Its a special birthday for Ashley this year because her baby brother is coming. To be safe, we celebrated early, since his due date is only a couple days away from her Oct. 1st birth date. Saturday night daddy and I took her to The Old Spaghetti Factory. She's simple to please in the food department, wanting mainly just noodles with butter and some good bread! We gave her a few new clothes then walked into the mall to buy some earrings at Claire's. Her big present was waiting inside the car for her when we returned - the RV for her American Girl/Our Generation dolls. She was a happy girl!
Lately I have been struck by Ashley's beautiful little face when I look at her. Her hair is growing out her looks must be changing. There have been several moments recently where I glance over at her and say to myself, wow - she is growing up and getting so pretty!
I tell her and other people constantly how much we love having Ashley in our home. She is my friend! Ashley is unique in that she understands and is interested in things many other 10 year olds aren't. She likes to watch shows I like (mostly on TLC and HGTV) and enjoys activities that I genuinely do too! For instance, instead of having a birthday party with friends this year she wants to have a girls day out with grandma and Ali. She wants to go walk thru model homes, have our toes painted and go to dinner. I can handle that! She loves watching House Hunters and may become a good little realtor like her Nana someday.
Ashley doesn't always love that she is sandwiched between two brothers. Some times she's got it rough from them. But more often than not they take good care of her and I like how they represent two strong protectors on either side of her. Thankfully she's got her sister and those two have sure bonded this summer now that Claire is old enough! They now share a room and bed and I absolutely love to see the way Ashley is caring for Claire, reading to her every night, helping her find her blanket, getting her a drink of water or bedtime snack. Claire is learning to love and trust her big sister a lot, and that just makes me happy.
All in all, Ashley is a hugely important part of this family. I know how much I enjoy her and everyone else does too. She is super smart, well-organized, on the ball, funny as anything and has the best one-liners. WE LOVE YOU ASHLEY MARIE!!
