14 Months

I forgot to post Ashlyn's 14 Month update after Thanksgiving. Ashlyn has always been a lap baby, and loves being close to people. It seems like lately she is even more fond of sitting in your lap for story time and constantly running over for a hug or to be held. I do not mind one bit, I love smothering her with hugs and kisses every chance I get.

She has started crying or getting upset when Matt or I leave without her, even if it's just to run outside. Still no stranger anxiety though, she talks/waves/goes to anyone who will let her. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing!

Ashlyn is also starting to repeat a lot of what we say. She doesn't always get the whole word out, but I can understand what she is saying. Like for yogurt she says, 'yu", and Zeke (the neighbors dog) she goes "eee". She'll stare at my mouth while I talk and then repeat the inflection of my voice and try to repeat it. She can also put 2 words together like, "Hi, Bai-yee" (for Bailey) It's fun and super cute.

We had our first snow fall this morning, which means winter is officially here. Going to have to find some new activities to fill the attention span of a 14 month olds time with. Ideas????

On a side note, we have the house all decorated for Christmas. I am so proud of our tree. We got a killer deal on it at the end of last season. 9 ft. pre-lite tree for only $150. Woo Hoo!!! Makes the living room feel cheerful and homey.

Giving Thanks

We have so much to be Thankful for this year. Our happy and healthy beautiful daughter. Our health, our family, our home, and so so much more. We spent our first England Thanksgiving in NYC this year, creating new memories, but not forgetting or loving the old ones. Enjoy the photo highlights of our quick trip to New York City!

Thanksgiving started with the Macy's Day parade. Matt and Ashlyn are in awe of the huge balloons.

Even with the ladder we couldn't see much more than the balloons floating through the air. It is quite a site to see.

Our first time Brining the turkey. It was salty, moist and delicious!

The family enjoying a feast the pilgrams would be proud of!

Nothing like some hugs from Madison to top off an amazing meal!

Uncle Matt makes a really good pajama party wrestler.

Friday afternoon we meet up with our friends Andrew (matt's college roommate) and his wife Crista for some yummy BBQ.

At the end of it all there is nothing like heading back home. Sometimes I am the most thankful for my own pillow and bed to sleep in.

Our trip also included a late night visit to the Rockefeller Tree, checking out the department store christmas windows, a little shopping and a broadway show. I forgot my camera that night though...bummer! We already miss everyone, but luckily will see the family again in a few shorts weeks for Christmas!

No she Didn't!!!

Following up on my love of Cell phone post below. My daughter called 911 this week!!!!!

Every now and then I give Ashlyn the home phone to play with. She likes to push the buttons and hits the ring button a bunch. Well it was about 7:45am on Tuesday and there is a knock at the door. I look over and see a cop standing there. I pick up ashlyn and go to the door. This is what unfolded:

Cop:We got a 911 call from this residence. The dispatcher said she could hear a child babbling in the background. Did you have a child playing with the phone?

Me: Oh my gosh, yes, she had the home phone. I am so sorry!

Cop: Is there another child in the house?

Me: No, just her?

Cop: Wow, that is really impressive. I'm impressed she was able to call us.

Me: I don't know that impressive is the word I would use, I am so sorry!

Cop: Don't worry about it, happens on all the time. Have a good day.

Guess the pediatrician wasn't joking when she said Ashlyn was exceptional with her fine motor skills. I officially have a little trouble maker on my hands. Why do I feel like this is not the only time the cops are going to be visiting my home in the future.

Cell phone madness

Not going to lie, the last week or so has been a tough one. A wave of sadness came over me that I really could not explain. I think most of it has to do with the fact that Ashlyn is starting to become much more independent and test her boundaries. She gets frustrated easily, knows what she is and is not supposed to do....then does it anyway, and is acting out more. I know it is all part of her little mind growing and gaining knowlegdge, but some days it is hard. Makes me miss my mother terribly. I could always vent to her, or get words of wisdom. Luckily I have the most amazing neighbor and mommy girlfriends who picked me up, listened to me cry, and gave hugs on those sad days and kept me going. Thank you!!!!

Side note: I think my daughter loves cell phones!

Girls Got Attitude in her walk

What girl doesn't need 3 phones

In the End, she always is my cheerleader for life

Halloween

Ashlyn had her first experience trick or treating! We babysat swapped with my sister in law. We watched their 4 kids Friday while they went to their Halloween party, and then they took Ashlyn on Saturday. Ashlyn and Molly rode in the double stroller to trick or treat while the 3 boys ran up to the door. I think the little ones only lasted about 30-45 minutes. They all looked so cute. I just can't stop squeezing and loving on my little ducking, she's quack-tastic!

As for Matt and I....we had a good time at our Halloween party as well. 4 of our friends dressed up at characters from Spaceballs. Matt was Colonel Sanders, I was Princess Vespa, then we had Dot Matrix and Barf. As always, it was a very fun night on the town. I love love love Halloween and am sad it's over for another year.

First trip to Kings Island

We spent the Sunday after Halloween at Kings Island to celebrate Matt's mom's birthday. It was a perfect, cool, fall day. Ashlyn only went on a few rides, but mommy and daddy did the Diamondback. It was insane, and I honestly couldn't catch my breath on the first 2 drops. I was numb, but it was very smooth and tons of fun. Hopefully we'll get to take Ashlyn there a lot next summer.

My little helper

Ashlyn's new favorite thing is to help put clothes in and out of the dryer. I'm not going to complain, who doesn't love extra hands!

This is what I saw when i looked out the window last week. It was breathtaking, the hill was lit up with color and sunshine! This has been one of the most beautiful falls in years. Gorgeous!!!