James' Birthday Weekend

James' birthday fell on a Monday this year, so I made it an excuse to make the weekend fun, too. We keep talking about making a trip out to Snow's in Lexington, but there just never seems to be the time. I decided a few months ago that his birthday would be just the reason to make it happen.

We invited a few different people to go with us. As it turns out, leaving at 6am for a BBQ place two hours away is a lot to ask. It ended up being just our little family, but we really enjoyed the time to visit. 

We got there right before it opened, and we were surprised to find a rather minimal line. By 8:15, we had BBQ in hand. By 8:30, it was pretty much gone. It was a heavy breakfast that my pregnancy didn't agree with, but it was well worth it.

Most importantly, James had a good time meeting Tootsie and seeing the operation in motion. 

And Spiderman had a good time running around the place and catching spiders.  

After Snow's we headed home to gear up for the rest of our day. A little time spent helping a friend move and two birthday parties. By the end of the day, I realized that it might be time to start slowing down a little bit. By this point in my pregnancy with Cullen, I wasn't working anymore. Doesn't that sound nice as the summer heats up?

We spent Sunday afternoon with Peggy and Andy. We had plenty of time to rehash our recent trip to Utah and catch up on all we have ahead of us. I brought James' first birthday dessert (of three) with us to complete our family dinner. Cullen helped James blow out the candles on the carrot cake.  

For the big day, James got to go to work with cake balls, and then help Cullen through his first swim lesson of the summer. Cullen did better than expected on day one. Day two didn't go so well. Tonight will be lesson number three. This should be fun... 

After swim lessons, Cullen helped blow out the candles on the key lime pie.  

And James even convinced him to try a bite. Cullen is not a fan of the tartness. 

This weekend will be another birthday party and lots of down time for this girl. Maybe I'll even finish up the hat and booties I started for this little guy I'm growing. We will have him in our arms in less than two months. I can't believe how quickly this has all gone!

xoxo ashley

Utah Trip

This past weekend, we took a four day trip to Utah to attend a Shuler cousin wedding. We were thrilled to have a reason to visit, and I'm glad that Jenni and Paul's wedding fell on the last weekend I was allowed to travel. If they had gotten married one weekend later, we wouldn't have gotten to go!

This was a big trip for us, because I'm into my third trimester and we haven't flown with Cullen in over three years. I can't say I love flying with kids or flying while pregnant, but it wasn't too bad. I think the primary thing I have to get past is that some people are just going to be unpleasant when they see you getting on the plane with a child. Other people are remarkably kind.

On our flight to Utah, the guy sitting in front of James got mad that we brought Cullen's carseat on the plane. It took a whole lot for me to not respond to his muttering. On the flight home, we wound up checking our bags for free, getting extra help through security, and getting a whole lot of one on one service from our stewardess. It was such a testament to travelling being made better by the people around you. 

We got into Utah just before lunch on Thursday and made it to a late lunch with Paul and Michael. It was so nice to see them both and finally meet Paul, and it was a great opportunity for Cullen to catch a nap. I'm guessing it was the altitude, but it was one of his first naps in over a year. 

After lunch, we headed up to Olympic Park. I can't even imagine what it's like during the winter, but they had an amazing setup for the spring/summer. We did a good bit of hiking, the boys got to ride a chair lift and the alpine slide, and we got to watch some participants in the ski jump. The summer practice for the ski jump was actually a carpeted ski run and a swimming pool that had jets to lift the skier to the top of the water. It was really neat to watch, and I'm glad we got the opportunity to see it.

Friday was a whole lot of work, but it was so completely worth it. We took Cullen fishing in the morning. He got to catch and/or help catch seven fish. It was a catch and release pond, but it was so much fun.  

 It was incredibly different for me to take on the role of parent while fishing. I finally understood the frustration in my dad's voice after he told me "tip up" for the fourteenth time. Someday, Cullen will understand the frustration in my voice when he goes fishing with his kids. Ultimately, fishing with a three year old is all about patience and laughter. He had so much fun, and I am so very proud. 

After fishing was lunch and riding four wheelers. James took Cullen out for a fun ride around the ranch, and I enjoyed the shade. During the afternoon activities, James' cousin, Michael, took a tumble and broke his jaw in two places. By an act of God, he was completely fine (other than the broken jaw), and he was back home in time for the wedding festivities the next morning. After that one, I've decided that Michael may be the definition of a Shuler.

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner and lots of cousin time. I've never had a very big family, and I've never lived close enough to be very close to my cousins. I initially found James' family a bit intimidating. So many cousins, and they're all friends! What makes it even more special is how much I've been included as a cousin. I love these girls. 

I particularly love Erica, because she told me I was "the most beautiful pregnant girl she had ever seen." As if I didn't already think the world of her.

