The Fougeron-Titcomb Family Blog

Last few months in photos:

2009-07-06T13:00:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! I've been extremely behind getting anything updated and posted on Ava's blog....we've had so many birthday parties and celebrations these past few months, Ava said to me yesterday morning "Happy Birthday" from her crib. I think she's a little confused, since we've had a sort of Birthday/holiday bonanza since her birthday in May. Next came Mother's Day, then GG's birthday, then Father's Day, then Namy's birthday and then Daddys Birthday along with 4th of July! So many parties! She certainly has learned how to blow out birthday candles....even Namy's trick candles, and loves to open everyone elses presents!

Just a few of Ava's new sayings..."Cool", "I'm so happy" (usually said enthusiastically when we let her watch Dora or have a snack) "Peace out" and "Mama Mia". Speaking of Mama Mia, we're gonna have to get her enrolled in some dance classes soon. The girl gives new meaning to "Dance like nobody's watching!" I just don't want to start too soon and then get "kicked out" of dance class like Ava's friend Addie. Ava's might not quite be ready for structured instruction...she's still in the freestyle mode and doing quite well!

Enjoy the pictures!

A month of Celebrations!

2009-07-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Ava has definately learned how to sing "Happy Birthday" these last few months! Here's a few pics of her at each birthday celebration...

Lynne's birthday cool-pool party!

2009-07-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

First DBacks game!

2009-07-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks Namy & PaPa for the GREAT seats at my first D Backs game. I was a little more interested in the game room, but soon I'll enjoy actually watching the game!

Ava's first professional Annie Garrett shoot!

2009-07-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a few of our favorites from Ava's 2 year pictures. God bless the child photographers as they have to have patience of a Saint!

Happy Birthday Ava!

2009-05-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Ava's Birthday party at Chuparosa Park! All the kids loved the splash pad and had so much fun running through the water and then snuggling with Alyson to get warm! I can't believe my baby is 2 already....wasn't she just a baby yesterday? Now she's asking for bandaids, ABC medicine (for imaginary boo-boo's) & struts with her Dora backpack and sandals. All I can say is that I have loved every stage of baby-hood and now toddler-hood so far! Don't grow up too fast Ava!

Nebraska Gma and Gpa visit!

2009-05-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of Ava's upcoming 2nd birthday and last opportunity for her last plane for free, we visited G'ma and G'pa in Nebraska! We got to celebrate my mom's birthday, play on the equipment at Dryden park (my childhood park), go on lots of walks around the "neighborhood", wear G'ma's many gold watches around our ankles, pick asparagus on the asparagus farm, and hang out with G'ma and G'pa! It was good to be home again and I know Ava loved being on the G'pa's farm!

Just a few fun pictures

2009-04-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a few cute pictures of Ava learning how to pose and posin' with her favorite person, Po Po!

What a duo!

Harmonica

harmony!

Ava has this fascination with swimsuits over her outfits. Dress up or dress down, you pick!

Fun with cousins

2009-04-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

Easter Evening at GG & Po Po's

2009-04-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Easter Day with all the kids

2009-04-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Ava's learned how to grin "cheezy"!

2009-03-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

Here's our fun day at the zoo with Alex and Gabe! We usually only get one picture on our zoo visits...right at the entrance!

Ava and all her constant companions!

Ava needs to learn that sometimes less is more!

OK, so I crossed her legs, but I came around the corner and found her fully undressed and diaper (clean, thank goodness!) pushed to the bottom of her toy bin. Maybe she got hot? Maybe she's just more comfy watching Elmo in the nude?

How much fun can 7 kids (and Alyson) have?!

2009-03-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Wes's Cousin, Gabe and his family were in town for a few days, so we thought it would be good to get all the kids together for an afternoon of fun. Trying to get a picture of them all together wasn't too successful, but sure cute! Ava & Avery had fun with some wire baskets and tried to out-silly each other!

Posing with the family....

2009-03-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

We thought Alyson and Ava matched until we took the picture! Oh well, we're not into matchy-matchy anyway:)

Sooner or later we knew Ava would discover our hiding place for some of her toys....It's now officially her new favorite spot to play! Don't worry, the cover is spring loaded and very light so it can't come down and lock her in!

"Well, that's where that Pooh book has been 'hiding'! Now mom can read me this book TEN times in a row again!"

How many pictures can we get of Po Po, Ava & a martini?

Happy New Year!

2009-01-19T16:23:00.001-08:00

Ok, I'm well aware that we are well into the New Year and my "Happy New Year" wishes are late, but we've had another blip in our lives with a second eye surgery for Wes a few days before the New Year. We're not sure why, but scar tissue apparently disrupted the retina attachment and they had to do the same procedure again with the same fun, face-down recovery....again. The Doctors say that nothing he did caused this second injury, but golf was involved with both onsets of the injury....coincidence? So far, Wes is healing well and we've got our finger's crossed that this surgery does the job! He's back to work, but still needs to take it easy for a while. Needless to say, Ava's blog has been neglected!

