Happy Halloween!!!

Doug's Pumpkin handywork


















Ava, the bunny.

It's hilarious when we put this outfit on her, she doesn't get upset or fidget with it. We didn't keep it on for the entire party, because it's SERIOUSLY insulated... Definitely an outfit for cold-weather trick or treating.


















Ava kissing Aidyn. I don't think Ava was prompted to do this, she just leaned over and wanted to love on Aidyn! Poor Aidyn; at this point, it looks like Ava is clothes-lining Aidyn...


















Somebunny special





















Aidyn and Jeremy. Jeremy was a Daddy diaper-bag. Doug might need to borrow this outfit soon!!! :-)





















Pippi Longstockings and Moses. Hey Moses, robbing the cradle, aren't we?





















The Duncans:
Marsha-The Pirate,
Spencer-The construction worker,
Jeremy-"Daddy diaper bag" &
Aidyn-The sweetest chicken I've ever seen!





















The Carey Costumes:
Doug-A pirate
Shelly-A gypsy
Ava-A bunny




















The Baillairge Barnyard:
Aidyn Duncan
Melissa-Bessie the cow (& expecting a "calf" in February)
Ava
Farmer Jeff
















Finger Cookies!

Doug was the main artist behind these creations. He took the remaining cookies to work yesterday. These cookies taste pretty good, but do look pretty creepy... One girl who Doug works with said "I am NOT going to eat one of those. Those are gross!" :-) YUM! I attached the link to the recipe: http://recipes.tasteofhome.com/eRMS/recp.aspx?recid=16794&r_d=y

I also baked bread in the shape of a pumpkin, with a new pan I got for my birthday. We hollowed out the pumpkin-shaped loaf and made some "Pizza Fondue" sauce to serve in it. I didn't think to get a picture of it, but it really did look like a pumpkin! I used the following bread recipe for the first time, which I found on the King Arthur Flour Web site. I would suggest it, if you're looking for a good tasting, plain bread recipe. The King Arthur Web site lists this recipe as their "Favorite Bread," so we had to try it. http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/recipe.jsp?recipe_id=R433

Happy Haunting tonight!

Love,
Shelly, Doug and Ava

Ava is Seven Months Old

It is so hard to believe that our little peanut is now seven months old.

She is such a sweetheart. She now likes to rock back and forth while sitting on the floor, almost like she is dancing while is sitting. She likes to "shake her bootie" back and forth, too, while standing. It looks like she's dancing.

She's not shy about getting a toy she's interested in, even if it's not her toy. I don't think she yet realizes the concept of who owns what... Right now the world is her oyster.

She is crawling a little bit faster these days. (I think she'll probably walk more than she likes to crawl, truthfully...if she is awake, she's most likely standing). Today she climbed to stand up next to the couch, and made her way from one end to the other, while holding onto the couch. She continues to say "da-da" and other things with such conviction, she makes you believe she is the top authority on whatever subject she's babbling about :-) She likes to rough-house and be tickled.

She LOVES to try getting access to Mommy's laptop, and knows how to type on it ;-) (In fact, it's actually me - Ava - entering these blog entries, not Mommy. I have you all fooled, don't I?). She loves other kids. She seems to light up when she is in the midst of other kids.

At day care, they recently told me that Ava really enjoys hanging out with the "bigger" kids. They said that she doesn't often play with the babies her age, because she likes to run with the "big kid" pack. Too cute.

She sleeps very well. She goes to bed between 7-8 p.m. every night and wakes up at 7 a.m. every day. She takes two good naps a day (sometimes a third catnap), although her naps aren't the longest in day care. I think her sleep might be a bit compromised by the noise made by kids who aren't sleeping at the time she is napping.

She detested her car seat a while back, but she is getting more accustomed to it these days. I think this is because they put her in a swing to sleep at day care, which probably feels similar to being in a car seat. (If they don't put her in a swing to nap, she will just stand up in the crib and never fall asleep...)