Saturday was more outdoor time, more time at Olympic Park, one more ride down the Alpine Slide (this time with Charly), and the beautiful wedding. Jenni was a stunning bride, and it was a perfect day to be outside in Utah. We were pleasantly surprised by how long Cullen lasted through the reception, and we got to experience an amazing drive home through the ranch while animal watching for elk, moose, and deer. 

Overall, our trip to Utah was amazing. We got to spend lots of time with nature, lots of time with family, and some of that time sleeping really really well. Fresh air will do that to you. We look forward to our next opportunity to go out there. Maybe next time I won't be pregnant...

We've struggled to get back into our routine this week. Cullen asked to go to bed at 6:45 on Sunday. We have plenty planned for this weekend, but our goal is to be home before bedtime each night. We've got to get our little man back on some sort of schedule.

xoxo ashley

Martial Arts Graduation 2013

When Cullen moved up to the official preschool class this year, he was given the opportunity to start taking martial arts. It isn't an activity I would have picked for him on my own, but it seemed like a good fit at the time. Some days Cullen came home excited with stories to tell, but he usually told me that he just didn't feel like going anymore. I decided we would finish out the year and try soccer in the fall.

For all the times he wasn't too excited about being there, he was thrilled to have me and James there last week for his graduation. The teacher showed up late, so we got a few cute pictures outside before they opened the studio.

And who wouldn't play hide and seek with friends?

Once we got inside, it was all business. I love Cullen's stance and facial expressions. Fierce. 

They went through a few different drills, but my favorite was when they gave the boys their "weapons." They were surprisingly good with them, but that didn't stop Cullen from whacking another kid after he got hit. They're three. What did we really expect? 

Cullen graduated from his white belt to a white senior belt.  

The boys got together for a class picture with Kung Fu Panda at the end. Cullen and one other boy weren't too excited about their furry friend. And then the teacher put him right in front of the panda for the group picture.

It's pretty rare that we get a picture of the three of us together. It isn't perfect, but who needs perfect pictures anyway?

xoxo ashley

Memorial Day Weekend

I was so excited for the long weekend this year. We only made plans for Sunday, so we were hoping for naps and sleeping in on Saturday and Monday. Admittedly, I got plenty of rest, but I also worked on getting things done around the house. Cleaning baby clothes, knitting a blanket, making pies, and generally being a rock star.

On Sunday, we headed out to Galveston to play with the Harrison extended family. Cullen and Myles got in plenty of swimming and play time while the adults got to visit. I took one picture the whole weekend. It wasn't even a very good one. But I also got lots of time to visit with Ellen, and a lot a quiet time outside. 

On Monday, we spent the afternoon grilling and swimming with my parents. It was such a calming weekend. I love those weekends with my little family. 

Of course, by Wednesday, Cullen and I both had sinus infections and strep throat, so our short week was made even shorter by our sick days. We're both doing better and picking up our routines.  Just in time for our big trip to Utah next week!

xoxo ashley

Baby Prep

As we enter the third trimester (where has the time gone?), we're starting to do some real prep work for the arrival of our next son. Of course, in traditional Ashley fashion, I saved everything from Cullen and a whole lot that was my nephew's. I got rid of things with stains, but that's about it. Because of that, we need very little this time around, which allows us to think about the random extras we (mostly just me) might want. 

Can I tell you one thing we don't need? Socks. Shoes. Slippers. This picture does no justice for the collection we have going. We have sandals, fur boots, tiny sneakers, and so many socks your head would spin. So, if you want to get us something, please get us something that isn't for feet.

We also have a ridiculous amount of clothing. I've washed and hung up everything from Preemie to 6 months, so we're over prepared. But that's how I like it. We could honestly pick up some diapers and bring a baby home right now. 

On Sunday night, I mentioned to James that the prints I bought a couple months ago have been framed and sitting on the floor in the nursery for over a month. Maybe we could hang them next weekend? He surprised me by asking if we could hang them right then. Don't mind the glare or the pieces of playmat sticking out in the corner. I'm so excited to have something on the walls this time around.  

Before we know it, our newest addition will be here with us. After a whole lot of waiting, this pregnancy thing sure does move quickly!

xoxo ashley

On Being the Mom of Boys

In just a few short months, I will be the mom of two little boys. Two of them! How lucky can a girl get? Since finding out that we are expecting our second little boy, we have received an interesting variety of feedback. 

There are the people disappointed that they won't be shopping for pink. There was the woman who told me I must be so disappointed. There are the ones who have told us what a blessing it is. I think my favorite so far was when my ENT yesterday asked if I was going for sainthood. He said that he is one of two boys in his home. He remembers his mom crying when he was a teenager and saying that she wished she had girls. All I could do was laugh.

Once upon a time, I didn't want kids. Not even one of them. There was a long list of very personal reasons that led me to believe my life would be better if I wasn't a mother. I just didn't see a future for me with children. Then I met this great guy. I knew in my heart it would be just awful if he wasn't a dad. And, sometimes, that made me think that I wasn't the right girl for him. 

