~Success~

Well yesterday my dad had back surgery to remove a bulging disc that has bothered him for 2 months now - all went well, he thought he would be able to come home after he had come out of recovery however they asked him to stay the night in order for him to lay flat on his back for about 8 hours! He said he wasn't in pain, just sore - and he didn't take any pain meds until he went to sleep last night! what a trooper... We went to visit him last night, the hospital was in North Phoenix but worth the drive to keep him company! Ashlyn had a great time showing off to grandpa and all the nurses, she is a crack up! My mom picked him up this morning and he is happy to be in his own house! I have to mention a funny thing Ashlyn did yesterday, I put her in "time out" in her room and she cried a little and whined, but quickly started yelling "Sorry mama sorry, sorry mama sorry" she continued that until I went in to get her 2 minutes later. I couldn't help myself laughing SO hard! Also last night at the hospital the security guard asked her what her name was (she has never responded to this question) and she pointed to her chest and said "I Ashlyn" - It was really cute! We are hoping my dads recovery continues to go smoothly and that he will be feeling more like himself shortly!

Showered with LOVE....

Okay just be prepared to see a lot of pictures! Most of these are for my family that don't live close by! Last night my wonderful sister in laws Dusti and Robin threw me a baby shower and it was really wonderful I must say! Here are a few friends that were able to celebrate with me!
Jamie, Janalie (due in 3 weeks), Natalie, Janae and Kathrine!

This is my sister in law Kadee, my mom (sorry your eyes are kinda closed) and Ruth (pretty much another mom of mine)

This is my Powell side of the family, Jennifer, Robin (due 6 weeks after me), my mother in law Terrie and Dusti!

We played a fun memory game where you would match 2 words (ex: twin boys, if you found both matches your gift was "Mike N' Ikes" or if you found both matches of Breastfeeding your gift was "Milky Way") it was really fun!

We started off the evening with Italian Sodas and they were SO Yummy!

We had a sit down dinner and we had Rigatoni's yummy Pasta with Chicken or Sausage and there to die for Salad and Yummy Bread! I could eat this daily I think...

How cute are these plates and napkins, perfect for the beach/surf theme huh! I saved one of each for his baby book!

This is the table decor, fun shells, candles, flowers, sun glasses and flip flops - So creative!

Here is a closer look at the flip flops and glasses from the table centerpieces! Love Them...

They had posted Facts about pregnancy and parenting and also parenting tips, SO Funny!

My mom was kind enough to make a delicious cake and I loved the decorations! So festive, thanks mom!

Here are some of my gifts, of course I couldn't photograph everything, but I really appreciate the generosity of those who came and supported me at the baby shower! We really had a wonderful time! I love this bib, I hope it's true

Crib bedding
very needed, onesies, lap pads, wash cloths, soap and mittens
SO cute outfits, funny ones, surf board ones

Being that Melissa lives in Laguna she wasn't able to attend the shower, but sweetly mailed the funnest gift, this cute frame for babies room, and the surf board bib below!

The last 2 photos are from Dusti and they are adorable, I think the orange onesie will be his coming home outfit from the hospital! The tag says up to 7 lbs so let's hope he can squeeze into it, Ashlyn was 8 lbs 9 ounces so I have a feeling he will be as big or bigger!

I really feel blessed to have such great friends and family! It is wonderful to feel the support and love from so many... A HUGE thanks to Dusti, and Robin for putting this all together and to Terrie, Jennifer and my mom for helping with the food/dessert and celebrating this little guy that will be here in 8 weeks! Love all of you...

Time Flies

Well, today was Ashlyn's first day in Nursery at church - of course she loved it! She sat in her chair and watched everything her teachers did, I think she was in awww of the whole idea! She got pushed down a few times by the bigger kids, to be expected right! I was so happy she did well and I can't believe she is so big now - Everyone thinks she's at least two with her height and vocabulary and it's nice but sad at the same time. My baby is growing up and I'll soon have another, and the cycle continues I guess!

She got a little book and some treats for her first day

For Father's Day I made these "tie" cookies for Blake and our dad's and brothers. It was fun and I think they liked them! Guys always like to eat Right! Happy Father's Day to all you great dads!

Fabric Choices

So I've decided that these 3 fabrics will be what I use to cover some cork tiles for Ashlyn's brown wall in her new room. The projects are slow moving, but I hope to have her switched over by the middle of July! The main colors are Brown, Avocado Green, and Blush Pink! I think I'll also cover a small chair cushion (it goes with her dressing table) and possibly make a few throw pillows or valance! I'm excited

*Date Night*

First off I took my 30 week belly pictures and Ashlyn had to be apart of it by copying the way I was standing and then she kept trying to reach up for my belly! It was fun

We went out with Melissa and Gregg Rupp and started with Dinner at Costa Vida, followed by the batting cages at Freestone! Ashlyn was a great observer! The guys had fun...

We then took the train ride around the park and it was actually fun, slow moving but nice! Ashlyn had a blast and saw many ducks and toys!

Ashlyn also took a ride on the carousel...

After the park we played a game of bowling, I didn't play I was the photographer! Ashlyn learned how to bowl though! She was so interested and wanted to pick up all the "heavy" balls.

Blake

Melissa

Gregg

Ashlyn's first time bowling

We ended the evening at Nielsen's Frozen Custard - it's awesome to spend time with the Rupp's when they are in town from Laguna!

Lil' Swimmers

We stayed in most of the day until about 2pm and I just really wanted to get some sun, so we went to Trent and Robins (Blake's brothers) and went swimming! Ashlyn was SO excited to wear her "Sim Soup" (Swim Suit)! She is obsessed with trying to put her shoes on by herself and her clothes. If there is a shirt lying around she'll put in anywhere (arms, legs, head)! Anyway we had a great time swimming with Robin and the kiddos... We may have to make it a few times a week event in this heat! Besides I wouldn't mind getting a tan while feeling like a huge whale. Almost 30 weeks, 10 to go Wahoo! Thanks Robin for letting us swim and hang out! *ps- I forgot Ashlyn's hat so she has tons of sunscreen in her hair, that's why it kind of looks weird!

Ashlyn and Mommy

Tucker, Henry, Robin and Ashlyn