Ava's had so much fun with all the Holiday parties and get togethers- all except Santa. You'll see. Her newest thing is singing very softly the ABC song (A, B, E, E, E, E, E, B....) and I heard her sing the Happy Birthday song with Alex and Gabe at Irene's house this morning- she sounds just like her dad when he doesn't know the words..."Happy puppy to you..."

We wish all of you a Fabulous New Year!

Christmas Day 2008

2009-01-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

Does this camera angle make us look taller or just strange?

Ava with Po-Po and GG- Ava now calls them by name!All the girls posing by the tree- I should have worn red or black!

Ava wearing her "Devil Wear's Prada" Christmas outfit...thanks Katie/fashion consultant!

Here's G'ma reading to Ava "Twas the Night Before Christmas...."

Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning!

2009-01-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Here's Daddy helping Ava open her gift from Santa!

Look what you started Logan...PINK gardening gloves for Ava too!

Santa's not Ava's BFF....yet!

2008-12-26T21:25:00.000-08:00

Is it bad, bad, bad that I love, love, love these pictures?

It's a White Christmas in Tempe!

2008-12-26T21:22:00.000-08:00

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas.....In Arizona!

Yes Ken, Ava is laughing at your sweater!

Ava's Child Dedication

2008-12-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

We had Ava's Child Dedication at Cornerstone Church in December which is similar to a traditional baptism, but it's more about Wes and I as parents, pledging to raise Ava in a Christian home. The ceremony was with a fairly large group of families on a large stage behind the pastor and Ava wasn't interested in being held by me or Wes. Little did we know we would be standing directly behind the pastor and pretty much on the big screen the entire ceremony so it was hard to hide her squirms and frustration. I'm pretty sure the whole church could see me sweat as I tried to maintain some control of Ava and still listen to the pastor's message!

Thanksgiving.....so much to be thankful for!

2008-11-30T15:40:00.000-08:00

This is our Thanksgiving dinner at GG's. Ava is cutting the rug to "In The Mood"!

Here's Jackson, Avery & Ava taking turns on the ATV.

Our Thanksgiving pictures with bad bad planning on the colors!

Do you know how hard it is to get three, close to 2 year olds to look at the camera AT THE SAME TIME!

Aren't they cute!

Ava having some fun!

2008-11-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here's what Ava can do in 30 seconds with no supervision....she doesn't even like Cheerios!

Doesn't Wes look sporty in Ava's pink sunglasses? I think they make him look like he has a very large brain!

This is Ava & me with Kristi & Hayden Petrosky after a little Sunday dinner at our house.

Hello Fashionista!

Fun at the Phoenix Zoo

2008-11-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

Since the weather has cooled down this past month, I purchased season passes to the zoo and have been taking Ava about once a week. I plan on taking full advantage of being a "stay at home mom", even if it is only for a few months! Ava loves being outdoors and loves most of the animals. She's fond of the baboons for some reason and it's her new favorite word! I thought she would really like the giraffe's, but she sort of ignores them! If it resembles a dog in ANY way like a zebra or a baboon or a lion, she's very interested!

Here's Ava with her pretend 'big sis', Alex.

Here's Alex, Ava & Gabe mesmerized by "Elmo's Potty Time" on the drive home!

Little-miss-independent...she's ready to take her driving test! She climbed up all on her own, from the passenger side and was ready to go!

Just having some fun

2008-11-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

Here's Ava in the outfit she picked out with her pumpkin....yes, the white cowgirl boots ARE her favorite. This shows a little of what Wes has been going through for the past week. He's been listening to football games, golf channel and although bored, recovering well so far and we're hoping for the best with his eyesight!

Ava's new thing is walking anything in her stroller (baby dolls, bags of chips, teddy bears....) as long as she has her "Seattle Princess" purse from G'ama on her arm.

Something about yogurt just makes Ava want to schmear it on her face....and hair- everyday!

It must be good for you because it just makes Ava smile....every time!

Here's Ava proving a chicken is CUTE!

2008-11-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here was our first of three parties...."practicing" our costume! Not her favorite thing as you can see...

"Ok, getting better...I'm liking the bike...."

"Even better when there's games and golf...."

"Wow, these tights really get some good laughs.... maybe this isn't so bad...."

"I am finally one with the chicken...boch boch"

A HOT day at Schnepff Farms

2008-11-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Ava & Gabe.....the love story continues... and goes something like this.... "Hey Ava, come see this piece of hay. Come closer...no, don't bite me.....that doesn't mean hitting is OK....oh, mooomm, Ava's beating me up again!"

