an iowan thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year took us home to our families (both sides) in Iowa. It was so fun to have Asher spend time with all his cousins and extended family. Here are the highlights.

My sister Bridget's little boy, Landon, was in awe and quite curious of Asher.  He wanted to touch his hands and hair, and was very pleased when he did so. Here are some cute pictures of them together, giving loves.

Charlie, Asher and I stayed at my parents house this trip. It was fun to spend time with Grammy and Papa and the Aunties. On Thanksgiving morning Bridget and I and all of our boys ate breakfast while we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  (Bird and I have done this since we were little, and have been missing watching it together- although this year we seemed slightly preoccupied with our Little's). And you'll also spot Daddy, showing off Asher's tiny turkey bum.  :-) We spent Thanksgiving supper with the Bohlen side at Aunt Lynn's and Uncle Doug's, but I forgot to get my camera out... I know Auntie Sandy had her iPhone out snapping pictures, so Sandy if you're reading this, could you zip a few of those pics to me?! (or anyone else who was snapping) It was a nice night of food and games and family.

We headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's for Thanksgiving lunch.  Beverley put on quite the feast! (As she always does). I told her this year, I hope I never inherit her job, because I'd never be able to do as good of a job as she does filling our tummies with yumminess!

Uncle Andrew (Uncle the FoCack to Asher) came home, and was promptly bombarded with attention vying nieces and nephew's, and he was amazing- all day- every day.  Every little boy should have an Uncle FoCack I think.

Auntie Ruth and Uncle Andrew Morgan and their kids came from Atlanta too! We always enjoy seeing them, and I was wondering why I didn't have picture's of them- well it's because they're the photographers of the family and were always behind the camera.  But thanks to them we got some great family shots- as good as family shots with 5 kiddo's under 4 can get...

And speaking of kiddo's, the Caven's rounded out their family by adding precious little Henry (pictured with Asher and is the baby on the bottom row, second from right). He was only 4 days old when they arrived in Waterloo! It was so fun to spend time with him/them.  We were amazed at the difference just 6 weeks makes for tiny babies. 

But our baby has never been very tiny...

• 12.1.10-Little Buddy, when we went to the lactation consultant today (7 weeks, 3 days old) you weighed 13lbs 15.2 ounces! (nearly 14 pounds). She thought that was quite a bit to weigh for such a young man like yourself.  Mommy still needs to tame down the milk supply for you- before you completely ROLL off the charts.  While we were there, you smiled at a stranger for the first time.
• You are using your voice a lot now, especially in the morning, just about a coo-ing sound. So cute.

As much fun as it was to see everyone and have extra hands around, I must say- It's really good to be home again. I'm not sure why I find it slightly stressful still to get out and about and be around people much. Perhaps I'm not fully recovered yet.  Maybe it's leftover stress and anxiety from our past two years.  I haven't figured it out.  Poor Charlie has had to put up with me wanting to be at home most of the time. He's so gracious and patient, I know it's getting old for him. It is (I am) getting better though, slowly.  I want to get back to "my old self"- but I'm not sure I will ever be fully like my old self.  My life is now new, and different, and changed.  So I guess "new self" is better and for my good.  It's just taking some time to adjust and combine the two.

Hummm, wasn't planning on going there.  Oh well, you get what you get these days.

a super 7 weeks with our little man

Asher, you turned 7 weeks old on November 28th! Time has gone so fast, and yet slow (only during the fussy times) all at once.  We are so stunned lately at just how much and how fast you've changed. You're getting to be such a big boy, and like daddy says, that's a very good thing.  (But a little sad that our little man is growing so quickly, a common parenting dilemma I think).

Highlights from week six:

• Your Auntie Cal and Auntie Nan were still here at the beginning of your week six,  I call them your "Baby Fairie's"! The whole time you hardly got a cry in edgewise! 
• When Auntie Cal was vacuuming, you were sleeping on the couch sleeping, not bothered by the noise or commotion.  You're a sound sleeper baby boy.
• They were the first people to babysit you (besides daddy). They watched you while mommy went and got her nails and hair done.  It was really great, and you were very happy with them, they even fed you a bottle, and got you to take a passi a couple of times. (you don't usually take the passi very easily, but we're working on it).

