The Rutkowski Family

2009-06-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

What a Trip!!

Kansas was so...much fun! Dad, Ashley, Claudia, Ava and I took a trip to Kansas to visit Grandma, Grandad and all of our other relatives that we have not seen in such a long time! We were going the entire time A huge thank you to Aunt Debbie, Dad and Grandma who had a whole itinerary planned for our week of stay. Ava was grumpy a lot of the time because this itinerary did not hold a spot for "NAPS"! However, she, along with all of us had an absolute BLAST! We had so many outings there wasn't very much time to breathe! We were at Uncle David and Aunt Beverly's, pretty much just to sleep!

We began with a trip to Bontanica. These Gardens resemble Duke Gardens and Ava and Claudia loved the butterfly house as well as the huge Coy in the ponds!

We aso had the opprotunity to visit the Sedgewick County Zoo (the best zoo I have ever been to). This was Ava's first trip and she loved it! The animals were amazing to her. She even had the chance to pet a few! Claudia and I hadn't ben in a few years either. Claudia loved the tigers...wonder why??? (Geaux Tigas)

Dad, Grandma, Aunt Debbie and Claudia took a trip to see the "Keeper of the Plains" one evening. Ava and I were too tired to go so we retired early. Thankfully, Claudia and Ash took a bunch of pictures. I had the chance to see it during the day but when the culdrons are lit it is breath taking. What an inspirational monument.

Exploration place was a fabulous museum with so many hands on activities for kids. Ava and Claudia played "princesses for a day" in their thrones and Ashley and Claudia experienced a true Kansas tornado in the simulator!

The "Chuckwagon" was fantastic! Train and horse and carriage rides, a barbeque dinner and show...Who could ask for more?? Well, Ashley even got on stage and performed her infamous "Orange Blosom Special". What a way to end the night!

Dad and Ashley (after fighting a sinus infection) even had a chance to "Jam" in Old Town!
We miss you already and love you Martin Family! See you real soon!

2009-04-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

It has been an exciting few months! We have had many happenings and have barely had time to think. Claudia had her 14th birthday with a huge group of eighth graders towards the middle of March. Although the weather wasn't ideal for a party outside, we made due under the picnic shelter. I think all the kids had a good time anyway.

The next to happen a weekend later was Ava's first birthday. Ava and Susanna celebrated togehter this year and it was a huge bash barbecue, cake and much, much more! Thank you to Jessie for making it all possible. The girls had a great time playing together and with the other babies and adults. I can not believe these girls are one already! Where has the time gone?

The eighth grade had their Passion Play which the other eighth grade teacher and I directed and choreographed. They did a fabulous job and truly showed the spectators how fantastic middle schoolers can be! Claudia was a narrator and spoke with such elegance and poise. She has so much talent when it comes to drama and public speaking.

After the Passion Play, the girls and I took off to Carolina Beach where we had Easter with Dad, Beca and Steven. Richard got to come out on Friday night and we got to experience a taste of the Wilmington night life. We took a day trip to Orton Plantation and Southport. Ava and Claudia both love the ferry. Ava especially liked feeding the seagulls off of the back of the boat. Orton Plantation's azaleas were in full bloom and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. We could not have asked for a better day!

Finally, on Sunday we spent Easter with mom in Raleigh. We enjoyed lots of good food and company. Ava's favorite was the mashed cauliflower! The next big event will be Claudia's eighth grade graduation in May. Mimi and Grandmama are coming for the big day! We are so excited but sad at the same time. It is the end of an era but only for a short time. Ava will be there before I know it. I hope the time doesn't pass by too quickly!

Love to all!!

2009-02-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

It has been a crazy few months. There is not much more I can do but show you in pictures, "the order in which they occured"!!

We took a "trip" to Victoria Woods the other day..."The house that Dad built".

Richard had his birthday (the first time that my best friend's and I have had all the babies together) they really should write a book about us!!

Lourdes went to Charlotte and showed up with a vegence. Shamrock rules!

Ava has almost made it to her first birthday. Susanna and Ava are planning their first birthday together. March 28th the festivities will begin! Happy birthday princesses!!

