Closing out the year

 

I feel this personally imposed pressure to write something Ashton's life as 2012 comes to a close.  So here goes a bunch of random thoughts strung together!

First, Ashton had his first "official" snow over Christmas.  Not sure he was a big fan!  I think he was frustrated by his lack of mobility due to  the snow suit and boots.  He tried sleding once or twice, but again not a big fan. Plus he refused to keep his gloves on...which makes for some really cold hands. 

Christmas was fun.  Santa brought Ashton a plasma car.  It was the hit of Christmas!

After Christmas Ashton and mommy traveled to GA/NC to visit with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Ginger and all our step Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.  Mama felt like a super hero traveling solo with Ashton lugging, suitcase, carseat, diaper bag, stroller, computer, and personal items!  Ashton had a great time.  Especially with Uncle Greg and Uncle Doug!  He was a really good boy!  Everyone was so complimentary of his sweet and easy going disposition! Now only if he would sleep in!!!

While in NC Ashton went bowling for the first time.  Very cute!  Of course it was more like pushing the ball down the alley or the handicap ramp, but still very fun!   Thank goodness for gutter guards.   I loved watching him try to mimic the bowling technique once he saw a few people do it.

The thing I notice the most nowdays is his ever increasing vocabulary.  It's like he's a little parrot.  He basically can say whatever he hears!  It is very cute!  It's so ironic how at his 9 or 12 month check-up the pediatrician was concerned about his speech-language.  He even has begun to put two and three words together.

Ashton continues to love baths.  He tries to get into the bath at every opportunity.  He also continues to be a daddy's boy!

I pray that 2013 is a very happy and healthy year for the littlest Gjerde member!

Seeds of faith

Tonight I witnesses the sweetest thing.  At dinner we said, "let's pray".  Ashton repeated "let's pray" then proceed to fold his little hands and bow his head in prayer.  While I would like to take credit for this, I really believe we owe it to Ms. Helen his daycare provider who is so consistent with her little charges each day.  So sweet to the seeds of faith planted in a young child!

Lil Book Boy

Ashton has taken a real interest in books lately!  We love it.  He brings us books all the time to read and point out pictures.  So fun!

Fun with your 1/2 siblings and birthmom

 

Yesterday we went to a birthday party for Chloe (Ariana's big sister).  We had a super fun time with Ms. Taylor, Annabelle, and Ariana.  Annabelle kept trying to mother you!  Picking you up, trying to carry you around, and occassionally tackling you.  I told her to be careful, that one day you will be much bigger and paybacks are likely to occur:)  You also really warmed up to Ms. Taylor.  It was fun to watch the two of you together.   You would take her hand and lead her to where you wanted to go!  Needless to say it was one of those days when I personally felt the fullness and joy of adoption.  I pray that as you grown in knowledge of the cirucmstances surrounding your adoption you too will be filled with that same fulllness and joy as you come to a mature understanding of the situation.

Ashton's first Trick or Treat

 

Ashton's 1st Trick or Treat was absolutely adorable.  There is just something about an 18 month old lil dude dressed up in an elephant costume! Also it was so fun because after a few houses, Ashton really "got it".  People would bend down to his level with their candy bowl and he would take one or two items.  Sometimes he would put them back, other times he would want to walk around double fisted with both hands filled with a candy bar, and sometimes he would put his treats in his treat bag.  Not to mention how fascinated he was with all the pumpkins and neat lights.  Needless to say it was really fun and cute!  Plus Lily was so awesome with him, being so patient and such a loving big sister! He really adores her!   Gotta love it!

Your beautiful half-sister

Dear Ashton,

Yesterday both you and I had the opportunity to go up to Hagerstown to visit your birthmom, Ms. Taylor and her parents Jo and Sid. In some ways it was a wonderful visit!  Your maternal grandma (Mimi), step-grandfather Sid,  and birthmom  got to see how big and awesome you have become and fuss over you! The pictures of you and Ms. Taylor really say it all.

The more difficult part of the visit was discussing the future of your new half-sister Ariana Nicole. of the presumed birthfather Mr. Joey.  Unfortunately, Ms. Taylor learned that Mr. Joey is not the birthfather and at the current time she is unaware of who Ariana's birthfather might  be.  That being said,  Ms. Taylor  has come to place where she has to make another really difficult choice. She knows that just like she loved you with all her heart and it just tore her to pieces to choose adoption for you, she knew it was in your best interests. 

Your mommy and daddy really wanted to adopt baby Ariana for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because of you.  Knowing that might struggle with different issues as you age, we wanted to give you whatever consistency we could provide for you.  However after lots of thought and prayer, mommy and daddy have come to decision that as much as we want to adopt Ariana, that Ariana would be better off in another family that does not have as much emotional, physical and financial demands on them.  It is my prayer that whatever family adopts Ariana, that you will be able to remain in contact with your half-sister as you grow up.

I do hope you understand!  I also hope you realize how much you are loved by so many people and that adoption is a wonderful way to have the most unique and special family and extended family ever!

 

We love you baby boy!

OUTSIDE

Ashton's happy place is outside.  It doesn't matter if it is hot or rainy.  OUTSIDE=HAPPINESS!  This winter should be interesting!