She LOVES music. I am constantly singing to her. Scales, made-up songs, songs I can only hum to (because I can't remember the words), songs on the routine "play list", you name it. When I sing or talk to her while feeding her in her high chair, she eats her food much better. Doug is constantly playing guitar for her. She likes to try to help Daddy play guitar, crawling over to him whenever he plays while sitting in the floor. :-) She is very mellow when Doug plays guitar. She likes to hear his music while she tinkers quietly with her toys.

She eats "solid" food for breakfast and once before her afternoon bottle. She continues to prefer savory foods. At this point, she doesn't prefer sweet foods, such as the more tart fruits. She has cereal in her bottle at 11 a.m. and once in her bottle at 7 p.m., before she goes to bed.

We're trying to teach her some sign language. She hasn't signed anything yet, but we've shown her the signs for "hungry", "yummy", "all done", "milk", "sleepy", and "more".

She loves to love. She has a blanket that has a bunny head at the top and bunny feet at the bottom of the blanket. This bunny goes with her to day care, to bed, and in her car seat with her. She pulls the bunny's head close and gives the bunny a kiss, with and without prompting. She gives Mommy and Daddy big wet kisses, too. Some days she requires more attention than others, wanting to be held. On those days, after she gets her "parent" fix, she likes to be put down in the floor to continue playing.

Ava plays hard. She'll play for 1-1/2 hours or so, crawling from one end of the room to the other, standing, etc. She wears herself out sometimes. With Ava, she's either "on" or "off"; there is no in-between with her, unless she is sick. If she is awake, she is moving. We have a VERY active baby, but get worried when she isn't active, because we know SOMETHING is wrong.

We love watching her learn, which she seems to be doing so much of, lately. Doug and I love our life together, and she just added to the happiness. Doug has been the best Daddy to Ava. He has been so involved in taking care of her, which has been great to watch.

We are both so happy our little miracle has been within smooching and hugging distance for seven months now. She's a sweetie.

Ava, we've enjoyed each and every day with you! Your sweet smile and twinkly-eyes melt our hearts. We love you so very much!

With love,
Shelly and Doug

Welcome Madeline Grace Carey!!!

Doug's older brother Joe and his wife Kristy had their baby yesterday in Phoenix, Arizona. The baby's gender was unknown until the birth, which added to the fun surprise.

Madeline Grace Carey was born on 10/27/06 at 7:31 am. She is 7 pounds 15 oz and is 20 inches long. Both she and Mommy are doing great. Kristy did great with labor, from what Joe said. Per Joe, Madeline had a little bruising and swelling on her face because she came out so fast, but after a few hours, the swelling was gone.


Joe is staying busy looking after Madeline's older sister, Trinity, when he isn't at the hospital. Big sister Trinity should be meeting her new little sister today! Madeline and Kristy are expected to come home Saturday, 10/28.









She is a cutie!

She looks like her Daddy, from what I can tell!

Welcome to the world, sweet angel!

We can't wait to meet you!

With love,
Uncle Doug, Aunt Shelly and cousin Ava

Memories of Fall

Apple cider mill trips to Yates. A chill in the air. Tag football games at camp. The smell of leaves burning. The crunch of leaves under my feet, when walking. Bundling up. Bright sunshine on a cool day. Learning new chorus songs for the year. Irresistable piles of leaves calling to be scattered. The smell of hot cocoa at the "lodge" at camp. New clothes for a new year of school. New shoes, too. Grandfather and Grandmother singing "Happy Birthday" to me on my 15th birthday at 6:30 in the morning, about three weeks before he died. A new and intimidating schedule of classes at school. Fall Festival at Rochester College, near our church. The smell of Mom's apple crisp cooling-off on top of the oven. Shaking off a chill. Trees turning vibrant-red with color. My first kiss with Doug. Getting dark earlier outside. Bobbing for apples. Running (in the dark, with the assistance of street lights) from our townhouse to Grandmother and Grandfather's townhouse in my pj's, to sleep-over the month before Grandfather died. Warm and wooly sweaters. Bike rides through trails with Doug. Coffee houses with Doug. Haunted houses with Doug. A Blues festival in Ann Arbor with Doug. Wind. Hiking up Amicalola Falls with Doug and his Dad. Car rides to Ellijay, to attend an apple festival. A Halloween party at the Berry's. The smell of a house, the first time the heater turns on. Warm socks. Galoshes. Long sleeves. Getting my driver's license. An amazing Harry Connick Jr. concert with Doug, which was the first birthday present he gave to me. The magnificent maple tree in our neighbor's yard. The feeling of freedom when driving on my own, with the Led Zeppelin IV (4) Album cranked. Making "Finger cookies" with Doug, hearing him laugh the entire time we made them. Carving pumpkins with Doug. Pumpkin seeds. Pomegranates. Indian corn. School crafts. Roller skating.

