Life this week has been pretty darn good. We’re finally over the jet lag (it was seriously a beast to get over this time around), we’ve started to settle into our new routine (which I’ll blog about next week), we’re spending more time at home (which we love) and we’re madly in love (with a certain two year old girl).
Here’s life lately…
We’re heading to carpool line to pick up Kensington and she almost always brings her little musical house.
All smiles 🙂
Kensington walked into the kitchen and told me to take this picture for Ms. Sheaffer so that she knew she wore her blardigan to school that day. Hahaha! My kid knows what a blardigan is…because it’s the best thing ever and her mama wears it all winter long!
We had Ashby’s first well visit here in the US last Friday…it was quite traumatic for us all. My sweet girl was not happy about being examined and screamed the entire time with her eyes closed. Sigh. Bless her sweet heart. Little does she know she has many, many appointments in her near future. As soon as I got her dressed and the doctor left, she was all smiles like this (pic above). I just love this kid so much :).
We’ve been spending a lot more time at home with Ashby, so Smith and I have been playing a lot of board games while she naps. I am so glad we’re nesting during the winter when it’s cold out…that makes staying inside and playing games so cozy!
He looks like he’s all smiles and sweetness but he’ll whoop you in Yahtzee…he plays to win!
On Saturday night after Smith Stadium, Nixon came over and spent the night, so we took all four kids out for pizza. This was Ashby’s first time to have pizza and let me tell you…she was a BIG fan!
Kensington and Smith want to go back to Disney World, so I told them we can’t until Ashby understands why it’s so cool (you know, she needs to understand who Mickey and Minnie are and all of the princesses). Kensington is making it her big sister mission to educate her…this is them sharing popcorn and watching The Little Mermaid :).
Three cheers and three kids for our daily afternoon snacks!
My sweet, sweet, sweet friend Narci took pics of the kids for us on Monday night…and it was quite challenging. I was ready to throw in the towel but Narci wouldn’t give up. She doused herself in leaves and made everyone laugh. Love that sweet photographer friend :).
Reading books…we read a lot of books together :).
It’s been unseasonably warm out, so we enjoyed our playground in the backyard along with a banana.
Hmmm…why is Anna running by so quickly???
Ohhh! Because this crazy guy is chasing her!
Ashby loves her little tricycle!
Smith got into the pool gear.
And who knew that Ashby had moves?!? I turned on some Taylor Swift for Kensington to dance to and Ashby busted a move. This girl loves to dance!
And then this is my view every night. Right now, Ashby is sleeping in our bed. I love reading my book before bed and seeing her there asleep :).
On my foodie blog today are yummy Sweet Corn Chicken Tostadas…
…click here for the recipe.
And all of you Pin-spired bloggers, we’ll be hosting our Pin-spired link up on Monday!
XO
Jen says
Such sweet pics of your kiddos!!! Kensington and the blardigan, ashby sleeping in your bed, and smith in the pool goggles are my favs. So glad to see that Ashby is adjusting well.
sayyestohappy says
Ashby is pure sweetness!! It's so much fun to see her in your everyday life and see her fitting in right along with her siblings!
What a sweet girl she is and always smiling! Can't thank you enough for sharing her with your readers!
Macy Strozier says
Soooo cute. Happy to see she is getting the hang of things. Thank you so much for sharing.
emma @ {from my little pink couch} says
Looks like life is good!!!!!!
Brittany Medland says
Yay! Thank you for sharing 🙂 so many sweet pictures. I love that Kensington is teaching her all the know about Disney! .. Pay attention Ashby, there's a lot of fun in your future! 😉
Amber says
So thankful things are going do well for y'all!!! They're all so precious!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Well it looks like Ashby has just been a part of things with the Shulls her entire life. She fits in PERFECTLY! What a blessing she is!
MrsBees says
I've been saying this since she posted their first picture together. It just appears seamless.
Anonymous says
Ashby is having the time of her life! I'm curious if she'll take swim lessons knowing her siblings are such water babies (not to mention you have a fab pool!).
Jen V. says
Seeing those pictures of Ashby brings tears to my eyes! She has no idea (yet) how blessed she is! She looks so happy, congratulations on the perfect addition to your family!
Sandra Litcher says
Such great pictures! So glad to hear you are enjoying your time with all your kiddos and Ashby looks so happy! Love the picture of her on the tricycle 🙂
kimm atwood says
Life lately seems so wonderful for you!!!! Ashby looks so happy!!!