Asher, these are your baby fairie's! -They love you bunches my dear.

• You're still a smile'n! Your eyes light up first and then a big grin. It's been tough to get the camera in hand when the happy mood strikes, but you have been giving a few smiles to daddy, mommy, Auntie's, & Grammy's daily since Nov 20.  It's been SO FUN!

Sorry these are so fuzzy, but it was a dark room, and I only had my iPhone with me...

• Around November 27 you have started to use your voice more. (Not just to cry). You are adding coo's in once in a while, mostly when you're agitated and talking... but today, Nov. 30, you were laying on your changing table looking at your mirror and you were just cooing and talking. Your voice is just precious Little Buddy! I hope that continues to become more frequent.
• In the evenings (like 5:30-9:45pm) this week especially, you seemed to be a little more fussy and grumpy. We're not real sure as to why. But you're still sleeping really well, going to bed at 10-ish, only getting up once around 4:30 to eat, sometimes sleeping until 9 or 10am! -We like that a lot!
• You're still LOVING your bath time and the water, you don't cry much when you get out anymore. The whole thing is fun for you now.  Mommy and Daddy love to kiss up on your fresh and clean, soft little baby skin.
• According to Grandma's home scale this past week- you were weighing nearly 14lbs! You grow ever more handsome son!
• We had a little open house/shower for you in Waterloo Wednesday. It was so fun to have you meet many friends and family who are very special to mommy and daddy. They also prayed a lot for you while you were growing inside me. 

Fun during your sixth week

• This past week was also Thanksgiving, it was a big week for you in Waterloo Iowa. (Mommy will write a post about our trip after this).  We went to Waterloo, and you got to meet your new baby cousin, Henry Xavier Caven; he was born on Sunday November 21. You guys are exactly 6 weeks apart. We stayed at Grammy and Pappa's and you got to play with cousin Landon and your older Caven cousin's thought you were pretty cute and were always kissing you up. 
• The last three days or so it seems like your tummy has really been hurting.  We're not sure why or how to help.  And you're having a tougher time nursing.  You're tummy gurgles and your kinda gag and spit-up a lot. Daddy and Mommy hope that all gets better soon. (Daddy bought you some gripe water to try, and it seems to make it a little better). Yesterday and today you've been sleeping a TON. Maybe it's just a growth spurt.  
• You like to grasp our fingers tightly. -Especially when you nurse. 
• When you're awake, you're very alert, taking in everything that's around you. We talk to you and sing while you look around.  
• You really like being in the ergo and the sling while mommy does stuff around the house. You seem very happy to be home from vacation and at ease and relaxed.

This is how big you've grown!

In other news, Charlie is loving his new job at Prime Therapeutics.  The people he works with have created an atmosphere of collegiality, which Charlie enjoys a lot. He's really enjoying fatherhood, and is very loving and attentive to me and his little "Baby Bluvo".  I'm enjoying being a mom, trying to figure out a good daytime schedule, since our nights are more predictable now. I'm feeling much more like myself again. It's time to start cooking suppers again, it's been so nice to have friends take care of our meals until right before Thanksgiving! Thank you guys! 

Winter has come early in the north. About three weeks ago we got 10" of snow and it stuck around, melting a little. And then we've had bouts of ice and rain, and today, snow again. I think it'll be along cold winter around here.  That gives us lots of extra snuggle time together!

not a lone tree

Something I have learned during pregnancy and motherhood thus far:  I am not a lone tree.

