Firsts...

Lots of Firsts have been going on...

Ashley played in her baby pool for the first time last week. She had such a fun time splashing and crawling in the water. We can't wait to have consistent warm weather so she can play in it more often and also swim in the big pool once we get it open.

Ashley finally stayed awake to make the 5 minute walk to the park! She had such a fun time in the swing. She wasn't sure at first, but then she figured out it was fun and was smiling and laughing.

Now that Ashley's been crawling for awhile now and figured out sitting about a month ago, she's decided it's time for something new and is now pulling herself up to standing! We lowered the crib down when she started to crawl and then we dropped it again now that she can pull herself up (especially in her crib) but that still doesn't seem low enough, so we have to drop it all the way to the bottom! It's exciting to do so many new things, but it seems so fast!

Wednesday will be another big first, as we will be taking our first road trip with Ashley (and Jada and Pippen) to Maryland. We are renting a mini-van for the adventure and are looking forward to visiting with family and friends on the east coast!

Comments:

Tricia: Have an awesome trip! Can't wait to see pictures when you return! Oh, and can't wait to get in the pool with everyone this summer!

Spring!!

We are loving this spring weather! It was in the upper 70s today and Ashley was having a blast outside. I set down a blanket and she crawled to the side and was checking out the grass. She thought it was funny when the wind blew in her face so she was laughing and smiling since it was fairly windy.

Thankfully, we've had nice weather this March. Ashley and I have been able to take several walks around the neighborhood. She falls asleep within minutes of moving. I want to go to the park and see how she likes the swing, but she's always asleep when we get there!

We are looking forward to consistent warm weather and all the fun it brings!

Crawling

Ashley's on the move! As soon as she gets herself on her belly she is moving all over. She hasn't figured out the forward crawling yet, but she's getting pretty good at backwards crawling (just like her mom)! However, she has mastered moving in circles and jumping in her exersaucer!

She hasn't quite figured out sitting on her own yet but I'm sure that will come after she's done figuring out the crawling. She's too interested in other things, like chewing on her toes!

With the sun shining and the 40-50s weather, we are getting excited for spring and all the adventures that the warm months will bring!

6 Months

Can you believe Ashley's six months old already!

Ashley has been on Grandparent overload! Pete was on a business trip last week, so Ashley spent Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings with my parents while I went to class and on Friday, Pete's parents escaped the east coast snowmageddon and came to visit. They made it back home in time to avoid the Chicago snow that is expected tonight and tomorrow.

Ashley went for professional pictures last week and the photographer said she could be a model since she is tall and skinny and was was full of smiles.

Ashley had her 6 month doctor appointment today. She's staying on the same growth path, weighing in at 14 pounds 5 ounces and 25.5 inches. She had 3 injections, and after a little crying, she's now giggling and playing.

She's been trying new foods including rice cereal, oatmeal, peas, green beans, carrots, pears and prunes. She even started drinking from a sippy cup!

She loves to roll on her belly and is fascinated with buttons. She's having fun playing with her toy cell phone that lights up and makes sounds. It's so much fun to watch her grow and learn new skills!

A New Year

We've had a good start to a new year...

Ashley started eating rice cereal at the beginning of the month and just had her first real food yesterday, Peas. She loved them! It'll be fun to make her food and see her faces as she experiences new flavors!

Ashley has been rolling over from her belly to back and back to belly. She doesn't seem interested in sitting, but she loves to stand! She's also discovered her feet and when she's on her back she's always grabbing for them! Before we know it, she'll be putting those feet in motion!

Last weekend, Aunt Laura stopped by on her way home from China and this past Friday, Ashley and I went to Chicago to visit my best friend, Tricia.

I started back at school, so Ashley has Daddy Daughter nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When Pete's out of town, she'll be spending those evenings with her grandparents. I'm sure they are waiting for Pete to leave!

Ashley has her 6 month doctor appointment in February. I can't believe she's almost 6 months already! Until then...stay warm everyone!

Comments:

Tricia: It was so fun to see you girls on Friday! Thanks for coming down! I will send you pics later today!

Carving Pumpkins

Well, not really Ashley, but she watched!

Christmas

Ashley had a great first Christmas!

On Christmas Eve, we spent the evening with the Valcik family (“Aunt” Debbie’s family) and Ashley was the hit of the party. She always made it back to mom when it was time to eat or be changed.

On Christmas Day, Ashley woke up at 10:30 after 11.5 hours of sleep! After dad gave her a bath, we packed up and went to Grandma and Grandpa Braun's house. Ashley hung out with Aunt Debbie for a bit, but then needed a nap. After her nap and a feeding, Ashley opened some presents. She had so many that we had to do it in spurts! Once Ashley had some quiet time, she was ready for more gifts! She received dolls, toys, books, ornaments, a play-mat and super-gate (we're getting ready for those crawling days that will soon be here) as well as a pool float for the summer!

She spent some quality time hanging with Uncle Steve and came home and took a long nap. I'm sure she'll sleep well tonight.

Merry Christmas!