10 Months Old!

I can hardly believe it! My baby is getting so big! Here's the stats:

--he is "army crawling" and rolling to get where he wants to go. He can also sit up now from the crawling position. And this morning, he pulled up in his crib for the first time!

--he has 6 teeth!

--he eats anything and everything! He loves cheerios, mac n cheese, veggies, fruit (not grapes) and pretty much any bread product.

--he still is a major talker. He says da-da all the time. He is starting to mimick sounds he hears, especially those made by other babies.

--he has started taking really short (30-45 min.) morning naps and really long (almost 3 hr.) afternoon naps. Love it! He still sleeps all night from about 7:30-6:15.

--he has the best belly laugh ever and we are always looking for ways to get him tickled.

--he weighs about 22 lbs. and is in size 4 diapers and 12-18 month clothes.

--his favorite toys are drums and anything that can be used as a drum or drumstick.

--he gives you little lovepats on your back when you pick him up.

--he is still a happy, laidback, smiling sack of sugar and I am SO thankful for him!!

9 Months Old!

In 2 days, Asher Owen Rives will be 9 months old! Tempus fugit!

Here is the much-anticipated update:

--5 teeth! Upper and lower front teeth as well as one to the right of his upper front tooth. He has handled teething remarkably well. No major pain or loss of sleep!

--He is a frustrated non-crawler. He rocks on his hands and knees and sometimes scoots forward a little, but no real crawling yet. He usually tries to reach out one hand, but then figures it looks a little too much like work and just rolls over to his back for a little rest.

--He is quite verbal! He says da-da and bye-bye, usually in the right context. His other words sound like "attica-attica" and "gahta-gahta". He says both of these all the time, but I'm not sure to what he is referring. Occasionally a "ma-ma" will sneak out, but not consistently like "da-da." And then there is the general babbling and shrieking that goes on pretty much non-stop.

--He is eating pretty much everything now--cheese, lunch meat, rice, veggies, fruit, yogurt, bread. Our newest discovery is Gerber Wagon Wheels. He's a big fan of those! And he is a good water drinker. I'm really glad about that. I don't want him to know that there are other beverages besides milk and water.

--He weighs about 21 lbs. He is definitely a chub!

--He is still living up to his name! He is such a happy baby. He smiles a lot and has even started doing this little flirty, head tilt thing when someone starts talking to him. He smiles, then leans his head over very coyly. It's the ol' Rives charm--works every time.

This Isn't an Official Update

Asher just wanted me to pop in to report that today he actually picked up a piece of cheese with his thumb and pointer finger and put the food directly into his mouth! This is huge people! For weeks, he has been scooping up a fistful of whatever is on his tray and bringing the fist to his mouth, hoping that one might make it's way inside. But today, there was purpose and precision to his movement. I'm so proud.

Still no crawling.

He will update at the 9 month mark in just a few days.

But here is a cute picture to hold you over.

8 months (and some change)

Oops--according to the ticker, I'm 8 months and 5 days. So I'm a little behind on my blogging.

So here's the stats

--4 teeth!!! The 2 bottoms are just about all the way in and the 2 tops ones are working on it. They broke through within the last week. In fact, I was in Josiah's car a few days ago and my mom heard me fussing, but she thought I was just tired and then when she got me out, she saw that I had blood on my face and in my mouth. In that moment, the tooth had broke through and it bled a little. She was a little freaked out, but thankfully Kathy assured her that she read that that can happen.

--I want to crawl SO BADLY!!!! I rock on my knees. but that's as much as I have figured out.

--I eat yogurt and cheese now (not realy sure about the chhese though)

That's it--pictures to follow soon!

7 1/2 Months

One word for you...teeth! My two bottom teeth are poking through! Mom noticed the first one last week and now both of them are on their way out. I never really got fussy or irritable. I guess all that drolling and gnawing on things is really paying off!

Also, I have officially dropped my dream feed (the 10 pm feeding.) So now I go down at about 7:30 and sleep until about 6:30 or 7:00. I am still enjoying my veggies and fruits. My favorites are butternut squach and carrots, but Mom is really scared that I am going to turn orange so she limits me. My question, though, is what's so horrible about being orange?

