Manda and Charlie

alone time

2011-11-16T17:34:00.001-06:00

Asher- You're amazing. This week you've been playing in your room all alone or in the pack 'n play in the living room for literally hours on end. Like right now you've been playing with a few toys and flipping through books in the living room quietly talking to yourself. This has afforded mommy some much needed time to catch up on your baby book blogging. I'm so thankful you enjoy looking at and reading books. And that you know how to play by yourself so well. Actually mommy could probably stand to spend more time interacting/playing/teaching you a little more these days. You're growing up so fast!

SO- expect some of my blog abandonment issues to get resolved soon!

You zoned our for a sec while eating, so cute.

Also, this week you have turned a communication corner...a funny example:
-Last week Daddy and I were teaching how to use the hair brush, and you got it right away. Brushing the top and back of your head with the soft bristles. We would say "Oh SO HANDSOME", "good job", etc to you. Flash back to two nights ago... Mommy and Daddy were talking in the kitchen while you ate supper and somehow it came up in conversation for Daddy to throw in a "SO HANDSOME" about something not related to you and when he said it you instantly got your little food/goo coated patties up and started stroking the sides and back of your head. It was absolutely adorable, funny and messy. We were shocked you had remembered and did it without prompting! LOL!

-Yesterday, after months of trying to show you how to sign please and more, you just magically started signing please. Perhaps it had to do with the fact you never get sweets and mommy had shared a nibble of a rice krispie treat you thought was super yummy and wanted more. Cuz I asked you just once, "Show mommy more-please" and wha-lah- you did it! It so great to know you are actually understanding what we're saying buddy!

-You consistently say "HI" when you notice us walk into a room, or return home. You get SUPER excited if one or both of us have left you with a babysitter or friend and return home -you greet us with an elated, happy, delighted smile, squeals and laughs. You do that at the church nursery too. (♥) You have never cried when we leave you and from all reports we've gotten have not cried about us being gone either. You're just a happy and content little man. Thanks buddy. It makes our life easier.

-There are a multitude of other words you say and VERY notable highlights as of late. They're coming soon~

::: stay tuned :::

2011-10-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

HI.
I exist. Asher is thriving. Charlie is swell.
Pictures have kept getting snapped. Memories keep happening. Events take place. months just keep rolling on.

I have failed to blog. I want to. I will. I just haven't made time. I am a little frustrated with how blogger interacts with photos right now- so that's been my major delay. Not a lack of things to right about.

please stay tuned.

a('s) nursery

2011-08-25T19:50:00.002-05:00

So, although it needs some tweaking (gotta fix the curtains, and arrange the dresser top, and find a small reading chair for Asher, and a sling book shelf) his nursery was finished last month.

I can't believe I let it slide until he was nine months old! I was in no hurry. (Honestly, I was a little too timid during pregnancy to decorate a whole room, because I had "just in case" syndrome- and not in a good way). The first several months he wouldn't have noticed anyway. No biggy. The only reason I would now recommend new moms to have the nursery completed before baby comes is this: the new little one creates all kinds of reasons to "do it later" or "maybe I'll finish it when dad comes home or grandma comes to visit". E-hem. It doesn't happen. Just do it before the little love child arrives and be done. lesson learned. oh well.

These are some snap shots from this morning.

Asher seems to enjoy his new room!

He likes it so much he could (does) eat it!

Any thoughts on preventing this?... some sort of bumper?

I painted white stripes on the wall. Love'n FROG tape!

We went with a burnt orange/red accent color.

The sling bookshelf will sit under the pictures. When I order it.

Asher enjoys looking at and talking to himself in the mirror, so I put one at his level.

the play box

2011-08-21T11:11:00.002-05:00

All the toys in the sink

A few weeks ago I bleached/cleaned every single last one of Asher's toys. (Yes I'm a little bit of a clean freak- but only about "sick" germs -vrs dirt, grass, etc) Anyway, this is beside the point. I must say that I was pretty pleased to discover that ALL of them -pictured above- fit into one side of the sink!

Why am I so pleased?
Because it's my goal to not smother him with toys. I want to give him room to be creative with what he has. -Not that we will deprive him of toys, but we will limit the amount of them. He so happily entertains his own little babyness for nearly 45 minutes at a time, give or take. He will play with or chew a couple of toys, then crawl around and stand and walk from thing to thing. -Usually talking or yelling rather LOUDLY. (man boys are SO much louder than girls)!

We keep one small basket downstairs of little things for him to play with; and he's more interested in climbing, crawling, or trying to get the remote controls. (how do they always know that the one you gave them is the play one, even if it used to be the "real" one)?!

Upstairs we have a little toy bin next to the chair, and he enjoys taking all the toys out, plays a bit and then moves on to other things around the room.

Checking out one toy at a time

The cupboards are filled with "toys"

Asher loves playing in the kitchen while I work. Things like bowls, spoons, pots, empty jugs, etc are among his favorite forms of entertainment. Chewing, banging, rolling, unloading... I love that he doesn't have to have toys to be play/learning.

He is fascinated with babies. He squeals with delight at the
sight of them, wants to kiss them, and touch them.

He likes books. I've hit several garage sales this summer and expanded his book collection. I highly recommend this form of purchasing books. I want him to be around books from a very young age, and I don't want to have to take them away from him because after he was done looking at (or kissing, as pictured above) the pictures he decided to gum a page or two. At .25 or .50 cents I'm ok with it. We read while he plays sometimes too. I want him to love books, and to always have access to them.

Imagination development is an essential quality that often gets stifled by stuff in todays culture.
My theory (so far) is buy a few high quality things and let him loose, to learn to play and entertain and learn on his own. For gifts we hope to give him things like music classes, or swim lessons, or tumbling classes, or books rather than stacks of nearly unused toys in every room.

We'll see how long this theory lasts.
What's your theory or thoughts?

my lovelies and littles

2011-07-28T21:41:00.003-05:00

This week has been just like "July in Minnesota is supposed to be". Or so the radio announcers said today. Supposed to be or not- I agree with this lovely less humid, yet hot weather. It promotes fun days with my dearest friends, at local parks, nestled by lakes, grassy hills, sun-kissed cheeks, laughter, hugs, and bonding. -Did I mention I LOVE SUMMER!!!?!

Anne, Jaime, Andrea & Erica w/the littles

See that tiny Little Hat-Covered Dot head'n for the hills? (or rather, truck'n down the hill and toward bath house...). That would be my child. No second look back, no 'mom, is this ok?' look, only one small break to look about and make sure he was on HIS track...Yup....dooo-ti-deety-ti-doo-doo. He was on his own little adventure, until I retrieved him. Which apparently wasn't entirely disagreeable either; -judging from his high-in-the-air tossed giggles and kissed up, smiling cheeks.

My Lovelies.

This happened to be Erica's last picnic with us before they enter the next chapter of the lives in a different state. I (we) will miss this woman of god and her humble depth, inner joy and peace, and real transparency. HUGS TO YOU ERICA! Fare better than well!

it is ok to break

2011-07-25T17:08:00.002-05:00

I was talking to another mom and she was saying how she feels guilty sometimes about how much she looks forward to nap time and bed time. ...she felt like she should love every second of this tough job of mothering.

Well, I say IT IS OK to look forward to these breaks of sleeping littles. (I mean for one, obviously, babies HAVE to have it, they do a lot of learning and growing during that time). But aside from the practical aspects, it's good to have time to yourself away from your sweeties. To do things you need to do, or things you enjoyed before baby, keep growing your own person. (Even if that means a magazine, facebook, devo's or a nap). Everybody is happier that way. Days at home as a mommy can get super long.

And to further the point, I for one, feel like a few times a week 30 minutes of video time isn't gonna kill off brain cells. And if it gives me time to recollect myself and my frazzled emotions if a certain little one has been (GASP!)--crazy cranky- it's a must.

EXHIBIT #1:

he was a near napless wonder that day

Just breathe.

Pray.

Walk away. (they'll live).

Collect yourself.

Find yourself.

You (we'll) be better mommy's for it.

Start again.

"IMHO"

caven cousins and auntie visit

2011-07-25T10:28:00.001-05:00

Auntie Liz visited for a quick overnight and morning visit this weekend. The love, fun, excitement, and entertainment she brought with her (that is: Elliot, Emma, Isa and Henry) are always fun for us (and Asher LOVED playing with and watching them). We had late night showers, a pancake picnic, did a little catch in the yard, mini walks, movies, and stair climbing (by Asher and Henry). Fun, fun, fun.

Happy we get to see you guys again soon!

he climbs

2011-07-23T15:05:00.001-05:00

After maneuvering himself into a stand on the first stair, Asher decided he could go ahead and climb the stairs by himself today. (stairs in the literal sense, meaning TWO whole stairs all by himself). OH BOY! He can also crawl over us, over large objects, and can prop himself to standing most anywhere.

Little Mr. Asher is quite pleased with his accomplishment

It still takes him a while to get up (that won't last long, I'm sure)

He does a lot of concentrating

He still would prefer to go up "like a big boy" -one foot on each step up, half flying up the stairs.

he stands

2011-07-20T15:51:00.001-05:00

The Little Whipper Snapper added standing on his own to his quickly expanding repertoire. Like crawled over and wriggled right up. He was SO proud of himself. (wrinkled his nose, smiling, and snuffing in and out really fast).

I grabbed my phone and snapped fast, but this is today!

Last Monday (7-12), I walked into his room after naps and he was standing in his crib... but he didn't do it again after that. So I don't know if it counts for real. Since then we've done lots of practice walking and helping him get into a standing position.

Today he's decided to stand several times alone, the railings are his favorite place to do it.

Good work Asher!

what on earth

2011-07-20T15:19:00.000-05:00

my elbow

This little dandy started to show up on Sunday night and with each day has gotten more and more colorful, and less painful.

Weird part... I have absolutely NO idea what I banged it on. But the battle mark was impressive.
How is that possible?!

9 month Asher

2011-07-10T10:38:00.210-05:00

Happy NINE whole months Asher Clark

Nine Month Well-check Stat's:

You still weigh 24 lbs 9 oz (90-97%) Your weight has evened out for a few months now.
You're 30.25" (97%)
Your head measures 18.5" (90%)
Dr. M says you're a robust, healthy, nine month old, developing perfectly!
Size 4 diaper still, and we've found the night time pampers work great for keeping you dry.
You are in 12-18 month size clothes (a lot of that reason is for the torso length), but your tummy is more comfy in 12-18 too.
You still take 2 solid naps a day and go to bed about 7pm, getting up about 7am.
You nurse around 6-7 times a day.

This month Asher was far too busy to sit or lay still for pictures.
These are the best we could do with his busy boy self...and per usual White Bear sat perfectly for us in every shot. Go figure.

Mommy caved for a bit and plugged you in to your video, to take a break from the picture taking.

Month 8, week 1
Sometimes you grab toys and roll around the room with them; you are now capable of making a mess when you play. I have to pick up the toys and books you've strewn about.
People are always commenting about your big beautiful eyes.
6.11 -You got your first boo-boo on a pokey, sharp edge of the chair, and scraped your forehead. It was gone in a few days.
Baby Boy, you LOVE to be naked!
6.15 -Today we practiced standing a lot. You enjoy holding onto the railing all by yourself and talking and looking around, still a little wobbly though.
When you're sitting in your bumbo on the table you try to grab at the plant leaves and anything else near you.
You are kind of over your jumperoo. But you'll still play in your exersaucer.

Month 8, week 2
You drink really well out of a straw cup. It seems to be your preferred way to drink.
6.19 -After you're in the hands/knees position, you pike your little tush up in the air (like a downward dog yoga pose) and hold there as long as you can then LURCH forward. Often landing on your face- ouch. But you know you can move yourself forward by doing this. (the inchworm on steroids)!

6.20 - You scootched over to your little toy box and pulled what you could out of it and played. You still play by yourself for 10-50 minutes at a time; happily.

6.21 -Mommy sat you beside your toy/book box today and you pulled books out and looked at them. You had the spread out all around you. You were screeching with delight. Pausing every now and then to loudly and decisively "read" by saying "Dadadaadaaa dada da!" "Ppppthhhth". You seemed to know what you were talking about. It was super cute buddy.

6.21 -You are starting to move each leg individually, but not crawling. When you're all tush-piked up you move one foot a little ways forward. You have learned to not lurch forward onto your face and instead, body surf forward. You seem very proud of yourself and push your shoulders, neck and head as far back as you can, over and over while smiling. (looks like sun salute yoga pose, fast, over and over).

6.22 -You ate your first cheerio! You liked it. And you can now hold your straw sippy cup on your own. you love straws!

You love white bear!

Month 8, week 3
All month your two teeth on either side of your top two front teeth keep moving down, get close to popping through and then go back up. It like teething but without end or reward. Not fun, poor little guy.

This was a rough week. We got out exterior house panted, and it was pretty loud. So your naps were a short and that messed you up. But you did practice sleeping in different places (the basement, the closet, the car, etc). We made it! It was also a REALLY hot week. You liked to sit in your bumbo and watch the guys work out the window, you seemed very interested in what they were doing.
6.27 -You are in LOVE with your white bear we use for your monthly pictures. When you play with him and munch on him you squeal and laugh with delight. Maybe because he's soft and as big as you.
6.29 -We enjoyed going swimming with friends at the Maple Grove pool. You are still too fascinated by the kids and splashing around you to do much on your own. BUT you do sleep SUPER well/long on swimming days!
You love to feed yourself by grabbing with your fist and stuffing what doesn't fall into your open mouth (mostly cheerio's).
When you're in your car seat and stroller you like to sit up as straight as you can and hold on to the sides; it sorta looks like you're trying to drive.