Beca's Graduation

2009-01-02T08:33:00.001-08:00

Beca is now a college graduate and has earned her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. She plans to attend graduate school in the spring. We all traveled to Greenville to see her departmental graduation. Mom, Claudia, Ava, Richard and I stayed at the Third Street Inn which was a beautiful bed and breakfast. After graduation we went to Beca's favorite Indian restaurant and then antique shopping. It was really a weekend of fun!

Christmas was full of many events this year. We began Christmas at Carolina Beach where we spent the weekend with Dad. The condo was decorated beautifully and the weather was so warm we walked on the beach in bare feet. It was so much fun. Ava really enjoyed watching the waves and all of the "geez" (doggies) that were walking along the beach.

On Sunday we were off to Louisiana. We had a very long ride ahead of us and I was a little worried at first becuase it was Ava's firs long car ride. However, she was amazing the whole way down. She slept, ate and played. We took turns sitting in the back seat with her. We stopped South of Atlanta both on the way there and the way back. It was nice to break the trip into two days.

While we were there we stayed with Richard's mom and dad. We love spending time with Mimi and Popee Marc. Claudia got to spend time with her cousins and they had a sleepover one night. We had Mimi's Christmas on December 23rd. It was so nice to have all of the family together and have those that had not yet met Ava have the chance to meet her! We went to Gwen and Brent's on Christmas Day and Ava was very sick. You would never know it though, she is such a good baby even when she is not feeling well.

On New Years Eve Santa came at the Rutkowski House and we had Christmas with Mom, Beca, Ashley and Steven on New Year's Day. It was really fun having all of these Christmas's this year. We cooked the traditional cabbage and black eyed peas and enjoyed many desserts which were given to me by my students. We exchanged persents and had a great time! It is amazing to think it is 2009 already. Ava will be 1 soon and Claudia 14! Time is flying.

Wishing all of you a very Happy and porsporous New Year!

Hloween and More!

2008-11-19T17:05:00.000-08:00

Ava and Susanna!

Sweet Pea!

A lot has happened in the past few weeks. We had Halloween and Ava was a "Sweet Pea". She looked so cute in her "pea pod" costume. The Gonzalez's, Claudia, Ava and I took a trip to the pumpkin patch. Hill Ridge Farms is a great place to take kids and where I used to go as a kid for field trips in grade school. Needless to say, a lot has changed there since then. The girls had a fun time together. Ava played in the "corn house", sat in the pumpkin patch and had fun with Susanna taking pictures in their costumes.

Richard and I got to take a much needed weekend to Myrtle for our anniversary. We played golf, enjoyed the sights and SLEPT!!

One of Ava's teachers gave her a "new do" today. She had two pig tails when I picked her up! She looked adorable and reminded me of when Beca was her age. Linda Rice used to put Beca's hair in pig tails just like this!

School Days

2008-10-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Now that school has resumed for Claudia and I, it was time for Ava to be off to her new school as well. She is going to the Chidren's Academy across the street from our neighborhood and we are very pleased so far. She has been doing well and enjoys the interaction with the other babies. Claudia and I pick her up every day and she is always very hapy to see us.

She is eating solids twice a day now and really likes grapes and plums. Her favorite vegetable is still seweet potatoes. She is also really starting to like the Johnny Jump Up. Anything where she can "stand up" in she loves. She always wants to stand. I hope she crawls before she walks!

Claudia is enjoying eighth grade. I can't believe she will be in high school next year. Amazing how quickly time flies!

Sick Baby :(

2008-09-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ava has had a cold and has recently developed a fever. You would never be able to tell she was sick if her head wasn't hot.

She is sitting up and her Aunt Beca taught her to shake her head "no". It is so cute!

Here is a photo of the sick baby and big Sister.

Myrtle Beach and Sunset Beach

2008-08-14T17:01:00.001-07:00

We had another short vacation that was rather unexpected when we returned from DC. Dad invited us to the condo in Carolina Beach for a night and from there we went to Myrtle with Beca and Steven. We took the ferry boat into Southport and drove from there. In Myrtle we enjoyed shopping and dinner at Broadway on the Beach as well as some time at the pools and lazy river!

