Asher's a big boy!

Today marked a milestone for Asher - first taste of solid food. It was fun and exciting setting up his highchair, mixing up his rice cereal and offering the spoon. Felt a bit like Christmas morning for us, with all the days of anticipation leading up to it. For a while now he's been VERY interested in what we're doing at mealtime, and all that observation seemed to have paid off. From what we can tell as first-timers, he did very well, even opening up his mouth several times to receive little bites.

So here are some pictures and a short video of this momentous occasion. We hope Asher continues to be a good eater and adventurous too in what he's willing to try.

Adorable!! Does it get any cuter than this?

Growing, growing, growing!!!

It's hard to believe that five months ago Asher came into this world. At times, it still feels like summer to me and that he's a newborn. Maybe that's why time seems to go even more quickly when you have a child - your whole world stops and then begins to turn around this little one, and nothing else.

This past weekend we visited some friends in Kentucky with a one-month old. So wonderful to see them in their joy and to be reminded of where we were not too long ago. Asher has indeed grown into quite the little man since June. He's cooing and squealing (especially at night when he's on his changing table), reaching out for things (like our cups and dinner plates), and turning over from back to stomach and stomach to back again. Soon enough he'll be sitting up and taking small bites from a spoon. The best sound in the whole entire world, by far, is his laughter. His cheeks grow a little larger as his mouth opens wide in smile, and that belly laugh comes from within and fills our hearts. Asher thinks his Dad is the most hilarious person on earth. Just one look and he's all giggles and smiles. Yes, I believe I could live off of those moments.

Here's a few videos for you to see how big he's become and the joy that he brings.

11 Weeks and Laughing

Asher has given us yet another reason to adore him. This laughing is the first we have seen him do. Needlesss to say, we too were busting a gut. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of his personality shining through.



Aside from enjoying Asher's daily smiles and interactions, we're both doing well and looking forward to a Labor Day weekend spent in Berlin, Ohio, the heart of Amish country. It'll be our first local adventure with our son. Made our first batch of homemade salsa today with tomatoes from our garden too...just another beautiful day in this family life.

Asher discovers his legs...

It's been a while since I've been in the blogging world. Rick does such a great job keeping up with the pictures and stories that I've allowed myself to take the backseat and focus on keeping Asher fed, clean and well slept. Those are the most important things after all in this stage of the game :). But since my body (or my brain) doesn't allow me to return to sleep after our middle of the night feedings occasionally, here is the latest development in our little man's life.

Not only is he smiling more and communicating with coos and squawks, Asher is discovering his legs are great for standing on -- with the assistance of mom and dad of course to keep him upright. He'll get a very determined look in his face, purse his lips and excitedly begin pumping his legs up and down, up and down. Until he gets tired and sinks back into our hands. It's the little things these days that make you smile inside and out, and while it may not seem like much to the world around us, these little developments are the very best part of my day.

Portland - July 09

We had a great trip back to Portland. A good friend of Faye's got married, had a Roop family gathering, attending our church we dearly miss and tried to show off Asher to all we could. We even made it to the coast and mountain for a day (Rick's personal request). Here are a few of the many pictures we took.