For a kid that is only 18 months old, four months is a HUGEchunk of time! So much going on as he grows, develops, and explores. Ah, theage of exploration. One filled with so much joy, and so many bruises.

Asher seems to be such an even mix of his older threesiblings that it is purely fascinating to watch. It is fun to watch him look atnew things. The head tilt and peering, wide-opened, eyes. There are thesemoments where I catch an amazing sense of wonder in his expressions. Theseexpressions remind me of a kid at Christmas looking at the tree all lit up in asplendorous display of untold magic and joy. Still, reverent, and awesomemoments. Then, like a toddler, he sees something shiny and is distracted bysomething new. In a flash, the moment passes.

Roll, crawl, run, climb

In a blink, Asher went from the low crawl to walking andclimbing. I know, I know…. EVERYBODY says that. But really. With the last big update,he was kind of rolling over and crawling. Now, when I get home from work, hequickly walks up to me at the door with his siblings welcoming me home. This,of course, means that as he explores, there are now more falls, and resulting bruises.

I am so thankful that with Zoey we adopted the “try again”mentality. When he falls, we do not make a big deal of it. We encourage him toget up, on his own, and try again. It is amazing how little fear he has, andhow fast his confidence is building. Of course, trying to keep up, or get awayfrom Zoey, David, and Jacob can be reason enough for him to be progressing asfast as he is.

A smile that lights the room, and a laugh to match

Asher is just so… happy. With a little look, a wink, or asilly face his eyes light up, a huge still somewhat toothless smile beams, anda laugh fills the room. He is also VERY aware of cameras, and is a bit of aham. Not that I am complaining, he is adorable.

The obvious flip side to this is that when he is angry,every one in the house knows it. But, the constant giggle makes all of ussmile. He thrives a little on attention, but does not disruptively seek it. Heloves to ‘run’ across the room to me and collapse into my lap as a pile oflaughter and kisses.

Babbling Brooks Sometimes Sing

With that giggle we have also realized he is quite themimic. For the first time I am actually watching what I say MUCH more thannormal. He has a love for music, and will often sing songs to himself, byhimself, and be almost 100% correct on tone and tempo. I mean, he comes fromgreat musical stock, but he is the one that is showing this ability far earlierand far better than the others.

His mixture of focus, using it as a soothing technique, andthe smile when he realizes we are listening is adorable. I need to get somevideos of this and get them up on Instagram. It is something awesome.

I cannot wait to see who he decides to become as he growsup. Much like his siblings, it will be a joy to watch him come into his own. Icannot wait to see what things he will get into, besides the spice and Tupperwarecabinets.

Live big, love bigger, and be kind, always