Five months ago today, we met this sweet little girl. I really feel like it was a lot longer than five months ago…I honestly feel like she’s been a part of our lives forever. Sweet little Ashby was just the perfect puzzle piece to the Shull family.
Month five came and went quickly! I must say, each and every month that goes by, Ashby’s little personality comes out even more. This once shy, timid and reserved girl is now a complete ham. She is really funny, has the best facial expressions and we can tell she is not going to be a wallflower in our home…she has a BIG personality! I wish I could share her with all of you so that you can see how sweet she is. Goodness! This girl is PRECIOUS!
Over the last 30 days, we have had mostly ups each and every day with a few downs thrown in there. Ashby’s communication has come the furthest this month. At this point, we are really having conversations. She’ll ask questions, carry on a conversation, make points and is very verbal. I’m going to knock on wood while I’m saying this…but I think we even have a potty trained girl (yay!).
The downs this last month were mostly health related. We had the blood clot scare, we had the MRI (and went over the results), she was having nose bleeds almost daily, so she had a little cauterization procedure done, and we begin compression therapy (she’ll begin wearing compression garments next week).
My favorite part of month five has been watching her move around our house. This month, you can really tell that Ashby feels like this is her home too. I like to watch her go get things and move about without our assistance. For example, we keep blankets in the cabinet under the TV and some days, I’ll watch her get down off the couch, go over and open the cabinet, select a blanket, get back on the couch and cover herself up. Just watching her know her way around the house is so heartwarming.
The other day, I was in the kitchen and she came in, opened the cabinet, took a paper towel off the roll and walked off (I followed her to see what she was doing). Apparently, the stopper hadn’t been in place in her sippy cup and while she and Smith were playing with marbles, it had spilled, so she knew where the paper towels were and went to clean it up herself.
I know these are little things…but when you invite someone new to live in your home, it’s such a great feeling when you can tell that they’re fully comfortable there and that it feels like home to them. I can say, “go get a cup” and she knows exactly where they are. She knows where the Kleenex is when she wants to blow her nose, she knows where I keep her “lipstick” (a.k.a. Chapstick), she just knows. It makes my heart so happy that she knows this is home.
Month five was truly a wonderful month with our little lady here. We feel so blessed to have her.
Language: Her English is improving exponentially. Now, she doesn’t just respond to questions but she asks questions herself. This girl is very chatty and will talk your ear off. Even though her English is broken, it’s pretty darn clear and you can really discuss some things with her. She’ll also talk about things that she has done or wants to do (so she’s thinking, recalling and using her language to express herself). I stole a piece of the kids’ pizza the other day and she walked in the kitchen and caught me. She looked at me and said, “Hey, that’s my pizza!”. See…she knows her English :).
I look back to where we started and then to where we are now verbally and she’s improved so much. I can’t even imagine what her verbal skills will be like five months from today.
Physical Development: She’s growing like a weed :). This girl is still on the tiny side but she’s growing fast and healthy. We think she’s going to be ambidextrous because she prefers her right hand but uses her left hand for most small motor skills (cutting, coloring, writing) because her malformation gets in the way. She’s learned this month how to climb up on to the couch, how to get in the kitchen chair by herself and how to get off her bed. Every day, she develops new skills.
Sleeping: She’s a champ :). Naps are going great and she sleeps through the night every time. She loves her little routine (bed, blankets, prayers, Jesus Loves Me and a million kisses from the four of us).
Food: This girl is happy that it’s grilling season! Ashby loves burgers, hot dogs and especially corn on the cobb.
Attachment: I was most worried and have been most surprised by Ashby’s attachment to us. She clearly knows who she belongs to now and is very secure in our relationship. I am blessed beyond words that we’re not struggling with any attachment issues at the moment. I left her for the first time when I went to Boston and she did great! A huge part of attachment is confidence that the people you love are returning…and she knew that.
Potty Training: She’s wearing big girl undies all the time unless she’s sleeping. Three out of the last six nights in a row, she’s woken up dry…but I would like that percentage to be larger before we switch to wearing undies at night. She can clearly communicate with us when she needs to potty and she understands the whole “hold it” thing now until we can get to a restroom. Woohoo!
In five days, this precious little girl turns THREE!! Our big plans for the month…enjoy summer. Today is (finally!) the last day of school and we are going to chill out this next month. Sleeping late, swimming, eating on the patio and staying up a bit late are all on our to-do list. Ashby has a few more doctor appointments this month and will begin wearing her compression garments, so that’s where we stand on that. We are so excited to just stay home and enjoy relaxing this month.