My little Daredevil riding the Bee

Ava being co-pilot with Alex

Here we are riding the train...Ava does a very realistic "choo choo"!

Obviously, Melissa has taught her children to say "cheese" for the camera much better than I.

Hangin' with Logan at the Farm

2008-10-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure Ava heard in her head "jumpy jump jump jump jump jump....jumpy jump jump jump jump jump".....

Here's Christy, Logan and Ava riding the teeter totter!

Can you tell it was hot this day? Too hot for October!

So many pumpkins, so little time!

Ava's first "salon" haircut

2008-10-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Here's pictures of Ava's first "real" haircut. Should I be ashamed that I'm a little sad she didn't cry or give me some good material to work with? I know- that's very selfish. She was more than accommodating to her stylist as long as she kept the animal crackers coming!

These boots were made for walking....dogs!

2008-10-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Ava walking her best buddy, Max. Is anything cuter than a little kid in cowboy boots?! I'm pretty sure she's got the runway walk down.....look out Baby Ralph Lauren. What? That doesn't exist?

"These boots were made for running....."

Here's Ava helping gampa Ed blow out his birthday candles. Happy birthday gpa!

Ok, I tried really hard to get some cute pictures of Ava for gampa Ed's birthday present.....this is almost the best I could do.

Ahhhh, here we go. Babydoll to the rescue!

Snacks and skin....

2008-10-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

"What....." Ava learned how to open doors and the pantry door is her favorite!

OK, not the angle I initially saw when I peeked in Ava's room during her recent nap but had to edit the picture for obvious purposes.......Here was my thought process "Is that Ava's bare butt in the air?" "While, yes it is." "Didn't I put her down for a nap fully clothed with a diaper attached?" "While, yes you did." How is it that she's somewhat naked during the nap?" "Well, she's learned that she has more control than mom and dad think over what she wears at all times....see pictures below.....

So after a few pictures, Ava either "sensed" someone peeking at her backside, or she just was simply done napping. What this picture doesn't show is her peeing all over her bed and spitting out her binkie to just smile. Should have grabbed the video camera!

Since we're on a Naked theme.... We've started a new routine after our evening bath. With my recent knee surgery, I have been getting Ava out of the bath, drying her off, and letting her run around for a little while I get situated for lotion, diapers, pj's, hair comb and teeth brushing. It's just the only way I can work it since I was on crutches for so long. So, with her new found "freedom" with no diaper and a gimpy mom who can't chase her, she's been running around (sometimes peeing around) the house for some time before we can catch her and get her dressed. It's started a new behavior where she just likes to run and hide for us for no apparant reason. Being naked just seems to make it more fun for her!

Night time is so fun......Wes doing his workout and always entertaining Ava!

Technology all around us....

2008-09-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Here's Ava deciding on which phone to talk, to text her friends, or download some music. She's just as happy to play in a pile of technology than toys anyday!

Actually, that goes for anything around the house including plants, pans, anything inside drawers, and bookshelves!

I love this little patchwork dress!

Mom and Dad to the rescue!

2008-09-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

During my recovery from knee surgery, my parents came to help out...actually, they did pretty much everything for Ava when Wes wasn't here since I was pretty much useless! I think they had a great time getting to know her again and she had fun with her other gampa and gama! Sorry I only have a few pictures during this time- I spent most of my time on ice and I'm pretty sure it's why I'm way ahead of schedule with my recovery. Thanks again, Mom & Dad! You're wonderful!!!!

Gampa taking Ava out for a walk.

Ava's new trick. Well, she's actually been doing it for a while, but I was quick enough with the camera to get a picture of her before she ran off! She pulls all he pillows off our bench and makes herself a little bed. It cracks me up as she looks so little laying there on the floor!

Arizona chapter of the Republican PBR NRA WTT chicks

2008-08-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

For my 40th and Tracy Wilkes 38th Birthday, our friends (aka: Book Club) threw a surprise White Trash Birthday Bash! As you can see, they clearly have a knack for white trash fashion as well as the cuisine and backyard decor...sorry didn't snap any pictures of the muffler by the pool, the Christmas Gnome holding the beer can or the pantyhose and bras drying on the clothes line! This was supposed to be our annual pool party so I showed up in my swimsuit cover-up.....guess I fit in without even trying!!!! My good friend, Dawn flew in to surprise me as well which left me speechless! She is one of my best friends and left her 8 week old, 2 1/2 year old, new house in Des Moines (which flooded the night before they moved in and ruined all thew custom wood floors) among other 'issues' (still breastfeeding....) to surprise me! All I can say is all my girls are some classy chicks!

