Here we are at Beaver's Easter Egg hunt. Damon made an Easter hat for a contest. He didn't win anything, but he was very creative and sure looked cute.
Adam and I were in charge of the Don and Ada Hinton Family reunion. It went well and we're glad that we won't have to plan it again for a few years.
Ashton loves taking showers. I was able to catch some pretty cute pictures of him and Adam.
In August, we went the Selley Family Reunion in Logan. As usual, it was short and sweet.
On September 6th, our family joined us as in our ward sacrament meeting as Adam gave Ashton his baby blessing. It was neat to have so many people there, of course not all our siblings were able to make it, but we were grateful to all those who could. It was one of the most powerful blessings I've witnessed and it really affected Adam. I'm not sure I've ever seen him so emotional in public before. It was just special and comfirmed our feelings that Ashton has a very special spirit and purpose on this Earth. As a mother, I hoped for Ashton to receive so many wonderful blessings for his future. I longed for him to received all those things that would ensure him strength and happiness in this life. While the blessing was different than I would have written, it was better. I felt and knew that it was just for him and that our Heavenly Father was infinately more aware of his needs than I, a mere mortal mother, ever could hope to be. What a blessing it is to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life--for the knowledge that we have a loving father in heaven who really does care for us and longs for all our happiness. I am especially grateful to his tender care stretching over my dear children, for I long for the happiness and safety of my children more than I long for my own.
Ashton wore the same Blessing outfit as Damon. I made it out of one of Adam's missionary shirts and material from my wedding dress. Que Guapo!
Ashton Lavar Hinton Baby Blessing
September 6, 2009 - Given by Adam Lavar Hinton
Our Heavenly Father, by the power and authority of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we take this infant into our arms to give him a name and a blessing. The name which he shall be known throughout his life and upon the records of the church is Ashton Lavar Hinton.
Now, Ashton, you are very special to Heavenly Father and to us. You truly are a special boy. Know that we love you. We bless you that as you grow, you will develop a testimony of the power of prayer through which you can relate with your Heavenly Father. Know that he loves you; and through this, you will develop your own testimony and stand on your own two feet. We bless you that you will go to Him whenever you need anything—whether for comfort or knowledge, or just to talk.
You will be a blessing to your family, to your siblings and those who know you. We bless you that you will be quick to smile, that you will be a comfort to others. We bless you with health and strength throughout your life. And, in relationships, learn that nothing is too trivial for the Lord. Use Him to enrich your relationships.
We bless you that you will find a young lady that you can take to the temple. Your family will be a great blessing to you in your life.
We bless you with a continuing desire to serve the Lord, to go where He wants you to go, whether it be on mission or in callings. We bless you with compassion, that you will be a great strength to those around you.
We bless you with these and all other things the Lord has fit to bless you with…Amen
Our Family had a lot of firsts this last year. Here are just a few.
Ashton's first days at the hospital and at home.
Ashton's First Bath
Damon's first Bikeride on two wheels
Ashton's First Smiles
Damon's first Birthday Party, the big 5
I made a chocolate racecar cake. All I can say is at least Damon thought it was cool. Most of Damon's friends were able to make it. Here, Pablo and Caleb are encouraging Damon as he opens his presents, what moral support. We also played several relay games and here Damon is distracted by Austen, or actually, he's being a bully, but Austen was a good sport about it all.
Damon Starts Headstart
Damon started Headstart in September. He loves school and is thriving. It was our compromise since he missed the deadline to go to kindergarten. He's working hard so he will be more than ready for school next year.
The biggest highlight of 2009 was, of course, the birth of our smiley little baby Ashton. Damon was absolutely sure and determined that we were having a girl. No trick question or inopportune time could make him say or agree that it was a boy. So, I thought if any of us was bound to have intuition, it would be him. After all, he is the most innocent out of the three of us (Adam, Damon and I). Then on the day we were to find out Ashton's gender, the little raskal (yes, I'm refering to Damon) changed his tune. On the way into the ultrasound he said, "Um, maybe it's a boy?" Then, we found out it really was and I was very relieved that I had only bought one thing in pink. I'm not sure if Damon was disapointed as much as he was confused that his request had not been heeded. On the way out he said--a little whiny I might add, "But I wanted a gurl." However, it took him all of ten minutes to get used to the idea and start coming up with very interesting names for the baby such as Clark as in Clark Kent, Dinosaur, and at one point he even suggested Darth Vader as a good alternative to his other suggestions. Thankfully, Adam and I were in control of the naming bussiness. Damon got a doll at the hospital that he promptly named Clark. Phew, that was a close one.
Our first picture of Ashton
Because I was considered a high-risk pregnancy, I had to have stress tests twice a week: and, let me tell ya, if I didn't have stress before, those tests sure did a good job at giving it to me. I really wanted to give birth the traditional way, but since I was high-risk and I'd had a previous c-section, I only had a small window to let nature do it's work. The doctor gave me until I was 38 weeks to go into labor on my own. I was having contractions, but they weren't doing anything. Just another week is all I needed, I'm sure. Anyway, I got looking at the added risks: being on blood thinners, previous c-section, and then the worry about how it all would affect the baby and I decided to be a good girl and do what the doctor told me (yes, my attitude was okay, even if it could have been a little better).
So, Ashton was born on July 1, 2009 at 7:31 AM. He was 20" long, and weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. For being two weeks early, he was a big boy! I knew he would be, though, because as soon as I could feel him, it seemed like he was covering more space than Damon ever had. Much of the time I could feel him stretching way down low as well as way up in my rib cage. It was often uncomfortable, but at least I could feel him moving and that gave me comfort to know he was still thriving inside me. I know, a little paranoid, but after waiting for 3 1/2 years for him, I was anxious to get him here safe and sound.
He was a beautiful, chubby baby who has since thinned out a bit. Nonetheless, he is still beautiful and is getting funner every day.
Waiting before the C-section...
Damon had to keep himself occupied somehow.
Here is when our angel was born:
Isn't he the cutest...Of course I thought this about Damon too.
Just look at his chubby cheeks and double chin. It's just so squeezable.
My parents and Adam's mom were there. After everyone got to spend a few minutes with the baby (over an hour after the c-section! Unacceptable!), Damon went to stay with Adam's parents for a few days and my parents headed home for some much needed rest, Meadow is about 2 hours away from Cedar City.
