I am so proud!!!

My sister did an amazing thing so I thought I would brag about her on here! April has already posted a blog about this so I am basically going to copy her method: I am including the email my sister sent so you can understand the whole story. Enjoy!!

A little story about a girl named Ellie Bouchard. Ellie is a survivor from a life threatening brain tumor, you can check out her story here...http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ellie1

After Ellie was diagnosed with the type of brain cancer she had, her parents decided to take her to St. Jude's to finish up her treatment, which consisted of intense chemotherapy. And not only did Ellie survive, but throughout the whole thing she kept a great attitude, was always happy and had a smile on her face for the doctors. And because of her great attitude, St. Judes picked her to be their spokesperson this year.

Jennifer Aniston is a huge supporter of St. Judes and she stared in a commercial with Ellie, which was featured on Access Hollywood and that is when I discovered Ellie. I saw her on Access Hollywood and Larry King and she was wearing a t-shirt I designed. I fell in love with her attitude and spirit. After all she had been through at 6 years old and she was full of hope and happiness and she just had a great spirit about her and I wanted to do something for her. So when I got to work the next day I contacted our Design Director and asked her if we could do a little something for her, because the girl obviously loved our store.

So the Design Director contacted our Director of Internal Communications, Keriake Lucas(our PR person) and she took it to another level. I was just expecting to send her a gift card with a sweet note to let her know she is in our prayers, but Keriake had a different vision. So instead we took a team picture, I designed a card and the whole design team signed it wishing her well(about 30 people), also me and another girl went to Justice and picked out 3 outfits a piece for Ellie and her sister Emma. Then we mailed all of that together and I included a personal note on how much she has inspired me. Just when I thought it was all done, Keriake came to me and told me she wanted to do a small inspirational video featuring Ellie and show it during Justice's National Sales Meeting that they hold every year. Its a meeting for all of the Regional, District and Store Managers and with all the layoffs we have all been through Keri thought this would be a great piece to inspire the managers and to show that what we do can make a difference in people's lives. And within that video she inteviewed me and asked me numerous questions about Ellie and how she has inspired me and what a difference one person can make in someone's lives. So without further ado here is that video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZW0SN9dd6s

P.S. I am adding a disclaimer that the camera man had a bad shot of me. He was a short guy and I was sitting on a stool obviously higher than him. That is all I have to say....

4 month check up

Today was Asher 4 month checkup and vaccines. Here are his stats:

weight: 12 lbs 9 oz
Height: 24 1/4 in

He was so good for the doctor. He was dancing around and smiling! Then came the shots. He only screamed when he was getting the shots. After they were done he was fine. About two minutes after the shots he was passed out. He still has that pesky cold but he is doing much better.

It's that time of Year...

This past week Asher came down with his first cold. It was pretty nasty to say the least. I was so worried about him because I found out he had been around a little girl with walking pneomonia. So I spent the week doing everything possible to get him better; steam room, sleeping in his swing to be upright, baby vick's rub, humidifier, saline spray and sunctioning his poor little nose over and over again. He wasn't very happy with me. He seems to be over the worst of it. We go to the docs on monday for his well baby and his next round of vaccines. I am not looking forward to that. So poor little guy gets sick this week and then gets pricked with needles next week.

He seemed to have grown out of a lot of clothes last week. They say kids grow fast but until you actually see it, its hard to believe. He is starting to want to put everything in his mouth. Nothing is safe from his saliva. He is loving his jumparoo. He can now jump and move it around. Usually he whines when he is sleepy but in the jumparoo he just keeps playing till he's asleep. Here are some pictures of him asleep in there:

I will also have a video of him playing in it soon. His personality is really coming out. I think he has my temperment. He's laid back and loves to laugh. In some ways he's like Ryan i.e. loves to eat and sleep! We also started to show him how to use a sippy cup. He grabbed it right away and started drinking. He's not perfect at it but he sure took to it fast. Below are some random photos I took, they crack me up! He looks like he has a baby mullet!

