Ashlynne's First Day at Capital Care

Ashlynne - 18 Months

Sweet Ash,

Okay, I know you are only 18 months old for a few more hours, but I wanted to make sure to document who you are and what you love at this age because oh my!! You are an explosion of personality and love, silliness and affection, and we can’t keep you from shrieking your opinion at the top of your lungs! Unfortunately this means we hear a lot of “No!” and “Sto-Puh it!” It’s usually directed at your sissy who absolutely loves you to death and can’t keep her hands off your squeezy little face. But for every scream in protest you have a thousand million watt smiles to match…you even just learned to say cheese when the camera is aimed at your sweet face, which makes me laugh and totally feeds my picture taking frenzy.

You LOVE. TO. SING. You will burst into song when “Let it Go” comes on the radio, always putting great emphasis on the last word of each phrase…”Gooooooo!”….”AnyyyyyMORE!”……You also love nursery rhymes. When you’re cranky I can ask “Ashlynne, do you wanna sing a song?” and you will usually stop mid cry and sweetly say “Yessss.” Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and You are my sunshine are some of your faves and you love the “Shh Shh Shh “part on the Wheels on the Bus.

You can count to 10 already! This kinda blows my mind, because you are still learning how to use a spoon correctly, but your sister’s influence (and warning counts) has you picking up all sorts of things that surprise us. You know some of your ABC’s and are obsessed with books! You absolutely love to be read to…you will either push the book across the floor or carry it over to us, then turn around and plop yourself on or against our legs until you are in our laps. Sometimes you will lie on your belly and flip through the pages yourself which is the cutest…you honestly look like a tiny tween. Oh, and that reminds me how much you like puzzles! In the last few weeks you’ve learned to match the color and shapes on your Melissa and Doug peg puzzle and once your finished you immediately dump it out and start again! You love to color and draw with chalk, especially if Sissy is joining in the fun…she is your best friend. You love Elmo and Yo Gabba Gabba and you get so excited and kick your feet when you see and hear them on the TV.

One of my favorite things is that you love to say “I love you” and point to your head, heart and out to us while you say it. You just started doing this on your own instead of just copying us and it’s THE BEST! You also like to give hugs by dive bombing your head into our shoulders, so this could still use a little work…but it’s so sweet nonetheless. You are an affectionate little snuggle bug who loves to get cozy under a blanket and cuddle with the cat, sissy and Mom and Dad. Since Austin has been away most of the summer you get so excited when he walks in the door and you will often raise your arms to be held by him which melts my heart.

You are a good eater and sleeper which I am so grateful for! You love blueberries (all fruits, really), pizza, hummus, cheese, beans, pancakes, yogurt and avocado. You typically take one nap a day now from about 1:00pm to 3:30 and sleep through the night from about 7:30-6:30.

Walking is finally your primary mode of transportation. You hardly crawl anymore, except for up the stairs, which you’d rather walk up anyway with the help of Mom and Dad. You ask to put shoes on all the time and once they’re on you want to go “Otside”, “Otside”. You are still pretty clumsy, but when you fall you will usually get up and try walking again with no fuss. My hope is that by Halloween you will be able to walk and hold your pumpkin all by yourself!

Ashlynne, you are truly the gift that keeps on giving. You are a blessing and a joy. I live for your smile every day and feel so lucky to call you my sunshine.

I love you so much, Mama

**See Harlie's 18 month letter here**

Harlie's First Day of Kindergarten

 

Ashlynne's Nursery

I wanted to make sure that I posted photos of Ashlynne's nursery for a couple of reasons:

1. When Ashlynne was born, I didn't have the option to bring her home to her very own nursery, so when we moved the most exciting part for me was creating a space for her.

2. I posted pics of Harlie's nursery here when I was still pregnant with her and it's fun to look back and remember her in that room (even if they are horribly dark and blurry). :-)

I am no decorator that's for sure, but this room makes me so happy, just as Harlie's did. There are still things I want to add like a mirror above her dresser and some shelving in the corner above her chair with a reading lamp. I figured I better post pics now though because who knows when I'll get around to that stuff!

Daycare Email Glimpse of Ashlynne at 17 1/2 Months

From: Jennifer
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 12:02 PM
To:Erin
Subject: Re: The girls at Splash this morning

It's such a happy/sad thing to see your baby growing up. She really is turning in to a little girl :)

She keeps letting go today. Most of the time it's just standing. But a few times she tries a step or two. Also, she is standing next to me counting. Like really counting! I hear "1, 2, 4, 5, 6." Smarty pants.

