One month down

One Month Old!!!

So the past few weeks have been busy and eventful for this little family of 4.  My mom came into town for a little visit. She came the week I was originally going to have Ayla, only Ayla was almost 3 weeks old. Mike and I ventured out as much as we could with Mom here. We were able to check out the new microbrewery along with another date. We were pumped, little did we know we would be able to have more in the following week.  Mom's trip was cut short by almost two full days due to the passing of Nanna. I know it wasn't ideal for Mom to be here, but I think the distraction of Ayla and Asher helped her while she was several states away.  Mom flew into Shreveport Thursday, March 6 and flew home Monday, March 10. She was surrounded by all her babies and grandbabies again on March 12 until March 16.  Most of the pictures I took of Mom while she was here involve her sleeping. I couldn't figure it out because we actually did do things. Then I realized that Mom let Mike and I sleep in and take naps - so that is her pass for snoozing a little here and there. I just happened to get pictures. I was able to get much better ones while we were back in Iowa.

Waiting for  Gam gam to get here

 At the airport.....waiting and waiting and waiting for Gam Gam

YAY she is here!!!!

Valentine mask for a Valentine baby

 Many faces of Ayla

Rex loved having Mom here because he got to rest on the futon with her often.

Siblings sharing a crib

Right before Mom left for home. It was a bittersweet trip. Ayla gave her tons of snuggles to help her through the tough time.

We took a 13 hour car trip to Iowa with Rex, a 2 year old and a 1 month old. Not ideal, but what can ya do.  They all did awesome! We had a pretty good system down: as soon as we were in the gas station I got Ayla out to feed her - meanwhile Mike got gas, walked Rex, went to the bathroom, changed Asher and let him run around a bit - we usually finished at the same time and hit the road again. Asher was a rock star. He did get car sick on the way up - it was a mess - but other than that he didn't fuss at all. On the way home, our sweet sleeping angels got us out of a speeding ticket. We were in the middle of nowhere Arkansas. We were going in and out of little towns so the speed limit was constantly changing. It was near midnight and we got pulled over. The trooper asked us where we were going (Shreveport), where we were coming from (Iowa) and why we were traveling (funeral). He then shined his light in our backseat (Rex, Ayla, Asher three across) and told us to slow down, explained where the speed limit changed and let us on our way.  I really think he felt bad for us. What a blessing though!

After you barf, you feel so much better!

Full Car!

Car sick....he was stripped down in a gas station parking lot. He didn't seem to care.

Asher explored the car when we stopped for gas.

While in Iowa we got to hang out with family. Mom even watched all three grandbabies (3month old Harrison, 1 month old Ayla, and 2 year old Asher) two different times so we could hang out with cousins. It was awesome. Harrison seems HUGE compared to Ayla. He was so much fun because he interacted with you - Ayla isn't there yet. Mom's house was full, but I don't think she would have had it any other way.

All three cousins!

Dressed up!

First bath together!!

Baby Harrison. He was a snugglebug!

Squinty eyes, small patch of hair, chubby - Harrison is just like Uncle Bry! (From Mike)

SNOW! Yes we saw snow our last day there.

Uncle Bry loved taking Ayla's socks off and playing with her feet because they were so soft and small.

Gam Gam is in heaven!!!

Harrison was a little too big for Asher's liking.

Now that life is slowing down and we are in a routine, I have to start thinking about a special boy's golden birthday coming up in a few weeks. Where did my little boy go? Who is this big boy??

My babies are growing too fast!

