Update!

So, it's been a while since we posted anything! And of course, so much has been going on! Ava will be turning five months old next Tuesday, October 7th. Time really flies when you're having fun! And when you haven't been sleeping! And when you're constantly being drooled and spit up on! Yay! :) In all seriousness, Stephen and I are super excited everyday to have Ava in our lives! She was a total surprise, down to the day she came, but everyday, we look at her and are so glad and happy that we have her!

As of the moment, Ava is sleeping. She's been napping a few times a day, but she is much more awake now, doing one of the multiple activities we have for her: playing on her Rainforest Playmat, sitting contentedly (or not so contentedly) in her fun swing or rolling around the kitchen with Mommy in her walker! Ava has been smiling and laughing much more lately and has VERY MUCH found her voice! She coos and giggles and screams, all reflecting her many moods. I've found that she is definitely a girl-her moods go from one to another in seconds! :)

We went to her four month old check-up a few weeks ago and the doctor told us that she can start on rice cereal-the first of the solid foods!! SO exciting! We tried it that very day and she didn't love it, so we've been putting it in her bottles a few times a day and trying it by itself as well. I'm happy to report that she is getting the hang of this whole eating thing and I'm sure that by Thanksgiving, she'll be eating real baby solid foods!

Ava is rolling around and when placed on her stomach, can hold up her head. She's moving towards crawling and absolutely loves to stand up.

Stephen is doing well-he is still the Coordinator of Security Services at Ave Maria, working full time. He is taking two classes this semester and I only have to remind him a few times a week not to worry, that he's almost done! :) We went to Jacksonville a few weeks ago, for Stephen's last drill with that unit. He has transferred to a unit in Hialeah, out near Miami. This transfer will make a huge difference in all of our lives, considering Hialeah is only about an hour and a half away, versus the five hour trek to Jacksonville; which means that when Stephen goes, by himself, to drill each month, he'll be able to arrive home afterwards at 7 or 8 rather than 12 or 1!

I'm doing well also! I'm still working part-time for the Financial Aid Department at Ave Maria and of course being a full-time Mom :) Ava fills up my time, but lately I've also taken to baking and, no surprise, reading all those books I wanted to read during college but didn't have time for! Not that I'm finding too much more time now!!

Stephen and I have been working hard on painting the house. So far, we've done our bedroom and the downstairs bathroom. We're in the middle of painting the kitchen and family room and then we'll be working our way up the stairwell, and the next room to be painted is our bathroom. We're also deciding on colors for the guest room and guest bathroom....any ideas? Let us know-we're open to suggestions!!!

That's all for now-check back, I'll be posting pictures soon and more updates, as the weather cools, we may actually spend some time outside! :) OH-and check back after Halloween-we already have Ava's costume!!

Stephen, Krista and Ava :)