Here's Tracy and me checking out the Trailer Park Cuisine....KFC, Mac n Cheese casserole, dry roasted peanuts, cake showcasing two tattooed barbies (looking remarkably like Tracy and me)mud wrestling on top, pork rinds, frosted animal crackers, Frito's casserole, and of course....bologna on white bread with Kraft Singles. YUMMMMM!

Friday night, hanging out with Gabe!

2008-08-03T16:31:00.000-07:00

Gabe working his spell on Ava....

"You WILL give me all your Cheese Bunnies.."

"Ahhhh, She's under my spell..."

"The Princess and the Body Builder"

Here's Ava dressed up like one of the princesses...don't tell Alex that I didn't know which princess...I've got time to learn their "real" names!

Piano and pools

2008-08-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

Pretty good piano posture if I do say so myself!

"Curl those fingers!"

Yes, Ava's a tippie toe walker

One very cold day at the pool!

2008-08-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Here's Ava swimming in the pool as it's sprinkling. As GGma would say..."The Devil was beating his wife!"

G ma & Ava trying to keep warm after our little sunshine sprinkle during our first swim!

We won't let a little sprinkle rain on our fun!

Here's Ava & I getting a "bear" hug!

Beer anyone?

more Flagstaff

2008-08-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

"Check out my cute profile!"

Gpa teaching Ava some golf etiquette.

Ava on a mission....

Here's Ava, Rocky & Bandit looking for their little next door neighbor, the Beagle. Ava just belly laughed each time the dogs ran around and barked at each other!

Here's Gpa & Ava exploring in the backyard "forest!"

Flagstaff Pictures

2008-08-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here's the whole group together after a nice dinner on the golf course. Notice our mountainous view in the background....beautiful!

Ava eating...I mean, smelling the flowers.

"Look at me golfing Daddy!"

"Let's see how many times I can climb these stairs this week!"

Duck, duck, goose!

2008-08-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

We found a beautiful lake right up the street from our cabin in Flagstaff and took Ava for a bike ride to feed the ducks. Ava's philosophy with feeding ducks was....one piece of bread for you, two for me....good thing we took a whole loaf of bread!

Here's Ava trying to swim with the ducks!

Yummy yogurt!

2008-08-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

What....do I have something on my face?

Ava using her spoon!

When all else fails....just dump it!

Ava's first official Haircut!

2008-07-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

Since Ava isn't a fan of bows, clippies, pig tails or anything resembling the above in her hair, I decided it was time for a haircut since Gma and Katie called her a hippie on 4th of July!

I asked my friend Jen, who has some experience cutting baby hair, if she would cut Ava's hair. Ava put up with us, but really wasn't thrilled to lose her wispy bangs. Not sure if we have an "after" picture just yet, but we can now see Ava's eyes!

Look how excited Ava is for her first haircut!

OK, closest thing we're gonna get to a smile!

Hello Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition....

2008-07-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, if Ava keeps getting this royal treatment every time we leave town, she's gonna start booking our flights!

G Ma & Ava hanging out on the "beach"!

Someday, I feel that Ava will hate this picture!

Check me out climbing on the waterfall

Fore!!!!

2008-07-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

Of course Ava has her first set of golf clubs! Wes has her practicing and I think she's going to actually be able to hit a golf ball on her own soon. It's amazing what children will emulate!

Notice that GOLF is on TV in the background....

"Dad, I can get the ball so much father if you just let me pick it up and throw it!"

Proud to be an American!

2008-07-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 29th B-DAY TO MY DADDY!

The 4th of July party at Alyson & Ed's changed unexpectedly when we learned that both churches canceled their 4th of July fireworks shows! We were all disappointed but caught a glimpse of MCC's show and had a great display of patriotism and dance from all the kids and Wes!

Here's Scott Keppel, his son Gabriel, Scott Sowell holding Gavin Keppel, Wes holding Alex Keppel, Melissa Keppel & Ed in the background looking for fireworks!

Ava showed her patriotism with a very enthusiastic dance to "This Land is Your Land..." and "Yankee Doodle Dandee"!

Not sure why our camera was out of focus, but it created a little bit of action in our photo. Ava was waving her red, white & blue with pride!

More proof that I'm soooo cool

2008-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

"Do I look like a movie star or what! No kid glasses for me... I'm officially not a baby anymore so it's Louis V or chanel for this chick!

"Here I am on a Friday night out with two of my 'boys', Ken & Cody. How cute are they!!!"

"Heff's got nothing on me"

"This is my Vicki's Secret pose"

Skinny Dipping in GGpa's backyard!