I am eager to see which of the new Fall memories with Ava will stand-out most. This is my favorite time of year, and I'm so thankful I now get to share it with Doug and Ava. I look forward to making many Fall memories with them both.

What are your favorite Fall memories?

Soak in the beauty of the season!

With love,
Shelly

Get Your Hands Off My Kid

Sometimes people creep me out.

For the most part, people have been very polite and understanding of my kid’s personal space. A few weeks ago on the airport tram? Not the case. A woman who seemed to be in her early 50’s was riding the tram with her college-age son. The woman was standing next to me. People were packed into the tram like sardines, at that point. First she grabbed Ava’s foot and shook it affectionately, which I could handle. She asked if Ava would give her a smile (still not blatantly crossing the line into creepy-dom). She then squeezed Ava’s cheeks repeatedly like she was her long-lost Grandma. That put us right into creepy-ville. Have we met before? I have no idea where this woman’s hands have been, or whose hands she has shaken, or what goobery, E-coli-infested doorknob she last turned. I know she meant well, but it kinda freaked me out. Don't get me wrong, I love it when people (THAT I KNOW) hold Ava or dote on her.

Another thought, lately...
Since Ava has been venturing around living rooms and kitchen floors recently, my mind is also a whirling blur of germ-infestation, dirt specks, food particles and loose carpet fibers. Slapping the table with her hand at the Waffle House, I guess when she will next insert the same hand into her mouth and chew on it like it's a turkey leg. Am I turning into the OCD-riddled "Monk" (tv character), or is this a normal Mom-thing? I guess I shouldn't be too concerned; I recall the childhood saying "God made dirt; dirt doesn't hurt." Of course the kid who said this was always the kid in class at school who would eat worms to gross someone out...

Okay, so I’m over-dramatizing here, but the lady at the airport did creep me out.

Another odd moment occurred recently when I was changing Ava’s diaper on the changing table at a Meijer’s grocery store in Michigan, before her picture was taken. The changing table is RIGHT NEAR the door to exit the ladies bathroom. A woman stopped and was staring at Ava as I had Ava’s diaper off, saying “she’s such a pretty baby….(repeating) SUCH a pretty baby…”, while continuing to look at my half-naked daughter sprawled-out on the changing table.

A little privacy, people?

Shelly

It's "Da-Da"!

Ava's First Words
Video sent by thecareyclan

(Okay, so it is only after I WATCH videos like this that make me realize how ridiculous I act around Ava... :-) I guess kids have a way of bringing that out of people? Sorry, I was also catching my breath after running downstairs to get the camera, too.)

On Friday afternoon, I had just finished feeding Ava some food, and was singing / humming as I was cleaning up dishes at the sink (providing entertainment / buying time :-). She was roaming around the kitchen in what Doug affectionately calls her "Death Star" (Star Wars fans will know what I'm talking about), which is her activity center-on-wheels. (The Death Star comes complete with the theme song for the Emperor, when Ava rolls into a room in it). She said "Da-da," followed right-up with "Ma-ma". She continued to say "Da-Da", but when I tried to get her to say "Ma-Ma" again, she wouldn't. She just gave a coy smile, instead. :-)

Since she said "Da-da" on Friday, she now says it regularly and more loudly. She practices saying it constantly.... It is AMAZING to finally hear her sweet little voice saying things. After almost seven months, we're finally getting to hear her little voice saying things. She seems to think we understand her, too. She says "Da-da" with various inflections, as if she's making a sentence out of the string of "da-da's", raising an eyebrow at the end of her sentence (or is it a question?). It's hilarious.

