7 Months Wow!

I know it has been quite some time since I have "blogged", I must admit I am not the greatest blogger in the world, cause I just feel like I get on hear and go on and on about my life, wondering who really cares:) about what we are doing. I care though, and I find it kind of like writing in a diary and having a reference for things that happened to us throughout time, that I can go back and revisit later on down the road.
It's amazing how quickly time has flown by from Asher's 6 month birthday till his 7 month birthday, and it is so amazing at how mature he has gotten from then until now! We have known that he has always been a blessing, but now he is getting to be so much fun and has such a personality. In the past month he has gotten 2 teeth, which he likes to show off often to the ladies and he is saying "dada" and beginning to actually associate this with Michael. It is just so amazing to see his little mind just churning and learning new things. It is almost as if I am relearning everything myself. He also has a new appreciation for Deen the dog, and loves it when we run around chasing him. He also finds himself quite humerous, much like his mommy, and will laugh uncontrollably at himself (mostly in the backseat of the car) for no apparent reason, which in turn makes me laugh along with him. Rolling over in his crib is a new thing for me, and of course I worry like crazy because I always put him to bed on his back and when I get him in the morning he is on his tummy and that makes me a little nervous. He really loves his "teacher" at daycare, and when we drop him off, his face lights up which makes me feel a lot better about leaving him. Ok, I know this has become a brag fest, but I am so excited about his little milestones, he is even trying really hard to crawl!! Ok, enough.
Michael and I finally got a weekend away from the little chap and we went to Jekyll Isand for the weekend for a wedding, and as hard as it was to leave Asher, we had such a great time. It was really nice to get away for a little while and reconnect as husband and wife instead of mommy and daddy, as much as we love those roles. However, the trip really made us realize just how lucky and blessed we are to have the sweet little family that we do.
On a scarier note, I am desparately wanting to back to school, and really struggling with my decision to do so. It would mean having to leave Asher in daycare 5 days a week while I am in school, but I just feel like in the long run we will be a happier family if I finish. I am also terrified about writing my thesis....very scary, but I have a great idea for my topic. I don't really know if I can handle it, because right now every day that I have off I spend every moment with my little man, I am just worried that I would be neglecting him. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.
Again, I am sorry this is so unorganized and probably a little awkward, but that's me...hope there is some juice in the orange of a blog that you enjoy.He is saying "I didn't do it:)"
On our way to the zoo!
Big boy...fat boy!

How Well Do You Know Your Husband?

How well do you know your husband?

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Sports Center or the Golf Channel
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Italian or Balsalmic Vinegarette
3. What's one food he doesn't like? Mayo, definitely
4.You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order? Bud Light or VO and diet coke
5. Where did he go to high school? Elbert Co. Comprehensive High
6. What size shoe does he wear? 10
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? hats, which he does and they have taken over our closet
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? He's not a big sandwich eater, but he usually eats turkey and ham clubs when he does
9. What would this person eat every day if he could? chicken wings
10. What is his favorite cereal? He never eats cereal except for the occasional time he steals my Special K Vanilla Almond
11. What would he never wear? Tighter fitting jeans and tight shirts
12. What is his favorite sports team? GEORGIA
13. Who did he vote for? McCain
14. Who is his best friend? Besides for me:), Jim Jenkins
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? nag
16. What is his heritage? This I am not too sure about
17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? He would prefer a cheesecake
18. Did he play sports in high school? Golf
19. What could he spend hours doing? playing golf or watching sports center and football
20. What is one unique talent he has? He is patient with me, which is a miracle in itself, and he is a very talented golfer and the most wonderful father I have EVER met!

6 Months!!!

I know I just posted on Friday, but believe it or not, things have changed! It is almost as if Asher turning 6 months on Saturday caused a light bulb to go off, and he has made some progress. Since my last post, I can actually see and feel Asher's 2 bottom teeth. Of course, they aren't all the way out of the skin, but it won't be long. Michael and I have been working on sitting up with our little man, and he can actually sit up by himself for a little while without any support. It still amazes me how flexible he is. I think he enjoys sitting up too, because it gives him a new perspective. Of course, I can't leave him sitting up just yet because he's not mastered it just yet, but he's getting there. The biggest surprise for us is the fact that when we put him on his stomach he is trying so hard to scoot himself across the floor. He can turn in circles, but when he gets tired he just rolls over. He is having a ball in the bathtub kicking his legs and feet, and he thinks it's just hilarious when he is able to splash water on daddy and me. He is getting to be so much fun!

