Asher Jackson 10 months

I can't believe my sweet baby is so big!

-favorite word is dada
-pulls up on EVERYTHING
-still likes to crawl on hands and toes, and does it super fast
-wants to be wherever his big brother is
-has 6 teeth- more like 3 whole and 3 halves
-sleeps all night
-loves to play blocks with his brother (or mega blocks)
-EVERYTHING he touches has a specific place it goes...... in his mouth
-is always smiling
-is always ready to eat
-is tired of baby food
-loves pasta and cheerios
-loves that his new bath time involves bath with brother
-wears a size 4 diaper
-is in the 90% for height and 5-10% for weight
-either cries when other cry or laughs (mostly at Corban)
-loves music and to dance

And I never wanna do that again........

This past month has been a lulu for me. I have changed positions at work, which has had its challenges but I like it way better. Corban is growing up so fast! While Asher has had all of our attention the past couple of weeks.

It all started the Friday before last. The boys were in my work back up daycare because their babysitter was on vacation. Asher came home on Friday a little off and running a low grade fever. By Sunday he was just puny with a temp. On Mon the daycare called to tell me he was running a low grade temp, which I knew, and he was pulling at his ears. After being through the ringer with Corban and his ear infections I decided to take Asher to the doc. Keep in mind our real doc is on vaction this entire time. They checked him out and said there was noting wrong so it must be a virus, and he is cutting a top tooth.

On Fri. his temp spiked to 102.5, so, back to the doc we went. This time they did the exact same thing as the last but pricked his finger. They didn't find anything wrong but said his white blood cell count was high so it is still just a virus to rotate the meds. So basically $80.00 in copays for nothing..... except we did find out that he lost 5ozs from Mon-Fri.

Fast forward to Wed. and he is still running hot. We call the doc office again and the nurse soounds suprised he still has a temp but tells us there is nothing we can do. So, we called our doc, who is on vacation, she was not happy (she is a friend of ours and we were not trying to bother her on vacation). She told us a few things to do that the other doc didn't and if he was still hot on Fri to take him back and tell them to run some specific tests on him, "that she said so."

Well on Thurs before lunch, his temp hit 105. Eric took him back tot the doc (saw a different one than the first 2 visits b/c apparently she graduated last in her class or something) and they ran a TON of tests; cathiter b/c he wasn't peeing, blood work but his vein collapsed, xrays and other stuff. They found an ear infection which he believes to be secondary, meaning it looked like the virus caused it. He gave Asher a massive shot and said if he was not noticably better by morning to call b/c he was sending us to Childrens.

Thurs night Asher decides to puke and poop on me, mind you it has been liquid poop for a week now, some days 3-4 times. A couple of hours later he starts to cry but produces no tears and we have gone 9 hrs with no pee. So, off to Children's ER we go. After some iv fluids he looks much better. On Friday it is back to the doc for a follow up where we do the blood work and get another shot for his ear infection b/c his stomach can't handle the meds. Finally, yesterday, he had no fever all day and started his meds for the ear infection! So, we are still very tired and whiney buy, thank God much better!

Asher's first Easter

I know it is a little late but here are a few pics from Easter.

Corban and cousin Will (3wks apart in age) thought that throwing the lid to this cooler was the funniest thing they had ever seen.
Asher is ready for the egg hint at Mimi's.

The Snyder's, or four of them anyway. Lily Beth was more than happy to "hold" Asher for the picture........

We never managed to have them all look the same way though.

That is my boy, all about the candy!

This year Corban figured out the whole egg hunting thing and he loved it. I think I hid eggs in our house for a full couple of weeks after Easter.

Who woulda thunk?

That being a mom of 2 boys would keep me running all the time....... but that is life in the fast lane. God has opened a couple of door for me personally which means change for the family.