___

On Jul 16, 2014, at 11:40 AM,  Erin wrote:

Oh how cute! It's so much fun seeing Ashlynne like one of the big kids! :-)

Thanks for sharing, it made my morning!

___

 -----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 11:38 AM
To: Erin
Subject: The girls at Splash this morning

They had a great time. Ashlynne loved the turtles and we got to pet a chicken!

That day came...

Today I’m having a really hard time believing that this is it. The last day of high school. Of asking permission. Of seeing you every night at the dinner table (which isn’t even true because you called this afternoon to tell me you were having dinner with your grandpa tonight—oh well). Of hearing your alarm go off down the hall at 6:00am. Tomorrow you will graduate and start making all of your own choices. You’ll come back on Sunday for your graduation party. After that I hope you come back often (FYI- Family Dinners are planned with G every 3rd Sunday of the month, so now you are formally invited too).  Maybe when college starts you’ll come back to stay with us because it’s closer. Maybe you’ll decide you’d rather be closer to work and stay with your mom. Who knows what will happen. There’s no plan. No working it out with your mom and marking our weekends with you on the calendar. I like plans so this is gonna be tough for me, however I’m sure you will be happy to be rid of my nagging for a plan.

No really, you better come home often. Harlie will miss you terribly…and I can’t even talk about Killian…heaven help us all! But man, I will miss you. I’ll miss your random facts at dinner….the way you try to hide a smile when Harlie is acting up and you think it’s funny….your enthusiasm for fast cars….and your wacky sense of humor and the silly jokes that you have carried on with your dad for years and years that still make me laugh.

Meeting you catapulted me into adulthood. I was no longer living just for myself, but for this adorable chubby cheeked kid and his Dad. You taught me about sacrifice. And if I’m being honest it started with the first night I met you, when you tested me without even knowing it. How many times I pushed that little Thomas train around the track, I will never know and couldn’t possibly have kept count. But in that moment it was about keeping that sweet smile on your face and not about my aching joints. Before long, I had become a “parent”--and part of your family, even before your Dad and I married.  I was lucky enough to be one of your someone’s who you could trust and depend on, that was always looking out for your best interest. I hope you know how much I have valued that role in life. One of the most important things I’ve ever done is help raise you.

I hope you know this and that you are so loved. You have so much potential to lead an amazing life. Do not ever underestimate your capabilities and the support of those that love you. We are here for you always.

Miss Magic

I can't even get enough of you right now, I could just swallow you whole! Those bright blue eyes and squishilicious cheeks just kill me and I don't ever want you to grow up, not ever! You seem to have other plans though because at 14 months you have hit quite a milestone. In the last week and a half you have learned to go into a sitting position, pulled yourself up, and just today you crawled! Not the army crawl you've mastered the last 3 months, but a proper hands and knees crawl. It's so exciting, especially after the weeks you spent in that horrible cast, but it is freaking me out like you don't even know. I blinked and you are almost full on toddler now. I imagine it wont be long before you learn to walk which is something I can't wait for but at the same time I'm not quite ready. I think you called me "Mama" today like you really meant it, so maybe that's the deal the universe is making with me. It's reminding me about the gifts of reciprocation that are destined to come as you get older - the unsolicited snuggles, sloppy kisses and  "I love you Mama's".

I love you so much I could burst and am so grateful for you every minute of every single day.

Ashlynne's First Year

Ashlynne's 1st Year from Erin Wilson on Vimeo.