HE STANDS!!!

Month 8, week 4 -sheuwww, what a big week!
Still no front, top, side teeth. They got really close this week though.
7.1 -You sat up on your own. You speedily crawled to Daddy's guitar and when you got there you pushed yourself right into a sitting position. And now you crawl and sit and play all the time.
7.1 -Grammy and Papa came to visit for the weekend. Aunty Bridge, Uncle Zach and Landon were in town too; so we all got together for a 4th of July weekend picnic by the lake. It was a gorgeous day, and we all had fun together.
7.3 -So close to crawling, a little wobbly, but doing it.
7.3 -Our little family went to the Wayzata beach on Lake Minnetonka. You played happily under the big sports umbrella and daddy took you in the water a few times. The waves seemed to make you a little uncomfortable. but you liked the sand. Later we all met our small group for a picnic supper.
7.4 -You celebrated the Fourth of July by CRAWLING! -For real- coordinated, knee-hand-knee-hand. Now no object is safe from your reach.
The above mentioned accomplishment changed mommies WHOLE week. Wait, probably my whole life. You are incredibly fast and move from room to room following us around. We can't leave you unattended for very long, and have to block the stairs too. Busy busy busy tiny Schmuv's.
7.4 -Mommy painted white stripes on your bedroom wall. I still have not got your nursery finished- I need to hang pictures. You'd think I'd have this done nine months in!? nope.
7.5 -You decided that you also wanted to practice walking while holding hands. This was easy for you to learn. And you whip one foot right in front of the other, you can move slow or fast and it is your preferred mode of getting around- but not great on mommies back. You want to practice all the time.
7.6 -To add to your new talents list, you thought it'd be fun to stand on your own today. yeah. this is too many new things all at once honey. Just stop. I want to bottle all your littleness up and enjoy it. The days go by so fast, and each one holds so many wonderful, sweet, treasured, kissable memories! Man, we love you Little Mr. Asher!
At some point this week you started snuffing air in and out of your nose really fast. You especially do it when you're really pleased about something. Even while you're nursing! Also when you're proud of yourself for doing something (like climbing, or walking or sitting up).
You feed yourself cantaloupe chunks. And you love it when I give you a slice of apple in your food net to chomp on.
For breakfast you enjoy rice crispy's, applesauce with oats mixed in, sometimes some yogurt too.
7.7 -Yet another thing. Stair climbing. Ok- not really really, but you did make it up one stair today. You are interested in trying to pull yourself up onto different things, and try to stand.
You helped mommy with laundry- and everything else today. So busy.
7.7 -We were out shopping and apparently you decided you were more than done and ready to go home. Had you strapped in your stroller while we were there and got you out to hold you for a second for a break. Sat you back down in the stroller and you promptly arched your back and slid out, flinging forward and really bonking your little head into a clothes rack. You were very very sad. And it left you with quite the bruise. We've been trying to teach you not to arch your back little buddy, in hopes of preventing things like this. But you recovered and as soon as the bruise goes away, you'll be no worse for the wear.
7.8 -We hung out in the back yard for a while this afternoon. You really enjoy being outside.

About you Asher Clark:
Asher we delight in getting to know you better. We have observed various personality traits. This is the short list: You like to play alone, and do not need to be entertained or held. You do get over stimulated with too many people or activity, and this makes you cranky. You get cranky and fussy in the humidity if you're in it too long. You are calmed by listening to music, especially 'Enya'-sounding or classical or jazz music. You are an observer. It takes you a while to join in an activity, you watch and listen an look at people's faces before your play along. Your smiles come easy- to friends and strangers. (Sometimes you are timid around them too and either stare at them closely and silently, or once in a while turn your face into our body, not often). You like it when people talk to you and your eyes and eye brows do a lot of the interacting for you. You start laughing when people around you laugh. You 'talk' back and forth to us, when we mimic your noises. You have a little temper when something doesn't quite go your way or as you expected it to. This usually comes out with a loud long grunt, and lately more of a high pitched whiney voice, and sometimes you combine it with throwing your head back and arching your back. (but you don't arch your back quite as much anymore). You love babies- you like to see yourself in the mirror and talk to that baby, and when little friends come to play you want to touch and kiss them and you are fascinated to just sit and watch them play and see what they do. You do NOT like to have your diaper changed or put your arms in sleeves, -well you don't like to sit still for it anyway; we've found that giving your new interesting object helps divert your attention. We have not noticed that you have a strong preference for mommy or daddy (one over the other). You don't seem to have a lovely or security object yet; you are starting to want to touch a crocheted blanket mommy made you when you're in bed though.

Asher, we love you ever so much son. We are praying that you will love Jesus at a very young age! And that you will learn to show His love to the people around you well.

Every hour of the day and night is

an unspeakably perfect miracle. -whitman

a fresh modern look

2011-07-05T11:10:00.002-05:00

home -the before time

We love our home. We like the structure and lines in the roof, the tower, etc. It's not so cookie cutter.

But what we were not fans of at all was the paint- that had faded into this lovely peachy/tan/pink color, and it looked worse in the winter against the white.

Before. Also note the tired door.

So we decided to bite the bullet and get it painted. It was fabulous decision and the only thing it really hurt was our billfold. LOL! ;-)

During. The painters were amazing! Happy, friendly, careful, clean, sing-y, laugh-y, and precise.

What a change and new fresh look a few coats of paint can accomplish! We are quite pleased with the color, it's so different and as Charlie said, "it's not yesterday's color". I agree. And the colors make the brick look great!

After. (All the colors in person are better)

...and our happy little after

home sweet home

wading-insecurities-swirling-grace found

2011-06-30T16:28:00.121-05:00

Bear with me as I wade and swirl through these feelings and insecurities.
I didn't know that grieving would look so multi-fasited, and would pop up out of no where when it pleased.

2 years ago today our baby boy, Bennett Torger,
went from living in my womb, to being born; then straight
into the arms of Jesus. All is grace.

I don't even know where to begin this. I've literally had this blog post started since January (that's what- 6 months now?!) and it's been sitting in draft. Life as a new mom has apparently eaten up my free time. ???
I can't concentrate. I need to concentrate, to figure out what it is I'm dealing with inside. I need to know, so I know how to petition my Abba, who cares and hears.

Strange there's (no?) time -since there's only a sweet, little, one of him. But I guess that's good. I've been soaking up each moment, each stage, each needed cuddle. kissing the impossibly, irresistible, chunky cheeks. He is such a joy. Such a handful of spirit/opinion and life. Such a blessing. Such a reminder of God's faithfulness to us, his goodness (in all things), his timing, his love. (Ps. 94:19)

I wade. thoughts swirling.
But in the end I want to know that my feet are planted/rooted/fixed and standing squarely and firmly on The Rock. The Giver of Grace. The Up-holder of my head. The Fountain that pours out mercy for each moment. I know. (Ps. 94:22) (Ps. 71)

And yet.

His ways send me into a tantrum. a child flailing (because obviously I know best, what feels best) (not what IS best!). a valley. to heartache. into the dark mist of the unknown. numb my emotions. make me detach from too many people that care about me. a feeling of not caring; an even reaction to good and bad. Dates remembered. His way that makes me not want to leave the safety of my own house. an avoidance of people I love and conversation I once adored. a heavy guilt that I should even feel these things at all- when others have children they have known, loved, and held die after just a few months of living out of the womb. (Ps 38:9-10)

How can this be?
Is it even right or ok to feel this way?
The counselor in me says yes. I don't want to shove raw emotion (or lack thereof) under the proverbial rug. Get them out and deal with them. But the guilt I feel for my feelings! I feel so silly. I feel like God has spared us when others have had so much worse.

hummm. I compare.
this is my road. The one He ordained for me before my life began. The one that is filled with grace and promises to bring Him ultimate glory. These are my thoughts, my emotions. the ones He created.
He knows.

I only need to be careful how I dwell with them. They in and of themselves are not wrong to feel. They are necessary. They are part of my Authors' chapter. It is comforting to know He created emotions. (Ps. 38:15) there's a reason I'm not writing my story and God is.

And as strange as it feels to write this, I am not necessarily grieving the loss of our two babies (at least all the time). Time passes, and you never forget. Time passes and healing does come. But I still deal with the roller coaster hurt, pain, confusion, shock, awfulness of the combined events of the last few years. Does that make sense? It really doesn't to me. hummm.

I am encouraged by David, in the Bible. He sat RAW and open and honest before God. Basically saying over and over that if God wanted him to feel differently, He would have to be The One to do it, He would have to rescue and restore and renew His soul. He is the only one who can. (Ps. 106:44-45) God is in the moments anyways.

I continue walking forward. I want to live fully alive. I want to live full of grace. I want to see, with thanksgiving, the way He's writing my life story- the good, the bad and the hurt, the wonderful, the cuddly and the sweet as grace. ALL, grace-uncontainable. I must keep a mindset of thanksgiving in ALL things-hands full or empty. That is the way to a life of joy. Thanking God for ALL His graces. Seeing more of Him, the Holder of all that is good for me and the world. (I've been reading lots about this Greek word: Eucharisto in this great book). This is a hard way of living, yet the way to joy. It takes intentionality. I want to name my gifts, so as to give them recognition.

I will live here today; this moment is the only place I can love Him; find joy in the now.

"Joy and pain, they are but two arteries of the one heart that pumps through all those who don't numb themselves to really living". -A. Voskamp

The Bible is God writing His heart.
I will sustain myself on His manna (meaning "what is it"?). The Israelites daily sustained themselves on God's manna (mystery). Duet. 32:39 Job 1:21 All is grace only because He can transfigure all.

8 month Asher

2011-06-10T12:28:00.161-05:00

Happy 8 month birthday Baby Boy!

Eight Months old Asher Clark Johnson

You weight 24lbs according to our home scale still, and you're in 12 month clothes now.

What a busy month of first's you've had...

Month 7, Week 1

5.14 You sit up all by yourself now!

You like to take walks to the park, and this is you hang'n by the railings.

Month 7, Week 2
5.17 -Reaching for toys around him while sitting.
Asher, you play happily in the living room, rolling around the huge space grabbing and playing with different toys.
You enjoy hanging out by the railing posts in the living room; you roll over there and put your feet and hands through and talk. (and often bonk your head on them).

Your favorite teethers, blue ring and sophie and you love being outside!

We started eating more and more food. And we stepped right up to the 3rd level (the kind with chunks in it) and you handle it all really well. But you still like to nurse many times a day.
You like to sit and play by the sliding door and look outside when mommy is working at the computer.
Sitting up on your own has provided you with a whole new perspective on life- and opened the doors to playing with toys in a whole new way. I love that you can sit up so well now!
You LOVE the grass. Sitting in it, laying in it, looking at it, trying to eat it...
Man are you ever working on those teeth! -your favorite toys are the Blue ring and Sophie the giraffe.

You pose for the camera now

Month 7, Week 3
5.24 -You chomped/ate celery by yourself for the first time. You liked that it was hard and cold on your teeth.
5.25 -You started social laughing. I was sitting that the computer reading something funny and I laughed. You were in the living room playing and looked at me and started laughing a "fake" laugh. I looked at you and you smile a HUGE smile.
5.28 -You say mBaaah, Ba, baaa often
You are SUPER fast at rolling, and can get most anywhere you want by doing so.
LOUD, that would describe how you use your voice.

5.30 -You, Mommy and Daddy went to our favorite park on Memorial Day. You sat on a blanket with a couple toys and watched us play bocce ball.

Month 7, Week 4+
6.1 -Asher woke saying "Dadadadada" followed by intermittent squeals of delight.
6.2 -Both of the top two front teeth popped through at the same time today!
6.3 -OH NO. He enjoys these new things in his mouth and grinds the top and bottom teeth together! GRIND. EEK! (Mommy hates that sound).

Fun week with family in DesMoines and Waterloo

6.4 -We went swimming for the first time as a little family. It was super hot and windy, we were in Waterloo. Grammy and your Aunty's and cousin Landon came too! Daddy took you in the sprinkle fountain first and then into the deeper water and you swished around. You seemed to enjoy it and were taking in all the kids laughing and screaming and splashing around you. You didn't mind a bit if you got splashed on.

First time swimming!

6.6 -We noticed you have a "camera posing face". You see the camera and you immediately squint your eyes and flash a cheesy smile, it's pretty funny Buddy. (your eyes and lips look like you're trying to make the 'blue steal' face).
6.8 -You popped up on all fours today! Your little tush high in the air first, and then you showed your strong arm muscles pushing right up. (looked like you were doing the downward dog pose, arms and legs straight).
6.9 -Now you roll all over and and pop up onto your hands and knees!- and promptly rock back and forth on them.
6.9 - You make the sound "mmmmmmnnnnAH" And you do it most often when you're a little concerned, concentrating or frustrated. Your jabbers are getting to be filled with different sounds. We like it.