Change # 1...... I started a new position at work on Thursday of last week. I am no longer on the phone, unless something happens, I now get to respond to emails and chats that come through on a secured system we have. While it will not allow me to be as chatty with customers I am in an area where I can chat with my coworkers while getting my work done which is so much better!

Change #2...... I am now the assistant director of the nursery at church. It involves working every 2,4,5th Sundays and keeping things running and on time. One thing I really do like is all of the kids get to come out of the classroom and go to activity rooms and they go to another area where there are puppets and singing where they learn a short lesson about Jesus. They go by age groups to their activity areas so it is nice and age specific.

Change #3...... We have learned the word "no." There are several friends and family members that only call when they need or want something. Like to borrow this or that or they want you to watch their kid. While we have been nice and done the "right" thing, we are tired. Nothing has been give and take it has all been give for us and lets just say that burns bridges...... Oh, and it is not called babysitting, when it is your own kid.

I know its been a while

since I have checked in. There is so much going on and I have not had time to post. But I do ask for your prayers for our extended family. There is a lot of spiritual, emotional, mental and physical attacks, satan is pullin out all the stops on this one. But I know we have the victory!! You prayers in this battle would be much appreciated.

Asher gets dedicated

We had Asher dedicated last Sunday. Corban was dedicated when he was about 3 months old but we waited to have Asher dedicated because things were just so crazy. While I love my church and pastors. I asked for Mark Sims to dedicate Asher. He also helped dedicate me after I was born.

Asher was his usual happy go lucky self.

TWO?!?!?!?

My sweet Corban Lee, I can't believe you are two! You are growing so fast! Part of me just wants the world to slow down so I can record every second of it. You are always keeping mommy and daddy on our toes. Almost everything you see you want to "ride it?" When we ask if you want someting you will either respond "no" or "ok?" You have to know where and what Asher is up to at all times. Any time we are leaving or going any where you ask, and insist that Asher come too.

You are such a ham! Almost everything to you is funny! You love to play with anything that rolls or makes noise. Any time you see someone brushing their teeth you have to brush your teeth too. It is the same with you and washing your hands. For some reason you must point out any and every "mess" and must clean it up on the spot. I love that you insist on picking up the toys that Asher throws while he is playing. You are such a helper, and clean up you own toys when asked to do so or upon being informed that it is time to "go go." You would spend 24/7 out side if we would let you. You enjoy running around the pool and coloring with your chalk and crayons. Blowing bubbles, playing in your car, on the swing and slide are just a few of the things you like to do outside. I think one of the best investments we made was buying that wagon to pull you around the block.
While you don't really know why the "music truck" drives around the neighborhood you love to smile and wave at the driver who is slowly driving his truck around and stops and sits there when other kids run over. I am guessing in due time you will learn why..... While you are not potty trained you have been told, and can tell anyone, that if you do go potty you get to ride a school bus. You are so curious and must know the names of everything, if you are unsure you point to it and say "this?"

While you know you are a big boy you still want to be held. You simply walk over and tell us "up." Every morning when I leave for work you give me sweet hugs, on your own, I might add, and ask for a kiss. You then insist I hug and kiss Asher and daddy too. You have reached the stage that you want everything kissed. If you think it might remotely hurt you say "kiss it?" You too love to give kisses to any booboo, and you, of course, love to kiss Asher!

You are mommy's smart little boy, almost too smart for your own britches. You can count to 10 by yourself, know your ABC's, and a little hit and miss on your colors. You are branching out from the Wiggles some and are finding interest in Mickey Mouse, Bob the Builder and Thomas the train. It is not uncommon to hear you say "I do it" to almost anything someone else is trying to do or get done.

You really are the joy of my life! It is so hard to remember life before my sweet boy arrived to liven it up. We are blessed beyond measure to have you in our lives and you truly are our Corban "our gift/ offering to God." I look forward to the many, many, more years we have with you and seeing the blessings God has in store for you.

