The Wagester Family Blog

Happy Easter!

2010-04-06T23:28:00.005-04:00

Ashley enjoyed visiting the Easter Bunny this year. She walked right up to Mr. Bunny and gave him a huge hug.

It was a warm and gorgeous day on Easter Sunday.

We planted this tree in the summer of 2008 to commemorate Ashley's birth. It is amazing how much the pair of them have grown over the past year and a half.

Happy Easter!

Disney 2010

2010-04-06T22:24:00.007-04:00

We decided to go to Disney World for our spring family vacation again this year. What a difference one year makes! Ashley, in this short 1 year, 7 months, and 25 days, continues to give Steve and me a feeling of joy that can’t be measured. She gives us the chance to see the world again, through a brand new pair of eyes. She takes us places we would not otherwise go. She shows us things we have become too jaded to notice. She surprises and delights us, and we are so honored to be her parents.

Epcot 2010

Epcot 2009

Ashley really enjoyed Winnie the Pooh and Tiger. Mickey and Minnie Mouse (MMMMMmememe Mouse as Ashley refers to them) were also fun. However, it was Goofy (Gooky) that won over her heart.

Waiting in line at the Animal Kingdom.

Dancing the night away at the Biergarten in Epcot.

Ashley selecting a Winnie the Pooh bear. Decisions, decisions.

Ashley's new favorite smile...Grrrrr!!!! She must have learned this from the Pirates ride. :-)
Happy Spring Break everyone!

Back to Blogging: Merry Christmas & Happy 2010!

2010-01-05T23:34:00.005-05:00

Ashley's (16 months old) visit to Santa in December 2009. She wasn't afraid of the guy in the bright red suit this year, however, she wasn't too sure about all the people, stuffed animals, and noise makers behind the camera. Ashley is in perfect health and continues to be the love our lives. She is fun, sassy, and very much a comedian.
Our little family: Kristy, Steve & Ashley

Ashley loves to clap her hands when she is having fun and laughing.

Grandpa Reith and Ashley. It is cute watching them play and read together. I can never tell who is more exhausted after playing, though. :-)

Cheers to a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Ashley's Photo Shoot

2009-04-16T08:24:00.000-04:00

Please take a look at Ashley's most recent photos at http://www.heatherbleeke.com (look for my name under the gallery section). The ring is my Mom's wedding ring and the rosary was given to Ashley from my parents on the day Ashley was born.

Jumping Bean

2009-04-13T15:48:00.003-04:00

Ashley absolutely loves to play and jump in her Jumperoo.

Our little ballerina in training - sometimes she uses her *toes* to jump.

I She laughs the whole time and really has a great time playing with the toys attached. Wouldn't it be fun to have an adult size jumperoo? :-)

Easter Bunny

2009-04-08T09:01:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday, Ashley had her very first "meeting" with the Easter Bunny. She did not mind Mr. Bunny at all (despite following a screaming little boy). Grandpa Reith was with us and he made some really funny faces and nosies to help capture her beautiful smile.

Happy Easter!

Happy Spring - Some Fun Photos from Winter

2009-03-20T07:11:00.007-04:00

Daddy and Ashley being silly.

A finger paint masterpiece created by our little artist. (Please note the chomp marks at the top and left side).

Ashley did not get too much paint on her since the majority of it was on Mommy.

"Jake, Look at these. These are called feet. You will grow some when you are bigger."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ashley loves playing with puzzles. She really likes to investigate the pieces with her mouth, particullary the little white dog right in front of her.

Riding the DinoRama ride with Daddy at Animal Kingdom. (The ride is just like Dumbo's ride only with a much shorter wait).

Happy Spring everyone!

Disney World

2009-03-11T22:56:00.003-04:00

Steve, Ashley, and I just returned from a wonderful vacation at Disney World. We had so much fun and Ashley was a wonderful little traveler. She did not have any problems with the flights or adjusting to sleeping in a pack and play. She also seemed to not mind going on rides with us.