Today we went to Asher's 6 month doctor's appointment, and it was an interesting trip. He did absolutely wonderful, but when the doctor placed him on his back to check down below, she took off the diaper and out came the stream of urine all over her, her tools, and worst of all, her laptop! I couldn't help but laugh, and Asher thought it was pretty funny too! He weighs 16lbs 15 oz and he is 26 inches long. The doc gave him a great report and he did awesome with his shots. He didn't even cry when he got his first one, and when he did start crying it was only briefly, but he quit as soon as I picked him up! He was such a big boy, and mommy was too, because this is the first time I didn't cry. He goes back when he is 9 months old, which is hard to believe that this is only 3 months away. Anyway, our big boy is traveling to Powder Springs to spend the night with GG and Papa Cece by himself for the first time. Although we are a little nervous, Michael and I are looking forward to a real date night and sleeping in:) Till next time...

Update

Well, I promise now that I don't have a depressing post of all these confusing thoughts and down in the dumps feelings, cause life is really good for us. We put Asher in the little daycare that I discussed earlier, and we are actually really happy with the decision. Michael says that when Asher gets to "school" he is just as happy as can be. In fact, I went to pick him up last week, and I have not seen him flirt as much as he did when I got there. He was just about cackling when she went to change him before we went home. His teacher tells me that he is always that way while he is there, but she might just be trying to ease my mind, which worked:) He is getting so big and now when I look at him the little baby I used to see is becoming more of a little boy! He will be 6 months old tomorrow, and that means half a year has already passed, and we cannot believe it. We have learned so much and been through so many stages, it just flies by. I was actually holding him today and teared up because he has just been such a joy for us.I ended up being able to pump more than enough to get Asher to 6 months, and I actually feel like my body belongs to me again, and I am amazed at how much more convenient it is to make bottles for my man, and he is still getting the goods. It will be kinda sad when all my milk is gone, but he is starting to eat other foods, so I think we will all be alright:) We got to the doctor on Monday for Asher's 6 month appointment, so I will let you know how that goes, along with the shots. Then, we are off to the photographer on Tuesday for Asher's 6 month photo shoot! He is really into babble now and he thinks it is hilarious when I smell his feet and act like his feet stink...go figure, all boy. He is rolling over from front to back really well, and he is able to roll over from back to front, but not as well. He finds his feet fascinating and will often just roll around grabbing his feet. He loves to blow bubbles and make a spitting sound. We are working on him sitting up, but he can only do it for about 5-10 seconds right now. He also likes to grab my water bottle out of my hands and put it up to his mouth, he even knows which end is the right one. He will also do this to just about anything I am drinking...little pig. He is sleeping great at night, thank the Lord, and he is continuing to get better with his naps. I know I am going on and on, but I have one last announcement. He got his first haircut this past weekend for Valentine's day, and he looks so handsome. Of course I kept every strand of his hair, and you wouldn't believe how curly his hair is. Here are some pictures of the event...enjoy
After Asher's haircut we spendt the rest of the weekend spending time with Asher's best friend Nolan, who is one of my best friend Jeana's little boys, and playing with his Pop, Shashe, cousins Rylee and Jackson, and Uncle Chris and Aunt Loren. We had a great time.

Visiting Asher's Great Grandparents

When Asher was born, my grandmother had just had a major surgery at Vanderbilt for a tumor that was attached to her sternum, so she had to go to a rehab facility for quite sometime before she finally got to come home. Therefore, she was very anxious to meet little Asher, so we made the trip up the mountains to beautiful Tennessee. On the way we stopped on Friday night in Gatlinburg for the night so that Asher could get to bed as close to his normal bedtime as possible...I am so strict. Anyway, the next morning we got up really early and Asher got to all the sights and ate his first breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, which I highly recommend. He was of course a hit with the ladies as usual:)
Finally, after a morning of sight seeing, we made to my grandparents and Asher got to meet them for the first time. It was so nice, the whole family came out to see him. Even my dad, sister, and my step-mom from Atlanta came to see him. He showed them how he could eat his veggies and all the funny little faces he made. He especially enjoyed the beautiful songs my Uncle Dave had for him. It is so wonderful that my grandparents have gotten to meet him and spend time with him. My grandmother is doing so well after her surgery. She is a strong woman and very determined to get well. I believe meeting Asher made her even more determined.

