Ashley Family

Father/daughter celebration and our little ballerina!

2012-02-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

Naomi had visitor day at ballet...and it was so fun to see her in action. She LOVES ballet! We are so thankful to GiGi to make it possible for her to get to be all things girly!
Naomi and Eric also got to attend the Father/daughter celebration at our church. It was her dream come true to dress up, dance and have her daddy's full attention .

Juderbug is TWO!

2012-02-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

Can't believe our Jude is 2! He is such a fun, curious, busy little guy! He adds such life to our everyday! What he is up to these days? Everything! He loves everything..for about 60 sec! One of the cutest things he does is play with cars...driving them on furniture and walls all while humming. His speech is kinda slow, but gets whatever he wants, so why talk? He is definitely a charmer and makes everyone feel like he is their best friend. Though he is so busy, he is also a snuggler! He loves his siblings and still calls Samuel "baby"...but is better at being gentle with him. He loves his pacifier and doggy blanket. AKA woof woof and papi. Eric and I have different opinions about when we should take his paci away. So, we will see who wins out!(ha)

As far as growth goes...he's a giant! Still off the charts in height... and 90% in weight at 33lbs. He wears size 6 diapers and 3t clothes.

Love this sweet, crazy little boy!

Sweet Nathan is 6yrs.olds!

2012-01-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

Cake #4 at Nathan's tractor party at Papa and Gigi's the day after his birthday!

Cake #3- His shared cake with Nanna( the have the same birthday) that we celebrated on Christmas Eve!


Cake #2- Shared cake with his good buddy Jackson that we got to meet at the Children's Museum in Atlanta to celebrate with the week before Christmas. We got to celebrate at the Varsity for lunch.

Cake #1-His birthday cake he got to take to school the day before school was out for Christmas!
A big shout-out to Eric for all the amazing Tractors that he drew!!! He is truly a man of many talents!

Nathan continues to be such a sweet natured son. He has officially entered into the world of legos. He likes all sports, but isn't obsessed with anything. He still plays cars (esp. Cars 2) and still LOVES art stuff. It is amazing to watch how creative and smart he is. He continues to thrive in Kindergarten at FPD ( he has the sweetest teacher, too!) His areas of improvement are in holding his pencil and cutting with scissors (ha!) It must be b/c I never let him cut before he went to school! He is such a kind brother. He and Naomi really enjoy each other...don't get me wrong they have bad days but for the most part they have a great realationship. He and Jude have a special relationship too. He plays so sweetly with Jude and there is a sweet trust built in that relationship. He is considerate of the baby....but that's about it for now.

Spiritually, I feel like things are really clicking. So encouraging to see some of what we have been sowing take root! Our family worship times are the highlight of my day to watch his devotion in prayer and interest as we learn from the Bible. I am so thankful to be his Mommy... and he is such a delight. Discipline is really not an issue these days, which is a relief because it is so intense with Jude. So nice to see how the discipline laid a foundation for his character and now there is such fruit. Keeps me hopeful with the others.

At his 6 year check up his height and weight was consistent with how it has always been = 15% in weight and 90% in height. He is projected to be 6ft 2inches. I think he will have the same build as his daddy! :)

I can't believe I have a 6 year old! So thankful for God giving us such a gift! (Nathan means "Gift of God")

Sam at 3 months!

2012-01-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

I know it is almost 4 mos...but i wanted to write a quick update. The Second picture shows our progress with sleep! We made the transition from sleeping in the swing to sleeping in the crib! This month his tummy is starting to settle down a little! Still having a hard time having dirty diapers...but on the good days he will sleep better naps and chunks of sleep at nite(4-5hrs!) It has taken some work though. Like seen in the picture above it has taken a double swaddle on his tummy with a pacifier and patting him until he gets comfortable!
I finally feel like he is not just crying all the time. Some of his wake time he is actually happy. We've got some good smiles out of him, finally!
The kids continue to enjoy and interact with him. So thankful for him!

More Christmas!

2012-01-20T19:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T18:22:00.001-08:00

Create a free digital slideshow

Samuel at 2 months!

2011-12-03T19:36:00.001-08:00

Stats: 12.2 lbs, 24inches
We love having Samuel in our family and can't imagine life without him. His tummy is still fussy, but we are on the pear juice,levison drops and zantac routine. He has already changed so much...he's so sweet!

Love

2011-12-02T11:53:00.001-08:00

Watcha think? The first is Jude, the second is Nathan and the last is Samuel. It is amazing how different Nathan and Jude look now...makes me curious about Samuel.

I'm so thankful for these future men of God...what a privilege and responsibility it is to raise these boys in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I am praying big things for them and try daily to pray they will love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

who's who?

2011-12-02T11:45:00.001-08:00

People are always asking me who Samuel looks like as a baby. I immediately think of Nathan! Don't you think? The first picture is Samuel and the second is Nathan. The only exception is that Samuel 's face is a little rounder and Nathan's is longer. I have such good memories of Nathan as a baby...so it is sweet to think they are similar!

Nathan"s fun school days

2011-11-18T15:56:00.001-08:00

Storybook character parade. Nathan wanted to be Christopher Robin, which was so sweet to me. The costume was hard for me to know how to dress him any different than he normally looks. All the kindergarten classes paraded through every elementary class and it was precious.

His class did a "Fathers Feast" and only the fathers got invited! Eric said Nathan was so proud of himself in his lil play and sang the loudest when they performed their songs. His teachers told Eric they put Nathan up front during the "Turkey Tango" with his partner b/c he took it so serious and wasn't embarrassed like some of the others. I hope his innocence never wears off!

This is from Hoe-down day!

Kristen, that hat was the BEST party favor!!

Samuel at 1 month!

2011-11-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Stats:
9lbs 1oz.
21 1/2 in.
I can't believe its been a month!! I will let these pictures tell the story of his first month! I am so thankful for him! His digestion is still his biggest issue these days...but we are still enjoying him despite the long days and nights. I keep remembering...they do all sleep and stop crying eventually, right? We are so thankful for friends and family that have loved on us this month. The meals have been sooooo helpful and the phone calls have been very encouraging. Our sweet journey groups pitched in together and gave us a new CAMERA!!! We are so thankful...so here's to making memories!

Naomi's eye surgery

2011-11-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

So, here is a post i didn't have a picture for. Naomi had surgery on both of her eyes at the end of October. It is a surgery that we knew was inevitable...but was suprized at our last eye exam when the Dr. suggested it was time to correct her eyes. She has a condition called exotrophia. It is the turning out of the eyes. It is not a problem with her vision, it is a condition in which her brain does not send the right message to her eyes. So, in the surgery they tighten the muscles which can only last a short span of years. We will not know for 6mos. if this surgery will be the only surgery she will need or if she will need it every 5 yrs or so.

She did great! Her surgery was scheduled for 9am but didn't get taken back until 12 and couldn't eat or drink anything. She went back with the nurse and didn't cry! She was totally subdued when she woke up from the anestetia and was totally out of sorts for the rest of the day. When she woke up the next day she was a new person! It will ake 10 days for the bleeding in her eyes to go away...but it is looking so much better. We are hoping we don't have to do this again!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins Picked

Pumpkins carved

My pumpkins minus Nathan

Naomi and her friend Elcee

We decided to go trick-or -treating on Ridge this year to visit some friends. It was more manageable than we anticipated. We got to meet up with some friends, which made it more fun!

Dennis Family: we missed you!!!

Naomi cheezing it! She wanted her nose painted just because i painted Judes...not sure a ladybug needed it!

And... the cutest dalmation you have ever seen: Jude!

Nathan and Catch: ultimate super-heroes

First days home!

2011-10-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend, Robyn, has generously let me borrow her camera to capture some of Samuel's firsts!

I am learning that the more kids you have the smaller chance you have to take a picture with everyone looking at the same time!
I guess i spoke too soon about Samuel's tummy issues. Eric and I have been trying to talk each other into believing he is just having normal baby gassy issues and that this one is gonna be our "good" one! Ha!
After consecutive days of grunting, straining, crying and no dirty diapers we have settled in to the fact that the Lord has given us good experience to know how to love this sweet little guy! At the drs. office today he joked with me that we only produce babies with bad tummies! I love the kids" pediatrician and he is always encouraging and he reminds me that they all get through it and are completely healthy afterwards. Right now i am trying to get him to gain weight....still not at his birth weight! He also still has some jaundice issues(which you might notice in his tan skin!) and getting him to use the bathroom.

We still adore him and are so in love with him...just hate to see him so uncomfortable! Again...we have so much to be thankful for!

