I praise Ashley when she deserves it (all the time) for accomplishments like holding still (mostly) for a diaper change, taking a bite of food, new tricks she learns, existing. She's my baby, she makes my life happier than ever. She deserves the endless supply of compliments and praise that I dish out on a daily basis. And if I end up with a teenaged girl with TOO MUCH self esteem...I'm patting myself on the back.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Ashley My Future Narcissus
I just finished reading Naptime Is the New Happy Hour, the second I've read by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor...or as I like to call her, my new BFF. She's pretty much my mom twin. She's relaxed, kind of lazy, crazy about her kid, and she doesn't feel like raising her kid is a science, just like me! She mentions a lot of radical (bullshit) parenting trends that people practice and obsess over, one being the idea that over praising your infant/toddler will lead to a narcissistic teenager with too much self esteem. Stef (we're BFF now, so I call her Stef) says that her toddler walks around their house saying "pretty girl" at the sight of her own photos. But she's not afraid of her teenaged daughter calling herself a pretty girl, she's afraid that she WON'T.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Fourth Of July Weekend 2011!
We had such a great weekend - Ashley's first 4th of July! We celebrated with a lot of fun, firsts, family & friends!
On Sunday July 3rd, we met up with some family (Navarro side) at the Westin La Paloma. Ashley went swimming for the FIRST time! She was stuck to me like glue, but definitely seemed to enjoy the pool! It was crowded, but we had a blast. We were rained out...for Tucsonans, this is enjoyable!
On Monday July 4th, we joined our friends, Eli, Tracy, Ryder & Addy Nielsen, at their house! Our kids get along great, playing & talking. Ashley enjoyed their swingset!
Such a nice family weekend! It was hard to send Marshall to work today after a three day weekend. He has a week long vacation from work at the end of the month...we can't wait!
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| Happy 4th From The Navarros! |
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| Ashley Smiling In Her First Bathing Suit! |
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| Ashley & Daddy Running From The Rain! |
On Monday July 4th, we joined our friends, Eli, Tracy, Ryder & Addy Nielsen, at their house! Our kids get along great, playing & talking. Ashley enjoyed their swingset!
Such a nice family weekend! It was hard to send Marshall to work today after a three day weekend. He has a week long vacation from work at the end of the month...we can't wait!
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| Ashley & Ryder Playing! |
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| Enjoying The Swings! |
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
My little girl is crawling all over the living room, babbling & laughing. Using EVERYTHING as her own personal jungle gym. Smiling to herself when she figures out something new. Wasn't she just a little bundle like, yesterday? Someday she's going to walk, drive, graduate, get married, have her own kids...how am I going to handle all these milestones?!
With pride, that's how! A small, emotional part of me wishes I could hit pause and enjoy Infant Ashley forever. But the bigger, more sane part of me knows that I can't...and don't really want to. I'm enjoying watching my baby grow up so much. I feel a rush of pride when she learns something new, I am learning to freak out less when she bumps her little head, teaching MYSELF how to "discipline" a six month old baby (she doesn't know she's doing something wrong or unsafe - it is my job to show her!). Of course, I get panicky when I think about the BIG milestones like driving, the birds & the bees, her wedding...but I have YEARS to prepare myself and get to know her. Time IS flying by, but I'm okay with it. I am so lucky to be home with her and enjoying every single day of her growth and development!
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Wednesday, June 15, 2011
365 Things I Love
I'm going to update this very post everyday for a whole year, everyday posting something that I love. Some little thing that nobody else would notice, but makes my life what it is. These are also the little things that get me through my day, a rough situation, anything.
1. I love that my daughter has a shy smile! She's so young (3.5 months), but has such personality! She smiles so big, then hides her face on my shoulder. She does this when I'm feeding her, or when someone (her dad or her Nana usually) comes into the room. ((03/22/11))
2. I love the inside jokes between my husband & me. There are SO many, (big jokes, small ones, quotes, making fun of each other...) we spend a LOT of our time laughing. Stuff that nobody else would find funny, others would think we are weird(er) for laughing at! ((03/23/11))
3. I love that my parents text me throughout the day, everyday. I don't care if I am 26 years old...I am still very close to my parents and I depend on them for so much. ((03/24/11))
4. I love video games. More specifically, I love playing video games with my sister. We spent SO much time playing games "together" even though we were physically down the hall or across town. ((03/25/11))
5. I love sushi. Sashimi, nigiri, maki...all of it. My favorites are eel (sorry Emi!), tuna tataki, and salmon nagiri. ((03/26/11))
6. I love breast feeding. Nursing my daughter makes me feel so close to her. It makes me feel important, adds more value to my life. My Ashley is SO easy-going, but even if she wasn't it would still be worth it! It is better for her, keeps me healthy, it's the best way to bond, it's free...there is not one bad thing I can say. I've had mastitis, I've been sore, I've leaked through my clothes...nothing can negate this awesome experience.