When Doug came home from work on Friday, I asked Ava "who's here?" and she was able to say "Da-Da" (as she was constantly repeating it at that time). Doug was elated. Talk about this little girl being wrapped around Dad's little finger already!

I understand that "Da-da" is often the first word a baby will say, but I had a thought... Do you think babies could possibly think that, with all of the Mamas in the world repeatedly saying "say Da-Da" and getting in their baby's face, that the "Ma-mas" are merely introducing themselves? Are babies thinking Mamas are really Da-das? (And vice-versa?) You wonder what goes through their heads at this age...

We love to hear her baby-babble!

With love,
Shelly, Doug and Ava

Griffith Halloween Extravaganza!

GO TIGERS!!!

It must be said that Dolly puts on THE Halloween Party of the year, every year, for her grandkids. She missed her calling as a party-planner, that’s for sure. Adults and kids alike dress up for the party. This year, the theme of the party was “Pirates and Gypsies”. Most everyone who attended this past Saturday came dressed in their pirate or gypsy gear.






My sister Sherry made a sign that was hung right outside the house. Sherry is also very creative, and especially good at drawing. She definitely got that gene in the family… unfortunately I didn’t!












My cousin Rachel and her husband Paul came as Marilyn Monroe and JFK (SCANDALOUS!). I asked Rachel if she was going to sing “Happy Birthday” for us, but she declined. :-) Rachel told me she was not wearing a wig, but that her hair was REALLY that blonde and that short! Rachel has very dark hair naturally (and longer), so she said she’s been trying for a few months to get her hair as blonde as it could be. It looked great! Talk about commitment to a Halloween costume! Those who attended were: Dad and Dolly, Doug, myself, Ava, Sherry, Daymian, Jordan, Uncle Dave, Aunt Freda, Adam, Adam’s wife Kristen, Kristen’s little sister, Rebecca (who dressed as Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz", Rachel’s little guy Troy, Chris, Kristin, Olivia, Sophia, Dolly’s sister Mary, Mary’s daughter Dawn, Mary’s grandkids Noah and Cole, and Dolly’s friend Michelle. Talk about a packed house! It was very fun for the kids. We had a hauntingly good time!



Har, matey!

And again, we got to watch the DETROIT TIGERS seal the deal with game 4 against the Oakland A’s! Thanks to Magglio Ordonez’s walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th. We’re HEADING TO THE WORLD SERIES! The last time the Tigers won the World Series was in 1984, so we’re due for something…. Watch out St. Louis, Kenny Rogers is on-fire! Bless you boys! :-)



Olivia, Kristin and Sophia


















Gypsy Olivia


















Gypsy Sophia


















Pirate Jordan, when I asked for his meanest pirate face :-)


















Pirate Daymian, fending off landlubbers


















Rebecca, as "Dorothy"



















The decorations outside, complete with Pirate music!













The door to the "Tattoo Parlor"... Enter only if you dare!!!













Gravely, and other ghastly Halloween decorations


















My Uncle Dave and his grandson, Pirate Troy, both putting on their best pirate face













Dolly's sister Gypsy Mary and her grandson Sir Pirate Cole













A sweet picture of Sophie!














Pirate Chris













Grandma Dolly and her Swashbuckling crew :-)













Dolly's niece, Gypsy Dawn



















Pirate Noah, with his meanest Pirate face :-)

















Pirate Grandpa Dean and Gypsy Ava













Aunt Freda and the crew, hangin' out













The Carey Crew

We look dangerous, don't we?
Doug is thinking of wearing the earring permanently to his job at the architecture firm.... :-)









Pirates who took long walks on short planks

Visiting the Grand-Carey Casa

My Dad dropped us (Ava and myself) off at the Carey's house on Friday afternoon. We were able to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Carey and Aunt Tracy before heading to the airport to pick up Daddy Doug!

Grandma Carey has a toybox for the grandkids when they visit. It is covered in pink polka-dotted material, and was the perfect height for Ava to stand next to. We also figured out that Ava is somehow scared of this pink, rubbery ball with soft spikes. When you put it in front of her face, she blinks like she is scared of it hitting her in the face. She's never seen this ball before in her life, which makes it pretty funny. We had to torture her by putting it in front of her face a few times, to see if that was the item to which she was reacting.