Introducing Samuel Joseph Ashley

2011-10-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Samuel Joseph Ashley

7lbs 8oz. 20 3/4 inches

Born September 30,2011

9:46 am

Samuel's due date was October 23rd! I knew I was getting close, but when my water broke at 8:15am on last Friday morn, I was in disbelief and panic! Since my last two labors were extremely short after my water broke(like 1 1/2 hrs and 45mins) I just knew i wouldn't make it in time for an epidural and was just in tears by the time I made it to the hospital. All of the nurses were so kind and really tried to do all they could do to get me an epidural. By the time they got me back to a room there was a nurse anesthetist waiting for me and she wasted no time. She was wonderful and was not scared to try one on my even though I have a rod in my back!

By the time the epidural took effect, my Dr. arrived and it was time to push! I felt most of the contractions, but the delivery was the best one out of the four! And when they placed sweet Samuel on my chest it was all worth it! We did have to stay a 3rd night in the hospital due to his bilirubin levels....but he is doing great now that he is eating well! It was sad having him under the lamp since i had to leave him there as much as possible and hard to be away from the other kids so long.

The kids love him so much. Each of them have their own way in showing it. Naomi doesn't want to leave my side and thinks this is her baby! Jude is so excited about him but is so physical that i am afraid he is gonna squeeze him too hard or knock him out when tries to "pet" him. Nathan is so sweet and considerate with him, not wanting to wake him up. The first day home was hard with everyone trying to deal with the transition...but has been good since. Next week will be the real test when Eric goes back to work.

For those of you who know my history with babies who have bad digestion, i am very hopeful this time. He has had a little bit of issues, but i am still getting a good chunk of sleep in between feedings. Keep praying!

I don't know if it is because he is our last baby, but I am so in love with him and want to savor every moment! I am so happy and thankful...i don't want to take this blessing lightly!

Happy 4th Birthday Naomi!

2011-09-28T12:27:00.001-07:00

Naomi wanted to have a "strawberry shortcake sprinkler" party....so that"s what we did. I wouldn't recommend doing when your 8months pregnant...but she had a blast!


A Naomi update	Naomi loves people, especially her family! Can play cars/trains with the best oof them but loves her girly toys too! She thinks she is the boss and loves calling the shots. She misses her brother while he is in school...but calls her ballet class her school. She loves ballet. She loves to eat(she is our meat eater)! She is over 100% in height on the growth chart and 80% in weight! She loves Sunday School and her Wednesday night journey group. She loves to pray...but we are working on her content! She is very affectionate and loving!

First days for Nathan and Naomi

2011-09-28T12:20:00.001-07:00

Nathan's first day of kindergarten! He has done great and loves his sweet teachers and classmates!

Naomi's first ballet class! She calls it "her school" and is excited all week for her special girl time! Thanks GiGi for making her dream come true!

Jude saying "cheese." He couldn't be left out!

Our Summer in pictures!

2011-09-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Our first beach trip of the summer....at a grad n career retreat in St. Simons, Ga. at memorial day...we did a joint retreat with some dear friends who work with singles in Augusta (the Wilkins)

Our second beach trip was to the PCA's General Assembly in Virginia Beach...i'm not sure where Nathan was. The kids had a blast....but i don't think i will do that kind of trip again with four small kids....we will have to take a 5 yr break or so b/4 i forget how hard that was!

On my birthday we got to visit with my childhood best-friend and her family at a lake about an hour away....all our kids are about the same age...her youngest was asleep i think.

One of our fun trips to Papa and Gigi's house....Nathan first large catch...he was thrilled!

This was actually late Spring...but the last time we have a picture of our dear friend Jackson! Our dear friends, the Dennis', moved in June to Nashville. Jackson was one of Nathan's first friends when we moved to macon..and his whole family became good friends for all of us!

Naomi and her sweet friends: Elcee and Kate!

Naomi's first haircut and our first fruit from our "garden"

Our last Beach trip... to Hammock Beach with the whole Ashley crew. It was sooooo fun and they were so generous to love on us and spoil us while we were there!I know there was plenty more fun adventures...but here are some highlights!

The life of my third born!

2011-07-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

I wish i had a picture of Jude running headlong into the pool or lake with full confidence he can swim or one of him running away from me at the McDonalds play area and him making it all the way to the bathroom before i noticed he was gone....or my worst memory so far of him running down the hall of a hotel and getting on the elevator and riding it all the way down to the first floor as i and his siblings were in puzzled hysterics trying to figure out where he was!

My new goal in parenting this fun loving, adventurous child: TO KEEP HIM ALIVE!!!!

p.s. I am scared to death to have another boy!!!

Catching up : Catching and hitting for the first time

2011-07-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

So,my computer has had a virus on it for 6 mos. and I haven"t been able to post...it finally dawned on me that I could use Eric's computer. So, beware....i have a lot of catching up to do!
For starters...

Nathan's First Tee Ball Season!

We were a little hesitant to start him at age 5, but we are so glad we did! He has loved it! It was his first taste of the organized game...so there were definitely bumps (funny ones like walking out in the outfield with a sippy cup instead of a glove)along the way...but he had so much fun and it was a great way for us to get to know people in our community. Somehow i agreed to be "team mom"(which i would never recommend with a one year old child who wanted to consistently run in the field and take everyone's bats.)
We hope we get to do it next year!

Happy First Birthday Daniel Jude!

2011-01-26T11:27:00.001-08:00

Oh...How a year goes by!!! In some way it has been a long one but in other ways it has been such a joy to be loved by a tiny little person that bares God's image. I am certain that his tummy issues do not bare God's image...but probably everything else!
I will try for a more detailed report on him after the celebration...as for now: Happiest Birthday Juderbug!

Oh Christmastime...

2011-01-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmastime....but i do not love all that overwhelms me during the month of December and afterwards. Not that i want to forget all the wonderful parties, concerts, celebrations, cookie making, gift buying,gift giving and the precious moments of my kids drawing closer to our Savior...but i will have to keep them in my mind and heart this year. There are too great memories to recount...thankyou Jesus for all we have in you b/c you came as a babe.

Happy 5th Birthday Nathan!!!

2010-12-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

We were able to go to the Aviation Museum in Warner Robbins for Nathan's 5th birthday party! It was so fun and we were thankful that some of his sweet friends were able to come and celebrate with him!

The big 5 is a little hard for me to swallow...for some reason it seems like such a milestone birthday! He has changed our lives so much... and i cannot imagine my
life with out him! We are so thankful for our first baby....

*He is still really tall and thin( i'll have to share the stats after his checkup)
*He is still really picky and still has a sensitive gag reflex(throws up easily when he smells something strong) Somedays i think he survives on yogurt, bread, applesauce and cheese!
*He is introverted...but is vocal when he feels comfortable.
*He loves doing art( got this from Eric)...daily he is drawing some animal or wanting to make a creation!
*He can count to 100 and write pretty good as long as he can write in giant letters.
*He loves singing and music
*He loves being outside
*He loves his baby brother and is so kind and caring to him( and Jude loves him back)
*He tolerates his sister and agravates her well.
*He cannot smile to save his life...poor guy!
*He knows all the rules and makes sure everyone follows them.
*He still thrives in order and wants to organize and clean(which is helpful to me!)
*Is tender toward the Lord and asks good questions when we read and pray nightly... has even asked Jesus to come into his heart...(but i am not sure he understood it)

We are so thankful for you Nathan- your name means gift of God and that is truly what you are to us!

For GiGi

2010-11-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

To add to your bathroom wall of your bathing beauties!

Some fall things we have been doing!

2010-10-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

This has been a fun month filled with fun adventures. I get overwhelmned by wanting to document everything...so here is my attempt to remember the fun memories!

The Hair!

2010-10-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

I wish so bad I could access my pictures of Nathan at this age b/c he had the same dilema! I really do try to make it lay down after his baths....but it has a mind of its own. Poor guy gets his hair patted constantly. You would be suprized by the people who think i actually style his hair this way! Truth is, i am happy to just get mine and Naomi's hair fixed these days- esp. on Sundays! Not until i reach church and an elderly member will tell me that there is concoctions that i can put on his hair to make it lay down- do i realize that i have not even given his hair a second glance. He does makes me feel like a rockstar though, b/c anytime we go anywhere -people are pointing/ smiling/ laughing! People are constantly coming up to me in public and Jude has become my way to talk to complete strangers. I anm gonna be sad when his hair begins to behave....but for now i will enjoy his goofiness.

slowly getting normal

2010-09-18T18:00:00.001-07:00

We have had computer difficulties for the past couple months and our beloved computer(along with all my beloved pictures) just died! So, i have a good excuse in not updating our blog and recording all the wonderful memories of the summer. When we decide to pay the money to recover our hard drive i will try to back up....but for now:
* I am doing some pre-K stuff with Nathan (and Naomi thinks she is doing it!) and he is absolutely loving it! We are using www.hubbardscupboard.org - it is a free curriculum that focuses on Godly character traits. He is writing and LOVES learning to read a little and doing art. I really think he is gifted in art....he has really become creative and will spend 30- 1hr. doing art by himself. He totally got that from Eric!