2008-07-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

No diaper....no problem! There's always one item I forget on outings....swim diaper was the item of the day today! GGpa put up a little pool in his backyard on Father's Day and Ava wasn't about to sit out and watch just because of no diaper...no sirree!

Where's is this water coming from?????

Happy Father's Day to all my AZ fathers!

2008-07-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Father's Day at GGpa's with a little dip in their new cool pool and, of course, a fabulous dinner.

Happy Great Grandfather's Day!

Happy Grandfather's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Ava's one year pictures...

2008-06-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

More one year pictures....

2008-06-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ava's 1st Birthday and "Quatro De Mayo" party!

2008-05-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday Ava!

Ava & GGma taking a little dip in the pool!

What a pair!

Yeah for me!

Wes & Jeanette enjoying the moment...Ava's just plotting her cake destruction!

"mmmmm....I could get used to this.....

Ava loves her pretend big sis, Alex!

I swear, we did not coach her on eating cake!

G ma & Ava!

Wes tried to take away Ava's tootsie pop....Oh, no you di unt....

This picture looked a little different in my head:)

Alex was the only baby who actually liked the sombrero....it's like he knew how cute he looked! Therefore, Alex win's the Cutest Baby In A Sombrero Contest....didn't know we had a contest? Well, neither did I until I saw this picture!

This was our attempt to say "Gracia's" to all who attended Ava's party....Ava just wanted to eat the sign.....So, GRACIAS to all who have been a part of Ava's first year of life! It's been so much fun so far!

A Day at the pool & Dog Biscuits

2008-05-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

What a day for a daydream.....

Two bathing beauties!

No fear of water here! We're hoping she's got some swimming genes from mom & Katie!

Milkbone's not just for dogs anymore.....

"hum....salty, crunchy and feels good on my new teeth!" This one's for you Dennis, Chris & Cleary!

Our first visit with Gma & Gpa Fougeron

2008-05-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Ava didn't let the keys to her BMW out of her sight the whole trip....that'd be her Barbie Beemer....

Ava & Gpa

Ava getting her diploma from U of Nebraska. What a scholar she is!

Gma & Gpa Fougeron hanging out with Ava!

Ava & her cousin Kristen playing the piano...notice the tongue. This started in Nebraska and was always accompanied by a "lalala"!

Musical prodogy? Maybe if music appreciation counts!

Like my cute hat! Who told us it was "nice" in Nebraska in April!

Brrrrrr...Ava's first trip to Nebraska

2008-05-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Elivia & Ava at the library hanging out with the wild animals! We stayed with my friend Dawn in Omaha for a few days while visiting my parents in Nebraska. We learned so many new things....new books, new toys, new ways to nap in the car (Ava, not me), how to bathe a baby in 4 minutes or less.....Dawn'isms took on a whole new meaning on this visit!

Ava's posing for Gma & Gpa!

Since we have no stairs and virtually every home in Nebraska has stairs, Ava mastered them in a matter of two tries! Ava was a pro, but not so much in her "skinny jeans". Although cute, some outfits aren't practical for climbing stairs...its sure starts young!

Here's Elivia & Ava enjoying some cheese bunnies after a nice chilly afternoon playing outside!

"What's in here....any cheese bunnies?"

One good thing about cold weather....the cute sweaters!

The Shields 60th Anniversary Party

2008-04-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

Wes, Jeanette & Ava at Wes's Grandparent's Anniversary party. All of Aunts & Uncles on his mom's side came back for the party at Painted Mountain Resort. Ava loved meeting all her aunts & uncles and of course, hanging out with GGma & GGpa!

Ava blowing kisses... or yawning...not sure!

A party without balloons is no party for me!

Hey....a shoe string.....no one's paying attention so I can put it in my mouth!

Ava and her twin:)

Mommy n me!

Where's my steak G Pa????

I'm loving this party where I get to sit up at the big table with everyone!

Ava's first meeting with Liam...she's so shy isn't she? I see a slight resemblance:)

Ahhhh....g'night GGpa!

Just exploring

2008-03-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Ava!

2008-03-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here's Easter Celebration at the Grace's!

All of Wes's Cousins and their children

Here's G pa showing Ava the wind chimes!

Like my new hat?

What's that you say? I'm cute? Yeah, I know.

Jackson giving Ava a ride on the "truck"!

"Hunting for Easter eggs is wearing me out..."

Daddy's Girl!

These eggs are more than just eggs....they have candy inside!!!

Golfballs....yum!

2008-03-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hanging out on the driving range...shhhh... golf is a serious sport.......must be quiet....... Daddy say's so.....

Hey, what's this?

Not much taste, but......

perfect fit!

Is there anything cuter than a baby in a bathtub?

2008-03-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

Love my bath time!!!

Look at my baby blues, no greens, no hazel....we're not sure just what color my eyes are yet!!