FOOD:
You like blended turkey/chicken mixed with veggies (with little chunks in it) and ya love green beans, carrots and sweet potato. Mommy made you baby food this month, spices and all.
You like most of the foods to have oat cereal mixed in -mostly to thicken them; you're WAY over puree's. Fruits seem to be something you tolerate, but not love. Veggie's and meat you open your mouth wide and lean into it, but fruits you casually open and close. Although you do seem to like prunes, and will eat all the other fruits we've tried. You also chew/gum on rice cakes and sweet potato stars. You drink from your sippy cup much better now; you don't like the spill proof lids though. So I guess that now means you were just not a bottle baby- since you did not take any kind of bottle- ever. You sit at the table when you eat. You really chomp your rice cakes down FAST! And you like to naw on foods through your netting ring/food chewer thingy.

Asher, you add so much so and silliness to our lives!

You still enjoy your jumper and continue to bounce whether you're in it or not. (Our arms are getting strong)! You also enjoy the activity saucer, you easily can spend nearly an hour in each. Playing, talking and looking around while you listen to music. You're a really good baby Tiny Friend. You like to take in the places and people around you; when in a new places you are often sorta sober and quiet and observant. -Then you warm up and are your smiley loud little self.

Dada and Momma Love you bunches and bunches. We thank God He gave us you!

sewing idea site

2011-06-09T07:56:00.001-05:00

I shared this link on facebook a while back. I think it's a fabulous site for home-non-professional-sewers like little me.

I know I'll be using it for reference or idea starters lots.

Make It and Love It.

Enjoy!

in hiding

2011-06-09T07:29:00.000-05:00

Hummmm...

I've been in "hiding" for a while now.

No I'm not under my bed or sitting on my couch under the blankets (ok-well sometimes, cuz it's been a chilly spring)...

I have been silent here (and other places) about my personal thoughts/life.

Yes, my tiny muffin has been getting busier and busier... thus I'm busier and busier. But that's not the excuse.

I have been thinking about a lot. Processing a lot. Sometimes trying to stay afloat. And I think the main reason is fear of judgement by others.

???maybe???

If you didn't know- I blog for myself mainly. I'm a type it out thinker. But I also am pretty open and would tell anyone most anything if they were interested. -so I guess if people weren't interested they wouldn't read, right? I mean last year I was telling the whole blogisphere the length of my cervix! LOL!

hum.

Another thought. Why are my past "deep posts" so heavy and "downers"?
Season of life? maybe.

Soon I hope to get back to my blogging/writing release. I don't think it's good (for me anyway) to keep it all in. (some- yes)... not all.

It is what it is.

perspective-my week in review

2011-06-06T17:25:00.001-05:00

My last week in review. (5.30-6.6.11)
(the positive spin version)

Monday: Truly a wonderful day, where Charlie, Asher and I spent some amazing quality time at the park playing bocci ball and hanging out. Asher sat on a blanket and watched, we were at our favorite park on Lake Minnetonka.

Tuesday: The drive to Des Moines went safely, Asher didn't cry the WHOLE time! I got to pick up my little Sister Anna, and have lunch with my other sister Cally before she left for Guatemala on a missions trip. Our nephew didn't have a virus that caused him to throw up, and have a fever higher than 100 degrees! Charlie and I discovered (again) that we are truly and happily dependent on each other; we find it hard to function without the other by our side. We think it's a good thing that the Lord knit our hearts together so closely.

Asher has started making this face when we pull out the camera

Lando and Aunty Nan

Wednesday: I got to sleep a FEW hours. I woke to hear Asher start saying Dadada... (too bad Chaz wasn't there, after his many months of practice!). Nobody got hurt, lost, barfed, or went hungry while Anna and I continued to stay in Des Moines watching our nephew. We got to take Lando and Asher on several walks, and neither of their 'sunburns' were TOO bad. Everyone went to bed without a qualm. Jesus met my every need emotionally.

Lando playing outside

Thursday: Again I'm thankful for the couple of hours of sleep I DID get- and a 35 minute nap! WE got to enjoy slightly better spirited boys after a fever broke (Landon) and two front teeth popped (Asher). We got to spend time playing outside. We got to see my sister in law, Liz and my adorable and busy nieces and nephews and we all had a pizza party. Both boys were very happy during bath time and easily went to bed. I got to take a shower! And I even though I fell asleep right before I was to leave to go pick up my sister Bridget and Zach from the airport late that night....I got up in time to make it there and not keep them waiting for me. And upon arriving home hear my Little Asher man giggle and squeal in his sleep and say daddada... like he was dreaming Dada was tickling him. SO CUTE. And precious to witness how happy Landon was to see HIS daddy and mommy arrive home (even at 12:30 at night!)

Landon was positively STUCK to Anna, he adores her

Friday: I got to spend time with my sisters Bridget and Anna and the two little boys. We drove to Waterloo and Asher took a morning nap. And upon arriving there we got to SEE and BE WITH our Chaz (Dada)!!! YAY! We thought it may have been longer, but the way God ended working out this week was different than what we planned. In any case we were very thankful to be together again. After naps we enjoyed a late afternoon swim at The Falls in Cedar Falls IA. IT was Asher's first time swimming... he really liked it. IT was around 95 degrees that day and very windy-so we were thankful to be at the pool. Great Grandma Bohlen met us there and Grammy swam with us. We came home and enjoyed pizza with Papa Reed and the fam. I actually slept REALLY well that night. :o)

Excited to try swimming for the first time!

Asher and his Grammy and Great Grandma

Starting off small with daddy

Asher loved swishing around in the big pool

Aunty Nan and Aunty Bird and Cousin Lando, Grammy and Ash.

THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!

I could get used to this swimming stuff!

Saturday: No fevers- (for either Boy!). Asher got to enjoy swining with Grandpa Johnson on the front porch. We enjoyed home-made pull-apart's my mom made (just like my Grandma Reed used to make). And Bird and I got to sip coffee and chat all morning! OUr little family got to go see Great Grandpa Mulligan at Friendship Village Nursing Home, and chat with him there a while. We got to go to Golden China with Great Grandma Mulligan and Grandpa and Grandma Johnson. We got to see Ashley and Ryan and hang out for a bit; while there, I was encouraged and reminded that we get to see our two precious babies in heaven again one day! I'm thankful for family that trusts and loves God! We enjoyed a good old hot summer cookout with the Johnson's; and chatted around the dinner table just like old times. Charlie and I got to play with and giggle with Asher while he took a bath before bed. And then treat of all treats---- we got to go to Four Queens! :-) (my favorite orange and vanilla swirl cone ANYWHERE!)!

Swing'n with Grandpa on the front porch

Grandpa, Grandma, Great Grandpa M, Charlie and Asher

Sunday: We got to see an old friend at church. We got to have a cookout with Aunty Glenda and Grammy and Aunty Anna. Charlie and I got to (sneak) in another trip to Four Queens (this time the Waterloo one-shhhhhh). And bought a cover for my babes 240sx and we chilled and watched ESPN while Shmuvs (Asher) slept. Ahhhhhh- relaxing. Had a nice evening with my family. So thankful for family and especially for my Little Anna and all her amazing love and extra help. Asher got to "swim" and take a "bath" outside.

2nd time in less than 24 hours

Monday: Got up early enough (because I didn't actually have to wake... a-hemmm. :-P ) to get Anna to Clear Lake for Water Work Week at her camp. Asher and I got to enjoy sitting by Clear Lake for a bit before heading further north. Called my Babe and decided to meet for a quick lunch near his work. I'm thankful for my husband, and that even if keys get locked in the car on a 95 degree, muggy day, and he has to walk back to his office, with poop on his sleeve (from a baby whose diaper bag is locked in the car), and drives all the way back to Plymouth to get the other set of keys, over his lunch break (which was to be our date time) and saves the (my) day---never said an angry condemning word to me, just smiles and hands me the key and made sure I was going to be OK. I'm thankful for the oddly placed Somali daycare place, and even though they didn't have air were still so understanding and kind gave me a diaper and wipes to fix my baby's bottom problem. I'm thankful for a shaded chair at Panchero's where Ash and I could wait. I'm thankful that when we got home- Asher was sooooo relieved, happy and content to be there- and is now napping peacefully while I sip on a glass of wine before I delve into the unpacking. So thankful to be back in my home.

Clear Lake's State Park Beach front where I sat with Asher.

We (I) survived. Thank you Jesus!
Such a good and blessed week!

a year of happy blessed-ness

2011-05-29T10:39:00.002-05:00

Asher Clark (our happy and blessed little boy). It was just one year ago today that you and mommy were in an ambulance on our way to Abbott hospital in Minnesota from Covenant in Waterloo Iowa. Why? Because one year ago today, at 6:30am you tried to come out. Mommy was having contractions, you were head/face down and pushing.

This is you, Asher -19 weeks and 1 day old. May 29, 2010

Through tears that Saturday morning Mommy and Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Andrew and Aunty Liz and Grammy and Papa and Aunty's Cal, Anna and Bird were so scared and prayed that our Mighty God would keep you inside; growing healthy, big and strong. We all wanted to be able to meet you, and kiss and hug you- because we already loved you!

And after many tests, procedures, 8.5 weeks of total bed rest and an additional 4-ish weeks of modified bed rest and the answered prayers from and ARMY of PRAYERS (from all over the US and around the world)- guess what? Jesus did a miracle last summer and allowed you to stay growing inside until over 37 weeks! You were born. And we gave thanks! He gave us YOU!

Asher Clark, May 28, 2011

Wow!!! What a difference a year makes.

We're just overflowing with thankfulness for our Little Mr. Asher Clark Johnson today! Oh how God has shown himself powerful and faithful and merciful and loving through it all. Every time I'm out on a walk or laughing with our Blessing - or taking a shower for that matter-- I'm extra grateful.

I'm thankful for the privilege of holding you. Kissing you. Having you in our family. Playing with you. Listening to all your new noises. Laughing with you. Praying and singing to you. I'm thankful for the community of friends that came along side us and carried us through some rough months. I'm grateful for how last summer and you joining our family has strengthened Mommy and Daddy's marriage. It grew us in our relationship with God. Begun to help heal broken hearts.

Baby Boy, through you we're learning to give thanks in all things!
Praise the LORD!

סֶלָה

selāh

golf balls and clouds

2011-05-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

It was a great evening to get out and hit balls. So all three of us packed up and headed to the driving range. Asher was most fascinated by the grass. And he would smile at the occasional passer by.

Then, on 5.10 we were on the edge of a crazy storm. We hardly got anything at all, but the after party was awesome. I've only seen clouds like this once before. Pretty neat.

7 month Asher

2011-05-10T11:02:00.005-05:00

Our happy little Asher, 7 months

This has been a huge month of first's for your Asher! Nearly every day you did something new, you are developing so well- and SO FAST! Little Shmuv's we are treasuring every single second of your little babyness while it lasts.

Month 6, Week 1
4.15- You rolled from your back to your tummy for the first time!
You try to sit up for longer periods of time (still not more than 15-20 seconds)

Week 2
Every once in a while you wake up around 2 or 3am to just jabber for a while and then fall back asleep.
4.19- Your first tooth popped through! (Bottom, front, right) and the BFL looks likes it'll be popping soon. You didn't do too bad, it was about 3 days of really cuddly, sad, sleepy Asher and it came through.
4.21- You rolled from your back to your tummy again.
4.22- 2nd tooth! Your bottom, front, right tooth came through. That's two down buddy! And only... well- ALOT to go.
You've started to reach out to us when you we say "up please" and put our hands out to you. You will also start to reach out if one of us is holding you and we hold out our hands and say "come?"-sometimes you choose to stay with the person holding you and sometimes you want to switch people. Pretty cute.
4.23- We helped Landoman celebrate his first birthday. Lots of family came to the party too; you were taking all the noises and commotion in; we realized just how quiet our own house usually is. Many of the sounds took you by surprise.
4.23- You found your toes! Today you grabbed at your feet and toes for the first time. You try to put them in your mouth.

Week 3
You haven't been talking as much in the night.
You've enjoyed being outside a lot more. The wind is fascinating to you- you open your mouth and stick out your tongue; I think you can feel it better that way. (It's like you're trying to taste the air).
When you sit in your bumbo chair you rhythmically thump your right foot on the surface below for long periods of time.
You've also started to reach for things around you to grab.
4.24- Your first Easter! We celebrated in Des Moines with the Caven's and Larson's. Grandma and Grandpa Johnson had lunch with all of us. Auntie Anna came home with us to spend the week playing with you.
4.24- We took you to the park for the first time. It's about three blocks away from our house, the weather was warm and it was a perfect way to end Easter Sunday. Daddy gave you your first swing ride, and you were SO happy. You smiled the whole time buddy. Then he took you down the slide on his lap, and you weren't sure about that activity. We got some adorable pictures to remember this first.
4.25- You rolled over several times in a row today, both directions. You were SO pleased and proud of yourself. And this new trick has gotten better each day since then. You're going mobile.
4.25- We fed you your first little bit of oat cereal. It was your first "solid" food, and you did great. You opened wide, wanted more, swallowed pretty well for your first time. I don't know if we'll give it to you every day but now we know you like it!
4.29- You easily and purposefully switch toys from hand to hand, and you really enjoy squeaky and rattle-type toys. You like to turn your wrists in little circle motions back and forth. So cute!
4.30- You started to make the sound "Bababababa" for the first time. (this adds to your cooing and grunting a new form of jabber!)
4.30- Aunty Anna and Uncle Paul were in Minneapolis so we met them for supper; they love you little man! And you seemed to think they were pretty cool too.
You DO NOT like long car rides. We think this may have something to do with your car seat being snug on your roley-poley little self. So today we ordered you a big boy Britax convertible seat. Hopefully that helps.

