Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

So I thought I should probably get a move on in posting the pictures from Christmas since his birthday will be here before I know it. I just sent out his invitations, I can't believe how quickly time flies!

So Asher's first Christmas was absolutely wonderfully perfect. He took an awesome nap on Christmas Eve which was going to be questionable since he'd had such a hard week. His cold seemed to be on its way out and he slept Wednesday night great and didn't wake up until 7:30 on Thursday. So, we skipped the morning nap in hopes for a better afternoon nap and PTL, it worked. He woke up so happy and feeling great. Dinner was wonderful. We had a couple of old traditional Gruber (my mom's family) dishes and one of David's request that he remembered from his childhood. All of it was great. Asher enjoyed dinner too. He especially liked the kidney bean salad. After dinner we opened presents which Asher did with no problem at all. I guess all the catalog page ripping paid off because he ripped the paper open just fine.

Christmas morning was great too. Asher slept great again and his cold seemed to be gone all together. We had our traditional homemade Monkey bread and bacon and scrambled eggs. Granny and Papa came back up and Asher had a couple of more presents to open. He loved playing with all his new toys. Then off to the Perea/Mascari Christmas. It was great. Asher got to play with all his cousins which he loved and even hung on the couch with Uncle Craig to watch the Chargers pounce all over TN. An absolutely wonderful day.

Asher kind of had Christmas 4 days in row. The day after Christmas we headed down to Grams for lunch. He loves going to Grams, she has such fun toys. He loves the alphabet pal she bought him and pulls it all around to the house. We had a wonderful lunch at Brett's BBQ, yummy!! On the way home we stopped by Granny and Papa's so Asher could see the train under the tree before they took it down. He loved it. He probably would have sat and watched go round forever.

Finally back home on Sunday, Asher got to open a present from the Mascari family, he had already gone to bed on Christmas day by the time we opened gifts. How awesome, a t-ball set. He picked up that bat and ball and was ready for play.

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful gifts. We are so blessed by wonderful family and friends. We love you all and are so thankful for the village we have to help us in raising our son(s). We love you! Happy New Year!

A Very Merry Un-Birthday to you, to you...

Are you singing it with me? Anyway, today Asher is 11 months old, my oh my blink and he will be a year old. I just can't believe it. As you have read, he is walking now and starting to run a little or at least walk real fast. He is louder than ever, certain that is NOT a Perea trait. He has been pointing at things for weeks now which has made the Christmas season even more special for me. The past few weeks he brings us books and wants to sit in our lap and be read too - precious. We read, Clifford, Where is the big red doggie at least 20 times a day, no joke. About 2 weeks ago, I noticed I didn't even look at the words anymore, yikes. He brings us thing when we ask him for them, like go get the ball or bring me this or that. He gives kisses - when he feels like it. He is very opinionated, again probably NOT a Perea trait. We are having so much fun. He chases David through the house now. He is slowing phasing out of the 18 month clothes in into 2T - oh my. I can't believe how much he has grown.

Things around here have been quite chaotic the past few weeks. My mom had hip replacement surgery, so a lot of time down there and away from home. Then I got a cold. Being pregnant, I can't take much to help with the symptoms and Saturday night I thought for sure I was going to die. Doing better now and seem to be on the mend, but I am very behind. We tried to do a home Christmas picture, ya right, so lucky for me we were able to have an appointment first thing in the morning. So hang tight, our Christmas card will arrive but maybe real close to Christmas.

Next stop...Christmas, the desert and THEN ASHER'S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!

PS. We hope to have some 3D pictures of Asher's soon to be brother Isaac, stay tuned!

Desert Trip before Thanksgiving

We had a great time. The weather was perfect. We camped at a different spot which was nice, a little far from the dunes, but great still! The kids are getting better and better every year on the quads. Bear just loves the berm tracks, it makes David wonder how she doesn't get dizzy. The two older boys, Nick and Jake caught some air this trip. We are very much looking forward to after Christmas.

It was quite the monumental trip for Asher...he took his first steps on Sunday, Nov. 22nd. Kind of a b-day present for cousin Nick. I was the only one who saw it, but he then performed for Nikki, Leslie, Selah and Kendra. Finally on Monday, Daddy got to see him walk. He has been walking ever since more and more every day. I will post some walking pictures soon. Also, while we were there, he learned how to stack his blocks. A lot of you know, he just wouldn't have it if his blocks were stuck together and if there were any stuck on his piano. Yeah, not any more. He stacks them up.