Ava behaved well while in Grandpa Carey's lap. He had knee surgery on October 3rd, so I was a little scared of what Ava might do when squirreling around on his lap. She seemed to do alright, at least that's what Grandpa told us! She refrained from her usual tap dance, which was good.

Grandpa seemed to be doing well, considering he just had surgery October 3rd. He was moving about the house, which was good to see! We'll get to visit with the Careys three times from October through December, so we're glad about that.








Ava tried on part of her Halloween outfit for Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Tracy, giving them a sneak peak at her costume. She doesn't bat an eyelash when she dons a costume or something unfamiliar. Very odd.

During our visit with Grandma and Grandpa Carey, Ava did flash a few smiles Grandma and Grandpa's way, as well as Aunt Tracy's. Ava does like to be down crawling on the floor, though. She doesn't seem to like her car seat or anything that restricts her movement. On the way home from picking Doug up at the airport, I had no idea what was wrong with her. She cried like I've never seen her cry before. I was almost ready to take her to the emergency room, it was that bad... Luckily when we got to the Carey's house, she stopped crying.

She did seem fussy by the end of the week. I think all of the traveling probably made her wonder if she was ever going to see her own home and own bed again. (Interestingly enough, she slept 13 hours this past Monday night, after we picked her up from day care, so I DEFINITELY think she was worn out).

While visiting, we also heard that Kristy, Joe's wife, started having contractions recently. She is due November 10th, so Ava may have a cousin a little sooner than originally thought! We're anxious to see if Baby Carey is a boy or girl. Can't wait!

Ava was able to attend church at Rochester on Sunday, and go to the baby class with which my Mom helps. Grandma Pam said she was able to take some pictures. There were 11 babies in the class, and three people to "referee". Yikes! We heard Ava behaved and didn't beat-up any of the other kids, which was good news. In the class, they sit in seats, within a table, which puts them very close to their neighbor.

Ava had her first plane ride on Sunday night, and did extremely well. She took part of a bottle during take-off, which seemed to help. She didn't fuss but for a minute when we were in the air, when she was tired, right before she went to sleep. After about a minute of crying, she fell asleep in Daddy's arms, snuggling next to her furry winter coat that Grandma Pam bought. Ava stayed asleep until after we landed. She was tired! The hum of the plane engine seemed to keep her asleep. I carried her around the airport in the Baby Bjorn, which helped me to have my hands free. Once we were home (around 11 pm), she seemed to recognize home immediately. She went to sleep in her own crib very quickly, and slept until 8 am the next morning.

The trip went very well. We were so glad to have had the chance to visit with so many friends and family. We miss you all already!

To our Michigander family members, we promise we'll be back soon. Watch out; I'm thinking Miss Ava will be walking by Christmas, at this rate! We'll see...

With love,

P.S.-Go Tigers!!!!
Shelly, Doug and Ava

Visiting Griffith Grandparents :-)

We were able to stay with my Dad and Dolly (Grandpa Dean and Grandma Dolly) on Wednesday night, Thursday night and for part of the day this past Friday. Ava seemed be getting over her ear infection by that point, fortunately. We were also able to see the DETROIT TIGERS win game 3 against the Oakland Athletics!

Grandpa Dean and Ava
Video sent by thecareyclan

We relaxed at the house on Thursday while my Dad went to work. Dolly was beginning to prepare for the Halloween EXTRAVAGANZA she throws every year. (Look for a post in the near future on the Halloween spooktacular!) Dad was able to come home at lunch and also hang-out with Ava. My Dad can make Ava giggle like I’ve never seen her giggle. We found out she is ticklish on her butt and her thighs. I still can’t get her to laugh by tickling her there, but my Dad can. She absolutely loved the beanbags that belong to each of the other grandkids. She loved it when I flopped down on the beanbag she was leaning up against, which caused her to bounce into the air. She loves rough-housing.

Thursday morning it started SNOWING in Michigan! It was the weirdest weather I’ve ever seen: snow, sunshine, snow, sunshine, sleet, sunshine. There was an accumulation of snow by the end of the day. This day went on record as being the earliest day the Detroit-area has ever received snow. I enjoyed it, but I know those who live there year-round were gritting their teeth and rolling their eyes at the sight of the large snowflakes. It was beautiful!