Week 4
No more night talking.
You sleep with your arms free now in a sleep sac (no more woombie now that you're a rolling machine). You most often chose to sleep on your side.
You are very content to play happily by yourself. You're such a sweet, happy baby.
You love to be tickled and have developed quite the heart melting belly laugh.
5.1- You push your tush up in the air for a second or two, almost to all fours.
5.2- You pulled your socks off and played with them and your toes for the first time
5.2- you figured out how to roll all over the living room, positioning yourself to be able to reach for toys you wanted. You reach out to try and get everything around you.

Daddy's Corner:
So your official name is Asher Clark Johnson. We liked your first name a lot and your middle name is also your dad's middle name, your grandpa's first name and your great-grandpa's middle name. But we have also called you so many other things during your life. Where to begin? Your first name was "Blobbert," because it was the most accurate description of your early ultrasounds. When we found out that you were a boy, we started calling you "Little Mister" and "Little Guy." After you were born, the names became more numerous and varied. There were food-based names that your mom used: "Sweentness," "Tiny Muffin," "Little Muffin," and just "Muffin." There were military based names that your dad used: "Captain Cute," "Corporal Cuddles" and "Colonel Crank." There were derivatives of you real name, including: "Smasher," "Crasher," "Dasher," "Splasher," "Masher," "Basher," and "Flasher." Then there were names that didn't fit into categories, such as: "Infant," "Baby Bluvo," "Tiny," "Little Friend," "Friend," and your dad's favorite, "Schmuvs." Someday we are confident that you will learn your real name, but you can always know that we feel very blessed to call you "Son."
Love, DaDa

Asher 7 months

mommy's day

2011-05-09T09:59:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful Mother's Day it was. It started with a leisurely out to eat breakfast (see top rleft picture of Asher sitting in his Bumbo on the table- he smiled at everyone around-it was busy that day). Then home with my boys to chill and relax. Dada helped Little Mr deliver a really cute corner-chewed-slobbered Mother's Day card to me. And my in-law's sent me a beautiful bouquet of gerbera daisies to help me celebrate.

I've been blessed to be a mom for two mother's day's before this one -(2009 with Ruttigar in heaven and Bennet inside; 2010 Little Mr. Asher still growing inside-before he tried to get out at 19 weeks). I won't forget the mixed feelings of sadness and joy those two years; sadness for my own self and my own loss mostly. Those two day's were very different than today. I knew I was a mommy already, but oh what a joy it is to be able to HOLD the gift of Happiness in Asher cradled in my arms! What a BLESSING Asher Clark is to me (us).

God has upheld us through low valley's and he has indeed been faithful. He is always good. All the time.

Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

(The Message)
"I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed. I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. " (emphasis mine)
(thanks Charity).

random fun

2011-05-07T09:36:00.000-05:00

Aunty Anna and Uncle Paul were in town in April and we grabbed supper with them.
They were completely in love with you baby boy!
You were really good while we ate too.

Mesmerized Baby Blues
(He was feeling grumpy)

It was one of those days.

He had to be plugged in. Mommy needed a break.

You understand.

We have really been enjoying spending time outside since the weather finally turned nice!
And in the bottom right is my shout out to our house (not done yet). We're on an improvement rampage.
Recoating the driveway, arrogation, seeding, flower planting, weeding, trimming, and we're getting our house PAINTED at the end of June! YAY! NO MORE PEACHY PINK!
Owning a house is a lot of work and MOOOOLA. :-P
I'll be sure to post pictures in about a month with all the updates.

Asher's first bites of solid food

2011-05-05T17:22:00.004-05:00

Little Man, on April 25th (you were 6 1/2 months old) you took your first bite of solid food. Before then you had nothing but breast milk. (obviously it was nourishing your chubby little self completely. So it was just for fun and to start practicing with the spoon that we gave you oatmeal. You thought it was delicious! And opened wide every time the spoon came near. You also tried to help get it in their quicker (see the pictures of your little messy patties stuffing the spoon in your mouth)? Well done Little Friend.

We continue to let you try out different flavors of organic fruits and veggies several times a week. But we don't push it; if you don't feel like eating from the spoon that day, we skip it. So you're not eating any meals this way yet. And that's perfectly fine. (Although it would be REALLY nice if you'd drink from a cup, or sippy, or straw, or bottle...we've tried them all...you don't get it. But we'll keep practicing). You seem to enjoy oat cereal mixed with fruit the best.

Now.
Peas.
On the other hand...
You were not a fan.
I've mixed them with different flavors. nope. not having it.

You are your fathers' son.
He hates peas too.

Aunty Anna comes to play

2011-04-30T12:50:00.019-05:00

When Aunty Anna (AKA: Asher's Baby Fairy) comes to play, scarcely a sad face can be found. For this Aunty wonder swoops in to the rescue of her sad nephew or stressed out sister. Her visit came at just the right time. I was feeling like I was at the end of my rope-Asher had just cut two teeth and the weather was crappy, and I was just emotionally and physically exhausted and in need of Dr.'s apt's hair cuts/colors, in and out errands, etc. Ahhhhhh. Relief came that whole week, and together we accomplished everything on my long to do list and then some. PHEW!

Asher started rolling in giggles and has begun to enjoy playing a little rougher (meaning- rolling more, being tickled, etc).

Thanks Anna for coming to visit! We love you!

6.5 month pictures

2011-04-29T15:14:00.000-05:00

Asher Clark 4.24.11 (Easter) 6.5 months old

Thank you ever-so-talented Aunty Liz for capturing his Littleness while we were at your house. We love these shots!

first swing ride

2011-04-26T12:46:00.001-05:00

Dear Park,
We plan to visit you often this spring and summer. Thank you for allowing us to create wonderful memories with you. Cheers to many more relaxing evenings at your place!
Best,
The Johnson Family

Asher went to the park down the street from us for the first time on Easter evening. Daddy gave him his first real swing ride- and Asher loved it. Daddy and Mommy were so happy to make YOU so happy buddy. That's a funny thing that happens to parents. They become filled with joy and satisfaction when their precious little one giggles with delight and smiles from ear to ear as a result of anything they've done for them.

Ahhhhhh. We're so thankful Spring has arrived!

Asher's first Easter

2011-04-25T12:40:00.005-05:00

Before Easter we celebrated cousin Landon's FIRST birthday!

We were in Des Moines for both special days.

Here's a few pictures of the fun festivities:

Lando had his first bite of cake and decided to share with mommy and daddy- by the end they both had cake all over their faces. We had a fun time at their cook-out, lots of family and friends came to join the fun.

On Easter we went to the Caven's house and Grandma and Grandpa Johnson drove down and brought lunch with them. Yummy! The little Caven's enjoyed an Easter egg hunt. Asher had fun watching all the activity.

We did discover, however, that Asher is slightly on the sensitive side. He wasn't used to all the activity and hub-bub and noise. He needed some breaks here and there to be quiet and be alone. If it was too loud sometimes he'd let out a scared little cry. Pretty cute. -I don't think second, etc. born children ever have this problem. :-)

Big Boy/Little Boy -you don't grow out of it.

Landon taught Asher how to use the jumper.

yes, white does get old

2011-04-20T16:53:00.010-05:00

The white that gets old is pictured above.

Snow.

ON APRIL 20th!!!!

Seriously. It came on November what?...16th-ish 2010? -and wasn't gone until Around April 23, 2011. That's a plenty long winter for our family, thank you. Charlie says it's El Niño. I say, whatever it is: Enough already!

Asher actually thought it was pretty neat to watch. It was coming down in huge flakes.

shredded in 30 days

2011-04-12T17:45:00.000-05:00

"That knot (she meant to say SCREAMING MUSCLES!) you feel in your stomach- that's fear leaving your body"- says Jillian during one of the workouts. (I hope it was more than just fear leaving, and that some major muscle toning was taking place!!!!)

my story March 1, 2011

day 1
cardio workout was horrible. I was on level one. I discovered I can't even sit with my legs spread open wide and sit up straight (when stretching)- gone are my low back and tummy muscles. Muscles felt weak and wobbly afterwards (surprise- duh Amanda! you. are. out. of. shape.)

PRE Measurements:
biceps: a (flabby) 11.5" not flexing, 11.25" flexing
waist across belly button: 32.75"
just below top of hip bone: 36.75"
widest at seat: 41.5"
thigh: 23.75"
just above knee: 17"
just below knee cap: 14.5

Day 3 and 4 - I noticed I didn't feel quite as sore and out of breath. I missed day 5, oops.
Day 6 started level 2. May I just say I HATE "plank-jacks".

Lesson Learned:
Day 10 & 11 I messed my knee up pretty bad- doing level 2, pendulum lunges (w/bicep curls) in combination with the lunging skaters... I think that's what I've narrowed it down to... my form was pretty good, but as I've been doing these circuits I've noticed that I can't/shouldn't be doing them as quickly as they do them, for only one reason, I'm a lot taller and to lunge that far down will always take me longer than a 5' person, so I was getting hung up on the time lag, and probably lost track of my form, I shoulda just went at my own (tall) pace.

Day 12 I couldn't do anything, my knee hurt so bad.
Day 13 I feel horrible for not being able to keep going, but my knee is super injured. I did the video, but no legs. I will continue oscillating between levels one and two, everything but legs until it's healed. :-( BUT I am starting to be able to sit up while stretching now!

Back on Track: (and when the weather permits Asher and I also walk outside).
Days 14-19 I had to stop completely. The knee was really bad. Note to self, precise movement is ALWAYS better than fast movement.
Day 20- eased back into it with level 1. skipped the legs and instead would hop on the elliptical machine.
Day 21 I'm noticing a difference in my stomach and arm strength! YAY! bumped to level 3!

Day 23-30 rotating between levels 1, 2 and 3. At full strength. Sometimes I throw a level three move into a level one because i know I've conquered that level 1 move. YAY! Progress!

Even though it's day 30 (3/30/11)- I feel I need to make up for lost time, and I have 4 more pounds to go until my goal weight. But I already see a difference. I refuse to remeasure until I've actually done all 30 days.

April 12, 2011
from 3/30 until now I've mixed up my routine and skipped a few days... I vary my workouts with running and various levels on the "shred" video, and sometimes even mixing different moves from different levels in one workout. I'm still building strength back into my right knee from the day 10 injury, but it's mostly healed. I can fairly effortlessly run 3.2 miles. I can sit up while stretching now!
I would do it again, because there were results!!
I plan to continue with runs, walks and doing the video a few times each week. -and lift my 22lbs Adorable Weight multiple times per day.

I lost a total of 5.25 inches and about 8 pounds!!!

Here's the breakdown:

POST Measurements:

biceps: 10.5" not flexing (I must have lost some loose skin! YAY!) 10.75" flexing (added visible muscle!)

waist across belly button: 32"

just below top of hip bone: 36.25"

widest at seat: 40.75"

thigh: 23"

just above knee: 16"

just below knee cap: 14"

GO FOR IT!

zoo-riffic

2011-04-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

Asher and I went on a little date this morning, and some sweet friends met us there. It's absolutely perfect weather for a slow stroll down the paths (although I'm positive that Asher had no clue where we were... and would have been equally as happy at a local park). But it was fun for me to get out and see friends and the cool and unusual animals. It's about 70 degree's out and a very slight breeze. Amazing.

I wish for many more days like today. And I wish for many more moments like this with my precious Little Mr. :

Asher and I with the camels.

Meg and her to sweetie's and Anne and her little sir enjoyed the sunshiny stroll with us.

Asher did notice the goats, and spent time checking them out.

He also noticed the big cows.

And I just thought that this was a cool "puff-head" chicken.

The end.

6 month Asher

2011-04-10T15:46:00.000-05:00

Six Month Stats: (At your well check)

You Weigh 22 lbs 2 oz (+97%)
You're 28.25" tall (around 93%)
And your head is 18" around (around 93%)

You like to stand against things, but are still a little wobbly.
We practice sitting up too!
Mommy and Daddy call you:
"Asher"- because we realized we call you lots and lots of names (and still do)... but have tried to use your real name more often or in addition to the other endearing names (Shmuvs, sweetness, friend, Captain Adorable, etc).

You often hear:
"How can mommy help you" when you cry.
"It's not ok to arch your back" -and we put you down, you stop.

Classical music, instrumental folk and Imogen Heap are often playing in the background lately.

On walks you notice birds chirping, and the wind blowing, and sometimes it makes you catch your breath.
"Dadadad"- but not coming from you. Your Daddy is pushing pretty hard on this one, he hopes it'll be your first word. You hear it a lot. :-) You should look right at him and say "Mama!" -that'd knock his socks off! LOL!
Noises you make:
You press your lips together hard (and sometimes sneak your little tongue between them) and blow, making a "pppppppppthpppthhhhhh" sound. Spit flies everywhere (and your clothes are drenched most of the time).

