Last Play Date and Last Game!

I'm a little behind on my blogging because everything in Izmir flew by so quickly.  The last two weeks we were busy packing, saying goodbye's, playing and finishing off the season.  We had one last play date so that Asher could say bye to his friends! We'll miss those boys!

 And now two just two cute pictures of Asher.  Watching Toy Story after a diaper change in an odd position!

 There is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby!

 And now...the very last game!

 Our NATO friends came for the last game and Asher loves Jerry.

 After the last game, we had a big team dinner.  We said our goodbye's and then left three days later! We will miss the team mates and friends but we did have a great season and we'll possibly return! 

 Yes, Asher is wearing Trent's massive t-shirt to keep warm!

Now, let summer begin!!!

Another season coming to an end!

On Sunday Aliaga had the last game of their regular season.  We played the #1 team in the league and ended up losing by only two points.  It was such a great game and it was actually a bummer we lost because we were up by 13 with four minutes left!  Ryan had an incredible game and ended with 32 points.  He went on a 19 point run all by himself in the 2nd quarter to catch up and put Aliaga ahead by two points.  It was such a high energy game! Ryan finished the season tied for 3rd place for most points per game and he also has the highest free throw percentage in the league only missing eight free throws this entire season out of 107.  I don't mean to brag, but that's amazing!  It was such a fun and successful season and now we are ready for playoffs!  I really am so proud of Ryan and all of his dedication and hard work.  I say that a lot but that's because I mean it! People think he just plays basketball and that it must be easy doing what you love all day but I will be the first to tell you that it isn't all fun and games.  It is hard work and it takes a certain type of person to be able to handle the life not only physically but also mentally.  One day you are the hero and the next you might be cut from the team.  He does a great job of remaining focused and working hard every single day. 

At half time Ryan already had 25 points!

My sweet friend Megan came to the game and I loved having her along!!

Asli and Melinda. They are so sweet!

After the games the visiting fans have to stay in their section until all of the arena is emptied in order to avoid fights.  Asher likes to crawl all over the court while we wait for Ryan and the fans started cheering and chanting for Asher to come closer to them.  Asher would crawl a little ways and then stop and bounce on his bum and clap with them.  He kept on getting a little closer and closer and then when he finally got close enough they started going absolutely crazy for him! They saw when I picked him up that he was wearing a Turkish flag shirt and they couldn't get enough. Asher was waving, clapping and bouncing nonstop.  Mind you, this was all on t.v. and Asher was definitely working the crowd.  I've been getting calls all week from friends telling me they saw Asher leading the crowd.  Too funny.

I can't believe this is the end of our 3rd season overseas.  The time flew this year which is definitely nice but I also have really enjoyed this season.  It's always this time of year that I start to get butterflies wondering where this journey will take us next.  Such a fun experience but also makes me really nervous! I have really loved our time in Izmir with great friends and for Ryan having an incredible season! 

Asher's First Year!

Oh, what an amazing year...

 

And then...the big day!

 This morning we shared a sausage egg mcmuffin and a banana for breakfast! He also drank a big juice box of orange juice then took a two hour nap.

 It's my Birthday and I'll cry if I want to!

Don't judge my parenting skills by the food we ate today.  I promise I feed my baby healthy food! But, today was Asher's favorites!  He does major work on pizza!!  

Asher has changed so much in this last month! Blowing kisses, standing by himself, babbling all of the time, lifting his body up onto the bed and couch and turning around to get down, waving bye without me telling him, he finally understands "NO!" when he feels like it, he eats ONLY big boy food and isn't at all interested in baby foods, he giggles when we read books, he is constantly playing with the mop and vacuum, he dances nonstop, he throws his stuffed animals out of his crib across the room and then laughs out loud, he turns the water on and off in the tub, he still sucks his thumb constantly,his favorite song is "No more monkeys jumpin' on the bed!", he loves watching other kids play, he cries when visitors leave our house, he has a sweet tooth, he claps at Ryan's games nonstop, he dives for the ladies at daycare, he loves to play with basketballs, he cries when I have to take things away from him such as our car keys, dirty things or chords, he makes a lot of funny facial expressions and is even learning to vibrate his lips and he sounds just like a horse.  He is so much fun and I am having very mixed emotions about his first birthday.  Did I soak up every moment? Is he still my little baby? Did he have a happy first year? All of the silly things that mommy's worry about.  Ryan has reassured me many times today that Asher is the happiest little guy and that it's physically impossible to love him any more than I do.  I feel like saying I'm obsessed with Asher still isn't enough.  He makes me laugh multiple times a day and really gives me something to look forward to every single day. He makes lonely days not lonely and what could be boring days not at all boring! I have loved watching his personality begin to sprout.  He has begun to tease me and tickle me.  He pokes and pinches me and then we giggle.  I get teary eyed when I put him to bed at night thinking of the time when he won't need me as much anymore.  Hopefully that is still a few years away.

Asher, you really have taught me a new kind of love.  I would do anything for you and I really want what is best for you in this life.  I will do my best to raise you and I will be positive that you always know you are loved.  What a blessing you are in my life. Happy 1st Birthday my little buddy! Love, mommy