The last night was hard, no sleep at all, but overall a great trip. Couldn't have been that bad if I am ready to go out again.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...a week late :-)
So Thanksgiving was fun. We went to Grams house for a couple hours. Uncle Mike and Aunt Tess came in from Colorado for the holiday. It was our first time meeting Tess and their 'kids'. The big horse of a dog and the other shepherd looking dog were theirs. The little black and white dog is Grams. Asher thought the dogs were great, he especially enjoyed one of their rawhides. The other little boy is Erik, Uncle Allan and Aunt Ej's son. The boys are about 6 months apart. We had a wonderful time visiting. We were able to hang with them Wednesday night and again on Thursday. Then off to Granny and Papa's for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving dinner is my most favorite meal of the year and being pregnant I enjoy and crave it all that much more. I woke up Friday morning and all I could think about was Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed potatos and Gravy on it all. Yummy!!!!!!!!!! I will post our desert picks next. It was quite the monumental trip, if I do say.

10 MONTHS OLD...OH MY!

I can't believe how time has gone by so quickly and that our little guy is getting so big. It must just be the angle of the picture, but check out those feet, yikes! I probably should start collecting shoe hand-me-downs now. He is busy, busy, busy all the time. He will be walking in no time I am sure. He walks every opportunity he has with us and on the furniture and now the walls. He still only has 5 teeth, but it seems he is working on some more. We have an over abundance of drool and he is just like a puppy and wants to put everything in his mouth to chew on, even the furniture. Life has been pretty hectic this month. With David's unexpected schedule change and trying to keep the plans we had on the calendar, life has been full. We are very thankful for his job and the abundance of work that seems to come his way when the rest of the shop is dead, so the inconvenience of the schedule, we have just adjusted to for this month. Friday we head out to Ogilby for 5 days with my brothers kids and Asher, looking forward to doing nothing. Oh, wait, I am a mom of a toddler, yikes, nothing to do no matter where I am is not in the cards. Oh, well, the change of scenery and the friends will be wonderful. Asher will get to eat sand on this trip I am sure of it and plans to take a quad ride or two. We are also going to try and hook up his wagon to a quad for rides, we'll see how that goes. Daddy isn't too sure about that one. Stay tuned for pictures, but probably not right away since we get home right before Thanksgiving and then want to get up the Christmas decorations right away since my mom will be going in for hip replacement surgery on the 2nd. I am a little worn out just writing it all down. As one of our favorite pastors always says, "I have to hurry." Gotta run!




This one is on his actual 10 month birthday, we were at my moms for her retirement party. I think he looks a lot like my brother as a baby/toddler in this picture.

Our Little Monkey!









So, our plans for Halloween night were a little thwarted when the little man woke up from his nap crabby and crabbed the rest of the afternoon/evening. We were able to make a stop at the Morrison's to show the cousins our little monkey and stopped by a neighbors house to say hi, but that was about it. Asher is still working on getting his second big top tooth and is now working on his second set of bottom teeth, so although he is generally happy all the time, he has his teething moments. David and I also were crabbing that night after receiving some bummer news at his job. Nothing major, PTL, but just a bummer. It was sweet to get some pictures at least. Next year will be different of course, Asher a year older and a new sibling in the mix. We will see...

Asher's First Pumpkin Patch Experience

So, yesterday we took a drive into David's old stomping grounds of Valley Center, CA. We tease and laugh that I married a farmer and he married a snobby city girl. I love my farmer, he is patient and laid back and teaches me how to lay back and enjoy life at a slower pace. I have to say how adorable it was to listen to David point out to our 9 month old, his house, where he worked, this used to be a store, and so on. I love so many things about my husband, but one of them is that he is MY Farmer!! Anyway, the day was cold and we went after Asher's afternoon nap, so we didn't arrive until 4pm and it was cold and breezy. BUT, oh so fun!! Asher's strong, momma pleasing Daddy rolled to great pumpkins next to a corn stock for a picture op. Then we went up to play with the hay and smaller pumpkins. Asher wasn't too pleased sitting in the hay (the city 1/2 of him, I'm sure), but thought he better taste it anyway. We went up to the store to buy some feed for the animals. My back was really bothering me yesterday, so I had David take the pictures since I couldn't really move or bend, but, YUCK!!! that meant I had to feed the animals for Asher - oh a momma's sacrafical love!! Yes, YUCK, I got goat dirt boogers on my hand! We think Asher got a kick out of it though, he had quite the smile on his face the whole time. Last we went back for some pictures with the cut outs. The one of the boy with the baseball glove and red hat was actually part of a family, but we were too cold and didn't have anyone to take our picture and hold Asher up, so we just took the picture of the boy. We can't wait to do it again next year. We did find a great pumpkin and will be carving with my brother's family on Friday. I can't wait until Friday, the kids have minimum day, so Auntie will be picking them all up and having a fun little project to do that afternoon before we carve at their house. I love the traditions of the holidays and the fun family time it provides!!
On a family note...stay tuned, our big ultrasound is next Friday, Nov. 6th. I don't know when I will have time to post that day because will have the kids that day for a sleep over, then roll ups in the morning, and then our couples bible study kick off that night. So, I will try and post the ultra sound pictures when I have a moment.

