christmas 2010

What a wonderful Christmas weekend we had. Charlie, Asher and I packed up the murano and headed to Iowa in the middle of a huge snow storm Christmas Eve.  We were glad to have the 4 wheel drive, getting to our loved ones proved to be no problem at all. 

Upon arriving Great Grandma and pa Bohlen snatched up little Asher-man and he was very pleased to have their attention; he cooed and smiled in response to their kisses, talking. Asher, you are simply adored. 

We had a delicious lunch/supper with the Reed side and the girls opened a few presents, and we just had fun chatting for a while.

We stayed at the Johnson's house and Uncle Andrew and Liz and kiddo's were there too. Together we enjoyed Beverley's traditional and yummy lefse, meatballs and chowder.  And having all the cousins under one roof always promises an interesting/exciting time for all who are present. Asher continued to sleep through the night while we were away. -But we always have trouble sleeping when he's in our room; he did this little breath-coo/humm thing (really cute, but annoying at 3am) the whole time he slept that weekend. So we moved him out to the hall.

Grandma Johnson gave cousin's Asher and baby Henry their "Baby's First Christmas" onsie's. They (of course) looked very cute, so we took some pictures.

This was Asher's first Christmas, and he was awe struck. He sat on daddy's lap and just took it all in- the lights, the squeals, the paper and bows.  But in reality- he was our favorite present this year, so we put a bow on him.

Later we went to Auntie Glenda's and Uncle Jim's for the "Reed Christmas" with extended family. It was here where we first hear Asher's first giggle.  He's only done it a few times since.  But he was super happy to be talking and laughing at/with Grandma, Auntie's and Mommy that afternoon.

Aunt Glenda hosted the festivities.  It was nice to see my cousins and other family I rarely get to see, even if it was just for a few hours.

The day after Christmas we took Asher to meet Derek and Jamee. Ashley and Ryan were at Doug and Lynn's too. Asher was quite happy to get to meet them spend time with them. We played a great game of Blokus together. 

It was a wonderful weekend, but as always, it's good to be home too.

It was such a special season as a new little family of three.

Asher got this "baby's first christmas 2010" ornament.

We enjoyed getting Christmas cards from family and friends.
We posted them on the side of our fridge for the year.

And a few days after Christmas Andrew and Charlie hit the slopes at Afton Apls

good 'ol eeyore

This sums up our winter thus far.

exciting 11 weeks Asher-man!

(not-so) Tiny Baby Bluvo you're 11 weeks old!

Our darling Asher, you are getting SO big, and growing up so fast! Just today I was looking through your weekly pictures and was stunned at just how much you've grown, changed, stolen our hearts, and completely captivated us Little Man! This has been one of your most interactive weeks so far!

"to infinity---and beyond!" (buzz lightyear, toy story)

You have the cutest random rolls on your legs Little Mr. Chunky! Mommy counted about 6 fat creases on the back of your leg the other day!  -All the better to kiss up.  Your skin is so soft, and we love how you always smell "like baby" (ie: johnson and johnson baby products).

I had to get some more bath time pictures of you- you're just too cute. And it really is your favorite time of day. You generally hold your hands and arms just like this, and you listen contentedly to mommy talk you through your bath.  In the rest of these pictures are you all ready for bed.

Baby, this was Christmas week.  And we had all kinds of fun, with you and friends and family.

Johnson Family 2010 Christmas Card (front and back)

You and mommy sent out cards and drove them to the USPS in the middle of a very yucky snow storm-yes, yet another snow storm. I think we're over 60 inches so far! We had fun with our small group one night. Daddy, Mommy and you finished up our Christmas shopping. We drove to Waterloo, IA to spend Christmas with our family. (Mommy will post more about your first Christmas soon). It was special holiday, and we loved having you with us Son! You enjoyed smiling at everyone we were around, all week.

Small Group Christmas Party, at Golliher's

 I just have to post this picture (top left)- You were just smiling and cooing away at mommy Christmas morning while I changed your diaper so I clicked a few pictures (top right) and one time, the moment I snapped the picture you lost your breakfast! I caught it in action. We thought it was soooo funny! The bottom middle picture shows you have started to sit in the bumbo seat, your head is still a little wobbly, but you do pretty well. Your favorite spot is in your vibrator bouncy chair (bottom right). -we think it makes your tummy feel better.

These are your highlights this past week:

• You started sleeping ALL THE WAY through the night! several nights in a row now! (9:20-ish until 7-8am!!) With no night time waking or feedings!  YAY! That was a thoughtful Christmas present Asher!
• You my dear have started to coo like crazy! It's the most precious sound.  You squeal too (mostly with delight or excitement, but sometimes when you're mad). 
• Boy can you kick! You love laying on the floor and looking all around while your legs and arms go like crazy.  On Christmas day, Mommy and Grammy were talking to you while you were doing this, and you got SO excited while you were kicking and smiling that you let out a tiny giggle!  Yes, we melted. Now we have to be careful when laying you on your tummy on the boppy pillow, 'cuz now you push your body forward and scooch right off onto your face!
• In the morning when mommy walks in, I great you, and this week you started looking for me, and when you've found me you smile really big. We also say "Up please" before we pick you up now.
• This week you started getting startled/scared.  I first noticed this when I was holding you nursing and I sneezed. You pulled away and looked up at me with a big bottom lip, followed by a high scream and whimpering. I hugged you and talked to you, and you settled down.
• Also, while you eat your little hands are so busy. You wiggle them all around feeling my shirt and skin. Pretty cute!
• Your face is getting more and more expressive.  Your appearance all the way around is changing. You're noticeably starting to grow up.

