Get Busy Child

Spring Is In The Air

2012-05-07T20:21:00.001-06:00

The trees are turning green, the temperatures are starting to climb and walks around the lake in the evening are back!

Ava has such a great time walking in the park and stoping by the water to feed her friends the ducks.

Here are a few photos of our most recent visit!

Tiny Dancer

2012-04-19T08:26:00.001-06:00

For her 2nd birthday Grandma and Papa Baker thought it would be nice to get Ava ballet lessons introducing her to the world of the arts.

From her first lesson where she just watched the other girls to most recently where she knew most all of the steps, Ava continues to show interest and loves jumping and dancing. So much so that she's even started singing more of the songs to us! Her real motivation? The sticker that her instructor Ms. Joanne gives the girls at the end of each lesson.

The class is practicing hard for their first performance in June where they will open the recital for the bigger kiddos.

Although it can be tough getting her out the door on Saturday mornings Ava has a great time once we are there.

Check Out My Ride

2012-04-19T08:24:00.001-06:00

Finally after about a year of waiting Ava is big enough to fit on her first four-wheeler!

She gets so excited when riding it around our neighborhood and loves waving to the cars when they go by.

Between this and the go-carts she likes to watch at The Track, we might have a little racer on our hands!

Easter 2012

2012-04-16T23:14:00.001-06:00

Easter 2012 was a blast and Ava did much better on her visit to see the Easter Bunny this year!

The yellow dress is what she wore to see him and her pretty white dress was for Easter Sunday.

A Ladybug!

2012-04-16T23:08:00.001-06:00

Ava had a great sleep over with Grandma Sharon and Papa Scott this weekend.

This happy little face is the result of findings ladybug in the garden!

Fun In The Sun!

2012-04-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago the family took a trip to the Arizona desert to visit Grandma Bev, Papa Mark, Uncle Jason and Auntie Kerri.

We had a blast each day going to the playground, The Phoenix Zoo, Sea Life Aquarium, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for the Rockies / Dodgers St. Patrick's Day game and much more!

Here are a few photos from our awesome trip!

Carry A Tune

2012-02-27T21:39:00.001-07:00

Ava had a great time visiting with Grandma Sharon and Papa Scott this weekend.

Grandma loves to teach her new songs and when she walked in the door tonight she was singing, "London bridges falling down, falling down, falling down, falling down....". Not sure if they made it past that one verse but Ava was loving it!

Ava even learned to strum a tune out on the guitar as well! Twinkle, Twinkle...

Enjoy!

Paging Dr. Hernandez

2012-02-26T23:21:00.001-07:00

Mommy - "Ava...are you going to be a doctor when you grow up?"

Ava - "Yeah!"

The Art of Peddling

2012-02-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

This past Christmas Ava received her first tricycle from her Grandma Bev and Papa Mark. It has been a big hit, but until recently she wasn't too sure about the peddles.

A few nights ago I walked in the door and Amber said, "WAIT! Ava has a surprise for you!" Low and behold here comes Ava cruising around the corner using her peddles!

Now for your viewing pleasure, Ava peddling her tricycle this morning.

Thanks Grandma and Papa!

She Said What?

2012-02-21T23:00:00.001-07:00

Ava continues to leave us dumbfounded with her whit and charm these days.

Two of her new favorite words are "beautiful" and "amazing". I'm sure these are used during learning time at The Goddard School, but I love when she uses them to describe things in everyday life.

"Papi...that school bus is beautiful."

"Mommy...the fire truck was amazing!"

Seems like so long ago when a little coo or gaga was what made our day.

Ballet Lessons

2012-02-18T17:55:00.003-07:00

Second ballet lesson in and she's getting the hang of it. Still taking it all in but she loved going!

Being a "Mommy and Me" class Amber is helping her with her moves and has a great time!

Ava-isim

2012-02-17T19:51:00.001-07:00

"Don't touch my iPad!" Ava

Papa and Grams Surprise From Texas

2012-02-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight Ava received a package from Gram Judy and Papa Jim who live in Texas.

Ava was so excited to open her box w/ lots of goodies including a new outfit, book with "lights, lights daddy!", candy necklaces and more!

Back In Business

2012-02-15T23:14:00.001-07:00

So after a year plus hiatus on this blog started for Ava we're back!!!!

Going forward we're going to use this blog as a place to store, what we'll call Ava-isims. You know, all the funny stuff a 2 year old will come up with and actually say out loud. From time to time we'll do our best to get new photos and videos up as they happen.

Thanks again for following along and as Ava would say, "Bye Guys!".

New Faces, New Places and the Broncos!!!

2010-08-22T19:59:00.000-06:00

Week 32 in the life of Ava Grace was packed full of new things. She's cut the second of her two front teeth and seems to want to show them off every day. A new, "hee-hee" sound from her little mouth is her new favorite and she's totally in love with her banana tooth brush!