While Asher was growing inside, there were many opportunities for my questions to arise.  Multiple times veteran mommies came to my aid.  -Anything from weird queasiness, and birth plans- to what should I use to catch my babies poop (cloth diapers, ec-ing, etc) and what I can use to make his clothes fit longer (...onsie extender snaps, btw).  Also got tips on good books to read, how to make baby food, and advice on how to get through breastfeeding successfully. Among MANY other topics. 

All I've had to do is post anything from one little sentence on facebook (which could gather upwards of 30 responses of loving, caring, experienced moms with 1-7 Littles), to texting dear friends late in the evening (who immediately respond with what's worked for them and their baby). Or my mom, charlie's mom or our sisters are always there with a wealth of wisdom and lots of love.  My dear husband Charlie, there with an outside (often clearer) perspective and fresh viewpoint for loving encouragement or a strong pair of arms to take over when I grow weary.

I am not alone in this mothering venture. (and we are not alone in our parenting journey).

I'm so thankful for the depth of resources and friends available to help me through. But most of all I'm thankful that as I sit nursing by the nightlight, in the darkness in Asher's room in the middle of the night, (or any other time) I can talk to my Father, Creator, Wisdom and Knowledge and Understanding Himself.  He is faithful to give mercy and grace for each moment and each trauma/problem/query/drama I encounter as a mommy. I wouldn't survive without Him by my side and as my Lord.

Thank you Lord for bringing me/us this far and for Your promises to keep leading and loving. 

Thank you friends for caring and offering advice on what has been working for your families.

Thank you family for being there for us, whether a phone call or short drive away always available to love and help.

What sweet treasures I have around me.

6 whole weeks Little Mister Asher!

Six week highlights:

• Saturday, November 20, 2010 you smiled deliberately at mommy.  We were in your room, just after you ate breakfast.  I was talking/cooing to you because you were so alert and three separate times you smiled right at me.  :-)  Your little eyes lit up and everything.  It was absolutely adorable.  Later that day daddy and I were talking to you and you used your voice a little, and then smiled a few times right at daddy.  -We melted, just like everyone says we would.  
• Friday we went to a lactation consultant. (at 5 weeks, 5 days you weighed 13.6 lbs) Found out mommy was making plenty of (too much) milk for you (to handle).  So we learned a few tricks and it seems to have helped, 'cuz already we've noticed a difference, especially at night- Sat. and Sun you went to bed at 10pm & only got up at 3am to eat & went right back to sleep until 7:15 or so.  - We are SO very pleased about this development!
• Daddy mentioned just this morning how you seem much more mature this weekend that last. We can tell when you're uncomfortable and something is hurting (like you need to burp, etc). You're alert a little more often. Something about you just seems a little older.  
• You still grunt- nearly all the time. 
• Your rolls are ever expanding. You're getting rubber-band wrists. At the Dr. on Friday you weighed 13.6 lbs!!! Our little chuncka-lunck. You're so very kissable!
• Your Auntie Anna and Auntie Cally came on Thursday and are staying until Tuesday when we go home to Waterloo for Thanksgiving. They've been playing with you, cuddling you, comforting you.  And helping out around the house a TON! It's awesome to have them here. 
• You've found your hands in just the last few days and you study them, and you munch on them and suck on them. (it's pretty cute to watch).  ;-)

You were looking especially dapper the other day in your plaid pants and b-bop hat.

Little Buddy, you're the bestest little present that's ever been under our Christmas tree! We are so thankful for you with each passing day.  

Fun to have around- indeed!

Just now while I'm writing this post, you've been sleeping on your daddy's chest (you love listening to the heart beat and listen to our breathing). And he's holding you looking at the Christmas tree, and you smiled write at him while he was asking you to smile.  Baby he loves you so much. WE love you so much Honey!!!

5 week Asher

Asher, On your fifth week birthday, Auntie Anna and Uncle Paul came to visit.  They arrived just before we got a giant snow storm- which kept us all snowed in and cuddled up the whole weekend.  We got about 10 inches of snow, and it was only November 13-14! (That's an early storm for even Minnesota!) You didn't mind at all, more time for all of us to hug and hold you my little tiny sugar muffin.