Five months. It makes me sad that she went 30 months all by herself. She has so much love in her heart…I am so blessed the Lord made me her mama.
On my foodie blog today…
…my Plum Berry Galette. This dessert is so simple and quick that you can whip it up in minutes on a summer night.
xoxo
Kimberly says
It is wonderful that things are going so well! Ashby looks like such a happy little girl!
Sarah says
I just can't handle the sweetness. That she has you guys and that you have her. 🙂 I get teary eyed each monthly update. So happy for you all.
Anonymous says
Such a cute little baby girl! Love hearing about her! Thanks for sharing : )
Anonymous says
So awesome! What an example of being God's hands and feet! You're a great mama! With all of the kids being home for Summer, how do you find time to work out? Would love to know, thanks!!!
kimm atwood says
This makes my heart happy!
Rachel says
I love how far she has come with knowing where everything is around the house! How exciting that she is carrying on coversations 🙂 She is blessed to have the Shull's as her family.
Anonymous says
I am in Texas too! After all the rain, would just like to warn you, be very careful , copperheads are running rampant! As are water moccasins!
Anonymous says
And also! Happy 5 months for y'all and Ashby! Sorry had snakes on the brain! We found 3 in our yard! Scary! Lethal too for a small child or pet!
cristina villalba says
Love Ashby! Her spirit is pure joy! May God continue to bless her and your family!
KW0410 says
Goodness I look forward to these updates!! The post that made me see how much Ashby's personality is shining is the picture of her in her purple pj's from when you first brought her home compared to her wearing them last month… unbelievable the story a picture can tell!! So happy to see and thank you for sharing your adoption journey with your readers 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Watching her with y'all is such an absolute JOY. (When I got home last night, I had a 5 minute and 48 second video on my phone that she had shot! Hilarious!) She most definitely knows that she is with her forever family, and I think she feels that she's been with you for more than 5 months too. And I know I've told you this before, but one of the most wonderful things for me to witness has been Kensington and Smith loving on her. I'm so proud of your 2 big kids!
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
I am so happy that Ashby is doing so well! These updates are quickly becoming some of my favorite posts! 🙂
Narci says
Love our sweet Ashby! It does feel like she's been here forever. ❤️❤️❤️
Erika Slaughter says
I can't believe its only been 5 months!! Seems like she's been here longer but maybe that's because she fits in so perfectly! God knew exactly what he was doing making that girl a Shull! She's right where she belongs!!
Valerie Cox says
Ashby is adorable! Love that she went to find a paper towel to wipe up the spill! 🙂 You have a precious family, Shay!
Tracy says
I love these Ashby updates! She looks like a totally different girl from the one you brought home 5 months ago. So precious!
Haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
How sweet!! Love your joy and happiness! Ashby is such a cutie and I love that she is fitting right in and all the love shared! 🙂
thebusybrunette says
Oh, Shay!
***SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!***
These updates melt my heart. Bless you and your family for all you've done to help Ashby transition into her forever home. You are special people.
"The Busy Brunette"
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/
Lisa Nortman says
Love seeing this child blossom in the care you are all giving her! One thing that jumped out at me is how you have taught her, and apparently K and Smith, to be independent. Most kids would yell for their parents to get them a blanket or bring them a paper towel to clean up after them, and many parents MISTAKENLY do it….either to please or just because it is easier or whatever, not realizing that when they become teens and beyond it was a mistake.
My Daddy once gave me a little desktop calendar page he had ripped out at work because it had a sweet message he wanted to give me. On the flip side of that page it had a valuable lesson…"Teach your children how to live without you". Of course it is so nice to be needed by them, but as you have shown us, it is so nice to see them do things for themselves.
Thanks for sharing your lives with us and allowing us to be a witness to sweet Ashby's progress:)
Anonymous says
Such a great reply/observation. Completely agree!
Laurie S says
Hello summer vacation! Has it been FIVE months already?! I love how your family has grown by leaps and bounds with love and confidence. What a blessing you have been to one another. Praise the Lord!
Lindsay D. says
Very sweet post!!