You love to make this sound. And you like it when we make this sound on your cheeks too. (see pursed lips in above picture).
You don't always make loud yelling/happy noises, you've changed some of them to a light singing tone, especially when you're moving (like in the car or being held or in your stroller).
Rolling GIGGLES. They are the cutes and most heart warming sound ever. You laugh at us playing peek and making silly faces and playing "Uggy-muggy". They come from your tummy!
Your many faces make Mommy and Daddy laugh Sweetie.
You Can:
Play happily by yourself in your gym or nap-nanny or bumbo for long periods of time. You look around, talk, make silly sounds, grab at the hanging toys.
You can hold a toy in one hand and chew and can switch it to the other hand too. You also grab toys that are on either side of you- they all go directly into your mouth.

Prefer to munch your first two fingers still. You self sooth easily.
You highly dislike a bottle or passi. (very unfortunate for us). But we keep trying. And we try different brands.
Sit in your stroller without a car seat, easily.
Grab our fingers/hands and pull yourself to sitting and with a tiny bit of support to standing (which you LOVE). You like to stand against the couch by yourself.
Standing or sitting is a thrill in front of a mirror or skypeing with Landon, you are so amused to see babies, it makes you squeal and laugh and smile.
After your naps, etc when we walk into the room to get you, you spot us and your face lights up with a HUGE smile.

Entertain yourself for an hour or two (with one or two position changes) with toys to chew, music to listen to, and fans to watch or looking out the window. I like that you're independent little man.
Cuddles. You now put your head down and snuggle in every now and then. You like hugs. *melt*
Tid-Bit's and highlights from your fourth month Tiny Muffin:
Mommy let you watch "seasons" video by Baby Einstein. Your little mouth hangs open and you watch intently. (We only do this a couple times per week).
You enjoy the nursery at church still.
You had trouble with naps and sleeping for at least a week after the spring time change. That's been tough for mommy.
At 5 months, 2 weeks you decided naps were a good idea again, after a whole week of wonky/non-existent napping. A solid 2 hour morning nap and 2.5 -3 hour afternoon nap- Ahhhhh, relief for mommy! And if we go on a walk, you talk/sing for about 2-5 minutes and then turn your head to the side and you're sleeping.
5 months, 4 weeks- you're sleeping like it's going out of style! You're back to sleeping ALLLLLL the way through the night 8:30p-7:30a and two long naps. Ahhhhh. thank you!
You Listen very intently to new sounds, and conversations.
You don't have any teeth yet Buddy.
We traveled to Waterloo to celebrate Daddy's 31st birthday with family.
We love you Little Mr. And we can't believe you're already HALF WAY through your first year of life!
You're such a blessing to our family.

magical furniture

2011-03-31T09:49:00.002-05:00

I didn't know, but we bought magical furniture. It can change colors!
It changes from a gorgeous dark wood to a weird shade of grey. Huh! WOW! Cool! I wonder if anyone would be interested in purchasing very unique pieces that change colors with time. $$!!$$

Oh.

Wait.

hold on. crap. I was wrong. I just touched it, and it is only large layers of
DUST.

Bummer, no magic here folks. Just a really good old fashioned case of a REALLY dirty house.

So, I guess this means our toilets can't magically turn pink either- that's grime that needs to be scrubbed. uhg.

I guess I have my work lined up for me the rest of the day.

In cuter news:

asher chews on everything!

And this is what our front lawn was looking like one week ago today!

early spring walks

2011-03-23T12:36:00.000-05:00

Last week Asher and I enjoyed getting out for neighborhood walks. A few times Charlie joined us too. Asher seemed fascinated by the outdoor sounds- birds, dogs, and crisp wind in his face.

And without fail, he would fall asleep. Usually he would look around and make singing type sounds for the first 3-8 minutes, "oooooh, ahhhhhhh, erraaahhhh"... and then turn his head and he'd be out while we continued our stroll. So precious.

Here's to many more walks together Little Man! kisses!

good bye beauty rest

2011-03-23T12:25:00.002-05:00

good bye beauty rest.

HELLO STERNS AND FOSTER!

That's a great trade off for sure. Charlie and I decided it was high time we got a bed that was just awesome, with no divot-ed holes to arrange ourselves in, one we could wake from without knee and back pain. Enter our new bed.

It arrived this morning, in the middle of our March snow-storm. (Yes we have a lovely fresh 5-6 inches on the ground so far. But I digress....)

The last two nights, as I lay there in our old bed (rather uncomfortably I might add...) I became strangely sentimental about it. I began to imagine where they would be taking it when it left our home. You see, I think I grew oddly attached to the old thing. When one lays in one's bed, morning-sick as could be weeks on end during three pregnancies, or spends an ENTIRE summer and fall snuggled in it (hummm, perhaps THAT'S where the divot's came from!) on bed rest praying that a certain Little Mr would stay put, or has friends sitting on the end or on the side or in the middle with me, helping to pass the long days there....one may quite possibly grow fond of this inanimate object. It felt like I was throwing out a tiny part of me. So this morning I lingered a smidge longer when I woke, reveling in my side of the bed in my (self-made) hole. Good grief. Good bye sore mornings!

LOL!

Laugh at me if you will. I'm laughing at myself.

To welcome a new chapter of the Johnson Bed Chronicles our darling, loud, giggly little boy helped to put on fresh sheets. He broke in the bed with a (new to him) game of peek a boo. He was delighted as you can see in the video. This completely erased any "sadness" I had about tossing out the old mattress.

5 month Asher

2011-03-10T10:22:00.055-06:00

Asher Clark, 5 Months

Darling Asher, you make our hearts overwhelmed with gratefulness and love for you adorable, precious son. What a gift you are to us, we love you more with each passing day!

Five Month Stats: (on our bathroom scale on 3.10.11 -so, not dr. office accurate)

You Weigh between 20-22 lbs (but that was with a onsie and diaper on... got a different reading each time)
You're 28" tall
And your head is 17.75"
We switched to size 4 diapers the last week of your 4th month, mostly because you kept having blowouts.

Mommy calls you: (Tiny) Muffin, Sweetness and Little Friend

Daddy calls you: Shmuvo, Shmuvs or Shmuvo, Friend
You often hear: Mommy loves you or Daddy loves you. Jesus Loves you. Songs: Jesus Loves Me, Standing on the Promises, ABC's, Patty-cake. "Uf-da" still, you're such a load to pick up baby! Every night daddy sings you this song after your bath while he walks around cuddling and calming you, then brings you to mommy to nurse:

Good Night (lennon/mccartney-beatles)

 Now it's time to say good night Good night sleep tight

 Now the sun turns out his light Good night sleep tight 

Dream sweet dreams for me  Dream sweet dreams for you. 

Close your eyes and I'll close mine Good night sleep tight

 Now the moon begins to shine Good night sleep tight 

Dream sweet dreams for me  Dream sweet dreams for you. 

Good night good night everybody  Everybody everywhere  Good night..

Noises you make: Squeal back and forth with us. Yell in different tones, even when you're not mad, angry or sad- just vocalizing. Play Peek-a-boo by putting your face down and then lifting up to look at us and smile and laugh. You've started to giggle more with your belly- especially in response to tickles or amusement.

You Can:

Play in your gym and reach for toys. Sit in your bumbo easily. Grab toys a little better. Although you don't always keep them in your hands long. But you're certainly reaching and grabbing. You don't roll much at all, but can. You still prefer to sleep on your back in the woombie. Sit and listen to us read books to you for 15-20 minutes fairly quietly. You still don't like your passi, unless you're chewing on it out the side of your mouth like a cigar.

Just after you eat, as you're dosing off into a really deep sleep, you ALWAYS smile really big- two or three times (eyes closed) and then you're super out. It's darling.

Tid-Bit's and highlights from your fourth month Tiny Muffin:

4 Month, Week 1

You learned to squeal while you play. And you also squeal back at mommy and daddy when we "squeal talk" back to you, like a (loud) conversation. Mommy knew the noise levels in our home would never be the same. It's true. You love to use your new found loud voice.

On Valentines day you and mommy got your 4 month pictures taken. You were mostly grumpy the whole two hours, but they're still cute.

4 Month, Week 2

Grammy, Papa, Aunties Cally, Anna and Bridge and Uncle Zach and cousin Landon came up to visit. We celebrated a "late" Reed family Christmas, hung out together and tried to take a few cousin pictures. But pretty much the whole month of February you have been very sober, and non-smiley. I think it's because you had the croup at the very beginning, felt healthy for about a week, and then got a super yucky cold again (it's now March 7 and it's just starting to go away)! So you've not been feeling well. Anyway, We had a good time with them here; they were able to come to your dedication service.

On February 19th, at the Saturday night service you were dedicated. Mommy forgot to take pictures, oops. But it was a very special night, and Son, we do pray one day you will belong fully to Jesus, and we release all earthly claims on your life. This was extremely sobering to think about, in the week leading up to the night of the dedication. We know (kind of) what it feels like to have to give back to Jesus a precious little life you thought your were going to get to know. (You have two older siblings, Ruttigar and a big brother Bennett, you will meet in heaven one day). So we took this prayer of dedication VERY seriously. That night we made it through without tears, and with the support and love from family and friends. And you were pretty good too- only barfed once! LOL!

Aunty Bridge brought you a play gym and you love to be in there reaching for toys and kicking like crazy while you talk and squeal.

We've been going to church, but you are super loud and very busy. You like to talk/yell over whoever else is talking. so we have to stay in the back room during the sermon. Because of your cold we've not been able to put you in the nursery.

4 Month, Week 3

On the in-between the colds week, you went to Bible study and stayed in the nursery again. You did very well, and mommy didn't get called down at all. The ladies said you were super cute and smiling and squealing at them. And you really enjoy the stand up play bouncer.

At some point during this week you learned how to yell. You're not really mad or complaining or sad- just yelling. It's pretty funny (and annoying- but that's ok). You furrow your eyebrows and sometimes pop one side up high, and sometimes open your mouth really wide and yell in different low tones. Like I said before- if there's a lot of people talking you try to (add?) to the conversation or overpower them with your voice. This has made going to small group and parties more difficult. Daddy thinks those types of situations may make you feel over stimulated. Mommy calls you a fog horn.

You started playing peek-a-boo with us. You've done it several times, and seem quite delighted and proud of yourself. When you're on your tummy, you put your head down while we say "where's Asher?" and then boing your head up and smile big and we say "PEEK! There he is!" and you immediately do it again- over and over and over until your neck gets tired. It's super funny. And cute.

You giggle. Especially in response to tickling or being amused by a noise or funny face. If we do it over you get all worked up and burst into tiny belly giggles. It's a sound that makes our hearts melt.

You can easily pull yourself into sitting and standing positions when we hold your hands/wrists. Your head is now much more steady when you're sitting. (With us or in your bumbo). You like to spend more time in your bumbo now.

4 Month, Week 4

Uncle The FoCack (Andrew) flew into Minneapolis to visit and celebrate Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's 60th birthdays. Aunt Elizabeth and Daddy and Uncle FoCack planned a surprise party for them and lots of family came. You were there, and you enjoyed watching all the activity, then decided you'd just had enough commotion, so mommy took you home and put you to bed. We had a fun time with family over the weekend and Grandma watched you while the rest of us went shopping. You had no shortage of hugs and attention Little One.

two helpful tips: kitchen and prayer

2011-03-09T14:06:00.000-06:00

I was just baking up some banana bread (because of two really brown banana's sitting on my counter, threatening to create fruit flies) in my kitchen. I realized that two people have shared these to tips with me and I use them a lot, and wouldn't have thought of them on my own, so maybe you'll be helped like I was.

Kitchen/baking tip:
I'm forever getting to the part of the recipe where is says, add softened stick of butter. And the stick of butter is sitting in my fridge, nice a hard. great. I don't want to wait hours for it to soften up...
DUH.
Put it in the microwave Amanda. Duh duh duh.
You just change the power level to 2, heat for 10 seconds and sometimes add 5-10 seconds after that on the flip side on power level 1.

Ta-da! Softened stick of butter in less than 20 seconds, with no melted puddle either!

Prayer tip:

My friend Anne taught me this a few years back. It's been so helpful for me to be able to pray for the people in our lives (I wish I could say daily, but at least often). It sits on our kitchen table and usually while we're eating breakfast I just pull out a stick with a name on it, and they because that days prayer focus. Sometimes general prayer for them, sometimes I know how to pray more specifically, and sometimes it's a good reminder to call or email to catch up with them!
Just write names of family and friends on a popsicle stick and plop it in a glass.
Pull out and pray!

I often find myself thinking of the verse when pulling a stick out:

Proverbs 16:33 (Amplified Bible)

³³The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly of the Lord [even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him].

my tiny valentine

2011-02-21T11:55:00.000-06:00

On Valentine's day Amy (of Amy Major's Photography) came to our house and took some memorable pictures of mommy and son. Asher was pretty sad/moody the whole time, but the pictures still are adorable. The totally captured "him" -the normal, everyday faces he had the whole month of February. The woman has talent. (or maybe I'm biased to my handsome son, lol!) It was a fun first valentine's mommy-son "date".

raising our little man

2011-02-16T16:19:00.149-06:00

These and other thoughts have been rolling around like marbles in my head. I have been wanting to gather these marbles for weeks now, so I can sort them and ponder the philosophy/theology behind them. And then put them to use.

I feel that raising a Little Man may be a slightly different than raising a girl (to some extent). But with either we want and pray to raise a leader, strong, steady, secure and rooted, gospel-centered child of God. We want him to desire to know more of His Creator Savior. We want to teach him to be a kind, compassionate, tender, loving person who is caring to all humanity; to show genuine interest in others. We want him to thrive as a good communicator. Our list of hopes and dreams for his little life could go on and on.