* Jude is just the sweetest baby ever! I just started eating a little chocolate and he has been fine! I have been doing it after he goes to bed at night so maybe that is part of why...but i will take what I can get. I think he still has some issues dairy... but i am gonna try to experiment some this week. He has only been waking once a night and then goes right back to sleep after i feed him....so funny that I am content with that!
He will just go to anyone that holds him and smiles sooooo big at everyone. I think he has brightened many peoples day!
He has found his voice and loves to scream just for the fun of it in public!

*Oh Naomi...she is sooooo very full of emotions! I don't know if all 3 year old girls are like this... but if i had a quarter for every time i say to her " the bible says to be self controlled...so that is why you need to control your emotions and calm down then we can talk..." I would be rich! The smallest thing trigger her emotions and then the dam breaks. Sometimes her emotions wakes her youngest brother up from naps.... and then that is when I have to exercise self control!

She is the life of the party though and she makes her brothers laugh so much with her silliness!
She amazes me with how much she has just picked up listening to Nathan... sometimes it is like she doesn't even try and she does things well

* Eic- well he is amazing. We don't get as much time together as we would like...but when we do it is so rich. He is such a serving husband and devoted dad. He is really busy with some programs starting up for the fall....but never makes us feel like he doesn't have time for us. So thankful he is mine!

more to come....

Naomi is 3!

2010-08-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun cinderella celebration to celebrate Naomi's 3rd year of life. We are so thankful for you Naomi....you bring much spice and joy to our lives. My job as a mother would be boring without your daily challenges:)
A Naomi update:
*You are 99 percentile in height and 95 percentile in weight:)
*you love snuggling with Mommy and daddy!
*you love aggravating your brothers and using your defense of screaming
*you love food....anything really! Your favorites are meat, chocolate milk,emalade and any food that is pink!
*your favorite colors are pink and purple.
*your imagination is amazing...always playing something that involves a trip and your dress up clothes and you usually convince your brother to play "mom and dad" or "princess and prince."
*you can already ride a bike...if you are in the mood!
*you can count to 20, know your colors, abc's and think you know how to write your name.
*you are the extrovert...coming alive whenever we have any company!
*You love to sing...LOUDLY.
*You insist on dressing yourself and putting on your shoes on the wrong feet.
*You use the potty..BY YOURSELF like you like to do everything.

We are praying God will use you as a great leader for His glory in the future. We pray that he will use your passion and emotions to be captivated by His love first before anything else tries to capture your affection.

We love you Naomi!

Jude 4-7 months!

2010-08-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have been so bad this summer about documenting our sweet Jude's young life.
He is growing great and His tummy is starting to settle down and he is sleeping more(as of two weeks ago!)He has slept through the night once and on most night sleep a good stretch in there...but it really depends on what i eat that day as to how he sleeps that night. He still cannot tolerate dairy, nuts, caffeine,or yummy chocolate! I must say he is the most smiley and snuggly little guy....and we really are enjoying him! He is fat and content with not moving or sitting up yet. At his 6mos. check up he was 95% on the height chart and 80% on the weight chart.
Here is a collection of pictures from the past 3 months.

Memorial weekend- Grad n Career Retreat in Destin

2010-07-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

The group wanted to get a cheesy " family " beach picture with white shirts on. I did't snap one of the whole group- but here is one of some of the men.

I tried to snap a picture of all of the kids. They are all about the same age give or take a couple of months! This is the best we could get.

Naomi and John David- our middle children. I think Naomi got on John David's nerves...she is just so sweetly affectionate!

Our weekend in Destin with the Grad n Career group from our church was really refreshing...and yes i can say that with all three kids in tow. We were able to have some luxuries...1 being able to bring a babysitter with us and 2- being that we traveled on a church bus and the kids were able to stretch out and be entertained the 6-7 hours by all the kind 20 somethings that rode with us! The 3rd luxury was that our church met up with the single group from Briarwood Presbyterian( Birmingham, Al.)- which is led by my childhood friend's husband. I was able to see my dear friend "Buffy" and all our kids were able to hangout some. We were pulled in many directions so we didn't get a lot of time together...but it was so fun to partner with her again! The kids had a blast and were able to use their new..but not so confident skills aquired from their dear swim teacher! They loved going to the meetings and everyone really cared for them. This Grad n career group at our church is so special- they really love each other and have such a heart for our city. It was a privilege to be with them and to be involved in this group!

2010-05-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Every spring we look forward to going to the strawberry patch. It is a blast for the kids. Strawberries, animals, hay-ride and of course strawberry ice cream!

For the past three years we have been able to make a trip with Nathan's best buddies- Jackson and Catch or AKA David Green and Matthew Stafford.

Naomi and her friend "Baby Kate." Naomi usually smothers her- but Kate didn't mind a little affection this day.

On the hay ride....don't you wish you knew what they were talking about.

Jude's first hayride! Thanks Kristen.

This video was taken from our first trip with Eric. You think Naomi enjoyed the ice cream?

Presents For Me!

2010-05-16T18:21:00.001-07:00

I have had some of the best presents in the past month:

Anniversary present: two nights in Jacksonville with just eric and.... jude! It was so nice to look out in the morning and see the ocean!

Birthday present: well my birthday isn't until July, but Eric saw this great tumbler for me and knew i could use it for my daily water drinks. It looks like a plastic cup- but it is actually a sturdy cup with a permanent Straw. I love that Eric knows what makes me happy.

Anniversary and Birthday present but it feels like a mother's day present: Eric's parents gave us this wonderful playset for the kids. Eric's dad worked on it some and then came spent the whole day putting it together with Eric. Eric worked hard to lay the on mulch and bricks and it has made our backyard so wonderful. We have spend all week outside and eating picnic lunches out there. It has been soooooooooo nice!

Mother's Day Present: these are my favorite roses. My sweet husband took my kids to pick these out for me! Flowers are so not practical....but so nice every once in a while to be surprised with!

Thanks Eric for all my wonderful presents....you always make me feel like a queen!

Jude's Baptism

2010-05-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was a special day for me- esp. b/c we were able to get Jude baptised and share it with my mom and mother- in- law. The Baptism was sweet- no crying or disasters. Naomi was looking at me for approval to get into the baptismal the whole time though.

You will notice in the picture that our baptism wardrobe for Jude is very casual...not what you would commonly see in the traditional "First Presbyterian" of the south. My sister said she heard the lady behind her say " where is his baptism gown?" That's right my mid-western and northern friends- it is very common for baby boys to wear dresses and not just to get baptized!

Jude at 3 months old!

2010-05-05T18:41:00.001-07:00

GROWING

SMILING

LOVING

CRYING

EATING

I can't believe how is a growing! I know you are all in suspense about his tummy issues. After cutting everything imaginable out of my diet for the last 2 months... there is a little bit of improvement. I have added everything back into my diet except Dairy, CHOCOLATE, nuts and caffiene. Oh i have to add shellfish to that list..i had crab on our anniversary and let's just say...i will never do that again!
My Pediatrician said around 4 months he should be able to digest some of these proteins better...i should of got it in writing! I am hopeful though. He doesn't scream constantly anymore (except when i eat something that offends him), but just moans and strains all night with spurts of crying. The stretches are getting longer and i am able to handle the lack of sleep better- without caffeine mind you!

It is funny to look back on Nathan's first 3 months of life(he had the typical colic where he cried every afternoon from 3-8ish.) It was so hard for me then-but i only wish that is what these other two had- atleast it would of stopped at 3 months! It is funny to think about what you thought you could never handle.

The two things I knew i could never handle before kids was 1- natural childbirth and 2- a baby with Colic!

OK, enough of my complaining. Jude is starting to laugh and talk and he totally melts me when he smiles. His doctor said to start him on cereal because of his allergies. He screamed at me the first 2 times, but now he has got it down and gets mad when i am done. I don't know if it helps his issues....but it is a relief to me to give him something else to eat...if you know what i mean. N & N are starting to enjoy him and interact with him more. I must say that Naomi is gonna make that boy tough. The picture above explains their relationships well. She is so aggressive by nature...so let's just say i never leave them two alone in a room. She has already stepped on his foot, head-butted him and squeezed his hand to the point of him screaming. She is not trying to be mean...she is just so clumsy and aggressive.

We are so thankful for life with him and want to treasure these days.

Sweet Hannah

2010-04-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Sweet Hannah

Hannah and Nathan at about 2 1/2 yrs.