After that, we were lucky enough to spend two nights with Jessie and Susanna at Sunset. The Gonzalez's let us stay in their beautiful beach house. It was a really fun trip and Ava and Susanna enjoyed playing, napping and eating together. We took a couple walks on the beach at night and did some shopping in Calabash. It was a great time!

Washington DC

2008-07-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

Many things have happened since our last post.

First, Ava has started on cereal and fruit and is doing well learning how to manipulate the food in her mouth and eat off of a spoon. It is so cute to see her face covered in baby food!

Ava and Susanna had another play date. Susanna has surpassed Ava again in weight. They are still close but seem to be going back and forth in the weight category! They ahd a cute visit and enjoyed playing on the floor together. They did look like they were trying to hold hands at one point!

This weekend was my birthday and was Ashley's final concert at the National Symphony Orchestra's Summer Camp. We took the train to DC, stayed in the Embassy Suites and attended her last concert at the Kennedy Center. We enjoyed the monuments, Smithsonian and hanging out with the family. A great time was had by all!

The Beach!

2008-07-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at the beach again this year. It was extra special because it was Ava's first time visiting the coast.

Ava loved the pool and the ocean and loved to put her litle toes in the sand and "chill" in her tent on the beach. Richard and I are slowly but surely learning how to put the hearing aids in properly and it was good practice with all the back and forth to the water.

Claudia loved the pool and the beach also and was able to have a friend with her for part of the time. They enjoyed swimming, hanging out, going to the arcade, etc. They made some beach friends while they were there.

Beca and Steven were able to come down for a few nights and we really enjoyed having their company. We relaxed at the beach and on the front porch at night while listening to the surf. We enjoyed the trip to the arcade this year also. While Ava slept in her stroller and Claudia and her friend played in the arcade, the adults were able to sit across from them in a new restaurant with outside seating and have a few beers!

Overall, it was a very relaxing vacation with not much to do but have fun!

Big Day!

2008-07-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

Ava was fitted for her hearing aids today by the outstanding team of doctors and audiologists at UNC! Her reaction brought tears to Richard and I's eyes. She can obviously hear everything now by the expression on her face which was one of shock and awe when she heard us talking to her. It was as if she had entered a whole new world and had so much to learn.

They are just tiny little hearing aids which are attached to ear molds which will need to be changed out every three weeks, as she grows like a weed. We are so blessed to have the technoloy in this day and age that catches these things so soon! She will grow up with normal speech and hearing. It was hard for me to even tell if she had knocked them out because of her head full of hair!

We are so fortunate that our little angel will now be able to enjoy the sounds of birds singing, waves crashing and perhaps angels whispering! The little things we so often take for granted.

Thanks to everyone for all of their support and we know that it will be a different road to travel but with friends and family like you, just a little less bumpy!

July 4th

2008-07-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

We had a very rainy fourth of July here in Raleigh. We went to Jaime and Steve's for a cook out. Thank goodness we decided not to brave the fireworks because the sky opened up at about 8:30. We just visited for the rest of the night. Ava wore her adorable "Baby's First Fourth" bib and outfit and Claudia was decked out in red, white and blue as well. Needless to say all the fireworks in the area were cancelled and rescheduled for tonight. We are planning to venture out to Regency Park tonight with a picnic but there is definetly rumbles of thunder in the distance. I hope it blows over quickly.

Last night Liz and Jen gave Ava a tummy time/shopping cart cover and mat. She really liked looking at herself in the mirror while she excercised her crawling muscles!

We are off to the beach next Saturday for our yearly vacation. We are excited that Ava will have her first taste of the ocean. She loves the pool so we are excited to see her reaction to the waves!

2008-06-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

We had a good family day today. We relaxed around the house for most of the day awaiting Claudia's return from her friend's birthday party. Richard enjoyed his time with Ava and read her five books today! She really enjoys books! We went to the library and picked out a bunch.

When Claudia arrived home and we took a jaunt to Taget or as we call it Tar-Jay. We are looking forward to our trip to the beach. We will be leaving for Carolina Beach July 12-18th!