Little Mr. is so privileged to have a godly, steady, and loving Daddy in his life. And he has also been blessed with a rare treasure of very wise and godly Grandpa's. He has multiple men in his immediate family whose example is worthy of imitation. We are so grateful. We will urge him to study these people (including Auntie's and Uncles) closely, and learn from them. God has richly blessed his heritage.

Like any other mommy of a little boy- I want to protect him, shield him from hurt and pain. I don't ever want him to climb too high and fall, or peddle too fast and skin a knee, or jump down and split his lip, but all of this comes along with the territory I hear. I'm sure we'll make it through; but I will be praying for extra protection over him quite often I'm sure. (Being raised in a house with four girls didn't exactly prepare me for these types of things)! :-)

One area I would like to be careful in is reprimanding and, if needed, giving consequences. Punishing my Small Man with respect is very important to me. I want to love and punish/reprimand him, even at his early age, with respect. I took note in this area from a friend. Her son knows she is in charge, and she is the mommy, but also that she cares enough about his emotions and manhood to carefully, privately and patiently punish him. She try's to take him to a different room (to not shame him openly), it's between just the two of them. They discuss with words what happened, what his heart was feeling/doing, what Jesus wants him to do, and as necessary gives a consequence to him. And I think doing it like this protects his manhood, and teaches him to deal with confrontations in privet, and deals openly with his heart before Jesus. (This will also serve him well if he marries one day). Because Jesus alone can change his heart. Sure it takes extra time and effort, but I think it's worth it. I want to use these techniques with our son.

This next area is a little bit more of a 'teetry' subject: ways we as parents misunderstand our children. (I linked the article I read). For the most part Charlie and I would agree with this list. Our main underlying difference from the article is that we worship God- not our child. We will teach them that they are being trained to worship God alone, and we are helping them develop a heart that will desire to be under God's authority alone. BUT, that said, we still want to tenderly care and love them, treat them as real human beings and as values members of our family, not just as our "underling child". Another difference is the self esteem issue- a child should be rewarded for their real accomplishment (however small it is, if it was their best), not be deluded by praising/rewarding them for bad or mediocre behavior. But those things aside- these things are so important to remember as a parent. I think it's contradictory to what many christian parent practice. (I feel all too often parents fall too heavy on the authoritarian, "I'm the parent, do it because I say" side). Here's the list, but click the link to the article for further explanation:

1. We expect children to be able to do things before they are ready.

2. We become angry when a child fails to meet our needs.

3. We mistrust the child's motives.

4. We don't allow children to be children.

5. We get it backwards.

6. We blame and criticize when a child makes a mistake.

7. We forget how deeply blame and criticism can hurt a child.

8. We forget how healing loving actions can be.

9. We forget that our behavior provides the most potent lessons to the child.

10. We see only the outward behavior, not the love and good intentions inside the child.

I've also noticed that parents who also tend to lean towards "authoritarian" often unknowingly provoke the child to anger. I ran across a blog post about this subject, and it's worth reading in it's entirety. And another helpful book for me in this area was Grace Based Parenting, I posted about Grace Based living if ya wanna read more.

In the post she quotes a list of ways we provoke our children to anger. But what I found very helpful was her "take off-put on" (like Ephesians 4:22-24 encourages) list: (I'm just listing my favorites here)

- By encouraging them and letting them know how pleased and delighted we are with them. By pointing out the grace of God in their daily life.

- By setting an example in our daily walk with the Lord. Modeling humility. By expecting the same standard out of ourselves as we do out of our children.

- By being loving and brokenhearted when they sin. By sacrificing our own comfort and to-do list for the day to bring them back to fellowship with us and the family. By reacting to their sin with a concern for their soul.

- By honoring them privately and, on occasion, publicly.

- By listening to their side and hearing the heart underneath.

- By bearing with their weaknesses and childishness. By being consistent in discipline for sin.

- By asking for forgiveness when we sin against them.

- By remembering who we were and who we are: fellow sinners with our children and (hopefully) co-heirs of Jesus with them as well.

I hope that you find these things worth pondering and praying over today. And together, with you guys, Charlie and I are praying for wisdom and grace as we raise our child(ren).

hugs! And much grace.

I heart my men

2011-02-14T13:08:00.004-06:00

I'm so very thankful for these two. My amazing, loving, forgiving, hunky husband. And my chunky, happy, precious Littlest Man.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Asher highlights (weeks 16 & 17)

2011-02-12T07:30:00.067-06:00

Tiny Muffin, 16 weeks

Week 16

Highlights from your 16th week of life (1.30.11 - 2.5.11)

Asher, this week you've spent most of the week trying to recover from your icky cold. You still have a cough and stuffy/runny nose. But no more fevers. Because of the cold you've gotten up 1-2 times a night to get a drink and be comforted. That's alright Little Buddy, mommy doesn't mind at all; I just want you to get better. Daddy doesn't always hear you when you wake up at night anymore! (Him being able to tune you out is actually a good thing, so he can get some good rest). And he's not bothered at all by your crying now, he talks to you and sings to you and often "rescues" you when mommy has made you really mad.
You have been very mellow, and just relaxed a lot around the house, watching us do stuff. You haven't needed to be held a whole lot extra.
This week you have enjoyed listening to us read stories to you. You will sit on our laps for 5-20 minutes at a time now and look at the pictures. We've read all the way through one on your children's Bible's and we've started a new one. You like books with lots of color in it.
We bought you a Johnny Jumper this week. You like standing in it and moving your legs and being able to look from room to room. You really like your doorway, from there you can see your room, the bathroom, the hall and into the living room. You haven't started jumping or bouncing in it yet, but I'm sure that'll come soon. You like it when I bounce you a little though.
You have a tiny giggle! Whenever we play patty-cake (and clap your hands) or mousey's-gonna-get-ya you go crazy. HUGE smiles, squeals, usually followed by your new found giggle! We LOVE having fun with you. And these types of games or songs distract you now when you're mad/upset/crying.
You've been wanting to go to bed pretty early, around 8:15-8:45.
We set up your new crib! You don't sleep in the pack 'n play anymore. It was a seamless transition.
Mommy picked out material for curtains for your room, and also some art for your walls. The main colors will be an orange/red color with grey.
Friday night Mommy and Daddy went to a wedding and Miss Andrea came to stay with you (you slept the whole time!)- good boy
Saturday we went to church as a family for the first time since you were born. YAY! It was so nice to be back in corporate worship. You liked looking and smiling at the people around us and listening to the music. You of course got squirmy fussy when the message started so we went to the back and mommy put you in the Maya Sling and you were quiet so I could listen. (You couldn't be in the nursery because of your cold).
You have noticed the handsome little boy in the mirror! -We stand you in front of the mirror and you look for a second and then spot your face and a huge smile and giggle and squeals break out. It's pretty cute Little Mr. I don't think you realize it's you yet though.

____________________________________________________________________________

Captain Cute Week 17

Week 17

Highlights from your 17th week of life (2.6.11 - 2.12.11)

Sunday was your first Super Bowl. We had our whole small group over to enjoy the game together. You really enjoyed watching all the people and were especially gregarious about your busy little friends William, Rayven and Raylynn. The Stealers lost (which is all daddy cared about), this means the Packers won- that's fine, but we're Vikings fans. You were/are intensely absorbed by everything going on around you.
You still have a bit of a stuffy nose, but are getting SO much better. You're more interactive again.
We've been practicing your bottle more, you're getting better!
Mommy made you curtains! And the walls in your room aren't so bare. Perfect timing, since you spend more and more time studying everything (colors and textures and movement) around you.
Daddy calls you shmuvo sometimes and mommy doesn't like that very much.
On 2.7.11 you have your 4 month wellness check. Doctor Miller says you're a very healthy little boy! Your stat's were: 18lbs, 12oz (97%+), 26 3/8" tall (90-97%), and your head was 17 1/4" around (75-90%). You didn't get any shots because you were still sick-ish.
We've started to practice sleeping out of the woombie during naps. You like your tummy. (I think your arms don't wake you up that way). We're also going to try to give you a bottle right before bed instead of nursing. And try having Daddy (or others) put you to sleep, rather than just mommy every time.
You are vocalizing like crazy- all kinds of sounds all the time. The ones you are using a lot sound like: "brrrrrrrrrrvvvvvvvvvvvv" or "darrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" or "brrrrrrzzzbbbbbbbbbbb" or "daoooooooooo" and "grooooooooooo".
You play quite contentedly with your fingers and hands. You ahve started to hold a few things in your hands, like your green bean baby and your Kruse baby, sometimes a blankie.
You like to have all of both hands in your mouth, but when you disover they don't really fit you most often have your two little fingers in there. (just like in the above pictures).
If we turn to look at you when you're playing by yourself, you notice that we're looking/smiling and you about turn inside out with delight from the attention.
Tummy time is not your favorite, but if we have books and toys around you you last about 8-15 minutes.
On Saturday you found your screaming/happy voice. Daddy enjoy's scream/talking back at you, and it makes your super delighted. You look very proud of your little self! And it makes mommy laugh with amusement.

Our Happy Little Family

you can't read and sob

2011-02-10T13:56:00.002-06:00

I really enjoy reading to Asher. It's a relaxing way to entertain him, teach him, love him, cuddle him, expose him to new things.

I had started a stash of all my favorite children's books years ago. I pulled them out today, because he likes to sit for longer periods of time now, listening and looking at pictures, sucking his fingers.

Today I discovered that mommies CAN NOT read and SOB at the same time.

It'd been forever since I'd read the book "Love you forever". ..Maybe since my little sisters were babies in the mid-90's. And seriously- there must be another (lighter!) version, because I don't remember EVER being moved to tears, let alone sobs while reading it to them.

Or, maybe things have changed that much in me now that I'm a mommy, holding my very own precious little (growing) baby boy. I got through the first two pages of this book and could hardly read the rest through my sniffing and wet face. Asher must have been wondering what on earth was going on. I don't think we'll be reading that one every day. It's to poignant.

Emotions aside. It's a FABULOUS BOOK. And oh so very true.

I'll love your forever,
I'll you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.

It's true Tiny Muffin. You'll always be my loved little baby boy. I'm trying to bask and drink in every single moment with you. These four months have already gone by too fast.

forwards, folk medicine and nosefrida?! =true?

2011-02-10T13:32:00.002-06:00

So my mother is a self proclaimed "Vick's Vapo Rub" addict.
She likes to use it when she doesn't even have a cold. (for whatever reason).

Last week (when Asher's cold was yucky) she sent a forward to me- (*GASP!, SHOCK!- you all know how I dislike forwards), but it was rather on point with that weeks happenings so I read it.

It was about the wonders of vick's vapor rub. And it talked about how your feet absorb what they touch (this part I know is true- if you stand on garlic, soon you will be able to taste it- like within minutes). So anyway, "they" claimed that putting a thick layer of vick's on yours or your child's feet will relieve a cough within 30 minutes. They aren't sure why it works, but had something to do with the garlic sort of theory...

I tried it on Baby. (what could it hurt?)

It surprisingly worked (this time). He hasn't coughed since.
...And the smell reminded me of my childhood, LOL- thanks mom.

Try it, tell me if it works for you.

__________ONE MORE THING:

The Nose Frieda (a thing made in Sweden).

One thing I DID discover (thanks to dear Rosanna H.) is this weird little thing called a nosefrida! (had to order on Amazon)

Disgusting to wrap your head around. I mean really- who wants to think about sucking, ---let alone actually SUCKING out your child's snotty nose with your OWN LIPS!?

Loving mommy's go the whole distance to make their sick babies better, I tell ya.

This little contraption is fabulous, and Asher actually laughs (sometimes) when I use it on him. Maybe it's because I make a silly sound while I do it.

It's like TEN times better than the little blue bulb sucker. Promise. Ya just have to get over the mental hurdle.

4 month Asher

2011-02-10T08:55:00.130-06:00

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him." 1 Samuel 1:27

Four Month Stats: (at your well check on 2.7.11)
You Weigh 18lbs 12 oz (97%+)
You're 26 3/8" tall (90-97%)
And your head in 17 1/4" around (75-90%)
You've been in size 3 diapers not for about 3-4 weeks!

Baby boy (who's getting to be not so baby-like), we are completely in love with you. You're adorable, well-natured and fun to be around. You're such a gift to us! When we hold you and pray we thank Jesus for giving you to us, we pray that you will love Jesus with your whole heart Little Love. You bring so much joy and change to our home.

Mommy calls you: Tiny Muffin, Sugar Muffin, Little Lover, Sweetness and Happiness, Tiny Friend
Daddy calls you: Baby Bluvo, which has turned into "Shmaby Shmuvo" which turned into "Shmuvs or Shmuvo", Friend, Captain Cute (and I think one more smile- you'll be promoted to "colonel cute").
You often hear: Mommy loves you or Daddy loves you. Patty cake. My God is so BIG. Mousey's gonna get you. ABC's. Day By Day. "Uhg or Uf-da"-as we pick you up (you're SUCH a chubber-bubbers!)
Noises you make: You have found your voice, and you make "brrrrrrr-ing, gooooo-ing, and ehhhhhh-ing" sounds ALL day long. You squeal. You giggle a little; I wouldn't call it all out laughing yet. You can cry like nobody's business (but you don't do it often). Once in a while you are also making more of a very loud, angry-ish cry. Not sure what that's all about.