I know I'm cute!!

Catching fishes with my bare hands!

Little Tigress in the making!

2008-03-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure Wes will have her swinging the clubs as soon as she can stand on her own!

Check me out standing on my own!!!!!

Future ASU cheerleader!

2008-03-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

Here's our Superbowl party....Ava was the entertainment!!!

How cute! GGma & Ava match!

Yummy sweet po ta toes!

2008-03-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

Ava's such a good little eater. Usually, she hardly messes up her bib, but when we let her, she likes to play play play in her food! She's starting to eat some solid foods, but spits out things that are too chunky. She looks like a little bird just opening up for every bite! I don't think we're going to have a picky eater on our hands. She loves her fruits and veggies, and doesn't seem to have any dislikes so far. We're holding off on sweets as long as possible!

What? Do I have something on my face????

Christmas Day 2007

2008-01-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

Ava's first Christmas! Here are a few pictures from the day that started early Christmas morning at the Titcombs, continued on at the Shields for Brunch and then after a few hours rest, continued that evening back at the Shields for Christmas dinner. Ava had so much fun even though she doesn't know what Christmas is quite yet, but she loves that it involves pretty paper!

Here's Ava trying to show off her teeth...(which we were still unaware of) that came in ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

Admiring G Pa! Ava's always fascinated by his mustache or his hat...not sure which!

First time on grass.....wow....cool! We'll have to travel back to Nebraska for Christmas if Ava is to ever experience a White Christmas....until then, we'll enjoy the grass and sunshine!!!!

OK....apparently, Ava doesn't realize how "cool" she looks in her cycling helmet!

What a "Princess" I am!

OK- this picture doesn't really show the aggressive way Ava decided to remove her bib, but girl's got some strength and isn't scared to use it! She just learned how to un-do velcro a few weeks ago and likes to pull her bib off....usually without much of a struggle. Well, this "Baby's First Christmas" bib hadn't been washed or used yet, so the Velcro was very sticky. I thought she might break something in her little neck the way she pulled so hard on this bib to remove it.....it was truly priceless to see little sweet Ava get so aggressive with her bib at Christmas dinner!

Christmas Eve

2008-01-06T13:17:00.001-08:00

What a surprise! Santa actually showed up with gifts on Christmas Eve!!!! Ava has no fear of short men with beards and red suits just yet!

G Ma & G Pa with Ava !

Ava posing for the camera again!

All the little ones...

2008-01-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

Jackson's baptism was an opportunity to get all the little ones together....hard to get them all in one photo!

Ava with Mommy

2008-01-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

Here is our little ASU cheerleader heading out on her "date" with Dad to watch the ASU/USC game at our friends home. It's a little chilly now, even for official ASU cheerleader's, so we thought PJ's underneath wouldn't ruin the spirit intended!

Ava's first Christmas picture at Santa's "home"....she saved all her smiles for the man in red!

Ava's first pony tail

2008-01-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

Here's out "just been bathed" picture of the month! I just can't resist when she's so clean and sweet!

This was my first attempt to give Ava a pony tail! Her hair is so long on top, but very thin since she lost most of her thick newborn hair so I thought a pony tail on top would work....not so much! She looks a little like a sumo wrestler in pink pj's.

Big smiles!!

2007-11-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Wes's Aunt Jeanie snapped a few pictures on their visit in September while hanging out in GGma & GGpa's backyard. You can't see Ava's cute little outfit, but she's a little hula girl!

Don & Erin's wedding

2007-11-13T07:15:00.002-08:00

Here we are at Wes's cousin Don & Erin's wedding. I love the before/after picture. I was so afraid Ava would throw up on someone or leak from her diaper so I'm sure I looked a little uptight the whole night. She was such a trooper but the picture on Katie's lap at the end of the night shows how tired she was. She fell asleep at the dinner table with the wedding dance going on around her. No conga line for Ava!

First 1/2 cake!

2007-11-13T07:15:00.001-08:00

Here's Ava with her first birthday cake and presents! Hey, any excuse to have a party! She got her first hammer since "every girl needs her own hammer!" She uses it everyday!

Happy Half Birthday to Ava!

2007-11-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

We had a quiet evening at GGpa's for Ava's 1/2 B-Day "party". The sunset was just amazing so we had to snap some pictures!

Dinner Time!

2007-11-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

OK- I swear I have a million pictures of Ava eating, but it's so cute to see big GGpa feeding little Ava her bottle! The quote of the year is Howard saying "A great week is when we get to see Ava every day!"

Two Sunshine girls!

2007-11-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

Patty Cake Patty Cake! GGma and Ava having a little fun!

