tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41485152626167249942024-03-15T18:10:38.701-07:00From Ashley to AwesomeAshley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.comBlogger453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-77963605307943768552017-06-09T08:55:00.002-07:002018-02-22T23:25:20.027-08:0016 MonthsOur little Cecilia turned 16 months on Wednesday... 16 months!! I can't believe how fast time is going these days. It's been fun to see her first few months show up in my Timehop lately, but it's also a reminder that these days fly by. I thought I'd hop on here this morning to do a quick update on our baby girl.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4e9K8Wwww3TSHplipIBQRndI0l0l-YXvrCV-kIi1g8rO9gVWZaq98ieXb0zUYDCaCJet5m1wMmIeUTFbOXteEgtW_UB-xjT1Z4driaSgfQjfwZQqOYVOwcn-YEq9C4n_9JWBqFMRacB4/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4e9K8Wwww3TSHplipIBQRndI0l0l-YXvrCV-kIi1g8rO9gVWZaq98ieXb0zUYDCaCJet5m1wMmIeUTFbOXteEgtW_UB-xjT1Z4driaSgfQjfwZQqOYVOwcn-YEq9C4n_9JWBqFMRacB4/s1600/blog1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As you can tell from this photo... she's happy. So happy, all of the time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were just in the doctor's office due to a nasty virus she was fighting so we got current stats on her. Well, the doctor and I are not sure the length is correct, but she weighs 18lbs 4oz. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cecilia says quite a few words and is <b><i>always</i></b> talking. I didn't think any little kiddo could talk as much as Amelia did, but Cecilia is definitely trying her best to follow in big sister's footsteps. My favorite is when she wants more food or water. She hands me her plate or cup and says "more... p... p" (more, please please). Already rocking some great manners. Then there's the times when she lifts her own foot up to her nose and says "pew pew". She makes me laugh all day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She's busy! So incredibly busy. If she's awake, she's moving. She's really into pretending now. We've been keeping Amelia's old play kitchen in the living room lately and she's always bringing us a dish and spoon and pretends to feed us. That usually leads to her cracking herself up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She's obsessed with Amelia. So much so in fact that when she realized Amelia was awake and in the bathroom this morning she went over and started banging on the door, hollering and clapping "YAYA YAYA". She was so excited she was awake. That's the usual scene too when Amelia gets home from school. Their bond is so sweet. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cecilia loves being outside. It doesn't matter if it's super hot or cold and windy, she wants to be out wandering around. She's walking so fast now, bordering on running some days, but she always stays close to us and doesn't try to run off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She's a pretty good sleeper. The sickness she had set her back a little bit and I spent almost every night during that time awake with her on my chest. She just wouldn't let me put her down in her crib, but so far this week we're getting back on track. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh... one of the most exciting things. She's gone potty on her potty chair a couple of times now. She thinks it's pretty cool and says "yay" while clapping for herself. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This girl is a FaceTime addict. If she hears someone calling us on FT she comes walking over as fast as she can and wants to chat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She's still loves to snuggle and I still love that soooo much!! Every nap and every night I still snuggle her to sleep. Can't get enough. I can't usually tell she's tired when she comes walking over to me with a blanket saying she wants up. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cecilia is pretty social. She likes to wave to everyone at the store and has her own little fan club at Amelia's school. If she knows someone well she's not too concerned with my being close by, but if she doesn't know someone she usually gets very clingy. She'll still smile at people, but I can't be out of sight when she's around too many people she doesn't know. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So that's a little snapshot of our girl at the moment. She's all smiles all the time and so incredibly sweet. </div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-27077885165357186472017-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:002018-02-22T23:25:33.165-08:00Summer Bucket ListThe weather we are having right now has me so excited for summer break!! Less than a month until Mark and Amelia are both out of school and I can't stop thinking about all of the fun things we want to do. Since we're so excited we decided to make a summer bucket list. This list is a mix of things that Amelia, Mark and I all want to do and I can't wait to see how many items we are able to cross off!<br />
<br />
I know this picture doesn't really have anything to do with this post... but this bird is so damn cute with his bangs that I had to find an excuse to use it. It also reminded me that I haven't shared anything about the trip we made up to Vancouver B.C. (where I took this photo).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInsh8FXUPHvW-k2Axwc_GxIkhgEvBtVdq7VDDOb6wTMab11OkGVtDKdt8nThgbJ_lSASGs1r1ynnAWUmujrQixxuY_Slys9iHcpfMs8f2jh277Fdcm5bbWpv7WaX4c1a85IBM1LjORDE/s1600/bucket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInsh8FXUPHvW-k2Axwc_GxIkhgEvBtVdq7VDDOb6wTMab11OkGVtDKdt8nThgbJ_lSASGs1r1ynnAWUmujrQixxuY_Slys9iHcpfMs8f2jh277Fdcm5bbWpv7WaX4c1a85IBM1LjORDE/s640/bucket1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
* Go on several camping trips<br />
* Use our zoo pass and invite family and friends to join us<br />
* Dates with Mark<br />
* Spend time working in the yard<br />
* Plant a garden<br />
* Go to OMSI<br />
* Create new art<br />
* Finish Cecilia's bedroom (my project)<br />
* Explore local areas<br />
* Play tennis with Amelia (and my sisters too)<br />
* Visit Enchanted Forest<br />
* Go on walks with my girls<br />
* Have girl nights with Amelia and Cecilia... painting toes and watching girly movies<br />
* Let the girls put their toes in the sand on the Oregon Coast<br />
* Have a bbq with friends<br />
* Go swimming at Kahneeta (possibly for Mark's birthday)<br />
* Cheer Amelia on at her first 5k race<br />
* Practice kindness by doing things for people we know as well as strangers<br />
* Take a trip to Whistler (in the works... sister and kid trip)<br />
* Meet the cousins half way for a Dalles playdate<br />
* Have Liam over for his first ever sleepover away from his parents<br />
* Get our sewing machines out and create new things (Amelia and I)<br />
* Work with Cecilia on potty training (she is very interested)<br />
* Organize play dates with some mamas and kids from mom's group<br />
* Plan something special for our anniversary<br />
* Complete house projects (install molding, redo closets, paint, etc)<br />
* Sort through the stuff in the basement (and hopefully get rid of a lot)<br />
* Eat as paleo as possible<br />
* Use Amelia's telescope<br />
* Spend time in Hood River<br />
* Complete my photography location binder (with Erica's help)<br />
* Picnics in the park<br />
* Play hard<br />
* Be active every day<br />
* Read a book (me... because I don't have time with two kids)<br />
* Go bowling<br />
* Visit farmer's markets<br />
* Take Amelia to the Portland Saturday Market<br />
<br />
I'm sure we could keep going, but this list is the majority of our summer goals. I want to be busy and I want to focus on my family as much as possible. Making memories is so important.<br />
<br />Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-81131540387295659772017-04-22T23:37:00.000-07:002018-02-22T23:25:46.295-08:00Easter recap (photo overload)Oh my goodness... we had the most wonderful Easter. I know, I'm totally behind on posts, but I just have to share anyway. Even thought it was Cecilia's second Easter, it was the first she was actually old enough to partake in the festivities. It was a blast watching her experience dying eggs and doing an Easter egg hunt for the first time. It was also so precious watching Amelia help her out along the way.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We kicked off Easter weekend with a trip to see the bunny. Of course, matching dresses again this year. Gotta do it while I can. Eventually Amelia will be too old to want to match... or maybe not haha. A mom can dream, right? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This one was my favorite and the one we had printed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKV5JOkiz5yDoMGMM5QL3yB_EnuZs302t-dtXpBAplqQ7RrZQtuBlUj09j1GNiFrZyYxo1NGlRUNIuUTawWIc2MiTVPxuTT4Otdy0vwP9Qif735TGFaG_61XNVNct5fjV_2FfOKABJD8/s1600/bunny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKV5JOkiz5yDoMGMM5QL3yB_EnuZs302t-dtXpBAplqQ7RrZQtuBlUj09j1GNiFrZyYxo1NGlRUNIuUTawWIc2MiTVPxuTT4Otdy0vwP9Qif735TGFaG_61XNVNct5fjV_2FfOKABJD8/s640/bunny2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
This one cracked me up. I wonder if her tiny self is looking at Amelia thinking "you actually think this bunny is cool"?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3aqHyLwcNx5lEvW0ofwXavQZ6wXmsvy0DAJli3i6oMOXiV4nrALE4MkaBtgnku64XR2yFlIPlHmfh6UXZjB9wAqJCd5kt5E5DAJqgYhffvWy4RbIhXAMEl_EVGfiOhbWjIeOeOULhfw/s1600/bunny3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3aqHyLwcNx5lEvW0ofwXavQZ6wXmsvy0DAJli3i6oMOXiV4nrALE4MkaBtgnku64XR2yFlIPlHmfh6UXZjB9wAqJCd5kt5E5DAJqgYhffvWy4RbIhXAMEl_EVGfiOhbWjIeOeOULhfw/s640/bunny3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And of course I saved the funniest for last. The escape and that face. Overall Cecilia seemed to be okay with the Easter bunny. When we first walked up she was smiling a ton and wanted to touch his fur. Sitting with him clearly wasn't her favorite thing to do, but she didn't cry at all. I'd call that success!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xovmv4L-R28LtIlHpf359_oV6AyVmZ3sVaXwqIx5nw1Y4X-sclxQyqPdrdLPYGN0hOB0_Pb_rIF9cVlUSm-oj-jxsayn4P9Yn4r__7ojhy-PSm0iKGfq4-XRce2ykK4OkMoDpSf3RLw/s1600/bunny4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xovmv4L-R28LtIlHpf359_oV6AyVmZ3sVaXwqIx5nw1Y4X-sclxQyqPdrdLPYGN0hOB0_Pb_rIF9cVlUSm-oj-jxsayn4P9Yn4r__7ojhy-PSm0iKGfq4-XRce2ykK4OkMoDpSf3RLw/s640/bunny4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday evening we colored Easter eggs at my grandma's. Amelia, my little artist, always makes her eggs look so cool just by using regular dye. Cecilia was allowed to color two eggs, but when she kicked over an entire cup of dye that's when Mark put a stop to her egg dying career for this year. Poor baby haha. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2RIO7RAwEeKwJm_1QO3WCfmoxwVgadAK9GK8uyGvJauVUx77AEoCVu103JzUziM5p-iw339uivGeRbY0weOcqEZnWo887ge8aANRzkssjJkBNu6mWEd0QcTAhgpSWQu8Y8mCnoSd-0Q/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2RIO7RAwEeKwJm_1QO3WCfmoxwVgadAK9GK8uyGvJauVUx77AEoCVu103JzUziM5p-iw339uivGeRbY0weOcqEZnWo887ge8aANRzkssjJkBNu6mWEd0QcTAhgpSWQu8Y8mCnoSd-0Q/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay1uiYzjoyg8AdBLp3oRJQ2_uQ6zcxtDrrjw9HL3XyXmRgsL-OXGu_cD4tDs1CaesoNMnAmMW_TAac5lnOpjyfhmjW0NSmQIJqwG4_YUf8pp4Ol8FBB_yXuAld7Hdp0CCvO7whARGHg0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay1uiYzjoyg8AdBLp3oRJQ2_uQ6zcxtDrrjw9HL3XyXmRgsL-OXGu_cD4tDs1CaesoNMnAmMW_TAac5lnOpjyfhmjW0NSmQIJqwG4_YUf8pp4Ol8FBB_yXuAld7Hdp0CCvO7whARGHg0/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X_uSQkdzB4B1t_rtYkIwZMJ9IJs4G8p1snd0Sv2ouEZMcUyw9nTvy_3mCJ8DbU1zNUZXPbKtrBBlMrCSbk65O40UnluT3w4LqYtdBLpVr79Syr56CSAqXSdrOGVniWdVaufE99y350o/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7X_uSQkdzB4B1t_rtYkIwZMJ9IJs4G8p1snd0Sv2ouEZMcUyw9nTvy_3mCJ8DbU1zNUZXPbKtrBBlMrCSbk65O40UnluT3w4LqYtdBLpVr79Syr56CSAqXSdrOGVniWdVaufE99y350o/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Q18FHFBC8jqfwn1Qgf7iXbcNi4CzzO7XujTwZ5NHdXVUkXJxn4ZyG-FwHMoEht_ezF9xqhlzyypO0qAex6oxgFD7G9CfY4nOl1WaxAZ8BfM6lVj26GWsYOZ-w9oJiBKyp3IDbD-iNDM/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Q18FHFBC8jqfwn1Qgf7iXbcNi4CzzO7XujTwZ5NHdXVUkXJxn4ZyG-FwHMoEht_ezF9xqhlzyypO0qAex6oxgFD7G9CfY4nOl1WaxAZ8BfM6lVj26GWsYOZ-w9oJiBKyp3IDbD-iNDM/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Easter Sunday was a great day. Mark, the girls and I got up early and went to 8 o'clock mass and then let the girls open their Easter baskets when we got home. The Easter bunny was definitely nice to these two girls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRggiKDe6M5aSsTnv0nOc9-Ia_EfgxOGKX2F71J1GqCkZu16M-Os8-ne5TKJd-zf1WKrvEyNcsmWeKBqRR7MKc19I0PwMmNvfMKQwjH88mOXjWMO-yw0l2nGmq8mEY7Vzwgm3u-JtJKQ/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRggiKDe6M5aSsTnv0nOc9-Ia_EfgxOGKX2F71J1GqCkZu16M-Os8-ne5TKJd-zf1WKrvEyNcsmWeKBqRR7MKc19I0PwMmNvfMKQwjH88mOXjWMO-yw0l2nGmq8mEY7Vzwgm3u-JtJKQ/s640/IMG_3464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTWmJULcR0HIj2Gn-NnF4DqW5-8jYyOfnGiw_Ae1EWxWPvIBp6yuyiN-6Xp0F7bVFKJVx5hzdywNWMLyS-rS3eNDspTBj_DudsagN1_-rsiIjgna4cknT29RrhDi2JdrPzrWo2phJqcQ/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTWmJULcR0HIj2Gn-NnF4DqW5-8jYyOfnGiw_Ae1EWxWPvIBp6yuyiN-6Xp0F7bVFKJVx5hzdywNWMLyS-rS3eNDspTBj_DudsagN1_-rsiIjgna4cknT29RrhDi2JdrPzrWo2phJqcQ/s640/IMG_3465.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cecilia's basket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeVC0GkXktiXJrd11fZYDZ8amZX5dPQCoubKQ5iZyW2-l5cBzz3X5Jv2AnQ_JRg9aaSplb10bB8-GQJct9fPgPw_rcsah-4emFEcyTgx5MLvO7Vf08Mpagn0kDMK8RQDZlklaZ9Og2kw/s1600/IMG_3466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeVC0GkXktiXJrd11fZYDZ8amZX5dPQCoubKQ5iZyW2-l5cBzz3X5Jv2AnQ_JRg9aaSplb10bB8-GQJct9fPgPw_rcsah-4emFEcyTgx5MLvO7Vf08Mpagn0kDMK8RQDZlklaZ9Og2kw/s640/IMG_3466.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia's basket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
We spent the rest of the day over at my grandma's house. Mom made dinner and my sisters, brother in-law, nephew, aunt, uncle and two cousins were there as well. It was so fun spending the day with some of my most favorite people. The Easter egg hunt was a huge success. Cecilia walked all over the yard picking up eggs. Mark held her hand to guide her around, but she really just wanted to do it all on her own. Dinner was delicious as always. The company was THE BEST! Such a wonderful day.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUDblHK52Uq38ocE2vpGf3K22beYh5HhtOV5E4J-DHfwWORb9wstssxbPAO7Ni_7QK46T-xwIXxU9fbmUHTR2MMnoPnl5UzX0uONiifBCLMDUb8uRQHNxobMdam69_mT0mc_pusbk32I/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUDblHK52Uq38ocE2vpGf3K22beYh5HhtOV5E4J-DHfwWORb9wstssxbPAO7Ni_7QK46T-xwIXxU9fbmUHTR2MMnoPnl5UzX0uONiifBCLMDUb8uRQHNxobMdam69_mT0mc_pusbk32I/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmLx7ZNViT1inO03gL6HBHBSz11LveIEcTOr6b6Keh7TabV5R7CEaV5ruIuhcUM5sBY2wciGVZrLQgEDNLO3hD3sc_9nXEnYm-vIPzSdVyLQcPVqLqGVJy8hyphenhyphene5JvIU5AV9HgwlObsag/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmLx7ZNViT1inO03gL6HBHBSz11LveIEcTOr6b6Keh7TabV5R7CEaV5ruIuhcUM5sBY2wciGVZrLQgEDNLO3hD3sc_9nXEnYm-vIPzSdVyLQcPVqLqGVJy8hyphenhyphene5JvIU5AV9HgwlObsag/s640/13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxn5bujMOisiY5whs5j5YGvDvNkbZryPm7RAnVm-L7mBE6DbxAPjSheF5jHe-TQEGO9VkB5h7mF_FhQnO3B4Jpm683sckpAqW657IQ7mRaAJlLAKNUQotkPLOFWMIxm9s2A9oj5eRMqk/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxn5bujMOisiY5whs5j5YGvDvNkbZryPm7RAnVm-L7mBE6DbxAPjSheF5jHe-TQEGO9VkB5h7mF_FhQnO3B4Jpm683sckpAqW657IQ7mRaAJlLAKNUQotkPLOFWMIxm9s2A9oj5eRMqk/s640/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7yTlmCEwE1JJCzfRqcYBR2uLyMfd74TmoSC_64kUfTrsZRjztwUAxZWpZlfArRdrxM_q8M7pBmMKpX65mDJ1Zs6EpXFa3svdlF1dZXwZDiKwXUjsUUliAHytf_1S3ggTEVGzBl3FNgM/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7yTlmCEwE1JJCzfRqcYBR2uLyMfd74TmoSC_64kUfTrsZRjztwUAxZWpZlfArRdrxM_q8M7pBmMKpX65mDJ1Zs6EpXFa3svdlF1dZXwZDiKwXUjsUUliAHytf_1S3ggTEVGzBl3FNgM/s640/19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR5xb46NqUU-eyif46AdR9IQsSYieW_ELhc08ts4g1RrqqF9NQWaFbm5C37Yv3IalCibh4NyKryH9hWs5MVPY2hXkCO97fEVGt5Sd3sYj3-0iNreKAL1ZAMlKHUjnrneh5uY1ccItnWw/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR5xb46NqUU-eyif46AdR9IQsSYieW_ELhc08ts4g1RrqqF9NQWaFbm5C37Yv3IalCibh4NyKryH9hWs5MVPY2hXkCO97fEVGt5Sd3sYj3-0iNreKAL1ZAMlKHUjnrneh5uY1ccItnWw/s640/23.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, it wouldn't be an occasion if I didn't take photos of the girls together and photos of them with their cousin Liam. I swear, these kids are just the cutest three. Such adorable cousins and best buddies. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8BGw8vRhof31xalcQFx1kIjwJTpYp_4Q0zzihEEBbnHLTLkPg67M04uVbCkQj1erRvM6BJzYztt-lBfb_VguxWQRCcqxjul4CL8dL9WeP5hs9MKtnLPRx7j86ozyd91YporfS6ISlaQ/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8BGw8vRhof31xalcQFx1kIjwJTpYp_4Q0zzihEEBbnHLTLkPg67M04uVbCkQj1erRvM6BJzYztt-lBfb_VguxWQRCcqxjul4CL8dL9WeP5hs9MKtnLPRx7j86ozyd91YporfS6ISlaQ/s640/25.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzppdrcUH1THM4juaEbpWwxjGixbdrxOwByX7RadytHhQbmxs7861ASa1MCjbMvN0Cx6iHy-MCAoehkBnjVuGK3iKhfSBnlbMAo-GfNB7O-zPcIJ1PkDs1fYqjajh9zRF8AzOmVZNkOI/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzppdrcUH1THM4juaEbpWwxjGixbdrxOwByX7RadytHhQbmxs7861ASa1MCjbMvN0Cx6iHy-MCAoehkBnjVuGK3iKhfSBnlbMAo-GfNB7O-zPcIJ1PkDs1fYqjajh9zRF8AzOmVZNkOI/s640/27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_kNptcjhQQl6kSnZZbCOUrBTxYUxhCMRepOnU3K5c3LNFwBiTj26rjZSjBoOEWS1B0yXf_U38nXMJl_kmQnsR-oD8ToMu0RwBHzxW6pjH3fLa3Xty0N_LySgoq8-T4ng5ayAnLJPQsQ/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_kNptcjhQQl6kSnZZbCOUrBTxYUxhCMRepOnU3K5c3LNFwBiTj26rjZSjBoOEWS1B0yXf_U38nXMJl_kmQnsR-oD8ToMu0RwBHzxW6pjH3fLa3Xty0N_LySgoq8-T4ng5ayAnLJPQsQ/s640/29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is my attempt at a cousin picture. I swear they love each other haha. No really, this picture is not a true reflection of their love. But, if you didn't know which kids had a photographer for a parent you'd probably be able to guess from this image. #bornposing </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Qso6-yaFunzP-or-iV9I-aXHoYi_cTgYW2nfj4sipbuxTcjnnuDs3AY0gjvj0bIoNEagEhLcz9tK_eahVohe-QYQ3O0D5-smevOIeSoN5n4i-mAA0PeTLkZ3QVe8jd94kNGTwJbJ6yc/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Qso6-yaFunzP-or-iV9I-aXHoYi_cTgYW2nfj4sipbuxTcjnnuDs3AY0gjvj0bIoNEagEhLcz9tK_eahVohe-QYQ3O0D5-smevOIeSoN5n4i-mAA0PeTLkZ3QVe8jd94kNGTwJbJ6yc/s640/35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