Father's Day

2008-06-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Richard had a very nice Father's Day this year with his two girls. Ava and Claudia gave him a framed picture of themselves that mom had blown up and framed! It was a very pretty pose with them both holding hands lying on the bed. Claudia found him a plaque that read "Fantasy Football Legend". The Rutkowski Family always seems to do well in our picks when it comes to fantasy football time.

In the evening we had a bunch of people over to the house to watch LSU vs. UNC in the College World Series. Unfortunately, LSU did not move on but a good time was had by all. Richard smoked his famous ribs and we socialized and ate well into the evening!

This weekend the girls and I took our first "summer trip". We went to Grenville to visit Beca and see her new apartment. She has an adorable one bedroom on the outskirts of town. It is decorated perfectly and we enjoyed each other's company while we went antique shopping and ventured to "Little Washington" where we had lunch by the water and browsed the shops.

Ava had a chance to wear her "Somebody Loves Me in Greenville, NC" onesie! She looked adorable!

Today we went to Pullen Park where Ava and Claudia rode the merry go round. They have one of the oldest carousels in the U.S. I used to love it as a kid. They looked so cute on the cat they picked to ride.

Susanna's Baptism Today!

2008-06-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Susanna was christened this morning at Saint Francis in Raleigh. She had a total imersion baptism which was so cute and it was alomost a private baptism with only four other babies being baptized. She cried when she was dunked but looked so...beautiful in Jessie's christening gown which was made from Gradma Sue's wedding dress. I had her bonett made at a local tailor from the same material and it fit perfect! She looked like a baby doll. She is such a gorgeous baby!

The Rutkowski Family.

Joey and I as the Godparents.

Ava got her first "big girl seat" today at Babies R Us. She loves to sit up and look around. I can tell she will enjoy it more and more as she grows. It is hard to believe how quickly they grow up. It seems like yesterday we were heading to the hospital not knowing what to expect. Time flies!

Susanna's Baptism

2008-06-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Susanna Gonzalez will be baptized tomorrow here in Raleigh. Jessie and Miguel have picked me to be the Godmother and I am super excited to have such an important responsibility!

We are getting ready for Father's Day. Richard wanted to have some people over to the house to watch the UNC/LSU game for the College World Series. We are looking forward to that on Sunday.

Ava, Claudia and I have just been hanging out since Claudia has been out of school for the summer. It has been relaxing but we are keeoing ourselves busy.

Pool Time!

2008-06-03T12:37:00.001-07:00

Ava had her first swim on Sunday and we went back again on Monday! She really likes the water and being bounced around. She didn't even flinch when I put her in. We spent most of the time in the big pool but went to the baby pool as well. I have a feeling she is going to be a "little fish". She looked so cute in her bathing suit and sun hat!

Claudia and Ava

2008-05-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a whirl wind.! Friday started off with the Baccaulareate Mass for CGHS where Ashley gave a beautiful welcome speech to the congregation as well as played the violin. She was truly a shining star. Grandma Martin was here all the way from Kansas! What a treat! Ava and her great grandmother enjoyed many hours of "talking" during her visit!

Friday night Mimi came in from Louisiana and we had a blast with her and the girls. Ava was so happy to finally spend time with her grandmother! We spent Saturday shopping and at night we had some family over to the house.

Sunday began with Ashley's graduation at Meymandi. She received two awards on top of her diploma. She received both the music award and a distinguished graduate award made especially for someone who carries on faith and love of others in all aspets of their lives. We all knew she had the music one in the bag but this one was a surprise! They could not have picked a better recipient. She is off to Michigan in the fall. I can't belive she has grown so fast. It feels like yesterday she was Ava's age and I was changing her diapers!

Sunday ended with the migrant meal at St. Bernadette's where we fed over 80 farmworkers from the fields of Eastern North Carolina and distributed clothing, shoes, hats and toiletries. As always, people stepped on Memorial Day weekend and it was a true success!

Thursday, Ava and Susanna got some time to "hang out" !! Jess and I are determined that they grow up best friends like their moms!

