Daddy's Girl

The pictures say it all...

Wilder Ranch State Park

This afternoon we escaped to Wilder Ranch State Park to enjoy the fresh air and visit the farm animals. It was a much needed get away from the house! Ava checking out the chickens... ...and the goats... ...and the sheep... ...while baby sister Kaitlyn did this... Of course Ava wanted to walk and of course she got a little tired near the end. Being that we had a hill to climb, we got creative and turned our single stroller into a double. Today I will be going to REI to buy a new double stroller.

Ava's 1st Pictures

Ava's 1st two pictures with her new camera.

Ava captured the theme of the party and drink of choice for adults...


Were still working on aiming up and not at the ground.

A Star is Born!

Ava and her new Hannah Montanna Karaoke machine which brings endless hours of laughter!

Ava's version of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star...

A little more practice and she'll be ready for American Idol!

Party Time!

Some highlights from Ava's birthday party with Grandma kathy, Grandpa Craig, Great Aunt Patsy, Great Aunt Terry, Great Grandpa Ray, Cecelia, Pugsly and of course Mom, Dad and Baby Sister Kaitlyn!

The family photo...


Ava trying out her new Dora the Explorer digital camera...


Playing with her new Elmo phone...


Finally getting a little worn out...

Ava's Birthday Afternoon

It's official! Ava is now 2 years old! What a day she has had so far! The morning started with opening birthday gifts, going to the donut shop (Ava's favorite) with Mommy & Kaitlyn, and riding the Merry-go-Round with Mommy, Kaitlyn & Grandma Kathy. Tonight we will be having a party at Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Craig's house. Good thing the girls are sleeping. It's going to be a long day! Some highlights thus far:


Ava proudly showing off her new dress up shoes!


Ava enjoying her water lasers that she will use to help Daddy water the garden with.


Playing a round of golf with her new dress up shoes and rhinestone shorts Auntie Stacey got her. So glamorous! Think she may be setting a new fashion trend in golf!


Riding another Merry-go-Round this time at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Thankfully she did not cry when her turn was over! Whew!


Riding the People Mover with Grandma Kathy. Hold on Tight!!

Pre-Birthday Bash

We can't believe Ava is already turning 2! Today we spent the day with Grandma Betty and Grandpa Roger at Tilden Park in Berkeley where we enjoyed riding the steam train and merry-go-round.

Daddy & Ava on the train. I think they rode the train at least 4 times! Ava loved it!
Ava & Daddy strolling through the park.
Daddy & Grandpa Roger riding the merry-go-around.
Ava picked the dog to ride this time around.
Ava did not want to go home!

Ava's New Bed!

All it took was a set of Dora sheets from Target for $20- to transition Ava into her new big girl bed! I wish I had a video camera to capture the moment Ava saw her new sheets. It was too cute!

....and she slept the whole night away!

Out like a light! We can't believe that Ava slept the whole night away in her new bed without even a peep!

I Love My Sister!

Every morning this is what I get to look forward too! I treasure it! Ava loves her sister Kaitlyn and can't seem to spend enough time with her. Kaitlyn is not too sure what to think about all this yet.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Kaitlyn's 1st bath. After screaming for a short bit, she settled down and loved her bath. We think we have another water baby on our hands!

What you don't see in the picture is Ava tormenting us by putting her hand on the cold water knob and pretending to turn the faucet on. It's going to be a loving relationship between the two!

Great Grandpa Ray

Kaitlyn's first visit with Great Grandpa Ray.

What a Little Helper!

Ava helping clean baby bottles and dirty cups. Ava had to wear a beanie just like Kaitlyn!


Of course Ava has to try out every thing that Kaitlyn uses. Here she is trying out the new vibrating chair. Yes, Ava is still wearing her pj top too. If it was up to Ava she would also be sleeping in her new shoes that look just like Grandma's!

Welcome Home Kaitlyn!

Ava checking Kaitlyn's heartbeat...

Ava giving Kaitlyn her first hugs...

Since bringing Kaitlyn home, the first thing Ava wants to do every morning is to hold Kaitlyn. She is going to be a fantastic big sister!!

3+1=4

Born 5/29/09 at 3:46 a.m., weighing in at 9lbs. 7 oz. and 21" long.. .Welcome Kaitlyn Makenna! It was a rough start as Kaitlyn was immediately rushed off to the NICU. I got a brief glimpse but wasn't able to able hold her for another 24 hours.

Touching Kaitlyn for the first time in the NICU.

Holding Kaitlyn for the first time!

Kaitlyn spent the first 4 days in the NICU but made such termendous progress that she was able to come home with us!

Let the Fun Begin...

On Firday 5/29/09 at 2:15 p.m. I officially went into labor with baby #2. Off to Dominican Hospital where all the fun began....

Getting some much needed shut eye while Jacobe watched the Laker game and took pictures during commercials.