but you better believe that after the sun goes down you will not hear a peep out of my dogs. This is not true for the houses surrounding me. I don't know names yet, but lets just say that it is 1:30 in the morning and everyone in the house is wide-awake. Also I must say a random bark in the night is okay, but for your dogs to be barking hog wild at who knows what, is not good.

So for all of you responsible dog owners out there please keep your dogs quite at night. Especially the middle of the night. Some of us work for a living and have to be up extremely early the next day.

Hi my name is Sarah and I am a workaholic....

2008-01-29T14:22:00.000-06:00

Okay so following Erin's blog format...

By the way no I am not a workaholic, but I used to be one.

The following post will be who am I now. Right now I am a mother (still weird for me to say), a wife (not always a good one) an employee, a daughter and so much more.

Right now I feel defined by being a mother. My life is consumed with Ava. I must say that is not a bad thing at all and I love it, but I feel as though my other rolls are suffering.

I believe in traditional male female rolls even though my life does not follow one. I also would love to be taken care of instead of doing all the taking care, but not sure that my personality would allow this to happen.

I remember almost every thing that is said to me (or should I say that I have fought with someone about) Just ask Mike.

I am cranky, moody, hyper (when I have gotten sleep) slightly neurotic, compulsive about some things and not about others, and most of all I love to have things my way.

I know this last one is not a shocker to anyone.

Sometimes I cry, but try not to in front of others, sometimes I want to be held, but will not make the first move, and sometimes I think you should know what I want and just do it without me saying something, even when I don't know what it is that I want myself. Oh wait isn't that a typical woman?

Lastly I am me. An only child loved so much by my mom.

I have been this way for 26 years, and while this is not a long time in my life as a whole, it is going to be that way for another 26+ years, and even if I try to change, I cannot. The only thing is to hope that I am soon able to devote enough individual time to each roll that I now have in life.

Thrice is nice

2008-01-25T05:06:00.001-06:00

Well maybe we have a new habit!!!!! AVA SLEPT. Let me explain, the past three nights she has slept 9 hours each night. Each night I slowly let go and I get more sleep to. Last night I only woke up twice to check on her. If you are a mother you will understand. I just am not used to so much sleep in a row. It is NICE. Now she still gets up at 4am, but that hour comes much easier when you go to bed at 7! Not sure if my rocking Ava to sleep is helping her stay a sleep, but I would like to say it is. Also to those who say let a baby cry it out and they will learn to sooth themselves....no no no....my way did work. I went to Ava anytime she cried and she new I would be there...now she does not have to sooth herself back to sleep she will just sleep...in her own crib I must add. Sorry horrible run on I know. I just had to get out the Na Na bo bo part to the insensitive men who told me to let my baby cry. This is why a woman should always follow her gut. It will pay off. It might take five months, but it works. I now have a well rested baby that is extremely happy.

Here are a few pics from last night.

Ava and I just after her bath...bundle up the baby!

Ava's new PJ's....thanks Grandma

I love to rock Ava to sleep!

Drummer Girl....

2008-01-21T19:34:00.000-06:00

Well Mike has started Ava young in playing the drums. I thought guitar would be cool, but a girl drummer would be okay also. I just hope she sticks to beating on the drums and not on me or the dogs.

We all took a trip this weekend to see the Tulsa crew. It was fun. We took some more 4 generations pictures. Also got a good one of the great grand parents and Ava.

On a growing note...Ava is 20 weeks old....or 5 months and now is eating rice cereal. Mom says it tastes like wall paper paste, but I am not willing to give that one a try. Ava seems to enjoy it. That or she enjoys me making a mess on her. Either way she would be better at feeding her self than I am, see.
As for sleeping...Ava is now sleeping 5 hours... she then wakes, eats and sleeps two more in her crib. Then she wakes and sleeps 2-3 more with me in our chair. One of these days she will sleep straight through the night, until then I will get up when she gets up.

Nothing else too new here, will post again soon.