The Girls - December 2013

December was a huge month for our family. After moving into our new home and celebrating Harlie’s 5^th birthday, next on the agenda was our big Disneyland trip with Mom, Dan, Florence and Blair. It was exhausting and amazing, beautiful and chaotic, sunny and pleasant during the day and freeeeezing at night …. just a blast. We had surprised Harlie about the trip on her birthday with a recordable Teddy Bear who revealed the surprise with a few trial and error squeezes of his belly. Then leading up to the morning we left, Harlie opened a card hidden under her pillow each night with a note from Mom and Dad and a little gift for the trip ( a princess book, Mickey handwarmers, socks, etc.). It kept her excited without constantly asking  “Are we leaving today?” Then December 5^th at 4:30 am , we hit the road, stopping first at Florence’s to pick up Blair. Everyone did great in the car especially little Ashlynne, and it was fun running into Grandma and Papa on our first pit stop in Santa Nella.  We spent 2 1/2 days in the park and successfully fulfilled all of Harlie’s princess dreams, giving her a make-over at the Bippidi Boppidi Boutique and having lunch with all the Disney Princesses at Ariel’s Grotto. One of my favorite moments was watching Harlie meet Ariel. I got choked up as I saw the wonder in Harlie’s face and listened to her sweet conversation with her most favorite princess. Another highlight was taking both girls on It’s a Small World with Grandma and Papa for the first time. Harlie was so excited by everything she saw and Ashlynne was transfixed, staring at all the sights and kicking her feet.

 

I think my very favorite memory of the trip happened the first night we were there, though. We were watching the fireworks in Frontierland and as the fireworks ended the sweetest Christmas music started playing and snow started falling. As my eyes filled with tears, Ashlynne stuck her little tongue out to taste the sweet “snow” and Harlie danced around, her eyes shining with excitement and wonder. It was absolute magic. It would not have been nearly as special without the wonderful company, support and  love of the grandparents. They are THE best. XOXO

 

As soon as we got home it was time to cut down a tree and get ready for Christmas. The girls and Scott and I had a wonderful time at Billy’s farm. Being the second weekend in December, we about had the place to ourselves and the weather was gorgeous. We got a late start, arriving about an hour before sunset which it made for some pretty pictures with my new spiffy camera (Thank’s Ali!). It was a special day-- Ashlynne’s first tree hunt and she had a good time on Daddy’s shoulders, in the wagon with Sissy, and on the hayride through the farm.

 

Next up in our Whirlwind December was Santa’s Secret adventure. Papa Dan was so excited to treat us all to the experience and was thankfully sprung out of the hospital (where he had been treated for pneumonia for 3 days) just in time to join us! The kids met Mr. and Mrs. Claus and enjoyed the pony rides, carriage rides, petting zoo, hot chocolate by the bonfire and numerous carnival games.  We had cold hands, but very warm hearts! J

 

When Christmas finally arrived, it was a welcome relief. All the hurried preparation was done and it was time to enjoy our new home and awesome family. Christmas Eve was spent at Florence’s, where we feasted on lasagna and the ridiculous treat spread we can always count on her for. Everyone (ahem, the teenagers) miraculously had their phones away and I especially enjoyed relaxing and laughing and watching my kids and niece enjoy the holiday at Nana G’s.

 

Now, I’m not gonna lie, November and December have been extremely stressful months. There was so much good stuff but it was weighted down with the heavy burden of big decisions, huge responsibility and very little time. So waking up Christmas morning in a house we love, with the sun shining through all the windows and a real fire crackling in the fake fireplace was the best. It was the cherry on the sundae and the reward for all our hard work. Scott poured the egg nog, Austin and Killian cozied up on the loveseat and Ash and Harlie sat on the floor in their matching Santa jammies. I always wish Christmas morning could last just a little bit longer, but I guess I’ll just have to make due with the 80 billion photos I took. J

 

Last on the agenda was spending the rest of Christmas Day up the hill with Mom and Dan and the Creegers. It’s always a good time when we go up there and the kids had a blast! Dan made a delicious Crown Roast served with Mom’s scalloped potatoes…and lots of bread! Heavenly.

 

Aside from all the festivities, Ashlynne had a pretty big month developmentally. Her personality has just exploded. She is so vocal now, almost too much as she’s learned to shriek and scream her little heart out. She is saying dada all the time and loves to repeat “Uh Oh!” At the end of the month she started doing the army crawl and gets a little stronger with that every day. She still mostly rolls everywhere and has started exploring the kitchen cabinets and cat food bowl! She loves to bounce to the music of her toys, especially her little toy piano (we call her Linus!) and is obsessed with light switches and turning the fan off and on with Daddy’s help. Her appetitie for solid foods is off the charts and she has become more distracted during nursing sessions. She now weighs about 20 pounds and is chunkalicious!

