Our Ava Girl {7 months}

Ava is so very alert and when she doesn't have her eyes on Mason she is in awe of her surroundings.  I feel like she is constantly just taking it all in.  Ava goes with the flow; even in the most hectic moments she keeps her cool and remains calm (I'm fairly certain she gets this trait from Matt).  Mason has struggled this past month; I believe the move has affected him more then we realize....during the tough moments with him Ava just plays and coos unaffected by the craziness and not startled by the extra noise.

Ava gets up a bit earlier then Mason and I use this time to give her extra snuggles and attention.  She is so loving and cuddly.  It is amazing how much love I have for my kiddos, they fill my heart with joy each and everyday.  I am lucky to be their mommy and watch them grow and change right in front of my eyes.

1st brother/sister bath

This month's firsts:
- rolled from back to belly
- took a bath with her brother
- went swimming in the pool
- celebrated her 1st 4th of July
- had a cold
- sat up for a few seconds unassisted

Ava's 1st 4th of July

Ava is becoming more playful this month which has been fun for all of us.  Mason has been playing with her more; he wants to hold her and interact with her.  These moments are so heartwarming; I love how much these two love each other.  I know that big changes are heading Ava's way over the next few months so I am trying my best to relish in the moment with her.  I have a feeling she will be chasing after Mason before we know it.

Currently, Ava takes 2 naps during the day and one cat nap in between. She has 4 bottles a day (4- 6 oz on average) and 3 meals.  She weighted in at 13 pounds 10 ounces on July 12th and she is wearing both 3 and 6 month clothes.







Likes:
- her toes
- splashing in her bath
- kisses on her neck

- knocking down blocks
- holding on to her sleep sack or other material when she is having a bottle


Dislikes:
- taking long naps
- putting shirts over her head
- having the sun on her

Mason at 7 months

Our Growing Family {my sister is getting married}

Their proposal at Diversey Harbor

On June 6, 2015 my sister called me early in the morning (early for her) to tell me she is getting married.  She was beaming with her new bling and I was the first person she was able to get a hold of (funny how history repeats itself because she was the first person who know about my engagement to Matt).  Marc set up a perfect proposal and even had a photog capture the moment. Mia and Marc will be getting married in the Spring of 2016 and I can't wait to celebrate the couple between now and then.  I am so happy that my kids are gaining such a wonderful and thoughtful uncle and Matt and I are gaining a brother in law. Welcome to the family Marc! 

Cheers to Mia and Marc and  our ever growing family!  

Silenced by the Mayhem

Mason pulling his wagon to the new house.

We did in fact survive the move; although our move was just around the corner a move is a move is a move.  We had to take the same steps as if we were moving  miles away.  I did my best to prep for the move hoping  to make things less stressful in the long run.  However sometimes the powers to be have an entirely different plan.  We had a very stressful closing (one that might not have happened and left us to rent or move in with my parents), we ended up having less time to prep the new house (2 days instead of 6; my painters did an excellent job accommodating this.... let me know if you need a painter), Mason came down with a temperature of 104 the night before the move (which resulted in no sleep and the 3 of us sleeping on the cough together), and I fell down the stairs and sprained my shoulder the day after the move.  Mayhem at its best folks!  So, just when I thought we would be giving my parents a chance to breathe we now needed them more then ever.  Not to mention Matt was going to be gone for a week on a business trip.  We ALL have pushed through on pure exhaustion which has lead us all to come down with colds but fingers crossed the chaos is behind us.  Honestly, at this point you just have to laugh.  We have years to make this house our home so we just have to surrender to getting everyone healthy, happy and a bit more rested.


The house overall is fabulous, it is offering us the space we need on a block filled with children and friendly neighbors.  We are going to be happy here! Although, we have to figure out our new groove in this new space.  Last week while mom and I had the kids up stairs post bath time I realized Mason was being too quit.  I didn't think much of it other then to just go find him.  When we went downstairs looking for him we quickly realized the back door was wide open.  Mason and his "love bus" (one of his new faves) were in the backyard completely naked.  I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.  Disclaimer, since the incident doors have been baby proofed and or are now locked at ALL times.  Haha

Luckily our new yard is fenced in and no one can see Mason while he plays outside sans clothes.

During this time of chaos I am most thankful for Mason adjusting to the new environment better then anticipated.  I am also so grateful for my family.  My parents and my sister have gone beyond the call of duty the last few months.  I don't know how I will ever by able to repay them for their time and energy....they have certainly made all the Murray Family  Mayhem more bearable.  It truly takes a village to raise kids and I don't know how people do it when they don't have family/friends close by.  Thank you so much for everything you do for us everyday!  We truly owe you a vacation.

Trying to figure out where things go is never easy but we found the perfect spot for Mason's table.

The kiddos loving the huge tub....there is enough room for all of us in there.