You Can: Sit when propped up in your bumbo or with pillows for long periods of time (15-25 minutes). You also like to be pulled into a sitting position from your back, you think you're big stuff. Play with your hands and fingers. Study the room and people and things around you. You try to grasp toys, if we put them in your hand you hold them and chew on them. You grab and most of the time grasp the toys above you on the bouncer. You love to stand (with lots of help). You chew and chew and suck on your fingers (mostly the pointer and middle two on your left hand, pictured above).

Tid-bits:
The day before you turned 4 months and the week after you've been sleeping extra; it must be another growth spurt. (and had cranky spells and wanted to eat more).

We went to your 4 month well-check a few days early. We arrived, got checked in, and while waiting you had a monumental blowout. When mommy picked you up to change you it was all over you, your clothes, your car seat, and came dripping out your pants onto mommy's pants! WOW- thanks for that lovely experience. The nurse called us into a room and we both worked on getting you and everything else cleaned and under control! The rest of the appointment went well. You even smiled at Dr. Miller.

One virus strain down- millions to go. You had the croup this past month, followed by a yucky cold.

Feb. 5, You went to church with mommy and daddy for the first time, you were amused by the singing, and people around you.

You stayed with a babysitter twice this past month and did great!
You give your smiles and coo-ings freely and frequently.
You also have more distinct solemn times- nothing will crack that gorgeous grin.
You received lots of fun Valentine's in the mail, you have many admirer's.

Feb. 19, 2011 you will be dedicated at Bethlehem Baptist Church, during Saturday night service. This is what we will be praying/promising: Asher together with your parents who love you dearly and this people who care about the outcome of your faith, I dedicate you to God, surrendering together them all worldly claim upon your life in hope that you will belong wholly to Jesus Christ, forever.

whirling and swirling

2011-02-04T12:51:00.000-06:00

I've had lots on my mind lately
I have a bunch of posts started and not finished
I keep dreaming about real life things- putting outfits together, lists, wording for new posts, new room arrangements, etc-weird (and I always forge exactly how it goes when I wake)
I'm not sure what, how or if to communicate these whirling thoughts
My mind is slightly fuzzy from a week of yucky sick nights with my little Asher-man (I wouldn't trade the moments though)
I desperately need to go for a run to clear my head
Found out that although 3/4ths of my clothes fit once again-I still have no dress clothes that do -I tried them all on last night -depressing

I'll get it all sorted in (and out of) my head soon- I always feel better when i type or write it out, so it must be done.

Stand by

I'm going to take a nap

Asher highlights (weeks 14 & 15)

2011-01-29T12:00:00.000-06:00

Week 14

Highlights from your 14th week of life (1.16. - 1.22.11)

Wednesday (19th) we went to Bible study at Bethlehem and you went to the nursery for the first time. They didn't even call me out! Good work little man.
Saturday (22nd) you stay with your first babysitter! Lauren Ellringer came to our house to play with you while we went to daddy's work party/supper. We had a nice time and Lauren said you were good (except the major blow-out, causing two baths in one night! -that's ok though, you like bath time). I think leaving you was MUCH harder on mommy than it was on you. I was actually rather nervous both Wed. and Sat. but both times went well. This is good practice for us both. I'm glad you like to be with different people. (Grammy and Aunties had watched you a couple of hours when they were up to visit a few months ago, but they are family).

Highlights from your 15th week of life (1.23. - 1.29.11)

On Sunday the 23rd we were playing with you on the couch making silly faces (grumpy face, happy face, surprise face). Well you decided you really like the "surprise face" and when we did it- raising our eyebrows and making our mouth into a big O- you tried it out several times (not the eyebrow part yet, just the mouth). It was SO CUTE! And you've done it a few times since then too.
Monday we went to a the Wells house to visit and you loved watching and listening to the kids play and listen to them make noise. Sometimes you tried to join in. You seem fascinated by new places.
At Bible study this Wednesday you didn't quite make it the whole time, but when I brought you up you were quiet enough for mommy to finish listening.
Tummy time has improved a little. We put colorful books and a couple toys out in front of you and it seems to work like an incentive for you to keep your head up. You are more entertained having them there, and you study each object closely. You love looking at your Freight Train book and eating your rings.
We've been spending time iChatting with Grammy and Aunties and Landon, all at the same time some days. Grammy talks to you guys and reads you stories, and you love looking at them, it's better than TV!

Week 15

Thursday the 27th you woke up with a stuffy/clear runny nose and a small cough, later got diarrhea and very acidy vomit. :-( This made mommy and daddy feel so bad for you. We cuddled you and gave you baths and snuggles. And then Friday you woke up with your first fever (low-grade, 100.0). Since your nose is super stuffy/runny and you can't blow it mommy ordered a "Nosefrida The Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator" hopefully it will come soon so we can hep you out a little.
Friday and Saturday you came down with a super yucky croup. Mommy took you to the Dr Friday after you woke with a seal-like cough from your morning nap. You were having lots of trouble breathing. The Dr. thought the worst of it should be over soon... We spent most of Friday and all that night in the steamy bathroom and then bundled up out into the cold (to help the inner throat swelling go down). You were miserable Baby Bluvo. Your crying made it worse so when you cried, it got pretty scary for mommy and daddy. We felt terrible for you and wanted to take the hurt away. Daddy felt especially tender towards your pain. He loved up on you while holding you in the steam and cold night air. We came very close to going to the ER that night. You finally slept a couple hours on mommies chest. We ended up going back to the Dr. Sat. morning, and she gave you a steroid shot that helped tame everything down within 4-5 hours, so by the time evening rolled around the croup had dissipated and turned into a really yucky cold/cough. Phew. The worst was over.

manda's favorite things -kitchen list

2011-01-27T16:53:00.000-06:00

I'm not too much a of a "kitcheny" person. So if I really like something from that room- that's saying something. Cooking and baking are not my forte; but I've mastered the art of consumption. These are the products I find myself using everyday. (along with my dishwasher, obviously).

Bodum French Coffee Press

OXO Grip Plastic Bowls

Nonstick 12-Inch Open Skillet

Food thermometer digital

Aroma water kettle

13 weeks down 14 and counting

2011-01-15T13:15:00.012-06:00

Highlights from your week 12th of life (1.2.11 - 1.8.11)

Asher, you've definitely found your voice. The sound and volume that comes from your little body and mouth is rather remarkable when you are complaining or angry. (Which honestly is not that often, you're a good boy). And yes, there's noticeable difference in your crying between complaining and madness. It's also a big production when you are going potty; the grunting and arm pumping makes us laugh.
Chewing and sucking on fist like crazy.
You and mommy are on different pages sometimes when it comes to changing your diaper. One day we were on different planet: you went potty-so much that it was all over your PJ's, I start to change you, I grab a wipe, you pee on me, I get the dirty diaper off and your go again on your table, I get the diaper on, and guess what you did? go potty. It went on like this for most of the day. Phew.
Your super excited giggle is something like and inverted laugh, you suck air in and use your voice at the same time, several (inward) gasps in a row. :-)
You've noticed the toys hanging from your bouncer.
You LOVE being in the Maya sling. And often will fall asleep in it.
You discovered your tongue. You twist it, chew it, and stick it out. You have also started to drool more.

What we've learned about you so far:

You aren't shy. You smile and coo at strangers. When we were shopping at Target an (mommy) employee stopped to talk and coo at you and you just smiled and cooed right back.
You laugh to "happy" classical music. - unprompted. (mommy lays you on the living room floor and you look out the window and at our Christmas tree -yes it's still up, oops- and you just coo and squeal and "giggle")
You like the mornings, and are quite happy. You sometimes just lay in your bed and talk and squeak contentedly while waiting for mommy to come get you. You don't even demand to be fed right away, you easily wait 20-30 minutes before making sure we know you're hungry.

Here are some pictures from this week:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlights from your 13th week of life (1.9.11 - 1.15.11)

Several times you've grabbed the little blankie/burp cloth we lay on top of your feet with both hands and bring it to your mouth. Your hands are actually making rather coordinated movements. All of your movements are more deliberate than they used to be, from kicking, to batting, to sucking.
You enjoy hitting the toys hanging in front of you in your bouncer. And then carefully study them.
Your head is very steady now when you're upright.
You found your hands, they are often clasped together or you're rubbing fists and fingers together. You like to hold them just below your chin. They are often in your mouth. Mmmmm, yum, yum! (apparently).
You like to watch things that move, mobiles, people, TV, etc. We find it incredible that no matter what position we put you in you soon find a way to get the TV into your line of sight. And (this is bad) when you were crying one time, Mommy couldn't get you to stop, so turned the TV on and what do you think happened?... You stopped, right away. (Mommy is rolling her eyes right now).
For about 3 days early this week you had quite the fussy spell. I mean it was all out screaming (once to the point of losing your poor little voice!), it made mommy and daddy feel baffled, and sad. But you've gotten better- except you remember that when you do cry that you have found this "nice" loud voice of yours, and use it.

Sometimes when you smile when we're talking to you you get so happy and excited that you put your head down (kinda like you're being shy) and then look back up at us with your little eyes sparkling and a big toothless grin. -We melt.
During tummy time I laid you one direction and about 10 minutes later you had scooted your little tiny self all the way around to the opposite direction. Oh dear, mommy hopes this doesn't mean you'll be an early crawler! (In the picture below, I started you straight up and down-head towards camera and you turned yourself the other direction, head away from camera).
The past two weeks it's been harder to catch your smiles on camera- it's like you know we're trying to take a picture or something and stop smiling and just stare. (or it could be that the camera is bright orange...and you're fascinated by it).
You basically asked to be put to bed earlier this week. So we've moved your bedtime to about 8:30 or 8:45pm and you sleep soundly until anywhere between 7:30-9am. And you take two solid naps during the day too!
This week you turned 3 months old. (mommy will post your three month pictures soon).
You sat completely amused and awe-struck for like 20+ minutes while daddy played the guitar and sang. And when he started to play Dave Matthews songs you got all excited and laughed. (When you were inside whenever you heard DMB songs you would ALWAYS start kicking and fluttering around). So crazy. You must really like the beat or his songs or something. He also gave you your first guitar leasson, going through the strings and different chords. You were taking it all in. Sometimes it's like we can see the little gears in your brain turning at full speed!

Wow... on Sunday (1.16.11) you'll be a WHOLE 14 weeks buddy! Man we love you SO much, it's truly indescribable Baby Bluvo.

manda's favorite things -baby list

2011-01-13T15:27:00.002-06:00

Manda's Favorite Things

(New Baby/Mommy List)

I just thought I'd post a list of my favorite things that get nearly daily (some multiple times daily) use. Some I've found the hard way, trial and error, or highly recommended from friends.

Dermaplast, and epsom salt - These two things were a life saver in my healing/recovery process. My Dr. said the dermaplast was not widely known among OB's and told me to use it. Can we just say "Ahhhhh, relief!"
Mary kay under eye brightener, those first couple of weeks the suitcases and black circles under my eyes were quite the sight. So this handy little product and lots of sleep are my secret weapon. And LOTS of water!
Woombie- Asher LOVES his. I like it because he's never gotten out (like he would in multiple different swaddlers). It's also made of t-shirt material with a zipper, this allows his body to breath and his arms to wiggle just a little into a comfy position. (not so much like a medical straight jacket or something!)
Fold and go bouncer - I like this because it's colors go with our house more, could be used for boy or girl, it's vibration is quiet, and the best part- it folds up for storage or travel. I'm not into baby clutter all over.
Burp cloths by dana- These burp cloths are the most absorbent of all that I've tried. And the best part, they're made with love by my friend, Dana.
Target nursing bra's- I know this says it's for sleeping, but i where these all the time comfy and easy one hand snaps. And also I finally broke down and bought a glamour mom tank- SO worth it. I wear it as many days in a row as I can get away with. (It's a bra/tank, it keeps your tummy covered during feedings). I should really buy another.
Belly Band- you can wear this during pregnancy to keep your tummy covered and after I love how it keeps my tummy sucked in a little bit, and provides tummy coverage when I'm not wearing my GM tank, I can lift my shirt and still stay covered. Handy. Warm.
Mam Paci's
Gap Baby Socks (or old navy)- They actually STAY ON.
Maya Wrap & Ergo Sport carrier. Asher loves these. I have reasons for liking the maya best with babies under 6-7 months. It's easy, provides perfect support, and is small. The ergo (VERY COMFORTABLE) works too, but will be even better when he's a little bigger.
Peg Perego Si Stroller. I really like this stroller. it's light, easy, tall, sturdy, well-made, and it fits with chicco car seats. Fabulous.
Oh and the Boppy- I use it multiple times per day.

Asher and I love to have this radio station playing all day long. "Classical Minnesota Public Radio". It's just relaxing, and I think I've read somewhere classical music help baby brain development. I just found iTunes Radio (never used it before), this station is in the classical section under that title. It streams live all day from my Mac. (I don't think we even own a single radio anymore)! But I always have them on in my car (that or Citie's 97)

What are your favorites? Please tell me!

it came out of the closet

2011-01-12T08:43:00.001-06:00

I'll hide nothing from you, and spare no dignity. My room was a bona fide disaster area on Monday morning. (See mom, my house isn't always perfect)! My closet was a wreck from three months of neglect, trying on clothes (to find they didn't fit yet -post baby), thrown onto the floor until I found one article that would. In recent days, to my pleasure, more and more pieces actually did fit so I decided it was time to do another (3-4x's per year) closet clean out.

