She's Got Skills

I think Ashlyn got her Aunt Ashes genes, she is a natural at gymnastics. I started her in a toddler class in the fall. She currently is the only one in the class, so it is basically a private lesson. She is extremely strong, and the different apparatus skills come very natural to her. They have her doing skills they do with their 3-4 year old class (bridges) The owner and her teacher, Miss Chelsea, love working with her and are amazed at how quickly she learns and masters using her body. And she is SO adorable in her little leotard!

Ashlyn is 2 and a Half! When i look at the big picture, 2 1/2 is such a baby, but Ashlyn seems anything but a baby girl. She is mature beyond her years. I don't realize how smart and advanced she is until i'm around other kids her age. She speaks incredibly well, is witty, and has the memory of a genius. Of course I think she's adorable, and smart because she's my child......but I think in reality she really is. Those are certainly England genes, just not her mommies:)

A cute Toddlerism: The other day she asked me to tape Dora on TV. I told her I couldn't because the show was already over. She goes to the kitchen and walks back and says "here you go mommy, just use this"......as she holds up the roll of packaging tape.

Ashlyn is beautiful inside and out!

"I'll help you Baby Austin"

Austin kept falling to the side while I was trying to take his 6 month picture, Ashlyn jumped right in to help support her little brother. I hope that NEVER changes!! Although Austin seems to be hitting his milestones exactly the same ages as Ashlyn, i'm not sure how he can do anything on his own cause Ash always wants to do it for him. Could I be so lucky that that never changes, or that he never gets annoyed by it!?!?!

My little monkey hit his 6 month mark this week. He is weighing in at 18 lbs 7 oz, putting him in the 65%. And was 26 inches long, putting him on the lower end at 35%. We've made it through all of our veggies with no issues, and are about done with fruits. He's learning the art of holding a sippy cup, and not spitting it all out when the water flows out quickly. Sleep is pretty consistent during the day, with 2 good naps, but very unconsistent at night. We have 3-4 nights of sleeping about 11 hours straight, and then a few nights of waking up once or twice. Last night we were up about 5 times, which makes mommmy very very tired! His gums are puffy and Dr. said they'll pop through anytime. COME on teeth, seriously, COME on!

Austin is doing, or mastering, all the things he should accomplish between the 6-9 month mark so he is well on target. We are still a little unsteady side to side, but he'll certainly be sitting up on his own any day now. Overall, a chill, easy going little boy.

Ashlyn is going a little bit stir crazy, testing authority, struggling a bit with the time change, and wanting to do EVERYthing by herself. It can be frustrating at times, but doing my best to stay patient and understand this too is a phase, and she has to learn independence. Mommy would rather she not spill big girl cups of milk all down her shirt, watch her make a huge mess while making her own lunch, bite my tongue while she slams doors after letting the dog in the house, and I try to not talk back when she bosses mommy and daddy around. Oh the joys of a toddler!

I am looking forward to this warm Spring weather creeping up on us, and letting my very independent little girl explore outdoors and run on the playground.....instead of running my house! In the meantime, a few things we've done to help keep occupied and out of trouble.

Helping Daddy Tighten Drawer Handles

Playing dress up with Cole at Boonshoft

Obsessed with Grocery Shopping

Making sure Mr. Snowman is watered daily

Painting Daddy Smiley Face Pictures

Making Marshmallow Towers

Stretching for Gymnastics (Jane Fonda Style)