Photo Contest

2008-01-15T19:08:00.000-06:00

I just entered Ava Lynn in the Great American Photo Contest. The baby with most votes this month wins $2,500 (that could be a nice amount to put away now for college!!). Please do me a big favor and click on this https://www.greatamericanphotocontest.com/voter1/index.aspx?
referid=EmailFriends&p=304578&x=.JPG and vote for Ava Lynn. It takes a minute. I really appreciate it, and so does Ava Lynn . Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,
Sarah Shelby

p.s. Tell your friends to tell their friends

Here is a copy of the photo!

2 lbs of Meat, 1-1/2 lbs of shrimp and 24 rolls later...

2008-01-14T07:45:00.000-06:00

Okay two big things went on this weekend. First I started redoing our master bathroom. Well actually I started picking at the wall paper when I was still pregnant with Ava and now I am officially going to finish it. Pat and Amber came over on Friday and helped me pick off all the wall paper. Then Saturday Pat, Mike and I primed the walls. Sunday we would have done the textureizing part, but Mike and I decided to have a cookout.

I will post pictures of the bathroom when it is all done. I will put them in sequence for yall and everything.

As for the cookout...Mike spent 5 straight hours in the kitchen preparing/cutting up 2 lbs of red meat, potatoes, orange peppers, pineapple and shrimp to put onto a million wooden and metal scures. We then had Chance, Courtney, Pat and Amber over for a good time.

Amazingly through this all Ava fell asleep at her normal bed time and stayed in bed until midnight, when she was hungry again. After she went to bed we cleaned, had ice cream cake and continued to be loud adults having fun. If only every night could be a party. Wait maybe not, it is Monday and I am super tired and my bathroom is not done. ARRRRRR

That's My Daughter!

2008-01-10T05:19:00.000-06:00

As I was changing Ava's poopy diaper this morning, I found her making a face back at me. This was no ordinary nice morning face this was my face....she was sticking out her tongue and grunting at me. Something I have done many times to her. Yup that is my daughter, stick me with a dirty diaper and make a face to me. Nice.

Oh last night it was a bit chilly here, but no wind, so sticking to my New Years Resolution we all went for a walk. What a site we must be. Me with Ava all bundled up and Mike with these two large dogs walking him.

Right now our adventures maybe few or small for some every day is a new one for us. Hope you like the pictures from last night. I think we might be getting carried away.

New High Chair!!!

2008-01-09T07:55:00.000-06:00

Well the last Christmas gift arrived yesterday. Meme and Grandpa (aka Old Man) got Ava a very nice high chair for Christmas. Just after we left to pick up dog food the UPS man dropped it off! I will have to add a towel to keep Ava from falling completely over, since she is still a bit wobbly sitting up, but it is a very nice chair.

Also Mike took more pics of Ava while we were goofing around on the couch. She was very sleepy at this point of the evening. On a pleasant note Ava slept 7 hours last night. 7pm to 2 am!!! Now if we could just get that 10pm to 5am. I think a full belly is helping get her on a more regulated sleep pattern, but with all things we will see how long this lasts.

So tired. Fingers taste good!

Growing?

2008-01-08T09:35:00.000-06:00

I must say I do love talking about Ava to everyone, but I feel bad when expecting mothers ask me how is she doing and I say, fine, just working on the sleeping thing. They always want me to elaborate. So I do....I tell them she has not figured out how to sleep through the night yet, but soon hopefully. I also say she must be growing in hope of giving them the idea that their baby will sleep 7-8 hours at 8 weeks old and that my little girl is just not normal or growing all the time. Truth be told....she is very normal. I have decided that every other baby is weird and sleep is over rated? Maybe Ava will be a night person. Or maybe she will be one of those people that does not require much sleep, sort of like me in college. What ever she ends up being, I would just like a few nights of 7 hours of normal sleep time. I feel normal hours would be 10pm to 5am. I understand that it will be much later in life that I can sleep in. Of course sleeping in to me would be 7am.

