Sealife Park

While Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop were here we thought Ashton would enjoy Sealife Park. It was not quite like I remembered but we were lucky enough to see the dolphine show.

Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop visit

They have been here almost two weeks! We haven't had time to do much but we did hit up a few places. Here are some photos when they arrived.

Christmas Eve!

The boys enjoy the UH vs Tulsa game while Mom-Mom, Ashton and I had fun around the house.

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas. We woke up early (like usual) around 5:45 am and went to see if Santa had left any toys. Boy did he!! My goodness...so many that next year we may have to tell Marley (our Elf on the Shelf) that we really only need a few regardless if Ashton is a good boy or not!

Speaking of Marley, he had to leave us last night but we are excited to see him again next year after Thanksgiving! Ashton really enjoyed finding where he was each morning.

Of course, Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop were just as generous as Santa. It's 5:00 pm now and Ashton still has a bag full of presents to open....I guess this is what happens when he's the only grandchild!

So far Ashton has been so lucky to receive:
Portable DVD Player
Tons and tons of Gift Cards from everyone
Rocking horse (which he LOVES)
Motorized car
Books
Personalized Name Puzzle
Talking Broom
Table and Chair
Tons of Melissa and Doug toys and art supplies
...and much more than I care to list.....

Kapolei Parade Day

We had a fun day. We went to Kapolei town to see Santa again, but we were too lazy to wait in line (it was over an hour). Instead we got a temporary tattoo of a football, a balloon twisted into a dog and had lots of fun at the Fun Factory!

After a quick nap at home we walked back to Kapolei to watch the parade. Ashton was scared of the horns but loved the lights and the candy. We let him have a lolly pop and he loved it. We had to keep him awake on the walk home because he totally needed a bath..the boy was sticky!

We met Santa

..enough said.

Potty time!

Ashton loves to sit on his big boy potty. Whenever he sees it, he goes crazy. He hasn't really 'gone' per say, but at least he is interested.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, I have so much to be thankful for this year. Ashton is just the most amazing little person I've ever laid my eyes on. Everyday he learns something new and amazes me. He is such a little lover too! He gives the best kisses and hugs ever.

I am thankful that God has blessed me with this little guy, my husband and my wonderful family and friends.

We got together with our Hawaii ohana to have Thanksgiving dinner. It was super yummy and the company was even better. We're so lucky that while we don't live close to our families, we've made our own here in the islands.

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Adam and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. A few people offered to watch Ashton so we could have a nice dinner with just the two of us, but we wanted Ashton to come along:-) It's always more fun with him around. He definely keeps us on our toes.

We went to Roy's and had a great time.

15 Months Old!

I can't believe my little baby is now a 15 month old toddler!

Ashton is everywhere. He is so independent and when he is frustrated, he'll let you know (he grabs your face or cries). He loves, loves shoes! It's so cute. Ashton is still only saying a few words but his motor skills are great. He loves to pour water into his buckets while in the bath tub, he likes to stack his blocks then watch them tumble down. His favorite thing by far is do go for a ride in his wagon.

We finally weaned Ashton the day before he turned 15 months, from nursing and his bottle. We did this all at one time. He was still nursing to sleep and waking multiple times though out the night, so taking that away from him was the most difficult. We've done okay so far. He is still not sleeping though the night and still wakes up. We are still co-sleeping and I wouldn't have it any other way. I think I look forward to snuggling with him more than he does me. In another week or so, we'll try to transition him to his crib.

Ashton has 10 teeth with some molars making there way though. (he's had swollen gums for the past several weeks).
He has slimmed down quite a bit (not sure of his weight since we won't have a check up until he is 18 months) so I guessing he still weights around 25 lbs or so.
Still wearing size 4 diapers, 9-12 and 12-18 month clothing depending on the brand, and size 6.5 shoe.
We've not cut his hair anymore...I think I am going to let it grow or just get a trim.
Ashton sort of has a girlfriend at daycare. Her name is Zia. Zia gives him sugar (kisses) when he walks in the door every morning.
Ashton is still a mama's boy but loves planning with Daddy.
Loves to read the same book over and over.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Adam turned 33 this year!! Adam is the type of person who likes to celebrate his birthday the week before and after his official birthday, so none the less, he wanted to go big. We stayed at the Ko'Olina Marriott Beach Club for his birthday weekend.