We attended a wedding for Richard's coworker tonight. Claudia looked beautiful in pink and Ava wore the dress that Mimi bought for her during her visit. I have to admit the Rutkowski girls are truly the most beautiful pair in town!

Smiley

2008-05-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ava has been smiling "up a storm". She started this a week or so ago but it has been daily lately. I have tried and tried to capture pictures of her first smiles and finally got a couple today! She is so cute when she looks at you and her whole face lights up. It really makes everything you do worth while. She is a doll. We are so blessed!

Baptism and Mom's Surprise

2008-05-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

The baptism was a huge success today! We arrived at the church around 7:45, got Ava dressed and the kids came in at 8:15. Father John said mass and the baptismal ceremony was beautiful. Ava was an angel baby throughout the whole mass. She didn't make a peep and was looking around and smiling. She didn't mind it at all when Father poured the water over her head. Plus, she looked fabulous with her "chrism" hairdo. She usually likes her hair washed in the bath tub too! We all retreated back to our house and celebrated with friends and dined on cake, fruit, ham biscuits and quiche.

Mom was "speechless" for the first time when at 8:00 we, along with 15 or so of her orchestra friends suprised the heck out of her for her 60th. Beca, Ashley and I had told her that we were taking her out to a "new Italian restaurant" in Raleigh and she needed to meet at our house. Little did she know we would all be waiting to surprise her! We had a great time with great foods and wine. The party began to wind down but mom stayed for a long while and we opened her presents. She got some really neat things! Yesterday truly was a day to remember!!

Shirley Frazier

2008-05-14T19:39:00.001-07:00

May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of our Lord, rest in peace.

Amen

Richard's grandfather passed away last night in St. Francisville, LA. He is one of the greatest men I have ever known and a model father and grandfather. Please keep his wife Mary of 50+ years and their daughters Kerry, Kim and Kelly as well as their many grandchildren and great grand children in your prayers. He will truly be missed.

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

Mom and I had a great Mother's Day today despite the poor weather. It was unseasonably cold and rainy for most of the day but we made it to a very nice lunch at a fabulous Greek restaurant here in town. Beca came in from Greenville and of course Ashley, Rich, Claudia and Ava were in attendance. We retreated back to Shadowood Lane for naps, home movies and ice cream sundaes. It was a very relaxing afternoon.

Diaper Shower

2008-05-10T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ava, Claudia, Mom, Ashley and I went to Cathy Stewart's house where she hosted a shower for Ava and I. We had a great brunch in the company of mom's friends and colleagues from the NC Symphony. Ava recieved an array of fun stuff as well as much needed diapers! After the shower the girls and I headed to Clayton to wish Jessie a Happy Mother's Day. Miguel graduates from UNC Dental School tomorrow. What an accomplishment! We are readily awaiting the arrival of family for Ava's Christening next week!

"Our Angel Has Arrived"

2008-05-05T17:04:00.001-07:00

Ava Lorraine...

It is hard to believe that Ava is 6 weeks old. Time is flying and I am enjoying my time at home with her. The timing could not have been more perfect in regards to my school schedule. I have been off and will be able to take the rest of the year off and start back in August. By that time, she will be over five months old.

Claudia is doing great also. She is growing into a beautiful young lady and has taken the role of "Big Sister" wonderfully. I know Ava will really look up to her one day.

She smiled today more than she ever has. She is really enjoying her bouncer and has been sleeping well at night. She usually sleeps from 10 or 11 until 3 or 4 and then goes back from 3 until 8. We can't complain about that at all!

My mother's friend is throwing us a "diaper" shower this weekend. It will be fun to have a shower with Ava in full attendance! Claudia, Mom and I are looking forward to that!

May 16th will be Ava's Christening. We will have the baptism during the school mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. Her dress is absolutely beautiful! I am very excited that Father John was willing to let my "kids" be a part of it. My best friend Jessie and Miguel Gonzalez will be Ava's Godparents!!

Jessie and I were pregnant at the exact same time and baby Susanna was born just five short days after Ava, in the same hospital! We hope they will grow up together and be best friends like their mommies are! They seem to be getting along great already! This sleep over was very quiet!

Hope everyone is well! We will post again when we have pictures from the baptism.