Hot dog baby

Well in case you didn't know we have a hot dog baby in our house.  Ashton loves to buckle himself into his changing pad "like a hotdog".  It really is adorable.  Pictures to follow!

Also Ashton has recently gotten into Diego.  Every morning around 5:15 ish and sometimes in the middle of the night, Ashton will come into our room requesting to watch Diego.

The baby with the hollow leg!

Ashton must have a hollow leg!  This little person can eat, and eat, and eat!  I don't know where he puts it all!  And he is only 2!  We joke that he must have a hollow leg!  Teenage years should be interesting!  We might have to start producing all our own food to keep up with demand!

The terrible two's have hit!

Up until recently, Ashton has been a pretty easy going responsive child. He would challenge you, but when disciplined he would be easily correctable.   However, lately he has hit the terrible two's.  Throwing tantrums, being ornery, mischievous, strong willed etc...Let's just pray it is a short phase!

Our poor dog!

Recently Ashton has discovered the dog.  Poor dog!  He tries to ride him, pull his tail and his ears, hit him, pat him, hug and kiss him....needless to say Austin is quite tolerant of him...he only growls and nips at him occasionally when Ashton really irritates him.  It will be interesting to see how his relationship with dog changes as he grows up!

Big boy bed!

Ashton is getting so big.  Daddy decided that it was time for Ashton to move into his toddler bed, even though mama wasn't quite ready emotionally!  Anyway Ashton did fairly well the first night!  Mama was awake many times because I heard him kicking on the wall, but I think daddy remedied that for this evening!  Ashton really seems to like it!

Summer fun

Ashton has officially become my little side kick.  We have spent the last 4 weeks together, 24/7.  I think mama is going to have to serious separation anxiety next week when everyone returns to routine.  We spent 3 of the last 4 weeks going to different beaches.  The first trip was to the Outer Banks with our friends the Cagles.  Surprisingly, Ashton intially was not a big fan of the beach or the ocean.  The first few days he was terrified of the water and wouldn't come within feet of it and instead of playing in the sand, he would through himself down on his back in a temper tantrum. 

 

 

The 2nd and 3rd trips were much better and he had a lot more fun!!!!!  Our second trip was to Bethany beach with our friends the Bests and Helmicks.  The Bests adopted Ashton's 1/2 sister Ariana, and the Helmicks have 4 year old Micheal whom they adopted from foster care.  Even though Micheal is 4 years old, he and Ashton were like two peas in a pod!  They even called themselves twins:)  They had a blast together!  Ashton lost his fear of the water and of course loved the sand this time!

 

 

While at Bethany we also went to Rehobeth, where we went to funland!  For the first time Ashton really enjoyed the rides.  He actually asked to go on them!  He loved driving the boats, planes, helicopters, and vehicles.

 

 

Sadly while in Bethany Ashton lost his beloved blue somewhere....sadness....now he has taken to sleeping with his green blanket with brown polka dots and various toys such as trucks and boats.

Simultaneously along with the loss of blue, Ashton began to stutter significantly.  I am not sure if the two are related or if it was just coincidence.  Anyway everyone I talk with has mentioned that this is very developmentally appropriate.  Apparently he is developing so rapidly  in his brain, he can't keep up!    

 

For our last trip we went to Ocean City with Abuelita.  It was good time for Abuelita to spend time with Ashton, since she really hasn't had much of a chance.  We had a great time!

 

Now next week it is back to reality!  But I am thankful I will be able to be home at least one day a week with Ashton!

Supermarket!

I love this age!  Ashton is so adorable!  The other evening after his bath, he was running back and forth naked around the house with is hooded towel on with his hands straight out in front of him, shouting, "super market"!  Love it!