The Hufana's: January 2010

When we went to Ashlyn's 12 month appointment (it seems so long ago) in November, her pediatrician asked us if she was using a spoon yet. It really caught me off guard because I had no idea she should even be attempting "things" like that. **Please keep in mind Aaron and I have absolutey ZERO experience with babies, so we have no idea what Ash "should" or "should not" be doing. I was too busy being impressed with myself and patting myself on the back that I had weened her off the bottle (thank goodness!!!).

So after leaving the ped's office I thought about what she said (it was such a minor part of our conversation, but it struck a major chord with me I guess), and I bought some toddler spoons and applesauce cups. I had no expectations except a huge mess to clean-up, but she did awesome! She knew exactly what she was supposed to do with the spoon! By the time Christmas rolled around she was really getting the hang of it so it was fun to show off her new "talent." This girl continues to amaze me everyday!

Christmas this year was amazing! I think it brought the whole "magical" aspect of the holidays back to Aaron and I. We were so giddy on Christmas Eve getting Ashlyn's presents ready, I felt like a kid again!
What a difference a year makes. This wasn't Ashlyn's first Christmas. Last year she was only 4 weeks old so she pretty much slept, ate, and pooped her way through the holidays! Not that last year wasn't special---it was more than that--but to see your child excited, smiling, and laughing on Christmas morning when they wake up is what Christmas is all about! I'll admit she was probably more excited about the wrapping paper and boxes than all the clothes, toys, and shoes she got, but the point is that they are excited and happy!

Christmas Eve we spent in Seattle at Nan's (Aaron's Grandma). This has been a tradition since Aaron was a little kid so it is really important to him and I that we celebrate Christmas Eve up there with his family. When we got home from Nan's, Aaron and I transported Ashlyn from her carseat to her crib (I even changed her diaper and she didn't wake up!). Then we got down to business! For those of you who haven't been around my daughter too much, she is an animal! She loves to climb anything and everything. It was really starting to stress me out when I would walk into a room and find my 11 month old standing on top of a storage bin and clapping for herself. So I bought her a climb and slide for Christmas. All the reviews talked about their "dare devil" kids and "climb-aholics," but I felt myself relating to their stories so I bought it. Best investment ever!!!! She climbed up that thing as soon as she saw it! I was a little worried at first when we put it up because it was more of a rock wall type thing than a step ladder, but she scaled up it like she had done it a million times before. I am so proud, but so scared if she keeps this kind of pace up! Yikes!

Christmas morning was the best! Ash slept in until 8:00 (ahhhh), then we got up and watched her go crazy with her girfts. After that we headed over to Evan and Kimmys for breakfast and to have the "Hufana" Christmas. The twins were napping when we got there and Ash wasted no time dving into their stocking stuffers! Evan and Kimmy made a yummy breakfast and Easton and Kamryn decided to make their appearance while we were all eating breakfast.

After breakfast we came home and put Ashlyn down for a nap. She was wiped out by the crazy fun-filled morning. Aaron and I would have loved to take a nap too, but we had family coming over for dinner and needed to clean up the house ASAP! Aaron's mom, dad, and Grandma came over for dinner, along with my dad and our good friend Rian. We ate too much, relaxed, played games, and enjoyed watching Ashlyn play with all of her new toys.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoys a happy, healthy, and wonderful new year!

Here are some pictures from Christmas...Enjoy!

Felix, keeping me company while I wrapped presents. He didn't appreciate the bow I put around him!