And because he did stop crying and looked so dang cute in his suit... my nephew Liam. Precious!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDva6DG0Rq_hWOxYsjkFyuusEQXycLRxvNM_KDrEU67dOq84bIG-YiIq49IB8xN2IpPjHkyjF97l5iuQPGMnP-PSDCMLMbRshoAdEwKR6lORwuLpwaikZNUdwqp2ynEvgUwgTiIA9fPY/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDva6DG0Rq_hWOxYsjkFyuusEQXycLRxvNM_KDrEU67dOq84bIG-YiIq49IB8xN2IpPjHkyjF97l5iuQPGMnP-PSDCMLMbRshoAdEwKR6lORwuLpwaikZNUdwqp2ynEvgUwgTiIA9fPY/s640/30.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpPyPKfS0HTKHBoTttV2e0EoTE_bs1wZoB5LnVl-phYbJwdzR1_TFzzqTdgfE35zTN6FwTO25qzCOAJCHEBvhPHmLOGa6yxmzdxoq2aGTm8V5S7RzBW1qWLwNS2CcbhVb5t_AU1J7P18/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpPyPKfS0HTKHBoTttV2e0EoTE_bs1wZoB5LnVl-phYbJwdzR1_TFzzqTdgfE35zTN6FwTO25qzCOAJCHEBvhPHmLOGa6yxmzdxoq2aGTm8V5S7RzBW1qWLwNS2CcbhVb5t_AU1J7P18/s640/31.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLWB6OVYI4fZDO25NKii7-1NNutILDTQabVGOvji48_1TDVlZVwBQRGa99h3X7vL-28-40ZEd_09tGmfg1z-pkpNa_Zjpp9u_B1I1GspOjvi6Mom6sOunRIIsKVzma5b27XV1MiEiuz4/s1600/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLWB6OVYI4fZDO25NKii7-1NNutILDTQabVGOvji48_1TDVlZVwBQRGa99h3X7vL-28-40ZEd_09tGmfg1z-pkpNa_Zjpp9u_B1I1GspOjvi6Mom6sOunRIIsKVzma5b27XV1MiEiuz4/s640/33.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPYsdnlpDovZKJI3YDPUqzN5IZ_6E63SoqfxP6UAjSHA02fcF0X5sg7qd92se4pYh4Ru6KgENIBr6o9rBJN_c-JiD2y_9u3EixowHzGcKmKDhyphenhyphen8omNAQN25b7K99yH36iQzpEPTmTLnU/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPYsdnlpDovZKJI3YDPUqzN5IZ_6E63SoqfxP6UAjSHA02fcF0X5sg7qd92se4pYh4Ru6KgENIBr6o9rBJN_c-JiD2y_9u3EixowHzGcKmKDhyphenhyphen8omNAQN25b7K99yH36iQzpEPTmTLnU/s640/34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you all had a very wonderful Easter. </div>
</div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-28679039551659008152017-03-02T23:28:00.001-08:002018-02-22T23:26:10.456-08:00EightI have been a mom for eight years... how is that even possible? I feel like Amelia should still be a little three or four year old running around the house, not an eight year old! Our girls' birthdays are five days apart so it was celebration central in our world last month and I loved every second of celebrating them. So, this post is all about the older girl in my world... Amelia.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amelia is a very special girl. She's smart, kind, polite, very well-behaved, fun, compassionate, sweet, sassy, hilarious, helpful and just totally awesome. I am so incredibly proud of the person she is becoming. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIhb_ETaptkFR8UL0PzDT_ow0GCQdutJTjmqwg2WcJN5JwImseYVct5x4aMJyy-gQOvLJWOg-rIYHdx_0-Kq4zUsHlG69Kbosk5Pla90yolDicavgqzqH_iF935vPbkMyLKPoZG4rckU/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIhb_ETaptkFR8UL0PzDT_ow0GCQdutJTjmqwg2WcJN5JwImseYVct5x4aMJyy-gQOvLJWOg-rIYHdx_0-Kq4zUsHlG69Kbosk5Pla90yolDicavgqzqH_iF935vPbkMyLKPoZG4rckU/s640/5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are some facts about 8 year old Amelia</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* She is fairly shy, unless she knows you well</div>
<div>
* She is very artistic/creative and is always crafting up something for someone<br />
* She likes to do complex math problems for fun. No joke, she'll have me print off several sheets<br />
at a time and then she blasts through them</div>
<div>
* She's so kind and is always thinking of others</div>
<div>
* Her favorite subjects in school are math and reading. She's pretty obsessed with both.</div>
<div>
* She has been Irish dancing for almost 2 years now (April will be 2yrs)</div>
<div>
* She LOVES animals</div>
<div>
* Amelia has a rabbit named Rascal, a kitten named Tiger and five fish </div>
<div>
* She loves to run and can't wait to join the track team next year. According to her PE teacher, she's </div>
<div>
super fast. </div>
<div>
* We joke that she's slightly OCD because she is often obsessed with cleaning things. She'll randomly</div>
<div>
start dusting and wiping down every surface in sight... and then there's the </div>
<div>
sweeping/mopping/vacuuming </div>
<div>
* She has still never eaten a piece of meat, and she's a very picky eater. </div>
<div>
* She loves to play Legos, make perler crafts and play with her horses<br />
* Amelia would eat pancakes every day if we let her... obviously we don't<br />
* She has been wearing glasses since she was five (she takes them off in most photos)<br />
* She wants to be a large animal vet when she grows up<br />
* Her favorite places to shop are Target, Nordstrom and any book store<br />
* Her laugh is infectious<br />
* Every night when she goes to bed she kisses her sister on the forehead and says "goodnight Cecilia,<br />
you're the best sister in the entire world. I love you so much"<br />
<br />
I really could go on and on with how awesome this girl is. I just love her so much. Below are more photos that I snapped the other day. She looks so grown up to me...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRQwCQ1NBytcA-W6-DPL5QdMmhnkkjgu0sD6MUJ0nJ8sURGV6MiBfwsrLjC3hJjTI3JqYU-6tVdhQ9XHxnuO8hiMNmtcTCFAlbKikimOSkgZzmgtQmuIdXL6P9sUeR0xdv6KtaT9zqpg/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRQwCQ1NBytcA-W6-DPL5QdMmhnkkjgu0sD6MUJ0nJ8sURGV6MiBfwsrLjC3hJjTI3JqYU-6tVdhQ9XHxnuO8hiMNmtcTCFAlbKikimOSkgZzmgtQmuIdXL6P9sUeR0xdv6KtaT9zqpg/s640/4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U7HNDZuQ9wo6P7EjCm7Bv2fai1i1upzu29An26JMphE6EH2ZQqsj_LIUjYrJfIiNXiYYCEEOXTfDtfhrXSdaTQPqJMEJcZKet5JCk1hDMIgG429jRqLVHWvfkqE29IxfPnGyb_CH6EU/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U7HNDZuQ9wo6P7EjCm7Bv2fai1i1upzu29An26JMphE6EH2ZQqsj_LIUjYrJfIiNXiYYCEEOXTfDtfhrXSdaTQPqJMEJcZKet5JCk1hDMIgG429jRqLVHWvfkqE29IxfPnGyb_CH6EU/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBkKT8duZtPv2T06rSPBPH6fX0GxRyLV4isr48cXQN2WFeZRh5LSuukfbUuhNmwP98Z1IAKc_Fc6ru0MczhehCxdgJU9ve1ZuBiHEq9AKRuOkKKUfxC8O6d_ZFRibPtCRvKYBB0XD9hE/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBkKT8duZtPv2T06rSPBPH6fX0GxRyLV4isr48cXQN2WFeZRh5LSuukfbUuhNmwP98Z1IAKc_Fc6ru0MczhehCxdgJU9ve1ZuBiHEq9AKRuOkKKUfxC8O6d_ZFRibPtCRvKYBB0XD9hE/s640/7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJNhJiY4zjaC9pANzaLMDlW9zhjoD9qwNOuoK0GUN56iJ8RGvK8NMDfiIvh3-kGM-UkPd7HzR0fvs-iCAv8QwnlkZaV2lwYUttuvC9ZAEy2aZsxceqJb4XpUej1LVwDfBXHKbsTwFvOU/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJNhJiY4zjaC9pANzaLMDlW9zhjoD9qwNOuoK0GUN56iJ8RGvK8NMDfiIvh3-kGM-UkPd7HzR0fvs-iCAv8QwnlkZaV2lwYUttuvC9ZAEy2aZsxceqJb4XpUej1LVwDfBXHKbsTwFvOU/s640/8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJxUnD1tg2_NBV6nwHyc3EQ-R2AgW8zKUBc5w39ihUUdATbZcthlXJoqVJZvinnM6E7mkyRWFIy9RSDs8qRVzwdjKSkNDxDyRKczUZTih1rzZMGTwxRxPMZx1_POoxJ37NbxfgjBQ378/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJxUnD1tg2_NBV6nwHyc3EQ-R2AgW8zKUBc5w39ihUUdATbZcthlXJoqVJZvinnM6E7mkyRWFIy9RSDs8qRVzwdjKSkNDxDyRKczUZTih1rzZMGTwxRxPMZx1_POoxJ37NbxfgjBQ378/s640/2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-39575570307899802862017-02-25T23:35:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:26:21.294-08:00OneTwo posts in one week... I told you I was back!<br />
<br />
<br />
Earlier this month, the 7th to be exact, our little Cecilia turned one year old. I don't even know how that happened so fast. Really, it went by fast with Amelia, but has gone by even faster with Cecilia.<br />
<br />
Since I haven't shared much on here for a really long time, allow me to tell you a little about our Cecilia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6PfJaBFk6KEgN-qw6wSSYfXT1vQePqhi5UIG4x0w3layQa7vYbJdqOYFnIbsoDwt2qS1VaAgYpuENX_rNEZ8PqopYPQi8qSy2Jz1JIUmVDYv7FlfzdPBdTCeiFA1CzDESuRyT3c2-xU/s1600/w1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6PfJaBFk6KEgN-qw6wSSYfXT1vQePqhi5UIG4x0w3layQa7vYbJdqOYFnIbsoDwt2qS1VaAgYpuENX_rNEZ8PqopYPQi8qSy2Jz1JIUmVDYv7FlfzdPBdTCeiFA1CzDESuRyT3c2-xU/s640/w1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She's seriously the happiest baby I've ever seen. She is always smiling. If you do catch a rare instance of her crying, it doesn't last long. If you aren't paying attention you'll probably miss it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhtwcPKPdVTX-b9yQDgLbv1X85xHk4GGQguB82HE7mwd_cdDO3Q1p53ffwqhY6OUwYzNQcqww811QpATZOr5TVxt1a2IDsXzhVA1_x4XRNooqLa8pcSwaxfw2KaeGO6roPBPPPxU6AxQ/s1600/w20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhtwcPKPdVTX-b9yQDgLbv1X85xHk4GGQguB82HE7mwd_cdDO3Q1p53ffwqhY6OUwYzNQcqww811QpATZOr5TVxt1a2IDsXzhVA1_x4XRNooqLa8pcSwaxfw2KaeGO6roPBPPPxU6AxQ/s640/w20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She's obsessed with her sister. When Amelia leaves for school there are always tears.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9ynRZeqhjptd3unFoFAWYgPDr0LqJH-nRymgDkTSbk5U72DwzxZ-vBG7ECx01wCIFLKmLWbIQXYZWX9dtFO27o9Kb1_9kwG9QLv6WgZVxmivBq9iTi9GWVwikZkMJ_nrcSGilCK6ZZg/s1600/w1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9ynRZeqhjptd3unFoFAWYgPDr0LqJH-nRymgDkTSbk5U72DwzxZ-vBG7ECx01wCIFLKmLWbIQXYZWX9dtFO27o9Kb1_9kwG9QLv6WgZVxmivBq9iTi9GWVwikZkMJ_nrcSGilCK6ZZg/s640/w1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The joy of being a parent and photographer... capturing moments like this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She's still super tiny. Under the 1% tiny, but she's very healthy, developmentally ahead of the game and sometimes eats more than Amelia.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTXQQQJwS9inhgG3J_uG-EO-StOyqsWA90S_R8oZkkG1jIMewP62jgRDdPj-CZop7cWk0dB_2cPX8sAZwtF5NDpMu_3kNpmNU74gkPl2JLI_NSVfS9fw-nmk9Q5hd4OEfovVtVH8NPpQ/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTXQQQJwS9inhgG3J_uG-EO-StOyqsWA90S_R8oZkkG1jIMewP62jgRDdPj-CZop7cWk0dB_2cPX8sAZwtF5NDpMu_3kNpmNU74gkPl2JLI_NSVfS9fw-nmk9Q5hd4OEfovVtVH8NPpQ/s640/IMG_1042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">give her all of the food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She says Mama, Dada, Ayaya (Amelia), Nana (her word for nursing), hi, yeah, nuh nuh (for night night) and other little jabbering that resembles words. She does answer when you ask her questions with a yes or no head shake.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u9AJPXskC0LvvTxKdonsIBAlTdOnyXBRW_hCG_6rZ3VZZ-7cYEuxmdGtXUPfExscToA1eMD0xC4ew8C9gnO6JXIGE8RMFahZIy9a_pCgfdfBt-yo2v4ndloaTODA51pi2BBU-XlwaqQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u9AJPXskC0LvvTxKdonsIBAlTdOnyXBRW_hCG_6rZ3VZZ-7cYEuxmdGtXUPfExscToA1eMD0xC4ew8C9gnO6JXIGE8RMFahZIy9a_pCgfdfBt-yo2v4ndloaTODA51pi2BBU-XlwaqQ/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 months</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
She took her first steps around 10 months and full on walked the day after her first birthday. Before turning one she'd do about 9 steps at a time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D2blBnUQRER0wOG8QJYjCVXLLDq08w8cuhJlI9PzJXdUuS8PcONIQozQYKltvvib5hBbGd0aLEfjZaJkOAUDIM1TIbcA4xPb1I6lYUDqYNluDB3XJgqCN0eKS0Tuvu9b7a-Qhp8nWs0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D2blBnUQRER0wOG8QJYjCVXLLDq08w8cuhJlI9PzJXdUuS8PcONIQozQYKltvvib5hBbGd0aLEfjZaJkOAUDIM1TIbcA4xPb1I6lYUDqYNluDB3XJgqCN0eKS0Tuvu9b7a-Qhp8nWs0/s640/2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
She is busy and moves constantly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-MxOqL1wGbBZJEZ_pgGZ0XCMQcWZAp6-iHhO3zZ51CwfNSXBxKpNn5j666boTpQO1d867W4jKZQ-l6wuIo4dHzgUc7ZDVpO7UY1YPRFrSlsDuWKGTs90qnqRTeuAA9B0t_XUIQ4onv4/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-MxOqL1wGbBZJEZ_pgGZ0XCMQcWZAp6-iHhO3zZ51CwfNSXBxKpNn5j666boTpQO1d867W4jKZQ-l6wuIo4dHzgUc7ZDVpO7UY1YPRFrSlsDuWKGTs90qnqRTeuAA9B0t_XUIQ4onv4/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tea time with our kitten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
She is the sweetest little thing... this picture below proves it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NK8wzaAADHsisSYnOGafwE1Al6piWALN9Ou1dXxhE2o6ZX_8MTRlOmwZNe2OXUUq-ry9_gmyCacMjUWEtnM6CFwlJy5kjG7ibJBVLYFqJ1hlFZAcpZT-ul6Usl7U6dDkGMy9DPHLVYk/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NK8wzaAADHsisSYnOGafwE1Al6piWALN9Ou1dXxhE2o6ZX_8MTRlOmwZNe2OXUUq-ry9_gmyCacMjUWEtnM6CFwlJy5kjG7ibJBVLYFqJ1hlFZAcpZT-ul6Usl7U6dDkGMy9DPHLVYk/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">those two little teeth and that smile... HEART MELTED!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some other Cecilia facts<br />
* She has strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes<br />
* She hit 15 pounds at her one year check-up<br />
* She has two teeth<br />
* She still nurses to sleep every night (I LOVE the snuggles so no complaints here)<br />
* She loves to give kisses and hugs (if she knows you, if not... forget it)<br />
* She is obsessed with FaceTime and has to call someone at least once a day (usually Liam)<br />
* She dances non stop. If there is music playing, she is dancing (and to the beat even)<br />
* She loves to eat<br />
* She squeals with excitement when she's outside in the wind and rain<br />
* She fills our shoes with little treasures (sometimes it's toys, sometimes it's three shredded napkins)<br />
* She cries when her sister goes to school<br />
* She sits outside of Amelia's room, knocking on the door and saying Ayaya anytime she's gone<br />
* She high fives, waves, blows kisses, makes funny noises, plays peek-a-boo and climbs on things<br />
* She will sit and look through her books for a solid 20-30 minutes (the only time she sits still)<br />
* She loves playing at the library<br />
* She loves to brush her own hair<br />
* She could swing for hours<br />
* She was named after my sister's confirmation name (Cecilia) and mine (Kateri)<br />
* When she got her first baby doll she knew exactly what to do. She kisses her, pats her on the back<br />
and feeds her from toy bottles (it's funny how they just now that stuff)<br />
* Cecilia is the patron saint of music (fitting for this girl) and Kateri is the only Native American saint<br />
* For a solid 10 months she would scream her head off every night starting at 8pm if mommy wasn't <br />
holding her. Thank you to those very patient family members that watched her during that time.<br />
You are all saints for snuggling her anyway so this mommy could have a couple of date nights<br />
<br />
