Rite of Passage.

Five years ago (sigh), my sweet firstborn son was bathed in Grams' sink and a tradition was born. Each grandchild (and their momma) has looked forward to stripping down and hopping in the sink for warm, soapy fun. Now the funny thing is that Gram will not allow anyone to wash their hands at the kitchen sink ... but somehow it is ok for baby bottoms?? Which, inevitably, means baby pee..... ;-)

I digress. It really is the perfect bathtub for a baby....no need to break your back bending over a tub. No need to waste a tubful of water on such a small baby. And easy access to the sprayer keeps even the fussiest child entertained. The sink bath comes complete with measuring cups. And on a hot summer day, Gram will even let you pour water out the kitchen window ;-)

The first bath in Grams' sink is always a special one. Ava got her first bath in Grams' sink on Easter Sunday...with help from big brothers (who may or may not have poured water over her head after being told not to) and Aunt Chelsea.

I would say it was a success. Ava LOVED it! And I have to say the tub chair is the greatest invention ever. I didn't use one with the boys, but I am loving it in this in-between sitting stage.

Born to ride...

Have I mentioned that this boy LOVES this motorcycle. He begs to ride it from sun-up to sun-down. He rides it like it is a real motorcycle. He gets off to inspect it. He knows how to unplug the batteries, how to charge them, and how to reinstall them under the seat. He knows which buttons make the motorcycle go fast, faster, and reverse (even though I cannot figure it out). He fills the saddlebags with snacks, sunglasses, a drink, a hammer, and a cell phone. He has riding shoes and riding boots and knows when he needs which pair. He knows when he isn't quite going to make a turn and hops down and readjusts the bike.

Well, when a friend came over I was nervous about the share-factor. Actually he didn't mind sharing and said friend didn't mind riding on back. And said friend knew exactly how to pose on the bike....this was absolutely unposed!! And, for the record, Levi is upset in this picture because he doesn't want to be photographed without his riding sunglasses on....hilarious!!

Ride on, Levi...Ride on!

JOY! JOY? JOY!

I asked a friend for a Mother's Day gift idea and she sent me this link. I thought it would be easier to go to Portrait Innovations.

But then I couldn't get it out of my mind. I had the perfect 3 letter word: JOY. And my friend reassured me that since they are black and white prints I didn't need matching clothes (Mason has a batman shirt on). Heck, I didn't even wipe their faces or comb their hair or weed my flower bed. And you wouldn't even know.

I fudged my way thru the craft...printed letters off of the computer instead of drawing my own. Had same friend help me edit the photos I took in the backyard. After picking up blurry/grainy pictures from Walgreens, I learned that my 5 year old camera is lacking in the dpi category. You can read about it yourself...dots per inch. Basically, I need a new camera if I am going to be able to compete in the photography business ;-)

But after numerous edits, reprints to eliminate or reduce blurriness, changing camera settings, retakes, and reading lots of articles on dpis...I was feeling less and less JOY...and I am pretty sure that my friend was wishing she would have never sent me the link in the first place.

But the grandmas were pretty JOYFUL when they saw these faces....and I was reminded and humbled about having JOY in the midst...that JOY is a choice....and that the source of all JOY is available to me at all times!

For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord

I sing for JOY at the works of your hands.

Psalm 92:4

I have told you this so my JOY may be in you

and that your JOY may be complete.

John 15:11

May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace

as you trust in Him.

Romans 15:13

on the move

The brothers were, let's just say, gone fishin'...literally. Fishin' with Gramps at the pond. I placed Ava down on her playmat to bat the monkey and pull on the parrot. And I left the room for a second. When I came back, this is what I found:

When the cat(s) are away, the mouse does play! Brothers, look out! Buzz may be covered in drool. Maybe this will be my new threat, er suggestion, to get them to pick up their toys!

As of late, we have also found Ava under beds, chairs, tables, and such. She is rolling across rooms. And now pulling herself up on her hands and knees and rocking back and forth with a big toothless grin....Can someone say "baby gate"??

Onwards and upwards, Ava-girl!

My T-Baller

Mason had his first t-ball game last night. My big 5 year old. Another milestone. This year is chock full of them for our sweet first born.

He looks so handsome in his uniform. He is so proud of the young man he is becoming. And so eager to grow up. We are so proud of him, too....but I am not so eager for him to grow up. Although he is a pretty cool five year old!

Mason had quite the fan club for his first game: Mommy, Levi, Ava, Gramps, Grams, Pap-Pap, Grandma Linda, Uncle Phil, Aunt Chelsea, Lily the dog, Mrs. Nelson, Deacon, and Jack. I mean, his own cheering section. I kept Daddy up-to-date via text and picture messaging...he was so sad to miss the first game -- he is down in Columbus for technical rescue training...

Due to the very rainy April we had, all but 3 practices were cancelled so our clueless first year t-ballers were extra clueless as they fielded, ran the bases, and tried to hit the ball. Very entertaining. But I know it will look like a completely different team by the end of June!

::see ava jump::

we set up the jumparoo for ava. she loves it. just like this guy did 2 1/2 years ago.

hopefully this doesn't mean she'll be walking at 9 months.

(and I am sorry you have to suffer thru my pathetic jumparoo song solo....)

Ready for the beach...

This little girl can hardly wait for the beach this summer. Daddy will not be allowing his precious daughter to wear an animal print bikini at any stage in her little life, but when this hand-me-down was delivered to my door, I just couldn't resist a try-on session.

Building is Serious Business