soothie

asher's new found soothie: his very own thumb. he found it a few times on tuesday during the day, and we have tried to help him find it, but he has a hard time actually extending his thumb unless he does it on his own. but, again today, we were able to document asher sucking his thumb. what a brilliant boy!

thank you

these are the three beautiful and wonderful women (from left to right: kate, stephanie, and pamela) that were our midwives, coaches, teachers and mentors for the last nine (but lets face it, it is really ten) months. it was so wonderful to be in an environment that encouraged questions, valued our opinion, and sought to guide us in a very healthy and successful pregnancy. pamela was the nurturer, kate the the humor and expert on medical procedures, stephanie the most attentive and kind apprentice. i am so greatful to each of you... you instilled confidence in myself and empowered casey and i in this whole process. thank you for caring and for loving on us. it was an honor.

and for those that are curious, these are a few pics of the birthing center. it was this wonderful old house in SE portland. it felt like home every time we walked through its doors.

patchy

this is a video of asher playing with his favorite toy, Patchy the Patchwork Puppy. thank you joel and naomie for this wonderful distraction as we change asher's diaper or give him a little quiet, alone time on the couch.

my boys

as i was nursing this morning, i was enthralled with the idea of having not just one boy in my house, but two. the thought "i love that God blessed us with a boy" ran through my mind as asher took a big gulp and then coughed, followed promptly by a loud fart. he continued to "sing" as i burped him. i love that i approach changing his diaper in fear, never knowing if i will get him changed before he beats me to the punch and showers our couch for the hundredth time (no worries, i have invested in a cleaning solution). and, not only will i be able to tease and pester my honey, i now get the privilege of pestering our little buddy.
what a joy to be surrounded by my boys.

candy

don't you just want to eat him.... or is it just me?!
(p.s., if you click on the pictures, they get bigger.)

nap time

a little video treat for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LQOLLe-eXc
sometimes i wish i had the luxury of waking up like that.

freedom

asher enjoys sleeping with his arms and legs free... as evidenced by the following picture. casey said i am never allowed to put those "leg warmers" on our son again, but i think they are kind of cute. and, quite practical, if i have a say. one of my favorite things is to watch asher wake up. his arms start to flail or his fingers end up in his mouth. soo cute.