Normal and Routine

We know it's been too long since our last update but we've just been enjoying normal life as a family of five.  We have fallen into a new routine taking each day as it comes.  When life becomes normal and routine, it's easy to think there's nothing new to share but given the journey of the last year, we know normal and routine is something to celebrate.  Ashlynn has transitioned so well into our home and family.  Looking back at pictures, it's amazing to see the twinkle that has come into her eyes since we first met her.  Her personality is everything an almost two-year-old's should be.  Her smile and excitement at the simplest things make each day fun for all of us. 

Since our last update, we shared our first Thanksgiving and Christmas with Ashlynn.  Despite not feeling well on Christmas Day, Ashlynn still quickly learned the fun of opening presents (hers and those of anyone else willing to share).  December also marked two important milestones for Ashlynn.  First, she gained some much desired independence when she started walking.  We are relearning what it's like to have a toddler around the house.  Secondly, Ashlynn learned to suck, a skill that was impossible for her until her cleft lip and palate were closed during her surgery in September.  It took time and attempts with every style of sippy cup available but she mastered it.  At our follow-up with the University of Minnesota Cleft Clinic also in December, the doctors were pleased with how Ashlynn is healing following surgery.  They will continue to see her every six months.  She will eventually have a few additional surgeries as her face grows and her teeth come in.

The new year brought some more changes for Ashlynn.  In January, Ashlynn's physical therapist informed us that she had met all the goals set for her last fall.  Her therapist recommend we make her speech therapy our new primary focus.  Ashlynn now has speech therapy once a week with her physical therapist checking in every few weeks.  Ashlynn is still not speaking many words yet but has started to say one of the most important word, "Mama"!  She understands most of what we say to her and can respond with the few signs we've taught her or nodding and shaking her head.  And she has found her own ways to get our attention when she needs it.  We feel confident the words will come when she's ready.

One of our favorite changes in Ashlynn is her willingness to show affection.  She now gives great hugs and the occasional kiss (she still prefers giving a high-five instead).  She cuddles when she's sleepy.  She gets very excited when we arrive to pick her up from daycare and when she sees her brothers after school.  She can also throw a good temper tantrum when we don't see things her way.  And she has gotten very good at giving her dad the best pouty lip when she disagrees with him.  It's so cute!

We are just two weeks from her second birthday.  We are excited to celebrate with her for the first time.  And in another two months, we'll be celebrating the first anniversary of her Gotcha Day!

Here's a some pictures of our normal and routine . . .