merry christmas & happy new year from the johnson family

Feel free to peruse our Christmas letter too: (I think if you click on it, it will enlarge for easier reading)

Thank you to our auntie ruth (Morgan Design Photography) for photographing and designing our cards!

golden birthday of sorts...Asher is 10 weeks

Baby Asher this is your first "golden birthday" -you should consider having 10 be a favorite number, or 1 or 0.  I mean not everyone is special enough to have such a cool birthday date like yours- 10.10.10.

For your 'birthday' today we tried to take you to see Santa- just for the giggles and a cute picture.  Our Santa at Ridgedale Mall is the most authentic looking and cute Santa around...

Everyone likes to go to this particular one to get their photo taken.  So that's where we went too!

We arrived and got in the back of the line and you were sound asleep my love...

 ...only to discover as we looked around that...

...the lines were insanely long! (It was a 3 hour wait!) -And that's faaarrrrr too long of a wait.

So mommy and daddy decided that this would have to be your first picture "with" santa this year. Mommy held you and if you look close you'll see santa- there in the back. Maybe we'll try again a different day.

You must have been worn out from all the activity, when we got home this is what happened...

Your highlights this week were:

• You are tracking sounds and voices more.
• You look at us and respond, smile and giggle from across the room now.
• You have found your little screaming voice- you don't use it often, only a squeak when you're frustrated or while you're super excited.  We love this development when you're happy. 
• We tried to go sit on Santa's lap. You went Christmas shopping (sleeping) with us!
• You really liked watching (really) the Polar Express with daddy and mommy last night.
• You love all kinds of slings/carriers (mostly the Maya Wrap, Moby and Ergo), and being held really close. 
• We tried putting you to bed at 8:30pm with a dream feed at 10:30 but you woke at 3 and 6 and 8am. So we went right back to bed time at 9:20-ish and you sleep until 6am to eat and back to sleep until 8:30am.  We'll stick with that routine for a while longer, 'cuz you do so well with it.  Maybe soon you'll want to go to bed a little earlier.
• Bath time still quiets you right down. You kick and look around; you really like being in the water Little Muffin. Here's some pictures from last night, right when you got out of the water. In a couple of them you are looking at your favorite black mirror. Also, you usually have your fists right up by your chin (you were positioned like that inside, so it must be comfortable to you).

It's almost here... your FIRST Christmas! We will be heading to Iowa to be with family.

Son, we're very excited to celebrate Jesus' birth with you this week! We pray that one day you will come to know Jesus in a personal way, and trust in him alone for forgiveness of your sins; that's why He came to earth Asher, to die, to pay the price for our ugly sin. And if your trust in Him to redeem you, you'll live eternally with Him! He loves you so much baby boy! WE love you so much!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FIRSTBORN!

for your information (and sanity)

See the last line.

I just wanted to let you guys know that I've chosen to forgo the normal, "fill in the blanks" baby book. I'm also skipping the (although amazing and special) creative memories scrap booking style as well.

But I do strongly believe my child(ren) should get to have one.  They're fun to look at, and I have looked at mine often, when I was little and now. The family tree, milestones, memories, and funny phrases are worth recording.

So here's what I AM doing for our little Asher-man.

Blogging. - because faster at typing than writing. It's more convenient. I'll do it more. I'll probably be able to do something similar for future little ones. (so they don't get the 2nd or 3rd child style empty-ish baby book). --ok so theirs might be a little thinner... you get the idea.

But the posts won't be just for family and friends to read and forever forgotten.  -Although out of town family alone is a major factor in this decision.  I plan to turn all of the posts about Asher and all his stats and milestones into a printed book, using a site like this.  Elizabeth, my sister-in-law told me about them. I instantly fell in love with the idea. It will have pictures, and stories and memories all printed out. I can leave room to write by hand if I want to too! But doing it this way allows me to be faithful to record and share with family and friends, and have permanent documentation to give to Asher.

Precious memories and keepsakes in a book, they melt my heart every time I look.

Once a tiny baby growing way too fast, what can I do to make these moments last?

Save a little treasure write a little note, knowing someday you'll read what I've wrote. Precious memories and keepsakes in a book, you'll see my love when you're old enough to look.

So- thanks for putting up with my "excessive" baby posts.  They serve a bigger purpose.  :-)

thought i wouldn't do it this year...

...but I did.

But I did it the unconventional way. I claim the new mommy excuse, or the I don't enjoy cooking/baking excuse.

