Merry Christmas!!

I know this is belated but we just back from good ole Maryland. We were there from Dec 16 - Dec 29.

The trip was great. Ashton did great on the airplane (11 hours each way) since he slept 95% of the time. Ashton got to meet all his family members including some that even I have never meet (Uncle Dale, Aunt Laura and cousin DJ on Adam's side).

We stayed with Nana (Mom-Deb) the entire time. It was perfect for us and much easier than staying at a hotel.

Leaving is always bittersweet. It was especially hard this time since we have Ashton. It is hard to think that the next time the family will see Ashton he will be walking or crawling.

Here is a slideshow of just a few of the 600 pictures I took.

Ashton is 4 Months Old!

I can't believe my little man is 4 months old! Where has the time gone?

a friend of mine started to list of things her little girl can do each month so I thought I'd do that as well.
As of now here are a few things Ashton loves to do/is doing:

He can roll over (he did this on Friday, Dec 11th) for the first time.
He laughs out loud when we sing to him.
He grabs all and everything including my hair.
His bed time is 7:00 pm and usually sleeps till 11:00 pm
He finally got to put his toes in the sand at the beach last week.
He found his "private area" while in the tub and grabs on it..lol!
He likes to suck on any and everything (my face, my arm, fingers)
He started to drink out a bottle, finally!
He can stand while hold onto my fingers.
He loves to play in his jumparoo and spin the toys. He laughs the entire time.
He still hates tummy time
He is starting to try and sit up while in his swing or anything where he is at an incline.
He likes to grab his toes/feet while he gets his diaper changed
He still HATES his car seat and getting his clothes changed
He is such a morning baby (he gives me the biggest smiles in the am)
Oh, and he is a mamma's boy:-)

Here are a few pictures. We have a Dr. appointment tomorrow so I will be sure to post some stats.

One year ago today...

we got those 2 pink lines:-) I can't beleive that it's been a year already and that Ashton is almost 4 months old. We are so blessed and I could not be happier!

Cardiology Appointment

Today we had the scary cardiology appointment with Dr. Shirai. We are happy to say that Ashton's heart murmur is innocent.

Innocent murmurs are common in children and are quite harmless. In any group of children, a large percentage is likely to have had one at some time. Innocent murmurs also may disappear and then reappear. Most innocent murmurs disappear when a child reaches adulthood, but some adults still have them. When a child's heart rate changes, such as during excitement or fear, the innocent murmurs may become louder or softer. This still doesn't mean that the murmur is abnormal.

Sometimes, when a doctor first hears the murmur through a stethoscope, he or she may want to have other tests done to be sure the murmur is innocent. After that, there's no need for a cardiac reevaluation unless the patient or doctor has more questions. The child doesn't need medication, won't have cardiac symptoms, and doesn't have a heart problem or heart disease. A parent doesn't need to pamper the child or restrict his or her diet or activities. The child can be as active as any other normal, healthy child.

We have to follow up when Ashton is two years old. Yay, that everything looks great!

Mommy got a new camera and is having a blast...

so here are a few randoms. I still have tons to learn, but having a nice camera to capture all those moments is priceless!

First Day with Auntie Gayle

Ashton was lucky enough to spend a couple days with Auntie Gayle, his new sitter. She is a lovely lady from Alabama who retired here with her husband and four kids (who are now grown). Ashton's first day was ok. Auntie Gayle mentioned that it will take a little time for her to interpret his cries and that she did have to put him down a few times to assist with the other kid's lunch (I can imagine that Ashton was doing that high pitch scream he would pull on his mom-mom and daddy).

I had the best intentions to take pictures but forgot since I was so happy to pick him up and get him home so I could cuddle with him, but we did take some once we got home. You will see in the picture that Auntie Gayle takes notes though out the day on how much Ashton ate at what time, his naps and dirty diapers. Once he gets older she will let us know what he played with and with whom.

a few more...

Here is a video (sorry that it's sideways) of Ashton on his play mat with his new baby legs on. I'm surprised that Adam let's me put them on him...since they are sort of girly..LOL! I think they are fab and makes changing diapers so much easier.