Now that I'm back to my blogging ways I'm sure you'll be better acquainted with our precious itty bitty. She really has been such a blessing to our family. I waited so long for this girl and she's just the most perfect little lady. My heart is so full.Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-5433921347238790802017-02-19T20:57:00.003-08:002018-02-22T23:33:58.935-08:00I'm Back...I've been eager to jump back into the blogging world for some time now. I guess I never really wanted to take a break from here, it just sort of happened. Life got busy, I got tired... and did I mention life got busy? As we rang in 2017 I realized how sad I was that I had left so many moments and thoughts undocumented. Things I wish I had published to this space, but just didn't. Instead of jumping on the New Year's resolution bandwagon I decided to pick a word. Like many fellow bloggers and friends, I decided to choose a single word that would represent what I wanted for 2017.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWBVKG0LOozIJlO5cYV4PTOh9ahX8s-HcOePsQoKiIm2Ux5yjgAryxs41GbgFub34WAagTNSvndc-cVMbkvsXgfjhAZaKslqSI6rcRkLioTWCVNmS7cqVRsHejtlhUuvfAerjh3aQ1bM/s1600/more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWBVKG0LOozIJlO5cYV4PTOh9ahX8s-HcOePsQoKiIm2Ux5yjgAryxs41GbgFub34WAagTNSvndc-cVMbkvsXgfjhAZaKslqSI6rcRkLioTWCVNmS7cqVRsHejtlhUuvfAerjh3aQ1bM/s400/more.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year I want more. More adventures, more memories, more dates with my husband and more time spent loving on my girls. More time with loved ones and more time catching up with those I don't see as often. More down time, more time to blog, more lifestyle photography of my own life. More crafting, more self growth and more time focusing on the things that make me happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, as I finally get this written (almost three months into this new year) I plan to be around here more. I realize it'll take some time to back track and share what life has been like these past two years that I've only sporadically blogged, but I'm excited to finally sit down, put my fingers on the keys and share it all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I look forward to catching up. </div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-81305016833752939502016-10-15T22:44:00.002-07:002018-02-22T23:34:12.189-08:00A little updateWell once again it's been quite a while since I wrote a blog post. It's not because I don't want to write, it's because I'm just so busy and tired all of the time. It's hard to fit this in, no matter how badly I try. I thought with both girls in bed and Mark doing homework now would be the perfect time to hop on and give a little life update.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amelia loves second grade. I still can't believe how fast she's growing up. She's always been phenomenal at math, but over the summer she also became obsessed with reading and now goes through a chapter book a day. We really need to visit the library more. I can't buy books as fast as she reads them. It's crazy. I love it though. There's something so wonderful about seeing your child become lost in another world through reading. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEo-bVCJKxXV1YogaVUqJkrfTqMQxmYz_HNDc3mVi7TLC2X1FvSmQ3TaNZdqOj7yj-lufk6pq-mYTYTfkGqVotnRg8cAuyPH8mYiZSQWE41pl526F7n8epn9vzfJXU45Cvovkpaj-Wbg/s1600/2.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEo-bVCJKxXV1YogaVUqJkrfTqMQxmYz_HNDc3mVi7TLC2X1FvSmQ3TaNZdqOj7yj-lufk6pq-mYTYTfkGqVotnRg8cAuyPH8mYiZSQWE41pl526F7n8epn9vzfJXU45Cvovkpaj-Wbg/s640/2.2.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She's also doing great at Irish dancing. She's been dancing 1&1/2 years now and I think she's done really well. She has had a few competitions over the past couple of months and did an excellent job at each of them. What I really love about that girl is that she is such a great sport. I see girls crying when they don't win, or even crying when they win but someone gets a higher place than them. That's not Amelia. She's always so happy for her friends when they do well and she's very humble when she walks away with trophies. I like that she's competitive without showing it. I am so proud of her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OkTTIFmDHMMKSMy_WOQWZANyzk69oINFgBuM_GqFqikniewqb5v1QM_FfNBZXBYBhydp673PvEGC7u5ypn1E3ytOahN3roxcWsTVMO-6rn69xWgrcp-2QFgX10eCSEU4HWpxFYq0T2s/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OkTTIFmDHMMKSMy_WOQWZANyzk69oINFgBuM_GqFqikniewqb5v1QM_FfNBZXBYBhydp673PvEGC7u5ypn1E3ytOahN3roxcWsTVMO-6rn69xWgrcp-2QFgX10eCSEU4HWpxFYq0T2s/s640/IMG_2325.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB8o02Vm3KDDqmkDAUdQGWvek7hgJlvD6AxRq7Aa4ot2pYf_9dLCh4yajiLOtWm2StMKEMCx9CqNsKA2O2GSLWn93VmDGmfGn8KRTlJ1XGpSzdHb8SIyCD5cHLzSEgToXtH2WlLxVtCo/s1600/DANCING1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB8o02Vm3KDDqmkDAUdQGWvek7hgJlvD6AxRq7Aa4ot2pYf_9dLCh4yajiLOtWm2StMKEMCx9CqNsKA2O2GSLWn93VmDGmfGn8KRTlJ1XGpSzdHb8SIyCD5cHLzSEgToXtH2WlLxVtCo/s640/DANCING1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cecilia turned 8 months old on the 7th of this month. Man this little one is already keeping me on my toes (and I LOVE IT). She started crawling at 7 months, pulls herself up on things, waves, gives kisses, is a total mommy's girl and is just happy all of the time. Really, I'm not just saying that because I'm her mommy. It is rare that she is crying... well, she does cry when someone unfamiliar tries to hold her. Amelia was that way too. She clung to the people who were around frequently and the people who put time and effort into forming a relationship with her. Cecilia is already becoming that way. I'm fine with that though. I never had to worry about Amelia running off away from me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8_IyIcJQjUXZJwO5XiEUmtEE074mdl3Vqv6Sd7JW0d_irlFkVKs3Wk4Q4kTKw2Kpeyl_0tQd_1_T5higVPIdcolDS11LE2PHcFHT-EJUqdmkcySRgZbOkI4qkWgkyPeQYsWJyVKPXI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8_IyIcJQjUXZJwO5XiEUmtEE074mdl3Vqv6Sd7JW0d_irlFkVKs3Wk4Q4kTKw2Kpeyl_0tQd_1_T5higVPIdcolDS11LE2PHcFHT-EJUqdmkcySRgZbOkI4qkWgkyPeQYsWJyVKPXI/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She loves her big sister. I mean, really loves her. She bounces and kicks when she sees her walk out of her classroom at the end of the day. She smiles and waves at Amelia non-stop, and she's always watching every move she makes. All of those fears about adding another child to our family, the ones where I thought Amelia would feel left out or I wouldn't have time for both, yeah... those fears were not necessary. Life with those two is perfect. Amelia fills the role of big sister in amazing fashion. She's always picking up her sister and snuggling her like crazy. She reads stories to her and gets in her play yard and spends hours being silly and making Cecilia smile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF0ZmM4uWlTfKA-uTfatfyzjEEihqY-TwedqMNbP1IT0C-Q_8WtjrmIYIASuA9_sq23WNO-AiBl8Fp1_sFUzuLwdigWoby8FnodmpfKx-iDMGK6spO90aCgk1Ni2zQNExU9DADcJ53iI/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF0ZmM4uWlTfKA-uTfatfyzjEEihqY-TwedqMNbP1IT0C-Q_8WtjrmIYIASuA9_sq23WNO-AiBl8Fp1_sFUzuLwdigWoby8FnodmpfKx-iDMGK6spO90aCgk1Ni2zQNExU9DADcJ53iI/s640/IMG_2338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know a month back I said I was going to write about Cecilia's time in the hospital this summer, but then I got bronchitis and pink eye and before I knew it time had slipped away. I do look forward to sharing that with you. Failure to Thrive is a very stressful diagnosis, but after last week's appointment I am happy to say that our tiny 12lb 8oz eight month old is doing great! Her dietician gave her the go ahead to take 3 months off from appointments. What a relief. This whole experience has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me and at this point I feel really great about what we've done and how we've handled the situation to make sure our little one is healthy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S8iwVvUzAcJ19h-F6pJlGdoagICyDQkguYfxTsXFck4Xs2ga7pIwzQpdMfIrroBKFgMDEKI2mIdysayP8sPtpBihCAGadRbcaekbKmL8NPsnMj-ubR4bZX2gRrODb9MFYAyEXmKcOMY/s1600/IMG_2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S8iwVvUzAcJ19h-F6pJlGdoagICyDQkguYfxTsXFck4Xs2ga7pIwzQpdMfIrroBKFgMDEKI2mIdysayP8sPtpBihCAGadRbcaekbKmL8NPsnMj-ubR4bZX2gRrODb9MFYAyEXmKcOMY/s640/IMG_2104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mark started school last month. It'll be two years of chaos for us. He is already so busy with work and school and together we're trying to fit in family time. I feel bad that things are so crazy, but also blessed that I am able to stay home with the girls to keep it from becoming so stressful for them. I honestly don't know of anyone who works as hard as he does. He takes such great care of his family. The girls and I are definitely blessed with him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiCf3OR9Ocw-DR-o6VFe_98maFGb4KxBS6J_8MxD1SaIbClWTrK6KN8_PR8QvaNsf7nZMOrABMODtE1ouJdizv4JeKDr4YaFldmnr1N-DsVzp9SSU_FK_7ruGkQ2PevYPV4LU40icqYY/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiCf3OR9Ocw-DR-o6VFe_98maFGb4KxBS6J_8MxD1SaIbClWTrK6KN8_PR8QvaNsf7nZMOrABMODtE1ouJdizv4JeKDr4YaFldmnr1N-DsVzp9SSU_FK_7ruGkQ2PevYPV4LU40icqYY/s640/IMG_2112.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, that's about all I can get in tonight. I'm off to pump... because that's my life. Feed baby, pump, take care of the girls, pump... and repeat. This motherhood gig is pretty awesome!!! </div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-37456284792656816782016-09-07T19:53:00.002-07:002018-02-22T23:34:27.176-08:00Seven MonthsMiss Cecilia Kateri is 7 months old today! She's such an amazing little lovey. She's changed so much in the short time since she was born and I love every second of watching her grow. The past two months have been so crazy with her. She's tiny, like 1% on the charts tiny. Thankfully the only reason doctors believe she is so small is because she is so active and has such a high metabolism. The girl needs more calories. She's a busy girl and doesn't really like to sit for a long period of time, therefore she wasn't nursing to feel full, but instead just eating until that hunger feeling started to disappear. At least that's what the doctors think was happening. My post tomorrow is all about our trip to the children's hospital when Cecilia was admitted for "failure to thrive". That's why I missed my 6 month update post. Life has been kind of crazy the past two months. I'm happy to say though that our girl is doing awesome!<br />
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_GKWNRm1fSphvEyiJ3z8vJ0qzdu8Ru3pyfx6ddW3WGR1AGW0tTSzL_nJg8GmjSefCVll_ac04OkBSGhdaW-gC_k6BlQ3y27UfG-l4aJa4NHT5_GhSvcx5JcCcGEiJJXv7mdBGu7EW1Y/s1600/blog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_GKWNRm1fSphvEyiJ3z8vJ0qzdu8Ru3pyfx6ddW3WGR1AGW0tTSzL_nJg8GmjSefCVll_ac04OkBSGhdaW-gC_k6BlQ3y27UfG-l4aJa4NHT5_GhSvcx5JcCcGEiJJXv7mdBGu7EW1Y/s640/blog5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Currently, Cecilia is doing a lot! She moves constantly. I don't think people really understand what I mean when I say that. She doesn't just roll around a little.. if she is awake, she is moving. When she nurses her feet kick constantly and her hands are moving non-stop. When we put her down on the floor she rolls everywhere and she's really fast. When she sits on our laps she wiggles a ton. The girl does love to snuggle though and that makes this mommy so happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cecilia's first word was mama (on August 10th). Melt my heart little one!! The way she says it is absolutely darling.<br />
<br />
Cecilia is sitting up and trying really hard to get up and crawl. She manages to get anywhere she wants though, even without the actual crawling. I put her down on the rug in the living room and look away for a second and she's moved to the other side. I think she's going to keep us on our toes.<br />
<br />
Cecilia tried solids at six months and has loved it all so far. We make our own baby food so her first bite was avocado. She's had avocado, carrots, sweet potatoes, pears and bananas. All winners in her book.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudC7wuuPUJUEcZaYFW5B6of8pl7Xzp3yxwzTdx5uANqBCkOhwgyVvwVO3darS9JlXRWy3n3gnDwAqFhiFkFPbYlfDwjm-GKtnPQtbNjrR1VJ0a5Ey-lvvLTM1GqHVQnvF5RQkFrrLyaA/s1600/c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudC7wuuPUJUEcZaYFW5B6of8pl7Xzp3yxwzTdx5uANqBCkOhwgyVvwVO3darS9JlXRWy3n3gnDwAqFhiFkFPbYlfDwjm-GKtnPQtbNjrR1VJ0a5Ey-lvvLTM1GqHVQnvF5RQkFrrLyaA/s640/c1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5sUPwvy7XXfdeLf0BFIGVmzJecLEy7cP6jft9gnbQMRTX-kCrVQ8i9QXAIEroQThRHRTQ8t4xUdqEXEvv3AlmPitCu_-vA7TtFjT_JDa3mvGctfFBn_QvaMMjMLP3iTJ2WeOvNhlHxE/s1600/c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5sUPwvy7XXfdeLf0BFIGVmzJecLEy7cP6jft9gnbQMRTX-kCrVQ8i9QXAIEroQThRHRTQ8t4xUdqEXEvv3AlmPitCu_-vA7TtFjT_JDa3mvGctfFBn_QvaMMjMLP3iTJ2WeOvNhlHxE/s640/c2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At her six month check up, Cecilia weighed 11 pounds 13 ounces and was 25.5 inches long.<br />
<br />
She's obsessed with Amelia. When she sees her big sister she lights up and often squeals with excitement. It's going to be so awesome to watch their bond and love for one another grow.<br />
<br />
She is the happiest baby I have ever seen. Really, the girl hardly ever cries. She's smiley and happy all day long and she makes everyone around her smile too. I just love her to pieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuZThaJOGew2uhWwV2vDUntT0PAbyhOjhfxhQxzPH1J5ioEPk-1k6px8eiPwwgPZQWOhf-xMy4BTarUCGAC8Jcl1Y8KFnuqhAOmU8sYmZCmX56MSE_eCamCi-yunuEa8cl64ZG-k-RGg/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuZThaJOGew2uhWwV2vDUntT0PAbyhOjhfxhQxzPH1J5ioEPk-1k6px8eiPwwgPZQWOhf-xMy4BTarUCGAC8Jcl1Y8KFnuqhAOmU8sYmZCmX56MSE_eCamCi-yunuEa8cl64ZG-k-RGg/s640/blog1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NwpPv7McxXLc3AAnzL0pt0RWu-1s7PnrlhgRbBGBxHEim-_shiqpaDwtzIf-_MM576LHx8bYMCZ09a7xPIRJ0ZkZQ-ZXVX2pIU4I0Uz-4gF4di4iOkFVX5-gH5FWI7SqGl40rVf1emI/s1600/blog6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NwpPv7McxXLc3AAnzL0pt0RWu-1s7PnrlhgRbBGBxHEim-_shiqpaDwtzIf-_MM576LHx8bYMCZ09a7xPIRJ0ZkZQ-ZXVX2pIU4I0Uz-4gF4di4iOkFVX5-gH5FWI7SqGl40rVf1emI/s640/blog6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPqU6WNvDY-EwXVwpkjHECz7OFYEYLEWE7Lqnut0h7xba2oUoR_zUIPZk5FC8POVfJ6xuAjDfwYdUkmDaLV1D4XdvUVvBmpRgnWrNlGxxJzMXOVyHn66uTH-a8b4PNqjdS_3jD-3Ur7s/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPqU6WNvDY-EwXVwpkjHECz7OFYEYLEWE7Lqnut0h7xba2oUoR_zUIPZk5FC8POVfJ6xuAjDfwYdUkmDaLV1D4XdvUVvBmpRgnWrNlGxxJzMXOVyHn66uTH-a8b4PNqjdS_3jD-3Ur7s/s640/blog2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICv6bJa3QWByqrM3faMC5uXx38K96Vx_vQddTH3dgErBz2rdwJgbw0QYvSznfg1W3yGTLnNUV2_OmYEmGu8YmMOhEbGfTfoSF5Qp9wh5u1XmGOXWqamEiWHLOaK5lnYhit62LVnhWP2o/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICv6bJa3QWByqrM3faMC5uXx38K96Vx_vQddTH3dgErBz2rdwJgbw0QYvSznfg1W3yGTLnNUV2_OmYEmGu8YmMOhEbGfTfoSF5Qp9wh5u1XmGOXWqamEiWHLOaK5lnYhit62LVnhWP2o/s640/blog3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1FOT-GsHsuimz6vU6GsmeP1ijUGFhxPLj3YF1POX_lrGt0AdyfHARhYnJ9jGb16-VHL4Zc0PJkSWiuNbetdc5ie9NgkGgx4-JfNKL_NJP7ZL9S8OP2iEOvU3VZT_p3QAoWkfDdyhNw4/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1FOT-GsHsuimz6vU6GsmeP1ijUGFhxPLj3YF1POX_lrGt0AdyfHARhYnJ9jGb16-VHL4Zc0PJkSWiuNbetdc5ie9NgkGgx4-JfNKL_NJP7ZL9S8OP2iEOvU3VZT_p3QAoWkfDdyhNw4/s640/blog4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CL1b9TvJxUJ49_ZNYkVQmP3I0qm5K1s8bopxre9gEH0DuYiJpDgmpA1lAkc6azvDxUF8L5WvLElkExE3JjDEju38ltkb9pq9TA46mcs8uT6y09RDtCXp3o3A-jVQK_Nz0sdd0YmuLpM/s1600/blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CL1b9TvJxUJ49_ZNYkVQmP3I0qm5K1s8bopxre9gEH0DuYiJpDgmpA1lAkc6azvDxUF8L5WvLElkExE3JjDEju38ltkb9pq9TA46mcs8uT6y09RDtCXp3o3A-jVQK_Nz0sdd0YmuLpM/s640/blog7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-28802311804312146902016-08-29T01:19:00.001-07:002018-02-22T23:34:40.332-08:00and just like that... second grade8 days... I can't believe there are only 8 days left of summer break. 8 days until Amelia starts second grade... SECOND GRADE!!!!! For the past three summers (each summer before Amelia starts school) I have had it in my mind to make those months the most adventurous, magical and funtastical (if that isn't a word, it is now) time ever. I compile a list of things I want us to do together. I plan out activities, craft projects, day trips, camping trips etc. etc. etc... and then, life happens. Something comes up, something big, and it keeps us from having that most awesome summer that I have planned in my head. This summer was no different. With me having surgery, our family making a few trips to the ER, Cecilia being admitted to the hospital (I'll share the details in a future post), appointments almost every week and all of us coming down with a nasty cough it's amazing we were able to do anything at all this summer. Even with the bad hand we were dealt this break, we made the best of the situation. We got away a few times this summer as a family, Amelia and I crossed a lot off our her summer bucket list and I got to fully enjoy life as a mother of two. Really, that last one... icing on the cake! Those two girls of ours really bonded this summer. Amelia is so doting and such an incredible big sister, and Cecilia already adores her big sister. She always lights up when she sees her face. So if I did nothing more than watch those two interact this summer I would have been a happy mommy.<br />