Dad and Dolly took us to Outback Steakhouse on Thursday night for my birthday dinner. Ava did really well while we were there, and slept during dinner. All of this family-time is wearing this kid out! :-) We then went to Marshalls to see if we could find an “everyday” winter coat for Ava, as the weather get cooler.

Friday my Dad took the day off work, so he was able to see more of Ava while Dolly went shopping with her sister Mary for Halloween Party items. Dad started to make a pen on his new JET lathe for us. He has been making pens out of different kinds of wood, including Olive Tree wood from Jerusalem. The pen he made for us was made from Corian (yes, the same material used for kitchen countertops - see picture to the left; the rectangle is the corion piece). He’s anxious to learn more about turning wood, and is now part of a local wood-turners association, where he hopes to learn more from guys who have been doing this as a hobby for a while. The pen he made is beautiful!

Friday, on the way over to the Carey's, we were also able to stop by Grandma and Grandpa Spangler’s for a quick visit. I affectionately call them Grandma and Grandpa Spangler, although they are actually the Flanigans’ grandparents. I grew up with the Spangler’s grandkids: Andy, Molly and Katie. Grandpa Spangler appeared to be in great spirits and feeling well. He sounded good, too. Ava demonstrated her newest skill of standing up holding onto something, for them. It was great to be able to see them, even if briefly. Grandpa Spangler also felt well enough to attend church this past Sunday, which is such a blessing!

With love,
Shelly, Doug and Ava

Baby Laura and Baby Ava

Baby Laura lives with Mark and Cindy Wilson, who are friends of my Uncle Danny and Aunt Linda. My Uncle and Aunt know the Wilsons as they were all board members of the Metro Detroit Youth Chorus a few years back. (I was a member of the chorus when in high school, too, before my Aunt and Uncle became board members). My Aunt and Uncle remain close friends of the Wilsons. The Wilsons are foster parents to Laura, who is seven months old.

From what I understand, Laura has had an uphill struggle since she was in her biological mother's womb. Laura has other biological siblings in foster care, also. She was taken away from her biological mother at birth. I believe Laura has been with the Wilsons since she was born (I may be wrong about that). Laura is three weeks older than Ava.





My Uncle Danny and Aunt Linda (and cousin Ginger) are giddy with affection over Laura. It warm my heart to see how much they love her. They are concerned for her future and for her well-being. From what I understand, Laura is a celebrity at her church, because EVERYONE loves her! (Who wouldn't?) Whenever the Wilsons need a helping hand (or even when they don't), my Aunt and Uncle are there with wings, to keep little Laura as long as the Wilsons will let them :-). She has stayed with my Aunt and Uncle for a week or more at a time.


When Ava and I were spending the week in Michigan, Uncle Danny and Aunt Linda were eager to get the two girls (Ava and Laura) together again. The girls met each other originally when Ava was around seven weeks old. So, on Monday while in Michigan, Ava stayed up past her bedtime and partied with little Laura.






It was very interesting to see the difference between both babies. Laura is ever-so-content and "turtles" (Uncle Danny's term for laying on her torso and "swimming" with her arms and legs). It's hilarious! She scrunches up her nose and gets happily excited very easily. She is such a sweetie. Ava seems a bit more "busy" and not as docile. Ava can crawl and stand, while Laura isn't doing that just yet. Laura is longer than Ava, but I think Ava weighs more than Laura.



For most of the visit with Laura, Ava was standing next to a floor mobile and chewing on the top bar.










It was also interesting to note the expression on Ava's face when she first saw me holding Laura. Ava's expression seemed to say "Hey wait... That's MY Mom, not yours? What is she doing holding you instead of me?" Pretty cute. I've never seen Ava look that way before. :-)

It was a fun time to see the two girls on their play date!

We wish the very best in life for Baby Laura and pray that her future holds only the greatest of blessings. We pray that she is able to grow into a godly woman with a life full of happiness and good things. We hope to be able to keep up with her as she grows!

With love,
Shelly, Doug and Ava