No pictures for this post this time around, just me ranting. Please keep your fingers crossed that Mike and Ava have a good day today, since I had three days in a row with her and according to Mike I spoil her. Then if it is a good day maybe tonight she will not repeat last night's sleep schedule. Bed at 6pm, up at 9, 12:30, 2 and finally 4.

On a more pleasant note, while doing makeup this morning Ava was extremely interested in everything I was doing. Eyeshadow, mascara, hair and my stripped robe. I love it when she pulls at me, even if it is just to put my hand or arm in her mouth to suck on.

New Years Resolutions....?

2008-01-06T05:52:00.001-06:00

Okay, I am trying to blog a lot more now days. Even if I don't have anything to say I will try to at least post pictures. I however do have a few things to get off my chest. Ava is now over four months old and I am unable to loose any more weight. I don't believe in New Years resolutions, but this year I am going to try, like most adults, to loose weight and get in shape. We should all be a fortunate as hollywood superstars to have personal trainers, nannys and chefs. Then we can all drop or put on any amount of weight we like. For us normal wives...no such luck, except for those few lucky son of a guns. This resolution has me in such a perdicament. I know have to watch what I eat, walk/workout, spend time with Ava, Mike, Bella, Beau and Flicka and work. How do you woman out there get it done? Oh I forgot the most important thing of all and have time for myself. What the heck. Guess this is why I get up at 5am most days.

Okay off my soap box and on to a few new pics. Enjoy....

Christmas Crazyness.

2008-01-05T15:41:00.001-06:00

Well this year was Ava's first Christmas and she had three of them. First we did Christmas at home with Aunt Kay. Early of course. Then we traveled, with out our doggies (unfortunately) to Tulsa. Tulsa is about a 4 hour drive with no stops...so we stopped and it took about 5 hours. Don't worry Bella and Beau stayed behind with aunt Kay and had a blast with the large bones we left for them to open on Christmas.

While in Tulsa we finally took the four generations picture. We also went out to eat Christmas Eve with the whole Mavers Clan. Ava did very well. She even fell asleep when the Carolers were singing.

Then Christmas day we left for a six hour drive to Missouri. Ava and I slept most of the way. We ran into lots of snow on our drive and the entire time we were there. You would think I would take a picture of that...but no I forgot. Sorry to disappoint. We stayed in Missouri for a few days catching up with the entire Shelby kids and wives. Talk about a fun and loud time. Ava finally got to meet her other uncles Tom and Jay and aunt Monique.

As for gifts we all got way too much. So much that Ava was surrounded in the car on the way home. Again another great picture I missed. I really should get better at this picture thing.

If Ava could talk I think she would agree that her best gift is the new bouncer that hangs in the doorway and allows her to be free for a bit and at the same level as Bella and Beau.

Now for the last update of information. Ava had her four month check up. She is currently 26" long/tall and 14.5lbs. At this rate she will be taller than Mike and myself!

Thanksgiving

2008-01-05T15:08:00.000-06:00

Okay I know this is old, but here is a few pics from Thanksgiving. For those of you that don't know Thanksgiving was at our new house this year. We had every room filled with a guest and enjoyed every minute of it. Thank goodness we got such a large house, or I would have gone crazy.

P.S. Sorry I didn't take as many photos of the food and surrounding events as I thought I had.

Trip to Tulsa!!!

2007-10-18T19:44:00.001-05:00

Well last week Ava and I took our first flight together up to Tulsa. It was a true adventure in planing. On the way there I was able to time it just right with her afternoon nap and she slept until we got on the plan, then she ate, so her ears would pop and not hurt her. On the trip back we were not as lucky...the flight was delayed and she slept forever, so much that she didn't wake during the flight and slept through eating time. Needless to say she was starving by the time we got home and I was in pain. Guess that is what we get when the weather delays flights.

