Asher in December

Continuing the theme of "firsts" for Asher:

. he rolled from belly to back and was soooooo proud of himself

. he has become a Bona fide thumb sucker

. he tried out both the exersaucer and the johnny jumper and appears to enjoy them

. he celebrated his 1st Christmas

. he seems to respond to the question, "Do you want to eat?" by wiggling, complaining, and licking his lips

Each day his personality becomes more defined:

He definitely has a preference and is quick to let you know.

He is a finicky eater and will only eat when he is truly hungry, preferring no distractions and

a steady flow of milk vs. "let down." He is a very happy, busy baby, constantly jabbering or in motion. Even while nursing, he is kicking his legs, pushing with his feet; his little hand in front is either smacking me or pawing at me like a kitten, and his hand under my arm is most often scratching the pillow case.

He LOVES to be entertained (especially by Luke).

Our little Tintin - as Patrick affectionately calls him;)

Drew and Asher

Mommy and her "babies".

This was the present that Luke had me wrap up for Asher (his car from Steak and Shake).

Lacking patience, Luke helped Asher open it a few days early,

and I think Asher quite enjoyed playing with it for a little while.

In the exersaucer for the 1st time.

I think he LIKES it:)

Playing together.

Each morning, the 1st words out of Luke's mouth are usually, "Mommy, can I hold Asher. Plllleeaase!!!"Luke is becoming quite skilled at toting his baby brother around. He can now pick him up off the floor/ set him back down, walk around the house with him, undress him (when Mommy asks;), and sit holding him - Asher rarely cries anymore.

Not content sitting back.

This boy wants to sit up so badly.

After 4-5 weeks of sleep regression (only sleeping at night if he was in my arms or nursing), this boy now SLEEPS all night and even naps in his crib (yes, he graduated from his bassinet or swing to the crib). For the last couple of weeks, he averages 9-10 hours between feeds at night.

What a big boy!!! We are so proud of you!

Asher in Nov. and Luke too:)

Based on this series of pics, one might almost think that Asher slept his way through November;) He didn't, but at least I was able to set him down for a short nap in the swing .

His "firsts" for this month include:

. rolling over from belly to back

. his thrush is GONE

. 9 1/2 hours between feeds (this one was short-lived)

Soundly asleep (for a few minutes at least;) on his belly in the bassinet.

Working on his upper body strength.

WTG, Asher:)

Napping in his swing...

again...

and again.

Going with the flow... for now this works and I am grateful.

I will revisit his napping location when/if it becomes a problem.

Hockey?

He was hungry. This was an apple just in case you can't tell.

A closer view of the core. WOW!

A few recent pics of Asher

Adorable little grin at bath time.

Not too sure about the Bumbo.

He ended up doing far better in it than I expected... I think he liked it.

Smiling at Mommy:)

Sporting his 1st pair of jeans.

What a big boy!

Costumes

Darth Vader

sporting his cheesy grin.

Iron man

Aidan, Luke,

and a cuddly bear.

(aka Asher;)

Proud Momma BRAG

Luke counting 1 - 10

He has faithfully and industriously been working on this for the past few months.

This has been no easy task for him, but he did not give up.

His reward - he is so proud of himself AND he got a specialty M&M shake at Steak and Shake.

Now this is something he is VERY good at... building/putting together pretty much anything.

Even his older brothers are impressed:)

H.I.C.C.U.P.S.

This is a video clip of Asher when he was 2 weeks old.

The Pumpkin Patch

This year only Aidan, Luke, and myself visited the pumpkin patch.

The older boys considered themselves to be too old for this activity which worked out perfectly anyways - they kept Asher at home allowing him to get a proper nap:)

Luke was ready to check out the corn maze.

A brief photo op;)

At this particular place, they also have quite a few animals -

chickens, geese, ducks, huge catfish, cats,

a baby donkey whom a sweet big brother helped his little brother to pet,

and piglets.

Luke and his friends were quite enamored with these little guys/gals.

Time for a hayride out to the patch.

Are they locked in jail, pushing the wagon, or catching a ride?

He found his perfect pumpkin:)

So proud!

Aidan found a great pumpkin too.

A ride just for the younger ones,

but they let Aidan accompany Luke:)

Aidan's School Project

He was studying about the "Rise of Islam" in history -

Bedouins, Muhammad, Koran, Five Pillars of Islam, Arabian Peninsula, Mecca, Medina....

Edible oasis!!!

Fun and yummy:)

4 Handsome men

A few weeks ago, our boys chose to attend an open casting call for major roles in an upcoming family film! They were told that no experience was necessary (good thing;) and to bring a non-returnable photo.The process included some paperwork and a professional photograph.

This was followed by an interview and pretend scenarios being acted out while being filmed.

Regardless of the outcome, I am glad they had this opportunity.

They were super nervous at first, but ended up having a blast acting both separately and then together.

They pretended to play a soccer game (with no ball) and to help their little brother climb a tree (no little brother present).

What a great experience!!!

Below are the pics we brought with us to the audition...

Aidan - age 9

Drew - age 13

Sean - age 14

Believe it or not, Patrick also needed to submit a photo right around the same time for something entirely different - an article in New Horizons.

Asher in Oct.

On a quest to get rid of the yeastie beasties.

To date we have tried:

.3 wk. of nystatin

. 3 days of gentian violet

. 10 days for Asher and 2 wks for me of Fluconazole/Diflucan

. 5 days of gentian violet

. and currently, he has been back on nystatin for a week.

It is not gone, but it is definitely improving.

Meanwhile, he is also taking a hypoallergenic pro/prebiotic 1-2x per day.

Prayers that the thrush will once and for all be eradicated.

Luke and Asher

s.t.r.e.t.c.h.

This is probably the one and only pic we will have of him sleeping in the bouncy seat,

because he really does not seem to like it.

He really does LOVE his swing,

although one might think otherwise based on his expression.

And he likes it best with either the vacuum running

or with one of us in sight (preferably talking to him).

Napping on Mommy's bed for a few minutes.

He will NOT stay asleep during the day for any length of time;

unless he is in his swing - with the vacuum being turned off and on to keep him asleep -

or is being held and jiggled every time he starts to rouse.

Sound asleep in his swing.

Told you he loves it:)

Do you see a resemblance?