Our 4-Month-Old Is Starting Solids—Let the Mess Begin!

We’ve officially hit a big milestone—our baby girl got the go-ahead to start solids! It’s wild how fast time is flying. Just yesterday, it felt like she was a tiny newborn in our arms, and now she’s sitting up on her own, ready for her first bites of real food.

Taking It Slow & Keeping It Safe

We’re easing into this whole solids journey with a phased approach to make sure her tummy adjusts well. The plan? One new food at a time, sticking with it for three days before introducing the next. This way, if there’s any reaction (fingers crossed there won’t be!), we’ll know exactly which food caused it.

To keep things balanced, we’re alternating between fruits and veggies. Here’s what’s on the menu for her first few weeks:

Banana – Soft, sweet, and perfect for a first bite- We started our son on banana’s first; It worked out well.
Sweet Potatoes – Creamy and packed with vitamins.
Apples – Mild, tasty, and easy on tiny tummies.
Carrots – Slightly sweet and loaded with good stuff.
Kiwi – Tangy, fun, and full of vitamin C.
Broccoli – Because greens matter, even this early!

Why We’re Making Our Own Baby Food

There’s just something so special about making her food from scratch. Not only do we get to control what goes into it (no weird preservatives or added sugars), but it also gives us peace of mind knowing she’s getting the freshest, healthiest start. Plus, let’s be real—it’s pretty fun to watch her try new flavors for the first time! There are so many baby food makers out there, but I’m sticking with the Elva’s brand—the same one I used when making my son’s baby food. It didn’t disappoint then, and I know it won’t now! Having a reliable baby food maker makes the whole process so much easier,

What’s Next? Let’s See What She Likes!

We can’t wait to see if she’ll make a disgusted face at kiwi or devour sweet potatoes like a pro! Either way, we’re gearing up for messy, adorable moments and plenty of giggles.

A Big Day of Milestones: Ava’s 4-Month Checkup & A Protective Big Brother

Today was a special one—Ava had her 4-month checkup, and she’s thriving! Just like her big brother Hunter, she’s hitting milestones ahead of schedule. She’s already pushing herself up and even sitting up on her own—things typically seen in 6-month-olds! Her pediatrician was so impressed that we got the green light to start introducing solids, which is such an exciting step. We’ll be making all of her baby food from scratch, ensuring she gets the best start possible. And of course, I’ll continue exclusively nursing her for as long as she needs.

One of the sweetest moments of the day came from Hunter. As the doctor examined Ava, she let out a little cry—nothing major, just the usual fussiness from being poked and prodded. But Hunter was not having it. With a serious look, he firmly told the doctor, “Leave my sister alone! You’re making her cry!” Josh and I exchanged smiles, both feeling a deep sense of pride. Our little guy is only three, but his protective instincts are already so strong.

We reassured him that the doctor was just making sure Ava is healthy, but his stance didn’t waver—he’s her little guardian. Seeing their bond grow is one of the most heartwarming parts of parenthood. Every day, Josh and I are amazed by our children and the love they share.

These little moments remind us how fast time flies and how lucky we are to witness their milestones together. 💕

Uncertainty

Well, here we are—our first blog post. I guess today is as good a day as any to start writing down our thoughts.

We’ve been sitting with a strange mix of emotions lately. On one hand, we feel incredibly blessed. We have everything we once prayed for—steady jobs, a cozy home, two beautiful children, and even two dogs to complete the picture. Life should feel secure, right? But the truth is, it doesn’t.

Because the reality is, it can all be taken away in an instant.

Joshua, like so many others, is a federal employee, which means we live with the constant uncertainty of whether today will be the day he gets caught in another round of layoffs. And then there’s me, Ashley—I work in insurance, specifically handling Medicaid and Medicare members. If you believe the headlines, those programs are next on the chopping block. So here we are, like thousands of other families, holding our breath, running through endless "what if" scenarios, trying to figure out how we’ll keep each other afloat while making sure our kids feel nothing but love and security.

Our conversations swing between logic and complete absurdity. Maybe this is all happening for a reason. Maybe this is God’s way of nudging us out of our comfort zone, forcing us to chase the dreams we keep putting off. Maybe this uncertainty is actually a blessing in disguise.

One thing we do know? We believe in purpose. In faith. In the idea that every twist—good or bad—is leading us somewhere we’re meant to be. So, for now, we hold onto hope. Hope that whatever happens, for us and for the countless others in the same boat, it will all work out in the end.

And maybe, this is the beginning of something new.