One of my favorite memories EVER is the first time I met and fed Ashley. She knew what to do! It was the cutest thing I've ever seen...my one-day-old little baby girl nursing with her little eyes closed. I was in love! ((03/27/11))
7. I love that Ashley holds her head forward when I wash her hair. What a helperton! She's so smart, learning how to use her strength and remembering each bathtime! ((03/28/11))
8. I love cooking for Marshall. And I know I'll love cooking for Ashley. It makes me feel good to have dinner ready when my husband gets home from a long day at the bank! ((03/29/11))
9. I love TV. Marshall & I are couch potatoes by nature. We went out a lot when we were dating, but now we just love to chill out at home, in our jammies watching TV. ((03/30/11))
10. I love Disneyland! Marshall and I have had so much fun vacationing there...I can't wait to take Ashley! ((03/31/11))
11. I love The Beatles. I grew up listening to my parents' classic rock, it was habit forming! The Beatles became my favorite a long time ago. I walked down the aisle at my wedding to "Here Comes The Sun," my daughter's middle name is Jude, one of my favorite movies is "Across The Universe," I even have a Beatles baby lullaby CD! ((04/01/11))
12. I love Halloween. I always have, but even more now that I am a mom. I have been brainstorming awesome costume ideas for her/us since LAST Halloween! I want to dress up with her, decorate my house, take her trick-or-treating, make fun Halloween treats... ((04/02/11))
13. I love independent films. Marshall and I spent a lot of our "dating years" at Blockbuster. You know the movies that have only one or two copies between the 50+ copies of the blockbuster movies? Those are the ones we like! Sure, there's lots of straight to DVD stuff, campy horror/chick flick/kid movies, or "sequels" to big movies, all starting has-beens or never-weres. But if you take the time and watch a LOT of movies, you'll find some great ones! Indie movies don't dump money into big promotions, flashy SFX, big name celeb payroll. Instead, they build a great story, develop awesome characters, feature lots of artwork, great music, etc. ((04/03/11))
14. I love dogs. And I miss having one! We had a few dogs growing up, most memorably Mookie & Rocky (Jack Russell Terriers). Unfortunately, we lost our little Rocky, our Buddy Boy, on 11/30/10. He was the sweetest little doggy I have ever known.
Marshall & I had decided to get a dog when Ashley was old enough to help us pick one. Now, I don't want to wait! As soon as she's a year or so old, I want to get her a little waggy-tailed puppy! I'd love to get her a Westie! Or a Beagle! ((04/04/11))
15. I love art. I like paintings, and sculptures, lithographs and sketches, everything...old, new, local, world renowned. I took an art history class in college and loved it so much that I actually kept the $100+ book. One of my dream careers would definitely be a curator at a museum. ((04/05/11))
16. I love Scentsy. Scented wax that melts in pretty little warmers. There's so many scents to choose from...and they're WAY more fragrant & safer (no flame! food grade wax!) than any candle I've ever used. ((04/06/11))
17. I love watching Ashley sleep. I check on her throughout the night, she's usually on her stomach with her little butt in the air. And I love that when Marshall goes to check on her, he's gone for 15 minutes...I check on him and he's holding her! We LOVE our baby! ((04/07/11))
18. I love cotton candy. Srsly. Will my taste buds ever grow up? ((04/08/11))
19. I love that Marshall always has my back. He's always in my corner and he takes care of me! ((04/09/11))
20. I love the rain! I've been in Tucson, AZ for 26+ years and I am STILL not "used to" the heat, I love our winter rain, monsoon season, and random rainstorms! ((04/10//11))
21. I love Ashley's laugh! She is just starting to find things funny, and it is awesome. I am constantly making funny voices & noises just to make her laugh! ((04/11/11))
22. I love scrapbooking. So much cooler than the average photo album. I'm working on Ashley's baby book scrapbook! ((04/12/11))
23. I love my friends. I have some really great people in my life, even those who I don't get to see often but are there for me when I need them! ((04/13/11))
24. I love the man that my husband has become. I've ALWAYS loved him and who he is. But now that he is a dad, he is so loving and accepting. There's nobody I'd rather have kids with! ((04/14/11))
25. I love to swim. I grew up with a pool and spent HoUrS in there as a kiddo! ((04/15/11))
26. I love how easy it is to love my baby girl. I don't have to try to love her, it comes naturally, it's effortless. ((04/16/11))
27. I love Harry Potter. The movies, the books, the whole franchise! Tonight, we watched Deathly Hallows Pt 1...can't wait for Pt 2! ((04/17/11))
28. I love being a stay-at-home mom. I spend my day taking care of my baby, cleaning our house, doing stuff for my husband, making dinner, etc. I may have to go back to work someday, but I will still love my life! ((04/18/11))
29. I love Michael's (arts & crafts store). I could spend hours & thousands in that place! ((04/19/11))
30. I love home decor. I'm really particular because I don't like clutter, but I love finding new things for my home! ((04/20/11))
31. I love my baby's pediatrician. He truly cares about her, talks to HER, and always compliments her. He was my doc when I was little, too! ((04/21/11))
32. I love chai tea! So spicy & delicious! ((04/22/11))
33. I love Easter. I have such great memories from my childhood. Dying eggs, scavenger hunts, Easter baskets full of surprises. I can't wait to start Ashley's holiday memories. ((04/23/11))
34. I love coffee. I used to drink it all day, and as soon as I'm done nursing I'll do that again! ((03/24/11))
35. I love menudo! When Ashley's a little older, I want to make Sunday morning menudo our tradition. ((04/25/11))
36. I love makeup. I get so excited when I get new makeup, even just foundation. ((04/26/11))
37. I love my fireplace. I can't wait to use it! ((04/27/11))