Hannah and Nathan at a year old.

My dear friend and best friend from college ,Krissy ,lost her little 4yr.old girl, Hannah Wilkins, a few days ago. I cannot fathom the pain and heartache they must be experiencing and how bad they must miss her. Please join me in praying for their family.

Her Obituary is below:

Hannah Leigh Wilkins was born on January 30th, 2006. Hannah is a Hebrew name that means grace or gift from God and throughout the brief four years God gave us with her she was a constant reminder of the sweet mercy of Christ. God made her without a right ventricle and with a coronary condition that caused her to need a transplant when she was only 4 months old. Overcoming obstacles only God could enable, she received a new heart on Glenn’s birthday after a 37 day wait…truly not a coincidence. For three years Hannah lived an extremely full life and outside of regular checkups, lab work, and biopsies, a very normal life as well. In December of 2009 Hannah became very sick and was diagnosed with a type of lymphoma called Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease (PTLD). After being in and out of the hospital for next five months, on Friday, April 16th God mercifully took her home to be with Him. Hannah is survived by her parents Glenn and Krissy Wilkins, brother Manny, sister Abby; Grandparents Don and Pam Wilkins and Joel and Sandi Thomas, Uncles and Aunts Chris and Rebecca Wilkins, Sean and Joey Meyer, Michael and Sarah Torrance; and a host of friends who have loved her in ways words cannot express.

The Family requests dear friends and family who want to help to NOT send flowers, but rather a memorial to the Hannah Wilkins Transplant Fund to 808 Eisenhower Dr. Augusta, GA 30904.

Visitation will be held at Platt’s Funeral Home on Crawford Avenue from
6-8 p.m. on Tuesday April 20th.

The Funeral will be held on Wednesday April 21st at First Presbyterian Church at 11 am at 642 Telfair Street Augusta, GA 30901.

oh yummy food...

2010-04-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

I must share that though i thought my normal diet did not make a difference in Jude...I was very wrong. It is sad to say that dairy, chocolate , soy , caffeine and eggs just make his issues that much worse.I am still trying to pin point if it is soy and eggs too! So, my professional assessment is that he cannot digest these proteins...plus his tummy must not be very developed yet. His normal fussy nights have been unbearable since i added dairy and my favorite: chocolate. I really wish since i was changing my diet...it would fix ALL his issues! Yet, it is worth it to change my diet...his screaming has modified to whimpering and squirming. Sometimes i feel so bad for him- like it is just mean to not just switch to a pre-digested formula- but i am hoping he will be able to tolerate these in the next few months. It has been really good for me to have to exercise discipline in my eating....though i am constantly hungry and crave a warm brownie with ice cream and hot fudge. I guess i know what i will be eating to celebrate his first birthday!

Jude at 2 months old!

2010-04-05T11:48:00.001-07:00

His Stats-
Weight: 13lbs. 11 oz.- 80%
Height: 24 3/4 inches- 95%

Another big baby! This is the funny akward stage to me...when they are fat and starting to loose hair. He is so sweet though... when he feels good! To update you on the tummy issues: no new improvement. I did the elimination diet for 5wks and it didn't help- i couldn't pin point anything. I have been adding back things in my diet and i never new macaroni and cheese and chocolate cake tastes so good. I didn't notice any change as I added them back in! My pediatrician still thinks he cannot digest some sort of protein...even though we have eliminated them all. He said we could try the pre- digested formula like we did with Naomi- but it really didn't help her! He thinks these tummy issues are hereditary and as his tummy matures he will be able to digest better. We decided to wait it out - b/c i am not convinced the formula will help and I really want to keep nursing! We have him on some stomach cramping drops that seem to help some and will probably try cereal at 3 months to see if that is easier to digest.
We are surviving though...though we are up a lot with him- when his stomach calms down he immediately goes back to sleep. He really does want to sleep... so i feel so sad for him. It doesn't seem as bad as it was with Naomi- but i am not sure if it is b/c we are more used to it. He is starting to smile and coo some...and it gives us a glimpse of the happy baby he will be soon.

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

This was a sweet Easter....The kids are starting to pick up on the meaning more and more. We gave them a new CD( seed family worship- scripture songs- really good and not cheesy if you are looking for good music), some jelly belly's and a pack of seeds. It was fun to try to explain new life to them!

Our attempt for a family picture...about as good as we could get this year!

Nathan and Naomi before church...never can time a picture when they are all 3 available!

Jude- Sweet as can be....slept right through the hunt!

Nathan- took egg hunting quite seriously!

Naomi- Typical girl...just enjoying the experience!

Cousin Jacob- Pretty sure he would be the winner...just don't tell Nathan!

Cousin Will- he was too interested in the mower to actually hunt!

This is a video of our annual family egg hunt...it is getting more competitive!

Pre- Easter Festivities

2010-04-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Our Church has an annual Easter Egg Hunt at a church members home and it is definitely a highlight. My kids are always the ones that end up with 5 eggs- mostly b/c I am worried for them and fight the "faster" kids for them. The really just enjoyed the experience. Also, we were able to dye eggs- which they loved. I don't know why I attempted it on a night that Eric was gone and Jude was fussy to say the least. Nathan and Naomi loved it- and I just had to die to my vision of multi-colored eggs with fun designs and just let them dye the eggs and put stickers on them. I hope they are getting the point of this sugary holiday!

Cherry Blossom Festival Fun

2010-03-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

This past week was the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival here in Macon. It is always a highlight of the Spring. We made it out to the fair part this week and to the Fireworks Finale(which they did before sunset because of the rain.) The kids loved going to the Bed Race, Sea Lion Show, Train Exibit. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to care for all three yet AND take pictures. This is all I snagged. I took a cute video of the Fireworks and then deleted it- but these will help us remember the fun for this year.

Jude at 1 month old

2010-02-27T18:04:00.000-08:00

His Growth Statistics:
Height: 22 1/2 inches- 83 percentile
Weight: 10 lbs 2 ounces- 65percentile

He is growing too fast! I always get so sad about how fast my babies grow. They get so "not newborn looking" so quickly! My babes seem to get fat fast!

I have been hesitant to report on his temperament and tummy issues- hoping they would clear up and I could chalk it up to "transitioning to life." But, I am afraid I have a fussy one- again. You could rationalize, like I- "You can't have three babies that scream all the time? Could you?" Just like I rationalized "You can't have three dreadful deliveries, could you?" No joke- when they brought him to me from the nursery at the hospital he was screaming and he has not stopped!
So, the first picture is how I want to remember these days and the second is really how we live these days. My dr. says it is probably an over- active digestive tract, yet, I can't help to think it is linked as well to allergies. So, I am doing a crazy elimination diet for 2 wks. to see if I see any change. If nothing else, maybe it will kick start my weight loss- along with all the bouncing, walking, swaying, carrying this 10lb and growing baby tight up against me...etc. that I am doing.

On a funny note, the kids have been hilarious about it... Nathan walks around with his hands over his ears and rying to sing to him and Naomi goes back and forth from saying " it's ok budddy, it will be alright" and saying "stop it, stop it!"

Overall- we are thankful for a healthy little boy and know one day he will be running around like the other two!

Playtime with Jude

2010-02-19T18:35:00.000-08:00

snow fun!

2010-02-19T18:19:00.001-08:00

Even here in Macon, Ga. we got 3 inches of Snow. The kids were ecstatic!

my two tiny valentines

2010-02-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Nathan at about 6wks. old. Can you see any resemblance of Jude?

Young Love

2010-02-13T17:07:00.001-08:00

Just Because

2010-02-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

Home Coming for Jude

2010-02-03T07:22:00.001-08:00

It's a....

2010-01-27T17:04:00.001-08:00

Beautiful Boy!

Daniel "Jude" Ashley arrived last night at 8:06pm.
He was 7 lbs. 13 oz. and was 21 inches long!
We are so very thankful for him!

I will give you the short story: I was contracting regular all afternoon and my doctor wanted to check me out at the office before sending us to the hospital. He said he thought i was in early labor- so it would take a while but when ahead and sent us to the hospital. He was predicting the middle of the night- of course i was thinking it would be a lot quicker than that since my other babes came quickly. I tried to be a patient, submissive patient- but tried to encourage the giving of an epidural quickly since with Nathan the anesioligist wouldn't try and with Naomi it only kicked in at the in. I really wanted the dream delivery of all those women who say they never feel any pain and the doctors have to wake them up to push the baby out. Of Course- before the time they got that first bag of IV fluids in me i was dialated completely and was dying!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew we were in trouble when the nurse checked me for the first time and then immediately walked out of the room without saying a word to us. In followed a team of frantic medical help and the doctor quickly ran in. What happened after that was a blur...Eric immediately went into -"you can do this" mode as i just wanted to jump out of the bed and run out of the hospital. I really was out of my mind in crazy pain. I felt like i had to appologize to the doctors and nurses afterwards b/c i really was a crazy person.
So, from the time my water broke and the time Jude was born it was 1 hour and 20 mins! The Lord really was my strength! I am so thankful I am a Christian- i don't think i could of done it in my own strenth!