I wanted to go to a Christmas cookie exchange party, but didn't think I'd go 'cuz I didn't feel like making the traditional Christmas time cookies.  So this is what I did:

1. Grabbed my Little Cooking Buddy (of course):

 2. Bought "Chistmas Colored M & M's" -'cuz that's how cheaters do it:

 3. I mixed up my most favorite batch of Chocolate chip cookies and added the red and green m&m's so I could get away with calling them Christmas cookies.

 4. Got them all packed up and ready to go- I think my friends should be happy with this, I mean really- who thinks to make good old fashioned chocolate chip cookies at Christmas?!  LOL!

This is my first confession. I'll blog the next.

9 week Asher

Hey Guys! It's me, Asher Clark and I'm nine weeks (and a few hours) old now!  I'm coming at ya all snuggled up, warm and cozy here inside by my Christmas tree.  I really have no choice, 'cuz Mom and Dad can't take me anywhere because of this massive snowstorm we got.  When I woke up this morning it was -1 degrees (whatever that is), but it's the coldest I've ever felt. I've also never seen this much snow in my WHOLE life! Mom said we got around 15" and at the MSP airport 17.1"! That's the 5th largest snowstorm on record since 1891! Daddy and I can't even cheer on the vikings this afternoon because the Metrodome roof collapsed! Here's a video of it happening!

See this picture- my daddy is out clearing the driveway, you can see just how blizzardy it is. 15 inches in 24 hours is rather epic, if I do say so myself. (Mom said I could go for a short ride in my new red sled from Grammy and Papa- I'll post a picture of me doing that in a sec)...

I stayed inside with mommy, and worked on my new passi while daddy was out.

...But first, I want to show you my big strong muscles! 

I'm getting SO BIG! SEE!!!

Nine month photo shoot

As I promised- my sledding escapade pictures:

Um yes, I was super cold, so the sledding was short. But I'm officially a Minnesota Boy now!

shwew! I'm getting sleepy, this blogging thing is a lot of work!

But hey- before I go, I want to say thank you to you guys for praying me through my "inside mom" days.  I love you guys lots, and really appreciate the time you took to petition Jesus for me!

***
peace out- love,
asher

Little Mr. Asher is two months old

Mr. White Bear and you on your 2 month birthday!

Getting checked out at Dr. Miller's office

At your 2 month check up on 12/09/10, your stats were:

• 14 pounds, 14 ounces (97%) -they say 'normally' a two month old is 3-4 pounds over their birth weight, you were 8lbs when you were born by the way...) We love every bit of your baby blubber! 
• 24 inches long (75-90%) With two giant parents, you really have no options. But you still fit in many of your 0-3 month size pants, so that's good. 'Cuz we think your tiny jeans are super studly.  
• Head circumference 16" (50-75%) 

Mommy calls you her Little Happiness

Snuggling Mr. White Bear, Great Nana Mulligan gave you.

Daddy calls you his Baby Bluvo

• Eating- you never skip a meal, and it doesn't matter where we are Little Mr. Chubbers. Enough said. The pictures do all the explaining. 
• Sizes- Well you now have NO newborn outfits that fit you. And even some of your 0-3 months clothes have had to be stored away. For the most part you're a solid 3 month size, and we've snuck a couple 3-6-ers in the line up the last few days. We need to go shopping! :-) You are still wearing a size 1 diaper- but that's mostly because mommy wants to use them all up-they work, but barely, you'll be moving up to the size 2's real soon big boy. 

You lift your head for long periods of time

• You're definitely a victim of evening fussiness.  (on and off from 5-9pm) You throw in a good evening every now and then, but it doesn't seem to be your favorite time of day. You're most happy in the mornings I think.
• When you cry, it means something- you have a very distinct loud 'angry/frustrated' cry, a 'Im sleepy' and 'hungry' cry; we like that you're starting to communicate.  And when you're content my Love- you are irresistible with all your cooing, smiling and small giggles. We even hear you get all excited and happy when you're sleeping sometimes.  Pretty darn cute sir.  Daddy talks to you all the time, about all kinds of things and you stare and him carefully.  He loves you so much!

We text pictures to our extended family all the time, they love to see how you're growing.

• Your sleeping has become even more predictable and long.  You go to bed about 9:30pm (mostly because Mommy can't keep her eye's open much later than that!) and sleep until 4:30 or 5am and go back to sleep again.  Once in a while mommy brings you into bed to eat and snuggle and sleep until about 8:30 or 9am.  You enjoy snuggles in the morning.

Your face is quite expressive lately

• If we put blankie's or objects in your fists, you grasp them tight for a little while. In your room you coo and smile and talk while looking at the black framed mirror above your changing area for 10-20 minutes. It's your "happy place".
• You are a troooper -mommies little errand and outing buddy.  I just pack you up in your car seat and cover you in it and off we go.  You sleep, or just look around the whole time. You go to Bible studies, grocery/target shopping, well, pretty much anywhere.  And everywhere we go people stop and oogle over you- and I proudly let them.  We all think you're pretty handsome and cute!

Asher you have added so much joy to our family, and we are so thankful the Lord has given you to us. We sure are honored and pleased to love on you, pray for you, care for you, and kiss you up son. You're our answered prayer, and such a blessing to us.  We pray you will love Jesus at a very young age.

All our love always son.