38. I love NBC's "Must See TV." Community, The Office, Parks & Recreation, Perfect Couples, Outsourced...all so funny. ((04/28/11))
39. I love Monopoly. We collect different versions, we have about 10 right now. ((04/29/11))
40. I love our new home. We finished unpacking, decorating & organizing today...it looks great. I never felt completely at home at our old place, and I do here. ((04/30/11))
41. I love my tea set. It is from 1944, service for 4, porcelain with a beautiful floral pattern and 24k gold edges. And it's for a little girl! Tiny plates, cups, saucers, a teapot and sugar & creamer. I don't remember how old I was when I got it, maybe 6. When my parents sold their house, my dad found my tea set in the attic & packed it up for me! It's now in Ashley's closet, I can't wait until we can have tea parties! ((05/01/11))
42. I love how mobile Ashley is becoming. She is on the verge of crawling, and gets so frustrated when she can't go as fast as she wants! I turned my head for a second and she was across her blanket...so now she has to be with me at all times until we're babyproofed! ((04/02/11))
43. I love The Wizard of Oz. It has been my favorite movie for as long as I can remember! ((05/03/11))
44. I love summertime fruit. I always have. My parents always had a ton of fruit in the house, and served it with dinner. ((05/04/11))
45. I love food shows. My favorites are Chopped, Top Chef and Hell's Kitchen! ((05/05/11))
46. I love tamales. Green corn, red chili, homemade, frozen, bought from the ladies outside the grocery stores...I love them all. ((05/06/11))
47. I love salads. What a perfect meal! I like mine with tons of additions, veggies, seeds, nuts, fruit, sans dressing, some grilled chicken/shrimp/fish. ((05/07/11))
48. I love Mother's Day! I've always loved honoring my mom (cuz she deserves it!) but now I can be honored, too! Today was my first Mother's Day! I got to relax and hang out with my little girl all day, Marshall did chores around the house, fixed stuff, and made me an awesome dinner (orange chicken) and dessert (canoli). ((05/08/11))
49. I love that Marshall worked in ladies shoes for so long. He can give me an honest opinion or suggestion about shoes, form & function. ((05/09/11))
50. I love baby crafts. I've just started embellishing Ashley's clothes and finding patterns & ideas online. I hope to buy a sewing machine one of these days and make actual clothes. ((05/10/11))
51. I love that I have become an inspiration to some. The silver lining in my cancer experience is the chance to help others prevent it. May is Melanoma Awareness Month...it is a serious disease that needs to be treated seriously. It's so easy to prevent! Make sure you're covered in sunscreen and if you see a new or changing spot on your body have it checked by a dermatologist! ((05/11/11))
52. I love college. I've taken inspiration from one of my close friends (Tracy!)...I'm going to finish my degree! I had decided against it because I felt interior design wasn't practical, but it's what I'm passionate about an I know I can make it happen if I work hard! ((05/12/11))
53. I love air conditioning! I grew up with swamp cooling. I don't ever remember being miserable, but now that I'm older and have had some very hormonal instances in my life (pregnancy, breast feeding) I am SO glad that we have AC. It's worth the money. ((05/13/11))
54. I love running errands with my little baby girl! I have spent most of her life recovering from surgery (C section - 6 weeks, melanoma 4 weeks) and now that I am healthy, recovered and healed I LOVE taking her out and about! ((05/14/11))
55. I love my mom. I know I've said it before, but she deserves being mentioned again & again. We celebrated Mother's Day today (she worked last weekend) and had a great time! ((05/15/11))
56. I love my small business plans. I'm not going to elaborate yet! ((05/16/11))
57. I love plants. My mom's housewarming gift to us will be a landscaped balcony, I can't wait! ((05/17/11))
58. I love live bands. It's always fun to listen to live, local music. ((05/18/11))
59. I love cupcakes. I'm on a big time diet, but I've finally found a cupcake recipe I can eat! I can' wait to make them. ((05/19/11))
60. I love hand-me-downs. A friend of mine gave Ashley a big bag of her daughter's too-small clothes today. They're mostly 12-18 mo. so it will be a while, but they will be used for sure. ((05/20/11))
61. I love how fun playtime is becoming! Ashley is getting smarter and stronger everyday...I"m having to babyproof more everyday, too! ((05/21/11))
62. I love grocery shopping with Ashley. I'm getting my exercise, Ashley's getting out and exploring, and we're getting our chores done! ((05/22/11))
63. I love water! I'm not sure if I've posted this before...but I drink a gallon a day. It's the TRUE diet drink! ((05/23/11))
64. I love hair accessories. Ashley's hair is so long and thick, we can use hair accessories! ((05/24/11))
65. I love my new healthy lifestyle. I'm eating great, I'm getting out of the house...my clothes are looser everyday, and I am feeling better than ever about myself. ((05/25/11))
66. I love Skinny Cow brand candy. It's for dieters like me, the ones who still want a treat but don't want to stray...it's low fat, low calories and delicious. ((05/26/11))
67. I love the way Ashley smells. I can't even describe it, and only other parents would know what I mean. She smells like a baby, sweet and familiar. ((05/27/11))
68. I love taking pictures. It was my New Year's resolution a few years ago, the year that my dad bought me a new digital camera. I've continued it since then...especially now that I have the perfect muse! ((05/28/11))
69. I love events (like birthday parties) with my friends who have kids. Yesterday, we went to an old friend's (Jessica from Wells Fargo!) daughter's party. Ashley was so sociable and had so much fun! ((05/29/11))
70. I love Memorial Day. Actually, I love all holidays that the bank observes. Extra day off for husband/daddy! ((05/30/11))