Another one of Ava's life long loves, although she doesn't know it yet, will be the Denver Broncos! Her first Bronco onsie finally fits and just in time for the first pre-season game! Although the Broncos couldn't get past the Bengals, Ava was perfectly happy with her new Sunday uniform. Also a HUGE thanks to Rebecca Fernandez Grandmother for making Ava this awesome blanket and pillow. This set will be a staple in the Hernandez household for years to come!

As this was a week of first for Ava we were so excited when our fiends Don and Trace were to be married on Friday the 20th of August and told us that we had to bring Ava along. What a gorgeous wedding and Ava was nothing short of a complete doll the entire time. Soaking up all the attention from other guest and the staff she was a complete ham. She also managed a few dances with her Daddy! (Photos of that to come!)

Wow what a week! For those of you who have asked, "What sounds is she making" and "what do her coo's and ga ga's sound like" this is for you! Love you all and until next time...here's Ava!

Home with Mommy...Soon!

2010-07-11T19:18:00.001-06:00

A major goal since Ava was born in January has always been for Amber to stay home with Ava. We're so excited that we've had the opportunity to team up as a couple to this point and now business partners to make that happen! Ava is super excited too as you can see from the photo below!

We'd love the opportunity to visit with you about Vemma and this new business opportunity you have access to as well. We're getting a huge start to living a healthier and financially secure life and can't wait to see where things go. Just wait and see!

For more information about Vemma, have a look at our site below and please feel free to email us at casadehernandez@gmail.com or call us at 720.244.6655 (James) and 720.235.7779 (Amber).

http://www.jamesandamber.vemma.com/

Ava Update:

This past Monday we visited with the Pediatrician and Ava is growing so fast and is back on track. She is now up to 14lbs 12oz and is just over 25" long. It seems like yesterday she was just 5lbs 7oz and laid across one of my arms in the hospital room. Ava is changing from a baby to a little girl more and more with every passing day. Oh yeah...she's also learned out to scream and the louder she gets, the quicker Mommy and Daddy come to save her. :)

Wow...prom is just around the corner.

AVA VS. GREEN BEANS!

Just About There!

Vote for Me! - State of Colorado Photo Contest

2010-06-23T09:32:00.002-06:00

Picture Yourself in a Land Called Colorado!

Sponsored by The Colorado Tourism Office

New Foods and New Toys!

2010-05-24T20:37:00.002-06:00

First, I'd like to apologize for the lack of blogging or updating of this site with photos and Ava updates.
Second, we're into week 21 and Ava is getting bigger and stronger each and every day.

Most recently Ava weighs just short of 13 lbs and is approximately 25" long! Her hair is finally starting to come in and boy is she learning to use her lungs! She's figured out the louder she gets the quicker mommy and daddy come running.

Over the past few weeks we've tried some new things including rice cereal. Take a look at the results!

(Seriously...this can't be food.)

(Well...this taste like something, but it ain't food!)

(No way that was food!!!)

Ava is finally getting long enough to fit into her activity center. This thing is full of shiny things, noise makers, sounds and a mirror to see herself in. Plus it bounces! Talk about putting her in a great mood and the expressions she makes are awesome!

See you next time!

Fear The Bunny

2010-04-03T09:47:00.000-06:00

Here we are at week 13 and Ava is growing like a weed. Well over 10lbs, 23" long and showing every bit of it. Still a little small for her age as most kids are into three month old clothes, but Ava is still getting plenty of use from her newborn wardrobe.

This was Amber's first week back at work and tough for us all. A new schedule, introduction to the sitter (Morgan we love you!) and just a big shift in our world. Ava has taken so quickly to the new schedule and is such a trooper. Thank you God for blessing us with such a good baby!
Its Easter weekend and Amber insisted Ava meet the Easter Bunny for the first time. Surprisingly the experience was fairly painless, however once the crying began the volume control AKA pacifier was promptly inserted for comfort.
So on this first Easter weekend we bring you a few photos of the little one and wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Happy Easter!

Sittin' and Thinkin'

2010-03-21T16:13:00.000-06:00

Sittin' and thinkin' can sometimes be a dangerous thing, but this afternoon while I've got a few quiet minutes with Ava I've been pondering a whole lot.

What is she dreaming about...with what little life experience she has?

What will her first word be and when will it get here?

Will she really grow up too fast as most other parents tell me she will?

Who will she most be like most later in life? Mami or Papi? (Hopefully her mom!)

Will she be the one to find the cure for cancer or develop the next great invention?

or

Will she simply learn how to become a loving mom, photograph the heck out of her kids and become a wonderful wife?

Like I said...Sittin' and Thinkin' can be a dangerous thing.

Just a few photos from the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

Ava...Oh Ava

2010-03-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

Just a quick video of Ava doing her best Daddy impression one night before bed.

This week Ava is doing so well and growing like a week. She's now up to 8lbs 8oz and more than 21" long.