During the summer of 2004, I finally realized how wrong I was about kids. I took a job working with a family with four young kids. Four young boys! I remember being there to witness the youngest of them taking his first steps and saying his first word. Luckily, his mom was there for both of those moments, too. And sometime over the course of the next year, I fully came to realize that I not only wanted children; I knew who I wanted to have those children with. And I knew that I wanted a big family. And boys? If I could only be so lucky to have a family filled with little boys. 

Because I was so sure I wanted boys, I was equally sure that God would give me girls. Now, don't get me wrong here. We would be happy to have a baby girl in our family. To be just as honest, little girls scare me. I've got the boy thing down. I can handle dirt and dinosaurs and trucks. The drama and glitter and princesses? That would be a whole new world.

I think the most important things that others need to remember is how tough it is to be a mom (or a parent in general). The most difficult criticism I have received has often been from other moms (family, friends and strangers). Whether it was a direct dig at what I was doing with my son, or during pregnancy, or just a general comment. I know my son should have a healthy dinner every night. I also know that, sometimes, it's going to be Easy Mac. I know that some people disagree with me wearing heels while pregnant. I'm almost six months along, and I'm still enjoying my five inch heels on a daily basis. The doctor said it's okay. I said it's okay. Just drop it.

At a wedding a few weeks ago, Cullen was running around like a banshee. I was too tired from the trip to effectively chase him down, so I was pretty much letting it happen. One of the other guests told me that it was nice to see someone let a child act like a child. What a positive thing to say! We all have our battles. We all choose different ones. And isn't the best part of parenthood looking at the children you've raised and seeing them enjoy life in a positive manner?

And the truth is, we could all use a little support now and then. If it's just a passing comment in Target to tell a mom how cute her baby is. Or maybe it's telling that dad in the park what a great job he's doing. We all need a little reminder every now and then that we're doing the right thing. 

And for moms of boys, it's tough sometimes. In a land full of children that are prepped for kindergarten from birth, it's hard to keep in mind that they're just kids. I absolutely quiz my kid on colors and letters and numbers, but there are also days that we watch Madagascar and play dinosaurs. Because that's just as important when you're helping a child develop into a well-rounded individual. Every child brings their own set of challenges. Boys are rough and tumble. They are loud. They rarely possess an "inside voice." But, if you're really willing to embrace parenthood, boys are also magic. They are the sweetest little hands to hold. They point out the things you might miss. They love you in ways you might never expect. Little girls might do the same. I may never see that same thing with a daughter of my own.

For that, I'm biased. Boys are all I know. They may be all I ever know. But I will never doubt God's decision in giving us boys. Because boys are what I know. They are what I adore. And I don't care to imagine life another way. I choose to be blessed by what I have. Blessed by what I've earned and what I've been given. Blessed beyond measure.

Next time you think about talking down to a mom who is working hard to do her best, remember that we've all got struggles. We're all working hard. We all want to be mom of the year, but most of us will fail from time to time. And that's okay, because our babies are the best things we give to this world and our best is all we can do. 

And a reminder to the moms who are struggling. Whether you're a mom of boys or girls or both. Just keep swimming. You only get one chance to make today's memories.

xoxo ashley

Little Bear

This past weekend, we drove up to Waco for Charly's graduation from Baylor. It was so fun to be on campus again, and it's always nice to spend some extra time with family.

We started out with a trip to the bookstore to pick up some new Baylor gear for the upcoming Shuler arrival. Cullen had plenty of things, but most of them are worn out. A little boy born during football season will do that, and we feel like Baby #2 should still get some new things for himself. 

After my whirlwind shopping spree at the bookstore, we headed over to Ninfa's for lunch with the family. We spent lots of time catching up and visiting over Mexican food. What's not to love?

We had a good bit of time to kill between lunch and graduation, so we decided to check on the progress of the new football stadium. It's hard to believe that this sign posted at the building site will be the amazing structure we expect to see in just over a year.

Especially when it looks like this is all there is to the stadium right now. From another angle, we were able to see how deep into the ground everything goes. I look forward to checking it out again in a few months when we're back in town for a game.

Of course, no trip to Waco is complete without a visit to the bear pit. We seem to always get lucky on viewing angles, and I love how pleased Cullen is with the bears. 

This was a little Cullen almost three years ago. He has gotten so big. 

Just look at him! 

Cullen and I had a solo evening last night while James made it home late from a meeting out of town. Cullen ate a huge bowl of Cheerios and an easy mac cup. I always love when he out-eats me at a meal. I love to see my little boy eating like a big boy. I also love his insistence on wearing his blanket as a cape during dinner. He said his arms were cold... 

After being sick too much in the last couple of weeks, we are hoping to lay low a bit for the holiday weekend. We've only made plans for one day, and I'm planning on naps for the other two days. I guess we'll just have to see how it goes!

xoxo ashley