Months 8, 9 and 10....YIKES!

Three months in one post!  OOPSIE!  Let's not waste any time...here we go!

Month 8

Papa came to visit on 9/13.  Both kids loved seeing and spending time with him!

We had our first day of Toddler Group on 9/17.  This year we're in the family class so Asher is officially on the roster :)

On 9/19, Auntie watched Maya so mom and Asher could go to baby story time at the library.  This was the first "Asher only" activity we've had.  He loved it!  Wish I had more opportunities for one-on-one time with each of the kids!

 Having fun on the swing on 9/20. 

On 9/22, we moved Asher out of the infant carrier and into sissy's car seat!  Such a big boy!

9/22: First ride in the "blue car" cart at the grocery store.  Sissy loved having her buddy next to her.

9/23: First meat!  Sloppy Joe's.  Very fitting ;) Around early October, we became increasingly comfortable to give Asher whatever we're eating off our plate.  BLW for the win!

10/5: First trip to the pumpkin patch at Bob's Corn Maze

He had spaghetti that night and loved it.  I intended it to be a fun sensory experience.  Asher saw DINNER!

On 10/9 Asher started saying "Dadada" :)

  
My beautiful babies

This girl, by the way, made some major progress in the "big girl" department this month.  We gave up nukies (and subsequently naps) and transitioned to a big girl bed.  So proud of this little lady!

9/17: Packing up her nukies for baby Jace

 9/18: The morning after her first night without her nukie.  She did great and had no night wakings without it!

10/6: Big Girl Bed!

 My first baby is getting so big!  Love her expressive personality, her strong-willed independence (or I will one day) and her beautiful heart!

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Month 9

Less than 2 weeks after we first heard "dada", Asher said "mama" on 10/17!  Yay, he loves me too ;)

We checked out Preschool Story time at the library on 10/22.  Both kids enjoyed it.  Wish we could go more often!

I noticed Asher's left eye cleared up on 10/26!  Now only the right one still has a clogged duct.  Hoping it clears soon as well!

On 10/27, Asher started to get his belly off the ground and by 11/7 he was rocking back on legs and scooting backwards...baby step to crawling under way!

Asher's first Halloween!  The kids were Asher-man and Super Maya!  My little super heroes!

Snuggling with cousin Ava on 11/1.  She LOVES to hold "Baby Asher".  So sweet!

On 11/8, we left for a family vacation to Leavenworth.  A very needed and enjoyed get-a-way!!  

On 11/10, while in Leavenworth, Asher got his first tooth!  I couldn't get a pic of the tooth, but you gotta love these cheeks!

Sibling Love:

 She LOVES to make him laugh...

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Month 10

On 11/15, Asher's second tooth popped through!

This month, Asher got better at giving himself water.  And on 11/23, I let him handle a prune pouch on his own.  He chugged it! 

On 11/24, we did away with the baby tub and Asher had his first bath in the bathtub!  He LOVED it!

On 11/25, we flew to California for Thanksgiving.  The kids did well on the flight despite our super late arrival time!

The next day, we finally got to meet cousin Jace!  Can you tell they're related? :)

When we got back home to Washington, we set up Christmas!  Can't believe Asher's first Christmas is around the corner.  It reminds me of the joy of Maya's first Christmas...I can't wait!

Meeting Santa at "Santa Story Time" at University Book Store on 12/11.  Like sissy, he's not a big fan.

Can't believe we're 2 months from ONE!

2 weeks in...

We made it to Washington!  It's been a little more than two weeks since Maya and I anxiously boarded our one way flight out of San Jose and off to Seattle!  The last two weeks have been a bit blury, but it's finally starting to sink in that we are not just visiting Mill Creek, we live here!  It's still a little crazy to say. 

Fortunately, I kept my weather expectations fairly low, so the last week of rain (in JUNE!) isn't terribly disappointing and I'm actually finding that I'm not only ok, I think I really LIKE it!  I LOVE our neighborhood, our house, our area in general.  It's absolutely gorgeous and I can't get enough of the beautiful scenery I get to wake up to every morning.

From the front porch

The view from our bedroom...a little grey, but pretty awesome!

The best part of all is living so close to Deanna, Paul and the boys...they are literally a short walk away!  My sister-in-law is an absolute Godsend.  I'm not sure how I could have handled this transition without her.  It is such a blessing for Maya and I to be able to see her and the boys almost everyday!  I LOVE it and I love her so much for being so available, helpful and generous as we find our way in our new town.  I love that Maya is able to see her cousins so often and little Isaac in particular absolutely loves her and dotes on her constantly.  It's one of the sweetest things you'll ever see and totally melts my heart.

cousin love...

giving auntie and great big wet kissie!

I'm so thankful God has a perfect plan for our life even if it's not the one we saw coming.  I know He has good things for us here and I'm excited to see it all unfold.

I haven't taken many pictures yet, but I'll definitely try to get more soon!

Stutzman family news...

After years of prayer, my sister-in-law and her family are trusting God and answering His call by... 

Adopting from Ethiopia!!  

I'm beyond excited and cannot wait to meet my new niece or nephew.  It's such an exciting time and I'm so inspired to see God working in their life!

You can read their story and follow their journey on her blog!  They've also started fundraising efforts and you can purchase super cute totes, clutches and wristlets to support their adoption.  I already bought a wristlet and I'm pretty sure I'll be getting a few more as gifts!  

Hope you are inspired and blessed by their awesome journey!

Papa...

My dad is able to come and visit Maya a few days a week.  We normally wait for him at the door when he arrives and she gets so excited to see Papa as he walks up to the house.  It wasn't the easiest road, but his time and persistence is paying off and she's finally becoming more comfortable.  I am so thankful!  He often takes her outside to explore and I love seeing her listen and learn.  Here's a few pics from yesterday's visit...

Learning to smell the flowers...this became a "snotty" experience, but she tried!

checking out the bees in the bush....

He makes her laugh....

and she does the same :)

These two are becoming buddies and it makes my heart smile :)