toe lickin' good

Sometimes a busy boy needs a snack break.

And sometimes, when you're on that snack break a couple of Cheerios can fall out of the cup.

Then when reaching for one you might sometimes get a toe instead.

Toddlerhood is a risky {and exhausting} undertaking.

hail to the chief

While Drew's parents were in town we decided to take a trip into DC to see some cherry blossoms.  Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate with us at all - it was dreary and cool.

One good thing about the less-than-stellar weather was that the crowds were a bit smaller than they would have been otherwise.  While we were walking we went past the White House and were told that the Spring Garden Tours were happening today, so we got some tickets and went on in.  I've never seen the White House from any distance so to see it really up close and personal was amazing!

We were able to tour the entire south lawn.

The fact that Asher wasn't bouncing around the stroller in excitement over being around so many people is a true testament to just how yucky he was feeling.  He normally loves this kind of thing, but looks less than thrilled today.  Sorry, buddy.

The Marine Corp band played lots of fun band music for us to tour by.

A few cherry blossoms!

The Oval Office

Sasha and Malia's swing set - Asher really wanted to take a turn on it.

The Washington Monument is so amazing against a blue sky, but unfortunately we didn't get that shot on Saturday.  You can still see it a little bit!

{see!  It really can be lovely on a nicer day!  I took this on another visit...}

All in all this was a really special and unexpected surprise during our visit.  So fun!

With Asher's new ear infection we didn't want him out in the cold too much so we cruised around town a little bit, but then headed over to the National Aquarium.

Quite a few people had told me that the National Aquarium isn't a great deal because it's super small and you have to pay to get in {so many museums in DC are free that it's hard to pay!} but this ended up being the BEST choice for us!

The aquarium was small, but it was also completely empty so Ash was able to walk around and get right up to the glass to see the fish.  Perfect!

thoreau would be proud

Asher's grandparents came to visit over the weekend!

Drew's mom and dad live in New Jersey and were able to pop down for a quick weekend visit.  When they arrived on Thursday afternoon the weather was gorgeous, so we headed on over to our local park for some play time.

Ash rode in the swing for awhile, the decided to take his grandparents for a walk and show them the sights. 

Look at my big boy leading the way!

Asher still doesn't take many independent steps, but he does love to walk with a little assistance.

That, however, is where the fun times ended.

This particular park is a little unusual because it has lots of ride-on and walk behind toys laying around that people have donated for anyone to use.  These toys are there all the time and the kids love playing with them!  Anyway, Ash grabbed ahold of a walk-behind toy and took off around the park.

He likes to walk with rolling toys at home, but just doesn't have enough space to really get moving in our little house.  The big expanse of the park was so exciting for him!  A few steps into his fun, however, another toddler boy walked over and pushed Asher back while simultaneously stealing the toy from him.  Ah! 

Asher's grandfather had been walking with him and grabbed Ash's hand so he wouldn't fall over.  Poor A looked so sad and confused, but didn't say or do anything.  Then the kicker...

That same little boy abandoned the toy after 2 steps, walked back over to Asher and quick as lightening raised his arm and slapped A across the face. 

WHAT?!

I ran over to them at his point and took the other toddler's hand so he couldn't hit Asher again.  I started to steer him away while looking all over for his mom.  How is it that this tiny boy was completely alone in the park??

Suddenly he started to run, so I let him go and sure enough, his Mom appeared and grabbed him.  I wanted to be nice, but my blood was kind of boiling by this point.  I mean, this lady wasn't watching her kid and he hit mine!  Basically I pulled it together and just told her that her son had hit Asher out of nowhere {I didn't mention the toy stealing - that seemed like small potatoes in comparison}.  She apologized, verbally corrected Leo {way too late for him to understand} and we went our separate ways.

I wasn't sure what else {if anything?} to do.  What would you have said/done?

The absolutely worst part was Asher's reaction.  After he got hit out of the blue, Asher was stunned.  He just stared at this other boy with a look of complete hurt.  His sad face broke. my. heart.  I felt this profound sense of failure at not having protected him. 

He's my baby and seeing him hurt in any way - emotionally or physically - feels very wrong.  I definitely underestimated the mommy instincts for protecting our little ones.  It's immediate and strong.  All I wanted was to make it better and keep him safe.

I was proud of him for not hitting the boy back.  I know that's a point of contention among a lot of parents - fight back or no? - but for now I absolutely don't want him hitting other children, retaliation or not.

After this little incident we all headed home for some much needed cuddles.  The rest of our weekend was a lot of fun - details to come!

the doctor is in

Why, hello Professor Asher.

Office hours are officially open - but with the popularity of this little cutie, appointments are recommended.

wordless wednesday - lounging

Asher had a friend over yesterday and he showed her how to do some serious lounging.

Ladies man.

I just love his smoosh face in this one.  ha!

in the hood

We've had a really nice couple days around here so on Sunday Drew and I took Asher for a trip to the park!

This boy loves to swing {as I've shown you before and before}

Since Asher has an ear infection I wanted to keep the wind out of it, so up his hood went!  Surprisingly, he actually kept it up.  I thought it would be the source of a major battle, but A must have felt better with the wind out and completely left it alone.

A day at the park with my boys is my new favorite way to spend a Sunday!

breaking his fast

I've always been someone who needed to e-a-s-e into breakfast.  While I love to eat all things breakfast-y I just need some time to go from sleeping to eating.

Asher is not of that mold.

This boy wakes up ravenous and can't wait to start chowing down.

He starts the day with a big ole cup of milk

but then quickly starts demanding something more satisfying.

Usually we share some of my cereal, but today Daddy's looked better!

YUM {I'm pretty sure his jaw can unhinge like a rattlesnake}

Daddy, pay attention.  More please.

So good - thanks Daddy!

wordless...friday

I always seem to miss wordless Wednesday.  My Mom took this photo of Asher when we were visiting last week and I love it! 

Happy Friday everyone!

like father, like son

Remember a few weeks ago when I posted about how much Asher looks like baby me?

At the end  of the post I showed a pretty hilarious photo of young Drew shakin' like he just didn't care and implied that Asher will look more like Drew once he can run naked around the pool. 

You know what, don't strain your memory banks, let's just see it one more time.  :-)

Hello sweet cheeks!

Well, apparently Asher can't wait for running around or pool weather to be more like his Daddy.  He loves his Daddy.

Look what I found on my monitor during yesterday's naptime.

Porky Pig party in Asher's crib! 

Needless to say, I woke A up to get re-diapered.  Since he is on Amoxicillan for his ear infection there has been a little diarrhea happening and I didn't even want to think about the mess potential brewing up there.

It's a onesie {or duct tape} for naptimes from now on!

team loyalty

At 15 months Asher already has a strong sense of loyalty to his Daddy's team.

I love Asher's shocked/scared look at being put in a Phillies cap.  :-)

Sorry Pop Pop, I'm a Yankees fan.

Remember?

Here, you wear it.

We can still be friends.