3/27/11, 11 1/2 weeks

Well the latest on Ashley...she just keeps getting cuter and cuter!! Every day is so much fun with her. She continues to "talk" even more now. She has a lot more movement and control of her hands and feet now. With her hands, she has a firm grip and swats at things. Sometimes she even swats her hands and arms while she's eating, and hits herself in the face--poor thing. I'm always telling her to be gentle with herself!

A lot of times we recline her in our laps (see second picture down for example)--well Ashley's new thing is to kick mommy or daddy. She finds it rather amusing when she kicks daddy's nose or face, or kicks me as I change her diaper. Lol. She has also discovered how to kick and splash in the bathtub. It makes a big mess, but it's so cute to watch her get excited. Lastly, when she plays on her playmat, she has figured out how to push up off of us to scoot herself across it.

Another new thing is her kisses. I am always loving on her and giving her lots of kisses. When I kiss her cheek, she opens her mouth wide and turns toward me like she is trying to "kiss" me back. So cute!

Ashley also has a bald spot on the back of her head from turning from side to side a lot. Not sure if she is trying to scratch an itch or just finds it fun, haha. She also tracks us from across the room. When we walk by, she will not just turn her eyes toward us, but moves her whole head to follow us.

Her smiles continue to just melt my heart. I am lovin' life as a mommy and wife! The other night Matt was changing her diaper up in her bedroom, and he was playing the song "Don't blink"--we just held Ashley and all slow danced together in her room. It was such a special moment for me, and the song was just a reminder to capture that moment (not that I need it, I don't take anything for granted since I know how blessed we are).

3-13-11, 9 1/2 weeks!

Ashley went for her 2 month doctor appointment. She is now 11 lbs, 3 oz, and 23 inches tall! She's growing so much. Poor thing had to get her immunization shots, and had such a pitiful cry! She was ok for a little while after, but then got a slight fever and was fussy for a little while. She took some baby tylenol and slept it off, then was almost back to normal.

Here are some updates.

3-1-11, Almost 2 Months!!

It's hard to believe that Ashley will be 2 months old in just 3 days!!! Crazy!!! Things have been so great. I think it's safe to say that I am probably the happiest I've been. I've got a great husband and father, and a wonderful baby girl who is such a blessing to us.

A lot has been going on, which is part of the reason it's been a while. First, Ashley's other grandfather came down to visit with his friend Shelley. Dad has 2 other grandchildren from his first marriage, but they live in Germany. So Ashley was the first grandchild that he has been able to see and hold in person. He was thrilled to see her and spend time with her. We had a nice visit, comparing Ashley to Matt and my baby pictures. He was calling her MATTilda, saying that she looks like daddy. She definitely does, but she still resembles me too!

The weather was gorgeous when they were down, so we went out to eat and sat outside. Ashley was awake for most of it, and she was just looking over my shoulder at everything. We also took a walk downtown. It was fun. Also celebrated grandpa's 62nd birthday. It was a fun time.

Then my cousin April and her son Tyler came to visit for a few hours. She was in town visiting friends and my cousin Wendy. It was a short visit, but nice. We talked and caught up, then went out to dinner. Tyler was really sweet with Ashley (and the dog Maddie).

Last Wednesday I went back to work for the 1st time. I am only working 1 day a week thankfully. Ideally I would love to stay home full time but financially we can't swing it, and I've also established a great work foundation so it wouldn't be good to leave. But I feel so fortunate to only have to work one day, I can only imagine how hard it must be to go back to full time. I now understand why women cry on their first days back. I was sad to leave her for the day, and didn't want to miss out on anything or any new "firsts". Although she is in great hands with my friend Laura, she's got playmates for when she's old enough to interact, and it's healthy to have a little separation--gives children their "wings" as they continue to grow up. But it's still hard! Lol.

"Aunt" Kim also came to visit this past weekend. Ashley has had lots of visitors in the past couple of months, from near and far! Lots of people love her.

Ok, now for Ashley updates. Gas issues have almost completely resolved themselves thankfully. She is such a happy baby when she's not in pain! She smiles and coos a lot more now. It still makes my heart smile every time. I just love that little girl!

Ashley has also discovered that her hand works in more ways. She has started rubbing her eyes when she is tired, and putting her hand in her mouth to suck or lick. It's cute to watch. She will also grab at my hair from time to time. She has also started making lots of spit bubbles recently, and makes this adorable pouty face when she is sad sometimes.

She is sleeping longer stretches at night. For the most part, it's still 3-4 hours at a time, although she has slept for 6 hours straight a couple of times which has been wonderful. I'm hoping it continues.

We're continuing to get on more of a routine during the day. I'm still trying to work on naps. She sleeps great in the crib at night, but she just loves her swing and is fighting the transition into the crib for naps. We're working at it though....

She just continues to be such a joy!