How Can it Be? 15 Months!

Destructo...I mean Asher is FIFTEEN MONTHS OLD today. How in the world did that happen? Into everything would be an understatement at this stage in the game. He is definitely a mover and a shaker...from bouncing to music to tearing up the place...he's always on the go. That is until I say, "Asher, it's night night time." Then he shakes his head "no" and burrows right in for a little snuggle time. He'll be climbing up the stairs and we'll say, "Do you want to go to bed?" He'll shake his head, turn around and head back down the stairs. It's too funny. His vocabulary is expanding rapidly...and mostly just so I can remember - his current words are uh-oh (still his favorite), Mom (rarely Mama - which is both cute and a little sad at the same time), Dada, mo (more), up, dah (dog), please (by signing), yes (by a head nod) and no (mostly by shaking his head vehemently - but sometimes out loud.) The time is going too fast...wish I had a rewind button. We love you little guy - Mom, Dada, Saela, Jax & Jilly.

Museum of Life and Science

Earlier this month we had the pleasure of spending some time with the family of one of Steve's colleagues. They are members of the Museum located in Durham and graciously brought us as their guests.

ASHER

(Just sittin' in the sand surveying the scene.)

TYLER

(He is just a few days older than Asher!)

ABE
(Abe is a couple of months younger than Saela.)

SAELA

(Hard at work under Asher's supervision.)

We had a lot of fun at the Museum which included dinosaurs, bugs that looked like twigs and leaves, spiders, snakes, farm animals, a musical play area, drawing areas, a cool satellite map, and this really really cool graphics thing that adjusted to your body shadow. After the museum, we headed to Chuck E. Cheeses where the kids had a blast getting tickets - although, I'm not sure who had more fun - the kids or the dads? When we were driving away, Abe said (to his parents) something to the effect of "Daddy lives at home, Abe lives at home and Saela lives in Cinderella's castle." He's clearly going to be a charmer. All in all, it was a great day - the kids totally passed out on the way home. Thanks again to Ken, Kim, Abe & Tyler!

First Haircuts

We finally bit the bullet and had

Saela and Asher's first haircuts on 7.18.10.

What's that you say...if we do this I'll get a balloon?

Hmmm...it doesn't look much different.

Tell me again what we did here?

I can easily think of of 1,000 things I'd rather be doing right now.


Okay, not the most fun adventure in the world -

but I sure am one handsome dude.

Swinging Sensations

Both Asher and Saela love going to the park near our house. We try to go on the weekends before it gets too hot outside. Located only about 1/2 mile from our house it's a short wagon ride (well sometimes it seems long) from our house. Most assuredly - the swings will bring smiles and laughs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAELA!!!!

Dear Saela...

Before you even existed...we loved you. The minute you were born, we loved you even more. Three years ago today, God gave you to us to love, take care of and cherish for eternity. Weathering the first few days of your existence was like being thrown into a tornado with nil preparation. Our sweet strong girl...you came through the rain and have done nothing but flourish since you left the hospital.

~

When you were a tiny baby - the song Rock-A-Bye-Baby would soothe you and when you snuggled on my left side you would put your right hand on my left cheek and fall right asleep. I remember some of those moments with such bright clarity and they always bring me joy. Sometimes if fussiness was prevailing, Daddy would hold you and invariably, I'd have to come find both of you to put you to bed. You would be snoozing away right on Daddy's chest and I know he loves to think about those special times with you.

~

Clear moments are something to hold on to as much of the last three years also seems to be a blur. From newborn size diapers to size 6, from random cries to full sentences, from lying on your back to running/jumping/galloping...you have changed so much so quickly and we have enjoyed every minute of your growth in mind, body and spirit. We are so proud of you...we love you so much...and you will forever & always be our baby girl. Love Mommy & Daddy

~

Happy Birthday Hugs from Asher, Jax & Jilly too.

Bathtime...

...and crazy hair.

...and perhaps with a little black and white face paint...

the next Gene Simmons?!?

(Nah...he's too cute.)

Steve's First Haircut

Given.By.Me

Not too bad for a first-timer?!?

Independence Day 2010

Saela Commanding Attention

the Greens in front of the Washington Monument
July 4, 2010

Reece, Saela & Asher

~

We had the pleasure of visiting our friends Rory and Rachel their first son, Baby Reece, over the July 4th holiday this year. We enjoyed a weekend of good friends, good conversation, good laughs and the unforgettable Bellinitini. Baby Reece was one of the most laid back babes we've ever met. He took our wild bunch in stride!

~

Saela experienced her first subway ride as we rode into Washington D.C. to take in Independence Day in our nation's capital. It truly was amazing to stand in awe of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on such a patriotic holiday. Thank you just isn't enough to say to all of our service men and women who have allowed us to live in the Land of the Free.