Four kids...Life is an adventure: Asher is 1 year old!

Well, a year has come and gone...quickly! This has been 12 months that I will never forget. I have taken more pictures and videos this year than any before. I scrolled thru them as I wrote this and memories flooded my mind. Memories of fear, anxiety, thrills, happiness, love and pure adoration.

We moved hundreds of miles away from our families and were left to raise Asher on our own. Now that sounds silly, of course we can raise him on our own, but we had to rely on one another to get through the tough times. As perfect as Asher is, there were some tough times: 103 temp after six month shots, no nap meltdowns, bottle refusal, ibuprofen overdose, Rex bite...Many people ask us how we do without our family nearby to help out. How do we go every weekend without a break? How do we do all week long without some 'us' time? Well the answer is...we have to. It has made us stronger really. Mike and I had to learn and figure things out. We have friends that love babysitting Asher and would watch him anytime we ask. We buy beer and drink at home (in moderation of course). We go to restaurants (when we have gift cards) that are kid friendly. We call our families in tears asking what to do. We pray.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we need to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26.

Our faith has got us through our journey into parenthood. Our church family are the ones that babysit when they know we need a break. They are the ones that pray for us when we are struggling. God has helped us raise Asher this first year and I know we will rely on HIM for years to come.

Don't be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:6-7

This is one of my favorite verses. I am a worrier, but I have become a lot less of a worrier because of prayer. Mike and I pray together and when one is struggling, the other is there. Our relationship has grown so much since having Asher and relying on one another and God.
Asher is growing up quickly. It surprises us that he picks up on things so fast. We teach his a trick and he does it over and over.

He already throws tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants or to get our attention. I didn't realize this started so early. Mike and I have had to think about discipline already.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6.

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24.

We have a lot of research/reading to do and I know whatever we decide, it will probably change, or people will say we are doing it wrong. No one is a perfect parent (although many think they are) and we tell ourselves that everyday. But we are doing the best we can with all the love we have.

So this last month Asher has taken off walking. He took his first steps on his 10 month birthday and now he goes on his own. He doesn't need us to bribe him with toys, a bottle or food. He does walk with his arms overhead like a monkey. Pretty funny.

He is eating all people food. The other night when we were out, we ordered him food from the kid's menu! My little buddy is all grown up! He is mostly in 12month clothes, however the jeans that fit best are size 6-9m.He is 28in tall, 19.1 lbs and has a head of 18 3/4. He falls in the range of 3% still, but Doc just says he is a little guy.

Here are some pics from the last month. There will be another blog update after his birthday party in Iowa this weekend. The whole family will be there! I can't wait!