<br />
Now lets get back to the part where my baby, my first baby, is going into second grade. I was looking through photos I took during our latest camping trip and one in particular caught my attention and I couldn't stop staring at it. Amelia has changed so much. That sliver of baby face that was there last year has almost completely faded away now. She's so beautiful on the inside and out, and I'm constantly in awe of her. When she started kindergarten I was worried for her. She was so shy and I was afraid it would be hard for her to make friends and that her shyness would hinder her learning. Now I don't worry about her at all. She's so much more outgoing than she was three years ago. She loves school so much and she really does phenomenal in every subject. Even though I miss her like crazy during the day while she's gone, I'm so proud of the girl she is growing up to be. A kind-hearted, well mannered, loving and thoughtful little being who always tries her best and works incredibly hard at everything she does.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmvZMzi2FLN_bPwAv424AW9sISjzzDPuoW7izhFFzFjxzMpRS1PSXaGDbxyEL9sghYX1UwwPsVSp_pFGMz-_KKIPad-AMZDouJybjQzd_9SpBaA8FLJQEAHT0ZO-SyNRi2hRSBmY28U8/s1600/Ameliacamping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmvZMzi2FLN_bPwAv424AW9sISjzzDPuoW7izhFFzFjxzMpRS1PSXaGDbxyEL9sghYX1UwwPsVSp_pFGMz-_KKIPad-AMZDouJybjQzd_9SpBaA8FLJQEAHT0ZO-SyNRi2hRSBmY28U8/s640/Ameliacamping.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-26688118101930587052016-07-07T19:40:00.001-07:002018-02-22T23:36:15.351-08:005 monthsEvery month I say the same thing, but I really can't believe how fast time has been going by. 5 months already? Before I know it I'll be planning her first birthday (and yes... I may have already picked out a theme).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkCGYCg3vM4S0u1QmMy5B1XWxf45Ugm4Yd3FJaqScpuK_goeLwJFSANAmoSNtqY-hjpHSkS8cUAkaqN5QHcEMpYq0iznhnIKLZlurDPKG0zTK0kF0M7bz0eix7879vaiXQ_ALFnR3IDE/s1600/5mo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkCGYCg3vM4S0u1QmMy5B1XWxf45Ugm4Yd3FJaqScpuK_goeLwJFSANAmoSNtqY-hjpHSkS8cUAkaqN5QHcEMpYq0iznhnIKLZlurDPKG0zTK0kF0M7bz0eix7879vaiXQ_ALFnR3IDE/s640/5mo3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cecilia has such a fun little personality already. She smiles all the time. When she is fussy all it takes is Amelia to cheer her up. She <b><i>loves</i></b> her big sister. She watches her every move and gets so excited when Amelia gets down and plays with her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECqJ0puRPLYoj54oImMc0B2nV2RBmhJeGPyr-WtO73XrA6d6Om6G_HwuhBi9axDlBsgcaDkoB3Zhhc_TlTlv8N-GGHOdBLhc_7SGXqh-O3K3olUylLWSgpqN3hDwnmy89VJzijLBizOo/s1600/13567137_587213639946_588732868818091297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECqJ0puRPLYoj54oImMc0B2nV2RBmhJeGPyr-WtO73XrA6d6Om6G_HwuhBi9axDlBsgcaDkoB3Zhhc_TlTlv8N-GGHOdBLhc_7SGXqh-O3K3olUylLWSgpqN3hDwnmy89VJzijLBizOo/s640/13567137_587213639946_588732868818091297_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cecilia is just like Amelia. If you put effort into spending time with her and letting her get used to you, she will like you. If you don't... forget it. She is good with people until 8 o'clock at night and then a switch flips and she only wants mommy. No one else will do. It happens <b><i>every single night</i></b>, without fail. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She is quite a stubborn little one already. With Mark and I as parents it's bound to happen. She will not take a bottle!!! I mean, will not! During some post surgery testing I had done I wasn't allowed to feed her for 12 hours. Now we've tried this bottle thing for a few months now without success but people always said "well if she's hungry she will take a bottle"... nope, not our girl. That one day I wasn't able to feed her she went 15 hours without taking a bottle. I do have to give her props though... she is an awesome sleeper. She still wakes up once a night, but she's also still really tiny. I mean, tiny. So I have no issues with her getting up to eat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1XEkQWZJK9BpirMD2hwDlLJ_1CQAHn-y4bjcQYBcgyaFPdiesHoGb5s0XL4rLqaieXhXb_wn7jxjofKJX7fm8Lb-V_epDiSzm4927AOOtuztjx_NpJ1cUu_1cNqCC59bY1PxHTfzF2g/s1600/13528899_587234123896_5701698331002950895_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1XEkQWZJK9BpirMD2hwDlLJ_1CQAHn-y4bjcQYBcgyaFPdiesHoGb5s0XL4rLqaieXhXb_wn7jxjofKJX7fm8Lb-V_epDiSzm4927AOOtuztjx_NpJ1cUu_1cNqCC59bY1PxHTfzF2g/s640/13528899_587234123896_5701698331002950895_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She moves all over the place when she's on the floor. She thinks she's a big girl and is always trying to sit up. She eyes everyone's food. She grabs everything in sight and immediately puts it in her mouth.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5zkcgfYZ5eF0hEfFi-tCbqUy7zDFsB7wd6Mqpj1FgVWLVrVTVhbHHJzCk7aZ0aV4KM4FqexHX9OTMASuyQa1bLFKMc23DLBkSaywao3hjm5ar9Au3sHJ33FpBQM30lir0WDC-UaFqys/s1600/5mo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5zkcgfYZ5eF0hEfFi-tCbqUy7zDFsB7wd6Mqpj1FgVWLVrVTVhbHHJzCk7aZ0aV4KM4FqexHX9OTMASuyQa1bLFKMc23DLBkSaywao3hjm5ar9Au3sHJ33FpBQM30lir0WDC-UaFqys/s640/5mo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Cecilia is as sweet as can be. She loves to sit and snuggle... and yep, she still rocks some crazy hair!!! I'm so in love with her. </div>
</div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-66801907687062131682016-06-07T18:13:00.001-07:002018-02-22T23:36:26.901-08:004 months already<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqejOOgXedhRdhmYNgXsIb86FVIjlMrx6rwUnfSC7ifOWhhyphenhyphenzr9sulXBp4LJ_Qk0F7yFyA8eQx4L5b4bWCRIgv5ntns4UCtMlsIkQt6UI5KV_vVhPK3oxNGa33MC-PXiCL661802OTbeI/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqejOOgXedhRdhmYNgXsIb86FVIjlMrx6rwUnfSC7ifOWhhyphenhyphenzr9sulXBp4LJ_Qk0F7yFyA8eQx4L5b4bWCRIgv5ntns4UCtMlsIkQt6UI5KV_vVhPK3oxNGa33MC-PXiCL661802OTbeI/s640/blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's hard to believe that our little peanut is 4 months old today. Life has sure been wonderful since she arrived. I think we're finally getting into a good rhythm, which is nice. She usually only wakes once a night now so I'm feeling a little more rested. Cecilia is a happy little thing. She's always smiling and making the most adorable little noises... and she's completely obsessed with Amelia. She could be screaming and crying and if big sister walks into the room all is instantly good. Amelia is pretty obsessed with her too and is eager to help dress her, change her diapers and play with her every chance she gets. I really love the sibling bond that is already so strong between the two of them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In other news... Amelia is almost done with school and on summer break. She decided to audition for the school talent show so she'll be Irish dancing next week. I'm looking forward to watching her. It's crazy to think back to how shy she was when she started kindergarten. There's no way she would have wanted to do something like that back then. Now she's a fairly outgoing social butterfly. I'm really looking forward to our summer together. Speaking of summer, it has been so ridiculously hot here lately. I hate 100+ degree days and we've had a few of them lately. Seriously, Oregon is letting me down. I like 70s-80s. At least it's giving the kids a chance to play in the pool. My nephew Liam lives just two blocks away so he gets to come and play too. I can't wait for days spent in the pool and nights around our fire pit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2U4-iUv_XposQ8J31eY3fD06Yl-HiRCCEp0haBNtpFIZ6EFx21S6IUos7Lw1TltYeLfdupcUVKbvwvPbdAehVczL648Ayh3VdeK5TCHvgRkT5rp7D9BgjqVQU5ifCdyNEI917Z6Ne5Y/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2U4-iUv_XposQ8J31eY3fD06Yl-HiRCCEp0haBNtpFIZ6EFx21S6IUos7Lw1TltYeLfdupcUVKbvwvPbdAehVczL648Ayh3VdeK5TCHvgRkT5rp7D9BgjqVQU5ifCdyNEI917Z6Ne5Y/s640/blog1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVub7tANt1OwCxCAbNTeJr_r_ufit7kBtyZLc3ABX1YOmatYlWlLalOMsD3l5lP2S6pVPh2jCeeof2uqFU5VhtK2ixJziFmDPv6_1oO2pbzPjeskXGzj4aKRvKhWRNlRooAEnCsgAK_0/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVub7tANt1OwCxCAbNTeJr_r_ufit7kBtyZLc3ABX1YOmatYlWlLalOMsD3l5lP2S6pVPh2jCeeof2uqFU5VhtK2ixJziFmDPv6_1oO2pbzPjeskXGzj4aKRvKhWRNlRooAEnCsgAK_0/s640/blog2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_75GDFmPii7JWcM57l_ZI_BsEuPHD607mnrm_zclJhbNgdCofptr4WVqc8qhuk0bZvDZFSFll3YxExWDCVPXumjzJOi0AJW3hILpH6reTZzDQzLndL7sJSvDBtJTHvLZcc23rd4JGP20/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_75GDFmPii7JWcM57l_ZI_BsEuPHD607mnrm_zclJhbNgdCofptr4WVqc8qhuk0bZvDZFSFll3YxExWDCVPXumjzJOi0AJW3hILpH6reTZzDQzLndL7sJSvDBtJTHvLZcc23rd4JGP20/s640/blog3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-16058731996540165202016-05-10T08:15:00.000-07:002018-02-22T23:36:43.739-08:00the perfect peoniesMotherhood is a beautiful thing. Yes there are times when you might question whether or not you are truly succeeding in thing called motherhood, but then something happens and all of those doubts you have about yourself and your ability to be the best parent you can be disappear. That happened to me this weekend. I'm exhausted, which is to be expected with a new baby, and sometimes I doubt that I'm doing a great job. I doubt my ability to give enough of myself to both girls in a way that makes them feel equally special... equally loved. I mostly worry in terms of my attention toward Amelia. Having another baby has been the most amazing thing in the world, but newborns need their mamas a lot and I notice that I can't always be there for Amelia like I was before. It tugs at my heart when I can't just stop feeding Cecilia to crawl around and play Legos, but seeing the love Amelia has for her baby sister and the bond they already share reminds me that the two of them having one another is far more important. Amelia told me the other day that she loves her sister so much that she can't wait to have even more siblings. How reassuring it is to know that she doesn't feel put on the back burner. That she understands life with a new baby and she loves it. So back to the story I wanted to share... the one where my heart melted and I felt like I might be winning at this mothering thing...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Saturday the girls and I spent the day in downtown Portland. We visited the art museum and strolled up to the farmer's market after. We wanted to get some flowers for my Grandma Grace for Mother's Day. While we were wandering from booth to booth Amelia said "mommy, I'd really love to buy you some beautiful flowers. I really want you to have some". So I handed her some cash and she found a booth that sold beautiful peonies. I love peonies. She read the sign, looked at how much money she had, and decided she wanted to pick out 10 stems for me. Noticing that some of the flowers were open and some were still closed she walked up and asked the owner of the booth how long they would last based on that. She decided that she wanted to get peonies that were closed so that they would bloom at our house and last longer. For the next 15-20 minutes Amelia looked over every stem... trying to find the perfect flowers for her mommy. I couldn't help but notice that the two woman working the booth kept eyeing her and smiling. Finally she had found what she thought were the perfect peonies. With her cash in one had and ten stems in another she walked up to the counter to pay. She told them that they were for her mommy. The care she took in choosing something for me... my heart was beaming. The woman had heard Amelia say that she wanted to get the closed flowers so that I could enjoy them longer, so she asked Amelia if she'd like to have some already opened to take home too. That way we could have flowers now and all throughout this upcoming week. She was so happy and I thought it was so kind of the woman to give her extras. On the walk back to our car Amelia said "mommy, this has been one of my most favorite days. I love you so so much". In that moment I felt so much love. I felt like I was doing things right. and I felt truly blessed that this is the person I get to raise. Amelia has a huge heart and spreads kindness like wildfire. She makes people feel special without even trying. The world is a better place with her in it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2uhqbPohCkZJruf0in30TCSBkLdqQPf1_tRp-iH34jj1K27SvgGLTOzM0e2sgsi7NKvbvxg58VBiOZFdbKtVl7BCJ6QJx8W8TTvubPiam2JCSjRV76gwD5JwIUPShQ_xYx65ot9kzrY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2uhqbPohCkZJruf0in30TCSBkLdqQPf1_tRp-iH34jj1K27SvgGLTOzM0e2sgsi7NKvbvxg58VBiOZFdbKtVl7BCJ6QJx8W8TTvubPiam2JCSjRV76gwD5JwIUPShQ_xYx65ot9kzrY/s640/2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVopCGqK5a5kAihyVSDNKfgO411IRBmLvB9erfqB7TxnRSXGdEL_aIqj5ycZSJAR8aML_XM54NBe2md5pw9QuXFuGTiuC90bWYLF2toqzm-lmDsXkjUrGaNysKPdihlOClnw8Kcu0HUuc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVopCGqK5a5kAihyVSDNKfgO411IRBmLvB9erfqB7TxnRSXGdEL_aIqj5ycZSJAR8aML_XM54NBe2md5pw9QuXFuGTiuC90bWYLF2toqzm-lmDsXkjUrGaNysKPdihlOClnw8Kcu0HUuc/s640/3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-57400750910953314882016-05-09T12:36:00.003-07:002018-02-22T23:37:07.130-08:00Wonderful Weekend RecapThis weekend was wonderful. Saturday was a busy one, but full of pure awesomeness. We got up and got Amelia ready for Irish dance class. After class I had plans with her and Cecilia to go to the Portland Art Museum. A fun girls day while Mark worked on our house remodel. They had a Native American Photographers exhibit with work by Zig Jackson, Wendy Red Star and Will Wilson. Being Native American myself <b><i>and</i></b> a photographer I was so excited to check this out. Amelia knew that there was a Monet at the museum so she insisted on going with me. She's a Monet and Van Gogh fanatic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlDl4NyGCAb-ENbYL_ov7RAP-T6zgEjie35f1271FpUHgW-aH73wu51KX3EeJnQIhPg7y3sDE85YyZwp3M3jQKtTgkAq7wIfKQpCFfh4s6sFpNWkHenAzXbYvwvaYxFp4MLfdTIVv-FM/s1600/13177743_585611096456_7254324856062337501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlDl4NyGCAb-ENbYL_ov7RAP-T6zgEjie35f1271FpUHgW-aH73wu51KX3EeJnQIhPg7y3sDE85YyZwp3M3jQKtTgkAq7wIfKQpCFfh4s6sFpNWkHenAzXbYvwvaYxFp4MLfdTIVv-FM/s640/13177743_585611096456_7254324856062337501_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She picked out a pretty dress to change into after dance and we headed into downtown Portland. The weather was perfect. When we got there she carried the museum map around and led us to different galleries she wanted to check out. She kept saying "this place is so great"... yeah, she's my kid. I really feel blessed to have Amelia at the school she attends. They have an amazing art teacher there who has really inspired my little artist. She's always creating beautiful paintings, oil pastel drawings and sketches. Our house is always filled with so much color thanks to her. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBvJyNizpxfO4wBL_KmVKaEAXUjRxmB-Woh5G8FqdEGEX09CyGqS-q0dBO_jd_LpFbrrTAveuTXmpBe_SyobLH9m3JU2R857RjaPxsLP9s_VQ1I1rYQ7vvdFqRXdPvML0tiN1BpbPMyM/s1600/13179285_585612733176_9218326110523962304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBvJyNizpxfO4wBL_KmVKaEAXUjRxmB-Woh5G8FqdEGEX09CyGqS-q0dBO_jd_LpFbrrTAveuTXmpBe_SyobLH9m3JU2R857RjaPxsLP9s_VQ1I1rYQ7vvdFqRXdPvML0tiN1BpbPMyM/s640/13179285_585612733176_9218326110523962304_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The photography exhibit was awesome! It reminded me a lot of my time back on the Indian reservation that my family comes from. My grandpa and grandma took me back when I was about 12 and I loved it there. The museum had a cute place set up where anyone could color native dresses and they would hang them up in the museum. Amelia of course jumped on that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcfKhGEaTYAL0i7uujCo6_681ns9WMX03ATPGc0e0e7n-RO3wjuvfS5fKFIpe_xOcGNH_HEkajbxFcuAr7BqF5d1EDDTMwjY6BT8ruZPUTDi9WmYjXatji6NYhBT_c2uMyDC6jEAVQ9g/s1600/13179001_585612738166_5431893315919344438_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcfKhGEaTYAL0i7uujCo6_681ns9WMX03ATPGc0e0e7n-RO3wjuvfS5fKFIpe_xOcGNH_HEkajbxFcuAr7BqF5d1EDDTMwjY6BT8ruZPUTDi9WmYjXatji6NYhBT_c2uMyDC6jEAVQ9g/s640/13179001_585612738166_5431893315919344438_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After that exhibit we made our way to see the paintings she was so eager to lay eyes on. She was so excited. Two Monets and a Van Gogh. She got up as close as she was able to and really examined the brush strokes. It was so cute to watch her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQS5jzhCiAtdbFrLqnKEFydZMWlgatEWvk_bP3sbj_oy1CUTMMvHWtdf1er2gLNZVHyZ4SI7zSCW2pRgn1NUfN5N1ft2suUj_KPphNbVJp0tqSyEYCsQY_r8MgqCMQiUOfisjz5ZyxEU/s1600/13124679_585612728186_2269936812058193332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQS5jzhCiAtdbFrLqnKEFydZMWlgatEWvk_bP3sbj_oy1CUTMMvHWtdf1er2gLNZVHyZ4SI7zSCW2pRgn1NUfN5N1ft2suUj_KPphNbVJp0tqSyEYCsQY_r8MgqCMQiUOfisjz5ZyxEU/s640/13124679_585612728186_2269936812058193332_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx2l8Ch9DCkoYlOKB2KT96GX7LJshy6Xu_7V1slt-qohXqP2TzIWXVRShpvLHlgZakC0KFXJi9IGZHi79dmTdK6RIRDnmnrMvicuattWWSfoqp46ouFI3-uPQeCyJcVkMFwMOz61JjA8/s1600/13151762_585612748146_7790485894142738074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx2l8Ch9DCkoYlOKB2KT96GX7LJshy6Xu_7V1slt-qohXqP2TzIWXVRShpvLHlgZakC0KFXJi9IGZHi79dmTdK6RIRDnmnrMvicuattWWSfoqp46ouFI3-uPQeCyJcVkMFwMOz61JjA8/s640/13151762_585612748146_7790485894142738074_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIBxoG9OX3sSBmBYPH7_Vo-0IYnIPpyyNgcZDf5LPoBkFbL9l1jnnI39hlIQgL8mv-WgU9gyWql7hZw0_zte3IrzgsfBict5b5KLVxBBv7nnfxP4eZr8-p6tVapbKTWPyM3sWzlg0vkA/s1600/13100694_585612837966_8634054733236667040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIBxoG9OX3sSBmBYPH7_Vo-0IYnIPpyyNgcZDf5LPoBkFbL9l1jnnI39hlIQgL8mv-WgU9gyWql7hZw0_zte3IrzgsfBict5b5KLVxBBv7nnfxP4eZr8-p6tVapbKTWPyM3sWzlg0vkA/s640/13100694_585612837966_8634054733236667040_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