You also started to smile quite a bit- in your sleep... We can't wait to have you smile in response to us. But we LOVE the smiles any way they come! You still spend most of the time sleeping, and from the look of things(your cheeks and tummy) it's not cutting in on your eating or growth in any way.  ;-)  You're chub'n up! You seem to do this (cute) little thing with your tongue when you're mad or frustrated with us, it sort of sticks out and hits your top gum and sounds like "p-th-d-d-d-d-d-d-d" and then a tiny whiny voice. It's pretty funny, sorry mommy laughs at you...

Little Mr. Asher is one month

Well my dearest bloggy friends/readers thank you for putting up with all my recent writing laziness and all the photo's of my (adorable) son.  Nearly all of our family lives out of town and so this is for the Grammy's and Aunties, etc... We don't want them to fall behind.  ;-) 

November 10, 2010

Asher, you are one month old today. This month has gone really fast. We're most stunned at how much you have grown in just a short amount of time.  Someone asked me a few days ago what we know about you so far; it's a good question, worth answering.

You are a content little baby. (EXCEPT when your diaper is dirty, you're hungry, or you need to burp-which daddy can remedy ultra fast!) You haven't truly smiled yet- like on purpose, or in response to us.  Bath time is a favorite of yours, you seem to find the warm water and sounds very soothing.  (I'm happy you seem to be a "water baby").  We know in the morning (or in the early evening) you impossible to wake.  We try to be very gentle and wake you like we would want to be woke- gentle nature sounds, then a dim light, then talking, then windows/light... But it takes you a while to be fully awake, and normally you're not fully awake until after a diaper change.

Little one, you grunt ALL the time, usually for no reason. And you also make this sound that makes daddy say you sound like his little velociraptor dinosaur. (It's true).  You also, just today, have made a few noises with only your voice, very small cooing sounds- we love to hear your little voice.  And when you eat, especially when your concentrating hard on only that, you 'sing/coo' between every suck.  You sound quite happy. When you're not happy, you now have tiny little tears when you cry. 

You love the Ergo carrier (thank you to all of you who encouraged me to get one right away, and to Aunty Mandy for getting it for us). On your one month birthday you and mommy enjoyed a 20 minute walk in the warm weather, and you fell asleep in it while we walked.  We're trying to figure out what your day looks like, when you normally sleep and eat, etc. You still mostly just sleep, but we've noticed you're awake a little more.

Asher, we're excited to get to know you better with each new day.  we daily pray that God would call you to Himself, and that you will see your need for Him at a very early age.

We love you more than yesterday!! 

Hugs and kisses, mommy and daddy

4th week birthday activities

Hi it's me, Little Mr. Asher.  This was me on my fourth week of life on the outside with my new parents. I thought you may wanna see some pictures of what I did that day.

If you think I'm looking a little chunky, it's cuz I AM!

Sleeping is still my most favorite activity so far.

But Mommy and Daddy still bundle me and we all do things together...

Like this, we took a walk on my 4 week birthday...

Daddy pushed me in my new stroller.

It's been really nice outside, so I've got to be out there more, I like it.  -But I still mostly sleep there too.

Today (Tuesday) I helped mommy put up Christmas lights outside.

But it was a lot of work, I had to rest.

I like 70 degree fall days I decided.

Peace out everybody!

stunning 3-yr-old ability!

