Josiah David Ashton

Welcome to the World Josiah David Ashton!

Born on May 4th at 12:14 a.m.
Weight: 6 lbs. 10 oz. Length: 19.5 in. The New FamilyNothing sweeter...

The Proud Papa

Taking a Look Around...

Yesterday, Jeff, Noah, and I drove down to Knoxville, to meet Josiah for the first time! He's so precious! Unfortunately, due to hospital policy, we weren't able to take Noah into the room with us. We ended up having to take turns sitting in the waiting room, while the other one went in to see Josiah. I got to go first, and spent about hour with the little guy. I can't believe that in 10 months time I have forgotten how tiny Noah was! When I held Josiah, I was in awe all over again about the miracle of birth and how fragile newborns seem! It was amazing...and yes, made me want another one! ;) Then Andy went out to sit with Noah, while Jeff came back with me to hold Josiah. Jeff also said that he had forgotten how tiny they are when they arrive! He was a little hesitant to hold Josiah (didn't want to break someone else's child), but sat and rocked him for a while.

I loved watching Jess and Andy interact with Josiah! They're both beaming with pride and gratefulness to God for a healthy baby! I'll let them share their birth story with you...it's quite amazing! The Lord was definitely watching over them during the whole thing!

10 Months Old!

I took this picture right before Noah went to bed tonight--he wanted to stay up and play!

Noah is 10 months old today! This has been a very eventful day...it started out with a phone call at 7:45 a.m. with the news that Jessica's contractions had begun! They arrived at the hospital a bit before 7:00 p.m. this evening, and she's been doing great! I just got the latest update...she's at 9 cm, and the doctor was getting ready to break her water...so Josiah should be here very soon! If he's born tonight, he and Noah will be 10 months apart to the day! July 3rd and May 3rd--that will be easy to remember!

Another of today's happenings, was that Noah stayed in the church nursery the whole time without them needing to page me out of the service! When we first dropped him off, we sat him down on the play mat, and they distracted him with toys, while we slipped out the door unnoticed...or so we thought! As I was getting him signed in, and getting his sticker made, I heard him crying his little heart out! I thought they would have to page me for sure...but he was able to calm himself down, took his whole bottle (which he usually won't do), and was playing blissfully when we returned to pick him up! Yay!! What a big boy!! This was all a little bittersweet for me, because I'm glad that he is able to calm himself, recognize that we will return, and that I can actually enjoy a whole service. However, he was so busy playing when we went to get him, he didn't even notice us at first! I just can't believe how fast they grow and change!

Our 1st Derby Party!

Maybe it's because we grew up in Daleville, Indiana, but neither Jeff nor I had ever been to a Derby Party! Welcome to Kentucky! Some of our friends invited us to their house to experience the Derby true KY style. The hostess wore her hat and dress...though she did not require it of her guests, she says she's going to make formal attire mandatory for next year. ;) They grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and there was a massive spread of food! Taco dip, bean salad, cheese & crackers, fresh fruit, dill pickle roll-ups, Buffalo dip, mini Hot Browns, bacon-wrapped scallops, mac & cheese, etc. Don't worry I didn't forget the desserts--Banana pudding, Heath Bar cake, German chocolate cake, and of course, Derby Pie! It was incredible!

Then there was the race...it was the fastest, most exciting two minutes ever! I was amazed to learn some of the history/trivia about the Derby. And to watch the winner, Mine That Bird,...coming all the way from the back...I was so impressed with the whole thing! After the race was over, they divvied out the winnings--to an expectant mother and a young boy. The boy wasn't too interested at first, but then when they handed him the $50 his eyes got big and he exclaimed, "I'm rich!" His reaction was hilarious!

The kids all brought white T-shirts to decorate their own "silks". I brought a Onesie for Noah, but he was getting so sleepy that we didn't stick around to decorate it. :( It was a really fun party! I think we like this Kentucky tradition!

Night-Night, Turn Out the Light

One of my favorite parts of being a mom, is getting to watch our little sponge of a son learn new things every day! Though he has yet to say any words, he is definitely picking up on language and recognizes that some objects have names. The past few nights, after Noah's bath, we'll stand together in front of the mirror and we play a bit, laughing at those silly people looking back at us! Then I'll say, "It's time to turn out the light, Noah." We turn to leave, and I help him to flip the switch on our way out.

Two nights ago, we went through this whole routine...and when I said, "It's time to turn out the light, Noah, " he spun around 180 degrees and reached for the switch! This is probably a very small accomplishment, but I was impressed nonetheless! Our little boy is learning the meaning of words!

Another of Noah's most recent accomplishments, is his attempts at crawling...well, if you can call it that...see for yourself:

**I love how he stops to play with the pattern on the carpet! :)