I instantly fell in love with sweet Jude! Somehow when they placed him on my chest- i could endure the rest of the pain of getting "fixed up" and slowly began to fofget what just happened to my body. I didn't get to hold him for long b/c he was having some trouble breathing and had to take him to the level 2 nursery. My doctor said sometimes babies that have quick deliveries do not have much transition time in the birth canal and cannot transition to breathing on their own quickly. We got him back in the room by midnight- but then had to send him back at 4am and now have him back with us. I think he has transitioned now and we are just loving on our new sweet, sweet baby.

I have really been so full of thankfullness all day. The Lord's gifts to us have been so lavish! I know i could never earn or deserve God's gifts- but i have really been overwhelmed with how gracious and giving the Lord has been to us undeservingly.
I just love newborns- they remind me of God's miracles and His tender mercies toward me.
Thank you Lord for sweet Jude- may you be glorified and exalted by his life!

when are you coming baby?

2010-01-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

I am 38.5 weeks along and still no baby. I am thankful....but a little shocked. I really thought I would of gone earlier...but today i am fine with it. My dr. offered to induce me yesterday, but due to the fact that epidurals don't take wonderful on me i am scared to death it will be a long painful labor with no helpful medicine. My Dr. assures me that it shouldn't take long since my body is progressing like it is- but I think we are gonna just stick it out. If we get to my due date(30th) I will definitely reconsider. Maybe keeping this baby in will make them fat, happy, very developed and make my dream of having an easy, non-stomach problem baby come true.

I know many of you want me to post a picture of myself with child...but i just cannot do it- it is not a memory i really want to remember. Just picture a very out of shape pregnant woman who looks like they are about to bust. I am trying to enjoy this time- without being selfish about my weight- after all I will have the rest of my life to get back in shape, right?

By the way, i used to be convinced this baby was a boy- but i really will be surprised - i have no clue! I am so excited we didn't find out the sex- it gives me something to look forward to through this pain that awaits!

Happy 4th Birthday Jacob!

2010-01-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

Friday was my nephew Jacob's birthday. Sorry your mom tricked you with trick candles! We love you Jacob!

first french braid

2010-01-17T07:49:00.001-08:00

Getting Closer?

2009-12-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a visit to the OB Assessment at the Hospital on Sunday b/c of close and painful contractions. I will spare you all the details...but my body is getting ready but my Dr. really was on the fence if we should go ahead and progress in labor or try to stop it...since i was just 35 weeks. He decided ( since we live close) to give me a shot to try to stop my contractions and see if i could hold off at least another week. It really has helped stop the active labor...now it is just sporadic. I have really tried to do nothing as well and can tell when i am on my feet too much.

He said the baby would probably be able to breathe o.k.- but other developmental problems would occur(ie. feeding, sucking, sleeping...etc.)I was relieved when labor was stopped b/c of my track record with fussy babies and i was really worried the baby would not be developed enough. I go again to the Dr. on tomorrow...but do not expect any change in things since contractions have stopped.

Who knows...these babies are all so unpredictable- this shot could help me make it all the way to the end of January or not. I am trying to just enjoy these days reading books and laying on the floor with my two big babies.

Thanks for all of you who care.

2009-12-24T18:53:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Nathan's Early 4th Birthday Celebration!

2009-12-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to have Nathan's birthday party a little early b/c 1- I am getting really pregnant right now and 2-It is hard for his favorite friends to make it on his real birthday( the day after Christmas.) I have felt like i really wanted to do something special for him this year...with the baby coming and all. I was worried about it b/c it was a 80% of rain and a high of 40 degrees....and our house is not the biggest. Thankfully, the rain held off until right when the party was over and the kids didn't seem to mind the cold. Eric borrow the " jumpy thing" from the church and we were able to play inside and out.
It was a really sweet celebration....he enjoyed all his little friends being here and in his shy way really loved being celebrated. The second picture really captures it as we sang " happy birthday" to him. He was showered with love and presents.
So, thank you to all the moms and grand moms who left their cosy warm house on Saturday morning to make my sweet little 4yr. old feel so special.

All I want for Christmas is...

2009-12-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

If you overheard Eric and my conversations with the kids about Christmas you would hear something like this:

"Want do ya'll want for Christmas?"
Nathan: " A shirt with a pocket in it."
Naomi: "um... a snow man"

I love that they do not know the power they could have over me in asking for presents. I love giving presents...so i have been thinking about the things they would really enjoy that would last the year long...but these just remind me that the simpler the better.

Granted- Nathan's birthday is coming soon as well....and he has reported he wants a Mack truck and balloons for that....but he would be satisfied by a shirt with a pocket in it for Jesus' birthday.

I love celebrating Christmas!

It's begginning to look like...

2009-12-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

If you notice the little tiny stocking on the end, it is compliments of Naomi. She found it and was determined that we needed to hang it for the "new baby"

As you can tell...Nathan's nose is looking a ton better...still just a little swollen.

Naomi was so happy the whole time we were decorating.

Nathan was very intense in his ornament placement....we had to do a little rearranging when they went to bed.

This year was so much fun decorating for Christmas. The kids really were excited and could actually hang some ornaments themselves...well on the bottom 3 feet of the tree. Eric and I love Christmas time so much....and I think the kids inherited it!

Warning: This is sad :(

2009-11-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Nathan fell at Sunday School on some playground equipment and we had to take him on his first trip to the ER. Thankfully he did not break his nose...it was just a bad contusion. It was heartbreaking for me b/c Eric and I was supposed to go on a conference on mon- thursday and send the kids to Eric's mom. Thankfully, he was really excited about going and my mother in law was experienced with 2 rowdy boys. GiGi spoiled him and kept him busy playing at his favorite place out in the country. This picture was day 6 after the fall....so i am thankful I did not have to see day 3-5( which my mother in law said was not too pretty.) He has been great about it...but my heart still breaks when I see him! I am sure this is just the first of heartbreaking accidents. Oh- the funny part is that the nursery accident report said " Nathan fell going up the steps" of the equiment. Poor guy...he has his mom's sense of balance!

Late halloween pics

2009-11-18T18:58:00.002-08:00

This makes me laugh so hard...Naomi, Jacob and Nathan downing their treats from the fall festival at Strong Tower Fellowship.

Mr. Frog and Ms. Elephant very proud of their costumes.

Our friend Elcee.

Baloon fun.

Naomi was tickled she got a balloon sword too!

Naomi was so intense and excited about getting her face painted.

Our church fall festival.

I am not sure if Naomi was more in awe of getting her face painted or that she got to see Snow White up close.

Our computer has been down for a few weeks...so we have taken a break from the computer world...but I wanted to make sure to document these fun fall pictures.

Just because she is so stinking cute!

2009-11-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

I am a winner!

2009-10-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

I actually won something! I entered a contest to win a free hand-made dress for Naomi in my friend Julie's Blog. Her family is trying earn money to adopt a baby from Ethiopia and she is hand making dresses and night gown's. She has some cute holiday prints...i got to choose Chestnut branches. Her dresses look so cute and comfortable and are an affordable price. I was totally shocked when I found out... I am sure all of Naomi's nursery buddies will be jealous. Check it out...would be a wonderful Christmas present.

http://www.flitterbugsabout.blogspot.com/

chocolate kisses

2009-10-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

One night when Eric was at a meeting we decided to pass the time with making chocolate pudding. They LOVE helping me cook...you can see why!

pumpkin time!

2009-10-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

There is a pumpkin patch less than a mile from our house and the kids have been begging us to go and pick some out. So, we finally went and they had a ball. They were so excited about carving them as well....so we made it a pumpkin evening. Now, my next adventure is yummy chocolate chip pumpkin bread. This is one of my favorite times of the year!

Big Girl Bed and Paci

2009-10-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Eric and I knew we needed to work on a few transitions for Naomi before the new baby arrived. We were not sure how we were gonna tackle them. The first was pretty natural. There is a guest bed in Naomi's room right now, right by her crib. One night, Naomi was sick and Eric slept with her in the guest bed. After that day she wanted to sleep there instead. Granted, she was a little upset that Eric wasn't going to accompany her every night. I was really nervous she would try to get out....but she hasn't even attempted....yet! It has been about 2 weeks now and everytime she gets up from sleep she brags on herself, " I sleep in my big girl bed."

