Ashley's Story

She will leave fingerprints all over your heart

1/03/2008

What do you do?

What do you do when she's just too cute to correct? We have a lot of trouble on our hands. It seems that each and every day she gets a little cuter and a little naughtier. This little pickle knows she's cute and she also knows exactly what she's doing. We are really enjoying being home. She and I laugh and play all day long. I think she's the cutest thing I've ever seen.

This afternoon she decided to try and chew holes through her feeding tube. All the while I am telling her that its a no, no. She grins, giggles, and shakes her head no, no right back at me each and every time I correct her. She thinks its a teether. One of these days she's going to get a mouth full of that nasty formula and then I bet she'll think twice before biting into it again. Today she began locking it into her teeth and pulling it so hard with her hands that it actually snapped back at her. I don't know what to do with her. Once I got her occupied with something else she quickly found another way to be naughty. She knows she is not allowed to scratch and pull at her ostomy appliance. Usually when she starts this behavior we know she would like it to be changed, but today I knew it didn't need changing and so did she. She had this twinkle in her eye and this smile on her face that told me she was just out to cause a little trouble. I was trying to work on something while sitting behind her on the couch and she was supposed to be resting on her pallet. Instead she decided to make her mommy entertain her by jumping up and down off the couch. I must have gotten up 20 something times and each time I would reach her to remove her hand she would stop and start to giggle. I don't know what to do with her. She has these rosy cheeks and these twinkly eyes that just melt my heart. If you start walking towards her she starts waving at you like you she hasn't seen you in months. If I ask her a question she shrugs her shoulders like she doesn't know. Even though she is behaving quite naughty I can't seem to stop laughing at how her little mind works. I'm just so glad to have her home. She is a very happy baby and she keeps us smiling.


Tomorrow we are going on a little road trip to pick up Blake and Al. Ash is going to be so happy. She loves to go bye, bye. She reaches for the door constantly and every time someone comes into the house she tells them she wants to go bye, bye by waving her little hands. I can't wait for the kids to get home. They have had a great time with their cousins and we have had a great time giving Ashley Kate all of our attention, but we have missed Blake and Allie. I have been counting down the days and tomorrow morning is almost here. We are so excited about the start of basketball season. Both of the kids have their first games on Saturday and Dave and I can't wait. Basketball is my personal favorite. I played for years and years and then coached for 10 years before Ash was born. In our house basketball is just a "fill in" sport between Blake's baseball seasons and Allies soccer season's, but they are both really good at it. So each winter mom gets her basketball fix and the kids get a workout during their off seasons. Ash won't get to attend the games this year, but I am sure she will have a great time playing with her nan at home.

Only a few more days of winter vacation and then the schedules pick back up, school begins, and Ashley's appointments start to take off again. Dave and I have really enjoyed this week of lazy evenings here in the house. We have had long talks, enjoyed watching a few movies, cuddled on the couch, rocked and played with our baby gherkin, and gotten back into the habit of living our life together again. It has been such a gift. We are so blessed and so thankful for everything the Lord has done in our family.


My posts have been a little slow in coming lately, but I want to let you know how very much we appreciate all of your prayers. Your time here and your words of encouragement bless my heart so very much. I honestly don't know if we could have walked this road without you. Your presence has meant the world to me and I just wanted to say Thank you for loving our Ashley Kate. Enjoy your evening and may God bless. Trish

20 Comments:

At 5:54 PM , Blogger Sunshine said...

Can I just say thank you for such a sweet, sweet comment the other day. It made a very hard day easier - thank you. This post made my heart smile. I just grinned and grinned and am SO incredibly blessed by your family and getting to have a front row seat watching God work and move on your behalf. You are a precious woman of God and I pray that as life picks back up to normal with appointments and such that you know you are being prayed for and loved from afar! May God continue to pour out His blessings upon you and may He fill you to overflowing with His spirit. Sunshine

 
At 6:00 PM , Blogger Laurie in Ca. said...

Trish,

You are so very sweet and generous to keep posting and letting us know how things are getting back to normal. I am glad that it is you and not me having to keep this little imp in line!! It sure sounds to me that she is feeling her wings sprout and is loving every minute of it. I'll be praying for you:) You have no idea how my heart soars to know you are home and getting your lives back together. And Dave must be beside himself to have the two of you back home with him. May the Lord continue blessing your socks off in this new year of thanksgiving. I have so enjoyed praying for Ashley and watching God work His Stuff!! He is so wonderful.

Love you much, Laurie in Ca.

 
At 6:11 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so thrilled you all are getting back to normal! That is such good news. I know your children are so happy to have mommy home. I hope your days of the new year continue to be uneventful!

 
At 6:26 PM , Blogger Shari said...

