Fifteen Months

Fifteen month stats are very promising and we even got to see our regular pediatrician who had been out on maternity leave for the adoption of their son.

Weight:  20 lbs (>5%)
Height:  311/2 in (75%)
Head Circ:  18 3/4in (75%)

He is growing, but he's definitely not fat.  I know some 5 month old babies who weigh more than Asher.  Part of the reason for his slenderness is well, genetics, but also that fact that he never stops moving!  He loves to move.  Also we have recently all gone dairy and gluten free.  We're seeing a Natural path doctor who is trying to help the boys with their eczema.  He seems to think that all skin disorders are caused by gut issues, so we're going to follow his diet and see what happens.  So far no significant changes, but I do hope that this will help us.

I snapped these shots a few minutes ago...they are quite descriptive of Asher's many personalities.  He is growing up and wanting to talk so much, but seems to have his own way of communicating still.  Other than that, he runs, plays, eats a lot, snuggles, reads, and destroys things daily.

Paragliding off Poo Poo Pointe

Shem, Zaron, and Quinae decided to all go paragliding at the beginning of July.  Originally Quinae and Shem had planned on going for their 30th birthday, but a year past without putting it on the calendar until one day we finally had it planned.

Quinae was so excited and as she lifted off the mountain she screamed in delight.  It was so fun to see her take off!

Shem also had fun, but unfortunately got sick near the end because his instructor didn't offer for him to stear, so he didn't feel so great at the end, but he loved it.  It also didn't help that I was super crabby because I had no idea what was going on and I ended up having to hike 2 miles down a steep mountain in skinny jeans and flip flops with a baby on my back...not my idea of fun.  By the time Shem caught up with me I was planning my solo trip to Hawaii for the weekend just to re cooperate.

Trip to Utah

It's true.  We did take a trip to Utah at the end of June.  It was a fun experience riding 14+ hours in a car with a 1 year old, but Asher did super well! The warmer weather was so nice and we loved hanging out in the pool the most since it was so hot. :)  

Virgin Gardener

My Mother-in-Law is an amazing gardener and this year she offered some of her land and raised beds for me to learn and grow my own garden.  We started way back in February preparing the soil and then planting  out first seeds in the covered bed in March.  Despite not always getting over there to pick fresh greens and feeling a bit like I'm not helping enough, I love it!  Yes, it would be easier if it were in my own backyard, but this is by far the next best thing.  I've focused on growing spinach, kale, rainbow chard, carrots, cucumbers, all sorts of herbs, broccoli, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, beets, radishes, and  a whole bunch of other yummy stuff.

Mt. Index Hike-Bridal Veil Falls

Once upon a time we went on a hike on Mt. Index as a family and it was a ton of fun!  We lunched on a log 1/2 way up the mountain and got sprayed by the waterfall.  The falls were magnificent and we stood right next to them.  Asher loved being in the backpack for the first time too.  It's so nice to have cool things that make it possible to still enjoy the things we did before kids.  It was a little nerve-racking coming down with a baby on my back, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.  

Asher's First Birthday!

I can't believe that my first baby is already 1 year old!  It is incredible how much he has grown in just one year!  We decided to not have a big party and we invited Gramma Thompson over for dinner and birthday dessert and we skyped with my parents so that Asher would have a chance to see them on his special day.

It's so much fun to see him be excited about toys now.  A few weeks back we were in Costco and he walked by the big teddy bears.  Asher got so excited and wanted to cuddle with it, so I suggested that we get him one for his birthday.  It sat in the laundry room for a few weeks and every time that he would get a peak at it he would get so excited!  His reaction to his new toy was no different on his birthday, in fact, he loved everything that he got.  We made him some apple pie instead of a cake so that everyone could enjoy a yummy dessert, and it was a big hit!  I really didn't want him to have all that sugar anyway, and the thought of leftover cake made my waistline grow a bit.

As far as his growth goes he is still small, but this kid can move and he's totally capable of getting into trouble these days.

Weight: 18 lbs 4.5 oz. (below 5%)
Height:  29 1/2" (25%-50%)
Head Circumference: 18 1/4" (25%-50%)

We love Asher so much and we're so glad that he is in our family!