10 months old!

Weight: 25 pounds

Height: 32 inches

Clothing Size: Pretty much 18-24 months in everything. Some 12 month pants still work.
 
Daily Schedule: Same as last month for the most part. Except when he's getting his top two teeth. Tanner's been really tired lately due to that.

Personality: We see a little bit more jealousy in Tanner this past month. He is much more aware of what Ashton is playing with and wants it immediately. If Ashton goes outside, he must go too without any delay. He tries so hard to play like a big kid. He still doesn't show much separation or stranger anxiety. We go to the rec center most days and he plays happily there.

Firsts: This last month was HUGE for firsts! First time taking some steps! He loves doing it but will only take 1-4 steps and then he's done. He also can now stand up on his own from sitting. He used to just stand by letting go of furniture/people. But now he can stand up from the floor. And he gives high fives. One of his favorite things to do. He also discovered how to clap the other day. It's really cute to see him try to remember how to do it. Lastly, we see the start of some words coming. If he is sad or upset, he will make the "mmmm" sound. Then when he's happy, he says, "day, day, day." I recall Ashton saying "D" sounds when she was happy and "m" when she was sad. From a child development point of view, I think it is the start of Dada for fun and Mama for comfort.

Favorites: 

Meal: Anything offered in a pouch. We purchased reusable pouches so I can just dump the container of baby food in it. He eats this much faster and hates being spoon fed. He doesn't really do finger food very often. He'll eat a few bites but then prefers the pouch. He will pack down tortellini though if we have that for dinner.

Time of day: Anything outside or with water. He loves bathtime and playing outside.

Toy: This little kid's meal toy that Ashton got last year. I think it's broken so every time Tanner drops it on the floor, it makes noise. He thinks it is hilarious. His second favorite would be the computer keyboard. We're seriously considering picking one up for cheap at Goodwill for his Christmas present. What else does he need?!?

So happy to have discovered how to clap.

What big sisters are for!

He will chase the waves at the beach all day if we let him.

Alabama Trip

My step-sister, Rindy, graduated from college in Alabama. My parents and my step-sister's family planned to come down for the graduation ceremonies. Since it is only a 8.5 hour drive plus Joseph's grandparents live in Alabama, we decided to head over for the week. It was nice to have a family vacation with Joseph for once. Over the summer, we went to Wisconsin twice but he couldn't join us. Vacations are much nicer when both parents are there! Right before we left, my parents had some RV/vehicle problems so they didn't make it. It was still a wonderful time with cousins and family.

We split the drive into two days on the way there. We stopped in Baton Rouge and went to the zoo there. Joseph met up with an old friend at night to watch Monday Night Football so he was happy.

 

The kids did well in the car. Ashton loved her new headphones. It was a way to keep her quiet during Tanner's naps.

Tuesday afternoon to Friday, we stayed in Gulf Shores, AL. We rented a beach house, which was perfect for the family! Everyone had their own room/area so that was wonderful!The kids did well on the trip. Ashton was so excited for a road trip because she had no clue what it meant. She made it almost to the end of our driveway before asking if we were there yet.

Wednesday, we went to the beach across the street from our place. After lunch, we went on a dolphin cruise in the gulf. Ashton enjoyed seeing the dolphins swim around. That night, we celebrated Joe's birthday with his favorite meal, tacos.

They made the kids wear lifejackets on the dolphin cruise. Tanner was not impressed. Thankfully after about 10 minutes of him struggling to fall asleep during the cruise, the captain said I could take it off. Then he fell asleep.

Ashton thought we were playing hide and seek with the dolphins.

Thursday morning, Ashton and I went mini-golfing for the first time. She enjoyed it a lot. That afternoon, we went swimming and then went to the open house/social for Rindy's school.

Friday, we watched our nephew while Rindy graduated. Joseph took Ashton and him to a cool park while Tanner slept at the house. After lunch, we headed north to see Joe's grandparents. His parents were there as well for their visit.

