I would really recommend you having Ava checked out by a Speechie...they will be able to give you a good indication of where she is at, give you some hints on how to stimulate her speech and hopefully just be a really good support for you both.
Also, like rayray mentioned, get Ava's hearing checked out...if you go to your local GP they should be able to do a tympanogram with her, just to check out her inner ear pressure (checking for otitis media/glue ear)...and may also be able to some basic hearing tests...if not, they can refer you on...
They can also refer you to a Speech Pathologist. You can either go through government services, private services or if you live near a Uni which has Speech Pathology has a degree, you might even be able to get in there.
Government services are great (especially for the under 5's) but the waitlists can be long. Private services are great but obviously cost. You would be looking at around $100 for an assessment (just an approximate, could be less, could be more) and around $60 for ongoing therapy sessions...if you have private health with ancillary cover, that can help...
I think the most important thing at the moment though, is just to get Ava checked out...a Speechie won't just look at her speech, but also her comprehension and use of gesture/signs...and all of that will be really helpful information...
Like Sammi suggested, reading books together is wonderful...
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