Not much else to report. No crawling or attempts to crawl yet. I think Josiah Littlefield is going to beat me to it.

Warmly,
Asher

7 Months Old!

Yay!! I'm 7 months old today! It feels good. I can sit up. I get to eat vegetables and fruit. I am actually aware of my friends when they come over to play. Life is good.



This is my Daddy and me during a guitar lesson. I watch very closely because I WILL play that thing one day. Once it is not taller than me, then I'm gonna be all over it.

See ya,
Little A

Week 28!

I could probably stop listing my age in weeks, but I like to be accurate. I guess 6 1/2 months would work too though.




I got to eat some veggies this week! Mom made me some carrots and they were delicious! She thought I might be a little confused by the new taste and texture, but when you've been living on rice cereal and formula, you welcome the change. I'm told that if the carrot thing continues to go well, I can look forward to some butternut squash next! I can't wait! (By the way, the blue trim you see in the background is not actually trim, but painter's tape. Mom will post about that saga on her blog soon.)

I'm sitting up pretty good now, too (with the help of the Boppy!) I also can roll from my tummy to my back but I just don't want to. So there.

I am super happy most of the time. I get really excited and open my mouth really wide and smile really big! I am an excellent nap-taker as well. I get in 2 good 1-2 hour naps each day, as well as a little 30-45 minute cat nap before dinner. I sleep through the night, usually requiring one flip around 4. But I go right back to sleep until 7, so Mom doesn't mind.

And I have tasty toes which I love to chew on.



That about does it for this week! Catch ya later--A

6 Months and Slackin' Off

Sorry I haven't updated in a while...I'm a busy guy though. I just turned 6 months so you can only imagine how little time I have these days. But here are the current goings-on for those interested...

--The rice cereal is packing on the pounds! I'm a serious chunk of baby lovin'.

--I am kinda sitting up...if I can put my hands in front of me for support.

--I am offically in 6-9 month clothing.

--I am Mr. Smiley Guy now. I love to smile at everyone and know just how to turn on the ol' Rives charm and really work a room.

--I scoot around on my back to get where I want to go, although most of the time, I am content to just lay there and let the people come to me. Why tire myself?

--My mom promised that I will get to start veggies this week. I'll let you know how that goes.

--I am no longer in my infant carrier. That's right folks--I am in a big boy car seat now. It's not quite as comfortable to sleep in, but the view while I am awake is incredible! I can see so much more now! I was getting way to heavy for Mom and she could hardly lug me around in that carrier anymore. Plus, my feet almost hung over the side of it, so it was time to move on.

--I love to give kisses to Mom and Dad! They love to get them, too! They are always rubbing them in because they are so sweet!

That's all for now!

my best to you all,
Asher

24 Weeks Old

Here's what I'm up to this week:

--I am rolling over from my back to my tummy all the time now. That is the fun part.

--I end up on my tummy. That is the not fun part.

--I now wake up during the night about 2 or 3 times because I have rolled over in my sleep and can't get back to my back. So I freak out until Mom comes in and flips me back over.

--I used to sleep until about 7:30, but my new wake time is around 5:30. This is not including the "needing to be flipped" wake times.

--Strangly enough, I now take 2 hous naps during the day. They used to be about 45 min. I like to keep them guessing!

--I am now on a 4 hour eating schedule and am quite content with that.

--I eat rice cereal now. It's weird...but good.

--I laugh when Mom tickles me! She thinks it's hilarious so she keeps doing it.

--I am just about out of my 3-6 month outfits!

Peace and love,
A

23 Weeks Old

Where to begin? Busy week...BUSY WEEK!

For starters, I rolled over from my back to my tummy. Total accident. Will not be making that mistake twice. I ended up face down on my playmat. I don't know if you've ever been face down on a playmat, but it's not pleasant. I made no attempt to lift my head either. Just laid there, freaking out. Then Mom rescued me! I love that about her!

I also tried rice cereal for the first time. I ate it from one of those spoons out of one of those bowl things. Mom decided since I am eating SO much that maybe we should start practicing a little. I don't get very much in and I'm not sure about the lack of sucking involved, but I just may grow to like it. Mom took video so when Dad gets the cord we need to put it on You Tube, we'll share it.