So much fun and is doing her best to sleep through the night. We're getting about 5 hours per night, but really looking forward to those long ago nights of 8 hours sleep.

The Chicken or The Egg

2010-01-24T16:36:00.001-07:00

In most natural order of events, an expecting couple will have their maternity photos taken and distributed followed by the birth of their child and those photos taken and distributed. In our case this "natural order of events" was reversed and little Ava Grace showed up before the maternity photos were available. Just goes to show you that regardless of your own planning, God will laugh and impose his will.

Below are our favorite shots from our maternity shoot with Kate and Scott Martin of Stolen Smiles Photography. We had such a great time taking these photos and hope you enjoy them as well.

You can find Kate and Scott at http://www.stolensmiles.com/.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Please Welcome...Ava Grace!!

2010-01-11T21:21:00.012-07:00

And here she is! Just about a month early, but what a pleasant surprise.

I'd love to sit and write a long heartfelt blog, but my emotions are running high and it's time for another feeding. Plus getting less than half the sleep I used to so I need a nap.

These are a combination of shots from the day she was born through her first week of life, but you know me...I'm my own worst critic with the camera.

Love you all and can't believe that I can finally say...I'm a Daddy!

Phase One...Complete!

2009-11-03T21:21:00.014-07:00

In construction, a critical path schedule is just that...critical. The most important objective of the schedule is to ensure the project is completed on-time and within a specified budget.

For phase one of the project to convert our home office into a baby nursery we kinda, sorta missed the on-time part of the schedule. Weekends came and weekends went. Progress on that poor little room was not being made, and it was high time I got my butt in gear. As Larry the Cable Guy says, "Getter Done!".

So the paint went up.

Pink paint and Amber swears it was the softest shade of pink in the store.

The chair rail went in.

Huge thanks to my Dad Mark for his help on the chair rail. I'm not the craftiest person in Parker, but have to say that afternoon I learned a lot from him and even inherited his mitre saw!

A Lady bug border wrapped the room.

Needed Amber's help with this one as there is just something about a 12 foot piece of wet and sticky wallpaper that will make any good Christian boy want to shout some really, really bad words. I mean a lot of them. All at once. So everyone hears him.

The furniture moves in.

Big thanks to Mike, Morgan, Blake and Jocelyn for their help in moving the boxed furniture. We couldn't have done it without you guys and it's so great to have friends like you.

We assembled the crib, and with that phase one is complete! Now the decorating phase begins and Amber is well on her way. Our Dad's are also crafting their own pieces to add to the nursery and can't wait to see the final products.

The past 27 weeks have screamed past and we're down to 91 days until this little girl is here to brighten our world and move into her new space.

Baby progress from BabyCenter.com:

"This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers.

With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning-with medical help-if she were born now.

Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle."

Kickin' It At Altitude

2009-10-15T18:19:00.005-06:00

Slacking on the blog. I know...but things have just been nuts!

Since the sudden arrival of winter in Colorado, (we had no autumn...80 degrees one day and snowing the next) we decided we better head to the hills and get a few shots of the fall foliage. A quick trip up Highway 285 through Kenosha Pass and into Fairplay we made a run to the hills.

So gorgeous this time of year, but unfortunately we were about a week and a half too late. The aspens covering the hills on Kenosha Pass were bare and I was a bit bummed out, so we headed into Fairplay to get a slice of pizza from Dano's Pizza on Main Street. "What the heck! Dano's is gone and so is their awesome pie!" I shutter. So we're stuck with beef jerky and soda and we head up Hoosier Pass to Breckenridge. What a gorgeous part of the state.

Remembering that I've neglected this little story line about our life and the pregnancy I though we should pull over for a few shots of Amber in the high country. The experts say that you're not supposed to move too quickly to high altitudes as it may have adverse effects on the baby, but this is Colorado. We do EVERYTHING at high altitude!

Just then the kicks take off. "Ouch. Oohh" from Amber. "She's kicking the crap outta me!" Looks like someone else is in love with the mountains and it's Ava Grace!

So here I am with three of my absolute favorites. My gorgeous wife 22 weeks pregnant. Ava Grace kicking thumping and knocking to get out and the continental divide of Colorado. Life doesn't get any better.

So the other thing I've been slacking on is the nursery. My in-laws have been awesome keeping the furniture for the new room in their garage for over a month and it's high time I get started. Big thanks to my long lost friend from high school Deb Wilson for having a jewelry party this coming weekend. Perfect time for Amber to hang with some ladies ogling over shiny things and for me to have the house to myself.

That brings us now to week 24 and things just keep rolling along.

From BabyCenter.com:

"Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up.

Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world.

Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon."

For this coming week we're off to another well mommy check-up. We'll again get to listen to thump, thump, thump of little Ava Grace's heartbeat and make sure Amber is on track for week 25.

Thanks again to all of our friends and family for the well wishes.

We love you all!