Our Valentines day is going to be pretty mild this year which is fine with me. I like to relax at home, especially with my favorite boys!!

I also want to plug my sisters business blog. http://nicolebdesign.wordpress.com/ Please go visit and check out her wonderful ideas and while your there browse her business website. She is amazing at invitations!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Videos and Pics!

If you can't tell Asher is really getting into his toys. He will reach for a toy now which is cool to see. We are just loving every day with him!

Up close and personal!

Asher is just growing at lightning speed. He is now able to sit in his bouncy chair and play with toys. He is able to touch them and coo. It is so cute. I got several pics of him playing the other day.

Yes his hair is crazy, but could you cut it?? I just can't do it yet! Its so wild and crazy and part of his charm;)

I found out that he is very ticklish. When you tickle him he actually giggles. He is also holding his bottle (not formula, moms milk) on his own.

This morning I put him on my bed and I turned around to see him roll from his back to his belly! So now he can roll from belly to back and vice versa. Its so amazing how these simple things can get me so excited. I just love watching him grow and learn new things. We love to laugh with each other. I am just loving every minute of my time with him!

Asher has been having what I can only assume are nightmares. He starts screaming in his sleep and the scream is very different from his normal screams. Not sure what to do except hold him till he calms done. If any has any advice on that let me know.

Have a great weekend!

2008 in review

I thought I would do something similar to what April did and kind of do a review of 2008.

The Lord blessed us so much this past year. Ryan and I grew so much and learned a whole lot more. We have been getting more and more into our church. We love that church and our pastor. He is just amazing! The people there have a real love for Jesus and it shows.

Of course as everyone knows I got pregnant in January. We had a few bumps in the first few months but overall it went well. My only complaint, as everyone probably knows, was the stairs at work. I had to go down three flights of stairs to get to the bathroom. Those stairs were definitely my nemesis, however I do have to thank them at the same time because I got a good workout in just by going to work.

Ryan got a motorcycle. I wasn't happy at first but he's really enjoying it so I can't complain. Its also cheap on gas so that is nice.

I was able to travel to see my family and my wonderful FF gals for my first baby shower! Then about a month later I met up with April (anf finally met Preston) and we flew to see my in-laws for my second baby shower. Work also threw me a shower and then so did Jackie. I was so blessed by everyone! I don't think I had to buy one thing. Thank you all who bought Asher a gift, I am so thankful for each item.

Last but not least came our pride and joy; Asher! He means the world to us. He is such an amazing little boy. Ryan is such an amazing dad! He makes me so proud, Asher just laughs when he sees dad. I can't wait to see them together as Asher grows. Ryans parents and my family came and saw him. It was a lot of good fun for everyone. At Christmas it was just Ryan, me and Asher. We had a good time together for our first Christmas. I can't wait to teach Asher the meaning of Christmas and have him understand!

So much more happened but I did want to share the highlights. Thank you to everyone in our lives you are true blessings that we charish.

Things I learned in 08'

1. pregnancy and labor were much easier than anticipated. (yeah I said it!)

2. breastfeeding was much, much harder than anticipated.

3. I never thought a topic of conversation at the dinner table could be about dirty diapers.

4. Don't wear a dress when its really windy out.

5. Always check the weather, see number 4 for the reason.

6. Family and friends are amazing blessings in my life.

7. I love Jesus more and more everyday!!!

3 months preggo

7 months preggo

1 week before Asher was born

Asher 1 day old

Thank you all for a wonderful year!

Just in case

Here is a picture of me as a baby. I am somewhere between 1 day and 6 months old....not too sure;) Who does this remind of you?? My husband says he still doesn't think Asher looks like me. Poor guy is in denial, but I love him so much anyway!

Don't forget to take note of the ultra cool orange carpet and couch. Also, those tiny legs are my dads! Now you all know where I got my chicken legs from.....