 

She did fall ill in the middle of the month and ended up in the ER with pneumonia.  The antibiotics took care of it quickly and she was back to her energetic self again in no time. However, she did come down with hives from the Amoxicillin. Luckily her allergic reaction was no-where near as bad as Harlie’s had been and Benadryl got rid of the rash fast. Kids are so resilient.

 

My heart broke a little when an infant spot opened up at Sunshine and we decided to take Ashlynne out of Goddard. The brightside was that both girls could be together during the day and the cost savings would be HUGE, but I have loved Ashlynne’s teachers at Goddard and this change also meant an end to my lunchtime visits.

 

2013 was a pivotal year for us… beginning with new life, seeing us through big changes and ending with hope for an even brighter 2014.

2013 Recap

1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?

• Parented 3 children (infant, pre-schooler, teenager)
• Took the kids to Disneyland
• Wore skinny jeans (that's for Shawna)
• Gave birth in front of my Mom and MIL

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?


• Resolutions for 2013:
•  DON'T BECOME AN EVEN CRAZIER CRAZY PERSON.  - Collosal Fail

•  Resolutions for 2014 (Let's be more reasonable this time around):
• Take the girls to the beach. Harlie has never been and this is terrible.
• Take another road trip. See things. Do things.
• Clean the house more regularly. Clean house, happy husband, happy life.
• Use the weekends to put personal touch on our new home. This is time well spent. Getting the kids involved is a bonus.
• Spend more time outside...and in our backyard.
• Read more, crack-out on phone less.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?


• My co-worker, Jasmina gave birth to a sweet boy named Lucas.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.


6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?


     Taking a look at last years list, I'm proud that we kinda suceeded!

• More financial stability Yes, definitely! Promotions FTW!
• A new home Yes Yes Yes!
• A growing savings account (repeat from last year), Uh, no dwindling, but this is as expected since the savings account grew initially so that we could spend it on the house. :-)
• A vacation...a real one. (repeat from last year). Yes! Disneyland!

     Okay, so this year, I'd like to have:

• More backyard bbqs
• More peace and quiet
• A napping Ashlynne
• A more relaxed Harlie
• More quality time with Scott - DATES!
• Mo' money to spend on life experiences
• Mo' money in savings that's not intended for any specific purchase.

7. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

• January 29th - Our little miracle arrived!
• December 5th -  Setting out on our first road trip and setting foot in the Happiest Place on Earth. All in one day.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


• Honestly. This is going to sound crazy, since we have the new house, but keeping the plan to take Harlie to Disneyland was a huge goal for me. I have long wanted to do this for her 5th birthday and even though the end of 2013 turned into the craziest, busiest time in our life EVER, I am proud that we didn't put this off. It was exhausting and amazing and truly a bonding experience for us all. So happy to have those memories...they are the sweet sweet reward that reminds me what a gift it is to be a parent.

9. What was your biggest failure?

• Not letting go of control enough.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

• I would say I suffered some injury in late Janaury, but it was worth it. ;-)

11. What was the best thing you bought?

• This house, fo' sho'. And Disneyland tickets.

12. Where did most of your money go?

• DAYCARE!!!!!!!

13. What did you get really excited about?

• Disneyland
• Househunting
• Furniture shopping
• Ashlynne's first Christmas
• Both Trips to Tahoe
• Overnighter in Livermore, sans kids!
• Harlie meeting Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

14. What song will always remind you of 2013?

• Aa aa aaaa aaa aaa aaa aa aaaaaaaaaaaaa AKA as the song from the Little Mermaid

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? Happier!
– thinner or fatter? Thinner, since the baby's on the outside  now!
– richer or poorer? Richer.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?


• Thinking before speaking

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?


• Harping
  

18. How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas Eve we had a lovely evening at Florence's and then spent a wonderful first Christmas morning in our new home before heading up the hill to Mom's for more family time and a yummy Crown roast.

19. What was your favorite TV program?

New Girl

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

Gosh, did I read anything???

21. What was your favorite music from this year?


I know nothing of music these days.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

Okay, I really liked the Katy Perry documentary. ;-)

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Why can I never remember this???? 35.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It would have been nice to have been moved into our new home earlier in the year so we could relax more and just enjoy being a family.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

Flats and anything that covered my butt.

26. What kept you sane?

Late night texting sessions with Melanie, my sisters ear and my parent's help and support with the kids.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.


Strive for smiles, from those around you and most importantly from yourself.  It's hard to be unkind if you're truly smiling.