71. I love corn on the cob. Fresh corn puts any canned to shame! ((05/31/11))
72. I love summer mornings! The weather is best early, the sun is shining bright, and it feels good to get up early. ((06/01/11))
73. I love summer nights! The weather is nice again, after a day of heat. Everything feels still and peaceful. ((06/02/11))
74. I love yardsales! My dad & I used to go yardsaling on Saturdays, I think I should start again. ((06/03/11))
75. I love when Marshall plays the guitar for Ashley! She loves to listen and he let's her strum a few times. ((06/04/11))
76. I love making baby food. I have to restrain myself from making too much since it doesn't last forever. ((06/05/11))
77. I LOVE MY BABY! Ashley Jude is 6 months old today! ((06/06/11))
78. I love that my baby weight is melting away. Having a baby, a 9 lb baby, took its toll on my body. I'm starting to feel better about myself. ((06/07/11))
79. I love that Ashley is learning to give her dad & me kisses! We make kissy noises & ask for a kiss and she does! ((06/08/11))
80. I love watching Ashley socialize with other babies! She is so curious and so interested in other little people. ((06/09/11))
81. I love chocolate pudding! Such a cheap, low fat dessert! ((06/10/11))
82. I love bath time. Ashley loves it, too. She is so splashy and fun. And she comes out clean. ((06/11/11))
83. I love Sundays. An easy, lazy day & Marshall is off work. ((06/12/11))
84. I love Ashley's hair! It's getting so long, I think I will be braiding it before her birthday! ((06/13/11))
85. I love baby babble! Ashley is now saying consonant sounds...all day she says "babababa!" ((06/14/11))
86. I love homegrown veggies. They taste the BEST. ((06/15/11))
87. I love Greek food! Feta, olives, Greek dressing, BAKLAVA, mmmm! ((06/16/11))
88. I love playing in the water with Ashley! She loves it, too! We have a basin and toys on our patio for her. She tries to drink from the cups, haha! ((06/17/11))
89. I love sweet potato fries! I make them about once a week, they are easy and AWESOME! ((06/18/11))
90. I love Father's Day! It is sort of bittersweet, since my husband lost his dad. I miss him and I miss my husband being able to celebrate his father. But I LOVE seeing Marsh with his daughter...OUR daughter. His first Father's Day was very nice, we saw my dad and spent time as a family. ((06/19/11))
91. I love naps. It feels good to get up early & enjoy the nice morning air and take a nap later in the day! ((06/20/11))
92. I love how much Ashley loves her Nana. I can leave her with my mom while I run errands and she is just fine. ((06/21/11))
93. I love bubbles. Ashley loves them, too, but she can't figure out why they go away when she tries to pick them up. ((06/22/11))
94. I love when Marsh gets home from work. Especially when the day is crazy. So does Ash! ((06/23/11))
95. I love my crockpot. HOW EASY! I can do laundry all day and dinner is ready when I get home. ((06/24/11))
96. I love Ashley's room. I am so proud of how it turned out...a pretty place for my pretty girl! ((06/25/11))
97. I love that this summer hasn't completely drained me. Usually by now, I am MISERABLE. This year it is more tolerable! ((06/26/11))
98. I love that Ashley has adopted every inch of our house as her own. She's completely comfortable here...she pulls up on everything, gets into everything, plays with everything... ((06/27/11))
99. I love stand up comedy. Especially live, local comedy clubs! ((06/28/11))
100. I love Brussels sprouts. When I was a kid, these would be on a HATE list. I only had them ONCE and they were poorly cooked. Now that I make them properly, I love them. ((06/29/11))
101. I love SUNSCREEN. It's one of the most important steps in getting ready. ((06/30/11))
102. I love fireworks. I'm not sure I will see them this year, our little girl's bedtime is pretty early. I can't wait to share them with her. ((07/01/11))
103. I love local resorts! Even though I've spent my entire life here. Tomorrow, we're heading to the Westin La Paloma to meet some family & swim. ((07/02/11))
104. I love swimming with Ashley! We took her in a pool for the first time today, she loved it! She was a little nervous and wanted me to hold her but she really seemed to like splashing! ((07/03/11))
105. I love the 4th Of July! Today was Ashley's first! ((07/04/11))
106. I love that my little sister ALWAYS gets Ashley & me gifts when she goes on vacation...she's back from Vegas with awesome stuff for us! ((07/05/11))
107. I love my mom! Today is her birthday...happy birthday, mom! ((07/06/11))
1. I love that my daughter has a shy smile! She's so young (3.5 months), but has such personality! She smiles so big, then hides her face on my shoulder. She does this when I'm feeding her, or when someone (her dad or her Nana usually) comes into the room. ((03/22/11))
2. I love the inside jokes between my husband & me. There are SO many, (big jokes, small ones, quotes, making fun of each other...) we spend a LOT of our time laughing. Stuff that nobody else would find funny, others would think we are weird(er) for laughing at! ((03/23/11))
3. I love that my parents text me throughout the day, everyday. I don't care if I am 26 years old...I am still very close to my parents and I depend on them for so much. ((03/24/11))
4. I love video games. More specifically, I love playing video games with my sister. We spent SO much time playing games "together" even though we were physically down the hall or across town. ((03/25/11))
5. I love sushi. Sashimi, nigiri, maki...all of it. My favorites are eel (sorry Emi!), tuna tataki, and salmon nagiri. ((03/26/11))
6. I love breast feeding. Nursing my daughter makes me feel so close to her. It makes me feel important, adds more value to my life. My Ashley is SO easy-going, but even if she wasn't it would still be worth it! It is better for her, keeps me healthy, it's the best way to bond, it's free...there is not one bad thing I can say. I've had mastitis, I've been sore, I've leaked through my clothes...nothing can negate this awesome experience.