Pink Octopus and Princess Alex

2007-11-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

Here's out little Pink Octopus on Halloween! We visited a few friends to show off our costume and showed our treat was Ava's "tricks"! Look at Ava admiring her friend princess Alex- she
L. O. V. E. loves Alex!

Schnepf Farms

2007-11-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

Gma & Gpa Fougeron came to visit in October just as Ava started to crawl and patty cake. We spent a lot of time hanging out just watching Ava explore her new skills, but took one day to visit Schnepf Farms. Here's Ava posing with Gma & Gpa and riding the carosel and posing in her Baby Bjorn!

First "solid" food!

2007-10-02T16:04:00.001-07:00

Apparently, rice cereal doesn't taste good at all. Ava's expression paints a very clear picture of how bad this really tastes!

I tried it first (of course) before feeding her the first bite, and I can't believe that something with no taste can taste so bad! Kind of like formula...you would think the experts could make it taste like actual breast milk... or even milk, milk. Wes and I felt bad for her but we were still laughing at her faces! She's got a little drama in her ocassionally....

Pink Powder Puff Chair

2007-10-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

As for "Big Girl Chairs"....this is the "Pretty-Pink-Powder- Puff-Princess" version! Of course it's smack dab in the middle of our living room- Ava wanted it there! Hey, ocassionally our guests need an extra chair and I just thought, why not the princess chair? I wonder if it will be cute in a few years stained with fruit roll ups, finger prints, grape juice stains and crayon shavings?

"Little girl in a Big Brown Chair"

2007-10-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

Ava loves to sit up by herself in her "big girl chair"...she's even got the posing down. Can babies be supermodels? The bown chair is now fail proof to make her smile when she's thinking about getting fussy!

Just the Three of us....

2007-10-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

This was Gabrielle Keppel's baptism....also a rare time for us to be all dressed up together ON THE SAME DAY! Quick, someone take a picture!!!!

Martini...shaken, not stirred.....

2007-08-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Katie and GGPa with Ava

Happy birthday to mom, and no, the martini is NOT Ava's!

Gpa love....

2007-08-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here's Gpa Ed giving Ava a horsey ride with Max waiting for his turn. Two seconds after this picture was taken, Ava was fast asleep sitting up on Gpa Ed's leg!

Nose ring!

2007-08-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

Like my new fashion statement? It's the new nose ring! I'm sure it will be the rage this year with the 4 month olds....

Bumbo girl!

2007-08-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

Here I am in my Bumbo seat. I really like that I can sit up now and see the world from a different perspective....what a big girl I am now!!!

A few of my favorite things...

2007-08-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite things.....my pink teddy bear, smiling at my mom and dad making funny faces at me, and naps!

Cute and clean!

2007-08-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

Bath time always brings out the best in me!
Another bath picture again????

Love those blue eyes!

2007-08-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

Ava and I were out shopping with a few girlfriends and I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of her. She was so giggly and I don't think it was just because Baby Gap had a sale! She's happy most of the time and I think it shows!

Ava & Elivia

2007-08-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Dawn Papcun (Tigner) came out for a visit with Elivia this weekend. We had so much fun hanging out with all the babies and I got to see first hand what I'm in for in about a year! Elivia is just a few days short of one year older than Ava. We all decided our get together's have really changed over the years. We managed to get one night out without the kids, but a massage or pedicure like we always used to do....forgetaboutit!

bubble bath with mom!

2007-08-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

I finally gave up giving Ava a bath in the sink or her bathtub as I felt like I always put her life in danger! My solution....get in the tub with her! It's so cute and she loves bath time- not that she didn't before. My friend Dawn snapped this picture after swimming covered Ava enough so she wouldn't be embarassed when we pull these pictures out when she's 16!

Who's the sleepy head????

2007-08-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

8/8/07

We've been so busy we haven't taken many pictures, but I decided this morning that Wes and Ava looked so cute just 'hangin' out' that I had to snap a pic! Ava's certainly a great sleeper averaging 8 hours a night since she was about 7 weeks old, but she gets up around 5 or 5:30 every morning. It works great on the days I work and gives us some play time in the morning, but I would love for her to sleep in a few extra hours on the weekends! As you can see, her Daddy isn't enthusiastic about her early morning energy!

2007-07-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

This was Ava's first real swim in the pool and of course, she loved it! We're finding that she's pretty fearless when it comes to new experiences so far. Since our backyard and pool get afternoon shade from the house, we are going out for late afternoon and evening swims. It's nice in our 115 degree heat lately!