Adam and Ashton

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have my beautiful son, my wonderful hubby, the best mother in the world, the strongest father a daughter could ask for and a family that really comes together when needed. I have my health, friends and happiness....it's all I need:-) Today Adam got us "Thanksgiving to-go" from The Willows. It was so much easier than cooking and it tasted pretty darn good. I do plan to cook next year..we just had a lot going on this year. John and Gary joined us for Ashton's very first Thanksgiving. Later in the day, we headed to Makaha to see Kristen, Dorthy and Kate. They just love Ashton to pieces and it's such a relief to know that they are here if I ever needed them. I wish we had taken more pictures but this is all I have from the day.
One of the few of Ashton and I (gee...I should really try to look presentable)

Ashton

Well, I am home with Ashton again...

...and can't complain, but so sad at the reason why. Get better soon Pop-Pop! We need you around!!
We did find a sitter for Ashton, Auntie Gail. She seems super nice, took a liking to Ashton right away and I got that warm fuzzy feeling that she will be perfect. Auntie Gail is not available to watch Ashton until December 4th so until then, I'm home with my baby boy and loving every minute! I just wish the circumstances were different and my mommy was still here. I miss her and the fact that Ashton was starting to get used to his Mom-Mom. Not to worry though, we'll see them soon!

3 months already?!?!

Where does the time go? Ashton is now trying to roll over (I think those big ole thighs of his are getting in the way), grabbing his toys that hang from his playmat and putting anything and everything into his mouth!

Here are a few pictures.

Happy 2nd Anniversary

My mom was in town to watch Ashton while I went back to work. Mom was so kind to watch Ashton for a few hours while Adam and I went to dinner at Chuck's to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary. Thanks Mom!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Adam's birthday was a little quiet. Ashton had been fighting a serious cold so we didn't want to take Ashton out of the house. Ashton gave daddy some $$ so that he could buy a surfboard:-)

Happy 32nd Birthday Daddy!

Back to the Dr's and my first day back to work...

Ugh....what a day for all of us. Yesterday was my first day back to work. I wanted to extend my maternity leave but my company needed me to go back for at least one day to reactive my employment status. I lasted a few hours since Ashton was so sick; I was home at noon.

Poor Adam. Of all days that he had to take Ashton by himself. First of all, Ashton still won't take a bottle. Second, Ashton is so sick. He has a cold that sounds terrible. He was wheezing and coughing a ton. We had decided on Thursday night that if Ashton didn't sound any better in the morning that we were going to call the Dr's office for him to be seen again.

I cried the entire morning while getting dressed, on the way to work and once I found out how much Ashton had cried while I was away. Adam is such a trooper and is the most patience, in control man I know. The Dr. called today to check on Ashton since he needed to use a breathing machine with some medicine to help him loosen up his chest. The Dr. told me Adam was awesome yesterday for all that he was dealing with. A screaming baby who is hungry, sick and wants his mommy. Adam said he cried the entire time he was in the waiting room and that everyone was coming out of their offices to see why there was a screaming baby and why it would not be quite. Adam said he just kept shushing Ashton and trying to console him. Nothing worked. It breaks my heart to hear Ashton cry for a second, let alone for over two hours straight. Poor little guy. Even the nurse felt so bad that she offered to keep Ashton in her office and watch him while Adam ran down to the pharmacy to fill Ashton's prescription. I can't say I've ever heard of that before!!

Ashton is feeling a little better today. He does the breathing machine every four hours and has been sleeping in his little lamb swing since he needs to be upright. I slept on the couch next to him in the swing last night. I didn't get much sleep since I don't feel that he is really safe in the swing without a watchful eye on him. I think tonight I am going to bring the swing in the bedroom and put it beside me. Easier than sleeping on the lumpy couch.

So, I officially go back to work on Thursday. My mom will be here on Tuesday. She is going to be Ashton sitter until we head back to MD for the holidays. I can't wait for her to see how much Ashton has grown in the little time she has been gone. I so dread finding someone to watch Ashton. Why can't we be rich so I can stay home with him?!?!?