9 Months Old...1 week late :-(

So here are Asher's 9 month pictures. It seems like the computer is the last thing I make time for these days. Besides regular family stuff, we are starting to really get involved with our new church and making family and friends time a priority, so computer is just not onthe list right now. Plus, I try very hard to nap when Asher naps in the afternoon to provide a semi-fresh wife for my fabulous husband when he gets home from work. Needless to say, I am a week late posting these, but enjoy. He is growing so fast. He had his 9 month check up last week and continues to be in the 90th percentile for height and weight. He weighs 25 pounds and is 30 inches long. He is currently in 18 month clothing and growing out of them as we speak.

Just this morning was the first time I didn't have to carry him upstairs. It took us a little bit, but he climbed them all by himself. It was nice not to be winded upon reaching the top. I seem to be out of breath a lot with this prenancy. The doctor says things are just moved up and squishing my lungs.

I have a feeling he will be walking before he is 10 months. He walks with us and stands on his own.

Please pray for David, Asher and his 4 babysitters this weekend. I will be at our church's women's retreat. I am nervous, but know 1st of all he is in the best of hands, the Lord's, and second in the most capable and loving hands, his baby sitters. David works Friday and Saturday, so I did baby sitters in shifts. Friday afternoon 1-6:30, Saturday is 6:30-10, 10-2 and 2-5:30. Asher (and David and I) are so blessed to have such loving willing arms. You know who you are and we love you all very much!!

We hope to make it to a pumpkin patch next week, I will try to post pictures. Til then...


I was taking the pictures by myself and just lucked out snapping this one, he was heading off the end of the chair and I must have snapped the picture just before I reached out to stop him.


As many of you have seen, this is one of Asher's favorite faces these days. He gets so excited about everything, and this is how he looks. Most of the time his feet and hands are going around in circles while he makes this face. We love it!

Almost 9 Months Old and sooooo cute!

So, it has been awhile since my last post. Busy, busy, busy, my brothers kids are back in school and I still get to pick up Lauren 1 day a week since she gets out earlier than her brothers, T-Bone is in fall ball and Asher is growing and advancing so fast. Today he starting standing on his own for long periods. He has 3 teeth and the last one is right there and will hopefully poke through very soon. I have had to make a couple of necessary clothing purchases recently and here of some of the pictures we took while testing the fit of one of his new hats. The stair picture is when Asher first decided that the bottom 2 stairs weren't enough for him. He since has climbed all the way to the top landing. He is very proficient at going up and down the bottom 2 and knows that he has to turn around to get down without falling...he has had to learn the hard way a couple of times, but is very smart and catches on so quickly. Tomorrow we go for his 9 month check up, I will post the stats with his 9 month picture on Wednesday. Enjoy and laugh a little, they are pretty funny, those cheeks!!

IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, NO, IT'S SUPER ASHER!

So, Asher is just motoring around everywhere these days. He has since discovered the stairs, so I have to put the gate up unless he and I are practicing go and up and down. You may remember, we went to Magic Mountain earlier this spring and picked up this little onsie for Asher. On one of the arms it says, "Baby of Steel" we just thought this was so cute. With him standing you can see the cape and everything.

8 MONTHS OLD ... TODAY!

So, as many of you know, we are expecting our 2nd baby, so yes, I am pregnant. The posts have been few and far between since the past 2 1/2 months I have been sick and tired all the time. But, PTL, the 2nd trimester is beginning and the sick and tired is starting to be less and less. So with that being said, here is Asher's 8 month picture. He is getting so big. He currently is wearing 18 month size clothes, has 2 teeth, crawls and is pulling himself up on stuff. The last pictures is the first time he pulled himself up just before David and I left for a couple's retreat, as if to say look, I don't want you to miss this one.

Starrs in CA - YEAH!
So the Starr Jr.s arrived in CA late Wednesday night or should I say early Thursday AM, but nothing kept us from getting together. We went over to the condo where they are staying Thursday late afternoon for a visit and then headed off to dinner at In and Out. Denver doesn't have In and Out, so we knew this would be a treat. I didn't have a chance to take many pictures at dinner - In and Out is one meal I seem to be able to eat, enjoy and keep down these days, so I was very into eating. But here a few pics we took that day. It was such a blessing to just sit around and chat and laugh together. We soooooo have missed the Starr Jr. family. I think it is funny to see Asher's face in some of the pictures - he is so concentrating on the kids and the big kid too with the monkey.






I don't know who is cuter here...

Levi could take or leave the cheeseburger...he left it, but he sure loved the tomato from his momma's burger!

Owen has gotten so big and is more handsome than ever...we loved his new hair cut with the wave action in the front.

Hey Rose, I think that one is worth more than 5 cents...don't you?