Cold in Arizona

Normally this time of the year here in Arizona it can still be pretty warm. We are still having some warm days but we have also been having some really cold weather lately. Last week we were under a winter weather warning. The funniest part is that I was listening to the radio and the local lady came on and asked that people not pull over to stare at the snow because it was causing accidents! That made me chuckle.

As the winter weather approaches it reminds me of my two other homes; St. Louis and Woodstock, Canada. Its a little sad that we aren't there with one of the families but I am thankful to have my favorite two boys to share Christmas with. Have fun at Christmas everyone and know that I will be thinking of you all!

Last Friday Asher rolled over twice by himself. I put him on his belly and he was pulling himself up and just rolled himself over. He did this twice and then he had enough. I tried to show Ryan but Asher just screamed at us. I hope to get this on video and, if possible, post it. Wish me luck!

I finally caught him!

So I was finally able to get a picture of Asher smiling. It is just the sweetest thing and it completely makes my day.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my mom!! Thanks for being a great mother and grandma!

Three new things I learned today...

Today Asher suprised me three times. First I was watching as his pacifier fell out of his mouth. Usually he just whines until you put it back in but not today. Today he found it with his hand and put it back in himself!!! Maybe it sounds silly to others but it just shocked me that he could do that.

Then he was laying on his belly and pulled himself up to his hands. So he was all the way on his hands, arms straight and he was holding his head up looking around. Again I was in shock and awe.

Lastly, we were playing and all of sudden he looked at his feet. He was just staring and then he started wiggling them. He tried to grab them with his hands. He couldn't quite grab them so he gave up.

Its just so awesome to see him learning new things and growing up. What a miracle!!

Oh how precious a smile is....

Asher is growing both physically and mentally. He has been smiling and even giggling a little. We are just loving every minute of it. He has even found out how to yell at us. Ryan was holding him the other day and Asher spit out his pacifier and yelled. Then he just stared at Ryan.

Yesterday we were all laying on our bed talking. I started singing and Asher starts smiling and cooing. As soon as I stopped singing he stopped smiling. I start singing again and he starts smiling and cooing. So either he enjoys my voice or I shouldn't even think about American Idol. Either way we were so excited to see him interacting with us.

He is also grabbing things. Two weeks ago he was able to hold a rattle. The other day I left him on the floor with some small finger puppets. I ran to get some water and when I came back he was holding one of them. Below is a picture of him during that play time and with the little toy he picked up.

I am trying to get a picture of him smiling but so far no dice. I never have my camera close when he does cute things. I will try to do better, I promise!

Pictures of Visit

We almost served Asher as the turkey until we realized that he was just wearing a turkey outfit!
Here is Mike, My dad, My mom and My sister:

Here is Devin, Belle and my other sister:

Devin and Asher, they are going to get along so well as they grow up!

Thanksgiving, Family and Food!

My wonderful family came out to visit for Thanksgiving. My parents, sister, niece and nephew drove 20+ hours and my other sister and husband flew. It was really nice to have most of my family here for the holiday. We went to bisbee (twice! love ya sis!) and tombstone. The kids were able to run out my front door and play in the park and us grown ups got to play a lot of games. Most importantly everyone got to meet Asher. It was definitely a memorable visit.

We had tons of food for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately my sister and kids had to go home but they got home in time to have dinner with her husband. Jackie and Adam joined us for dinner so we still had a large crowd.

We also did Asher's dedication on Sunday. It went so well. We are blessed with an amazing pastor who made the dedication very special.

I also wanted to put on my posts updates on Asher's milestones. April does this and I wanted to copy! Lately he has been very aware of his surroundings. He will just look around and coo. He has been smiling at Ryan and I which is the best gift ever. I wish I could get it on video (thanks Guy and Judy for the early Christmas present!) or camera but no luck yet. He has also found his hands. He has been sucking on his thumb and index finger. His hair is still out of control and growing fast. He is actually enjoying his baths instead of screaming his head off which is awesome to me. He can hold his head up for long periods of time and it won't be long till he doesn't need any help. I will be trying to post a video as soon as I can, check back for it!! Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Grammy and Grampy Visit

Ryan's parents came into town this past week. So Asher got spoiled for another week!! He sure is one lucky boy to have so many loving grandparents. We had a wonderful visit with Ryan's parents. They are going to be amazing grandparents! We can't wait to take Asher up north to enjoy the snow some day. Thanks for such a great visit Grammy and Grampy!!

