A Farewell to Uncle Ben

We took these pictures in late November, just days before Ben moved to Ohio. For anyone who doesn't know, Ben moved to Warren, Ohio to follow his career path of being a welder. He packed up evrything that he could fit in his truck and drove from California to Ohio, making a brief stop in Texas to meet up with Mom and Brian. Life in Ohio has been rough for Ben to adapt to as it is such a stark contrast to California, but he is doing great and is excited to be starting school on January 14th, 2008. It was tough to see him go and know that he isn't down the street anymore, but we talk often, and Giselle, I and the rest of the family are so proud of him and the choices he is making.

Matt, Uncle Ben and little Ava.
A very tired "Miss Lady" looks up to her big Uncle.
Gigi, Ben, and Ava.

Daddy turns 28!

Sorry to all the viewers for the serious lapse since we last added to the blog. A lot has happened since our last update, but alas, Daddy has been hard at work in a retail Christmas, and didn't teach Mommy how to blog.

We pick up on Matthew's 28th birthday with the family at Stonefire Grill in Fountain Valley, CA. The turn-out was amazing and provided Ava and us with the chance to spend time with just about everyone. In attendence: Giselle's parents Juan Carlos and Estella; Giselle's brother John; Giselle's brother Adrian, with wife Autumn, and son Caden; David and Alexis; Benjamin; Dad, Anita, and Ava's aunties Madison and Abigail; Granda Balko, Aunt Joy and Uncle Mike, and Aunt Julie and Uncle Dan. It was alot of fun to have everyone together, and provided good conversation, as well as some good photos.

Daddy with the little tomato (thank you Amy and Trevor for the cute outfit!)
The "Little Lady" with Aunt Alexis and Aunt Madison. Madison loves to hold Ava every chance she gets.
Grandma Balko getting a good laugh out of little Ava G.
Giselle and her brothers, John and Adrian (and Caden).
The "Little Lady" with Grandpa Brian.

Her Little Face Shines

At nearly seven weeks old, Ava has become a character. Her facial expressions change almost constantly as she smiles and moves her little eyebrows in all sorts of different postions. Her little eyelashes get longer everyday, and her eyes get darker--we think they will probably be brown, but are still holding out for hazel. Who knows. She is weighing between 10-11 lbs. now but we won't know for sure for about another week and a half when we go the the pediatrician. All we know for certain is that she hasn't been wearing the newborn size of clothes for two weeks, and she is ready for the next size up in diapers.

We haven't totally figured Ava out yet--she is either gassy, which makes her fussy, or she needs to be entertained, and she fusses when she gets bored. My family thinks it is the latter of the two, which would make her like her daddy in that respect--an active little lady.

Ava smiling at her mommy.
Daddy likes to tell Ava that he found his little peanut in an oversized peanut-shell in a peanut-patch.
Ava is very content laying on her mommy--especially after her mommy just got done feeding her.

Halloween

On Halloween, we took Ava to downtown Huntington Beach (Main Street) for the annual halloween street celebration. We met up with Giselle's brother Adrian, sister-in-law, Autumn, and our nephew, Caden, as well as, Giselle's best-friends Donna and Ami, Ami's husband, Pete, and son, Logan. Main Street was loaded with families and kids dressed up for halloween and trick-or-treating at the shops, bars, and restaurants. There were also fireman, police officers, and lifeguards, with their vehicles, handing out candy to the kids. When Giselle had told me that we were going downtown for Halloween, I had figured we would be spending our night dodging the drunk bar patrons that frequent the 15+ bars that dot the 1/4-mile stretch. I was relieved to see a large crowd of families, inflatable slides and activities, and the presence of our local police and fire departments.

The Miss Lady asleep in her carrier as we head out for the evening.
Giselle stops for a picture with the sleeping little peanut.
Adrian, Autumn and Caden Leroux.

Caden was dressed up like a dragonfly for halloween.
Obviously Superman's only weakness isn't kryptonite--it is also "binky"!

Logan and his Superman costume on Halloween.

...and the smelly dog.

Mommy and Ava laying in bed.
The Mr. Bugs demands his affirmation.
Daddy and his peanut. Ava is getting bigger (naturally). She is approximately 10lbs right now and alot of her little "sleep sacks" aren't long enough to fit her anymore.
"Daddy having fun.

The "Little Peanut" with Mommy and Daddy

Ava and Mommy
Ava holds tightly onto the pacifier while in her swing.
"Miss Lady" getting to know the play-gym for the first time.Daddy and his "peanut"--all tuckered out.

Mommy and Ava asleep very early in the morning.

Ava's Room

Ava's crib was given to her by Grandma Roxie and Grandpa Brian. It is still full of all her little stuffed animals and blankets, as she is still bunking with us in our room.
Her changing table/ dresser was a gift from her abuelitos Juan and Estella. The two little pendants hanging right above the lamp were from Giselle's room when she was a baby.

The "Miss Lady" napping in her crib.