5 Months!

I can't believe my sweet baby is 5 months old! He has been my sweet surprise, his temperament is so laid back and easy going..... unless it is time to eat. It only takes him a few seconds of being placed on the floor for him to roll right over. He can crawl on his back, well maybe not but I put him n one place and he arches his back and kicks his feet and will be across the room if given a few minutes. As his hair gets longer, his cute little mohawk is starting to lay down.
He loves his big brother and has to know what he is doing at all times. Most of the time Corban will comply and loves to entertain him. Asher thinks Corban is too funny and loves to laugh at him. Asher loves to be outside, there is so much to look at! And as you can tell from the picture below he also loves granddaddy's miata, along with all the other boys. Side note, Eric bought that Al. outfit at the hospital, its size newborn, I couldn't imagine that actually fitting a newborn!?!?!?!

Asher is my long skinny baby who loves to eat. To my surprise he likes squash, the only thing he is not so happy about eating is carrots. These are sweet potatoes on his face. Too bad they don't make 3-6mo slim outfits. Corban insisted Asher wear his "hat."

We love to put everything in our mouth now. You know, my hands your hands anything that may or may not fit!

He is also being a drool baby. While we sometimes get the occasional spit up, he mostly just wears bibs because I can't stand a baby having that soaking wet chest spot on their clothes not to mention it would be so uncomfortable.

Peace be still!

"There is peace every where I go because I carry with me a piece of steal"-Madea. That cracks me up every time I hear it. Things have been spinning way out of control lately and the other night, I could feel the weight of the world on my shoulders and all kinds of talking/thoughts in my head . When I thought I was about to explode I cried out to God, and in a still small whisper he said "Peace be still" Only then, did I feel like I could breathe again.
To say that our family has bee under attack would be an understatement. To go into the long laundry list of all those things here would be a bore. We are attending a Wed. night class at Kingwood called "Peace in my home, spiritual warfare of the family" by Mike and Anita Harden. It has been such a blessing to me. I can't wait to go back next week!
On the home front Corban is growing so fast! Last Sat. he decided he could count to 10 all by himself and well, he did. I can't believe my baby boy is almost 2! He is getting over a fever virus while Asher is fighting a touch of a cold. I can't wait for warmer weather!!!!

Corban's latest things......

My VERY smart little boy has figured out that "Wake up Jeff" from the wiggles also can relate to others, much to my dismay. His latest thing is screaming "Wake up Ashur!!!!!" Yes, honey because that is exactly what mommy wants you to do right after he falls asleep. He loves it when Eric or I pretend to sleep and snore only to get to scream "wake up dada or mommy!"

The boys' babysitter has a son in 9th grade. They ride to school each afternoon to pick him up. Our babysitter always takes a snack of some sort for her son. Corban being the age he is must always have some of whatever you are eating. He looked at Maxwell eating and said "bite?" Maxwell decided to share and give Corban a bite. A minute later Corban said "bite?" again. The response was "but you just had a bite" Corban thought about it for a minute and said "Two bites?" Yep, my 23 month old may be too smart for his own britches.

Asher Jackson- 4 months

It is so hard to believe that my baby is 4 months. It feels like we just brought him home from the hospital. He now can.......
- roll from his tummy to his back (at actually 3 mos)
- has managed to avoid getting sick so far
- has earned the name stinker pot- because boy can he pass some serious gas
- has a mohawk hair do, all on its own, we do nothing to it
- loves to smile and laugh
- loves it when his brother play's with him
- never met a car ride that didn't mean it was nap time
- will go as long as 6hrs at night with out waking up to eat
- has to wear size 3 diapers because he is so long
- wears 3-6mo sleepers
- has a hard time with clothes because he is so long and skinny- he can't hold up 3mo. pants
- likes to play with his toys
- like his brother loves music and...... the wiggles
- likes to sit up in his bumbo seat
- will play by himself on the floor
- likes his swing