I don't usually forward you to other people's blogs, but this is one you'll wanna take the time to check out... all the way to the finally. -this kid made me laugh and my jaw hang open.  Nose wiping and all.

http://twentytwowords.com/2010/11/09/3-year-old-passionately-conducting-a-symphony/
(22 words blog often has really unique and interesting stuff on it).

or you can watch it here:

people know my daddy well

3 weeks of picture highlights

Week 1

Week 2

Week 2 Bath time

Our squeaky clean little stud

Week 3

Week 3

very sad baby week 3

still so sad

hanging out in all my cuteness

Just rolled over

holding his head up (although in this picture it's not really high)

the 'document' of Asher's time with us so far

Here are some details from the last 3 weeks that I've been trying to write and post for two weeks now... it's a lot; and mostly for my own sake, I have a bad memory for things like this.  But feel free to read if you wish.  ;-)


Sunday (10.10.10)

You were born on a beautiful, fall, Sunday morning Little One.  It was sunny and warm.  I went into labor at 11pm the Saturday night before, you were born Sunday at 3:45am.  You could've been born around 1:45am because I was already dilated to a 8 or 9, but I opted to get an epidural and that slowed the process down a tad -but not much, you still debuted into this world just 2 hours later, you were really wanting to come out.  So labor was fast and intense, but not so bad. Once my body was ready to give birth there was no stopping my incompetent cervix. (You came so fast, it caused a 3rd degree tear, it would take more than three weeks for mommy to feel half way normal again). You came out just screaming- I mean before your feet even made it out you were squeaking! This was a wonderful and musical noise to your Daddy and I's ears; we've waited a very long time to meet you and hold you and love you.  There were three other nurses, doctor P, our doula Sara, Daddy and I in the room. Baby Asher, you made us smile and get misty eyed right away, we were in awe of getting to hold you, our little miracle we prayed for for so long. All of your APGAR  scores came back great (8's I think). Your eyes were wide open, taking in all this new light and noise. You ate right away for a good 40-ish minutes. Aunty Anne came to Abbott right away to meet you, with a smile and joyful tears, she prayed with us about you before you were even conceived. Mommy then had a vasovagal episode, and that was a little bit scary- Anne held you while Daddy and several nurses were caring for me-trying to get me conscious. Things settled down and about 8am Daddy gave you your first bath. -You didn't like being naked much. Then we spent the morning holding and cooing over your adorableness.  Daddy headed home to catch a quick nap and a shower and mommy and you rested.  Later Grammy and Papa Reed and Aunty's Cally and Anna came to meet you for a few hours and then Aunty Andrea and Alex stopped by quick too.   It took a little while to finalize your name. But that night we decided you were definitely Asher Clark. Grandma and Grandpa Johnson came briefly that evening to meet you; then daddy took them home to sleep. You continued to eat really well and snuggled by mommy until about 12:30am and went off to the nursery for 5 hours -where you continued to sleep like a big boy! The nurse said your were the best baby in there! :-)  

Monday (10.11)
You and I snuggled in bed all morning until Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa Johnson came back.  They loved holding you precious boy! You had a few more visitors who were excited to meet you that day. Mommy was having a rough time recovering and took everything super slow. It was really nice to be in the hospital and have them cater to our every need. You continued to eat well. You began to have your bilirubin levels checked. They were in the medium category, on the slightly high end. Nothing to worry about just watch. We sent out your birth announcement e-mail to many friend and family who had prayed for you for a very long time.  That evening you watched part of your first Vikings game with Daddy. Baby Asher, he adores you! We adore you. That night was equally as good as the first. And so many friends and family who prayed for you so faithfully before you were even conceived, or born, left their well wishes and congratulations on your birth.  Son, your are SO loved, cared for, and prayed for by SO MANY!

Tuesday (10.12)
We took our time getting ready that morning. After another biliruben test, the pediatrician decided to send us home with you on a bili light for a few days. -We kept you on it as much as possible through that Saturday. -You didn't like it much, it was rather uncomfortable.  Anyway, we checked out of the hospital after lunch (Daddy had one more meal from the McDonald's at the hospital). It was windy, but sunny that fall day. We headed home with your tiny little self in the (what looked like) huge infant car seat.  Just the week before you were born we bought a Morono, it's a taller vehicle to lug your car seat in and out of- and it worked out beautifully with you in it, completing our tiny new Johnson family.  The remainder of your day was spent quietly at home with mommy and daddy.  Right when we got home daddy walked you into each room of our home and told you what it was, and what we do there.  You seemed at ease in your new home right away. You also liked to have the ambient spa radio playing, you'd relax right away. That night you had to be on your billi light (you'd be on it until Saturday), and you didn't like it much.  So mommy slept beside you your first night home, so that when you woke (since we couldn't swaddle you) I could comfort you. It worked out pretty well, and Daddy got to get some good sleep in. It was so good to be home all together!

