Bursting at the seams!

If my heart had stitches it would have surely popped a few by now. Our hearts are so very full of joy. Our home is so very full of laughter. Our family is so very full of thanksgiving. The Father continues to bless us with another and another and another day to make memories with our tiny gherkin. Ashley brings with her a joy that is contagious and immeasurable.

Last night our baby pickle chose to laugh and clap and play until 4:00 a.m. I laughed so hard at her silliness and her antics. It seemed as though she were mocking the very fact that her parents are now old and require a little sleep. She would only tolerate our eyes closing for a mere second before she would begin to giggle and squeal so loud that we had to peek. The peeking at her caused more laughter and SNORTING to spill out of this ornery baby. I talked. I explained. I pleaded with her to go to sleep. Each time she would reply with a very definite shaking of her head "No" and this would tickle her all the more leading to more laughter. I picked her up out of her crib around 3:30 so I could kiss her on the head and gently explain how very tired her mommy was. Her reply? The loudest, ugliest, manliest BURP you have ever heard. Yes, I have managed to raise a princess who can burp as loud as her daddy. That my friends takes talent. I laughed so hard at her I thought I was going to choke. Somewhere between 4:00 and 4:15 this morning she laughed herself to sleep. As tired as I was the joy in my heart could not be contained as I laid there and smiled in the dark.

This afternoon Ash has been up to her antics again. She loves to beat her daddy on the head. He lays down in front of her each time he comes home so that she might "show" him how very much she loves him. Today she added the sweetest thing I have ever seen to their routine. After hitting his head with both of her hands she began to lean her head in and rest it on his while holding the sides of his face with her hands. It was a real and genuine HUG. She did it over and over again. There is no mistaking her gesture. She had figured out how to hug her daddy all on her own. I promise I will snap a picture of it and post it as soon as I can. My heart was bursting at the seams!

The day only gets better and better. This evening Ash was laying on the bed watching baseball with Blake when she decided to ROLL herself over. Can you believe it? We are thrilled! We have spent close to 2 years working on this skill and she finally did it. Not only did she do it, but she did it all by herself with no prompting from anyone. We are so excited and are so thankful to see her getting stronger and stronger. God has blessed us with a wonderful day.

Her infection is healing. The site is still sore, but it looks much, much better and her ornery attitude shows us that she is feeling much better. I can't thank you enough for all of your prayers this week. It has definitely been a long one, but it has been packed full of God's grace. Your presence has made such a difference in my heart.

Allie is busy painting her art pieces this weekend for all those who would like to have one. She will enclose a photo of herself and Ashley along with a card sharing her heart with you and her appreciation for your love for her baby sister. She is so excited to make them for you. You are welcome to leave an e-mail address for us to contact you about them or you may also send your requests to the address on the front page of Ashely's story. Either way will be fine until we get them up and running on e-bay(thanks for the idea!). Your support is so touching and she can't believe people actually like her idea. You guys are so great. Take care and enjoy your evening. You are loved. Trish