Auntie Kerri comes for a Visit!

Ashton was so lucky that one of his many Aunties came for a visit. Auntie Kerri kept Ashton very entertained while Mommy was doing things around the house. We didn't do much while Auntie Kerri was here, but I think her main purpose was just to spend time with Ashton and that's what we did! Ashton had some imporant milestones happen while Auntie was here. He loves to sit up..while holding someones hands of course. Here are a few pictures of Ashton and Auntie Kerri.

Auntie Kerri helping Ashton sit

Say Cheese!

Auntie Kerri dressed Ashton up

Auntie Kerri attemping one of the many bottle feedings.

Bath time!!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was great! We didn't do much since Ashton can't go out trick or treating, but we had to dress Ashton up for his first Halloween! He was a cow...look how cute he was!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

I had an amazing 31st birthday!! For one, I got to spend the day with my beautiful baby Ashton, my girlfriend Kerri, was in town to meet Ashton (another post about her later), and my amazing husband.


Ashton got me lots of flowers, a digital picture frame and a Sony Reader (like the Kindle). He knew how to spoil me already:-) My mother sent my the ever so yummy Edible Arrangement and Adam got me some Victoria's Secret goodies. We went to dinner at Chucks at Ko'olina. I had an amazing time. Thanks, babe for making my first birthday as a mother so special:-)



Here are a few pictures:

Sick Baby....

Yes, Ashton has a cold. I called into the nurse hot line yesterday morning because Ashton was really congested the night before and it made me really nervous. The nurse thought it was a good idea for us to come in for a visit since Ashton is only 2 months.

The Dr. said it was a cold and to use the suction syringe that was given to use at the hospital as well as some saline drops. I could keep Ashton some what entertained when I am using the suction before, but I think since he has so much snot and it is thick, he is starting to scream while using it. I hate to see him so upset. He has also been sleeping a ton, is super fussy and wants to be held all the time. The good news is he is up another pound to 16.2!

Speaking of being held all the time, I am fine with it since I have to go back to work on Friday. Not only am I sad to leave Ashton and miss all those important milestones in his development, but I am so nervous about him not taking the bottle. We have tried all sorts of nipples, bottles, positions and this boy only wants his milk from the tap. Some people have said, "don't worry, he'll eventually take it if he's hungry." Well folks, my research (and a good friends input) has proved that is not the case. He can boycott the bottle and starve himself until I get home. What will I do if that happens? My fingers are crossed that it will be okay.

I'm going crunchy...well sort of

We invested in some cloth diapers. No, not the ones that my mom used when I was born:-) Cloth diapers have come a long I really want to save some money in this department and since we plan on having more babies (if we are so blessed) this could be a real cost saving area. I don't plan on doing this full time but I'd like to at least cloth diaper when we are home.

I purchase a dozen preflolds along with a few diaper covers to get started the old fashioned way. I do have some all-in-ones (just like disposable but instead of tossing in the trash, you toss in a wet bag to be laundered) as well.

Based on the past two days or using these prefolds, I can say, they are not that bad. Yes, I have to change Ashton more since I feel the wetness is cold on his parts, it takes a tad longer to change the diaper and I will now have to do laundry more often, but it will help save a few bucks, help the environment and is better for Ashton's bottom. What makes the prefolds somewhat difficult is my boys thighs! He has super skinny waist with big chunky thighs, so the prefolds don't fit so well. He is also getting red marks on his legs from the diaper cover.

The all-in-ones finally arrived and I stripped them (washing and drying 6 times) and strapped one on Ashton. They are super cute!! I am having the same problem....tight around the thighs. I bought several different brands so hopefully we will find one that fits him good. I am afraid to invest too much money in one brand because I know Ashton will slim out and the diaper fit will change. So for the time being, we are going to alternate with the cloth diapers and the Pamper disposables.

