Asher's First Haircut

Asher was definitely past-due for his first haircut and since I always cut Matt's hair we decided we'd just do it at home.  I can't imagine he would do very well sitting still at this age so we figured this would just be easier!

He was a little uncertain when Matt first started. 

Poor kid, you'd think his daddy was torturing him :)

My handsome guy looks like such a big boy now! Too bad he has a big bruise on his forehead but I'm sure this will just be the first of many ;)  He is pulling up on everything now and fell hard on the corner of the coffee table.

He's such a little ham.  He starts grinning every time the camera comes out.

I couldn't help myself :)

All cleaned up and ready to go out!

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

 Matt says I have a problem... picture-taking obsession.  He might be right...

I have over 100 pictures on my camera from the past month or so and I had no time (or motivation) to do anything with them .  So here is a quick catch up of what we've been up to since Thanksgiving.

We picked out a REAL tree.  Don't let the picture fool you, they really were excited.

PS - this is the last year we will buy a real one. It has been such a hassle and is already dead.  I'm probably going to have to take down the ornaments before we leave for CO :(

Avery kissing our tree.  See, I told you see loved it!

Helping daddy put up Christmas lights.

Yes, they are both wearing shorts.  I think it was in the low 80's that day.  Oh Texas.  

Avery is OBSESSED with Barney.

Twinkies! 

Somebody finally loves his baby food! 

Just because I think he's cute :) 

 Be still my heart.

One of about 30.  This is the closest we came to success.  

Pulling up everywhere!! This little guy will be walking soon! 

Avery wanted to sit outside but it was cold.  She insisted on blankets for both of them.  She is so thoughtful :) 

See, pulling up everywhere!! 

He finally found the presents! 

Have I mentioned how much I love this precious girl?

Matt and I finally celebrated our 30th birthdays (better late than never!) Dinner and a night at the Omni! It was perfect and much needed!

Love this man more than he'll ever know. 

Wordless Wednesday

Asher James {Eight Months}

Asher James,

How is it possible that you are already 8 months old?  You certainly keep us busy and the months are just flying by.  We love having you in our family, your smile lights up the room.  You are officially mobile and I have a feeling life is about to get real interesting. 

You are wearing 12 month or 12-18 month clothes and a size three diaper.  You are long and lean! I don’t know how tall you are but as of last week you weigh 18 lbs 15 oz. 

You have been army crawling/pulling yourself during the last few weeks but yesterday you finally started really crawling.  Your favorite time of day is bathtime and when I turned on the faucet in the bath I could see it in your eyes you were determined to crawl to the tub.  You were halfway down the hall (too far to army crawl).  Daddy and I were both watching and you slowly made your way to the bathroom turned the corner and army crawled to the tub.  You were so proud of yourself! (and we are too!)

Yes, you really do love the bath.  You splash around, try to crawl, put your face in the water, and “chase” the toys around. You also try to pull up on the side of the tub which terrifies me! I know you’re going to end up with a goose-egg on your forehead someday but so far I’ve been able to catch you when you start to fall.

You can get yourself to a sitting position from your tummy and vice-versa.  We definitely need to lower your crib, I’ve caught you sitting up in there a few times and now you are starting to pull up on the side. 

You are still having a morning and afternoon fruit/veggie and we’ve also tried puffs and mum-mums.  You are indifferent about both but they keep you occupied while we’re eating ;)

You usually have 5-6 six ounce bottles.  Unfortunately your eating habits are all out of whack because you’ve had three stomach bugs in the past month. Some days you don’t have much of an appetite and other days you are constantly hungry and I find myself thinking, ‘there’s no way he’s hungry, again!!’

You love to be held and do not appreciate it when I set you down.  In fact, if you even suspect that I’m getting ready to set you down you start crying.  It is really pathetic J

You still love to watch Cash and Avery.  They are your favorites and can always make you smile. 

You love to play with cars and balls.  How does this start so early with boys?  Anything that moves or rolls entertains you .

You still hate riding in the car and cried for 50 minutes on the way home from Thanksgiving.  We are driving to Colorado in 15 days so you need to get over this. Stat.

You still love to be tickled.  I can always make you smile and giggle if I tickle your belly or collarbone.  You have the silliest little giggle. 

No new teeth in the past month but you've stated drooling like crazy again so I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more soon!

