Last weekend, we had Joseph's brother and his family visit from Austin. It is always fun to see Ashton with her cousins. It reminds me of my childhood filled with big family gatherings. We played at the splashpad and then went to the beach on Saturday. It was Ashton's first time playing in the ocean and she warmed up to it. At first, she didn't really like it but once she realized she could eat the sand, she loved it. I learned that I can no longer say, "I never burn." My back burned pretty badly to the point of peeling. Overall, it was a great day at the beach. Joe's family watched Ashton for a little bit so Joseph and I could swim in the ocean.
This weekend, we visited the city of Sugar Land. We wanted to go to Joann's (well, I wanted to) because Lake Jackson only has a Hobby Lobby. Their choices of fabrics is not the best so any chance I get, I want to visit Joann's. I found awesome fabric for a new dress for Ashton. We also went to a local farmer's market and the mall. After that, we stopped by a few furniture stores because we're still looking for a tv armoire. Ashton loved playing and smiling at all the people everywhere we went. After our day in Sugar Land, I bought a little pool for Ashton. She loves it as long as someone is in it with her.
Playing at some pond thing outside a mall
In other news, our air conditioner broke. We noticed it at about 8am so I called our home warranty company. The repairman was unable to make it until the next day. Fans are much cheaper than a hotel room so we ran out to the store. Ashton and I spent the day swimming at a friend's pool, walking around the mall, and playing at the splashpad. While it gets hot during the day, it never really cools off at night so our house was about 80 degrees at night. Ashton slept just fine but Joseph and I tossed and turned a lot. The repairman came the next morning and fixed the part in about ten minutes. Fortunately, we didn't have to pay much because of our warranty! Hooray!
A fun train ride I made for Ashton. She was less than impressed.
Special Outings: Splash pad at the park, a day in Houston, and feeding ducks with Mom and Dad
Firsts: First official time pulling up and standing, first cookie (an arrowroot Gerber one), first time with lots of more foods
Likes: Walks, the splash pad, pulling up on the rocking chair, listening to "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan (Mom has been watching Parenthood obviously), music in general, my rollie walker thing, Cheerios, feeding myself, finding dirt and grass on the floor and eating it, and playgroups
Dislikes: When Dad takes me to Young Men's, when Mom takes me to Primary (Sundays are not my favorite day of the week!), and eating solids on a spoon
Any big changes: Just a busy little girl. I am constantly moving and on the go. Even when I hit my head, I don't slow down enough to be reassured. Mom hugs me and then I'm off again.
Biggest Lessons Learned: During a recent family home evening activity, we were asked to write down talents, gifts, and abilities of each member of the family. We believe in inclusion so Ashton was included. It was a very interesting activity to look at Ashton and think of her gifts, talents, and abilities. We decided she is fearless, determined, persistent, confident in herself, energetic, forgiving, a good crawler, a good puller-upper, and enjoys making people laugh. While most babies have these abilities, it definitely made me look at Ashton's behaviors in a more positive light. Instead of thinking she always fusses when she wants something, I think of her as very persistent. It helps change my attitude towards her and the situation.
Monthly Pictures:
We used this carseat once when we took Joe's car. I couldn't believe how big she is in it.
Splashpad time!
Puff in the hair. A usual circumstance.
At a park having a picnic
Modeling pose with her fat rolls
Monthly Video:
What the next month should bring: Weekend with family, going to the beach, fireworks, and more of a hot summer