Pics of Asher!!!!! (as April demanded!)

Last Sunday Ryan, Asher and I went and had our pictures taken. Today we viewed them. My goodness!!! They were amazing! She had about 130 good pics=O How do you pick out of 130 good pics???? We chose about ten different pictures to be framed and then we chose these five on CD. We were just blown away by how good these pics are. I hope you all enjoy them!!!!

Halloween and Pictures

This was the first year that Ryan and I were home on Halloween. I bought some candy, we dressed Asher in his Halloween sleeper and got ready for the kids. I brought Asher to do the door with me when a group of kids came. After I handed out the candy one of the kids reached over and shook Asher's head. It was the weirdest thing! I was so shocked that I just stared at the little girl with my mouth hanging open. I slowly backed up and said have a good night. She slowly walked away from the door and left. After that Asher didn't come to the door with us. We had a lot of fun the rest of the night. I had a blast watching Ryan have such a good time handing out candy to the kids.






Sunday we had pictures taken for Asher's announcements. It went so well!!! The photographer was amazing. Unfortunately Asher was really grumpy and did not like being half dressed. The photographer said we got really good pictures so I can't wait to see them. We will be sending those out as soon as we can! Enjoy your week!

more pics of Asher

Moms visit and first bath

My mom came to visit for a week. It was very helpful because I was able to get things done around the house that I wanted too. I also was able to sleep in and Asher got alone time with Grandma. Most of the time was spent at my house because Asher is still to young to be around a ton of people. Towards the end of the trip we were able to take him out shopping with us and he did really well. My mom was pretty thankful to be out of the house for awhile I'm sure. He also had to get his genetic screening done. He got poked in the heel and didn't even blink. I was so proud of him!

Asher's umbilical cord feel off while my mom was here. I'm sorry but that thing is so gross! I had my mom clean it because it was just a bit much for me. Once the circumcision healed and his umbilical cord fell off we could give him his first bath. Apparently Ryan and I are not very good at it. I filled the tub to much with water so when Ryan was holding Asher he let the little guy slip a little and Asher drank some tub water. I guess that scared him because he started screaming. Then, because I was trying to hurry, I slapped him in the face with the wash cloth. I think its safe to say we scarred him for life. I hope he can forgive us!

My mom left on Tuesday. It was sad to see her leave but she will be back on the 22nd of November for Thanksgiving with the rest of my family. Ryan's family comes next Tuesday so we have a really busy November.

Just to let you all know the second bath went much better!!

Eat, Sleep, Poop and repeat...

I think I have the stereotypical little guy. He eats, sleeps, poops and then we do it all over again the next day. I would have to say I am pretty blessed with an easy going baby. He gets cranky some times but basically he just looks around when he is awake. Our nights are different every night. Some nights he sleeps up to 5 hours while other nights he doesn't want to sleep at all. I'm sure he will eventually get a set schedule.

I think Ryan and I are still in shock from everything. I'm not sure it has sunk in that we have a baby. I figure by the time Asher is 18 we will get the hang of it!

Ryan has been an amazing dad. I left him alone with Asher two days after Asher was born and Ryan didn't even flinch. I mention this because Ryan has no experience with newborns. He has taken to it like he has been doing this for years. Its been awesome to see him be a dad. He is so proud of his son and that just makes me smile!

Some one asked me how it feels to be a stay at home mom. I don't really know yet. It just feels like I'm on leave from my job (not that staying home isn't a job! Its much more work). I am enjoying not worrying about having to be somewhere at a certain time. All in all I am just adjusting to everything.