Happy Birthday Asher McConnell Stevenson

My this year flew by. I still can't get over it.

Today is Asher's birthday. His very first. It's been very low key, but fun. Since Brian had to work this evening, we celebrated with family last night. Because I was using Brian's help for ideas on what kind of cake to make, he ended up volunteering to be the decorator. Unfortunately, I had to make an emergency supply of frosting when I didn't buy nearly enough, and I had only enough of the ingredients to make it a little on the drippy side. Still, although lacking the sharp edges we invisioned, I think Brian did a fabulous job.

Nobody had any gifts for him to open... yet at least. But Asher doesn't know the difference anyway.

Because today is actually his birthday, I thought I'd snap a few more pics. He was playing with Brennan at the time.

Yes, We're Still Here

I'd like to apologize to all (probably none) of you who have been waiting with anxious anticipation for some sort of update in the last few weeks. I've been gone. And by gone, I mean a friend of mine loaned me the first two Twilight books the other day, and no one has seen or heard from me since. Sadly, I finished the 2nd one last night, and I'm in serious withdrawls today because I don't have the next one. I tried getting Devon to just tell me how it all ends, but she wouldn't. Hmph! See if I ever have her babysit again. Oh, wait...

I've got some serious catching up to do on this thing though. I've been enjoying this break from school a little two much. When you try to squeeze into one month all the tasks you've both needed and wanted to do over the last few years (including doing "nothing at all"), the time really flies.

I just remembered that the reason I haven't caught up on Christmas and such is because all the photos during our Idaho trip were uploaded to Brian's laptop, so I'll have to update in reverse order until I get those pics I guess.

Asher learned to walk at Granna's house

I know, I still need to write about Christmas and such, but I just couldn't resist skipping to this first. My kids always pick up new skills when we visit Granna and Grandpa Stevenson's. There'r two rooms in the house which are sunken by carpeted steps that have come in handy for learning to go down stairs. Asher also decided to start practicing his walking and POW... we've got a toddler I guess. Just yesterday before I shot this video he also learned to get himself to standing position from the middle of the floor. (He actually started that during a quick visit at Great Grandma and Grandpa Stevenson's house). Anyway, hope you're as mesmorized by baby steps as Brian and I are.

Merry Christmas!

I am not sending Christmas cards out this year as I'm trying to save $ every little way possible.  So, I've written up my Christmas letter to post onto the blog.  Since basically everyone that I would have sent a card/letter to already checks the blog, I don't have anything to say that's new information.  Still, I feel like I should post this summed-up update anyway.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

I can not believe how quickly this year has gone by.  It's been a good year for us, with exciting changes and much to be thankful for.

The biggest event was the birth of Asher McConnell on January 19th, weighing an incredible 9 lbs 1oz.  Now, at about 11 months old, I just can't believe that he's almost a year.  He has grown so quickly and Brian and I just love him to death!

 

Brennan turned 3 at his last birthday (April) and continues to amaze us with his growth.  He has loved being a big brother this last year and Brian and I enjoy watching the boys interact with each other.  Brennan loves to "father" Asher by playing with him, and helping him with tasks like climbing the stairs.  (Not Mom's favorite undertaking for them to do together, however).  Last night, Brennan excitedly approached me with Asher's bottle he'd made up himself... meaning he got a bottle, carried it upstairs to the bathroom to fill it up in the sink, and then dumped a scoop of formula in.  He was so proud of himself.  I gotta give him an A for effort.

 

Brian continues to work at McGrath's, but last August he also picked up a web design job for Corvallis Technical.  This new business, started and run by a friend at church, has been a great oppportunity for Brian to learn and expand the skills he's studying at school, and because he works at home, it's loosened his schedule further and he's able to spend a lot of time interacting with the family.  School, (studying Information Technology) is also going well for Brian, and his projected date of graduation is THIS September.  We are sooooo excited!

 

Heather has just been plugging right along.  She took a term off from school with the birth of Asher, but resumed again when he was 5 months old.  She is so thankful for the opportunity to attend school through an online program, but can not wait to graduate this August with a Bachelor's in Social and Behavioral Sciences.  With that schooling out of the way, Heather intends to focus on other activities like preschool activities with Brennan, and learning new talents.  (Because all the other Mom's have the time to spend their days doing fun crafts and projects, right?)

 

We're so thankful for all that God has blessed us with, and hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas, and a wonderful 2009.

 

Love,

 

Brian, Heather, Brennan, and Asher Stevenson

 

5123 SW Meadowflower Dr.

Corvallis, OR 97333

541-738-2650

 

BLSteve80@gmail.com

hezilicious@gmail.com