The second of many transitions was taking her paci away. I have had mixed feelings about this. Mainly because i have noticed she will suck her thumb from time to time during the day and I was so afraid we would be just taking away one habit only to allow her to form a new habit. I already have one thumb sucker that I cannot figure out how to stop....so I did not want that to happen to her. But, unfortunately I noticed she started biting her paci and it scared me with the choking hazard and all. So, that day I told her we needed to give her paci to the new baby and we went and put it in the area we are keeping all the baby things. That night she cried for 5 minutes and then just talked herself to sleep! She has been great since. I am still not sure how she gets herself to sleep. I have tried to peak in right after I think she goes to sleep and haven't noticed her sucking her thumb...but we will see.

All these transitions make me so sad. I know babies will grow up....but it is just hard to cope with sometimes!

"N" is for...

2009-09-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Both of them cheesing it

This is the other side of the room that will soon become "Naomi's side"

Maybe I should say "N" is for Nesting! I know many of my friends are wondering..."what has happened to Annette!" Believe it or not I have actually been sewing a little as well. I told Eric that I have become more domestic out of necessity! I have realized how cheap you can make things yourself. Both Nathan and Naomi's pictures will have costed me $10! Now, they might also look like they were that cheap too!

Though I know that it does look like a kindergartner did it...I am pretty proud of myself for attempting to make something crafty. I got the initial idea when I started thinking about what to do with Nathan's room when Naomi will be joining him in the coming months as we prepare for a new baby. His room was decorated in a sport's theme and I was trying to think of a way to decorate Naomi's corner of the room still somewhat girly. Well, Nathan decided that he liked a quilt that I had in his closet ( the cool yellow and blue one with all the patches of fun material- it is called an "I Spy" quilt) who was made from my dear friend Kim Skinner for him when he was born, better than his blue one that had balls on it. So, I thought maybe I could just decorate in primary colors. I wanted a picture above each of their beds so that they felt their corner was their own and kind of tied in everything. I thought about doing Naomi's picture the same way but with red ladybugs and hopefully find a simple quilt that will match everything. Last week I had just painted the "N" and some friends that were over for a Bible study helped me to develop my vision and gave me some confidence!

I have had to hide it from Nathan because he is so crafty and has wanted to help me so bad. Everyday he asks me if it is ready. He has been so excited about it. When I finally put it above his bed he said " Mommy, that looks Great, just Great!" I chuckeled as I thought, "well he really is the one I am aiming to please here...mission accomplished." Don't look too closelythough, b/c all kinds of things are off centered....but for now it works in my 3 yrs.old room. He was so excited that he wanted me to take a picture and then wanted to go down for his nap.

I often wonder how the Lord is going to use him...maybe an artist? Who knows...but it is exciting to dream for him.

Cougars and River Otters

2009-09-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Eric and I was able to take the kids to Dauset Trails today...about 30mins. away. It is a nature reserve. The kids had a blast. For some reason they have really been interested in river otters. Fun to watch them have fun!

FPC "Fellow's" Retreat!

2009-09-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

2009 FPC Fellows- Danielle, Amanda, Debbie, Clay and Melissa

The kids and I got to tag along with Eric as he lead the "Fellows" retreat at his family's Cabin down in Wray. It was a great time for us....great to get out of this sickly house for a few days...and I "think" everyone is over the yuckies. The kids and I got to stay at the house with his parents and be treated to being with Papa and Gigi. To read more about the "Fellow's" program check out this link: http://www.fpcmacon.org/fellows.htm

Gone fishin' and Gone bowling

2009-09-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

On our trip to Wray, Papa and Gigi surprised the kids with their own fishing poles! They had a blast... Nathan just could not understand why he was not catching any fish with his pole without a hook.

We also got to go bowling with the "fellows" and they had so much fun...and pitched the biggest fit when it was time to leave to prove that they enjoyed bowling.

Below are some video of the kids "calling fish" and trying to "catch" some!

It strikes AGAIN!

2009-08-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

Poor Nathan got it again this morning!
So, another day of letting him watch any video he wants in hopes to keep him on the couch so I can keep him away from Naomi. I apologize if we passed this to anyone unknowingly in the nursery yesterday.
Keep praying for my sanity!

Stomach bug, Stomach bug go away!

2009-08-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Oh the dreaded stomach bug. Just to complain, i must vent here and say our family gets the stomach bug at least twice a year. I wasn't expecting it to hit us in August and my kids are not even in school! So, last Saturday Naomi got it...then she gave it to her friend Elcee who got it on Monday....then Nathan got it on Tuesday....then Naomi got it again on Wednesday....then Thursday night Eric got it. I have been popping those prenatal vitamins and have been a hand sanitizer freak. I haven't gotten it somehow( a miracle I think)...but i have had the mental nauseousness all week and have been about to go crazy stuck in the house with cranky patients.
Pray i don't get it...i am not a good throw-uper.
Thanks for letting me vent!

Happy Birthday and Anniversary GiGI and Papa!

2009-08-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

Hope your birthday and Anniversary has been wonderful!
We are so thankful for both of you! Your Marriage and walk with the Lord has been an inspiration to us!
We love you!

Naomi's 2 yr check up!

2009-08-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Her 2 year stats:

Height: 97%
Weight:95%

The funny part is that Nathan wanted to step on the scale too and he is only one and a half. lbs. more than her!
Most of you know that they project what their height is going to be as an adult at this check up and she is projected to be 5'9- 5-10....i guess she will fit right in to our family!

Naomi's sick second birthday

2009-08-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Why do my kids always seem to get sick on their birthday?

Last night we were awoken to the lovely sounds of a child throwing up on the monitor in the 5am hour. I thought "no, not surely would she be sick....we have family and two of her favorite little girl friends coming over in just a few hours."

After staying up until midnight trying to perfect her little Elmo cake she was so excited about, i sat in her rocking chair with her until the sun came up comforting her in between bouts of yuckiness. It reminded me much of her days as an infant- sweet to hold her as she dosed in and out of sleep...but so sad to think she couldn't enjoy her day fully. I think i was sad for selfish reasons....i love birthdays and I love seeing kids delight in their favorite things and of course i was sad b/c i put so much time into cleaning the house, making food etc.

I called our friends and family and bravely they decided to come and celebrate with us despite the sickness. She through up again 15 mins. before they arrived! I do promise to take care of those cuties if they get sick....it was worth it to Naomi to have them here. She was satisfied after the first present and had no idea what to do with the abundance of gifts showered on her from everyone. Grandparents love to spoil!

Honestly i was trying to keep Naomi as far away from everyone as possible and so was my camera...but i am sure someone got a good shot of her blowing the candles out, even though she hasn't had a bite of the cake.

On Nathan's second birthday we had to uninvite everyone b/c he had a high fever. He could of cared less about the truck cake i painstakingly made him. On his third birthday he had a cold...but we pushed through with it anyway.

Oh birthdays...why can my kids not enjoy you?

ok...this is really my last summer adventure: Annual reunion with Jax friends

2009-08-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful that my sweet husband allowed me to skip town and head to the beach to reunite with some of my dear friends that I met while doing college ministry at UNF in Jacksonville. This reunion every year is such a highlight. It is refreshing to be with friends that you can stay in your pj's all day, and laugh and talk all hours of the night. It it so encouraging to be reminded of all the Lord has done and heartache he has brought us through each year.

Summer Adventure #4

2009-08-07T19:24:00.001-07:00

Our last summer adventure that we embarked on this summer is pregnancy #3! We are really excited and looking forward to this new adventure. I am 15 wks now and starting to not be sick anymore! It is amazing to me how fast my body has adjusted to being pregnant this time...i am already huge. It is gonna be ugly by the end- if you see me you can lie to me and tell me you think i look good! I think Nathan understands what is going on- he has been really sweet to babies lately and Naomi loves playing with her baby dolls right now...so i think it will be fun for her. We are just praying for a healthy baby and are so thankful to be able to carry another baby!

Summer Adventure #3

2009-07-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

I still haven't figured out how to do slide shows...so i tried to pick some of my faves from our beach trip to Hilton Head. It was a great time.. I am still not sure if the beach with small kids will ever be restful....but definately a lot of fun. Naomi loved having all the family around to give her some undivided attention and Nathan LOVED the ocean. I am certain that Eric lifted him up out of the waves for hours a day. Thanks Papa and GiGi for letting us join you!

Happy 32nd Birthday Eric!

2009-07-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

We got to celebrate Eric's birthday at the beach this year. Eric's family took us to supper and then we went walking at a marina. Quite fun for all. This video captures both kids personalities. Naomi...loving the attention and Sweet Nathan so sensitive...i think he hit his head on something.

Happy Birthday Eric! We love ya!