But wait! There's more!


Steven let me borrow his Exersaucer. I like to hang out it for a little while. Who knew my legs were so strong! It's a lot of fun!


I also rode in the shopping cart at Target today! I am so not into reclining anymore! There is a big world out there that cannot be properly viewed at a 45 degree angle! I need to be upright! So Mom let me try it out today and I loved it! She was a little surprised I did so well, but I wasn't. I knew I had it in me.


I went swimming for the first time this past week, too! It was way fun and I can't wait to do it again!



I still love sleeping with Dumbo on my head. If you look closely, you will notice something missing from my bed. That's right...that dumb wedge is gone!! I hated it, but Mom didn't realize that until just a few days ago. Now I hardly cry at all when I go down for naps because I don't have to waste so much time working my way off of it.




That's all for this week!

Sincerely,
Asher Rives

P.S. Happy 25th Birthday, Aunt Kristen ;)

22 Weeks Old

Instead of posting pictures of me, I wanted you to see the other baby that lives at our house.






I only see him when I go in to the bathroom--kinda weird, right? He's always there when I take baths. And it might just be me, but I think he's the cutest baby I've ever seen! Maybe even as cute as I am!


This is one Mom took of me on Sunday night. I started out on my wedge, but I'm a little wiggle worm, so I rarely stay on it very long.



This was my attempt at rolling over. I'm just not that into it.


I've had a pretty busy week so far. On Monday, Mom took me to the doctor. Here are my current stats: height--23.5 in. (although Mom says the nurse didn't really do a very precise job of measuring me), weight--15 lb. 7 oz., head circumference--17.5 inches. She said I looked healthy and happy, which I find myself to be both! Then I went over to Josiah's to play. Then, on Tuesday, I had lunch with Aunt Renae and Aunt Kristen. They brought me a super cool stuffed animal from Disneyworld that matches my room. I really like it. Later that day, I got to meet some new friends of Daddy's, the Aragons. We played over there all day. And then today, I had lunch with Daddy and Pastor Mark (and Mom, of course...I take her everywhere with me!) And finally, we went to Lillian's house for a baby shower. I think Lilly is pretty cute, but I'm not sure if she is into younger men.

But I've been sleeping great (you're welcome, Mom) and eating great and just lovin' life.

Oh yeah--I turned 5 months old on Saturday! I'm old. I know.

Yours truly,
A.O. Rives

21 Weeks Old

Guess what I did today! I rolled over from my tummy to my back! It's amazing how really wanting to get off of your tummy can motivate you to do things you never thought possible!

I also celebrated my first 4th of July. It was a lot of fun. I hung out with my buddy, Lillian, and then later on, my buddy Steven. Good times!





But around 8 o'clock, the mayhem began. You see, I live in a very...ummm..."lively" neighborhood with no deed restrictions. That is an unfortunate combination. Pretty much everyone in the neighborhood spent their life savings on really loud, really obnoxious fireworks. I was actually able to sleep through it, but my poor ol' mom was about to come unglued. So when she got me up for my "dream feed" at 10 and I kept jumping at every explosion, we decided to load up and go to Mamaw and Poppy's house for the night. So at 10:30, we headed for their house, which is about 1.5 hrs. away. I slept the whole way and once we got there, they put my in my crib and I slept some more. And Mom and Dad slept good, too. Note to self: either move before next Independance Day, lobby for the ban of all firewirks, or just make sure we go to Mamaw's earlier.

20 Weeks Old

Major milestone today!!! Mom and I were at a store and a lady actually looked at me and said "He's so big! How old is he?" When Mom told her about 4.5 months, she said "Wow! He's really big for his age! He's much bigger than my baby!"

Now, truth be told, I'm not big for my age. That lady must have had quite the runt. But to have someone comment on my size and it not be about how tiny I am was vey refreshing!

I have been sleeping very well at night. But the late afternoon nap that I take is not going so well. One time, Mom let me skip it and that didn't go too well either, so even if I cry the whole time, I still go in my bed for at least 30 min. If nothing else, I release a little tension.