One of my favorite memories EVER is the first time I met and fed Ashley. She knew what to do! It was the cutest thing I've ever seen...my one-day-old little baby girl nursing with her little eyes closed. I was in love! ((03/27/11))
7. I love that Ashley holds her head forward when I wash her hair. What a helperton! She's so smart, learning how to use her strength and remembering each bathtime! ((03/28/11))
8. I love cooking for Marshall. And I know I'll love cooking for Ashley. It makes me feel good to have dinner ready when my husband gets home from a long day at the bank! ((03/29/11))
9. I love TV. Marshall & I are couch potatoes by nature. We went out a lot when we were dating, but now we just love to chill out at home, in our jammies watching TV. ((03/30/11))
10. I love Disneyland! Marshall and I have had so much fun vacationing there...I can't wait to take Ashley! ((03/31/11))
11. I love The Beatles. I grew up listening to my parents' classic rock, it was habit forming! The Beatles became my favorite a long time ago. I walked down the aisle at my wedding to "Here Comes The Sun," my daughter's middle name is Jude, one of my favorite movies is "Across The Universe," I even have a Beatles baby lullaby CD! ((04/01/11))
12. I love Halloween. I always have, but even more now that I am a mom. I have been brainstorming awesome costume ideas for her/us since LAST Halloween! I want to dress up with her, decorate my house, take her trick-or-treating, make fun Halloween treats... ((04/02/11))
13. I love independent films. Marshall and I spent a lot of our "dating years" at Blockbuster. You know the movies that have only one or two copies between the 50+ copies of the blockbuster movies? Those are the ones we like! Sure, there's lots of straight to DVD stuff, campy horror/chick flick/kid movies, or "sequels" to big movies, all starting has-beens or never-weres. But if you take the time and watch a LOT of movies, you'll find some great ones! Indie movies don't dump money into big promotions, flashy SFX, big name celeb payroll. Instead, they build a great story, develop awesome characters, feature lots of artwork, great music, etc. ((04/03/11))
14. I love dogs. And I miss having one! We had a few dogs growing up, most memorably Mookie & Rocky (Jack Russell Terriers). Unfortunately, we lost our little Rocky, our Buddy Boy, on 11/30/10. He was the sweetest little doggy I have ever known.
Marshall & I had decided to get a dog when Ashley was old enough to help us pick one. Now, I don't want to wait! As soon as she's a year or so old, I want to get her a little waggy-tailed puppy! I'd love to get her a Westie! Or a Beagle! ((04/04/11))
15. I love art. I like paintings, and sculptures, lithographs and sketches, everything...old, new, local, world renowned. I took an art history class in college and loved it so much that I actually kept the $100+ book. One of my dream careers would definitely be a curator at a museum. ((04/05/11))
16. I love Scentsy. Scented wax that melts in pretty little warmers. There's so many scents to choose from...and they're WAY more fragrant & safer (no flame! food grade wax!) than any candle I've ever used. ((04/06/11))
17. I love watching Ashley sleep. I check on her throughout the night, she's usually on her stomach with her little butt in the air. And I love that when Marshall goes to check on her, he's gone for 15 minutes...I check on him and he's holding her! We LOVE our baby! ((04/07/11))
18. I love cotton candy. Srsly. Will my taste buds ever grow up? ((04/08/11))
19. I love that Marshall always has my back. He's always in my corner and he takes care of me! ((04/09/11))
20. I love the rain! I've been in Tucson, AZ for 26+ years and I am STILL not "used to" the heat, I love our winter rain, monsoon season, and random rainstorms! ((04/10//11))
21. I love Ashley's laugh! She is just starting to find things funny, and it is awesome. I am constantly making funny voices & noises just to make her laugh! ((04/11/11))
22. I love scrapbooking. So much cooler than the average photo album. I'm working on Ashley's baby book scrapbook! ((04/12/11))
23. I love my friends. I have some really great people in my life, even those who I don't get to see often but are there for me when I need them! ((04/13/11))
24. I love the man that my husband has become. I've ALWAYS loved him and who he is. But now that he is a dad, he is so loving and accepting. There's nobody I'd rather have kids with! ((04/14/11))
25. I love to swim. I grew up with a pool and spent HoUrS in there as a kiddo! ((04/15/11))
26. I love how easy it is to love my baby girl. I don't have to try to love her, it comes naturally, it's effortless. ((04/16/11))
27. I love Harry Potter. The movies, the books, the whole franchise! Tonight, we watched Deathly Hallows Pt 1...can't wait for Pt 2! ((04/17/11))
28. I love being a stay-at-home mom. I spend my day taking care of my baby, cleaning our house, doing stuff for my husband, making dinner, etc. I may have to go back to work someday, but I will still love my life! ((04/18/11))
29. I love Michael's (arts & crafts store). I could spend hours & thousands in that place! ((04/19/11))
30. I love home decor. I'm really particular because I don't like clutter, but I love finding new things for my home! ((04/20/11))
31. I love my baby's pediatrician. He truly cares about her, talks to HER, and always compliments her. He was my doc when I was little, too! ((04/21/11))
32. I love chai tea! So spicy & delicious! ((04/22/11))
33. I love Easter. I have such great memories from my childhood. Dying eggs, scavenger hunts, Easter baskets full of surprises. I can't wait to start Ashley's holiday memories. ((04/23/11))
34. I love coffee. I used to drink it all day, and as soon as I'm done nursing I'll do that again! ((03/24/11))
35. I love menudo! When Ashley's a little older, I want to make Sunday morning menudo our tradition. ((04/25/11))
36. I love makeup. I get so excited when I get new makeup, even just foundation. ((04/26/11))
