Latest

Matt took Ashley to the doctor on July 22nd for her 6 month visit (although she was closer to 6 1/2 months by the time she went). I had a continuing Ed course that I had to attend, so I had to miss her appointment. I felt awful not being there, mainly because she was getting her shots and I know how upset she usually gets after them. But, I guess this is part of giving her "wings" in life. Luckily Matt said this was the best visit yet, and that she only cried for a second or two afterwards.

Anyway, Ashley is now 16 lbs, 13 oz, which puts her at a nice "happy medium"--55% for her weight, and she is 27 inches, which puts her at the 80% for her height. The doctor said she is doing great and right on track with feeding schedule and all her developmental milestones.

Ashley is now sitting up much better--still not 100% there, but can sit up pretty good for a decent amount of time.

-she is loving most foods. She likes to "help" mommy by grabbing onto the spoon sometimes. She used to sound like a guinea pig (meaning she'd whine between each bite to make sure I'd feed her...lol), and now she started this bear growl in between. Haha.

-she is doing better with her sippy cup

-Matt let her gnaw on his banana the other day and she loved it

-Loves playing with a variety of toys--she is figuring out how to pop open/push down toys

-She continues to love her jumparoo

-Has fun playing peek-a-boo now

-She loves to reach out and grab at EVERYTHING, including mommy's face. She thinks it's hysterical when she sticks her fingers in my mouth and I pretend to bite down/chew on her fingers through my lips

-She thinks everything is a chew toy, including mommy and daddy. I'm trying to teach her not to bite us, but we're learning ;)

On a side note, a couple cool things. When I was at this continuing Ed course, they were having us practice this anchoring technique where you think of these positive visuals that just elevate your mood and make you feel happy. You can combine memories. I used a couple of Matt and I, and combined some Ashley ones: when I brought Ashley home and was just overwhelmed with love and happiness, special times of rocking her to sleep and being enamored by her, the time Matt and I were dancing with her to a sweet song, bath times, along with fun memories at her changing table. You would think changing a diaper would be on the bottom of the list, but Ashley and I have so much fun--we laugh, play, sing, she puts her feet in her mouth, kicks...Her smiles and giggles just melt my heart.

Another cute side note--About a month ago we started with a new babysitter named Katelyn Ammons for the day that I work. My friend Laura Heatley was watching her for a few months, but she was considering going back to work more. Also, I think it was challenging juggling 3 little ones, and having to feed Ashley while trying to get her boys ready for bed. It was also hard for me having to pack up 5 bags (between baby stuff and work stuff) and getting to her house on time...so this babysitter Katelyn comes to the house, which is soooo nice. I don't have to rush around anymore, Katelyn plays with her while I finish getting ready so she doesn't have to sit around, and it's nice for Ashley's routine so she can sleep in her own crib for naps and stuff. Katelyn is also great with her--she takes her for walks, plays toys and reads to her. Anyway, last Wednesday she had gone down for a later nap, and slept late. Matt and I had both gotten home earlier than normal and Ashley was still sleeping. By the time she woke up from her nap, Matt and I were both racing each other up the stairs to go greet her. I just thought it was cute how excited we both were to see our baby girl after being away from her for the day. She is one loved little girl!

Above are a couple pictures of Ashley and her babysitter, Katelyn.