Dear Grandmother,

How I have managed to get through the holidays all together, I don't know. I miss you so much. I just had a dream about you and I can't go back to sleep. I know you would fuss at me for not sleeping. We found out about 2 months after you left us that we were having another boy. He is 3 months old now and his name is Asher Jackson. We, of course, named him Jackson after your maiden name. He has great big smiles and looks more like me and mom, than a little Eric this time. He has dark hair and great big blue eyes like mine, I think his will stay blue. Corban is almost 2 and is such a big boy! He loves Asher and is always wanting to hold him or play with him and always willing to give him hugs and kisses.
Christmas was so difficult this year, we lit a candle in your memory. That dancing Santa that you loved is here with Eric and I, Corban loves that he can clap and it dances and sings. His face just lights up when it comes on. We found out right before Christmas that Aaron and Brittny are having a girl, that will arrive in May! They have decided to name her Daphne Alice, so she has your middle name. We all remember how you didn't like Alice so we are going to call her Allie. For new year's we had our traditional meal, you know that green stuff that only you, mom and Eric ate, although Corban and Connor did give it a try but it quickly came out. We also had the peas that you and Mary had put up last year and mom made cornbread. It was so empty without you there at the table and for us to not be in Clanton at your table. Corban is like his mama he was all about those peas and cornbread. We decided that while you left your lighthouse collection to me that it would not be fair for me to have them all so we all have some, including Aunt Jan and Mary. I have a few put back for the boys to have and I kept my favorites. In a few months it will be a year since you left us and while I know you are pain and cancer free I am so jealous that people in heaven get to see you while I miss you so much! I know you are there with your borther that was taken from you at such a young age and with your mom and granddaddy too, it must be great seeing him alzheimers free. I know I will see you when I get there and when I do, I am gunna kick your butt for not telling us how tight money was for you here. I pulled out the bible you got Corban after he was born and read your inscription again. I have it in a safe place so when he gets old enough he can have it. I miss you beyond words, and while wishing you back here is too selfish, I sometimes can't help myself. Whenever I need a nurses opinion I call Aunt Jan now, and we both cry because we miss you. It kind of isn't fair because she makes me do stuff I sometimes don't want to and plays that "if your grandmother were here card." I know we are the ones in the family that don't cry but I just can't help myself tonight. I miss you so much! And yes, I am going to try to go back to bed, I kow the boys will be up bright and early and you would lecture me about that. I love you.

Christmas

We decided that a gingerbread house was beyond Corban. So I found rice krispy house mold to decorate and my, how does Corban love gumdrops!

There was more eating than decorating going on.... but isn't there always?
The boys racked up from Santa!! Granted, it was almost all to both of them and the stuff that was labeled individually was still dual purpose but we wanted Corban to know that some things belonged to Asher. Corban "helped" Asher unwrap his gifts but promptly went over to Asher and handed them to him.

As you can tell Asher was thrilled!

He LOVES this drum set!

Me and the boys at mom and dad's.

Aaron, Brittny, Connor and if you are looking at the baby bump you can see Allie.

Mom and Dad

The fam.

Asher

Playing in the snow the day after Christmas.

Pre Christmas Festivities!

The extra space in the new house was great for the tree!!!

The stockings were hung from the chimney with care.....
Asher is all about some Santa!!!

ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS!!! This year the Goebels were able to join us, it was so much fun! It was also lots of fun because Corban has recently decided he loves trains.

Corban wanted "more" train, as you can tell form him signing.

Waving hello to Santa and the elves as we arrived at the north pole!

Straining to see who was approaching the car.

Corban was NOT about to pose with the girls and the elf.....

He was however all about the bells!

Asher really wasn't impressed.

Our crew at the north pole!

This is the most still they were all night. These are the 2 "live wires" but they sat while waiting their turn to see Santa.

Two peas in a pod, isn't she a cutie!!! I am so glad for someone who will give Corban a run for his money!

Getting tired......