Ava Draws a Baby

 

James, as Sidekick

Act I:  

Earlier this week Helen, Ava and James were driving home, listening to Ava's favorite music, when we stopped for gas. When Helen turned off the ignition, the music stopped, Ava began asking why her songs weren't on anymore, and James started to cry.

Ava: James doesn't like this project.
Helen: No? James doesn't like this project?
Ava: No. (Then, whispering) I don't like it either. Now turn my music back on.

And then she flashes her biggest grin.

Act II:

Ava: I love James. He's my friend.
Helen: Awwww. He's my friend, too.
Ava: No. Daddy's your friend.

Act III:

Ava: Who rocks the house? James rocks the house. (We don't know where she got this one.)

Wakeful James

This is James, at midnight, showing us that there's really no bad time to be a cute baby. Keep an eye on Brian, passing out in the background.

James has Ava's shrieky voice on his list of things that he loves. Since Ava's the only one in the house that can reliably make him laugh, we've resorted to embarrassing mimicry. 

"March, Larch. Hey, that rhymes!"

It wasn't an incredibly busy month in our world. Not that we need to assign blame, but if we did, we would point our finger at the groan-inspiring rainfall. Portland went all-out with 7.89 inches of rain, making this the rainiest March on record. Ever. Which means if we had placed James outside in a bucket at the beginning of the month--and James were able to stand--he'd be up to his knee-caps in rainwater by now.

For us, this translated into lots and lots of indoor time. And that translated into lots and lots of time for Ava to say things like, "Man, fan. Hey, momma, that rhymes," and "Fire, tire. Hey, momma, that rhymes," and "Almond, salmond. Hey, that rhymes." She's pretty impressed with herself.

All the indoor time also provided us with ample opportunity to devise a strategy to combat James's sleep issues. Our latest plan led us to introduce solid foods with the hope that eating so much would tire him out (results: TBD). Ava has enjoyed this next step in sisterhood, and has been quick to pick up the technique. She sweetly places the spoon in front of James for him to take. At least until she gets bored, at which point she jams it down his throat.