Taylor Gardner says
I love reading your blog and keeping up with the transition of Ashby! She looks so sweet and looks like she's loving you guys so much. What a sweet story
Dallastyleblog.com
Tara G. says
Rejoicing with you! So much sweetness!
Tracy says
All three of your kiddos look so happy! And adorable too! 🙂
Laci Murray says
Looks like Life has been good lately! Sweet Ashby! Your kids are precious.
Leigh says
Looks like a fun time to me! They seem like such happy kids. I'm glad sweet Ashby seems to be adjusting so well. My 3 year old is begging to go to Disney World. We've told him we're going this fall, but I don't think he has any concept of time. Maybe he does and it a just too far away! He even told me he can't go to preschool because he needs to go to Disney World instead. Priorities. 🙂
Anonymous says
Ah… Such heartwarming pictures! Ashby seems to be adjusting well as are the rest of the Shulls.
Unknown says
I have fallen in love with Ashby and am so happy to see how your love for her has transformed her life into a happy, smiling and loved little girl!!
Anonymous says
You are doing an amazing job with Ashby! Having a son the exact same age I can't imagine the transition she is going thur…you however seem to be making it so easy for her. By the way…awesome job on her toy selection as well! That little house is a favorite of ours and the tricycle too!!
She's a big star says
So much joy in these pictures. I can't even fathom how much has changed for sweet Ashby over the last month… she's one very blessed little girl, that's for sure… and I know the rest of the Shull's are just as blessed for having her! <3
Megan says
I love the pictures of your babies!! such happiness! Happy Thursday!
Lindsay Dunagan says
This post made me smile! I love reading your blog and following along on your journey of adopting Ashby!! You have such a sweet family!!
melissabunny100 says
Ashby is looking very happy! I am so happy for your family!
Liz/ says
Your family is even sweeter now with the addition of Ashby! Love all the pics and the fun you are having as a family of 5! Ashby looks like she is loving being a Shull!
Rebecca Jo says
Is it bad I don't even know what a blardigan is?!?!?!
All that reading is going to make Ashby learn the English language so much faster…
Love all the smiles from your amazing kiddos!
Anonymous says
http://pinteresttoldmeto.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-blardigan-is-moving-on-up-favorite.html?m=0
Read here to find out about the blardigan! You wont't regret it.:) Allison
Elaine Welte says
That made me all sorts of warm and fuzzy inside! I'm so glad you're reading lots to her! That will be the best way to develop her language skills; I'm sure Sheaffer gives you all sorts of tips and tricks to develop her language skills! Praying that the adjustment continues to go smoothly!
Christy says
I love seeing all the pics of Ashby smiling. Looks like Kensington & Smith are ajusting well to their new roles as big sister and big brother.
Susan Cardy says
Fun update!
Anonymous says
Would love to see Ashbys room!
Anonymous says
Me too! And a your of the rest of the house! Pretty please shay? Haha
Brittany F. says
That picture of Ashby sleeping in your bed just brought tears to my eyes. So perfect. We plan to adopt and that picture captures the many reasons why. Find the child that was meant for you, give them a home, love them until they feel safe, warm, protected and encouraged to dream BIG dreams. I'm so very happy for you!
Elizabeth P says
The last picture of Ashby passed out in your bed…I can't even. Too precious for words.
Karen says
I love that Kensington is teaching Ashby about all things Disney! Such a fun older sister 🙂 Great pictures! I agree with all the comments here… Ashby seems so happy and everyone seems like they're adjusting great!
my3 kids says
Shay, it's so nice to see Ashby settling in so well. She's such a beautiful little girl. Kensington and Smith look like the best big sister and big brother for sweet Ashby. Love all the pictures?
ProudAuntKaren says
Shay, these are precious!! Thanks for sharing as always.
Karen I.
ProudAuntKaren says
And being that you are always mixing and matching recipes and you have a new taste-tester in your house, what has been Ashby's new favorites? Would love to hear!!
kristinwithani says
So sweet and yea for some home time.
That pic of K and A on the big chair watching the movie shows how adorable Kensington would be with a bob – should she ever want one she could totally pull it off!