Here are a few pictures to enjoy of the little fluffy butt:-)

2 month well baby check-up

I can't believe our little man weighed in at 15.2lbs and 26 inches long!! He is in the 98th for height 100th percentile for weight. I was beginning to worry when I saw the numbers but the Doc reassured me that it will level out. I just have really high calorie breast milk (I wonder if it's because I have been have seconds the entire time..just kidding). I am having a hard time with clothing..the boy can't even fit into 6 months..we have been moving up to 9 months!!

At Ashton's 2 month well baby check up, he receive his first shot of DTaP and a dose of Rotavirus. We are doing an alternative vaccine schedule so that he doesn't get too many vaccines at once. It looks like he will need an additional 6 shots since a few of the recommended ones are put into one. I am okay with this since Ashton was a champ during this past visit. He screamed bloody murder for about 5 seconds, which turned into a whimper then he was fine.


Speaking of weight. I am officially on a "life style change" as I like to call it...AKA Weight Watchers:-) I joined WW before the wedding when I wanted to shed a few pounds and it's not bad. I figured since I still need to loose a little weight, it worked before and I need to get back into my healthy eating routine, that it was a good time to start. What makes it so nice is that when my "points" are calculated, it takes into consideration that i am breastfeeding and that I need extra calories to keep Ashton happy.


Speaking of Ashton, he is sound asleep. He is such a hard one when it comes time for bed. He likes to fight me (literally, I get punched in the boob!) and whimper. He likes to switch from breast to breast then shoulder to breast and so on. I can only hope it gets better as time goes on. He did sleep though the night once (5 hours is considered sleeping though the night per Doc). I knew it was a fluke when he work up 2 hours after going down the following night. I can't complain too much since we co-sleep, so I don't really have to get out of bed anymore to nurse him. We both wake up much happier ( to all of you reading this and shaking your heads..it's okay..it's my kid..LOL!) and that is all I could ask for when he is smiling at me at 5:30 am (the time Ashton gets up in the morning).


My mom is coming out again..yay!! Our plan for a nanny is still up in the air. Our friends mom who will hopefully be the nanny is having some personal issues. So, instead of rushing to find a sitter, we asked my mom and she more than agreed. She is flying in Nov. 10 - Dec 15. Also, Dec. 15 happens to be the day we will be flying to MD. It will work out perfectly to have her fly home with us to help with Ashton and all the stuff we will need to bring.


Here are a few photos of my precious little boy (Yes, I am THAT mom who takes pictures of everything..after all Lisa Phillips is my mother:-))


Ashton and Daddy:




Ashton giving me a nice smile

Tummy Time!! Which he hates!

2 months.already?!

I can't believe that my little Ashton is 2 months old already!! Where has the time gone? It feels like yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital. I was scared as all heck...never really did hold a newborn and here I was with one of my very own:-)

Now I can understand all the love that my mama and daddy have for me. It's one unlike anything else in the world. I still get choked up when I think about it, listen to a certain song that we used to play over and over again while in the car and looking at pictures. Ashton is THE most amazing little human being in all the world. Oh and did I say how handsome he is?! Really, he is the cutest little thing ever! This week I think he looks like me (Phillips side of the family):-) I knew he'd get my good looks..LOL!

Ashton is smiling up a storm. He loves to check things out and is only happy draped over Adam or my shoulder. We are trying to set some what or a routine with sleeping, but it's not going that great right now. I know that Ashton is still too little to really start a routine, but with me going back to work, I'd like to try.

Here is Ashton's 1 month photo compared to his 2 month . He is growing so fast. As much as I can't wait until he is holding his head up, crawling, etc...it also makes me sad at how fast it is going.

***having issues with my gmail account and blogger account...so please bear with this posting of pictures***

Ashton's Pro Newborn Pics

Here are just a few of the professional pictures we had taken when Ashton was around 10 days old and then we had to go back again a few days later since Ashton was not cooperating:-)

To see the rest of the photos, click on the link: http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=893c7645d8c4f0f1c7e45aad1e0cdff4&sid=0QauWThu4ZsXww