"Where did the cat go?"

This weekend we visited my parents in Canton. Vacant of plans we took time to explore some of my childhood haunts including Sippo Lake. Stark Parks has done a tremendous job revitalizing this park. I remember fishing, nature walks, and paddle boat rides ~ all of which is still possible; however, there are additional opportunities for exploration and education, including the new Perry Twp. Branch Library overlooking the lake.

Ava loves being outside and it was a beautiful day to explore. We looked for turtles and toads and pointed out all of the pretty flowers. But most confusing to Ava were the cat tails.

Looking out from the bridge leading to the walking trail Ava could see hundreds of cat tails growing out of the swampy part of the lake. My mom and I explained to her that the soft brown things groing straight up were called cat tails. Unfortunately, we couldn't reach one to show her up close or to touch. "Do you see the cat tails?" I asked. With a look of concern Ava looked up and asked, "Where did the cat go?" This became her new mission: to find the missing cats whose tails were left behind.

Funny. So the question begs... how do you explain cat tails to a toddler?

"My kitty!"

We have a new addition to our little family! While visiting the vet to pick up medication for our dog, my darling husband fell hard for a 7 week old kitten that had been abandoned. One donation later and Kris brought home "Ava's early birthday present."

Ava was thrilled with the new kitty. She has desperately wanted to be friends with our cat, Moxie, but it has taken a long time for Moxie to warm up to the idea of a small child. We choose the Maisy for the kitty ~ it's cute and Ava has no trouble saying it. She loving carries Maisy around by the neck. When Maisy meows Ava pats her and says, "You're fine." Maisy even gets rocked as Ava sings Rock-a-bye Baby.

I love the idea of Ava growing up with pets. She has never been bothered by animals and shows a loving interest. Maisy has become comfortable and grown on even the most hard-hearted (Moxie Cat). I guess Kris is just a sucker for a cute face!

Favorite kitty books:

• Ballet Kitty by Bernette Ford
• Kitty Up! by Elizabeth Wojtusik
• Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
• Kitten Red, Yellow, Blue by Peter Catalanotto
• The Color Kittens by Margaret Wise Brown
• Cookie's Week by Cindy Ward

Ava Grace is Two!

My sweet, sweet girl is two. It is so hard to believe how quickly the time has flown. Truly is seems like yesterday we were wishing for her. When I dreamed about being a mother I hoped my child would be healthy, happy, and smart. Never could I have imagined a child this amazing. Ava has been a pure joy.

At two, Ava Grace loves books, singing songs, art, playing pretend in her kitchen, and Elmo. When she laughs it almost seems as if it comes from her toes. Every new experience clicks in her little mind and gives her a fuller understanding of the world. Ava loves red shoes and her babydoll. My girlie girl gives the best hugs and the sweetest kisses.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Ava Grace Around the Web

Lately my little monkey has been popping up around the web!

Recently we had an amazing photo session with Jessi of Everyday Studios. Jessi gave us a little preview of the session!

Nearly Two & the Hottest Day of the Year

As we prepared for the big birthday, I purchased an adorable birthday shirt for Ava from Chakra Pennywhistle's lovely Etsy shop and was so excited to see Ava's photo on her blog!

One Cute Little Customer

And to our surprise we were gifted with this fabulous accordian album!

Favorite Things