My Sweet Ashlee Girl

I would hope by now you would all know that I love each of my children equally. I actually struggled a bit with whether or not to blog an entire post on just Ashlee. However, the thought wouldn't leave my mind, and for me, reoccurring thought = blog material!

First of all, I'd like to share with you some history on Ashlee. I eluded to some of it when I posted about the twins' birthday. Ashlee Faith entered the world a whole 2 hours and 24 minutes after her twin brother. I was not pushing, so no need to apologize (most people respond with "I'm sorry").

From the time we met her, she's been her own person. I must admit that at first, I struggled to connect with her. Don't get me wrong, I loved her immensely, but she and I didn't "mesh." She was so temperamental and was so challenging to nurse. It wasn't until she was about 2 weeks old that I really bonded deeply with her. From then on, she's had me wrapped around her tiny finger.

Ashlee didn't walk until she was almost 17 months old. She never crawled on her hands and knees. Rather, she did a "kayak scoot" slinging her legs from side to side and using her arms as if paddling a kayak. She's always been so unique. So beautifully unique.

Currently, at almost 27 months old, Ashlee only weighs a measly 24 lbs. Don't let her small frame fool you, because she's as tough as nails. She can tackle her brother (almost 29 lbs) and take him to the floor, making him cry like a girl. She is a daredevil and loves adventure. She's the first of our 4 to try new things and she loves new people. True to the fashion of a redhead, she's got a quick temper. However, she's quick to forgive and even quicker to forget. She's a lover in every sense of the word. Her sweet "sugar lips" are always readily available. When playing, she will stop dead in her tracks to fulfill the request of a kiss.

Ashlee's heart must take up her entire little body. She loves Baby D so much, I sometimes think she'll kiss a blister on him. She is so tender-hearted and is, by far, the most affectionate of all of our children.

Now, onto the story behind these thoughts. Yesterday afternoon, my parents graciously invited us to family night at "The Club" where they are members. It was a night filled with fun, swimming and yummy food. We made the most of our time at the pool, and stayed until it closed at 9pm, a full hour after our normal bedtime. The girls can usually handle staying up a little late, Lucas CANNOT. When we got home, he flew into meltdown mode. Lucas was fussy the entire time we were bathing him and getting him in his PJ's. By the time bedtime story rolled around he was done. The fit ensued and the battle was on. Finally, with Lucas screaming his guts out, we put Lucas and Ashlee in their toddler beds, and shut the door. Luke and I are not afraid to let our kids cry a little, so we put Elizabeth to bed and after about 10 minutes, Lucas had calmed down.

Finally, we finished cleaning up around the house and got ready for bed. When we went in to check on Lucas and Ashlee, this is what we found:

Lucas and Ashlee haven't slept in the same bed since they were 3 months old. They were never "those" kind of twins. However, last night, I feel sure that Ashlee knew just what her Bubbie needed, cuddles. She moved out of her own bed and went to his, hoping to calm him down. I can't imagine the tenderness in her heart as she climbed into her brother's bed, hoping he would find comfort.

Later, I checked on them again, only to find that Ashlee had, partially, returned to her own bed. She was halfway in, tummy on the bed, knees on the floor, sound asleep.

Seeing her tenderness toward her brother warms my heart so much. She loves him unconditionally, even though he bites, kicks, pushes and screams at her. She loves him enough to risk a spanking because she left her own bed. She loves him enough to be uncomfortable so that he can be calm. What an amazing heart God gave her!

My sweet Ashlee girl,

I cannot wait to tell you all about how special you were as little girl. I love how you are so loving to every person you meet. I cannot wait to see how God will awaken your passions and use your desires to further His kingdom. Your love for life and constant zeal make each day as your Mommy so incredibly special for me. I love you so much more than you could possibly imagine. Your kisses make my heart melt and your contagious laughter brings joy to me each day. I love you for all that you are, all that God designed you to be and for all of His purposes that you are destined to fulfill!

Hugs, Kisses and Love,

Mommy