Ashley showing off her two new lower teeth during the princess lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table (located in Cinderella's Castle). During this lunch we met Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, and Jasmine.

Beautiful mosaic in Cinderella's Castle.

I forgot how lovely the castle is at night. The colors change frequently. The weather was perfect-high sixties during the beginning of the week and in the eighties for our last three days.

Daddy and his princess at Epcot.

Ashley pulled Tinkerbell off the shelf as we were going through a shop. Eeekkk! The last thing we needed was to be arrested for shoplifting. :-)

February 15th: Ashley's Intro to Solids

2009-03-11T22:18:00.004-04:00

Below are some fun photos we snapped during Ashley's first time eating solids. Her meal consisted of yummy cereal and bananas. (Steve was brave and tried the concoction). Ashley is such a wonderful baby and truly a blessing. We are having so much fun with her.

A Wonderful Wife & Mother

2009-02-17T23:14:00.002-05:00

SANDRA "SANDY" G. REITH, 61, of Fort Wayne, was called home Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at Parkview North. Born in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late Amos and Hazel (Schaffner) Gatchell, formerly of Hoagland. She was a member of St. John Flatrock Lutheran Church and American Maltese Association. Her hobby was tennis; she was an avid Bridge player; and she loved her parrots and maltese dogs. Surviving are her husband, Dr. Harry J. Reith D.D.S.; daughter, Kristy A. (Steven) Wagester of Fort Wayne; sons, Karl F. (Erin) of Auburn, Douglas M. (Erica) and Gregory T. (Jennifer), both of Fort Wayne; brother, Garry Gatchell of Hoagland; and five grandchildren. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Friday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials to the family.

Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 2/11/2009

My Special Days with Meredith & Grant

2009-01-05T00:21:00.007-05:00

Every so often I take Meredith and/or Grant out for "a special day with Aunt Kristy." Since I know Meredith and Grant enjoy watching this blog and seeing pictures of Ashley, I thought I would write a little bit about our most recent adventures and post their pictures.

Last month Meredith and I went Christmas shopping together. The windchill was minus fifteen so we bundled up and headed out for some fun. We shopped for clothes, chewed lots of bubble gum, looked at every princess book in Barnes and Noble, ate cookies BEFORE dinner (actually Meredith ate all the cookies), went to Toy R Us, and then ate dinner at "Donald's" so she could get a toy.

Meredith being silly with her jester hat.

Meredith (and a few 'seasoned' men sitting on the benches nearby) thought it was funny that she was able to put her thumb in Clarice's mouth. We had a wonderful time together laughing and acting goofy. I cannot wait to have another special day with Meredith.

Grant turned 3yrs old on January 4th, 2009. Grant's special day consisted of him telling me what he wanted to do. You know, because no one should be bossed around on his birthday! :-)

Grant and I had a busy and fun day. We went to go see the movie 'Bolt' in 3D. We ate lots of popcorn and candy and laughed at how funny our 3D (aka NERD glasses) looked. We then feasted at Red Lobster as Grant told me he was hungry for some crab legs. (The kids get their love for seafood from their Dad). After a great meal we headed to Toys R Us. We pushed what felt like every button that made a noise, and in the end Grant chose a CAT remote control dump truck.

Here is Grant in 2007 right before seeing Santa. It is amazing how much he has grown-up this past year.

Guess who loves Thomas the Train? I can't wait to have many more special days with Grant!

XOXOXOXO

Fun Photos of Ashley (December 2008)

2009-01-05T00:01:00.005-05:00

Ashley wearing a hat for the first time.

Someone had fun at Build A Bear! Thanks Grandma Reith. We love you.

Ashley is sitting up on her own.

Ouch! Ashley accidentally scratched herself under her right eye Christmas morning.

Ashley and Mortimer the Moose from Grandma Wagester. Ashley loves chewing on Mortimer's antlers.

