Beach, baseball, and a brand new baby!

A busy week had by all! A trip to the beach, Ava's first baseball game, and Lyla Lorraine Anderson entered the world!

Grandma and Ava went to the beach during the week. Ava left a note on my car in the school parking lot letting me know they were just down the street if I needed to stop by for a smooch.

Enjoying the swings before the main event.

"What is this thing and why does it have holes in it?"

I was a little over-dressed for the beach, but enjoyed putting my toes in the sand between the hours for work and grocery shopping. Ava loved the birds and waving to all the tourists and beach-goers.

The Mercyhurst baseball team was down for spring training, so we went to see them play on Saturday. It was Ava's first live game and she had lots to look at and keep her occupied. She met a lot of new friends (read: practically everyone that walked by), had a picnic, and took a nap.

Checking out the strike zone with Daddy. Apparently the ump wasn't doing a very good job, so Coach Spano had to mention it and got thrown out of the game. :)

A nap that was long overdue.


WELCOME TO THE WORLD LYLA LORRAINE ANDERSON!

Ryan and I got the call this morning that Brent and Nicky were on their way to the hospital. Lyla came into the world at 11:13 am and everyone in the newly expanded family is doing great!

A proud new daddy.

The lovely Lyla.

Uncle Ryan holding the little peanut.

Brent showing me Lyla's fluffy head.

Brent's first diaper change...while it was a bit tedious, he did a great job and Lyla didn't complain too much. :)

Mini road trip

On Saturday we headed to Florida's west coast to visit a former college roommate of mine and her daughter. It was great to see Jill and to meet Emma, who is just a month older than Ava. The two girls had a great time together and played nicely. For some reason, Ava liked to use Emma as a stabilizer when she was trying to stand up and liked to have a hand on her back when they were crawling around. It was nice to catch up with Jill and share stories of motherhood and teaching while sitting on a beautiful beach on a sunny day.

Emma and Ava deciding who's going to get to the toy first.

Using Emma to stand up...which was quickly discouraged.

The two moms and their squirmy girls.

Emma and Ava exploring together.

On Sunday, we drove north to visit Ryan's cousin Nick and his family. Ryan's cousin, Heidi, was visiting with her family and Ryan's aunt and uncle were down as well! It was nice to spend the day with them, watching the kids play outside. A wonderful weekend had by all.

Ava and Brooke.

Jack and the tiger he dragged around everywhere with him.

Brooke washing her jeep with paper towels, soap and water.

Two cousins, before a tiring game of one-on-one.

So sweet.

This is Ava's new face - all squinched up and super cute.

Playing on the neighbor kid's bike.

Snoozin' on the drive home....until the flash woke her up. whoops.

PEEK!

Some good eatin' pics!

Ava has seemingly mastered the art of self-feeding. While it's not always pretty, she loves feeding herself and it makes for great photo ops! Grandma and Ava picked me up one day at school and took me out to lunch.

"So big" with sweet potatoes!

Exhausted after a full meal.

And posing for the camera with a face full of lunch!

My friend, Danielle, brought her twin boys over for lunch and a little bit of a play date with Ava. She really took to Max, checking out both him and his toys.

Completely satisfied after her first experience eating whole pieces of steamed broccoli. It looked like it exploded all over the dining room!

Grandpa came down for a long weekend and we took Ava for a nice stroll at Green Cay Nature Center. Lots of squawking moor hens and lots of Ava-admirers.

Finding the beach toys and extra dog bowls to bang shovels on.

"Hey Mom, gimme that!"

Her first ever ride on a merry-go-round. Grandpa said she wasn't quite sure what to think about it. I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself though!

Checking out the deer and the West African Crested Crane, which bears and uncanny resemblance to Ava. I think it's the yellow fluffy feathers atop it's head.

On Grandpa's last night, he had Ava squealing and giggling while playing peek.

This is possibly my favorite eating picture ever! Not only did she have black beans and whatever else she ate all over her, but she really topped it off by grabbing a fist-full of hair and pulling it straight out to the side. And the best part was that it stayed like that! :)

Ah, the joys of discovery...a treasure trove of plastic wonders.

This past Saturday we spent the afternoon at the Cocoanut Grove Art Festival (Brent had his tent there). Ava got lots of looks by passing strangers when she was gnawing on Ryan's (empty plastic) beer bottle. It must have felt wonderful on her gums!

Heading back to Stephanie's apartment after the show. It was a bit windy and chilly.

Happy Valentines' Day! All cleaned up and in her festive candy heart pjs!