You still go to bed around 7:30 and wake up around 7:00.  Nap time is still a mess.  Every day is different. 

Asher Bug, this past month has been challenging because of all the sickness but we’re so excited to have our sweet, happy, smiley baby boy back.  We love you so much and you make our days brighter.  I am so excited for your first Christmas, I have a feeling you will be very interested in all the presents and wrapping paper!  You have such a big personality, I can’t wait to see what God has planned for you, little one.

Thanksgiving 2012

My thanksgiving break started a few hours earlier than expected.  Asher woke up Wednesday morning with diarrhea (lovely, I know) and continued to get sick throughout the morning.  I left work around noon to pick him up and while I hate that he was sick again, it was so nice to get a little alone time with my babies before heading to Matt’s parents’ house for a few days. To make a long (messy) story short, I changed a lot of very dirty diapers, Avery didn’t touch her Thanksgiving dinner, and the kiddos took a few extra baths - all thanks to a very nasty stomach bug.  Everyone seems to be doing better and thankfully Matt and I were spared.

The weather was beautiful on Thursday and we spent a lot of time outside, searching for pecans and playing with the cousins.  Dinner was wonderful, my in-laws always fry the turkey and it is delicious!  

I even convinced Linda and Laura to brave the crazies and go to Target Thursday night.  I have to say shopping on a holiday is completely against my principals and I debated for quite a while as to whether it was worth it but in the end I gave in and because of it, Santa will be delivering an adorable Disney Princess kitchen while we’re in Colorado.  So much for principals. :)

Linda and I shopped a little more on Friday and then we packed up and headed home.  Thankfully everyone was clean when we pulled in the driveway.  We also found out how long Asher will cry in the car seat before giving in. 50 minutes in case anyone was wondering. And no, a bottle doesn’t help.  Neither does a pacifier, me sitting next to him, or an endless amount of toys. Boo. 

We had a very relaxing day on Saturday and then had Thanksgiving Round II at our neighbor’s house! I can’t even express how thankful I am for this family.  We are so blessed to have such amazing neighbors.  The gate we installed between our yards has allowed us to become more like family – lots of unannounced visits, borrowing of kitchen staples, and random play dates. I love it.  And I love that Avery has four sisters that love her and always make her feel special.   

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We have so much to be thankful for :)

Thankful

At church last Sunday our pastor started the service by asking people in the congregation to stand and tell everyone one thing they are thankful for.   Twenty minutes later I was teary-eyed and told Matt they should have passed out tissues before the service – there weren't many dry eyes.  It was so touching to see people stand and publicly give thanks for everything from a new baby to cancer remission.   

I wasn't going to do a “thankful” list this year but last Sunday reminded me how important it is not only be thankful for the blessings in my life but also for others to hear of good things when we are continually bombarded with news of war and death and sadness.

We have so much to be thankful for… some things are small and often taken for granted; others are so monumental they can change our lives forever.  Either way, they are all important and are all blessings.

I am thankful for a Savior who loves and forgives me. Always. No matter how many times I fail.

I am thankful for full cupboards and a full fridge. I'm thankful for the ability to keep my family fed in a world where so many struggle to give their babies just one meal a day.

I am thankful for two healthy babies.  For their smiles and laughter, for both kisses and tantrums, for easy moments and trying ones, for the immeasurable amount of humility, patience, and love they have taught (and continue to teach) me.

I am thankful for my best friend, husband and life-partner, without him my life would be so empty. 

I am thankful for a small handful of amazing friends.  Recently, I read somewhere that it is more important to have a few great friends than many good friends. 

I’m thankful for my health and the health of loved ones. 

I’m thankful for my family and my in-laws.  For parents who are still married and continue to be an example of “till death do us part”.  For my sister and her husband and the friendship we have with them.

I’m thankful for the roof over our heads, warm beds and reliable vehicles. 

I’m thankful for our first child, our lab-retriever puppy who is always happy, never talks back, never tires of playing and is so good with Avery and Asher.

I’m thankful for a job that more than provides for our needs and a boss who understands, 100%, that family comes first.

I’m thankful for blue skies, soaring mountain peaks, fields of green and all the natural beauty God created.

I’m thankful for technology and the ability to share pictures and stories of my family with those who live 1,000 miles away.

I'm thankful for coffee and nap-time espresso dates with my hubby.

I could go on and on but probably should get back to work ;)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!