I roll on my side now and suck on my hands. No new news on tummy time to report--still hate it.

Warmest regards,

Asher Owen Rives
Baby Extraordinaire

19 Weeks Old

Are you ready for this? Not only am I holding toys pretty good, but I am also holding my head up a little when I am on my tummy. Granted, I don't like to do it for too long, but a few seconds I can handle.

This is me kind of doing it on Mom's pilates mat. I did it better the other day, but, of course, she didn't have the camera close.




Here's one of my Mamaw and me. She loves me a lot and makes up great songs to sing to me.


This is my daddy and me. I love that guy!


And this is my mom and me after my bath. I love my frog towel (and her.)

18 Weeks Old

I am huge and long and I drool all of the time!!! I am starting to grab at my toys a lot more. I really like going outside. Tummy time is still the pits but apparently this "holding your head up" thing is pretty crucial, so Mom still makes me practice.

I am sleeping pretty good (about 6-7 hours) and I have started waking up in a good mood. That's about it as far as this week goes.


Much love,
Asher

Not great photography, but a great smile!

4 Months Old!

I am a big 4 month old boy today! Where has the time gone? I can hardly believe it! I'm still pretty much doing the same things I was doing last week, although I must tell you that on Tuesday night, Mom fed me at 10:15 pm and put me down around 10:45 and I didn't wake up until 6:45 the next morning! I didn't do that again last night, but Mom is still excited that I do possess that ability if I choose to exercise it.



We have been going on walks in the morning. I ride in the jogging stroller and usually am asleep by the time we get back home.


What else...what else? Still lovin' me some star and ceiling fan. And I love it when my Daddy sings to me. I like to join in even though I don't know all the words.

All in all, it's been a good 4 months. If anything else exciting happens, I will be sure to let you know!

16 Weeks Old!

A Brief Update:

--The word "schedule" means nothing to me. My mom, bless her heart, tries...she does. But a predictable day is really no day at all. Routines are fine, schedules are for the birds.

--I am talking a lot now, especially in the morning! That is when I am the happiest.

--I weighed at Mamaw and Poppy's house yesterday...I'm 13 pounds now!

--Still in love with my star that sings and flashes and the ceiling fan.

Thanks for checking in!

15 Weeks Old!

Here's what's happening in my world these days...

--I'm starting to hold my head up better. I practice by sitting in my Bumbo. I still won't pick it up when I'm on my tummy though.

--I sleep from about 7:15 to 9:30 and then Mom wakes me up and feeds me again. Then I go right back to sleep until about 3:30. 6 hours! Then I go back to sleep until about 6:30. Then I wake up about 8:00 ready for the day!

--I drool a lot and I like to blow spit bubbles.

--I'm starting to talk a little bit. I have a lot to say, but it's just hard to get it all out!

That's all for now. I gotta go eat.

Week 14 Stats

--I currently weigh a little over 11 lbs. So in 14 weeks, I have gained almost 7 lbs! Not bad!

--I can hold my head up a little, but i still don't pick it up when mom makes me do "tummy time." (I hate tummy time--what a waste.)

--My mom is supplementing with formula. She feeds me and then gives me a bottle. I like the soy formula that I get now better than the milk-based stuff...much easier on the ol' digestive system!

--I am sleeping about 4-5 hours at at time at night. But no matter what time my second feeding is at night, I wake up at 7:30 sharp! Last night, I ate at 7:45, went to bed at 8:30, woke up to eat at 1:30 and then again at 5:30. So I should have slept until at least 8:30 or 9:00, right? Nope. 7:30 is when I like to wake up regardless of feeding time!

--I wear 0-3 month clothes, most of which are still a little big. But that's OK--at least I'm out of those dumb preemie clothes!

--I'm adorable.

My new blog!

Hi! My name is Asher Owen and my mom has yet to purchase a baby book for me. She realized that my days are flying by and that she needs to record all that I am doing! Then, maybe one day, she will buy a baby book and write it all down. My mom is such an optimist!

So check here from time to time to see what I am up to and how big I am getting. My mom will still be posting on her blog. She just wanted me to have my own strictly dedicated to all things Asher (as if her blog hasn't become that!)