MOTHER-DAUGHTER MOMENT

It's definitely a challenge raising a kid, but such a rewarding experience. Despite all the mounds of dirty diapers I have to take out on a daily basis and the lack of sleep I am getting lately, I would have to say I am doing quite well. Little Ashlyn and I, I feel, already have such a mother-daughter bond. As soon as I start getting the hang of her moods and sleeping habits, she changes them. She definitely keeps me on my toes. It's quite the challenge. So fun though, I could hold her for hours, staring at her tiny hands and feet; her innocence captures me.

FATHER-DAUGHTER MOMENT

Tyler is having so much fun being a dad. When he isn't working or going to school he is loving and playing with little Ashlyn. She is such a good sport, for some reason Tyler thinks it's funny to startle her, or make her balance in the air, annoy her, etc. I am not going to lie though, the balancing act is pretty funny. He is such a great father, and I am kinda jealous because Ashlyn looks just like a Bradshaw, it is as if none of my genes were given to her.

GROWING UP * 4-6 WEEKS

Ashlyn Kimberly is growing up so fast, it seems like just the other day I was talking to her in my belly telling her to stop kicking me! Tyler and I have definitely been blessed with such a sweet little angel.

























Tyler's Grandparents were able to come up and visit, and it was great visiting with them. They were so cute with Ashlyn in their arms. We are grateful they were able to visit.

PHOTO SHOOT * 4 WEEKS OLD

One of Ashlyn's very first baths. We were all a little nervous, but we pulled through with only small amounts of tears.





















































I love these pictures of her, she is extremely flexible and photogenic showing off her gorgeous blue eyes and petite feet. Baby Ashlyn Kimberly Bradshaw is now 4 weeks old, and getting bigger by the day it seems. And even though she still wakes me up at all hours of the night, she is still adorable. She has started showing off how strong she is by holding up her own head, sometimes better than others, and by trying to stand up; she really has some strong limbs. We have noticed that she must be under a lot of stress, with growing up and all because she is starting to go bald on the top of her head, it's so cute.

THE DELIVERY

Tyler's parent were able to be there with us moments after the birth of Ashlyn, it was nice to be able to feel the love and support from his parents, I am glad they were able to share that experience with us.



















































Ashlyn's temperture was a little low so the doctor told us to do a little body warming (skin on skin contact). It was such a special moment for me, I never felt as close to anyone as I did in that moment of time. It was so surreal, this little baby was mine.

FIRST DAY OF LIFE

Ashlyn Kimberly Bradshaw was born today, September 25, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. after 11 hours of labor. She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. She definitely didn't want to come out of me, she was a week late and they had to induce me. I went in Sept. 24 at about 7:00 p.m., and they induced me at about 8:00 p.m. I was suppose to go into labor at about 6:00 a.m. but instead went into labor early at about 9:00 p.m. that same day. I was dialated to a 4 when they decided to give me the epidural, which we would soon realize would not work. They gave me another, which didn't work as well, by the time they got the third epidural to work I was dialated to a 8. So pretty much I did not feel to good, until the meds kicked in, then I was on cloud 9. Such an interesting and painful experience. She finally made it though, healthy and strong. She came out head first then arm, she is a fighter!

JACK MY FIRST CHILD

Jack is a little over a year old now and is still extremely adorable. I have taught him how to sit, turn around, roll over, army crawl, stand up, shake, high 5, play hide-and-go-seek. I am currently trying to teach him how to turn on and off the lights, he is currently not succeeding in my quest to master this trick but I have hope!