We played by the pool, ate yummy food and enjoyed each other's company. It's been so long since we've had a chance to relax.

Here are some photos of Ashton enjoying this 'staycation'

Happy Halloween!

We didn't do any trick or treating but we had fun hanging with friends at Auntie Kristin and Uncle Tom's house hanging out candy to everyone else.

There are so many cute Halloween costums, but since we live in Hawaii and I have the most hot natured child, my choices are quite limited. Auntie Kristin thought of something easy...a lifeguard:-)

It's Mommy's Birthday!

Yeah--I turned 32! I had a great birthday.

The day before my birthday, Adam and Ashton hung out so that I could have dinner with some of my friends.

On my actual birthday, Ashton got me a really cute mug that I can use at work (adam got creative and drew #1 mom on the mug) and a gift card to have my hair done. We went to dinner at Chucks Steakhouse and had cake afterward (thanks to my mom for shipping a Smith Island cake to me). It was delicious!

Here are some photos from my birthday:

Look who's 14 months

Here are a few fun facts about Ashton:

- Loves to wear shoes (crocs to be specific) all.the.time! The kid would sleep in them if I let him
- Kiss all the time
- Is running all over the place.
- Had his first bite incidient at day care (Tutu promises it's because he was trying to give a kiss)
- Holds the phone to his ear when it rings
- Still can throw a football better than me
- Is eating better (his favorite food is french fries)
- Still NOT sleeping though the night
- Still loves to nurse at night
- LOVES to read (finally) and his favorite book is, Bunny my Honey
- Attended our first Baby Hui group and Ashton ran the entire 2 hours! No joke..I was beat from chasing him all over the place.
- Is wearing a size 4 diaper, size 12-18 months in clothing and about a 5.5 shoe size.

I really wanted to do our little photo shoot but Adam as out of town all last week and we didn't get a chance.

Fun at Bishop Musum

Adam's friend, Guy, is in town and he wanted to do something touristy. I've been wanting to go to the Bishop Museum since they built the new science center a few years ago.

There is an abundance of information there about Hawaiian history and culture. Very interesting, but not so much for a 13 month old. We made the best of it.

A few photos from the day.

Happy Birthday Kaya!

Ashton attended our friends daughter, Kaya's, birthday party. All the kids were quite older than Ashton but he had fun!!

Check out the photos from the day. This was Ashton first time attending a birthday party.

Ashton's 1st University of Hawaii Football Game

Ashton is such a great sport! We tailgated from around 1:00 pm and we left the stadium around 8ish. He was awake and so pleasant the entire time! I think he is in awe the entire time. There was music, footballs, people and lots of lights. He had a blast. Thank you Auntie Kristin and Uncle Tom for asking us to come along.

Here are some photos from the day.


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Ashton's 1st boat ride

We went to Kaneohe Bay with friends; Jessica, Jason and Kaya. Ashton didn't really know what to make of the life vest, the boat and the boat ride in general. As you can see if a few of the photos, Ashton has a hat on...he hates to have that hat on, so him leaving it on for about five minutes goes to prove what shock he was in! He did great though. I can't wait to take him again.



We were lucky enough to have a great set to see the Kaneohe Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. We had to leave a bit early but still were able to catch a glipse of the Blue Angles doing their thing.

13 months and this post is a little late

I am looking for those monthly stickers for 13-24 months. The owner of Picky Sticky said that they would be on her website on Monday...I just checked today and there are still not there:-( I was really hoping to continue the tradition with the 13 month photos being a tad late. Oh well!

Some fun facts:
~ Adam downloaded a flash card application on his iPhone and has taught Ashton how to flip though the 'cards'. It is amazing to me. Check out the video below.
~ Ashton is everywhere. I can't turn my head for a second. I now understand those baby harnesses. It's scary to think they could run in the street so fast even when you have an eye on them.
~ We now have to give Ashton iron drops since he is iron deficient. I'm not sure of his stats but the Dr. wants us to do this for the next 3 months. Ashton hates it and I don't blame him...it smells awful! I asked the pharmacist to add some flavor to it today, so hopefully he'll take it much better tomorrow.
~ Ashton still would rather drink than eat his food.
~ Ashton is still nursing and would do so all the time if I let him. We are now just nursing in the morning, in the evening and of course in the middle of the night.
~ Ashton can now add 'broom' to his developing vocabulary.
~ Ashton has learned to crawl up onto the couch and get down without falling off.
~ Ashton loves to dance. He has learned to spin around while dancing and he makes himself so dizzy that he falls down.

