1 Year Down!

1 Year ago today, we welcomed our sweet Asher into the world.  There were so many feelings and emotions going on, it is hard to even remember or put words on them all.  I was so sore and exhausted, and yet my heart was filled with so much joy that my baby was FINALLY here.  Honestly, it was a little surreal.  After reading so many birth stories, I could hardly believe that this woman in a hospital bed, holding a new wrinkly baby was actually me.

It has been a fantastic year.  Everything I imagined and nothing I could have dreamed of.  Funny how it can be both.  I always knew I wanted to be a mom.  Always knew there would be good days and bad.  But I never knew how much I could love another little human.  I have been surprised at how much patience I have.  and how little.  I never knew I could actually enjoy waking up in the wee hours of the morning...and that the first night of sleeping all the way through would be such a welcome relief.  I knew that I would love the "firsts."  But never knew how proud I would be of every milestone...almost taking it as a personal victory that my kid achieved it.   I knew pieces would go differently than I imagined, but I didn't think that letting my baby self-soothe would be as hard for me as it was.  I knew nursing was important to me, but I didn't expect the sadness of realizing I had just nursed him for the last time.  I knew that sleeping babies were cute, but never realized how much that sleeping babies are the epitome of peace.

I have learned that I am both "a natural" and a novice.  I am easily delighted and easily frustrated.  Some days I can't get enough of him, and some days we are both annoyed with each other by noon.  I have learned that it is still in Asher's best interest to put Ben and I's relationship first.  I have learned that I am more of a structured person than I realized.  But most of all, I have learned that His grace is sufficient...and necessary for each day.

Now here we are, and I can hardly believe this big guy is mine!

Some of Asher's 12 month stats:
*Walking all over the place
*Making silly jokes and has the cheesiest sense of humor (gets that from his daddy ;)
*Makes friends with everyone, waving and saying "Hi!" to whoever will listen.
*Will use anything as a phone
*20+ pounds
*5 teeth, and more under the surface ready to pop through!


In addition to Asher turning one, we just took a trip to California...and what fun it was!

Asher completely and totally fascinated by the airplanes! 

Even better when Daddy holds him up to see!

Airplane selfie! 

Got to the beach just at sunset!  Love that golden light!

Oh California, how I've missed your beach sunsets. 

*love*

Mimi and Papa time! 

First toes-in-the-Pacific experience...he LOVED it!

Family

Loved getting to experience this with him and witness his utter delight!

Two of my other favorite littles at the LA county fair!

my boys

FINALLY got some Dole Whip...and it was a definite hit with Ash!

Ferris wheel with Joe and Heather after Mimi and Papa took Asher home for the night!

Over a decade ago, I wrote down my favorite "date night" ideas...LA County Fair at night on the Ferris Wheel was on that list.  Finally got that dream fulfilled! 

It's not a fair trip without some Footsie Wootsie action!

What fun!

"Sorry, it's not very good latte art..."  

Um, seriously!?  it is beautiful latte art, seeing as how it took you 3.7 seconds.

(Heather's yummy and pretty fall latte she made me!)

Back to the beach for an official play day!

This kid loved the sand...

Treats from Papa!

Discovering the boogie boards! 

Playing with Karlina and Emery

SPAGHETTI!  It was definitely a favorite. 

Ender playing dress up with Asher...Notice the cat-ears...

Fro-yo out with lots of cousins!

Four Generations! 

Grammy Lois, my dad, me and Asher! 

BIRTHDAY DONUT!!! he was really excited. 

We had a fantastic trip to CA.  It seems like Asher really was able to enjoy the people and activities more than ever before.  Looking forward to more trips and memories in the future! 

Au Revoir!