New Family Picture

We snapped a new family picture today!

It looks like we are going to be a family of 4 next May!

Remember the Alamo

Last Christmas, my mom and step-dad gifted Mark and I with a weekend trip to San Antonio (with the stipulation that they got to watch Baby A, of course!)

We planned our trip for the weekend of Mark's birthday.  The plan was to go to a concert on Thursday night (his gift from me), and then head out Friday morning. Unfortunately the stomach bug hit our family on Wednesday and we didn't make the concert.  We did head out on Friday afternoon for our weekend away!

We spent Friday night getting settled and exploring the Riverwalk.  It was a beautiful night, and so relaxing just to walk and talk.

Saturday, we toured the Alamo.  We also walked around a few other areas downtown, and checked out the historic neighborhoods.  We then treated ourselves to a dinner at a steak house!

On Sunday, we relaxed and then headed home to pick up our sweet girl. 

Ashlynn had a fun time while we were gone. She spent some time playing at G-Ma and Gator's house, and then they headed to visit Granny and Bampa!

Saying "bye bye"

Mini-Mark

Loving on her Granny

Eating a snack with Gator

We had such a great time, and are thankful for so many opportunities to rest.  We did learn a lesson that 2 weekends away from Miss Ashlynn in 1 month is a lot of time away. We missed her more than we could have imagined!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the best husband and father that Ashlynn and I could have ever asked for!

Happy 9 Months!

Ashlynn,

You turned 9 months old this week! You are starting to become so much more like a little girl and less like the tiny baby we brought home from the hospital.  Watching you grow and learn has been such a joy for mommy and daddy!

We went to the doctor yesterday for your 9 month checkup. You are developmentally on track and look healthy. Your stats are:

Weight- 21 lbs 6 oz (87%)

Height- 28.8 inches (86%)

Head- 45.1 cm (79%)

You have been so active this month! You are not yet crawling, but you scoot on your bottom everywhere you want to go.  You pull up to your knees on everything, and will pull up to standing when you hold our hands.  If you are standing holding our hands, you will walk around the room.  Your exersaucer is by far your favorite toy/activity.

This was a rough month sleep wise. You have only been sleeping around 8 hours a night, and waking up some throughout the night. We are hoping this is the culprit of teething and that it will pass soon. Speaking of teeth, you have 3 teeth! The 2 front bottom teeth and one upper lateral tooth.

You love eating.  You take 7 oz. bottles every 4-4.5 hours.  You are also eating 3 meals and a snack each day.  You have started to prefer finger foods to baby foods, and are not a picky eater at all! You will eat avocados and olives by themselves.  We have also added meat to your palatte.

Each day you are talking more and more! You said your first word "Dada!" and "Mama" was soon to follow.  You normally only use "mama" if you are upset, but you say "dada" any time that your daddy is around.  You got upset with mommy the other day and sat there saying "dadadada"and each morning you wake up and say "Dada?" You have also started to say what sounds like hi and bye, and you have started to wave!

You have such a joyful disposition.  It constantly amazes us how you are such a happy baby so much of the time.  You have a smile that lights up your entire face.  We pray that the Lord will use that joy in so many ways to glorify His name.

We love you so much sweet girl! You are such a blessing to our lives (even Zeus would agree with that now!)  We cannot believe that in just 3 short months you will be 1 year old.

We love you,

Mommy and Daddy

Restful

This weekend, we got a restful weekend! It was MUCH needed! Ashlynn started out Friday sporting her camo for the opening weekend of bow hunting season.  After lunch with her G-Ma, she was headed off to spend the weekend at Papa's house!

After we dropped her off for the weekend, we went and picked up my new mom-mobile!! I am so excited to have a car that provides us with a little more space, and for a husband who was willing to sell his "cool" car for it to be possible! It was such a blessing from the Lord that we were able to get such a deal, and we are so thankful for His blessings.

We then had a yummy date at a sushi place, and got to hang out with our sweet friend Amy. Amy so kindly gifted us with 2 nights of hotel points this weekend, so after dinner we headed to check in for our stay! We were on the 29th floor with a downtown view! It was so relaxing!

On Saturday it was rainy, so we spent the morning vegging out and the afternoon watching football with friends.

We snapped a few pictures of ourselves on Sunday morning before we headed to pick up our sweet girl.

While we were gone, Ashlynn had a little fun of her own!

Headed to the pet store.

A little cuddle time.

When we got home Sunday night, Ashlynn was very sleepy and very glad to be relaxing with her daddy!

We are so thankful for these opportunities to rest and to focus on our marriage for a little while!