Here are some photos to enjoy:

First Haircut!

I guess it was time....at least Adam said it was time to have Ashton's hair cut. I loved his long hair even though it bothered his ears and was way too long and I think some people thought he was a girl.

We took him to Pigtails and Crewcuts. We thought we could at least try and make the experience fun for him. He was okay at first but the longer the lady cut his hair the more irritated he got.

We went and had lunch at Ruby Tuesdays after.

Here are the pictures from the day.
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Jamba Juice and some new shoes.

Today Ashton and I went shopping at Ala Moana. We ended up with these:

And then we had Jamaba! We got the all fruit smoothie, Peach Perfection. Ashton actually like it...or he liked the straw.

Fun on the east side....

for Auntie Kate's Birthday! We had a great time. Adam was on daddy duty while I went with my friends to the sand bar early in the morning until around 1:00..then we all met up at Kualoa beach park.

Here are a few photos of the day:

1 year check up...

a few weeks late, but who's counting?

Here are the stats as of 9/10/10

Weight: 22lbs 14.7 oz (44%)
Height: 2'7 3/4" (90%)
HC: 19" (90%)

We didn't see Ashton's regular doctor, but we ended up seeing the same nurse practitioner who we saw for Ashton's 2 day check in. She said she remembered us:-)

Ashton was all over the place but she said that it was a good sign. He was pointing to everything and she was pleased to see Ashton as curious as he was. I brought up him still not sleeping thought the night and she put me at ease. She breastfeed all her kids and just said that he was a breastfeed kid and it won't last forever. She never mentioned that I needed to wean him or let him cry it out....it was nice to hear. I mentioned my worry with him not eating enough and she said it's pretty normal. His weight was good so there was no need to worry. All in all it was a good visit and not as bad as I had thought it would be since we didn't see his regular doctor.

Now onto the shot portion...I have been doing an alternative vaccine schedule with Ashton (this is where Ashton's regular doctor comes in handy) so we went though with what shots we were schedule for. Since they no longer break up the MMR vaccine, I had to make a choice to get it now or wait. I decided to go ahead and get it...not because I wanted to but because it was the next on their schedule, daycare needed himn to have it and I didn't have my regular doctor to give me the pros/cons. I feel like I didn't do enough research to take note the vaccine was no longer broken down into 3 separate ones. Ashton also got the chickenpox vaccine (which I totally wanted to to wait on as well) and a TB test. Adam is taking him in tomorrow morning for the results.

At our last visit Ashton had blood draw to check his lead levels and his iron levels. His last test showed that his red blood cells were small which could be one of two things: he was iron deficient or he was anemic. I've tried to beef him up with iron, but today my mom tells me that my father was anemic growing up and had a really hard time with it (B12 shots, really sick all the time, etc.) until he was around 11. I wonder if it's hereditary? It was awful to watch him get all those shots then have to get blood drawn. He was SCREAMING at the top of his lungs. As sad as it made me I just wanted it over. He still pulls his arm away when I hold it a certain way, like I am going to try and stick him with a needle..poor guy!

Fun in Maryland!

This was Ashton's first birthday! We enjoyed the day at the boards in Ocean City, MD with his cousin Baily riding rides and eating ice cream. Later in the day we met with the family for dinner at Captain's Galley! Ashton feel asleep but we made a wish for him and blew out his candle (and of course enjoyed his piece of cake).


This was Ashton first dip in the Atlantic Ocean. We met up with a few friends of mine to enjoy the day! The Atlantic ocean is way colder than the pacific!!


This was a fun day! We went to my friend Brandy's moms house to enjoy the pool since it was at least 98 degree's outside. The little girl in the picture is Aubrey...one of Ashton's future girlfriends! They had a great time together. Carli and Alexa (his other future girl friends) were there too, but I didn't get any photos of them.


This was a fun day at Assateague Island! I love it there...it is so peaceful with horses and ponies all over place. I can't wait to take Ashton once he is old. He actually received a onsie with the Assateague logo on it for his birthday. He wore it today to daycare:-) My mom was feeling good enough to join us in addition to the Furst Family!


