HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!

WOW...We made it, Ashley is now officially one year old! I just can't believe it! Even with the few months of little sleep, stress that you are doing the "right" thing, and endless diaper changes, this past year has flown by. I remember the anticipation of her arrival and not having a clue how our world was about to change forever. There are no words for the love your child brings into your life and fills your heart with. Thank you Ashley for smiling at me when I was silly tired, laughing when I felt like crying, being patient when I had no clue, and most importantly for being you. I promise to give you my everything as your Mom and be there for you to return all the unconditional love. I love you.

Happy 1st Birthday!

(Tip: You want to mute the playlist at the bottom of this screen, and grab a drink...the video is just shy of 15 minutes!)

Gobble Gobble...

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!! I hope you each enjoyed the holiday, whether it consisted of eating too much, watching football, taking a nap or all of the above! Brian, Ashley and I went over to Grandma and Grandpa Gast's house, enjoyed a fabulous turkey dinner with all the sides you could want, took a walk/wagon ride around the neighborhood, watched Christmas Vacation for the first time of many this holiday season and indulged in homemade pumpkin and apple pie thanks to Aunt Julie! I have quite a number of things to be thankful for...my beautiful daughter - healthy, happy and almost ONE!!!...my loving family - be they near or far...and in this economy - knowing we still have a roof to live under and food on the table. May we start living everyday as Thanksgiving Day, maybe without the turkey feast, but recognizing and giving thanks for all the blessings that have been bestowed onto us.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS to our cousin Karen, she delivered her baby girl Ava today!! Love the name and we can't wait to meet her in a few weeks!

So...anyone fighting the Black Friday crowds???
I think I'll sleep

Whatever you do, Don't Smile...

We finally did it...I've been wanting to purchase a nice quality camera for some time, and after lots and lots of research and coupon hunting, we made the investment (it was also our anniversary present to each other). Not only do I love it, but I've been following Ashley around, and she seems to be enjoying it as well. She, literally, will not stop showing off those dimples!

How could you ever be sad looking at this face? I can't even begin to describe how much she lights up my life!