I had to work at it all day, when Asher was napping.

My sisters love it when I do this. They usually get to go home with a bag of new to them clothes. And it makes me feel less guilty for throwing out things I don't wear. I have a peculiar way of cleaning- it gets worse before it gets better. When organizing, I start fresh.

I pull everything out onto a pile on my bed. (start with bare shelves, etc) -I should've taken a picture of that, it was quite the sight.

As I pick up each piece I evaluate when was the last time I wore it, does it fit perfectly, can I re-purpose/sew it into something I will wear, do I love it, does Charlie find it sexy? (I strive to keep only clothes, etc I will really wear, and feel good about wearing; but must admit I also kept a couple that aren't Charlie's favorites). I tried on the (many) fashion/fit-questionable pieces on to evaluate.

PART WITH WHAT YOU DON'T LOVE!!! (I've never looked back -but if I do, i just have to raid Cally's closet, LOL!)

I put all the short sleeve (long sleeve, 3/4, tank, etc) T's each in their own pile, by color (usually- I didn't get to that this time, maybe today).

I also like to make sure all the clothes are hanging in the same direction, by type, color, etc.

I store one box of really off season stuff (summer- shorts, and only summer type things, and winter- sweaters and really heavy chunky items). This frees up some space.

As you may have seen on facebook, I loath shoe shopping (how ungirly of me, huh?). It's not so much i hate the fashions, or looking cute when i have them- it's finding cute/comfortable one's in a size 10, that don't look like a granny and aren't like $100+. (see my embarrassing (mostly) target collection below):

---ENTER, my virtual trip to DSW, they even had free shipping, and the store is close in case I must return any. I had fun yesterday trying to shop for my kind of (NEEDED) shoes online. We'll see how that went when the packages arrive. (*fingers crossed*)

This is close to the finished product.

I'm a much happier girl when I know everything in my closet is as it should be, tidy, organized, and "gone through". It always helps me to think clearer and free-er and feel better if my closets (and drawers, and cupboards, and papers, and storage room-etc) are sorted and organized. Life is too short to clutter and weigh it down with unneeded stuff to trap and suffocate me.

Ahhhhhh.

I really do enjoy sorting, cleaning and organizing. -honestly. My neighbors always tells me I should start a business. -My mom might feel differently- one time when she let me clean/sort out her basement we ended up with an entire 3/4 garage that went to good will, etc. I may even sort to a fault (shhhhh!). ;-)

Now, onto Asher's room. It has MAJOR issues.

(most of which stem from not having the proper furniture and storage, etc)

I never made a 'nursery' or prepared a cute little room for him. (multiple reasons)- and he hasn't noticed so far, but he will, and I DO. We'll just say this is the "before" picture. One day I hope for him to have a cute, and special learning and sleeping and playing environment to live in...

obviously a few things must happen first.

3 month Asher

2011-01-10T14:58:00.031-06:00

Our Baby Boy you bring so much joy.

Chubby cheeks and chin and a really great grin.

All of God's grace in your cute little face.

Even tho' we pray, little you won't stay.

Please don't grow so fast, let these cherished moments last.

Cars, balls, and boats soon you'll make them float.

Our Cherished Baby Boy!

Two tiny feet that wave in the air, Two tiny hands that tug at my hair, Cute bottom for patting, Adorable face, A bundle of joy to love and embrace.

Precious Asher, we are having so much fun with you. You are so interactive now, always discovering new things! You're getting so big too; when we put you on our home scale it read 17.5lbs! -And we love your chubbers! You definitely do not lack in your daily quota for kisses and cuddles. Although, you're not really a cuddler, you will sit facing out on our laps or in our arms, but you don't like to lay your head down. You are taking the world around in- every detail it seems. New places and sounds are fascinating to you. When you're really concentrating on something we can almost see your little brain gears turning. You're such a happy little man, and still an amazing all night sleeper!

Son, we pray that you will love Jesus with all your heart and want Him in your life from a very young age. We thank the Lord for you often, you are an extra special blessing and light in our life.
All Our Love, and many hugs and kisses,

Mommy and Daddy

quilts over the years

2011-01-07T18:43:00.000-06:00

I started quilting when i was probably 15 on my Mom's Elna. I really enjoyed it. It's one of those hobbies I've picked up every now and again since then. I have to be in just the right mood. But as my interior design style has changed over the years so has my quilting style, as well as my taste in the types of quilts I make. Now I sew (mostly baby quilts and odds and ends) on my Janome

These are some of my quilts I found around the house, not sure where the rest are. Oh well.

I made this quilt for my Grandma Reed

My mom let me cut up all our families old jeans to make this quilt.

It's backed with corduroy. I use it as a stadium blanket and on picnics.

I think I made this while watching Anne of Green Gables Movies

I know there's a large baby quilt around
here somewhere that goes with this little blankie.

It's a relaxing pastime for me. I'd be happy to show ya how anytime.

bibs & blankies

2011-01-07T17:53:00.001-06:00

These little "taggie blankies" are simple to make. I like to use a style called strip quilting. End to end first sew random lengths of various fabric rectangles together. then cut the strips into the length you want your rows (width of blankie). Sew the rows together. Then right side to right side sew a cuddly fabric with strips of material or short cords placed along the edges as you go. turn right side out and "wa-la"!

This bib and the taggie blanket on the left above coordinate with the baby quilt and burp cloths I made Asher.

And this blanket was really fast- cut a cotton fabric to the size you want your receiving blanket to be and then cut the back made of flannel (in this case) sew with right sides together and then turn inside out. I like to sew a finishing stitch around the edges to make it look polished.

Amy Butler's "Little Stitches for Little Ones" book was very inspirational for me. Worth looking over, and may instructions are "googleable".

baby quilt

2011-01-07T15:25:00.002-06:00

This the baby quilt I made for Asher in my summer of modified bed rest. I was super inspired by these fabrics, Amy butler designs, and this spotted quilt (and all her other quilts!). -And I'm not even a "quilty" person anymore! :-)

Fun places to shop for fabric in the twin cities: Treadle Yard Goods, and Crafty Planet.

Too many fun ones to choose from!

Some of the fabrics I chose.

I had to play around with the design and placement

for a while. Charlie helped a lot with this part.

I appliqued the little squares on by using a blanket stitch on my machine.

Finished Front. I made Burp Cloths to match.

Finished back, I added a little strip of each fabric I used
on the front; it makes the back look snazzy.

The best part of this project was seeing my little man on top of it!

I also made a bib and burp cloth and taggie blankie to match.

My next project: these adorable hand crafted stuffed animals! Found them on Martha Stewart.

LOVE!

Nested, and Coco Knits, are also sites that have lots of fun and classy crafty projects on them.
Enjoy!

burpy-urpy cloths

2011-01-07T14:56:00.001-06:00

Because every little one over fills that little tum-tum. (Asher is a pro at the whole spit-up thing). I wish I had made more of these. But thankfully my friends gave me some they made.

On the ones I made I just put flannel or a striped terrycloth-like fabric. The fronts were all cotton.

The two pictured above coordinate with a quilt and bib's I made for Little Asher Man.

And I made one to coordinate with the little worm diaper bad, pictured below.

Above, in the top right I made a cotton from/flannel back blanket with matching burp cloth. And the ones that have "Little Mr" monogrammed on them were made by my friend Sarah. Hers have a towel-like terry cloth on the back with flannel on the front. They are quite absorbent. The silky one is a taggie blanket she also made.

Below is a burp cloth (one of six) that my friend Dana made us. These are the classic white cloth diaper ones, and to jazz it up she has sewn a strip of flannel down the front. To be honest, these are my favorite, because they are the most absorbent of all of the ones I have. If I make more in the future, they'll probably be similar to this one.

a diaper bag ditty

2011-01-07T14:35:00.003-06:00

When I finally made it to modified bed rest this last summer I had extra time to do this sort of thing...

I didn't have a pattern, but did use this helpful post for guidance. I changed a few things and added a divider in the middle. Wasn't to tough. I'll leave this one in the car with a snack and change of clothes for those sure to come emergency situations. ;-)

I wish I had a serger.

I also whipped up a burp cloth to match.

monogrammed shirt for kiddo's

2011-01-07T14:25:00.000-06:00

This little sewing project is pretty easy... I did it.

Thought I'd write a quick tutorial in case you wanna give it a shot (or sew).

1. By shirts. I usually look for a sale or H&M

2. Print out the letter in the font and size you'd like to use. (not curved edges get a little tricky if you're using a machine).

3. Buy felt. I buy it at Joann's for like $.30 a sheet. This way I have lots of colors to choose from.

4. Coordinate your felt to your shirt.

5. Trace the letter upside down on the felt.

6. On that same side of the felt iron on double sided interfacing glue. (read instructions on package)

7. Cut out the letters that now have interfacing "glue" on their back side.

8. Iron the letter to the shirt. I place my letters in the middle of the shirt towards the top.

9. As a finishing touch chose one of the following: *Sew with a contrasting thread color about 2/8" from edge around the letter (that's what I have shown below). or *Hand sew up and down in the same way with contrasting candle-wicking thread. or *do the same with yarn (I've done this too, but my fingers really hurt after from pushing the needly through so much fabric and felt, plus the yarn thickness. But it does look super cute).

There ya have it! CUTE - CLASSY & CRAFTY!

Your next gift for the kiddo's in your life.

gross- what's that smell!

2011-01-04T16:54:00.001-06:00

Ok. So, I was about to toss my lunch a few times lately as I'd get weird whiff's of a musty, old milk smell when I turned my head toward my shoulder or flipped Asher's burp cloth on my shoulder or kissed him around his neck... what on earth? I JUST washed this burp cloth, outfit, bath robe, etc...

Baby puke, spit up, or overfill seemed to have "melted" into whatever fabric it landed on. I would always wash it right away, but still this problem arose. I guess it has to do with the (non) breakdown of the proteins found in milk. So I read up on how to get the smell out and this was the most popular fix.

Plain old VINEGAR

I was eager to get home from Target today so I could test it myself. I just finished the load of stinky clothes (I used about 1 cup and my regular detergent) and I am quite impressed with the results. The smell has subsided greatly (if there at all). What a cheap fix! Hope that may helps some of you mama's out sometime, it did me!

Other handy uses for vinegar. (he suggests stuff like: insect repellent, first aid, cooking, and cleaning!)

life is good at 12 weeks

2011-01-01T12:58:00.104-06:00

Little Muffin (mommy calls you that sometimes), this has been a very fun week of new discoveries for you and has been fun for us to watch.

When you're laying or reclining you must think it's fun to turn your little head from side to side. Back and forth it goes- and the hair on the back of your head is rubbed down from your new trick. So silly.

The rolls on your legs (and everywhere else) are growing. Last night in the tub Mommy and Daddy laughed at your double armpit that's emerged from your chubbers. You've moved definitively into sizes 3-6. Only one or two 0-3 month outfits fit you anymore!

Practicing sitting upright this week has been exciting. You sit in your Bumbo chair and look around the kitchen. You're getting less wobbly, but can still only be comfortable there for about 5 minutes.

You are ever so attentive to new sounds, voices and activities. You love to listen and respond to us when we talk or walk in the room. And in the above pictures you've started to crank your head as far as you can to get a glimpse of the TV (which mommy and daddy purposely turn you away from). You're mesmerized by that moving light son, and you're glued to it when you're at the right angle. Also in the above picture (on the bottom left) you've started to suck and chew at your fist. You soothe yourself quite well with this activity.

These little faces of yours melt me darl'n!

Mommy's 'lil hawkey- we cheered on our only winning big 10 team this year!
(bottom left)- You're such a good little shopper and errand doer!

Highlights from week 11

You squeal with delight
You're getting better and better at tracking voices and sounds, and are intrigued when we skype with Grammy or Aunties
Your sleep habits are pretty predictable now: night= 9p-7:45a and two naps= 9:45-11:45a (maybe a quick cat nap) and 2:15-5:30p or so.
You smile a lot more (see the video below for proof of that- it's about 3 minutes)
Evenings have suddenly gotten MUCH better. You're not nearly as fussy from 5-9p anymore! YAY! But morning's are still your favorite.
You enjoyed your first Christmas Asher! We spent it in Iowa with our families. You got your own "baby's first christmas 2010" ornament.
Eating is getting easier for you; you still sputter and cough and clench down from time to time, but you're starting to handle it better. (phew).
We said goodbye to 2010 the year of your birth and hello to a brand new year, 2011! We're excited to see how this year will unfold, and what God will do. NYE was spent snuggled in with mommy and daddy watching movies by the fire. (the weather was not good that night).
We're treasuring every last moment with you baby boy, the realization of how quickly time is going has crashed upon us lately. But we are enjoying all your new developments.

Hugs and lots of kisses Mr. Happiness, Mommy and Daddy

christmas 2010

2010-12-28T12:52:00.006-06:00

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

2010-12-27T11:45:00.000-06:00

This sums up our winter thus far.

exciting 11 weeks Asher-man!

2010-12-26T22:39:00.017-06:00

(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

2010-12-25T11:42:00.000-06:00

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!