After the museum Amelia changed back into her dance clothes so we could wander around downtown. We headed up about five blocks to check out the farmer's market. I have the cutest Amelia story I plan to share tomorrow from our day in Portland(it's too long to add to this post).</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpNzNIbPdZVLgjvjnQUDWCr8LsanEQIoPHK9O13coGiq4w8dRWtsLAz-EGNMyeMcceAOl-R5CwuT8hk64WCWZmPP8xd-0r4CTFAR7qClCPIKyjRu2IaMoq8kvGkkiIlmci6_YTkxwWMo/s1600/13133111_585614205226_3720625610789653894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpNzNIbPdZVLgjvjnQUDWCr8LsanEQIoPHK9O13coGiq4w8dRWtsLAz-EGNMyeMcceAOl-R5CwuT8hk64WCWZmPP8xd-0r4CTFAR7qClCPIKyjRu2IaMoq8kvGkkiIlmci6_YTkxwWMo/s640/13133111_585614205226_3720625610789653894_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We ended the fun day with some Irish dancing at Kells in Portland. I love watching Amelia dance. It's always so much fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvHBR5FT8JATPjCF2gPnzmXVSPAT8m2EAxYIufxzAtNdu9cnUdnmcSexUwizxS67c9ezGWNGcKWGXuhhWQklCZHFAvu3YQfLB20I57IqOsIXACEA7VaTVtiORM8koR4ueEQRYskk4ypM/s1600/13177070_585622638326_1215017124664518811_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvHBR5FT8JATPjCF2gPnzmXVSPAT8m2EAxYIufxzAtNdu9cnUdnmcSexUwizxS67c9ezGWNGcKWGXuhhWQklCZHFAvu3YQfLB20I57IqOsIXACEA7VaTVtiORM8koR4ueEQRYskk4ypM/s640/13177070_585622638326_1215017124664518811_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunday was another great day. Mark barbecued for my grandma, mom, sisters and I. We just spent the day hanging out. It was a lot of fun, as it always is with my family. It was my first mother's day as a mommy of two... and what a special one it was! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtiLqUmNQNLUM3fbIoVMij65rnYVxE2RNbf9LxuxCZmQsYfYd99yPkLcmEvtjm4fBj33x07UYSv7-J9WOYbWJAd1K4irP9RM-sufdACqKbczJRs7ovjtikteKl4DlWd-2ScEd-CY9pQw/s1600/13178678_585663750936_3621734566310752692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtiLqUmNQNLUM3fbIoVMij65rnYVxE2RNbf9LxuxCZmQsYfYd99yPkLcmEvtjm4fBj33x07UYSv7-J9WOYbWJAd1K4irP9RM-sufdACqKbczJRs7ovjtikteKl4DlWd-2ScEd-CY9pQw/s640/13178678_585663750936_3621734566310752692_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP5Us9MqkK-reAomnfZkswGf5tyXl55fVLuhk6Ki_id9nJ4pxO5TYdLpoSr1LS8HZVdZ0cZr6GNWLnbT2mU-nTk82D8zwxBecW8H8vJx6L2Wqi8CyfrIeFkB8fkV_7uODehlJ-aLHy30/s1600/13124929_585666700026_8538579630038498661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP5Us9MqkK-reAomnfZkswGf5tyXl55fVLuhk6Ki_id9nJ4pxO5TYdLpoSr1LS8HZVdZ0cZr6GNWLnbT2mU-nTk82D8zwxBecW8H8vJx6L2Wqi8CyfrIeFkB8fkV_7uODehlJ-aLHy30/s640/13124929_585666700026_8538579630038498661_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that was our fun weekend. I hope all of you moms out there enjoyed your special day.</div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-73719074250997541882016-04-29T13:01:00.000-07:002018-02-22T23:37:54.779-08:00our time with two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0ESsp-yAjDQFEkxWKndDhnLmpB_RzmfR-muDiWV9RIU8tZumZAgwXsHb0LMHQAvmG3vo1WKUH6RH0Rs4xDpaAgk4owh0-6HsdAfz3EBWcV1Tg3byRp4vLSzzC92LXnzoZuLwTy2wRIs/s1600/w4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0ESsp-yAjDQFEkxWKndDhnLmpB_RzmfR-muDiWV9RIU8tZumZAgwXsHb0LMHQAvmG3vo1WKUH6RH0Rs4xDpaAgk4owh0-6HsdAfz3EBWcV1Tg3byRp4vLSzzC92LXnzoZuLwTy2wRIs/s640/w4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We are nearing 12 weeks since Cecilia was born. Time goes by fast with one, but add a second and it's even worse. I'm not gonna lie. I've never been more exhausted in my entire life, but these weeks with Cecilia have been absolutely amazing. Watching Amelia's love for her baby sister, and watching Cecilia's face light up when she sees her big sister is what dreams are made of. The other day I asked Mark if he felt done having kids. I've heard that some people just know when a child is born that they will be their last. He had always said he'd like two and then see how he feels after that, and I always wanted four which is why we agreed that three was our magic number and then we'd decide on any more after that point. It made me laugh when he said he doesn't feel like we are done having kids yet, but he really doesn't like feeling this tired. This time goes by so fast though and both of us are just trying to soak it all up before she's crawling... walking... going to school... and driving... because before we know it that's where we'll be.<br />
<br />
I really struggled during my pregnancy with the worry that I wouldn't be able to give enough love and attention to both of our girls. Amelia had been it for seven years and I wasn't sure how adding another baby to our family was going to affect her. I'm so happy to say that our transition to a family of four has been pretty smooth. I do feel bad when Amelia wants or needs my attention and I'm feeding Cecilia or trying to put her to sleep, but Amelia is really good about understanding the situation. She's also super helpful and does little jobs for Cecilia and I, and I think that makes her feel important. She is so in love with her baby sister. Considering my sisters are also my best friends I'm glad that these two girls will have one another. Sisterhood is a special kind of bond.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwtO9ox-qAhR9IHQO0-7FUX1R0p57n7Nyz17CgximMzBanphg8R7h2mTA5ylEmjIUGPrBZzIKpePUR1YqVRLEanXy__TVBuNitPGjqmKRVuxMRISyPCr_oiqCJVaOc5amme-ruEhFmDU/s1600/w6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwtO9ox-qAhR9IHQO0-7FUX1R0p57n7Nyz17CgximMzBanphg8R7h2mTA5ylEmjIUGPrBZzIKpePUR1YqVRLEanXy__TVBuNitPGjqmKRVuxMRISyPCr_oiqCJVaOc5amme-ruEhFmDU/s640/w6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
In other news... we're closing in on the end of the school year already. How did that even happen? I'm starting to make plans for summer break. There are so many things I'd like us to do during that time. Amelia has continued to keep us busy with dancing and religious education classes, and she plans to start up horseback riding again next week. Cecilia is being baptized this weekend on my 31st birthday. I'm looking forward to spending a day celebrating her with our family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAPYhqF4sc1y5O8BszTTP52ssQOR_xB9ugL11TWNHjDTZLmCAsT05SjiKBdXh4pwM1YX9rRKoB1klet2ptiCWGJ-LtY-VoNcUY0kcoQzJSf_ER0Q7vsoNzT_ocucIX0hlVVfeScfdO6I/s1600/w11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAPYhqF4sc1y5O8BszTTP52ssQOR_xB9ugL11TWNHjDTZLmCAsT05SjiKBdXh4pwM1YX9rRKoB1klet2ptiCWGJ-LtY-VoNcUY0kcoQzJSf_ER0Q7vsoNzT_ocucIX0hlVVfeScfdO6I/s640/w11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
This girl has changed so much in the past year. She amazes me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Life lately just seems to be filled with so many blessings. Even with the chaos I still feel so happy that this is our life.Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-26116500624909231842016-03-11T12:34:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:38:53.736-08:00Cecilia's birth storyCecilia Kateri turned one month old on Monday. You can tell by my delayed post that I've been soaking up every minute of snuggle time there is. She's just so incredibly precious.<br />
<br />
Our littlest lady surprised us by actually making it to her due date. Even my midwife thought she'd arrive early. With moving to a different house in my third trimester and remodeling the house, along with all of the other activity in our life, I had pretty strong, and somewhat regular, contractions early on. My midwife advised me to take it easy or I'd end up on bed rest. I believe her words were "you need to start taking it easy, and by that I mean delegate everything and stop doing so much". Her advise worked. Cecilia arrived on her actual due date.<br />
<br />
When I was pregnant with Amelia I was induced four days past her due date. My labor was hard with her and lasted 38 hours with 4&1/2 hours of pushing. I knew this time I really wanted to avoid induction if at all possible. At my appointment four days before Cecilia was born my midwife did a membrane sweep and told me that if it was going to work, she'd be here either on or before her due date. I spent the next couple of days having very strong, but very irregular contractions. I also really wanted to labor as long as I could at home.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to 3:02am on Sunday February 7th. A super strong contraction woke me up and within 5 minutes another one hit. I grabbed my phone and decided to start timing them. 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 7 minutes... they weren't letting up. By 5:00am I had a pretty good idea that I was in labor. I stayed in bed hoping to catch some more sleep in between contractions, but there was no way I was going to be resting between them. At about 6am I decided to get up and shower. The second I stood up the gush happened. The one you see in the movies. Since my water had been broken for me with Amelia, I had never experienced this before. All over the floor. In the midst of the pain, it made me laugh. At this point contractions started coming on much stronger and definitely regular. Every 4-5 minutes. I decided we should get ready to go in so I woke up Mark. Since we both procrastinate we had to finish packing our bags. I called into labor and delivery and had such a hard time talking through the contractions to tell them who I was. They said to come in right away. I woke up Amelia and got her ready to go to Grace's house. She had kindly offered to keep her for us until we were close to delivery and then she planned to bring her to the hospital. My mom headed our direction and Erica was on standby to come too. I love how my family (mom and sisters) rally around one another.<br />
<br />
Mark, mom and I got to the hospital at 8:00am. Because of having symphysis pubis dysfunction I knew I was going to have an epidural. I could barely walk and the pain from spd was a million times worse than the pain from contractions. They checked me and I was only dilated to a 3. Within 30 minutes the epidural was being placed and contractions were 4 minutes apart. The epidural didn't do much for the pelvic pain caused by spd. It was horrible. The anesthesiologist came in two additional times and gave me extra shots directly into the site. At 11 o'clock they checked me again and I was dilated to a 6, and by noon I was at an 8. As 1 o'clock came around I started feeling ready to push. At that point Erica was there and Grace had come up with Amelia, Chris and Liam. They checked me and I was fully dilated... and I kept telling them I needed to push. Erica ran out and grabbed Grace from the waiting room. Oh I should also mention that I had to set my camera at this point. I insisted on taking the very first picture of Cecilia. Blame it on the photographer in me. My midwife hadn't even gloved up yet and was still getting her gown on when she said I could try pushing. First push and Cecilia's head was crowning. That sent everyone into overdrive to get ready. Three pushes later and she was out. I grabbed my camera and snapped her picture. Our beautiful baby girl was here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYBk7VD7-ikIEu_0CnkK1bfWIMCMWlMxr4UZ9MoUic4oE5wR0Bp1p1A25l_AdM6aUp8TMalq3vQQfXDFJWWVaYxHy1q4mRCwl8_PW0ggNX9tPU8IIfQatviHuKEc5F6LDexLEaRt6xLA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYBk7VD7-ikIEu_0CnkK1bfWIMCMWlMxr4UZ9MoUic4oE5wR0Bp1p1A25l_AdM6aUp8TMalq3vQQfXDFJWWVaYxHy1q4mRCwl8_PW0ggNX9tPU8IIfQatviHuKEc5F6LDexLEaRt6xLA/s640/blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first photo of Cecilia, taken by her mommy who just delivered her. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amelia had asked to be in the delivery room when she was born, but I was afraid she would be worried seeing me in pain. She has watched her own birth video so that part didn't concern me as much as her worry for me. The hospital I delivered at does delayed cord clamping so I had my sister run out and grab Amelia as soon as Cecilia was out. She came in, looking somewhat concerned, but I'm so glad she was there. Mark got to cut the cord with my mom, sisters and Amelia there. It was perfect.<br />
<br />
A huge <b><i>thank you</i></b> to Grace for snapping these photos for me. My epidural didn't wear off for quite a while and I couldn't move my legs to get up and take these photos myself. Having photographed these moments for other couples it was hard to hand over the camera, but she did a fantastic job!!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vPUI5E5JiKYlfGsahiyyXZ2SpT_qLqXVaHj2OIHGX0s_uBg7fgO06blTSdw7hecsBYEEY4dN5awxzxICSrk7ay1MQniTR9m3e4x0QNxt5x8GtrrM0-ZUWgUQkOaybVdUlHeWBrrmumU/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vPUI5E5JiKYlfGsahiyyXZ2SpT_qLqXVaHj2OIHGX0s_uBg7fgO06blTSdw7hecsBYEEY4dN5awxzxICSrk7ay1MQniTR9m3e4x0QNxt5x8GtrrM0-ZUWgUQkOaybVdUlHeWBrrmumU/s640/blog1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia didn't leave her side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMAXAqh3rzT9SVtQTxljVUf0bL57HpgyZZ6X_t1QvwbBe94Yxs7GWT4fQo3qmExK8jwl8kVRYCisFurcmZ_NornkNaH3eDQZF6qCIwGbNL3y_0417hwGr_onN90PRgZp5X5SgPlgaPrA/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMAXAqh3rzT9SVtQTxljVUf0bL57HpgyZZ6X_t1QvwbBe94Yxs7GWT4fQo3qmExK8jwl8kVRYCisFurcmZ_NornkNaH3eDQZF6qCIwGbNL3y_0417hwGr_onN90PRgZp5X5SgPlgaPrA/s640/blog2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVfCL67JPSNUIfUMNKlWoLT_nMJoSbchzykv_FQh5nqPYxrZwxomIfZEz5Dh1_417zYrAfK-fHoMIn8x4AOAJeFKYrY5qV0KOMOVm6azsIWQ0XdvYds-LU8ATvw_VZTVJoHBh1cB8aYo/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVfCL67JPSNUIfUMNKlWoLT_nMJoSbchzykv_FQh5nqPYxrZwxomIfZEz5Dh1_417zYrAfK-fHoMIn8x4AOAJeFKYrY5qV0KOMOVm6azsIWQ0XdvYds-LU8ATvw_VZTVJoHBh1cB8aYo/s640/blog4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR0OyNEQt9C25AovTxpF2iP_sOb33cJrOolWewYcLzHugEUyf8wFQrG-V2jD0X6Jn9I3o3Sl-sEPMEDGTCnT-6Lh-xo1zpqKlwdW1TNnE3ZYLaSPrUUTRKPedsk8bD-o23En6z40Hqwk/s1600/blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR0OyNEQt9C25AovTxpF2iP_sOb33cJrOolWewYcLzHugEUyf8wFQrG-V2jD0X6Jn9I3o3Sl-sEPMEDGTCnT-6Lh-xo1zpqKlwdW1TNnE3ZYLaSPrUUTRKPedsk8bD-o23En6z40Hqwk/s640/blog8.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE that you can see Amelia in the mirror, watching every single thing they were doing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCnMMjQEa0wL6T3xtRUkByRTsosK0V8C5xLZ3QuJgjSAmzRBNz-QLsLP2IHGfQoLOgjnY612R2UHTECU5wNXgVUm7PZiKAbDxhbSvmFfPkchz4hM172rC-mBVuu41ka80p2h_MfmEHYI/s1600/c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCnMMjQEa0wL6T3xtRUkByRTsosK0V8C5xLZ3QuJgjSAmzRBNz-QLsLP2IHGfQoLOgjnY612R2UHTECU5wNXgVUm7PZiKAbDxhbSvmFfPkchz4hM172rC-mBVuu41ka80p2h_MfmEHYI/s640/c1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V08kPZ5CMi1YivljjPAELU4TY8oD_Kbtb-mmZdND0LKSJcHKKz6ByNk-u5wCUdf5IG6PMNLLI_Un6J5_lRCBn2i_a2W26KOBY58aOjL2VAcTgOPF0X7AK06ha5XUFLxspXfpXhGCBsY/s1600/blog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V08kPZ5CMi1YivljjPAELU4TY8oD_Kbtb-mmZdND0LKSJcHKKz6ByNk-u5wCUdf5IG6PMNLLI_Un6J5_lRCBn2i_a2W26KOBY58aOjL2VAcTgOPF0X7AK06ha5XUFLxspXfpXhGCBsY/s640/blog5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK4UHbYVnxbDrI-ZyZd1p9pA0gevkc2q5EvX1BZcVlXvVPBZr8ac62cndV5HFhKVRhwJU6EMoJBbF9Pg6C2GuvJnOZsadU7JkVRRaWouFc38m0VPquurwuwKmYTuUQUkNlVTDVMb0tNE/s1600/blog6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK4UHbYVnxbDrI-ZyZd1p9pA0gevkc2q5EvX1BZcVlXvVPBZr8ac62cndV5HFhKVRhwJU6EMoJBbF9Pg6C2GuvJnOZsadU7JkVRRaWouFc38m0VPquurwuwKmYTuUQUkNlVTDVMb0tNE/s640/blog6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkPkBvaBAywNX7oUrcBo10TofGcOwFDOH_fUGxRiJ3j0ktwonknvS6ZRpBIOxxhUXXugivH-sGIzclw2J0xrVu2nwlkvzSLWbZM6CNhM_iTk-CvspYTu2jvvRI-zSQrNVlpFL10ms6s8/s1600/blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkPkBvaBAywNX7oUrcBo10TofGcOwFDOH_fUGxRiJ3j0ktwonknvS6ZRpBIOxxhUXXugivH-sGIzclw2J0xrVu2nwlkvzSLWbZM6CNhM_iTk-CvspYTu2jvvRI-zSQrNVlpFL10ms6s8/s640/blog7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0gatNu6HfYRZf7t6bUa2hRs12phd4FvQVs8RYQiGp73WwFi7W7HjPN_aQdQ8AsuW9nc1tdyviozLtwH4Cw46PEzrHGmRVBUu2x9n8Zs-hvBvSpSa6jjUDUSjDudwaOXYuninnRE5tGc/s1600/blog11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0gatNu6HfYRZf7t6bUa2hRs12phd4FvQVs8RYQiGp73WwFi7W7HjPN_aQdQ8AsuW9nc1tdyviozLtwH4Cw46PEzrHGmRVBUu2x9n8Zs-hvBvSpSa6jjUDUSjDudwaOXYuninnRE5tGc/s640/blog11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsINc4h4AlqSqjlbhX8_wUtWb7jSz10y7u7phso2cPDfH0iyR_CiIabPiIvcse_9wrH3K2NlF4TM8gh-sxrHxHFZnuxFHw0U2PiEc5I8sdv6THDksGK0MDlTKlXBZmddaCtukK_andzX8/s1600/blog9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsINc4h4AlqSqjlbhX8_wUtWb7jSz10y7u7phso2cPDfH0iyR_CiIabPiIvcse_9wrH3K2NlF4TM8gh-sxrHxHFZnuxFHw0U2PiEc5I8sdv6THDksGK0MDlTKlXBZmddaCtukK_andzX8/s640/blog9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4im1ZWNodADBEJ4s6qsC0qBIklnBFKbxcf0tbhoHXNlS_eGBpAoovj_IT_wDK4B6BqYzAqR1MVqykLL_DU4lcHu8box6D44RFclsLfh7nOiOFvHOvjou8qdLe_FOqWUJLqtPuj6H0_M/s1600/blog10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4im1ZWNodADBEJ4s6qsC0qBIklnBFKbxcf0tbhoHXNlS_eGBpAoovj_IT_wDK4B6BqYzAqR1MVqykLL_DU4lcHu8box6D44RFclsLfh7nOiOFvHOvjou8qdLe_FOqWUJLqtPuj6H0_M/s640/blog10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent just over 24 hours in the hospital before going home. It took a few days getting used to life with two littles (one who I have to get to and from school every day on time), and I'm in a permanent state of exhaustion, but my life is more amazing than ever. These girls and their daddy are my everything and I can't imagine life without them. I'm definitely a blessed mommy.<br />