Wednesday (10.13)
It proved to be an eventful day (but not until MUCH later).  During the day we just took care of adding you insurance, running your to get blood tests, and cuddling you. Auntie Andrea stopped by to visit you.  It was a nice first day home. Gorgeous outside and quite relaxing.  We all went to bed early and you were asleep around 9:30pm.  At about 11:30 your woke to eat again. You always have (and continue to) eat really well, you suck fast and hard and then we change you and you go back to sleep.  I fed you and got up to lay you down to sleep again.  When I walked out of your room, I promptly had to go into the bathroom where there was tile flooring, because large amounts of blood started to pool at my feet, along with a lemon size clot. I yelled for daddy, who came right away; he started to get you in your car seat (I hadn't got to put you in your little swaddler, because you were on your billi light, so you were in only a diaper! I called my OB Dr. who advised us to go to the ER right away.  Asher you were so good, you just slept the whole time, before leaving we called Auntie Anne and she was up and ready to meet us at the ER to hold and care for you while daddy took care of me, she also got you a bottle and blankets, she loves you so much.  The whole way there- and it should normally take us about 35 minutes- we prayed and cried out to Jesus, asking for it to be nothing serious, for me to stay conscious, for safety... All of these prayers were answered. (especially the safety, because daddy got us to the ER in 13 minutes flat!!! he may have been going a tad fast, yes, even with you in the car.  Lets just say you've traveled at speeds of over 110mph- praise the Lord it was the middle of the night!) After more clots, ultrasound tests, observation, and some meds to make my blood vessels constrict it was decided that it may have been just left over placenta that the clots formed around and blood pooled behind. So we headed home about 5:15am to try to sleep some.

The Rest (10.14-10.16)
Thursday it was just our family, we stayed home and rested as much as possible, after two sleepless nights in one week, we were exhausted.  It was daddy's last day home, so he held you and talked to you a lot, and gave me time to take baths, etc.  Grandma Johnson came up Thursday and Friday to help cook and take care of you and mommy. Friday you had more blood draws for your billi ruben and you had your circumcision done.  Daddy came from work and went with you, and you were a trooper, you did better than mommy- who bawled the whole time in the room waiting for you.  That night Auntie Bridget came for the weekend.  She slept next to you the whole night, comforted you on your light, and changed you and brought you to me when you needed to eat. this was the best gift and act of selflessness ever. It allowed us to get in some good solid rest! Saturday Bird wheeled me around Babies R Us to get some last minute things for you I didn't have.  And then Annette Pare came over and took newborn photo's of you.  They were precious, I'm so thankful to have them.  Sunday we ventured to the pumpkin patch for 15 minutes so Auntie Bird could take our first family photo's.  It was chilly so we didn't stay out long, but you were SURE CUTE!  Daddy and I had dreamt of taking you to the pumpkin patch when you were born, and it was surreal to hold you and actually be DOING IT! WOW!  God has been so good us!

Weeks 1-3 Highlights
Week 1 (10.17-10.23)

• Tuesday-Saturday Grammy Reed and Auntie Anna came to stay with us and help around the house and cuddle you. It was wonderful to have them here!
• Daddy went back to work- for the full week
• You continue to nurse really well 
• When we give you tummy time of have you on our shoulder, you hold your head up so high and for a long time. It's rather impressive for such a young little guy!
• You've drank occasional bottles of mommies milk, and you do great with them!
• You like bath time, you just look around while mommy washes you.
• You like to sleep with your 'sleep sheep' set to rain, just like your daddy does.

