Uses of Paper

When you think about paper, most of us think of the material that we use to write on, color on, cut things out of, fold airplanes with, etc. Well, for the Shaw grandchildren (not me and Doug...talking about Ava Grace and Luke here), paper has 2 other uses. We have always laughed about Luke's use of paper. When he was younger and we went to eat Mexican food, he would always order cheese and paper (aka...a quesadilla). He was too cute about it and we laughed every time he said it as if it was the first time. Now, Ava Grace has created another use for paper. After supper tonight, she wanted some strawberries. Before I could take the stem off of them for her to enjoy, she pulled the green leaves off and handed them to me saying, "Mommy, here's the paper". I kind of dismissed it at first thinking, "Did she just say paper?" I didn't ask her, but when she wanted another strawberry, I listened carefully and sure enough, she referred to the leaves of the strawberry as "paper". I laughed out loud and she looked at me strangely. One day, she will think it is funny too (just like Luke thinks his paper and cheese story is funny), but until then, I think I will just let her call the leaves of a strawberry "paper". It gives me a chuckle and of course she is so darn cute when she says it!!

Funny Moments

We have had several funny moments in the last couple of weeks. Ava Grace has been the funny person in the family!! She cracks us up on a daily basis. I know I cannot think of everything, but here are a few things she has told us or done.

1. She has told me repeatedly that she wants to go shopping at Wal-Mart. When you ask her, why she wants to go to Wal-Mart, she'll tell you various things - to buy a hat, to buy a birthday present, or simply to go shopping.

2. Ava Grace has decided that taking all toys out of the toy box for her to climb inside and play is really fun. It is cute as you can see, but of course when it comes to picking up all of the toys that are outside of the toy box...well....that doesn't go as well.

3. This moment is my "not so smart mommy moment", but of course Ava Grace was involved. We were on the way to Uncle Doug's softball game and went through Zaxby's to get something for supper. I am not sure what I was thinking, but I gave Ava Grace her food WITH the Zaxby's sauce for dipping. Well, she decided to use the sauce as lotion - putting it all over her legs, arms, and face, but managed to not get it on her clothes. It was so funny!!! Fortunately, I had a whole thing of wipes in the car!!

We also had a flying trip to Charlotte for Laney's birthday party. It is hard to believe that she is 2 already!! It was a fun time spent at a park where all of the kiddos could run around. The weather was perfect too!! The theme....Sesame Street - Ava Grace loved that!! Unfortunately, Laney wasn't feeling very well, so we were not able to get any pictures of the girls this time. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon!! Thanks for inviting us!!

We also participated in a March of Dimes walk with Lacey and Carson. It was a rainy day, but we all made it the entire way and the girls enjoyed it!! They really enjyoed getting out of the strollers after walking for a little over 4 miles too!! It was fun to visit with Lacey while the girls were contained. I'm sure we'll have another playdate soon!! Thanks again Lacey and Carson. We love you!!

So, another week of school is starting. I will update you again soon.

Shriner's Hospital

Ava Grace had another appointment at Shriner's Hospital yesterday to check her hip. Everything went really well. The doctor indicated that her ball and socket has actually formed more and looks better than it did 6 months ago. Of course her hip is continuing to form, but the growth and position of everything looks really good at this time. So, she does not have to return to Shriner's again for a year. This was great news that we wanted to share with you!!!

Happy Easter!!

Ava Grace and I have had a great trip to the beach to visit with Cece. On our way down, we stopped by Riverbanks Zoo for some time. Some of you know that I LOVE zoos, so we had a blast. Ava Grace was definitely interested in all of the animals although she did not want them coming very close to her. I fed a couple of them, but Ava Grace wanted no part in that. I can't wait to go back when she is a little older. Note that she is sitting with the tiger. When given a choice of animals, she actually picked the tiger to take her picture with. Seriously, I had no influence, but of course was secretly excited that the tiger was chosen!!

Our trip to the beach was fun although we didn't do that much. We visited with people, shopped a little, and just let Ava Grace play in the warm temperatures. Ava Grace hunted Easter eggs in the backyard. By next year, she will be a pro! She was perfectly content being outside running around. Cece has a hammock, so we got to swing in it too. It is always nice to go to my home church and see people. Easter Sunday was amazing as always! We got a quick visit in with Natalie and Ellis which is always a treat. The girls don't really play with each other, but they do like watching what the other one is doing. The trip was short, but it was nice to visit Cece and go to the beach for a couple of days.