No Choice

From the time I found out I was pregnant, it was very important to me to be able to breastfeed my child, and I knew that I wanted to do it for at least the first 3 months until I went back to work. Then I was challenged by one of the lactation nurses to continue as I went back to work, and I thought "okay, maybe I can", so I had it set in my mind that I could do this. I have been doing so well at work, pumping every 4 hours, and cutting my lunches to 5 minutes so I could pump, and I was happy to do this. So, today is a sad day for me. No one can explain the bond between mother and child during breastfeeding, but it is very rewarding to know that your body is providing for your child. However, yesterday I came down with a horrible stomach bug that totally knocked me out. I was throwing up continuously and continued to throw up after there was nothing else to throw up. Therefore, I was unable to even feed my son or pump from 2pm until I finally got the strength at 1 am. However, I believe my body was so dehydrated that I was only able to produce 4.5 ounces, and from hear on out it went downhill, and although I have tried to pump every 2 hours, I am afraid my milk production is gone. It's very hard to know that yesterday at 2 pm was the last time I could breastfeed my little guy, but I guess he is just growing up. I know this sounds silly to be upset about, but I really wanted to make it to 6 months, and to know I was only 3 weeks away. Oh well, I did a great job, and I am proud of myself. I am just a little worried about how Mr. Man will respond, but so far he doesn't even know the difference:) Just needed to vent. By the way, during this horrible puke fest, I forgot to mention that Michael was out of town, and Asher had nothing but an out of commission parent, but he was such a good little boy and entertained himself while I laid in the fetal position next to him. Thank the Lord for that, what a good little guy:)

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover??

This is definitely the question on my mind today as I struggle in making the decision to put my precious little boy into a new daycare. I just want to start out by saying how totally jealous I am of those who still live in their hometowns, and are aware of the type of people taking care of their youngins. I know jealousy is an ugly emotion, however, I am very torn. The lady that keeps children in her home at this time is unavailable, but a friend of hers referred to the daycare center where her children go. I was so hopeful as I arrived at this rusty roofed older home that was only a few miles from my house, even though the outside left something to be desired, I was so hoping the inside would just be great. As I walked inside, I realized that this too was somewhat of a disappointment. Then I spoke to the owner, who has no formal education and speaks somewhat like a redneck (so inappropriate I know, but come on they may possibly be taking care of a very precious life), however, she spent over an hour talking with me. She was very honest and I could tell very caring. She assured me that children are not allowed to sleep anywhere but there cribs, which I really appreciate, and that they follow their normal sleep routines from home, also a bonus for me. Asher also seemed to enjoy her company as he sat in my lap and smiled largely as she showed him attention. So, I am looking past the outward appearance so far, and I say show me the room! As I look in on this tiny little room, again I am disappointed, but I still don't have that negative, horrible mommy feeling about Asher going here. Yes, his possible teacher looks like she stuck her finger in a light socket and seems to have some type of skin disorder, and so what that she wears cotton pants and a t-shirt. The fact is, she is down on the floor with these children crawling all over her loving her, and she was nice as can be. She reads to the children, and gives them attention, something that my angel is not getting where he is at now. The mother who referred to this place says that her daughter just about leaps out of her arms to go to Miss Renee (who is the infant teacher), however, I really don't even know this woman, can I trust her? I am wondering if I am just stuck thinking that my child should be in a "name brand" daycare, even though I am not convinced that the care is better...they just seem to put kids wherever they are quiet and rotate babies as they feed them. This is such a hard decision, but I think he would be loved in this rusty roof home, honestly, and I wonder if that is more important than top of the line education programs with teachers that are too busy to show him attention. This would be so much easier with family around. I am blessed in so many ways that I hate to even be struggling with this, but I just want what's best for my little man that I love so much. Those of you who don't have to work or live near family that help you with childcare, praise God for this blessing, cause it's a big one. I will let you know what we do, but comments are appreciated:)