37. I love my fireplace. I can't wait to use it! ((04/27/11))
38. I love NBC's "Must See TV." Community, The Office, Parks & Recreation, Perfect Couples, Outsourced...all so funny. ((04/28/11))
39. I love Monopoly. We collect different versions, we have about 10 right now. ((04/29/11))
40. I love our new home. We finished unpacking, decorating & organizing today...it looks great. I never felt completely at home at our old place, and I do here. ((04/30/11))
41. I love my tea set. It is from 1944, service for 4, porcelain with a beautiful floral pattern and 24k gold edges. And it's for a little girl! Tiny plates, cups, saucers, a teapot and sugar & creamer. I don't remember how old I was when I got it, maybe 6. When my parents sold their house, my dad found my tea set in the attic & packed it up for me! It's now in Ashley's closet, I can't wait until we can have tea parties! ((05/01/11))
42. I love how mobile Ashley is becoming. She is on the verge of crawling, and gets so frustrated when she can't go as fast as she wants! I turned my head for a second and she was across her blanket...so now she has to be with me at all times until we're babyproofed! ((04/02/11))
43. I love The Wizard of Oz. It has been my favorite movie for as long as I can remember! ((05/03/11))
44. I love summertime fruit. I always have. My parents always had a ton of fruit in the house, and served it with dinner. ((05/04/11))
45. I love food shows. My favorites are Chopped, Top Chef and Hell's Kitchen! ((05/05/11))
46. I love tamales. Green corn, red chili, homemade, frozen, bought from the ladies outside the grocery stores...I love them all. ((05/06/11))
47. I love salads. What a perfect meal! I like mine with tons of additions, veggies, seeds, nuts, fruit, sans dressing, some grilled chicken/shrimp/fish. ((05/07/11))
48. I love Mother's Day! I've always loved honoring my mom (cuz she deserves it!) but now I can be honored, too! Today was my first Mother's Day! I got to relax and hang out with my little girl all day, Marshall did chores around the house, fixed stuff, and made me an awesome dinner (orange chicken) and dessert (canoli). ((05/08/11))
49. I love that Marshall worked in ladies shoes for so long. He can give me an honest opinion or suggestion about shoes, form & function. ((05/09/11))
50. I love baby crafts. I've just started embellishing Ashley's clothes and finding patterns & ideas online. I hope to buy a sewing machine one of these days and make actual clothes. ((05/10/11))
51. I love that I have become an inspiration to some. The silver lining in my cancer experience is the chance to help others prevent it. May is Melanoma Awareness Month...it is a serious disease that needs to be treated seriously. It's so easy to prevent! Make sure you're covered in sunscreen and if you see a new or changing spot on your body have it checked by a dermatologist! ((05/11/11))
52. I love college. I've taken inspiration from one of my close friends (Tracy!)...I'm going to finish my degree! I had decided against it because I felt interior design wasn't practical, but it's what I'm passionate about an I know I can make it happen if I work hard! ((05/12/11))
53. I love air conditioning! I grew up with swamp cooling. I don't ever remember being miserable, but now that I'm older and have had some very hormonal instances in my life (pregnancy, breast feeding) I am SO glad that we have AC. It's worth the money. ((05/13/11))
54. I love running errands with my little baby girl! I have spent most of her life recovering from surgery (C section - 6 weeks, melanoma 4 weeks) and now that I am healthy, recovered and healed I LOVE taking her out and about! ((05/14/11))
55. I love my mom. I know I've said it before, but she deserves being mentioned again & again. We celebrated Mother's Day today (she worked last weekend) and had a great time! ((05/15/11))
56. I love my small business plans. I'm not going to elaborate yet! ((05/16/11))
57. I love plants. My mom's housewarming gift to us will be a landscaped balcony, I can't wait! ((05/17/11))
58. I love live bands. It's always fun to listen to live, local music. ((05/18/11))
59. I love cupcakes. I'm on a big time diet, but I've finally found a cupcake recipe I can eat! I can' wait to make them. ((05/19/11))
60. I love hand-me-downs. A friend of mine gave Ashley a big bag of her daughter's too-small clothes today. They're mostly 12-18 mo. so it will be a while, but they will be used for sure. ((05/20/11))
61. I love how fun playtime is becoming! Ashley is getting smarter and stronger everyday...I"m having to babyproof more everyday, too! ((05/21/11))
62. I love grocery shopping with Ashley. I'm getting my exercise, Ashley's getting out and exploring, and we're getting our chores done! ((05/22/11))
63. I love water! I'm not sure if I've posted this before...but I drink a gallon a day. It's the TRUE diet drink! ((05/23/11))
64. I love hair accessories. Ashley's hair is so long and thick, we can use hair accessories! ((05/24/11))
65. I love my new healthy lifestyle. I'm eating great, I'm getting out of the house...my clothes are looser everyday, and I am feeling better than ever about myself. ((05/25/11))
66. I love Skinny Cow brand candy. It's for dieters like me, the ones who still want a treat but don't want to stray...it's low fat, low calories and delicious. ((05/26/11))
67. I love the way Ashley smells. I can't even describe it, and only other parents would know what I mean. She smells like a baby, sweet and familiar. ((05/27/11))
68. I love taking pictures. It was my New Year's resolution a few years ago, the year that my dad bought me a new digital camera. I've continued it since then...especially now that I have the perfect muse! ((05/28/11))
69. I love events (like birthday parties) with my friends who have kids. Yesterday, we went to an old friend's (Jessica from Wells Fargo!) daughter's party. Ashley was so sociable and had so much fun! ((05/29/11))
70. I love Memorial Day. Actually, I love all holidays that the bank observes. Extra day off for husband/daddy! ((05/30/11))
