single digit count down

I had a few lovely contractions last night and they went away. It was kinda cute last night when i was laying in bed and my husband would put his hand on my belly, and benjamin would automatically start dancing and it seemed like he was either putting his foot to my husbands hand or giving him a high five, because as soon as he would take his hand off, that would disappear and he would start tossing and turning trying to get comfortable. During this time I had 3 contractions that were about 10 seconds, 5-6 minutes apart and of corse daddy was freaking out.. "tell me if you have another one" "do you need me to rub your feet" I would switch sides " how are you feeling?" lol It was so cute. 9 days and counting, I have a doc appt. today and if I haven't progressed from my previous 1.5 cm dialted last week, it will be very interesting... All I know is mommy is physically ready for Mason's little brother to make his appearance. Hope everyones holidays were filled with joy and family. Now Im back to work................... sheesh.

Happy Holidays

From our family to yours.

Hope you days are filled with love and hope.

Love,
Ashley, Sterling, Mason and Benji.

Thanksgiving... Yes only one picture

Wooooooah Belly!

Halloween Pictures

47 days and counting

Its been quite a while since I updated last. It has been so busy, I am so surprised that Benjamin has stayed in the oven with all the commotion. He's probably thinking its better in there than in the real world. lol I just added up how many days are left until his due date and I can't even believe that its only 47 days... Gosh this flew by. 6 weeks and some days to get into our new home (we FINALLY got approved for a rental townhome that is just perfect for our little family.) THANK GOD! It was such a relief! 3 bed two bath with a little yard for Capone. I can't wait to get out of that stinking apartment. AND its on Linsday and Baseline, back on the RIGHT side of the 60 ;) With Thanksgiving next week and then moving the weekend of the 12th, Christmas following 13 days later, it will be a busy busy 47 days. I can't even imagine when it will slow down. I wanted to add some pictures from halloween, I totally see this not happenind until after the 7th of January along with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Newborn pictures... all meshed into one update. So if this is the case. To EVERYONE "Happy Thanksgiving" "Merry Christmas" "Happy New Year!" :D

Mason is just so stinking big. I can't get over how many words that he has learned and how well he interacts with us when we ask for his help or for him to do something. He is such a big boy, and has his pout face down pat. If he doesn't get what he wants or he is in trouble, he will just turn around and stick out his bottom lip and pout. Its the funniest thing. Although we never give in, he seems to think we might if he continues, its so stinkin cute, I don't mind him doing that. I would rather the pout then a fit.

Another news update: My mom and her hubby are moving to the valley! You have no idea how great this is! They will be staying with us for a couple months until they are able to find a home out here. What perfect timing, My mom will be out here just in time to be an extra hand when Mason becomes a big brother. What a relief to have her here not only here for him but for my sanity.

My biggest goal at this time is to keep Benji cooking until we at least move into the new place. I don't even want to think about going into labor while we are still in the apartment, and everything being half packed. Thats terrifying to me! So to you Benji.... stay put even though mommy may be pushing you around as you stick you knee in my ribs or put your noggin right there.......... stick it out with mommy, at least until the 15th of December....

Have a fantastic holiday season everyone, may yours be merry

belly pics

Present Past and Future

So the extent of the past week has kind of been a whirl wind and probably will continue for the days months and years to come.

About a week and a half ago I found out that my stepmom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Don't you find it amazing how your life can change in an instant?! And you have NO control of the outcome of the cituation presented? This will definitely be a trying time for Patti and everyone in her life. Especially my dad. After losing my grandma to cervical cancer in July of 01, you would hope that it was the last time a death to cancer would affect your life. Unfortunately cancer has entered our life once again... and now its a waiting game of hoping and praying for healing and calm. It really puts a lot of things into perspective when someone is told their life can be cut short before they are ready to say goodbye. Not only their life but their families as well. We will of corse be their for Patti in her rough journey ahead, but I couldn't imagine how it would be for her if she didn't have my dad by her side to help her through. This is a prime example of reason. Gods reason.

Love will make you do things out of character, but always for a reason. A meaning. My dad and patti got "matching" tattoos to symbolize the stuggles ahead, because God knows that she will go through more pain in treament than she did when she got this visual reminder of strength.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Along side of this news, We had two dogs go to doggie heaven as well... At least they are now no longer suffering but healed.

We now turn to a light note.

Mason has now upgraded to a big boy bed. 3 weeks ago he decided to act like superman and propel out of the shopping cart right on his noggin. He had a nice egg and bruise in the center of his forehead and it was the first (and Im sure not only) urgent care trip in his life for an injury. The big boy bed is doing fine, we are still in the stage of repetition. "Night night time" "get back in bed" Mommy and Daddy back and forth back and forth as he peaks his little grinning face through the crack in the door. So hard not to just giggle when you see that little "im not here" grin. He is such a big person. Very independent and so much like my family in the loving department. It has to be on his time and his agenda. If he isn't ready for hugs and kisses, don't even try, he won't have it. Reminds me so much of my sister. hehehe

Baby number 2 has an appointment on monday of next week. We are having another ultra sound because last time they didn't get a good view of one of his ventricals of his heart. So we get to see our little munchkin again! Then regular doctors appt after. Ill be 22 weeks tomorrow. Its gone by so fast, but I am already wayyy uncomfortable with my ever growing tummy. These sweets cravings are KILLING me! He is either punching or kicking me like crazy. Either/Or he makes his presence known. I also think he is letting my know during the day now, that my "non maternity" pants are cramping his space.

I truly do have the best husband around. We seem to always be on the same page, whether it comes to raising mason or future endeavours. He never fails to keep my spirits up when I am feeling low. He always knows what to say, even if I don't agree, he is normally right. I couldn't ask for a better father for my children. He loves to wrestle and play with Mason but doesn't ever seem to show that he is overwhelmed when he has to put his foot down when Mason is throwing a temper tantrum. I know when Mason's brother comes into our world, he will come into a loving and safe home, with only the greatest of intentions and the most love he could ever ask for (or want).

To close this out, I want to note that no matter how hard things get, always try to look at the bigger picture. Know that if there is someone not present, it does not mean that you are not present in their heart. I think about my grandma often and I know that while she sits in heaven, she is often looking down on my family and giggling at the things we are doing. Maybe even sometimes calling mason a "little sh*t" when he is picking on his mommy and daddy.