Ashley's First Photo Session!

Wow! Did we have fun yesterday! Ashley had her first official photo session with Erin Palos of Sweet Baby Photo. I was so nervous because Ashley had been smiling and laughing all morning and I wasn't sure if she would have any left to give! When Erin showed up, Ashley was a little tired of performing, but between Dad, Mom and Erin, we managed to coax a few more smiles out of her! Erin did such an amazing job with her and said she would post a few photos that night for us to enjoy. I will admit, my expectations were a little low given my daughter's performance - she was so serious! But when I saw the amazing pictures that Erin took, tears came to my eyes! How lucky we are to have these pictures!

Go to www.sweetbabyblog.com to see a sneak peek of the session! The post is entitled, "Sweet Baby Ashley."

Thanks, Erin, for a fabulous day! We can't wait for another session after the new year! You are so talented!

My Future Executive

Doesn't it look like she is headed to a business meeting? I can't get enough of this dressing up business! It is like having your very own, living doll! (Except it cries and poops...this is what is referred to in the toy biz as a "feature doll' ...)

Chris is out of town in South Carolina for the BC/Clemson game. Apparently, this is a very big game. (Aren't they all!?) Ashley and I have been on our own since Tuesday and have been having a lovely time. Last night she slept for 7 hours! I have been working really hard to get her on the "Baby Wise" schedule. (Eat, Play, Nap ... in that order.) It has been sort of a pain, but now that I am getting used to it, it does make the daytime a little more predictable. And she is napping better, which means I can actually get a few things done. (It is sure hard to force her to take a nap when she looks up at you and laughs! All I want to do is pick her up and kiss her!)

In the back of my mind, my return to work is looming. I have such mixed emotions about it. I miss it ... even though everyone I talk to at the office says that it is insane there right now. But then I look at Ashley's little face and how much she changes every day and I feel so much anxiety about leaving her in someone else's hands. Not that I think the person we choose won't be capable, but I know that no one will feel the intense joy in her little triumphs like me.

My Future's So Bright...I Gotta Wear Shades!

Well, we took our very first family vacation this week. The three of us loaded up the car and headed up to the Bacara in Santa Barbara for a few days. We had a wonderful time. Ashley is the perfect baby. She slept all the way there and when we arrived, she was full of smiles, giggles and coos.Chris and I both think this is such a fun age ... she really has such a cute personality beginning to emerge. I cannot believe how quickly she is changing. When she is awake, she is a total Chatterbox! She loves to flirt and smile - I have never loved anything so much in my life!



But she can sure work the system too! Check out this fussy face! Gotta love it!



(Notice: Crying with Daddy; Laughing with Mommy...)

More Halloween Pictures

This costume was just too big - and my girl doesn't like polyester. Ah, they learn so fast. I am so proud of her!