Friday afternoon was spent picking pecans and having a family dinner at one grandparent's home. Saturday morning, we visited the other side of the family and took the kids to the family farm. Ashton enjoyed petting the cows and dogs as well as picking up chicken eggs. I sometimes wish we had a big farm to take the kids to. So much exploration and learning happens there! Then we had a picnic lunch at a park with family.

A cute dress we found in Gulf Shores.

After playing with family at the park, we headed back home Saturday afternoon and drove straight back. We made the 8.5 hour drive with only one stop for dinner! The kids did really well on the road trip. I still prefer to fly but driving went well. Thankfully we won't be going on any long road trips anytime soon.

Halloween 2016

Now that we have two kids, I thought theme costumes would be great this year. We love Eric Carle's book about the very hungry caterpillar and the beautiful butterfly. Since Tanner is crawling, the caterpillar costume was perfect for him. And Ashton loved the idea of being a butterfly. Ashton enjoyed the trunk or treat at church and is asking every three seconds for candy...

Ashton's costume has wire hangers to help hold it up/in place. It was a bit heavier than I wanted but she managed. Tanner didn't mind crawling around with the green thing on. He didn't love the hat so I only made one to share between the two kids.

I'm already thinking of next year. Any thoughts on cute, coordinating costumes?

Free Night at Fair

We've manged to make it to the county fair the past three years. There is a free night each year and since it normally costs $15 per person, we take advantage of this. We've discovered that the fair is getting more expensive each year we've gone. Our first year, we spent a few bucks to buy the food to feed the animals. Last year, Ashton got a 5 dollar pony ride. This year, she instantly saw the fair rides and wanted to ride a few. Since we really don't do many activities that cost money, we caved in and let her ride some. She had a blast and can't wait to go back next year. Joseph has lots of great memories from his hometown fair so I am sure we will create some memories in the upcoming years.

Before heading out, Tanner showed off his popular pose. He wasn't too sure about these shoes. First time wearing anything on his feet.

After my dad's and brother-in-law's motorcycle accidents, I doubt Ashton will ever ride a real motorcycle. But she sure enjoyed pretending!

He loves pulling hair so riding on shoulders is one of his favorites.

This girl! I love her!

Hugging all the animals

She figured out she had to carry the food above her head to avoid the animals from helping themselves.

9 Months Old!

Not such a little guy.

Weight: 24ish pounds

Height: 30 inches

Clothing Size: 18 month shirts/onesies and 12 month pants. He has short legs.
 
Daily Schedule: He continues to be fairly predictable in his schedule. Wake up between 7:30 and 8; it mostly depends on what we have going on that day and when I need to wake him up. Morning nap happens about two hours after wake up. Takes 1.5-2 hours long naps in morning and afternoon. I realize what a blessing this is since Ashton never did that. Typically goes to bed around 8pm. Still up twice a night to eat... You don't become 24 lbs by not eating at night.

Personality: Nothing really bothers Tanner. The only times he gets upset is if someone goes outside without him, someone is eating and you're not offering him food, or if Ashton doesn't play chase with him the right way. He loves water and will crawl into the ocean with no fear. If you want Tanner to like you even more, just offer him food. He smiles at everyone and seems to have no stranger danger yet. He plays at the rec center just fine, as long as they feed him goldfish periodically. He eats just about anything offered to him unless it is really cold. He seems to spit out most cold foods. Although, he does love ice cream! That's my kid!

Firsts: First tooth finally! He gets a little fussy off and on but I don't notice too much of a difference in him with the tooth coming in. I hope it stays that way. First time standing by himself. Walking is right around the corner for him. I look forward to it so he can keep up with Ashton even more.

Sibling love: It continues to be a love/hate relationship. Tanner adores Ashton and wants to be doing whatever she is doing. Ashton is slowly learning that she can't push Tanner over when they're playing. I think she thinks Tanner is more stable than he is.

He's figured out how to climb this and reach the countertops.

Got a mosquito bite on his eyelid and it swelled up pretty bad.

Climbs onto Ashton's big girl bed.

Love this kid!