Mary says
Something about seeing Ashby so happy just melts my heart and makes me tear up! Everytime. :). Love seeing that she is sleeping in your bed–making up for lost time!
Haute Mommy Blog says
Aww, it looks like Ashby is fitting right in! She already looks like a regular little HAPPY & LOVED toddler!
If it makes you feel any better, that's how my three year old is at the doctor and she's never had anything dramatic or traumatic happen in her life. *sigh*
Jaclyn Johnson says
Hi Shay! I loved this post, thanks so much for updating us on your life lately and for showing us glimpses of how nicely Ashby is fitting into your family!! One of my favorite posts lately 🙂
DIYbyDesign says
Ashby is incredibly blessed to have you. You are a wonderful person and mommy. I found your blog just shortly before you went to China and have enjoyed following your story. What a special family.
Melanie Lien says
Shay, Ashby is absolutely precious. I am so excited that God chose yall to be her family. I know the Lord is smiling down on yall building community with her. I love all of the pictures, and the big kids look like such great siblings!
Jaren says
Love to see how you are all doing!! I get all teary-eyed because it is just so wonderful!!
Love that Kensington is educating her on all things Disney!
Keith and Brittany says
So beautiful and so real! You have raised beautiful children and clearly they love their little sister! Seeing the transformation in pictures of Ashby from the day you got her until now that she is home is magical! She is so happy and looks like life is just about perfect for her!
Mary says
I never really comment, but your last pic of Ashby in your bed seriously made me tear up. What a sweet sweet calling God has given you. Thanks so much for sharing. It is such a blessing to see that sweet baby thriving!
Anonymous says
Only one way to say it regarding Ashby becoming a Shull: Meant to be under God's divine plan!
Anonymous says
I want to go back in time and be adopted by you. Bless your sweet family always.
Jane :-))
Karen Ward says
Miss Ashby is presh!!! Love seeing everyone so happy!
Anonymous says
That sweet baby warm and fast asleep in her Mommy and Daddy's bed made me tear up. Bless y'all.
sarah c says
I love these precious moments! So beautiful! I love Ashby's smile. Such a cutiepie! I love how she is smiling all the time! It melts my heart! Praise God she finally has a family and to call someone beautiful like you " mom " and your husband Andrew "dad" . BTW that cutiepie has moves!
Nicole Leggett says
Omg, seeing how happy Ashby is brings tears of pure joy to my eyes!! You have given her such a wonderful life! Y'all are a true inspiration!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I love that Ashby is already loving Taylor Swift! So funny! Loved reading the update!
Jeanie says
Love this post! I keep thinking how new every single little thing must be to Ashby and how lucky she is.
Chic Coastal Living says
OKAY THREE WORDS. PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS!!! I just have to say that this post and your sweet kids are so precious! love it all! The Lord is on your side girl!! God bless each and every one of you on this beautiful journey. 🙂 XOXOXOXO
Maureen Chen says
aw, what sweetness! love your family! what a joy to see Ashby so a part of the gang! she is one lucky girl and you guys are one lucky family! definitely a perfect match and a forever family! blessings on you all 🙂
Beth says
We are celebrating our 11th Gotcha Day soon. Our daughter STILL loves to come in and sleep with us. Trust and feeling safe are vital when they first come home and it looks like bonding is going well. Thanks for sharing!!
Anonymous says
Love that Ashby sleeps with you guys for now! How is her grasp of the English language coming along? It's all so fascinating to us!
Also I wish you could link up your kid clothes!!!
Anonymous says
Just a suggestion for a blog post — how about Ashby, how she's adjusting to American food, and any adjustments you've had to make to your cooking for her?
Thanks for sharing your life with us!!!
Marty says
Love the pic of Ashby in your bed. All 4 of our kids have loved getting into our bed at one time or another (when they were little…it would be crazy weird now bc all but one are in their early 20's!). Our 3rd and 4th children, both boys, we called them "pushy little fur-balls," bc my husband would say "NO!" to them sleeping between us. Well, they would lay real still and as soon as he was asleep, they would climb over me and push and snuggle until they were right in the middle of us. Every time. I miss those days…
Denise Ross says
Simply beautiful photos Shay. Just warms my heart to see your kiddos milkng together and Ashby has the most sweetest smile.
Aubrey says
That sweet girl sleeping in your bed…what a treasure! Smith chasing Kensington was hilarious. Love those bigs of yours.