Summer Adventure #2

2009-07-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

Three monkeys...Coleman, Nathan and Naomi

Cool shot if Eric and I didn't look so worried!

Digging for Dinosaurs at the Children's Museum

At the Curious George exibit. Coleman smiled so well when he was taking pictures with us ( sorry Aspa!)

The Lady cut off the big sign for the Aquarium above us!

The kids were amazed and totally entertained! ( Including Eric)

Me and a Butterfly...Nathan was seriously conserned and Naomi kept saying " butterfly on my shoulder!"

Nathan tryign to get the courage to feed a stingray...he totally chickened out!

This past week Eric led worship at a conference at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Ga. It was fun, despite the huge hills that i had to push my 65lb kids in a double stroller. Naomi loved it....all the action and people attention. Nathan warmed up to it....the highlight for him was getting to play with his buddy Coleman Clark. Coleman was so fun for him! The highlight for me was to catch up with our seminary friends the Clarks. We got to go to the Children's museum one day and the Tennessee Aquarium on another day. It was a fun week. We are leaving tomorrow for our next adventure. I love summer!

Celebrated!

2009-07-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today was my 32nd birthday. I felt like i was treated as a Queen. Eric was off of work today...so i really felt like I had a day "off." Naomi has been sick which actually made my day a bit easier b/c when she is sick she is lethargic and sleeps really good! My day began with bagels with a birthday candleand then we had a picnic lunch at Wesleyan while the kids where so happy to feed the ducks and throw rocks in the water. We all had a big fat nap and then Ali babysat so Eric and I went to a Japanese restaurant ( which i have been craving for a year!) We made it back in time to share ice cream cake with the kids. Naomi walked around all day saying " happy dirthday mama." What a fun day...and what a loving family and friends that make me feel so cared for.

Summer Adventure #1

2009-06-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Disney World and General Assembly in Florida with Nate Nate
I am so technically challenged and I have been trying to display a slide show but i don't think my computer is capable. But if anyone is interested in more pics.... you can check out this website.
http://picasaweb.google.com/annettefashley/GeneralAssemblyAndDisneyWorld#5350224736383083522

We had a Great trip. It was so refreshing just having Nathan in the car for six hours...i really forgot he was there some of the time. I enjoyed my one on one time with him and i am sure Naomi enjoyed her one on one time with GiGi in South Ga. We are so thankful we had the opportunity to go to Disney on our last day there. My sweet friend Kristen gave us a ticket and my sweet sister in law had Disney connections and got us 2 more tickets! I must say though....with the cautious personality of my 3 1/2 year old mixed with the 1000 degree weather and crowded-ness of the park we probably did not get the most that Disney had to offer. With all that said we are glad we went and did not have Naomi this time.

The PCA's General Assembly was encouraging as well. Well, from my perspective i thought is was... Paul Tripp spoke to the Pastor's Wives.... and it was very helpful and challenging!
I am sure Eric was encouraged as well....but he tends to get "stirred up" at things that like...for better or worse.

The summer is a lot busier than i anticipated. We (or mostly Eric has night meetings at least 4 nights a week!) So, this trip was a nice break... and so will our next adventures.
Stay tuned....

Ashley family get to-gether!

2009-06-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

The Ashley cousins and children!

GiGi and her youngest grandchildren.

Funny to me that under Eric's supervision Will is sucking on the tag of this stuffed animal.

The complete Ashley side of the family!

Getting ready for Church

2009-06-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

Naomi primping before Church on Sunday.

Naomi with the hairspray...she daily asks for "some spray."

Having some fun while i am trying to get ready.

Classic Nathan and Naomi....Naomi being silly while Nathan would rather read a book.

Elcee's last day :(

2009-06-03T17:48:00.001-07:00

We have exposed Elcee to all types of toys....trying to expose her to her options in the real world.

Giggly, wiggly toddlers.

snuggling!

Elcee giving Naomi Kisses.

We have been able to keep Elcee in the mornings since August. She has become like part of our family. The kids have loved having her around and it has been fun to watch her grow from a little baby to a walking and kinda talking toddler.
Thanks Elizabeth and Justin for allowing us to keep her!

The sound of music

2009-05-22T18:06:00.001-07:00

No more Diapers?

2009-05-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

I must say that she is so silly sometimes. She is definitely the funnier of the two and will do anything for a laugh. She grabbed these underwear when i was doing laundry and called it her hat and then got to mad when i took them off!

I have been very hesitant to write or share that Naomi has been potty training b/c I was not sure if it was a phase or could it possibly be the real deal? Nathan was at least 2 1/2 when we started with him and she is 20 months. Since she thinks she can do everything that Nathan can....she decided she wanted to use the potty. It was quite funny at first convincing her that she must sit down instead of following her brother in the oh so convenient way of standing! She has been interested for months and would just go whenever she wanted but the past 3 weeks I decided to see if she really could do it...and now she has been accident free for a week and I haven't even put a diaper on her at naps (mostly b/c i am lazy.)

I am sure we will have some bumps along the way....but i am just so thankful that I haven't bought diapers for a month and have gotten a pay raise in my grocery budget!

Happy 6th Anniversary Eric!

2009-05-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today is our sixth anniversary!
I am so thankful for such a loving, self-sacrificing, caring and Godly husband. Honestly, i am just so thankful he has been so patient with me these past 6 years.
I love you, Eric!

"Join the triangles of the sky"

2009-04-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

It is 2pm: naptime/ rest time in the Ashley house. Currently I am listening to Nathan via the monitor singing Hark the Herald... (we celebrate Christmas year round here!) To quote Nathan:

"Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!

Hark the herald angels sing
Gloria to the new born King
peace on earth and mercy smiles
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all the nations ride
Join the triangles of the skies
With angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem
Hark the herald angel angels sing
Gloria to the new born King!"

Sometimes he is too funny...mostly when he doesn't mean to be. So thankful for him...sometimes i just want to lay in his bed with him at naptime and talk and read books. He is usually a very pleasant kid.

Cord of Three Concert- Eric the Rock Star.

2009-04-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

If you look real close you can see Eric in the back right playing the bass guitar. For those of you that do not know that Eric used to play in a band in college and a little after, he played in a band called A Cord of Three. He started off playing the bass and then eventually graduated to acoustic. I really didn't know Eric in his COT days... i think i saw one small concert when we were dating. It is a chapter i never really knew a lot about...so it was neat to hear him and the other guys at this benefit reunion concert they did this past weekend. The kids came and enjoyed it....but Naomi was a little concerned to see him on stage with out being able to go run to him. So, she just asked me to take her to the potty oh 20 times! Nathan was mesmerized and kept saying to me "my daddy is up there... he is the blue one( wearing a blue shirt with some special lighting.) PaPa and GiGi got to come and be with us and serve me as they entertained the kids so I could enjoy it some.

Strawberry pickin'

2009-04-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Nathan and his buddies Jackson and Catch April 2009

April 2008

Naomi and her friend "Kay Kate"

Naomi and her strawberry basket

Naomi loving some strawberries

Elcee and her mom Elizabeth got to join us

So, i always look forward to a trip to Elliott's Farm to pick strawberries with our sweet friends- but this year i was a little apprehensive. Nathan has always had a very sensitive sense of smell. He threw up as a baby at any strong smelling food and can sniff out who has a dirty diaper in a room. Every morning we fight the battle of feeding Naomi fruit for breakfast (usually bananas and strawberries) and every morning he gags.... most mornings he asks to eat his breakfast by himself in the playroom. So, needless to say he was not very fun to be around in a field of strawberries and surrounded by the smell of animals and their bodily functions. We did get to go a hay ride pulled by a big tractor and that made up for everything in his eyes. Naomi on the other hand had a ball....she is a lot more fun loving and easy going than Nathan, so it is a good balance for each of them.

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Easter Morning! This is the only half way decent picture...it was definitely not a good picture morning- i guess this is right about when the sugar from the Easter baskets wore off.

Naomi and her matching hair bow that did not make it out the door...she was adamant about NOT wearing this thing!

One of many tries for a good Easter picture. Everyone was so goofy- including Jacob!

Again, another try!

Easter egg hunt after naps...everyone was in much better mood and GiGi, PaPa, Todd, Kathryn, Will and Alison joined us! This is Nathan "sharing" his egg after he gave it a good shake and assumed it was empty.

Naomi was very proud of herself in her cute outfit GiGi gave her.

After we ventured to die eggs. This is supposed to show you how dirty their hands were. Of Course Nathan was pretty neat...i had to keep Naomi from drinking the die!

Our crafty eggs!

Easter egg hunt with our Church. This was the story part..if you look closely Naomi is trying to escape and Nathan is staring at the ground.