2007-07-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

7/4/2007

Happy Independence Day to everyone and Happy Birthday to my Dad! In honor of my 2 month anniversary and my Daddy's 28th Birthday, I wanted to show my patriotism through fashion! My mommy found this little bikini that I still can't quite fill out but will very soon if I keep growing like I do. I felt a little silly, so I withheld my smiles that are usually easy to come by. We will celebrate with a big party at my Gma & Gpa Titcomb's house tonight so I know I will be loved and held and coo'd at by many people! In case you can't tell, this picture was made into my daddy's b-day cake....cute huh!

2007-07-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

Gabrielle Keppel & Ava Titcomb on a Friday night date....it is already a challenge of strength and wills.....we're not sure which one will wear the pants in this relationship.....

The Belly...

2007-06-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

All I need is a shaved head...

I had to include this picture because I found out I was pregnant with Ava, two weeks prior to my two week trip to China. I planned to visit my friend Kim Dallas since she and her family relocated to Chueng Du for Jonny's work not knowing that pregnancy would throw my plans for "whooping it up in China" out the window! Needless to say, my anticipation for "exotic" cuisine didn't sit well with my morning (all day) sickness! There wasn't a grill cheese sandwich the entire country! I had to take a picture of this Budha on one of our day trips around Chung Du since I knew if was only a matter of time I would look very similar!

Homecoming

2007-06-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ava loves to sleep with her arms overhead, all sprawled out and we can't resist taking her picture! People asked me how tired I was the first few weeks and honestly, I didn't really want to sleep. Wes and I joked that instead of Post-Partum Depression, we had Post-Partum Elation! Wes and I are a pretty good team and since he does most of the cooking (he's a much better cook than I), and we've managed to find organized chaos working to establish a peaceful life for Ava so far!

Ava's first bath was so cute! She loved the feel of the water and was very wide-eyed everytime the water ran over her skin. Hopefully she'll like the water like me and her Aunt Katie and become a great swimmer. She's bound to have a few "swim genes" in the mix!

Delivery room pics

2007-06-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

I finally get to meet the little girl I've been in love with 9 (10) months!

Wes and Ava's first picture together! I'm not sure which one has the bigger "Deer in the headlights" look!

Four generations on Wes's side

2007-06-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day at the Titcomb home was Ava's first outing at 9 days old! As you can see, both Wes and I haven't quite figured out how to hold her for pictures yet!

Wes with his mother, Alyson Titcomb, and Grandmother, Lee Shields. We all swear Ava was smiling at all the attention she got from the family even though all our books say it isn't possible! We'll have to remember that there was a time when Wes and I fought over who got to change her diaper.

Three men and a baby... Wes with his father, Ed Titcomb, and Grandfather, Howard Shields.

Mel & Ava

2007-06-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

This is our good friend, Melissa Keppel visiting Ava the day she was born. Melissa found out she was pregnant one week after me with a due date two weeks after mine. She's the one that convinced me the pregnancy test was NOT broken. She delivered Gabrielle Keppel, her second child, a few hours after this picture was taken! We're pretty sure Ava & Gabe will be getting married someday!

Here's a close-up of Ava's cute little face! I was a little apprehensive about unwrapping Ava that first day and 'inspecting' my baby and Melissa just unwrapped her for me and said "why not, she's your Baby! Let's check out her cute little body!" I'll never forget the feeling of unwrapping my little bundled baby that I've waited to meet for so long!

Weighing in

2007-06-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ava made her grand entrance early Friday, May 4th at 1:39 am. We met many nurses while in labor and joked about which nurse would "make the magic happen". This is Ava's first photo just after she was born and had her first bath. We were amazed at how much thick black hair she had and how dark her skin was. She looked exactly like Wes so I'm sure the name "Little Miss Wes" will stick.

Ava meets G Ma & G Pa

2007-06-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

G Ma & G Pa Fougeron arrived from Nebraska on Wednesday while I was in labor since I was ABSOLUTELY SURE I would deliver that night. I had been in labor already for about 12 hours, but Ava wasn't born for another 48 hours! This was my parents first opportunity to really meet and hold Ava. It took the three of us to dress her up for her first picture at the hospital! She was so tiny and the only outfit that fit her (besides the hospital shirt) had about 20 snaps. Ava was photogenic from the start.

They're actually going to let me take her home from the hospital after they saw the three of us change her outfit?????

We loved you at "Hello!"

2007-06-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and family near and far! We hope you enjoy Ava's website and visit often- she changes and grows faster than we can update her blog!

After what felt like a week of labor, Ava Sophia Titcomb arrived Friday, May 4th, 2007 at 1:39 am. She weighed 7lbs. 8.5 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. Wes & I were completely exhausted, but so ecstatic she was healthy and born without any complications! I know we both were overwhelmed with emotion and so happy to finally meet little miss Ava!

My parents flew in from Nebraska for Ava's birth and Wes's Mom & Sister were there at the hospital as well. This picture is when Ava is just a few hours old.