We had a pretty good week I would say. We went to the doctor on Friday (both Ayla and myself had check-ups). I thanked Dr. Sockrider again for a great delivery. She mentioned that she just had that gut feeling that Ayla should be delivered on the 14th. She knew it was a surprise to us and early, but she just had the feeling. I am glad she did. She mentioned again that the cord was wrapped tightly around Ayla's chest a few times, arm and neck. I guess another doctor that was in assistanting even said that it could have been a bad situation. I am so thankful we found Dr. Sockrider. I tell people this often: find a doctor that you trust - one that follows your morals and values - trust them in their decision because they are the professional. We could have argued with Dr. Sockrider. She even said on the 14th that if we really don't want to deliver, I could choose to go in the hospital on bed rest. But when we asked her what she thought we should do, she wanted to get Ayla out of there. So glad we did!
       Ayla had her 2 week check-up on Friday as well. This little peanut now weighs 6lbs 3oz. She gained almost a full pound since leaving the hospital! She is growing like she is supposed to (I think she may surpass her big brother sooner than later). She has a clogged tear duct, but that is no big deal. Dr. Atchison says she is just perfect. :) It is always a relief to hear this at 2 weeks and all of the first few check-ups. The hospital sends you home telling you to take care of this new child. The only thing I can really do for her is dress her and keep her warm, feed her, and make sure she is pooping and peeing. Whoa, that leaves a lot of room for other things. As a mom I doubt myself - is she eating enough, is her diaper wet enough, is she warm enough, am I holding her too much. Even the second time around (which is a little easier, but I still have crazy thoughts) I need reassurance I am doing okay. When we go to the doctor and find out she is healthy and on track it is such a wave of relief. I can relax and know to keep doing what I am doing. We found Dr. Atchison and really all the doctors at Mid-City pediatrics after coming from a wonderful doctor in Missouri. The pediatrician is another person you need to trust and be on the same page with your morals and values. Before leaving the dr., we asked about going out with the baby. I am getting stir crazy and I want to show her off! :) Dr. Atchison told us it probably wasn't the best thing right now. RSV is going around as well as the end of flu season. She said to avoid large crowds and if we have to take Ayla with us to make sure the car seat was covered and  that people weren't breathing on her or touching her. I have had friends that think this is crazy, that it really wouldn't matter. But we trust our doctor. They are the professional - not me! So as much as I don't want to stay home, I will listen and obey. :) Don't get me wrong, we will sneak out here and there for short day outings, but we will do our best to avoid large crowds.
             As Ayla turned two weeks old Friday, Asher turns 23 months today! Wow! I almost have a two year old! Then a little bit of panic set in and I realized I need to figure out what to do for his birthday. :) Asher is talking more and more. He is speaking in short sentences and definitely knows what he wants! He is still in size 3 diapers, size 6 shoes, and wears mostly 18m clothes (although he can fit into 12m and some 24m clothes). Asher LOVES playing with cars and trains. Daddy got some hot wheel tracks and they zoom cars on them a lot. His best friend is Ollie. They love each other. I didn't realize kids form friendships that early, but it is cute to see him get excited about playing with Ollie. Favorite foods right now: grapes, mac'n'cheese, popcorn, Danimal yogurt smoothies, pretzels. Asher likes to read books and is very picky about the books we read before bedtime. I would say his favorite movies are Cars and Cars 2. He just discovered Bo on the Go! He exercises with the characters to get his energy up. :) Asher is a great big brother. He helps me clean up his toys so I can vacuum. He throws things away for me. He brings me my water if I am holding Ayla and get get up easily. He likes to help.

Here are some pics that our friend Tiffany took for us along with some of Asher playing this month.

I love all the wrinkles

It was difficult getting pics with Asher. He wasn't sure he wanted to participate. We did get a few good ones.

proud big brother

This is an accurate picture of our family.

We have one just like this with Asher. Someday it will be in Mike's OSU mancave, but for now it will go on our OSU wall of pics

Every now and again, Asher wanted to come around and love on his sister. 

Daddy and his baby girl

Starbucks date with Mama

Car track fun!

We had a snow/ice storm. We went out and played in it.

 Park fun with friends!

He hasn't tried to climb out, but he has tried to climb in.

Ayla was sleeping so I got to cuddle with my little buddy.

Our first outing to the doctor!