Asher is ONE!

Okay, I know...it was three weeks ago - but better late than never on the pictures right?

Dear Sweet Boy...

Daddy, Saela, Jax, Jilly & I can hardly believe that it has already been a year since you entered our lives. We have loved every minute of you being part of the family and cannot imagine our lives without you. The meaning of Asher is "Happy" and you fit the bill. Smiling is the name of the game for you...especially endearing is when you purse your lips trying not to smile when you really want to bust out a big grin. While there might not be as many pictures of you on the blog...rest assured that so many have been engraved on our hearts. We look forward to witnessing your milestones to come and making more memories to last a lifetime.

Love, Daddy, Mommy, Saela, Jax & Jilly

In a Nutshell

Whew...so, it's been awhile. I know. So much has happened over the last month...I've been trying to think of some really profound or funny things to say to capture everything that has gone on...but what it boils down to is this...

• Asher and I moved to NC on 4/29/10. Steve and Saela moved on 5/27/10. I would not like to repeat this type of separation again. Ever. It already makes me teary thinking of Saela turning 18...
• In my humble opinion, NC weather blows MI weather out of the water.
• Taking oral exams is not that much of a good time - but being able to see your family (and meet the newest addition) after your done is priceless.
• Seeing your best friends unexpectedly and on the fly is one of the best surprises one can receive. It's such a repeated warm fuzzy to know that even though thousands of miles physically separate you - those you hold most dear are only seconds away in your heart.
• My baby boy turned ONE. What.is.up.with.that? Pictures coming soon...
• Saela is a "list" girl - just like her mommy. However, she does like to go shopping - she must get that from her daddy. How is it that she's almost 3?
• Unpacking after you move seems to be a never ending process.
• Dog hair is ever present.
• Church on Saturday rocks...this opens up TWO potential days for sleeping in...
• Really enjoying your job is way better than just surviving your job.
• God is always there.

Where we'll be in a year is still up in the air - but we are going to enjoy NC and the Southeast while we are here...I see a trip to the beach in our future! :) With much love to all...we hope you are doing well.

Almost One

Hey Everybody - Mom thought that, since I'm almost one, I should get on here and give you an update. My first official word was uh-oh - although it often sounds like uh-uh. I say it when I throw my food on the floor (I do this frequently when I am all finished) and when I fall down. I probably say it about 50x/day! I also say "mama" and according to Mom, I am addressing her when I say it. :) I have started using some sign language and the most consistent sign is "more." I haven't gained as much weight as I did during my first six months but Mom does think that I am taller. She is hopeful that I check out okay at my upcoming well-child check. I am crawling like a champ and am faster than I look. I also walk along furniture and walls and get into EVERYTHING that I shouldn't! Mom knows when I turn and look at her with a sly smile that I am ready to make my move. It's a good thing that she's really fast - it keeps me out of trouble.

We both miss Daddy and Saela. We are so excited for them to join us down here in North Carolina. We miss Jax and Jilly too -Mommy keeps saying that they're going to get fat with all of the food that ends up on the floor. Well, I guess that's about all for now. I hope you are all doing well!

Love,

Asher

The Pout

When I do not get my way, I start out looking like this...

...often I find I must "turn it up a notch" with a head cock and eyebrow furrow.

This either results in a
MELTDOWN

or an "I'm trying to hide it smile."

Funny thing...Daddy thinks these faces make me look just like Mommy.

At Last...

...some photos.

It's nearly impossible to get them both to "say cheese" at the same time!

Our Sweet Baby Doll

When did she become such a big girl?

My heart swells with pride every time Saela learns something new or says something that makes us go, "How did you know that?" There's always a bit of sadness, though, that seeps in as those new milestones also mark the slipping away of her babyhood. In a few short months she will be three years old. Three.years.old. While preparing for our move, I have procured the kids' medical records and amongst the pile was Saela's RNICU discharge summary. The RNICU - the reason this blog was started in the first place. Three pages of pokes, prods, tests, and medicines to keep her alive...thankfully - she will never remember and thankfully she's still here to delight and charm us daily. The memories of those first two weeks of her life are sometimes so vivid and at other times fuzzy on the edges like it was all really a dream. Reading that summary reminded me how very precious life is and how nothing - NOTHING - should be taken for granted. I am thankful everyday that God is mighty to save. So wrap up those special people in your life with hugs and tell them you love them - it will be the most important thing that you do today.

Ready for...

...SUMMER?

Or perhaps...

...potty training?