71. I love corn on the cob. Fresh corn puts any canned to shame! ((05/31/11))
72. I love summer mornings! The weather is best early, the sun is shining bright, and it feels good to get up early. ((06/01/11))
73. I love summer nights! The weather is nice again, after a day of heat. Everything feels still and peaceful. ((06/02/11))
74. I love yardsales! My dad & I used to go yardsaling on Saturdays, I think I should start again. ((06/03/11))
75. I love when Marshall plays the guitar for Ashley! She loves to listen and he let's her strum a few times. ((06/04/11))
76. I love making baby food. I have to restrain myself from making too much since it doesn't last forever. ((06/05/11))
77. I LOVE MY BABY! Ashley Jude is 6 months old today! ((06/06/11))
78. I love that my baby weight is melting away. Having a baby, a 9 lb baby, took its toll on my body. I'm starting to feel better about myself. ((06/07/11))
79. I love that Ashley is learning to give her dad & me kisses! We make kissy noises & ask for a kiss and she does! ((06/08/11))
80. I love watching Ashley socialize with other babies! She is so curious and so interested in other little people. ((06/09/11))
81. I love chocolate pudding! Such a cheap, low fat dessert! ((06/10/11))
82. I love bath time. Ashley loves it, too. She is so splashy and fun. And she comes out clean. ((06/11/11))
83. I love Sundays. An easy, lazy day & Marshall is off work. ((06/12/11))
84. I love Ashley's hair! It's getting so long, I think I will be braiding it before her birthday! ((06/13/11))
85. I love baby babble! Ashley is now saying consonant sounds...all day she says "babababa!" ((06/14/11))
86. I love homegrown veggies. They taste the BEST. ((06/15/11))
87. I love Greek food! Feta, olives, Greek dressing, BAKLAVA, mmmm! ((06/16/11))
88. I love playing in the water with Ashley! She loves it, too! We have a basin and toys on our patio for her. She tries to drink from the cups, haha! ((06/17/11))
89. I love sweet potato fries! I make them about once a week, they are easy and AWESOME! ((06/18/11))
90. I love Father's Day! It is sort of bittersweet, since my husband lost his dad. I miss him and I miss my husband being able to celebrate his father. But I LOVE seeing Marsh with his daughter...OUR daughter. His first Father's Day was very nice, we saw my dad and spent time as a family. ((06/19/11))
91. I love naps. It feels good to get up early & enjoy the nice morning air and take a nap later in the day! ((06/20/11))
92. I love how much Ashley loves her Nana. I can leave her with my mom while I run errands and she is just fine. ((06/21/11))
93. I love bubbles. Ashley loves them, too, but she can't figure out why they go away when she tries to pick them up. ((06/22/11))
94. I love when Marsh gets home from work. Especially when the day is crazy. So does Ash! ((06/23/11))
95. I love my crockpot. HOW EASY! I can do laundry all day and dinner is ready when I get home. ((06/24/11))
96. I love Ashley's room. I am so proud of how it turned out...a pretty place for my pretty girl! ((06/25/11))
97. I love that this summer hasn't completely drained me. Usually by now, I am MISERABLE. This year it is more tolerable! ((06/26/11))
98. I love that Ashley has adopted every inch of our house as her own. She's completely comfortable here...she pulls up on everything, gets into everything, plays with everything... ((06/27/11))
99. I love stand up comedy. Especially live, local comedy clubs! ((06/28/11))
100. I love Brussels sprouts. When I was a kid, these would be on a HATE list. I only had them ONCE and they were poorly cooked. Now that I make them properly, I love them. ((06/29/11))
101. I love SUNSCREEN. It's one of the most important steps in getting ready. ((06/30/11))
102. I love fireworks. I'm not sure I will see them this year, our little girl's bedtime is pretty early. I can't wait to share them with her. ((07/01/11))
103. I love local resorts! Even though I've spent my entire life here. Tomorrow, we're heading to the Westin La Paloma to meet some family & swim. ((07/02/11))
104. I love swimming with Ashley! We took her in a pool for the first time today, she loved it! She was a little nervous and wanted me to hold her but she really seemed to like splashing! ((07/03/11))
105. I love the 4th Of July! Today was Ashley's first! ((07/04/11))
106. I love that my little sister ALWAYS gets Ashley & me gifts when she goes on vacation...she's back from Vegas with awesome stuff for us! ((07/05/11))
107. I love my mom! Today is her birthday...happy birthday, mom! ((07/06/11))
Monday, June 13, 2011
Things I've Learned From Feeding My Baby
1. I'm pretty sure if I had a backyard I would take her out and hose her off after a meal.
2. My favorite thing is when she takes the entire bite off the spoon and wipes it on my pants. There's nothing like having dried pea puree on your pant leg all day. And there's nothing like forgetting about the pea puree and running to the store.
3. We've learned quickly that we don't dress up for lunch.
4. I'm pretty sure if I had a dog I would let him lick her face and my pant leg.
5. My compulsive over-shopping from the time I heard the ultrasound tech say "it's a girl" is totally justified now. Ashley has enough in the closet to wear three outfits a day and put laundry off for another week.
6. Giving her a bite of solid foods is creating a monster. When I'm eating my yogurt in the morning, I have a little mouth next to me, wide open & begging for a bite.
7. My little girl who used to think it was hilarious when I wiped a drop medicine that ran down her chin now acts like I am torturing her when I wipe food off of her face.
8. No matter how much Ashley eats she will still try to eat her feet. And no matter how many times I see this, I still think it's one of the cutest things I've ever seen.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
6 Month Well Check and Daddy/Baby Time!
Yesterday was Marshall's day off! Days off to him mean time with his baby girl!