Fun at Frontier Town! I just loved going there as a kid. I think Ashton was a little too young so we will be sure to try it again once he is older.


We had a great time at my parents house. We got to hang out with the cow and feed it lots of corn, we hung with mom-mom and pop-pop and just had a great time!


Fun at FishTails! One of my favorite places to eat!! Ashton ate some yummy sweet potato fries!

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This was a sad day. It was the day of Adam's grandfather's funeral services and our last day in Maryland. As you can see the boys were quick to change their clothes.

Guess who's 1!!!

I just can't believe that little boy who stole my heart the day I laid eyes on him is now a year old! Where has the time gone?

Ashton had a huge 1st birthday party planned for him (bubble show, balloon twisters, a photographer...the works!!) then we got a call from my mom and things were not well with her. She had planned to be here in Hawaii for this first birthday (it was very important to her) and since he doctor told her there was no way she could make the trip, we cancelled everything and flew back to Maryland so that she could help celebrate Ashton's party. We ended up putting together a great party in less than a week! Granted, it was not on his actual birthday...more on that later....it was still a great party! We had all you can eat crabs, tons of delicious fried chicken, water melon, corn on the cob, potato salad and so much more! We rented a pavilion at the Bishopville park which also had a huge play ground that kept the kids more than entertained for 4+ hours while everyone got to eat good food with friends and family.

I had practiced singing the happy birthday song to Ashton so he was very prepared for his big moment. Well the moment came and my not shy son, was sooo shy! I so wish we had it on video but I completely forgot to bring out the video camera. We took a ton of pictures though. To my surprise, Ashton's not a huge cake lover. He didn't want much to do with it.

Here are a few photos from the day.

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Ashton is now walking! He took his first step at day care on July 20th and then I would say he was really walking all the time (no more crawling) a few days before his first birthday. He also finally said, "ma!" Not mama or mommy, just ma! I love it! I think he said that a few days before his first birthday as well. Ashton can now say, dog, ball, balloon, dad, ma, ba (bottle). He is still nursing like a champ and NOT sleeping though the night (it's fine..he won't be like this forever and I really do appreciate all the advice), he loves to hang with his ma but loves going to daycare to hang out with his friends. Oh and the best thing yet...I picked him up from daycare the other day and he reached in for a kiss...it was the best thing yet! He is so loving and loves to have fun. He has 8 teeth (4 top and 4 bottom) now with more making him uncomfortable. He's a good sport though!

Ashton has grown so fast! Check out these photos (his 12 month photo is about 3 weeks after his 1st b-day....I forgot to take it on his b-day and then left the sticker at my moms so I just received it in the mail yesterday.

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Happy 2nd Birthday Makua!

Makua's birthday was yesterday and a birthday would not be complete without cake! Last year I actually bought Makua a birthday cake and this year I made him one. Here is the recipe in case anyone is interested. It turned out pretty good. I added some bacon on top to make it really special:-) Just as I had hoped, Makua and Ashton are best friends!

Fun at the beach!

Ashton is quite the beach baby. We spend most of our weekends there. This past weekend was Nathan and Joshua's birthday at White Plain Beach Park. This was our first time at this beach and boy was it crowded! It was like Waikiki Beach! There were tents, kids, surfboards and people everywhere! Of course, Ashton was in his glory with this two favorite things around him....kids and surfboards! Ashton was also a huge fan of everyone holding him. Ashton was passed around the entire time and he was loving every minute of the attention.

Here are a few photos from our fun day at the beach.

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First steps!

I knew it was going to happen. Ashton took his first steps at daycare on Wednesday...((tear)). He took 5 steps and was happy enough to show me his new skills once I picked him up from daycare that day.

He realizes that it is faster to crawl, so he will only take a few steps then crawl to what ever it is he wants.

Speaking on wants....Ashton is quite the drama king. I am in need of some disciple books. I say, "no" and Ashton looks at me like I have 5 heads. Silly kid.

I will post a video soon. Every time I bring out the camera he won't show me his new skill. I'm sure it'll be soon enough.

11 months!

I just can not believe Ashton is 11 months old. Where has the time gone? It feels like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital wondering how our beloved dog, Makua would act. Now they are the best of friends. When Makua is sick of Ashton pulling and pinching him, he just licks him to get him to stop.