<br />Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-45585531812376431422016-02-26T10:15:00.004-08:002018-02-22T23:39:10.399-08:00She's HereIf you follow me on Instagram or Facebook then you've known for a bit now, but I am so happy to share our news with you all. Our precious baby girl, Cecilia Kateri, made her grand entrance into this world on her due date of February 7th. She weighed 7lbs 9oz and is 21 inches long. I've been so busy snuggling my two little girls that it's taken me almost three weeks to even write this post. My heart is just overflowing with joy at this moment. It's true what they say, a mother's heart just grows with each child. We are adjusting to life as a family of four, but so far it has been absolutely wonderful. I will be sharing her full birth story tomorrow. Here are a few phone photos that we took during her first 24 hours. I of course have non-phone photos, but I'm still working on finding the time to upload them to my computer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAibAw6JYye8F2jzmNIb7UAXaR14d-85NIHgNDoGnxkzn6ZrlkgIb-d9KI5TAokwdu7X5tD_RtcjBjBQikOyl6wQDnkInur2xBO0kImrVk5lwijPnDJQWZBlrIzLq5ywD6mS0p3UdC8jo/s1600/12669550_581119248156_5235494946062899488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAibAw6JYye8F2jzmNIb7UAXaR14d-85NIHgNDoGnxkzn6ZrlkgIb-d9KI5TAokwdu7X5tD_RtcjBjBQikOyl6wQDnkInur2xBO0kImrVk5lwijPnDJQWZBlrIzLq5ywD6mS0p3UdC8jo/s400/12669550_581119248156_5235494946062899488_n.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfg3Lw6oKjFJnG2Ly_yRoGJHXXrLesMN3aVYdpaeOnKOSB0Blt7xKLFnw3W1jOWNW76KZNemsbHgSlmuf34f9ejUciXIEfNouDknvuPXqZp5jrK5KiRB1qoAxtUSb-Z-rSWA0ia35cM4/s1600/12654276_581119233186_5775654484604958701_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfg3Lw6oKjFJnG2Ly_yRoGJHXXrLesMN3aVYdpaeOnKOSB0Blt7xKLFnw3W1jOWNW76KZNemsbHgSlmuf34f9ejUciXIEfNouDknvuPXqZp5jrK5KiRB1qoAxtUSb-Z-rSWA0ia35cM4/s400/12654276_581119233186_5775654484604958701_n.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<br />
The proud big sister<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_308_F52zs_o8-E-45q7gZ5yhcO1FbBGc1qahOuPl59y2WfgNWJsarS1og2yc4emxFWzf9jVCQY3xn9mAFVRZuCwVHj-xnW6rNnpBmOFCMfgyulwK7XO-uRCXLXPlfj9QkZNeYVP-syU/s1600/12705358_581120460726_4812391388933927155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_308_F52zs_o8-E-45q7gZ5yhcO1FbBGc1qahOuPl59y2WfgNWJsarS1og2yc4emxFWzf9jVCQY3xn9mAFVRZuCwVHj-xnW6rNnpBmOFCMfgyulwK7XO-uRCXLXPlfj9QkZNeYVP-syU/s640/12705358_581120460726_4812391388933927155_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Waiting for her to hit 24 hours so we can take her home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhXhRCVVWC71Cn-ebgjREo6R6UtTUR7JXdgC5PILOmrlQ1V0J-tJQX6NXQNNYulvCCzVOvLXdAVP4iV7-6Jvh_0m1bPLgdn_dG9PLXDAWTrYc0lQ-qD4SP94yCiTdIRyb1p0gORF1j40/s1600/12717385_581135241106_8910810398303197882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhXhRCVVWC71Cn-ebgjREo6R6UtTUR7JXdgC5PILOmrlQ1V0J-tJQX6NXQNNYulvCCzVOvLXdAVP4iV7-6Jvh_0m1bPLgdn_dG9PLXDAWTrYc0lQ-qD4SP94yCiTdIRyb1p0gORF1j40/s640/12717385_581135241106_8910810398303197882_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-9099734493254561782016-01-31T22:35:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:39:31.807-08:00Snuggles, Pets and ContractionsWell, we are officially one week out from our due date. I'm sitting here breathing through contractions as I type this up, wondering when little Cecilia will make her debut in this world.<br />
<div>
I'm hoping she arrives before next weekend. My sister Erica is going out of town and I really want her to be here when baby girl is born. I think we've got a general idea of what will happen when I go into labor. Thank God for my family! They have offered to do so much to help us out during that time. My mom, Aunt Debbie, Erica, Grace and brother in-law Chris have all offered to be available and take time off of work if needed. I've even had a couple of friends offer to be there for anything we need. I feel really blessed to have them all. It's not as easy logistically when it's your second kiddo and the first is in school. We don't want Amelia to miss much, if any, school, but we also want her there when her sister is born and my family is making that happen for us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had a pretty great weekend. It was laid back which is just what I needed. Mark had to work all weekend, so I got a lot of one on one Amelia time. We slept in Saturday and spent a little time in bed snuggling, downloading new books onto her Kindle and loving on our Rudy cat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZM1hlwzUi_3c12IwSl2zZ7ms9l18Aa0TQXFbAdKYTdfiDVwIJjAKByGJ8LOrk8GUh3p-2c9eZMdSAzLElJvnmBHG0I7bQihk7ERg-a9ZZ_1HUrKNbpigTY1Et50EVneWVwStgOBjWnk/s1600/IMG_5878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZM1hlwzUi_3c12IwSl2zZ7ms9l18Aa0TQXFbAdKYTdfiDVwIJjAKByGJ8LOrk8GUh3p-2c9eZMdSAzLElJvnmBHG0I7bQihk7ERg-a9ZZ_1HUrKNbpigTY1Et50EVneWVwStgOBjWnk/s640/IMG_5878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
Yes, our curtain is a sheet... we're remodeling. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I decided we needed to make a trip out to Craft Warehouse. Amelia has never been out there with me and I was hoping to find some stuff for the nursery. If ever there was question as to whether or not she's my kid... take her to craft warehouse. She had to look at every single thing and added so many things to our cart. I ended up with nothing, but somehow spent a lot. I have so many ideas for the girls bedrooms, but they didn't have what I needed. Looks like a trip to Hobby Lobby is a must soon!! This is the super awesome fabric that Amelia picked out (oh my sarcasm). She wants to make her stuffed horses some blankets out of it. I'm pretty sure if my mom took me in a store and let me pick out any fabric at Amelia's age it would have been some equally special penguin fabric. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AgHC4KzyQKlzvHvDHjJeUZ3GOzLY-aIWiA6xcCiRFVe4h-Sgc3UElCjchowrFWs_yBJltHxBbFJ2a62cvvI1B9yV4PGd5WbFtwwQ28anM2Y9e5M-1BmeK9gWazYHvn9taDQjWSMqqLQ/s1600/IMG_5883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AgHC4KzyQKlzvHvDHjJeUZ3GOzLY-aIWiA6xcCiRFVe4h-Sgc3UElCjchowrFWs_yBJltHxBbFJ2a62cvvI1B9yV4PGd5WbFtwwQ28anM2Y9e5M-1BmeK9gWazYHvn9taDQjWSMqqLQ/s640/IMG_5883.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After our trip to the craft store, which Amelia is now obsessed with, we stopped by and visited with my mom and grandma. It's so cute how my grandma is just waiting for Cecilia to get here. Every time I walk through the door she says "you're still here?" As if I'd go into labor and not tell my 92 year old grandma. She's so cute. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today Amelia had Irish dance and after we stopped by the pet shop. Last weekend we volunteered at church for Amelia's school. I was talking with two of the moms about our pets and mentioned that we've had some of our fish for five years, and one of them since last Christmas. Well, when we got home that same morning one of our fish, the beta that Amelia got for Christmas, was dead. Poor Rosie. Amelia cried a little and told us she went to heaven. I let her pick out a new beta today. It's a really pretty one that she named Storm. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMKZZvjKThIeJxGfAHwTvqmDGuiJ3A07bmX_TE2QFQp_f5Zj2vgkSM897_77zlAwBVnX_rYhlsCWdBxUPI1SVH53dl01xflSCJYqiqnGWpyVtn2YBR6v4qcWm9ZT3iIstwObbST2O7qc/s1600/IMG_5890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMKZZvjKThIeJxGfAHwTvqmDGuiJ3A07bmX_TE2QFQp_f5Zj2vgkSM897_77zlAwBVnX_rYhlsCWdBxUPI1SVH53dl01xflSCJYqiqnGWpyVtn2YBR6v4qcWm9ZT3iIstwObbST2O7qc/s640/IMG_5890.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course she had to check out the bunnies too. That girl has been asking for a bunny for two years now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi26SUZYywHzf999hyAv-slBBfTNWfpyCgQSDpU-GU6AL6yrdN-UTfru_zKOejDJDpbk3Gm7BjWGWNQZSxecUDQl-jBbdJ8nUJ3q9gFWIfcLONV7Kwdn_X6n5CQ5XcOy3aYvdqp9iA7Cg/s1600/IMG_5888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi26SUZYywHzf999hyAv-slBBfTNWfpyCgQSDpU-GU6AL6yrdN-UTfru_zKOejDJDpbk3Gm7BjWGWNQZSxecUDQl-jBbdJ8nUJ3q9gFWIfcLONV7Kwdn_X6n5CQ5XcOy3aYvdqp9iA7Cg/s640/IMG_5888.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you all had equally enjoyable weekends. I'm looking forward to a productive week. I have a long list of things I hope to accomplish. Fingers crossed. </div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-22041896267516814062016-01-30T02:00:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:39:48.470-08:00Mother Daughter DatesThere is a special bond between a mother and her daughter. I can't imagine what my life would be like without Amelia. She really is the most amazing little lady ever. I think it is incredibly important to spend as much time as possible making memories with our little ones. Even simple things can have a huge impact on our children and give them something to remember for the rest of their lives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBSFNOLIFcWpzLVbTwi1TLMc_rxBb0oQMP8TBDTddXPW2IsbHLgK4DqP7G_uGuCVRQyD4d_1Wr1RI-_R-0bTK0UAP2h6DApmYL2e49UT_8hd6k8VI3L4E_HFlFTbICcOfkERpxqwVOiS9/s1600/mommydaughter+dates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBSFNOLIFcWpzLVbTwi1TLMc_rxBb0oQMP8TBDTddXPW2IsbHLgK4DqP7G_uGuCVRQyD4d_1Wr1RI-_R-0bTK0UAP2h6DApmYL2e49UT_8hd6k8VI3L4E_HFlFTbICcOfkERpxqwVOiS9/s1600/mommydaughter+dates.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Get dressed up and go out to dinner. Let your little lady wear some blush and lipstick, put on some fancy clothes and take her out for a night on the town. Pick a restaurant she will love and save room for dessert.<br />
<br />
Visit a local library. Our library has toddler story time and preschool story time, each two days a week. After story time, let your little girl pick out some books to take home and read with you later.<br />
<br />
Play at the park. Put down your phone, get up off the bench and swing next to her. Go down the slide, run around playing tag, kick a ball together or play on the teeter totter. She will enjoy the park much more if you are playing with her.<br />
<br />
Go to a movie. Let her pick out everything. Movie and snacks.<br />
<br />
Walk to a local coffee shop and grab some hot cocoa, a steamer or an Italian soda. Have a seat at a table by the window and talk to your daughter. Conversations with little ones are the best.<br />
<br />
Craft. If you don't have craft supplies at your house already go to a JoAnn's, Michael's or your nearest craft store and pick up a few things. Glitter, beads, paper, paint... whatever you fancy. Just have fun creating something wonderful with your girl.<br />
<br />
Take a trip to the nearest children's museum. You might even be able to get free passes from your local library.<br />
<br />
Visit the zoo. It might be fun, depending on the age, to take a sketch pad and have your little one draw each animal you see. <br />
<br />
Mani/Pedi dates are always fun. If you don't want to spend the money to have them done somewhere you can do them at home and have just as much fun.<br />
<br />
Have a game night. Get in your pajamas and grab all of the games you have.<br />
<br />
Close yourself in her bedroom and play... play babies, barbies, legos, ponies, house and whatever else she likes to play.<br />
<br />
Teach her about paying it forward. If she's old enough, volunteer together. If she's still too young, give packages to and do things for people in need.<br />
<br />
Have a tea party. and dress up.<br />
<br />
Dance party. We love to crank up some music and dance like crazy. You could even add to the fun of it and give makeovers before. Let her put make up on you and pick out your outfit.<br />
<br />
Cook. Bake. Either one, include her in preparing dinner or a yummy treat. Wear aprons, let her put in the ingredients and even lick the spoon.<br />
<br />
Go to a show. There are often kid friendly options available for plays and musicals. Portland has great options for children's theater performances. You can find local ones in your area with a quick google search.<br />
<br />
Paint your own pottery and ceramic places have popped up all over around here. Let her pick out something special to paint for her bedroom or to display in your home. This is such a fun thing to do!! They even make great gifts!<br />
<br />
Movie Night. Amelia and I often have Friday night movie night while Mark is at work. We usually pick out a new movie that we haven't seen, grab some snacks and snuggle down in bed to watch it together.<br />
<br />
Picnic. Pack up some of your favorite foods and head to a nearby park or waterfront. Take a blanket, a basket and sit outside having lunch and enjoying each other's company.<br />
<br />
Hike. It doesn't have to be an all day thing, but exploring new places can be such a fun adventure.<br />
<br />
Play a sport together. Whether it's kicking around a soccer ball, shooting some hoops, playing some tennis or another sport that your little one loves, there will surely be a lot of laughs and fun memories made.<br />
<br />
Road Trip. It can even be a day trip. Pack up the car and head out for the day. If you have a beach nearby, mountains close or a cool town not too far away, go explore a new place.<br />
<br />
Let her plan the date and go with it!<br />
<br />
A lot of these ideas can really be used for dates with your daughter or son, but since I'm a girl mom I thought I'd share some of our favorite things to do. <b><i>What are some of your favorite things to do with your littles?</i></b><br />
<br />Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-77738276585356088812016-01-29T19:33:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:40:04.395-08:00Friday Favorites!Happy Friday All!!!<br />
This week had some pretty great moments. Here is a quick recap.<br />
<br />
Amelia got a sewing machine over a year ago and we just now pulled it out of the box. She's been dying to learn how to sew. Her first project was a baby blanket and it turned out great. I think she's a natural.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijY2gK8I2SIRthPgQy0Bz0dHPfnLwD2ddRBmAkxPZ5Ta3kCo5N1ZY5ERXUzBMMrTyDuTIy1lYKOi6N8JjHci4TQxfu_tCzbDYWpbZwkysEm0spOL3w0M_0SnnYfdrOo4Fh8-bIqwHcCtk/s1600/12592729_580627678266_8777307099636926174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijY2gK8I2SIRthPgQy0Bz0dHPfnLwD2ddRBmAkxPZ5Ta3kCo5N1ZY5ERXUzBMMrTyDuTIy1lYKOi6N8JjHci4TQxfu_tCzbDYWpbZwkysEm0spOL3w0M_0SnnYfdrOo4Fh8-bIqwHcCtk/s400/12592729_580627678266_8777307099636926174_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