Trish--the pics were adorable. My favorite one is of her in her "bones" outfit. It makes me giggle. I am praying for an uneventful 2008 for you. I so appreciate your posts and the blessing you are to others. I know you have taught many a person lessons through Ash's story. Jesus knows exactly who needs each post each day. Know I pray, love, and think of you from afar daily.

Shari

 
At 6:52 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know you will be delighted when you get Blake and Allie home, but oh the great time you and Dave have had while they were away. I know that it has been so wonderful just being with "your man" and your best friend and having him all to yourself.
Of course, then there is little Ashley, but I could just picture you two snuggled up watching movies, talking and getting your life back to normal. It brought a smile to my face because our Great Heavenly Father has answered soooo many prayers that have been lifed up to Him for you and your family. I know He will continue to bless you and keep you close to Him in this coming year.
Safe travel to and from Oklahoma tomorrow.
Love and prayers~~~Janiece

 
At 7:23 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Trish,
I am so happy that you are home now and that your biggest concerns about Ash right now are her feisty nature and cuteness:) What a joy to know that your life has slowed to a normal pace and your mind is on home...Don't you worry about the slower posts. For those of us who have prayed along with you, they bring smiles. For we know that life is good with the Adams family...
Still praying for a healthy year!
Courtney

 
At 7:24 PM , Blogger missy said...

I am so happy for you, words can't begin to express! I can feel the joy come through your posts and the pictures bless my heart so much!

I am praising God for the wonderful year ahead for you, Ashley, and the rest of your beautiful family!

God bless, Missy from Ohio

 
At 7:30 PM , Blogger Tiffany Harper said...

This post just makes me so giddy and happy for you and for Ash! I love that her spirit has come back. I sure missed hearing about the ornery little ones. They are always doing something to make you shake your head and ask yourself "what do I do when she is so cute!" Trust me, I have the same problem =).

Blessings to you and to your family. So glad you are home. So very glad.

 
At 7:41 PM , Blogger Keri said...

Oh, I can imagine how hard it is to reprimand that cutie pie, especially when you know she's really just playing a game with you rather than being defiant. Unfortunately, I don't have any suggestions; rather, I'm afraid I'm guilty of laughing as I read about this predicament of yours! :-)

I'm so glad to hear that things are going well and that you and Dave have been able to enjoy this time "off." I'll be praying for your family as you reunite with the big kids tomorrow and prepare to get back into the swing of things.

By the way, I didn't comment on the previous two posts, but 1) I LOVE that slideshow of Ash; I could watch it over and over again!, and 2) I'm going to join with you in praying for an uneventful 2008 for your family. Sometimes "uneventful" is exactly what a person needs most!!

 
At 7:42 PM , Blogger Gretchen said...

Traveling mercies on your way to get Blake and Allie. The Lord has taught me so much through you and your journey, Trish. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for posting about it. xxxooogretchen

 
At 9:23 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Even when we don't post you know we're out here 'cause we send our prayers. We're so thankful you have been blessed with time with your little ones. Praying for an uneventful '08 - and a regular life for all of you.

Susan in Kansas

 
At 9:30 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great update! It brought a huge smile to my face. Give Ashley a big hug from us. Praying for all of you!
Lori

 
At 11:33 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I had to smile reading about Ashley's antics :) She is such an adorable little pickle! I will keep praying for your family! Fewer posts is good, it means you're able to enjoy being home and with your family. God is SO good!

 
At 6:53 AM , Blogger Carey said...

Its good to hear that she is acting like any other little kid would. She sounds to cute! Have a safe trip getting the kids.

 
At 8:41 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the post. I've sure been praying hard for your family. I just love all of you. I'm so glad that Ashley is back to being a handful again. What a blessing. Love, Stephanie

 
At 11:37 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

The One Flaw In Women


By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."

"But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.

The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."

And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give!

Trish, when I found this I thought of you! I couldn't resist sharing it.

 
At 1:34 PM , Blogger Amy T said...

So glad she's feeling good enough to act rotten! :) I know you are looking forward to getting your crew all back home together. Praying for safe travel for you and yours.

 
At 9:02 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Reading this post makes me almost (almost) let it escape me that just last month we were all still praying that Ashley would heal, that you could take her home for a visit. A visit that is now residency.

Praise God and all of His almighty blessings of grace, wisdom, and just plain gifts of goodness.

Yeah, I would take teething through a tube amidst a gale of giggles over that icky old hospital any day!

 
At 9:25 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have fun with the basketball! I love going to watch my dad's teams play (even though he claims to have the "world's worst 8th grade girls team" this year, they are having fun!). I'd like to talk to you about something, but don't want to call and interrupt your precious family time. It isn't a "big deal", rather more of a "special request"... I'm SO happy you are all having such a wonderful time together doing "normal" family things! Take care.
=)Amanda
amfulton02@yahoo.com

 
At 10:49 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I should have posted that to read "special prayer request", so the prayers are coming, even if the details aren't there. Thank you and good night. Take care.
=)Amanda

 

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