Anonymous says
The Lord is so good and works in the most purposeful of ways. I have shed tears and my heart is joyfully overwhelmed by the sheer sweetness of following Ashbys journey into such a loving family. These posts and all your posts help me understand myself better and help me visualize and try to build the type of life I desire for myself and those God grants me to love. Thanks for being generous and opening up your life. God's blessings are limitless and through you, your family, and Ashby have touched many.. certainly me.
Natalie Zambreski says
Could that little girl be ANY happier?! She just radiates joy, and I love how you're tracking all of these little things. She's doing so so well!
Anonymous says
I've been out of the country for a couple of weeks, so just catching up on everything. First off, love watching Ashby grow. She's so very precious!!! Secondly, when do you think you will start taking the girls with you and your dad to the Red Sox games? I ask because my dad and I are major Cardinal fans (sorry) and growing up, going to the games was such a huge part of my childhood. I bet they would love it as much as you do 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Kensington has gone with me to Fenway Park the last two years in a row! Next year, we might bring Ashby too (although her daddy says she's a Yankee fan…).
Anonymous says
Hi Shay! I've been reading your blog daily now for about two years I believe. Would you ever consider video blogging aka vlogging on YouTube? I love reading about how your family is doing but watching your words play out would be awesome 🙂
Alicia B says
I love these posts, thanks for sharing such an inspiring story. Ashby is an amazing and resilient little girl!
Angie says
Love this! God knew exactly what He was doing when He created Ashby and He knew exactly who her mommy (and family) would be. 🙂
Our daughter is dating a young man (he'll be 23 this month) who was put in foster care when he was 3 weeks old. He was adopted by the age of one into a home where he and his twin brother (and many other adopted siblings) were abused. At the age of 13 or 14 he was a foster child again….still is (kinda). He will finish college in about a year and enter into the Social Work profession. He will relate so much to children in foster care and abusive situations. God has a plan for his life, just like He has for Ashby. Orphans have a special place in my heart. Wish I could love on them all!
Tara Smith says
Beautiful!!
Lauren Thomas says
These are my favorite posts of yours to read! I love seeing how Ashby is blossoming! I am curious, have you heard from her orphanage or kept them updated on her progress? I wonder how happy they are to see how well she is adjusting! I love your blog!
Mix and Match Mama says
We haven't heard from her orphanage but plan on sending them an update at her one year mark :).
Anonymous says
Ashby is so stinkin adorable. I have a quick question..where is the "let me be little" shirt from? I LOVE it!
Mix and Match Mama says
multiplicitees.com or @multipicitees on instagram!!
Stephanie McKinnon says
She has bloomed into such a beauty right before your eyes <3 so happy things are going so well! Prayers for her compression garments and for any other future issues. She's lucky to have some parents who love her so. Would I be guessing correctly if I said her multi-color plaid and pink polka dot shorts are from Nordstrom?
Angie says
I look forward every single morning to read your post. For me, the main thing I love about your posts and your IG pictures—you always focus on FAMILY and faith. You have such a beautiful family. I know God is so proud of you!
Pettals says
Bless! Always a pleasure to read and see how sweet little Ashby is doing.
Janet says
I so enjoy watching Ashby blossom. Five months have flown by. The first picture above is one of my favorites so far. It has Ashby, candy and my VT Hokies representing in Texas.
Brooke @ A Retherford Realization says
These posts always make my heart so happy, Shay! I love how big your heart is for this little girl.
Melissa says
Beyond precious!!! Thank you for taking the time to share each month of your journey so openly and honestly with your readers. It's a joy!
Queen In Between says
Such a sweet little story…I can only imagine how she has blossomed in your eyes because just seeing the post here I can totally tell how much she has come out of her shell and how comfortable she is in her family.
Anonymous says
I have been reading your blog pretty religiously for about a year, and I just want to say thank you for sharing so much with your blog readers! It is a true joy to start my daily routine reading your blog. You are the kind of mama I want to be when I have kids!
xox from Vancouver, Canada.
Kelsey Mann Peacock says
Such a sweet post! Glad to see she is continuing to settle in & be happy 🙂 It's obvious she knows how loved she is and that you're raising very sweet kiddos! Can't wait to hear the 6 month update!
Kelsey
http://www.thepeacockroost.com
The Nelson Happenings says
Ashby is a doll !!! Thanks for sharing, it seems like she is adjusting well ! I love reading your posts about her and to be honest about your whole sweet family 🙂 Your an inspiration !
Shawnee says
Love your blog Shay, especially your Ashby updates!!!!