Ashton can now:
Take a few steps unassisted when walked between furniture
Is a much better eater now. I think he is totally over the pureed food. He loves sweet potato french fries and avocado chunks the most
Still won't say mama:-(
Can throw a ball like a champ (but is now throwing all his toys as if they are balls)
Can play peek a boo and loves it.
Laughs so hard when I smell is feet and say "eww, stinky feet"
Talks but I still have no idea what he is saying. Everything seems to start with a 'B'
Still won't sleep though the night. We have gotten him to sleep in his crib for an hour or so when he first goes down.

That is all I can think of right now, I am sure he does many other things that I've forgotten.

I can't believe I am planning his 1st birthday party. It is going to be so much fun for him!

Fun at the Fair.

Poor Ashton was so tired. He had fallen asleep on our way to the fair (which is only 2 miles away) and I figured the moment he was out of the car seat that he would be up. Well, he slept for quite a while. We finally got him up to enjoy the sights and a few rides.

Happy Birthday Pop-Pop!

Today was Ashton's Pop-Pop's 57th Birthday. We wanted to have the same fun we did for Mom-Mom's birthday. I suck at singing, but I think it is cute none the less. I think my Dad really enjoyed it too. We had about 15 takes and this one was the best. It's hard to keep Ashton in one place!

Play date with Cade

Here are a few photos of Ashton and Cade playing.

Happy 4th of July

We had a great day as a family!

We had breakfast at Ruby Tuesdays (really yummy by the way), then we did a little shopping, then off to Makaha beach for the day and finally finished up the evening at the Chesters' house.

Here are some photos from our day having lunch and relaxing on the beach. Ashton loves the beach and is so happy to just hang out in his pack and play while I read a magazine! It was heaven. Adam took him in the water a few times which he just loves!



After the beach we came home and rushed back out to hang out at with the Chester Family. Nathan, Joshua, and Chole had a blast with Ashton. We didn't light the fireworks until way after 9:00 pm. Poor Ashton stayed awake for a few but of course was a little frightened (I think it was a little too loud for him) so I put him in his Ergo carrier and he feel fast asleep.

Walking...well sort of

with his push walker. He started this on Sunday and loved it so much he got frustrated. Poor thing is getting over being sick and was so over tired. It's still fun to watch him take a few steps.

Father's Day Weekend

We had a great weekend to celebrate Adam's first father's day. You know how Adam celebrates...in weekends!

Saturday we went to see the Pirates of the Caribbean ship that is currently being repaired after being dry docked for a while. Then as part of Adam's father's day gift, I got his hair cut at my fancy salon. He was totally due for a new style. He looks great! Then we had dinner with some friends (forgot to take pictures).



Sunday was father's day so we woke early. I made breakfast for Adam. We showered and headed out for the day. Since Ashton was feeling a bit under the weather we decided the beach was not the best place to take him. We ended up going to La Marina for lunch, then headed over to the 'Mighty Mo' for some tourist action, then Pearlridge mall so that Adam could exchange the shorts Ashton got him for fathers day. We finished off the day by BBQing steaks and king crab legs.


Adam got lots of fun things for fathers day. He got a new backpack, some surf shorts, a few t-shirts, some Big Island cookies, and this:

10 months!

I just can't believe how fast my little baby boy is growing.

Ashton can now:
Give kisses
Crawl all over the place
Starting to cruise
Still does not like to eat solids. He'd rather have a bottle of BM.
Says, da, ba-ba, doog (meaning dog), and he tries to say butterfly.
When I mention certain itmes he knows, he will look at them where ever they may be in the room (basketball, butterfly toy)
Still does not sleep though the night. But did nap in the pack and play at Tutu's today.
Still is bed sharing with me (and I love it)
Loves to swim and loves his surfboard.
Ashton has started to slow down on the weight gain (I think since he is all over the place) so he is still fitting into his 12-18 month old clothing and wears a size 3-4 diaper

He kisses me!

I just had to share....I can now ask Ashton for a kiss and he opens his mouth wide open and comes close for a nice big ole wet kiss on the lips! It is the cutest thing ever!

King Kamehameha Parade

Today we enjoyed a parade to celebrate King Kamehameha. Ashton was such a good boy! He sat my lap the entire time just taking in all the sites. He loved the horses and marching band. He also enjoyed the cheerleaders:-P