As for the time in Tulsa it was good. I was able to see a friend of mine and have lunch with her and her husband. Then mom and Ava and I were able to go shopping, like us girls love to do, and get new work outfits for me!!! Also my grandparents got to see Ava almost every day. Poppa is getting a bit old and shaky, but he loved holding Ava and having her hold his finger. We also tried to take a four generations picture, but Poppa kept cutting off our heads, guess we will get one at Christmas.

Other than that everything else is the same old same old. I go back to work in a week...YUCK....Mike will then get to hang out with Ava all day. I am very jealous of that, but since I carry the health insurance, I sort of have to work. That and I am sure it will be nice to be around adults again.
Oh thought I would throw in this picture of Ava taking a bath in mom's kitchen sink. Not too much longer and she will not fit.

That is all for now, I will post more pics from this weekend when my "sisters" come in town from Arkansas.

Just hanging out...

2007-10-08T20:16:00.001-05:00

Well so far this past week has been uneventful. Ava and I are still hanging out daily and learning more and more about each other. Hopefully I get this mothering thing figured out a bit more before I have to go back to work. Oh and don't tell my boss, but he was right, I could do this stay home mom thing. I might not get any cooking or cleaning done, but I will have a happy and well fed baby!!! Oh well hope yall like the boring pics of this calm week. Maybe Ava and I will have some big adventures in Tulsa next week and we can post some fun pictures. TTFN ~

Swinging fun!

Hanging out with my hairy friends!

Trying out the new carrier for our trip to Tulsa.

Lots more Ava pics

2007-09-22T21:25:00.001-05:00

Hope yall don't get sick of seeing Ava. Here is just a quick slide show of recent pictures of my baby girl.

Mike's Birthday Weekend!!!

2007-09-22T21:07:00.000-05:00

This year we are very lucky. Mike's birthday happen to fall in time perfect for his mom and dad to be here. Oh and I am not away on a training work trip. So Happy 31st Birthday Mike!!!

This weekend we ended up having a few friends of Mike and his family over to help celebrate him getting a year older. At least I kept my promise and we did have kids before he turned 35. Nothing is better than hamburgers, brots and homemade cake (Thanks Lynn).

Out door fun!

Look guys Ava is not crying when Amber is holding her!

Even Bella and Beau enjoyed the BBQ

Ava meets Great Grandma and Great Grandpa

2007-09-09T08:28:00.000-05:00

Saturday my Aunt Martha and Glenda drove my grand parents down from Tulsa to meet Miss Ava for the first time. It was neat having four generations of women in the same house. Watch out Mike!

Glenda
Martha

First Bath

2007-09-09T08:22:00.000-05:00

We have been home just a few days now and Ava needed a bath. Mike and I had heard that most babies didn't like sponge baths since it made them cold. This was not the case with Ava. She is so mellow, like Mike, she just went with the flow and waited to be clean and bundled up again.

Think warm thoughts.

Warm and Dry and making a face Gran ma Carla makes.

It's a GIRL!!!!

2007-09-09T07:58:00.000-05:00

Okay so after a day or more of waiting and laboring in the hospital Ava Lynn Shelby came into this world at 8:15 am Saturday September 1st via C-section. Not my ideal way to meet my daughter, but it still was wonderful. I will never forget how Mike and I cried when Dr. Herr announced we had a little girl. (for all of those who forgot, Mike and I did not know what we were having). Thank goodness I didn't paint the room blue like I wanted to.

Labor is not fun!

Off to meet my baby.

Mother and Daughter meet for the first time.

Yes you are reading that right 9lbs 22 inches long.

Family Photo

Last post as a pregnant woman.

2007-08-30T08:44:00.000-05:00

Well all this is my last post as a pregnant woman, my next post will be as a mommy to a new baby boy or girl!!! Thought I would add one more photo of what I look like right before I bust. Okay, so maybe bust is not the right word. I know lots of woman that have been more uncomfortable than I have, but come on give me a break. It is summer here and I am over due, so just a little sympathy please.

