Family

We love having visitors come to our little home, especially family. My mom and five youngest siblings came to spend their winter break from school down with us.

 Personality explosion, that's what this week was. Observing all the quirks and characteristics that have developed in these not-so-little kiddos was just plain f-u-n.

Anna about died when we finally found one of the famos Mice on Main that I had been telling her about all day. "O! o! o! His name is Coco. Look how cute!" She rubbed him all over as if he were fluffy and soft, instead of made of iron. We found three others: Madeline, Sparky, and Jean. Listening to her name them, made me smile and think of how I used to do the very same thing. 

- Reedy Falls Park, Greenville SC -

Daniel and I did some reminiscing of our special evening here, the weekend before he proposed.

Ralphie was the Little Engine that could, huffing and puffing his way to the top of this steep hill. Actually, there was no huffing and puffing involved. He took one look at the top, and was there lickity split. He got to the top and turned to go back down, felt the incline pull him, furrowed his brow, and began scooting backward. Then, Mimi came and helped him walk down and that put a smile on his face!

 Yeah, they're studs. They just might know it.

 My Love and me <3

We're so glad you visited, gang! Come back soon.

14 Weeks | Baby #2

 How far along?: 14 weeks. Here I am at 13 weeks with Ralphie.

Total Weight Gain: not only is the belly popping sooner this time, but the weight is coming quicker, too. Up about 5 lbs. 

Maternity clothes? Nope. 

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: Crazy dreams, and lots of bathroom trips.

Best moment this week: I swear I've felt flutters already. Felt them for the 3rd time one night this week.

Movement: See above :)

Cravings: No, not recently.

Gender Predictions: It's a girl. ;) Mother's intuition.

Labor Signs: no

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or Moody most days: Happy, I think... I wonder if Daniel agrees? ;)

Belly Button in or out? Way on in there

What I miss: Nothing yet

Starting to show yet: Not that anyone else can really see, but I definitely feel it! And I am certainly showing faster than I did with Ralphie.

Anything causing sickness or nausea: Short list the last couple of weeks! Brushing my teeth, beans, salsa, ketchup, and pasta sauce.

What I am looking forward to: The ultrasound in another month! And, call me crazy, but I would just be thrilled to have a huge substantial bump this time around.

Milestones: Past the 1st trimester, and really feeling better most days! 

Snow!

It finally happened! The meteorologists have predicted snow three times this winter. Third time really is the charm, I guess. But, what we were told would be snow flurries turned into 3 inches of a winter wonderland! We watched in amazement Saturday evening as it fell and covered everything.

Our street

frozen lavender

Sunday morning the world glistened! We walked down to the gardens and met some friends for a little sledding.

I get to be married to this man. <3

Sledding with my boy!

I love how a blanket of white can transform the dull, grey ground of winter into a glorious landscape.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We are beyond delighted! 

We found out the week before Christmas that this new little one would be joining our family. Christmastime and and traveling to see our families in Ohio and Michigan was both sweeter and sicker with this news to share - sicker, because who wants to travel 12 hours in a car with a 10 month old, and a dog, while being 6 weeks pregnant? But sweeter, because the news of a new baby seems to make everyone happier.

August 22nd is the lucky day, though Daniel may just be praying I go 4 days late and deliver on his 28th birthday. However, after going 4 weeks early with Ralphie, I'm expecting this baby to be here more like  early September. ;)

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Love,

     Daniel, Ashlee, Ralphie and Little No. 2

Somebunny is One!

My obsession with Beatrix Potter has grown exponentially over the last near-eighteen months that I have been carrying and caring for this baby boy we call Ralphie. So, the theme for his 1st Birthday Party naturally fell into place. A little help from Pinterest and the creative juices started flowing!

Ralphie was all smiles and grins for his guests. He devoured his cake. Hand to cake - hand to mouth-hand to cake - hand to mouth - hand to cake - hand to mouth, for ten minutes straight. When he finally paused I took my chance and whisked that thing away before some sort of sugar-induce insomnia took over.

Celebrating his 1st Birthday on his official last day of being 11 months? Post-poned the waterfall of tears one more day. Today, I have been reminiscent of whirlwind of a day a whole year ago, and have tried again and again to wrap my head around the fact that before 2:09 pm February 10th 2012 he was a little 6+ pound bundle snuggled up tightly inside of me. I am trying to fathom how in one year things could change so much, and yet seem so normal. In one breath a whole year! and in another just a year? Hasn't he been here forever? 

There should be a word for every emotion. I can't think of one for this.

Today, Ralphie is 12 months old, and yesterday we celebrated!

My sweet friend Ashley, over at Joshua's Bride, took pictures for me, so I could just enjoy my sweet boy.

Cheers, little man. Cheers to being one! Daddy and I can't wait for this next year.