Dawn says
???? So sweet to hear about Ashby and know that she is doing so well with her new family!
Anonymous says
Between you and pregnancy hormones, I am a blubbering mess! Love these updates! Your family is so inspiring.
Donna says
She seems like the sweetest thing! All of your children do! I saw on instagram that it was Kensington's last day of Kindergarden. My son's last day is coming up. I'm wondering how you store all of the school work she does? What do you keep and how do you contain it?
sarah c says
This is incredibly beautiful! I have been following every Ashby movement. I keep having to keep reminding myself she has been with you for 5 months but it feels like she's been with you forever! She's so precious and beautiful! It makes me happy she finally has a place to call home and knows that it is her home!
Debbie says
She looks so happy! Congratulations.
Kelly Miller says
What an adorable little blessing Ashby is!
Anonymous says
Such a sweet post! I'm glad she's so happy, what a great family you have!
Anonymous says
Love you and your family Mama. May God bless your family always.
Cheers, Jane from Oz
Anonymous says
You and Andrew need to pat yourselves on the back since Ashby is doing so well due to the two of you and of course Kensington & Smith! I am on "cuteness overload" every time I see photos of your sweet family.
Anonymous says
She is so adorable! I love these updates. They usually make me tear up, but in a great way. I love that you are so proud of her, and she is so proud to be a part of your family.
Momofgirls says
These Ashby updates are my very fave! She is so precious and she absolutely belongs in your family! All your hard work and love have paid off! What a blessing to, not only all of your family, but to us! I am so glad to follow along on this journey!! xoxo
Anonymous says
I happened upon your blog when you first adopted Ashby. Your story has been such an inspiration and has really had me considering adoption one day in the future as well. It is amazing to watch Ashby's transformation through pictures on your blog! She is a blessed little girl!
Jeanie says
I am so thrilled with her progress! It just makes my heart happy that she's doing so well.
skmanning says
It sounds like little Ashby is doing so great! That is wonderful! She really is adorable. That "lost" time is part of her life but it doesn't seem like it is going to have any long term problems attached to it. It is so neat to watch her blossom.
Paula says
5 months feels like forever. Ashby & your entire family have grown together beautifully! Such a testimony to the fact she absolutely was chosen to be a Shull & you're doing a fabulous job raising all 3 of your kiddos. Beautiful family!
Jen R says
I'm not sure how I ever missed that she had a malformation – even with all the pictures of her sweet self, I've never noticed it! I'm so glad that she is doing so great making her home with you!
♥ Jen
A Splash of Life Blog
Raegan Allen says
absolutely love your ashby posts! God is good!!!!
Marty says
I love reading these updates on Ashby. I just love seeing her sweet smile. 🙂 God is restoring the months Ashby was far away from your family, and He is making all things new. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us.
Erin says
How was the cauterizing procedure. My daughter gets bloody noses often and we may have to end up doing that.
Rebecca Carl says
I enjoy your blog so much and following along your life with your beautiful family. I was on Barnes and Noble today and saw a book and immediately thought about you. The name is "I love you like Crazy Cakes" by Rose Lewis and here is the description:
"This story of a woman who travels to China to adopt a baby girl, based on the author's own experiences, is a celebration of the love and joy a baby brings into the home. Full color."
Sounds like the perfect book for you and Ashby. <3 Becky
Erin Phillips says
Hi there! Writing from Charlotte NC- my husband and I have started the adoption process in China so your blog is just what i needed to find. A friend sent it to me and I'm thrilled she did. We have two girls, Libby age 5 and Bronley 18 months- we are trying to adopt a baby girl and filled out our MCC in April of 2014. We have been pretty conservative with our medical conditions but are so excited for the outcome, no matter how long it may take. Need to look back further on your blog to find out how long it took etc. Can't wait to read. We have started a blog too but it isn't anything wonderful by any means. 😉
http://www.openarmstochina.com
Thanks for sharing your story!!!!
Erin Phillips says
Oh no ! I had written so much and it somehow deleted- we are in the adoption process in China!!!! Loving your story and blog updates. Need to read further. Our blog is nothing fancy but
http://www.openarmstochina.com
We have two girls- 5 and 18 months and trying for another girl. What a process!!!! So worth it though and so excited about what's to come. Love love love your blog. Thank you!!!!!
Tracy Fowlkes says
Such an absolute doll!