Mike and I go in tonight to start being induced. Hopefully this little person comes out by tomorrow, since all the family will be in for the long weekend! I must say I am nervous, but not for the delivery, but for the after care. Sure I baby sat in high school and college, but is that enough training? I always got to give the baby back, now I am the one they give the baby back to. Thank goodness mom will be here for two weeks. I think Mike also has an upper hand being the oldest of six. I think he might have been around a baby or two. Okay enough rambling, enjoy the new pic and I can not wait to post pictures of the baby!!!

Movie Night

2007-08-17T20:55:00.000-05:00

This Friday was movie night with Pat, Amber and Lady! We rented Wild Hogs and hung out eating home made brownies. (Thanks Amber) I know our movie night can not rival camping (Tom and Monique) but we still had fun hanging out and thinking up ways to get this baby out. Amber suggested jumping jacks, but I was too full to give it a try. Maybe later. Oh well, the doggies played and the adults had fun. Can't wait until we have a baby distracting us and making us pause the movie instead of me having to pee every 10 minutes.

Hope you like the pictures. They were taken with our new camera. Watch out this can be addictive to take random pics!!!

TTFN, We will try for some more fun later.

Baby Shower, July 21, 2007

2007-08-01T19:31:00.000-05:00

Well all the pictures are finally here and everyone who didn't make it in can now see what a great time they missed. After seeing the wonderful outcome of the party I actually think this baby might be a little spoiled. Thank goodness Grandma and Meme both agree you can not spoil a baby. Oh for those of you who don't know who is being called what, my mom is Grandma, she picked that because she says it is about time she has someone to call her Grandma and Mike's mom Lynn is Meme (said with French accent), after her wonderful grandmother. What else to say...oh a special thanks to my Aunt Kay and her wonderful friends who threw an unbeatable baby shower. It was the most perfect theme and set up. Thanks also to Lindsey for the games that made everyone laugh and to all of my family and friends that traveled in from around the surrounding states. Yall must be crazy to come that far for little O' me, but I love you guys. Thanks!!!

Now for the pictures, hope you enjoy.

House!

2007-07-18T18:16:00.000-05:00

Okay so here are the details of our house. We are sort of out in the country. We can at least see the stars at night!!! The dogs love running around in the yard and the house. I think that since we moved from a little 1114 sq. foot house to this almost 2500 sq. foot house Mike and I have walked a million miles just going between the rooms. It has taken a month, but I am slowly getting acquainted where things are at, of course that is if Mike would stop rearranging things. I think he is nesting not me.

Today we did get in the last bit of furniture for the living room, so things will be perfect for the baby shower on Saturday!!!

Formal Dinning Room

Guest Bathroom

Guest Room

Baby's Room (Bella and Beau don't know it is not for them yet)

Breakfast Nook

Living Room before all the furniture has arrived. I promise to post more house pictures when I have time and finish taking pictures of our finished rooms.

Day one of blogging.

2007-07-18T17:56:00.000-05:00

Okay we decided to join the California Shelby's in keeping a blog online, so here we go.

Recap:

Mike and I have been in our new house for a little over a month. Most everything is done that we can do right now. Pat Shelby, our professional painter, has finished painting every wall in the house with what ever wild color I have picked out. Mike has hung all the heavy pictures and Amber has helped me decorate and tell Mike where to hang the pictures. I am so glad, we talked them into moving to Texas...shoot did I say that, I mean I am so glad they moved down on their own free will. I love having them close.

Our Real First House!

Right now I am currently 35 weeks pregnant and done with it all. We just went to the doctor on Monday and she says that I am not done and I should hold out till about 40 weeks. She is crazy, what exactly does a doctor know about pregnancy and how fat and tired I feel. Trust me I am done, but if I must do what is best for little baby Shelby I will. Mike you owe me ;-)

Oh by the way, no for those of you that don't know, no Mike and I do not know whether we are having a boy or a girl and no we have all ready waiting this long we are not going to find out. Sorry mom.