Marc took Friday off from work so we could spend the whole day with Ava. It was a BLAST!

Friday morning we went to the Stamford mall and did some shopping.

Ava chose an Elmo book from the toy store.

She chose Potty Time with Elmo which made us laugh, but maybe she’s trying to tell us that she’s ready for bigger things!!

After shopping at the toy store we walked around and Santa just happened to be at his Toy Shop so we decided it was the perfect opportunity to introduce Ava to Santa!

I’m not gonna lie, I was hesitant at first. I thought she would get scared or cry and I didn’t want her to have a 1st photo disaster with Santa.

We decided to go for it and Santa was awesome! He told us how to hold Ava and then how to quickly drop her on his lap and run so they could quickly snap some pictures before she lost it.

We got a photo… it wasn’t a Mrs. America beauty but it wasn’t a home alone, “I’m frightened” photo either.

I showed Ava the picture when we got home and she smiled so to me that was SUCCESS. We got some take out lunch from GREENWICH SALAD CO. It was quite delicious and I love salads that are super loaded… this one was packed and I could barely finish it!!

It was called the “Treehugger Salad” and had a Vegan Avocado dressing that I loved!

Friday night my parents came over for dinner and to give Ava her birthday presents.

I think she was confused at all the new stuff, but she was clearly enjoying every second!  She got Mickey’s Christmas and the Frozen movie on Blu-ray. I seriously can’t wait to watch them. I think her attention span is about 10 minutes but we will watch them in sections and get through it!

She also got this awesome play golf set… We are thinking Ava would make a fabulous golfer!

Ava’s grandparents also bought her a Giraffe rocker….Think she’s spoiled? 

It’s worth it!! Ava’s 1st birthday was so much fun and I loved seeing her smile all day long.

I will update you Monday afternoon with photos and details from her 1st Birthday Party. Stay tuned…