Ashley had her 6 month checkup. (It went very well! Dr. Bean took her off Omeprezole, approved of her eating lots of different foods, and said soft soled shoes are okay. She is 14lbs, 4oz (25%) and 26.5" (75%). Still long & lean. He also predicted she will walk very early!) Marshall held her little hand through two shots, she cried of course but moved on quickly!
Marshall & Ashley have really enjoyed their walks together lately. Our new place gets so much afternoon shade and there's great grassy areas to play on. Yesterday, they got out the front pack and strolled around the complex!
Today, Ashley had a few new tastes - banana & peach. She's doing great with solid foods and we hope she follows in our non-picky footsteps!
She has been "Army crawling" for a month now. She gets on her hands and knees, takes a few "steps," and usually stumbles but she has NO problem getting all over the house. She's now pulling herself up on the furniture and she has crawled OUT of her playpen. She's a very mobile and active little girl, resulting in lots of bumps and dings, but she has SO much fun!
Now that summer is here, we're looking forward to swimming! We can't wait to slather our little fish up with sunscreen and take her to the pool. She's growing so fast but we are so proud and can't wait to see what comes next!
Ashley had her 6 month checkup. (It went very well! Dr. Bean took her off Omeprezole, approved of her eating lots of different foods, and said soft soled shoes are okay. She is 14lbs, 4oz (25%) and 26.5" (75%). Still long & lean. He also predicted she will walk very early!) Marshall held her little hand through two shots, she cried of course but moved on quickly!
Marshall & Ashley have really enjoyed their walks together lately. Our new place gets so much afternoon shade and there's great grassy areas to play on. Yesterday, they got out the front pack and strolled around the complex!
Today, Ashley had a few new tastes - banana & peach. She's doing great with solid foods and we hope she follows in our non-picky footsteps!
She has been "Army crawling" for a month now. She gets on her hands and knees, takes a few "steps," and usually stumbles but she has NO problem getting all over the house. She's now pulling herself up on the furniture and she has crawled OUT of her playpen. She's a very mobile and active little girl, resulting in lots of bumps and dings, but she has SO much fun!
Now that summer is here, we're looking forward to swimming! We can't wait to slather our little fish up with sunscreen and take her to the pool. She's growing so fast but we are so proud and can't wait to see what comes next!
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Sunday, June 5, 2011
My Husband The Son AND Father
My father-in-law was awesome. I think about him often, at random times. I don't know if anyone realizes how much I miss him. I don't express that very often, I don't want to undermine my mother-in-law losing her soulmate or my husband & his sisters losing their dad. There were several times that felt as if Al was my advocate in the family when things would get rough (as they do in a family), it felt like he always liked me and approved of his son's choice. I miss him. And I miss my husband having a dad.
His illness became very severe in 2010. Once he was admitted to the hospital, he spent time in ICU and eventually hospice but never made it back home. It was extremely rough for Marshall. I also don't think anyone, besides myself, realizes how rough his dad's illness and death has been. Of course, most would assume this would be rough on a son who was very close to his father. But my husband doesn't voice his feelings. Marsh told me that if I hadn't been there for him during this, he might not have grieved properly. He feels safe with me, can let his guard down. That is what I'm here for. Through this and whatever else life throws at us.
I think Marshall thinks about him at random times, too. Sometimes, it seems that Marsh is randomly hostile. Like he is in a momentary bad mood. I wonder if those are the moments that his dad crosses his mind and he's feeling especially sad. I keep trying to remind myself to let this go, don't add to the hostility, just in case he is grieving a little bit.
Al's granddaughter was there when he passed away and we didn't even know (well, of course we knew Isla was there...but Ashley was, too. At least some form of her was). I had been feeling awful. I figured it had been sleep deprivation and too much coffee to counteract it, nerves, stress, sadness. A few weeks later, we found out that our little Ashley was on her way. It was bittersweet, the kind of news Marshall would want to immediately share with his dad. But having his own baby on the way gave him something to look forward to after such a devastating loss.
Al didn't officially meet Ashley, but I know he sees her, how beautiful she is and what a great dad Marshall is. So this Father's Day, when Marshall is celebrating his first as a dad (I told him he can celebrate like his dad would - crab legs & the US Open), I know his dad will be with him!
His illness became very severe in 2010. Once he was admitted to the hospital, he spent time in ICU and eventually hospice but never made it back home. It was extremely rough for Marshall. I also don't think anyone, besides myself, realizes how rough his dad's illness and death has been. Of course, most would assume this would be rough on a son who was very close to his father. But my husband doesn't voice his feelings. Marsh told me that if I hadn't been there for him during this, he might not have grieved properly. He feels safe with me, can let his guard down. That is what I'm here for. Through this and whatever else life throws at us.
I think Marshall thinks about him at random times, too. Sometimes, it seems that Marsh is randomly hostile. Like he is in a momentary bad mood. I wonder if those are the moments that his dad crosses his mind and he's feeling especially sad. I keep trying to remind myself to let this go, don't add to the hostility, just in case he is grieving a little bit.
Al's granddaughter was there when he passed away and we didn't even know (well, of course we knew Isla was there...but Ashley was, too. At least some form of her was). I had been feeling awful. I figured it had been sleep deprivation and too much coffee to counteract it, nerves, stress, sadness. A few weeks later, we found out that our little Ashley was on her way. It was bittersweet, the kind of news Marshall would want to immediately share with his dad. But having his own baby on the way gave him something to look forward to after such a devastating loss.
Al didn't officially meet Ashley, but I know he sees her, how beautiful she is and what a great dad Marshall is. So this Father's Day, when Marshall is celebrating his first as a dad (I told him he can celebrate like his dad would - crab legs & the US Open), I know his dad will be with him!
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