Coldstone ice cream stop in Houston. Chocolate was his preference.

Fall is here!

Well, fall is officially here. The high temperature is finally under 90 degrees. The park feels nice to visit now. I have begun dressing the kiddos in long-sleeve shirts. I'm sure I'll pull out the parkas and wool sweaters next week if we hit high-70's.

We've had a lot of fun lately. As opposed to all the times we don't have fun...

General Conference weekend was enjoyable. The kids cooperated by napping during both of the afternoon sessions. We had a family over Sunday morning with the sister missionaries. I was really nervous about Ashton's reverence during this but she did great. The sisters came over early to make breakfast for the family. I think crepes are our new tradition for conference weekend. They were delicious! And anytime Ashton can spend time with Sister Lenhart is a great day in her life.

My birthday came and went. Once again, my dream of sleeping in and taking a nap did not happen. Maybe next year... We went out to eat for dinner and the kids didn't scream at the restaurant so that's a blessing.

National Night Out was this past week. Ashton and Tanner had a blast playing around the park.

He really loved General Conference.

Making crepes with the sisters.

Loves the splash pad

Riding the fire truck

I love her face! Such a happy girl!

Putting a bajillion candles in my cake.

My 3 Year Old Girl!

Ashton is three! There is no possible way I can describe Ashton in a blog post. You just have to meet her and be around her. Ashton is a joy and privilege to raise! After three years of being with this girl, I can honestly say she is my best friend. I love having her around and being with her.

I love that she always knows when someone needs a hug or a smile. Randomly, she will come up to me and say, "I love you" or "Smile Mommy!" She's beginning to say sorry after consequences are given, which I appreciate. Deep down, Ashton is considerate of others. She recognizes when other kids are sad and tries to help them. Often, she picks up on when I'm feeling frustrated and will ask why I'm mad. Every time, this humbles me and helps me realize that my emotions impact her.

Her drive and ambition are strong. She is persistent and motivated to do well. If you need to get somewhere quickly, you simply have to "race" her and she will run full speed. Ashton desires to work hard and always wants to participate and help. I cannot bake or cook anything without her next to me, helping.

It's fun to see her vocabulary continue to expand. It seems like each day brings a new word or two (or ten). Her storytelling abilities are great and I love listening to her rendition of events. I am surprised at what she remembers. Lately, Ashton talks about events happening "months" or "years" ago or in the future. Such as, "I get to see Nana and Papa in three months." Thankfully, she has inherited the talent from her dad of making up songs as she goes. Joseph has always done this and Ashton follows in his footsteps. I always laugh at these because most of the time, she's able to rhyme with her made-up songs and they have a good tune. Ashton loves to sing songs from church or ones around the house. And the piano is a wonderful thing to her too.

Unfortunately, Ashton has begun the behavior of asking "why" to EVERYTHING! "Ashton, we need to get in the car to go to preschool." Ashton's response, "Why?" And it just keeps going and going! I did this as a kid too so I feel it's justice that Ashton does it as well. All the time!!! Why? Why? Why? I never realized why my mom said, "Because I said so" as often as she did. Now I do! Naturally, she is a curious girl so wants to know how everything works.

Socially, Ashton is an extremely social girl. She loves to be with her friends and talk to people. Anytime she sees a dog, she demands to pet it. Ashton will walk up to the owner and ask to pet it, no hesitations. At times, I worry about stranger danger but we'll get there. Very rarely is she shy. Maybe if she's embarrassed but that's about it.

Typical Day:
Wake up between 7 and 8am
Morning activities (either preschool, playgroup, grocery shopping, etc.)
Lunch around noon and show time
Nap from 1:30-4ish. Preschool wears her out so she takes extra long naps on those days.
Visit the park almost every day after nap.
Bedtime around 8:30 and falls asleep around 9 most nights. She could probably drop her nap most days and push the bedtime earlier but I prefer naptime since it overlaps Tanner's naptime.

Her first picture home.

1 year old Ashton

2 year old Ashton

So proud to be 3