Turtleneck

Ashlyn wore her first turtleneck today and I thought she looked pretty cute in so I took some pictures to share. All those first time events you just gotta take pictures of! Oh, and then there's the posing picture as the turtleneck was coming off.

I'm 4 months old today

Happy 4 months and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

We had an interesting Christmas morning, in the hotel room, but it is Christmas nonetheless. We had a few presents to open, but mostly we just relaxed and enjoyed the day together. We're heading to a squadron party shortly. Merry Christmas!

Worn out

Here's the nap in between all our events of the day:

Christmas Eve

We had a few visitors today, went to our sponsor's house for an awesome dinner, then went to the candlelight service at the chapel. In between all these events, Ashlyn caught a few moments of sleep and posed for a few photos. Thanks great-auntie June for the Christmas outfits!

Santa Visits Atsugi-Kichi

As we were leaving base for the train, we ran into Santa outside the McDonald's who agreed to a picture with little A; she was very tired and not as enthused as her parents were to take her first pic with Santa.

A little bit of shopping

It was such a beautiful day that we couldn't stay inside the hotel room, so we jumped on the train a few stops to a very cool mall, complete with an Outback Steakhouse and Starbucks!

First Piece of Art

One benefit to the CDC (Child Dev'l Center) is that they do artwork with the kids every week, even the infants! This is A's first chance to express herself, through her hands and foot.

Daddy's Little Bozo

We bought this cute onesie this summer at an arts festival and she's big enough now to wear it. Even though she looks a little like a boy, we couldn't resist a chance to have her show who her daddy is (and don't worry, those red lines on her legs are just sock lines).

At the Sushi-Go-Round

I like chopsticks too!

Splish Splash

Ashlyn is loving her baths these days as she kicks and splashes in the water (couldn't upload the video due to "nakedness" laws of posting on the web :)

Making Faces with Daddy

Field Trip Completed

What a fabulous day! We ventured out into the train system with the class for a few stops, just to get our feet wet, but then we set out on our own, down to the coastal city of Kamakura and we discovered a charming city filled with ancient shrines and temples. We had no problems navigating the trains and are even learning a few Konji signs (man in front of the mirror sign gets us back to base, lady with the big dress gets going west from base, etc).  Ashlyn did great today and only fussed a few times which was easily fixed by allowing her to sit frontwards so she could see the world around her. She was fascinated by the people, sounds, and lights she saw today. She's already a world traveler!

Field Trip Tomorrow

We are heading out for our field trip with the fellow participants in the culture class that we've been taking this week. The first half is acquainting us with the train system and the second half is on our own, so we are heading south to Kamakura (pronounced "ka-ma-koo-ra), which is i think on the water. We'll be sure to take pictures and get them posted tomorrow!

Movin'

So I put Ashlyn to bed last night in the crib in the normal length-wise position and this morning when I went to get her (almost 12 hours later by the way), she had managed to turn herself 90 degrees to be across the crib the short way. Next thing I know she'll be flipping over!

Monkeying Around

A fun day in the gym - Ashlyn is loving her little animal friends, grabbing them and kicking like crazy! I tried about 5 times to upload a video of this, but it just won't work. Will have to try again later.

We're Here!!

We finally made it to our new residence. Hunter ended up not making it onto the military flight so Ashlyn and I went solo and he joined us a day and $1200 later. At least we're now together, in our little Navy Lodge room, settling in. We're about ready to head to the sushi-go-round just out the front gate (walking of course because we can't buy a car until we get our license which requires a week's worth of classes). The tree was compliments of our wonderful sponsors.

Lost amidst the suitcases

Ashlyn was placed in the "suitcase" room, lost amidst the chaos. Good thing we found her and didn't pack her up!

Packing up and shipping outw

Well, the movers have come and gone and the house is empty. Ashlyn did wonderfully during the process. She just hung out amidst the boxes and even on them! She's also borrowing a cool new "camping" bed to sleep in and she loves playing with window flaps inside. What a blessing she is as she just goes wherever we go (which is in a hotel right now) and is content as long we are together as a family!

Daddy's home!

Hunter finally came home after almost 2 1/2 months out at sea. After a long day of mover's overtaking the house, he and Ashlyn needed a nap. 

I can control my hands!

Ashlyn is discovering how to use her hands - in the video you can see her "hitting" the monkey to make it move. Later on, she started talking to the monkey too!

Another Auntie Visits

Auntie Mel is visiting for the week!

Talk to the Mommy

We had a great conversation this afternoon post-nap. Ashlyn was telling me all about her dreams, which must have been very serious!

Up, Up and Away!

Ashlyn got her first "airplane" ride today! I think she was a little apprehensive about it at first, but ended up enjoying it (she didn't cry at least). Her daddy would be so proud! (The dogs were acting as her safety net)

Happy Halloween!

My little

"Love Bug"

At the Lake

We went up to Lake Padden while Auntie Laura was here - what a GORGEOUS fall day that was! I could really get used to these sunny days!

My Auntie Laura

Auntie Laura is visiting for the week and has a wonderful ability to make Ashlyn smile and talk, which she is doing so much more of recently!

My first big playdate

We got to 'play' with baby Emery and baby Raely yesterday. Getting 3 newborns to pose for a picture to document the event, when you're trying to get them to sit and "stay," is hysterical!

Watching My Daddy

Hunter sent us a video of him reading to Ashlyn. When we watched it, Ashlyn was captivated by it and wouldn't take her eyes off the screen!

Little Pumpkin

A smile is worth a thousand words

Ashlyn has started smiling in response to smiles and we were actually able to capture it on video! She makes all those late night/early morning awake times worth it just to see those little dimples, if even for just a few fleeting moments.

Sleep, baby, sleep

Sleeping hard after an exciting weekend away at the Women's Retreat. Perhaps a bit too much stimulation for Ashlyn, but a wonderful weekend for mom. There were many eager arms willing to relieve mine and what a blessing that was!

I'm growing big!!

"Little" Ashlyn is now

7 1/2 pounds and 20 1/2 inches! And her tummy is expanding daily!

My daddy loves me!

Thank you Lisa for getting my blog set up!! Now I just have to figure out how it actually works!

Baby Jubilee

Hi Daddy!

You N Me Plus Ashlyn Make Three!