Ava’s PlayPen

The past few years we have taken the day after Thanksgiving to pick up a Christmas Tree, decorate it, and then watch a Christmas movie with the cozy tree lit.  I always look forward to it, and I love the smell of the Christmas tree in the house...  Today, has been one for the record books.  On a side note, I haven't felt more clueless on how to be a parent.  Ava is going through some definite challenging phases.  She is loving to throw fits, disobey, trying to order us around, and beginning for the first time to throw temper tantrums.

We picked up the tree today, and everything started out pretty well.  The folks at Home Depot sold us a great tree, and I'll have to give kudos to a good buddy of mine, Matt for trimming our tree up beautifully for us.  Ava had a blast, helped me get the tree in the house.  Realistically, besides a little disobeying here and there, and a couple of timeouts things went pretty well until dinner.  Ava had a blast decorating the tree.  This is the first year she has really gotten into it.  One thing we have done since we have been married, is collect Christmas ornaments wherever we travel, and during significant periods in our life.  I really enjoy it, as nearly all of our Christmas ornaments have some memory tied to it.  We will have some pictures up at a later time...  Anyhow we had a great time decorating the tree, and decided to try out this new Greek place on Starkey called Athenian Garden.  We had a great dinner, and what a place.  Definately one of the best greek restaurants in the area, I think.  However, it was good we ate early, because Ava was throwing fits, throwing forks, and acting completely crazy.  We left as soon as possible, and brought Ava back home for a "talk".  We have decided we are going to crack down on the fit throwing, and challenging attitude...  Well, to top off the evening, I walk into the bathroom and find Ava playing with her poop.  She proceeds to look at me at tell me, "Daddy, I dropped it a couple of times, whoa!  I dropped it again!".  While draining and cleaning the tub with Ava on the toilet she looks at me and says, "It's my fault daddy, and I'm sorry".  Completely warmed my heart, and shined a light on the value of truly asking for forgiveness.  No ifs, buts, or becauses.  Just an "It's my fault daddy, and I'm sorry".  I'm so proud of her...

On a side note, I absolutely love being a parent.  I love the challenge and excitement it brings to my life.  I thought someone might be able to identify and laugh with us...

More pictures to come of our tree, and some ornaments as well...