Surprise Jake S!

We had fun at Famous Dave's BBQ the other night for Jake's surprise birthday "gathering". I thought I'd post a couple of cute pics that came out of that evening...

Fat Cats Festivities

Ash decided that we should invite some of his best friends out for a night of fun! This night included yummy, kid and parent-friendly, Pizza Factory for some bread twists, pizza and pink lemonade...and coke for Emma.

(Jake wins for best facial expression)

Next, the bowling extravaganza began...since you can't go to the Pizza Factory and Fat Cats without going bowling!

This picture was too cute to let the bad focus keep me from posting it :)

Then, we finished our night at the arcade! There were multiple opportunities for some other great pictures that included Jake and Daniel at the boxing booth, Zachary and Anthany riding the bullet bikes, and Ashton walking up the skeeball lanes...However, our camera gave up on us and all we got was this...

It was a night to remember and we'll be doing it again soon! Thanks for the fun!

Promise to not Laugh...

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea???

Ashton is constantly producing laughs from his friends and family. This time may have not been something he was purposely trying for, but nonetheless. These are his P.J.'s. He had them on ready to go see daddy, and since he was leaving he needed to wear shoes...and mom always tries to coordinate colors. The best part about this fun outfit is that when Ashy is producing his big cheesy grin, there is quite the resemblance to the yellow sponge himself! Chick-lit teeth are so cute! Hehe!

Sorry Ash...momma loves you!

"Spiderman, Spiderman...

...pulled down his pants and away he ran!"

From the front view of Ashton's super cool Spiderman P.J.'s I had no clue what I was about to see when he turned away and ran from me!!!

Why do boys love to show off their naked bums??

Easter in Duck Creek

This year Easter was spent in Duck Creek with cousins and their kids from Las Vegas. There ended up being 4 adults to 10 kids... The benefit to this is that for the most part, the children keep each other entertained, which allows for the adults to make meals, chat and help out the Easter Bunny.

Here they all are anxiously waiting on the stairs for
the easter egg hunt to begin!

...and they're off!

Ashton, however, quickly realized that quitting the
search to eat candy was a much better idea!

The children were lucky to have tall adults there...
the Easter Bunny was sneaky!

Duck Creek is the place to be for a fun Easter get away! Anthany may not agree with that statement, but all in all we had a GREAT time with those energy-filled kids! Hope to go there again soon! We missed you Emma!

Messin' Around

Hide and Seek Anyone? I can count to 3!

But be careful, I peek!

I love being teased and teasing others!

Cutest Boy Ever!

We're Making a Come Back!

Boy how time flies! It seems like just TODAY that I was holding my little, chubby baby Ash! So long ago, so naive to what bringing this new life into the world would entail. But I will say that despite the challenges that come with this little man, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Ashton is doing so well these days! He is now in early intervention pre-school where he goes each week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3pm. His first day of school was great! He walked in and straight away found the toys, followed by getting up into the child-sized chair to sit at the table. His teacher, Mickel, also comes to the house twice a month for some one on one time. He loves to play with her, but gets frustrated at times because she makes him work hard! He is such a big boy!

Before therapy began, Ashton was diagnosed with mild autism. His characteristics included: not making eye contact with others, not responding to his name, no attempts to communicate verbally or with his eyes, fascination with the mechanics of toys and other things (i.e. spinning the wheels of cars, repeatedly flipping the light switch on and off), gross motor skill delays, lack of interest in other children, tantruming including head banging, over-stimulation in large crowds or in new situations, unexplained irritableness, no desire for affection, as well as self stimulating sensory behaviors. However, listing those traits now doesn't even seem like the same Ash that I know today!

Ashton started home therapy this last October. Then once he turned 2 years old he was eligible to begin school. Since then he has improved tremendously! This is constantly being mentioned to me from the friends and family that only see him occasionally. I see it as well. He has learned some sign language, and despite his frustration with having to communicate with his chubby little hands, he still tries and will on command. He loves to interact and play with others, he mimics others, he loves to play with his cars, draw, and watch TV...still, he now responds to his name when he wants to, he takes me around the house to show me his wants, he has his own type of communication that only a mom could understand...and I do, he makes eye contact and communicates well with them, he gets so excited to be in an area with lots of people, and best of all...he loves to cuddle with me, tease me and give me kisses, something that I was told he may never do.

In a nut shell, I love my Ash and he loves his Mommy!