Week 2 (10.24-10.30)

• 10.25 You rolled from your tummy to your back while you were doing "tummy time"! 
• 10.25 you weighed 9.3lbs when we went to the Dr.
• You don't cry as much when we change your diaper, and you love to look at the black mirror hanging above the changing area.
• You started making grunting noises all the time (and still do), and you're not upset.
• You no longer fit into the little grey "l'oved baby" outfit you came home from the hospital in.  
• Tuesday and Wednesday we had record low pressure for the continental US right here in MN! And the winds were up to 60mph!  It was CRAZY! You didn't mind.
• We went our first adventure together in the wind, Target! Whoo-hoo! You did great until we got to the check out and decided mommy had taken long enough.  You were excited to get home and eat.
• 10.29-10.31 You went on your first road trip! We headed to Waterloo, IA to visit family. You do really well in the car, on the way there I only stopped one time to feed and change you and on the way home no stops at all! You like your car seat. We hadn't been to IA since May. Auntie Elizabeth and all your cousins- Elliott, Emma and Isa were so happy to meet you Little One.  Then on Saturday you got to meet your other cousin Landon, Auntie Bird and Anna, Daddy and I took you two trick or treating to all the relatives houses.  Landon was a monkey and you were a little banana, it was a cute little sight! And All the Great Grandparents and Great Aunties and Uncles were very pleased to meet you.
• You out grew your newborn size pampers diapers, this made mommy nostalgically sad.
• When Daddy gets home from work he can't wait to kiss you and talk to you.  His job lately has been to get you wake up and stay awake for the evening, because you sleep ALL the time- during the day, all night.  You must be growing like crazy kiddo! Your daddy and mommy love you very much and enjoy just being with you.
• On 10.30 you weighed 10.2lbs! - that's a lot of weight gain buddy, and it's starting to show a lot of your face, neck and arms.
• Baby, you are SO adorable! People stop us everywhere we go and say you're just a gorgeous "gerber" baby.  We so think so, but we're the parents.

Week 3 (10.31-11.6)

• You've rolled over twice more from tummy to your back, so I know it's not a mistake! Boy, you're so strong!
• You've started to notice when your diaper is wet or dirty, and when we change it you seem more relaxed.
• We've noticed that you look visibly chunkier even since this weekend.
• You're still sleeping a whole lot. -if I had to guess I'd imagine you're up for only 1.5-2 hours the whole day! It always worries me that you won't sleep the whole night, but you always do. Waking only to eat 2-3 times. (you're still a super fast eater too). Although the past couple of days you've been wanting to eat very 2.5 hours around the clock, you must have a hole in your tummy!
• Since last week you get really strong hiccups after you eat, nearly every time, we feel so bad for you little man. You still nurse really well, and really fast! And while you eat, this week you use your voice with each suck, like a singing humming sound. So cute. (and noisy).
• Just this week you've become more aware of your surroundings and have spent some more time awake during the day. And have begun to really study our faces.
• Daddy noticed that lately if you're fussing you quiet right down when he picks you up and snuggles you.
• 11.3 You had the tiniest little tear in your eye when you cried today.
• You still have all that gorgeous hair you were born with! And your eyelashes look like they'll be long and blond like your daddy's!
• 11.4 You had your first visit to the chiropractor, and he just made a few small adjustments, with hopes it may help your little digestive issues.  
• During the day you don't nap in your bed, just wherever we put you. I even vacuumed one day, it didn't seem to bother you.

Baby Asher, we love you. Time is going fast, we're trying to soak up every second with little you! We thank God for you, our precious gift!

trick or treat (a little late)

 We were in Waterloo halloween weekend, so cousin Landon (i.e.: the cute little bouncing chunky monkey) and Asher (i.e.: the darling tiny banana, who looks disinterested) dressed up and made the rounds to great grandparents and great auntie's and uncles. They were a hit!

Our little boy is still short and very sweet, but he's already getting big. We can't believe how much he's grown even in the past 5 days!