Snoozin'

Hey Everyone,
Long time no post! I have been so busy with school and Ryker that I haven't even had time to think, let alone post. I finally got a chance because all Ryker has been doing yesterday and today is snoozin' and eating! He must be going through a growth spurt because he is usually going a million miles an hour.

We are blessing him next week, finally. We waited for better weather and for him to get a little older because he seems to get sick easily. I can't wait to see all of my family, especially my Grandma in St. George! Ryker has started batting at his toys a ton lately and today when we were reading books, he was grabbing at all the pages. SO CUTE! He squeals and talks and smiles all the time when he is awake, but when he gets tired- forget it! He has an attitude! He'll scream and whine at me for about 2 minutes and then he finally gives up. Still doesn't want to miss a thing. Ryker's picture was in the Sunday Herald Journal in the Babes of 2008. He was definately one of the cutest babies (but I am a little biased being his mom and all). Ashlee- I think that Ryker and Rylee should have won cutest babies because man are they both cute! Dustin got a brand new snowmobile. It's an '08 Arctic Cat M8- white and orange- I love how it looks. He was so excited to have something that hasn't been ridden by anyone else. Well, the first ride out he took it easy to break in the engine and then on the ride back he got going about 90 mph and then the engine just cutout and wouldn't start again. They had to tow his sled back and in the process they ruined his dad's sled. His engine basically blew up! Luckily, since it is brand new, we have a warranty and it is now good as new! As for me, school is so busy. I think it is worse than having a job because I have to try to spend time with Ryker AND work at the same time. I feel like I am neglecting him all the time because I don't spend every minute with him- we go to my grandparent's house and they help watch him while I work. He loves them and my grandma can't get enough of him, so I guess it is okay. I just can't resist that cute little voice and smile though, so it's hard to get things done.
That's all for now,
Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

2 months old!

Hey everyone,
Ryker was two months old yesterday. I can hardly believe that I have kept a human alive for two whole months and made him relatively happy. He has changed so much since we have brought him home and especially in the last few weeks. He now smiles, tells tons of stories and only wakes up once per night. We are still working on daytime naps- the kid just doesn't want to miss anything so it's a fight to get him to nap!

Look how he has changed!

What this look is, I do not know!

There have been ups and downs but now the ups are more frequent. He is getting to be so fun and such a big boy. We went to the doctor and he weighs 10 pounds 7 ounces- 4 pounds more than when he was born! He got his shots and man it was so sad!
I started school yesterday also. I only have to be gone for like 6 hours a week but it is hard because I have other classes online that I have to do work for. It'll all work out because I have lots of babysitters. That's it for now, hope you are all staying out of the cold and snow- unless you like that kind of thing :)
Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Ryker

Good Riddance 2008!

Hey Everyone,
2008 was the best year and worst year of my life all rolled up into one. A month by month review of the year:

January: I thought I was pregnant but wasn't. I started school as usual and was excited about my classes.

February: after being very careful and after only 6 months of marriage, we still managed to get pregnant. We were excited but scared. I remember the night I told Dustin- I was so nervous, I had taken 5 pregnancy tests just to make sure!

March: we started our prenatal screens and got to see "baby peanut" for the first time. Seeing his heart beat was amazing because I knew a few girls who had had miscarriages. We had a due date of November 4th-election day. We made our last pre-baby trip to Jackson Hole.

April: nothing exciting

May: I ended spring semester of my junior year, making me a senior. I decided to take fall semester off and do some work over the summer to help me finish school a little easier.

June: We found out we were having a boy and we were both thrilled. Started buying blue and brown and getting more excited to welcome a little boy.

July-September: My step-dad Steve started getting sick. I helped drive to doctor's appointments and running errands. I got to know him, my mom and myself a lot better. In August Dustin and I celebrated our first anniversary.

October: here's where it gets hard. We along with all our families were excited to welcome our little boy who would make my mom a grandma and all my grandparents greats. Steve was still really sick. He was put on hospice on Friday the 17th and died at home with my mom by his side early Monday the 20th. My goal was to not have the baby during that busy time and he cooperated. After the funeral I was very anxious to get him here!

November: My due date was getting close and I was going crazy. Finally, on my due date I started having irregular contractions. That same day my grandpa Clynn- my dad's dad- who had been on hospice, took a turn for the worse. I went to see him while I was contracting and told him the baby would be here soon. He died that night at 9 pm. The next day, November 5th, at 6 am I went into the hospital and we had Ryker at noon. It was an amazing experience and has changed my life in every way. We finished out November just enjoying our little boy, celebrating Thanksgiving and missing those who had passed.

December: my cousins, Curtis and Tammy Andersen passed away in a car accident. We celebrated Christmas at many parties but it was different this year. We just wanted to enjoy those we love and we made some good memories. New Years was nothing special, Dustin and I fell asleep on the couch at 10pm- that's what being married with a baby does to you!

So there it is, 2008 in a nutshell. I miss everyone tremendously and wish we could keep those we love around forever. With death comes new life, as evidenced by this year.
We have grown as a couple and as individuals. We are now closer to family and having our own family has changed what we care about. Although Ryker was born this year and brightened our lives, I couldn't be more happy to say "GOOD RIDDANCE 2008!"
Lots of Love,
Ashley, Dustin and Ryker