Eating snacks with Jackson ( aka jac-kun from Naomi) and Mary Kate ( aka Kay- Kate)

Enjoying their treats...Easter cookies !

This has been a really sweet and fun Easter...it was the first Easter since having kids that I feel that I really enjoyed them enjoying the sweet message and fun of the season. On Easter morning we made "empty toombs" -which i was reminded about from my friend Kim. We put a marshmellow in the middle of a croissant and wrapped it up as we explained how Jesus was put in the toomb and rose again. After the croissants are cooked, we looked in to find that the marshmellow was gone. Trying to bring home the part of Jesus being alive... Nathan of course was very dissapointed that the Marshmellow was gone as he was longing to eat it. Oh well, maybe next year it will make more since. It really was a sweet time with family and friends. Thanks to everyone who helped me really celebrate Jesus being alive and real!

Sunday pictures

2009-04-05T12:47:00.001-07:00

I love this picture b/c it really seems to capture their little personalities and they were both smiling! Ofcourse Nathan had to be holding a race car( that he is attached to these days!) and another toy.

This is a picture of me being held by my grandfather when i was around Naomi's age. Sad that i never really got to know him. But, my mom gave me this sweet little dress that i was wearing about a year ago. I have been waiting for it to get warm enough for Naomi to wear it! This picture reminds me of why i have not cut her bangs!

She definitely looks cuter in it than I did! I must admit it was a little short...it barely covered her fancy pants...but i figured it was ok for a toddler to wear a short dress.

This is why i was late to sunday school...they were in a great mood so i had to take advantage of it!

Fireworks and Farm

2009-04-01T18:45:00.001-07:00

The end of the Cherry Blossom Festival

Both kids were in awe ... but Nathan had real mixed emotions about it and said when it was over " I don't wanna do that again." Naomi was fine as long as she was held. It was a fun time with friends!

Monday night we were able to go down to GiGi and PaPa's house for a couple days! It was some nice rest and fun to be outside... before the rains came down.

Miss Priss wanted her turn and cried and cried when she had to give Nathan a turn!

Pretending like she likes to play bat and ball... she really just likes to do what Nathan does (including going to the potty lately... which is a very unexpected treat for me!)

I just thought this was a sweet picture...i feel bad that i do not have good pictures of Nathan lately... but he is in such an awkward stage with taking pictures.

We are so thankful we were able to get away and be pampered for a couple of days. Thanks GiGi and PaPa...now we are trying to un-spoil all of us!

Happy 1st birthday Elcee!

2009-03-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Elcee Leslein is the sweet little girl that we have kept in the mornings since August. She has been so easy and fits right in with our crew! We are so thankful for her and her parents- who have meant so much to us and our kids. Elcee's mom ( Elizabeth)stays once a week at lunch time so I have been able to go to lunch with Eric. I can't believe 7 months have gone by so fast!

Happy Birthday Elcee!

The beginning of Cherry Blossom Fun

2009-03-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Naomi licking off the icing on her cherry blossom cookie.

Nathan trying to eat his cookie as fast as possible.

Loving on my little girl.

Nathan dreaming of the day he could drive a gator for real and Naomi loving it.

Nathan got to go inside a Ambulance and the EMT let him press the siren buttons and he thought he was in Heaven!

He also got to tour a firetruck... his day was complete!

We got to go on Saturday morn to some of the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Downtown Macon. Naomi came down with a 102 fever that afternoon and supposedly there is a fever virus going around... so hopefully we will be able to make it back out there later in the week.

Book suggestions anyone?

2009-03-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

I am looking for some good story books for Nathan. He begs me to read Beatrice Potters' collection of Peter Rabbit and others and will want to read them forever! I must be honest, those stories get on my nerves. Sorry if i offend anyone. Does anyone have any ideas of good chapter books for a 3 1/2 boy?

Trying to make it through rainy days

2009-03-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hide and go seek have become one of our faves. Of course, if a three yr. old is counting there are numbers skipped and eyes half covered. If you have an 18 mos. old hiding...then you have loud giggles that give her away- but it is a nice distraction from the rain.

Ready or not...

You might find some certain trains all lined up perfectly...until a certain little sister makes her way into the room! Oh the joy of a type A personality meeting a crazy girl that is not constrained by a type!

Sweet Bedtime chats

2009-03-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

Every night during our bedtime routine- Nathan and I read The Big Picture Story Bible. My sweet friend Susan Maynor gave it to us before we left STL and it has become our favorite. It has great pictures that keep Nathan's attention as well as a sound kid friendly perspective on the main stories of the Bible. When we finish it we just start back over. I am sure we have read through it 50+ times and the binding has all come loose. It is great for Nathan- b/c he tells me who all the characters are before we read the chapter. Tonight we read the last Chapter- summarizing John's revelation in the last days and Heaven. This chapter always leads to great 3 year old questions. Tonight, asked more questions about Heaven.

Question: who will be there? Nathan: Jackson, Catch, Evan, Naomi, Daddy, Papa , Gigi, Pilot Noah, Nicademas, Peter, Abraham and Jesus.

Question: How do you get there? Nathan: It is really far away-over the mountain , through the rain, swim through the water, pass the zebra and elephant, pass the big tree then it is at 756( which is our address) Heaven.

Question: When do we get to go? Nathan: When Daddy takes us

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for Jackson, Catch and Evan going to Heaven with me. Thank you for Jesus being there. In Jesus name, AMEN

I do pray these things make there way to his heart soon.

It does snow in Macon!

2009-03-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

I know that all of my STL friends would get a good laugh at the fact that life shuts down around here when there is 2 inches of snow. Really, the grocery stores are all out of bread and milk, and they declared around 7pm that the schools are closed tomorrow. As you can tell, the south is just not set up to handle snow. I must say that Nathan and Naomi were beside themselves when they woke up from there naps and saw the ground covered white. Unfortunately, it was slushy and hard to really play with...but we had fun!

Happy Valentine's Day Daddy.... we have missed you!

2009-02-18T18:59:00.001-08:00

This is our surprise Valentine's present for Eric.
We went to Portrait Innovations. It wasn't the best experience. I think they can sniff out the people that are committed to the $9.95 special! Has anyone else had a bad experience with them? The camera person said to me after she could not get them to smile... " you keep them at home instead of daycare don't you."

Nathan catching some air on J.C.'s trampoline.

J.C. showing Nathan how it is done.

A poor picture... but we had to document all the kids.( John David, J.C., Nathan, and Naomi)

Sweet John David. Naomi followed him around the whole time and got on his nerves.... but she had fun!

Eric went with some guys from the church skiing in Colorado for the last 5 days! I was excited he got to go(b.c we all know i will never be a good companion in freezing weather trying to ski when i really would rather be in the lodge.) Any way, I packed up the kids and headed out to Birmingham to visit my child hood friend Buffy and her family. They were so gracious to let us stay 3 nights with them. It was so good to be with them and let our kids enjoy each other. Our oldest sons are a month apart in age and they played so well together the whole time. They were both really sad when we had to leave. Also, i was scared traveling with them for so long alone... but they both did amazing!

We didn't really get to enjoy V-day. I came down with the stomach bug ( for the 3rd time) on Wednesday night. I was so scared I was gonna give it to Eric before he left... so I didn't even get to do anything for him. He ofcourse treated all of us to sweet presents. Nothing edible ( since i was not eating) but it is always his tradition to give me valentine socks... which is so sweet b/c he hates shopping and he always picks me out some fun socks. He also got the kids some fun treats... socks, books and little yummy treats. I am ready for him to be back. I have so much respect for single moms out there....i don't know how they did it.

Naomi in action

2009-02-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

An apple a day...

2009-01-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

This apple entertained her atleast 20 minutes. Why haven't i tried whole apples before?

Yes, she does just have 6 teeth... pretty good for 6 teeth!

This is supposed to be a post recording Nathan's 3 year check-up. But, these pictures are somewhat related. You know if you go to Dr. Berry here in Macon, that he gives the kids the nastiest sucker when they leave the office. I don't think i let Nathan have suckers until he was at least 2...but you know little sister has to have whatever Nathan does. The whole time (and i do mean the whole time) she pointed at the sucker canister and repeated " please" over and over until Dr. Berry actually gave her one. I even carried a bib in anticipation of the nastiness. Margaret Berry said as we were checking out...."she is the very reason i don't stop giving out suckers."
Ok, back to Nathan. He is maturing so much. I am so proud of him. He did not whine or cry once ( oh... well he did when Naomi had to get her booster shot)- but he did not have to get any shots. He is growing well. Still 90% on the height chart and 20% on the weight chart. I was worried he was too skinny and not eating the right things... but Dr. Berry is so encouraging and realistic. I am so thankful for him!