My sister Erica and I spent the day together on Monday. She works so much that we don't get to do that very often. We headed out to a children's store on Mississippi Ave in Portland, then we went to Ruby Jewel for ice cream! Yummy!!! She had a doctor's appointment mid day and then we ended our hangout session with a trip to Ikea and happy hour. It was such a fun day!!!<br />
<br />
We bought this dresser off of Craigslist a few months back. I knew I wanted something that I could use as a changing table and this was just right. We only paid $50 for it. Mark sanded it for me last weekend and I was certain I had picked out the perfect paint color for it. We plan on painting the dresser and one accent wall in the nursery the same color. So I went and picked up the paint, super excited to get going on this project, and when I started the first coat I knew it was all wrong. I hoped it would dry darker, but it didn't. My awesome husband, knowing that I was super sad about this, told me to go pick something else out. I tried three new colors and ended up with one I am absolutely in love with. I can't wait to reveal the finished dresser. I just put the second coat on and it's awesome!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMWNjjmi5z0ptRr2ETmcHGHLQdCV5-nR33tGa-d1jVD6FQyBcBwDy-9z0D9NuNaG_0GSXo_uiH1lZRbasToLz3kTDj2y6cv6SEA1zrYR-jiSk3qklNoOZ24Df5CK5q2E5bJ-N9cNmxBs/s1600/dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMWNjjmi5z0ptRr2ETmcHGHLQdCV5-nR33tGa-d1jVD6FQyBcBwDy-9z0D9NuNaG_0GSXo_uiH1lZRbasToLz3kTDj2y6cv6SEA1zrYR-jiSk3qklNoOZ24Df5CK5q2E5bJ-N9cNmxBs/s400/dresser.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
I had my 38 week ultrasound and check up on Thursday. We've now had every ultrasound tech at the clinic tell us that baby girl has a head of hair. They've even shown us a few whispy curls on the ultrasounds. This week I'm definitely feeling like they might be right, and I blame Mark and his head of thick hair. Holy heartburn. I didn't have any with Amelia, but this is constant now. Even just drinking water. Ugh, I feel so sorry for people who have to deal with this on a regular basis. Everything looked good though at the check-up. We're just anxiously awaiting her arrival.<br />
<br />
We spent one evening setting up baby gear. The bassinet, bouncer and stroller. Since the remodel has us sleeping in the nursery, we are just keeping everything in a corner of the living room, but it still feels nice to have some of that stuff put together. Amelia was excited to try it all out with her animals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxp8rBQVUEvuz9IWHbYJyun4uZzEIfZHMTFIkTDld8360EmUu1Qfl7E6IS81kcX967ycwRF66bLRnUqrVH_6NELg2BiyYN_JE9Qi5Zpc5n-kt6ffOmma-du7etgO5MrAzvbth8yMRltY/s1600/10264541_580704025266_6953089763004336310_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxp8rBQVUEvuz9IWHbYJyun4uZzEIfZHMTFIkTDld8360EmUu1Qfl7E6IS81kcX967ycwRF66bLRnUqrVH_6NELg2BiyYN_JE9Qi5Zpc5n-kt6ffOmma-du7etgO5MrAzvbth8yMRltY/s400/10264541_580704025266_6953089763004336310_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm looking forward to a weekend hanging out with Amelia at home. I need some girl time with her. I've commissioned her to create some watercolor art for the nursery and I can't wait to see what she comes up with. She's going to start on them tomorrow, then we are going to find some old frames and paint them to match the nursery accent wall. I just love the art she creates. We also have a lot of decor to make for Amelia's room and some organizing to do in there. It's taking a while, but this house is starting to come together. I think our new couch and love seat will be here this next week!!! Mark is going to begin some projects in our bedroom. That's the last room in the house to be remodeled. We have a few things here and there in every other room (like painting trim), but our room is completely unlivable. Hopefully I'm able to help him out some. I'm anxious to get this place finished!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRJ7JcMerLmwAf1bh9r2xDNB2za1P4kNJx1_u_6VeyegQVm_8aT1Zj1QQGNGRDYkv2jhRGELVuEdF9qy_pQg7q0ZkYoHkObtEkQWlzRhinxpXxdyuOu6jHj9ld49QOhCG47Tr-BV64Yg/s1600/12645163_580872372896_2994601005422569598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRJ7JcMerLmwAf1bh9r2xDNB2za1P4kNJx1_u_6VeyegQVm_8aT1Zj1QQGNGRDYkv2jhRGELVuEdF9qy_pQg7q0ZkYoHkObtEkQWlzRhinxpXxdyuOu6jHj9ld49QOhCG47Tr-BV64Yg/s400/12645163_580872372896_2994601005422569598_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Enjoy the weekend!Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-23471628108136594292016-01-24T20:52:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:40:25.161-08:0038 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz3YrHeWZnEjhGdXsZaK09CvhlTtGsOtjLU2iWsnGHikTEQPt9Ahq_cEkQLXUPJnELQNGPZdwOCdqGwn3mpqwZ3VFxaO06dQWKdxMvusbvhQ1hbLe1FwjTe4UbnvPQ5MRZqoTCG5XnJM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz3YrHeWZnEjhGdXsZaK09CvhlTtGsOtjLU2iWsnGHikTEQPt9Ahq_cEkQLXUPJnELQNGPZdwOCdqGwn3mpqwZ3VFxaO06dQWKdxMvusbvhQ1hbLe1FwjTe4UbnvPQ5MRZqoTCG5XnJM/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
How far along: 38 weeks</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Current size: according to our ultrasound tech she's about 40th percentile. 6lbs 5oz. about. So if we make it to her due date they are guessing she'll weight about the same that Amelia did. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Due Date: February 7, 2016 </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Symptoms: I hadn't had any morning sickness for a while now, but all of a sudden this past week I've been sick almost daily. The nurse said it's a sign that she's coming soon. We'll see. She dropped several weeks ago and the pressure is crazy intense. I've had more and more contractions, but they obviously haven't amounted to anything yet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Gender: A precious baby girl</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Name: Cecilia Kateri</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Movement: She moves all of the time. Poor girl is running out of space and her movements usually lead to a major lump off to one side of my belly. Feeling the baby move is my favorite part of being pregnant and she's definitely giving me plenty of movement. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Clothes: maternity jeans, maternity tops and regular leggings. I am so glad I haven't had to buy a ton this pregnancy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Sleep: It's been a roller coaster. One night I don't sleep more than an hour or two, and the next I sleep great. I'm up at least every hour each night, but I've been able to take a nap a few days lately so that's helped. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Cravings/Aversions: I can't get enough ice water. Other than that I don't really have any cravings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Appointments: We've been having weekly appointments since 32 weeks now. We have also been having weekly ultrasounds too. With the amount of contractions and pre-labor signs I was showing they've kept a close eye on her. Thankfully she's stayed in like she's supposed to and after watching her breathing on the ultrasound for the past few weeks she's good to come whenever (according to my midwives). Part of me has felt this entire time that she won't make it to her due date, and part of me is now thinking she'll go past. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Latest Things: My sisters threw a beautiful baby shower for me last weekend. I just wanted it to be a small event that my 92 year old grandma could take part in. They held it at her house and I had local family and a few of my closest friends attend. I really feel blessed by the amount of love shown to use by everyone. To know that others share in the joy that Cecilia is bringing to our family warms my heart. I can't wait to hold both of my girls in my arms at the same time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
What are you doing to prepare: My hospital bag isn't packed yet haha, but I have most of the stuff pulled out and sitting on my dresser. I've washed most of her clothes, but we have yet to paint her dresser so I'm going to be working on that this week. Our cloth diapers arrived and I'm so excited to use them. I know she probably won't fit in them for a few weeks or even a couple of months, but I'm still excited just to have them in the house. We are still sleeping in her nursery because of the home remodel, but I'm working on the decor and will get started on decorating as soon as our bedroom is done. I doubt it will be before she arrives, but I'm totally fine with that. I pulled out her carseat, started packing her diaper bag, set up her bassinet and put the stroller together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Looking forward to: being able to do all of the things I want to do. SPD is not my friend and it has grown increasingly difficult to function as I near the end of this pregnancy. I have energy and want to do a lot of things, but the pain just doesn't allow me to. I'm really looking forward to the day when I can load up Cecilia in her stroller and head out for a walk with my family. One that doesn't lead to my hips killing me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
38 week thoughts: I'm in full nesting mode now and want to clean, sort, organize, decorate and do anything else that needs to be done. I still can't believe how quickly time has gone by. It seems like yesterday we were buying tons of tests and hoping and praying so hard for another baby and now... two more weeks until her due date... seriously? and then the following week I will have a 7 year old. Slow down!!! </div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-36283759050669567642016-01-23T03:00:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:40:48.474-08:00Amelia LatelyIt's been a while since I've bragged on my Amelia girl here on the blog. Let me just start off by saying this girl amazes me. Every single day I find myself more in awe of her. She has the kindest sweetest heart and I'm so lucky to be here mama.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrmDVstKsDvg2nisQA9NG5gcPMLFu5p0nDc9-C-xCu_TNfGvV33451O5CfNuCKVUL8tPz2SKXCHt8pcLA05-ZvcwofhML5CBQaVpjoZBSS4nD960FMnM1pmHJWKfMiYkETznShQ-D8rk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrmDVstKsDvg2nisQA9NG5gcPMLFu5p0nDc9-C-xCu_TNfGvV33451O5CfNuCKVUL8tPz2SKXCHt8pcLA05-ZvcwofhML5CBQaVpjoZBSS4nD960FMnM1pmHJWKfMiYkETznShQ-D8rk/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amelia is doing so well in school. Last year she did great, but this year she's just excelling at such a crazy fast pace. If you didn't catch my post <a href="http://www.fromashleytoawesome.com/2015/08/a-girl-in-glasses.html">"A Girl In Glasses"</a> last year, check it out and you'll see why I'm so excited to see her doing so well, especially in reading. We've known math was her thing since she was three years old, but reading hasn't been her strong point... until recently. I continue to love her school so much and really feel we made the right decision in having her attend there. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPAGWpEPRZGe2Lc_kSWN8XU-p9IGWbZ8b5ekVNCp60vamKHn8Nws3OGEYz9hZlcvDU-tKrOh7FIa55wPVxJ1z2WSxgAaXkNhm95NhxNg5gOkdLdy8yvM7c4kKcKEI0GiOPD1QRgLhxMA/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPAGWpEPRZGe2Lc_kSWN8XU-p9IGWbZ8b5ekVNCp60vamKHn8Nws3OGEYz9hZlcvDU-tKrOh7FIa55wPVxJ1z2WSxgAaXkNhm95NhxNg5gOkdLdy8yvM7c4kKcKEI0GiOPD1QRgLhxMA/s640/3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since finding out we were expecting baby number two, Amelia has stepped up to be the most helpful kid I've ever seen. She's always been great about helping out around the house, picking up her things and such, but this girl does so much without being asked. Grocery shopping with her is crazy. She takes the list, finds all of the stuff and puts it in the cart, then puts it all on the belt, loads the bags and puts ALL of the groceries away when we get home. She actually gets mad when I try to help. She checks on me often and refills my water when it's running low. She helps with laundry (which she LOVES) and would seriously scrub every surface in this house if I let her. I'm pretty sure she's got a little OCD in her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXud5lEJ71uxNftkjRsPmL3OgdMxfBcsD5Gpu533pV75wYdyYgnD9lDbqY43aZ0OIb_uWvXbbLW9uFtED88TAFrMeLNp2SJIFlrNQC7K_m-QsAQZkbFt3pxdq-fil05zi4c8vo4lupU0/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXud5lEJ71uxNftkjRsPmL3OgdMxfBcsD5Gpu533pV75wYdyYgnD9lDbqY43aZ0OIb_uWvXbbLW9uFtED88TAFrMeLNp2SJIFlrNQC7K_m-QsAQZkbFt3pxdq-fil05zi4c8vo4lupU0/s640/4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amelia continues to do Irish Dance and loves it. She's done a few weekend competitions now and has done a few performances. She's looking forward to dancing over the St. Patrick's Day weekend in and around Portland. She's been dancing less than a year and I'm really proud of how well she's doing. She hasn't had any horse back riding lessons lately. The weather here has been crummy and our schedule has been so busy. I'm hoping she can pick them back up regularly in early spring. She's still so obsessed with horses and she lights up when she gets to go riding. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXkIPNW3dGJhbvJhF8u29DDCF0sc5cIOzFYf6PQ1MCfhmCTk1nINRfnONd3ok0iZkoTiD8HAmwot4KtiFob3X2cjLFtvw3-Lw6yxXAvBhTGhBsQVsXohFPNg1dnghi0AitRVvNJacEWY/s1600/5+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXkIPNW3dGJhbvJhF8u29DDCF0sc5cIOzFYf6PQ1MCfhmCTk1nINRfnONd3ok0iZkoTiD8HAmwot4KtiFob3X2cjLFtvw3-Lw6yxXAvBhTGhBsQVsXohFPNg1dnghi0AitRVvNJacEWY/s640/5+-+Copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We continue to struggle with getting this girl to eat. I swear she'd starve if we let her. For a while she was dealing with chronic stomach pain and it worried us like crazy, but it seems to have eased up lately, although I'm not sure what has changed to make it better. I think Mark and I both tend to stress about her eating, but according to her doctor she's really healthy. Super skinny, but really healthy. Last night was the first meal we've been able to have as a family in our house. I had Amelia help me make dinner and I let her dish herself up all on her own. She ended up trying something new (and way out of her comfort zone) and she didn't complain! I think we're moving in the right direction, although I'm pretty sure she won't be budging on the born vegetarian thing anytime soon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm3bBvCCOwEP_NVk3457KqdfyP7whhTSENoouuPxt7gbqecR3px66diZGh05GflBxy7LC5y7TkvsXiw_GUCvAAVfxfLKDiqBk9JZOesBsop6UW7wu8ZoOdXozwQvATeFpaUqm5QX-YrU/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm3bBvCCOwEP_NVk3457KqdfyP7whhTSENoouuPxt7gbqecR3px66diZGh05GflBxy7LC5y7TkvsXiw_GUCvAAVfxfLKDiqBk9JZOesBsop6UW7wu8ZoOdXozwQvATeFpaUqm5QX-YrU/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm anxious to see how Amelia adjusts when we become a family of four. She's been the only one for seven years, but she's also really excited to be a big sister. I'm looking forward to seeing her in her new role. She already lists off all of the things she plans to do to help me (wash the cloth diapers, give her a bottle when I pump, help get her dressed, make her new hair bows...). Cecilia is one lucky little girl to have Amelia as a big sister. </div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-12171075336882049972016-01-22T22:31:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:41:57.889-08:00Life has been crazy!I really haven't been around here much. Life has just gotten so crazy and I feel like my head is constantly spinning in different directions. Sitting down to write a blog post just hasn't happened. I've definitely had plenty come up that I could write about, but the time just hasn't been there... so I'll try to catch you all up on the latest happenings at the Todd residence.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
December 1st we got keys to the new house we are living in. We knew there needed to be work done to the place before we could move in, but we had no idea that the previous tenants had trashed it. I honestly don't know how people could live in such filth. It took us several weeks, TONS of cleaning, gallons and gallons of paint, ripping out all of the flooring, refinishing hardwoods and ordering all new appliances for it to be livable. We still have a ways to go before it's done, but at least we are able to live here and enjoy the new (larger) space. Our bedroom is the last major project so Mark and I are staying in what will be the nursery. I have to admit my crafty self is dying a little at not being able to decorate Cecilia's room yet. I have so many ideas and can't wait for them all to come together. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4IN4AEye47xAdkcQpgmTNn2y6z8gdxihR925UTXbivX0cnBMBt_owrgcT2ubUqgbZsDV7prRT5l-x5wZIh4nlczY0S3GxikHUPj6XdUe-p2SXfM5My-5LmIdh7mCHfWEKBXhh5wgIvw/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4IN4AEye47xAdkcQpgmTNn2y6z8gdxihR925UTXbivX0cnBMBt_owrgcT2ubUqgbZsDV7prRT5l-x5wZIh4nlczY0S3GxikHUPj6XdUe-p2SXfM5My-5LmIdh7mCHfWEKBXhh5wgIvw/s400/081.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia in her new, super pink bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Christmas didn't feel like Christmas this year. We tried, but considering we moved two days before it just didn't feel like the holidays. I'm pretty sure my anthem was "Where are you Christmas" from The Grinch. We did manage to get a Christmas tree a few days before and I let Amelia take full control on decorating it. I think she did a pretty awesome job. I loved this little tree, even though it was so much smaller than we've ever had before.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeqJpW_Bst_rIPwz1bP5TmjvyTWX9gQ1-uZvSK6SGFXiyGiqOPVIvlL9g_6CcY_kU9Tczl4_R-P9jVOpUcd3UVPZKfGN80RWP3vATOkbO0ETwEehPQSdJyRPO4UUHeHP5NWZ11bDrkqQ/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeqJpW_Bst_rIPwz1bP5TmjvyTWX9gQ1-uZvSK6SGFXiyGiqOPVIvlL9g_6CcY_kU9Tczl4_R-P9jVOpUcd3UVPZKfGN80RWP3vATOkbO0ETwEehPQSdJyRPO4UUHeHP5NWZ11bDrkqQ/s400/090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KwkjsRhzG4xfLyaPZ-ny1z0-ZJdjWnqHqba4f8T4BJn0zhSD5sV-2UTwlhdr7btcIoT55r4uItbNnM1tkcG6-XSuC6rxaYTlVtdjGs8F59TP2tFyW00qxQwOS3hYrYnADaKdP3picgM/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KwkjsRhzG4xfLyaPZ-ny1z0-ZJdjWnqHqba4f8T4BJn0zhSD5sV-2UTwlhdr7btcIoT55r4uItbNnM1tkcG6-XSuC6rxaYTlVtdjGs8F59TP2tFyW00qxQwOS3hYrYnADaKdP3picgM/s400/109.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Amelia had an Irish dance competition a couple of weeks ago and she did a fantastic job. I'm so proud of her. She placed well in her dances both days and took home a trophy on the last day. I need to find a way to display all of these in her room. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA0twdu5hQpTyZ6E1krV_QR2FqPBzdusclIwgP4nLbp709aK9VrHjiVXVxCr-fKMKHjOHZNCkg2rcIT9BYxsxWkU4pJULGTNsr3n8PohCo-qsYRnic8LOxh9Q4ngNznVynCGyHLWHe5k/s1600/200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA0twdu5hQpTyZ6E1krV_QR2FqPBzdusclIwgP4nLbp709aK9VrHjiVXVxCr-fKMKHjOHZNCkg2rcIT9BYxsxWkU4pJULGTNsr3n8PohCo-qsYRnic8LOxh9Q4ngNznVynCGyHLWHe5k/s400/200.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8eABwx-TovIgQSxNxy4lFu4J_ZJPTx_EniSdFtTvJHp6SCUu7oH0JzEjSdWvI4URgXc4Rcv30kQK_lyXD2-uScwwjI36Z-X3tUFW8Rctxc9vIfepXW4RnYzYw262GPlEpGHVjNk1CHM/s1600/217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8eABwx-TovIgQSxNxy4lFu4J_ZJPTx_EniSdFtTvJHp6SCUu7oH0JzEjSdWvI4URgXc4Rcv30kQK_lyXD2-uScwwjI36Z-X3tUFW8Rctxc9vIfepXW4RnYzYw262GPlEpGHVjNk1CHM/s400/217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, until this baby girl arrives, I will just be spending my days washing baby clothes and trying to organize/clean this chaos that we are living in... and perhaps I'll be able to hop on here more frequently. After all, I'm in need of several breaks throughout the day at this stage. </div>
</div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-87297512947696062022015-12-13T16:38:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:41:43.917-08:0032 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4GPC2vBOLZyIOYjXEKVA9oufCoDGWUIaspKrFTnI7sgOHWR8SltqRmQKEL9mJJDmFcSm8FbPvKtkpfgCp9tFcVIkRBIpar4JfZHMIlMMu9gN6GD6GroUDFbhYmVs1-xvYOw1SRCb1z0/s1600/me-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4GPC2vBOLZyIOYjXEKVA9oufCoDGWUIaspKrFTnI7sgOHWR8SltqRmQKEL9mJJDmFcSm8FbPvKtkpfgCp9tFcVIkRBIpar4JfZHMIlMMu9gN6GD6GroUDFbhYmVs1-xvYOw1SRCb1z0/s400/me-edit.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
<br />
I had planned to do a bumpdate at 30 weeks, but we've been so busy trying to remodel the house we are moving into that there hasn't been much time for anything else. I can't believe 32 weeks has come and gone, and that we are now less than 2 months away from having baby girl (if she is born on or near her due date).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
How far along: 32 weeks</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Current size: head of lettuce</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Due Date: February 7, 2016 </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Symptoms: morning sickness, strong contractions & symphysis pubis separation (since 11 weeks)</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Gender: A precious baby girl</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Names: Cecilia Kateri</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="354" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12308771_579118023626_8412734975983771141_n.jpg?oh=dcdcf5cdb895d510e2d904bc9ec6d7a8&oe=56E57510" style="height: 625px; width: 706px;" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Movement: Cecilia has been kicking hard enough for a while now that people can see her from across the room. She is quite the active little thing. She's currently head down and the pressure makes me believe she's dropped. I can always tell where her feet and little bum are, and often her hands give the craziest feeling of being tickled on the inside. I don't recall feeling that with Amelia. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Clothes: maternity jeans, maternity tops and regular leggings. I am so glad I haven't had to buy a ton this pregnancy. I really hate how expensive (and not always cute) maternity clothes are. Really, you want $45 for a tee shirt... no thanks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty well the past week. I wake up often to go to the bathroom, but for the most part I'm getting good sleep when I'm asleep. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Cravings/Aversions: I want ice water all the time. I could also eat Pita Pit every single day. Good thing it's just a little too far for me to drive up there all the time. If we still lived in Oregon City I'd probably be there every day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Latest Things: Last weekend I overdid it and was very close to taking a trip to labor and delivery. I had a photo shoot and then spent the rest of the day crawling around cleaning the house we are moving into. That evening the contractions started up and they were really strong. I counted them and went over what my doctor's limit was, but did my best to relax and they finally eased up after a while. Since then I've been having much stronger contractions than how braxton hicks should feel. I didn't expect to feel them so intensely this early on. I'm looking forward to my NST appointment and a check-up this week. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
What are you doing to prepare: Well we have her nursery painted at the new house, the fabric for her nursery bedding is on it's way (after months of trying to find the perfect fabric) and we got a dresser that I'm going to refinish. Best of all... WE GOT HER STROLLER. I didn't like the stroller I picked out with Amelia so we went for a MAJOR upgrade and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! I'm so excited to take my girls on walks all over town. At the same time I ordered our stroller, I bought my diaper bag. I can't wait to fill it. It's so dang cute. Mark said "It just looks like a really big purse" and I asked him if he was going to have issues carrying it. He said "not at all"... he's such a great girl dad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
Looking forward to: Right now I'm just looking forward to Amelia's Christmas break. Her and I wrote out a list of things we'd love to do during our time together. It hit me a few weeks back that pretty soon it won't just be about her. Amelia and I are so close and do everything together, and while I can't wait for Cecilia to get here and we are all so dang excited, I am a little sad that I won't have that just Amelia and I time. After talking to some friends I felt better... that it's common to feel that way. I plan on soaking up every ounce of free time we have before baby comes. There will be plenty of time for her to go off and have adventures with other people after Cecilia is here, but we only have a short time left as a family of three and I'm going to be selfish with that time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #504e51; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
32 week thoughts: I'm just so excited to see what being a mom of two is all about. This pregnancy hasn't been the easiest, but it's definitely worth every uncomfortable/painful minute. I'm also excited that I won't have to go back to work when my baby is only 2 months old like I did with Amelia. I do plan on continuing to do photo shoots, but I can make my own schedule and don't have to leave my baby 5 days a week. It's going to be so wonderful. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-28426063281767446432015-11-04T19:11:00.001-08:002018-02-22T23:41:43.893-08:003 years as a SAHM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7NJST_aFX1_9wZziHS_H_OptxJ3uPat6v9K0BmtwqdF0Chf4r_xqepOCznhatfCGNgaRlQ2ESiUl7werBbdIPrQALLXhupsaAiQUYe6Of3matN9nqgHkb8LOhoUtHbCuI-zPn5zl13U/s1600/1545724_543459368856_982203858_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7NJST_aFX1_9wZziHS_H_OptxJ3uPat6v9K0BmtwqdF0Chf4r_xqepOCznhatfCGNgaRlQ2ESiUl7werBbdIPrQALLXhupsaAiQUYe6Of3matN9nqgHkb8LOhoUtHbCuI-zPn5zl13U/s400/1545724_543459368856_982203858_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
October 24th was my three year anniversary as a stay at home mom. Prior to staying home I worked for the Oregon Department of Forestry for seven years. In some ways leaving was a very easy decision to make, and in other ways it was very difficult. I've always worked. My first babysitting job was at eleven years old and I continued doing that on weekends, evenings and summer breaks until I was old enough to be hired at a local Hi-School Pharmacy. Even while I was in college I kept working, at one point I was going to school and working two jobs. I began with the state as a seasonal employee, but was hired permanently a few months after my seasonal job had ended. For the most part I loved working there. A lot of my co-workers were great, the customers always entertaining, but the summer hours during fire season were brutal with a little one. Mark and I had talked about it here and there, but it wasn't until we were unhappy with our daycare situation that we really sat down and found a way to make my leaving my job work. I think we were both equally worried about finances, but were shocked to see that once gas, daycare and other expenses relating to my working were taken out of the equation we really weren't left with a lot. It's eye opening to really look at how much it costs to work.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I cried when I gave my notice to my boss. I think it was a mixture of fear, sadness and total excitement. I won't lie and say it has all been easy. Life on one income has been an adjustment for us, and we still have our moments of figuring things out, but overall it was the best decision we've ever made. I've done a few things since leaving my job to bring additional income into our home (in home daycare, Etsy & photography), but my husband goes above and beyond to make sure that I get to be at home with Amelia and that is something that I will never take for granted. Being able to pursue my passion for photography and build my business, as well as being able to attend every school event for my kiddo is a true blessing.<br />
<br />
Being a mother is my greatest accomplishment so I thought I would take the next few weeks to share posts celebrating motherhood. My own experiences, other mothers I admire, blogger moms who inspire me and any other thoughts I have. I look forward to sharing things with you and answering many questions that I've been asked throughout my journey as a mom. </div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4148515262616724994.post-32949990774957478092015-11-02T04:00:00.000-08:002018-02-22T23:42:51.927-08:00Our HalloweenWell it was the wettest Halloween we've ever had with Amelia. It reminded me of one year when I was was younger. My dad drove my sister, our neighbor and I around the neighborhood to trick-or-treat and it was raining so hard that water was coming into the back of my dad's Camaro. Amelia doesn't go crazy on Halloween. She doesn't care about going to a ton of houses and getting tons of candy. She's happy just doing one or two streets and calling it good. For the past several years we've gone to my grandma's house on Halloween. Mom usually makes dinner and we take Amelia around to her neighbors. I like that this gives my grandma the opportunity to see Amelia. This year was especially fun because Liam dressed up with Amelia for his first Halloween and even went out trick-or-treating with us. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amelia wanted to be Belle this year so my mom made her the most beautiful dress. She looked so adorable! In the past she has let me pick her costumes (with the exception of the spider) so it was fun to see her choose her own this year. I love Liam's little lion costume. He looked so stinkin' cute!!! Amelia is already planning matching costumes for her and Cecilia to wear next Halloween. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr3LEPgd1tpKAgrEllGTCkiquUdMszAAgae0mCQNDToG5eAkV2kt4W7x3-98HD3soESKjwkVa0FUzz8P0fIh5R_NNUnKpag79_ar3WnNE6pTSnnlQJcp602Oq4ohYwlhkh4UJ5tJ4R9c/s1600/w1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr3LEPgd1tpKAgrEllGTCkiquUdMszAAgae0mCQNDToG5eAkV2kt4W7x3-98HD3soESKjwkVa0FUzz8P0fIh5R_NNUnKpag79_ar3WnNE6pTSnnlQJcp602Oq4ohYwlhkh4UJ5tJ4R9c/s640/w1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHSFoIAjcZCo2oafLq6RGkKY1ElRGP1Zzezt_m1jEJ-NjpEXT-u5opkCOuKKJlnqWLEUUnBnuw0l4KgR-Wm1YohBZ-tr1UJrCfkAeUDUHFfKHnxR5L5QISJb8nX1-LsY7aZrqq4Z_7L4/s1600/w2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHSFoIAjcZCo2oafLq6RGkKY1ElRGP1Zzezt_m1jEJ-NjpEXT-u5opkCOuKKJlnqWLEUUnBnuw0l4KgR-Wm1YohBZ-tr1UJrCfkAeUDUHFfKHnxR5L5QISJb8nX1-LsY7aZrqq4Z_7L4/s640/w2.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPSnUsJ3VW9KJYariJjECj5SrVKQwAUYDuAqBcM2wV1zDSzN099bFlwUOtGT0XdlvVeYpOV7x3p-7o7dEaeK-GwImp7vo7KrT5ftG2WnAjUHWAd-9etm8XuIWBAeWKH21MzJGx-l0BFE/s1600/w3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPSnUsJ3VW9KJYariJjECj5SrVKQwAUYDuAqBcM2wV1zDSzN099bFlwUOtGT0XdlvVeYpOV7x3p-7o7dEaeK-GwImp7vo7KrT5ftG2WnAjUHWAd-9etm8XuIWBAeWKH21MzJGx-l0BFE/s640/w3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXkDCcpWaca3RiI4C-8cBI9oyevhkL19pQ9lnTTFgPXHO5xjS5rqGkfQdAg2WQnfQpqCcUs52YJtKckLLQpJdWeidvlPx3DBqV4CLNTMEYc6uDpruSEFgWYgoTTTZSJ_CG9BFedkg3-4/s1600/w4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXkDCcpWaca3RiI4C-8cBI9oyevhkL19pQ9lnTTFgPXHO5xjS5rqGkfQdAg2WQnfQpqCcUs52YJtKckLLQpJdWeidvlPx3DBqV4CLNTMEYc6uDpruSEFgWYgoTTTZSJ_CG9BFedkg3-4/s640/w4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zd54M1W6GqAX_64_zObY82qt7EoBUc3lBFpCHlAcW-N7hwYoRBRn0TNJfXNxDBt4STT_hhxqC6EdfhnqgEeuh_Bbae9wtR09Cs0eTOD84sg-XnRDcbxVJLorPMbRqIALvPe7NwSECIc/s1600/w5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zd54M1W6GqAX_64_zObY82qt7EoBUc3lBFpCHlAcW-N7hwYoRBRn0TNJfXNxDBt4STT_hhxqC6EdfhnqgEeuh_Bbae9wtR09Cs0eTOD84sg-XnRDcbxVJLorPMbRqIALvPe7NwSECIc/s640/w5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIySWcy2oCPlCFupdVjp0OkD47C3-UjEs3B-lj9qyClpQv3T2ACbY8IbrBYcCumOkjCODCyJetk8-iYYTN_5IYVTOuURrD_5g1sZ20Hks99UVMTdc35Gh74jjB9RexQUxag8Fu6180MEM/s1600/w6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIySWcy2oCPlCFupdVjp0OkD47C3-UjEs3B-lj9qyClpQv3T2ACbY8IbrBYcCumOkjCODCyJetk8-iYYTN_5IYVTOuURrD_5g1sZ20Hks99UVMTdc35Gh74jjB9RexQUxag8Fu6180MEM/s640/w6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N3hrKnWhmaNKdgNVhNlGNAf41lFo5JPNqpnGwalClVU4ewjX6VDWDtyzXsrQmXq5Z983IkrWNVVza57h6zFZchdLVXyUIqEgBQ9EK__-4Au9M8omGlo8OhH3TQIAHCEqf1OD-4NR-7g/s1600/w7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N3hrKnWhmaNKdgNVhNlGNAf41lFo5JPNqpnGwalClVU4ewjX6VDWDtyzXsrQmXq5Z983IkrWNVVza57h6zFZchdLVXyUIqEgBQ9EK__-4Au9M8omGlo8OhH3TQIAHCEqf1OD-4NR-7g/s640/w7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween. I know many weren't happy about our typical Oregon weather, but I LOVE everything about this time of year... including the rain! </div>
Ashley Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08654536599508450574noreply@blogger.com2