Another hat and another picture. Geesh, Mom!

Ashley's "lovies" at this time. Mortimer the Moose and her Taggie blanket.

Christmas Evening

2009-01-04T23:03:00.011-05:00

Fort Wayne saw a "Crystal Christmas" this year as our city was hit hard by ice storms.

Several power lines were down, and tens of thousands of people were without electricity for several days. Those without power included our parents and our family Christmas party hostess and host, Jenny and Greg.

Since Jenny and Greg (aka Santa's Elves) did not have their power restored until Christmas Eve, they asked if they could bring the party to our home. Jenny and Greg brought all the wonderful food (prime rib, Honey Baked ham, sides, etc) and the rest of us just showed-up. Here they are passing out the "man" gifts.

Since the children looked so nice, I wanted to take a picture of all the cousins together. Getting five children in one place BEFORE opening presents was a challenge. Grace, Meredith, and Ashley were ready for the photo...

Grant, on the other hand, did not want to sit with girls so he opted for the floor...

...and Alexzandra was asleep in her car seat. Well, there is always next year. :-)

Ashley and I just sitting back and relaxing.

Meredith looked so pretty in the coat and dress Grandma Reith got for her.

Unfortunately, Mom and Dad were not able to join us this year for Christmas. They were greatly missed but we sent a lot of pictures to them over our cellphones. Greg and Jenny also took special plates of food over. Please continue to keep Mom in your prayers.

Christmas Morning

2009-01-04T22:13:00.011-05:00

Ashley woke up at 8:30am Christmas morning and you know what that means - time to open gifts! Before we headed downstairs, however, Ashley immediately noticed the gift Santa left for her under her crib. :-)

Daddy showing Ashley how to unwrap her gift. She smiled, talked, and squealed the whole time.
Crinkle, crinkle, crinkle. Ashley having fun with the snowman wrapping paper.

Santa left Ashley a Mozart Cube. She loves all the musical sounds it makes.

Ashley was very sleepy from the Christmas Eve trip back home, so we decided to resume opening presents until later in the morning. Here she is opening her Vtech train station. I am not sure who was more excited: Steve or Ashley.

Ashley loved sliding her fingers across the smooth wrapping paper. Her sense of touch is certainly developing.

...and more gifts. Santa was really generous this year. It was pretty obvious that Ashley was on "nice" list in 2008. Seeing Christmas through your child's eyes is such an amazing experience. It is hard to remember our lives without Ashley; we are so thankful and proud to be her parents. Our little family wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care

2009-01-04T21:50:00.005-05:00

On December 23rd Steve, Ashley, and I traveled to Michigan for the Wagester family Christmas. Ashley loved looking at all the beautiful decorations at Grandma Kathie & Grandpa Dennis Wagester's house. The fire was very inviting as it was a very cold and snowy night.

Vinnie and Nicolas getting ready to open gifts. They were such good helpers as they handed out the packages to everyone.

Vinnie gave Ashley such as beautiful gift...a Disney princess snow globe. Ashley loves it and after Christmas we are going to place it on the bookshelf in her nursery.

Vinnie and Ashley spending time together. Vinnie is so good with Ashley and we can't wait for him to come and visit us this summer.

Santa Baby

2008-12-12T21:18:00.008-05:00

Ashley is four months old today! Steve and I decided to surprise our little princess with a visit to meet Santa Claus. She really liked Santa's fuzzy collar and snuggled up to him right when we put her on his lap. I just know Santa is going to bring Ashley *whatever* she wants for Christmas.

Our little family has certainly been through a lot these past couple months. Thank you to all of our family and friends for standing beside us. We are so thankful for each of you.

Merry Christmas!

Dr. Michael Rutter, MD, CCHMC

2008-12-12T20:22:00.011-05:00

Steve and I are so thankful to Dr. Michael Rutter, MD, at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center for accepting Ashley as a patient. It is because of this remarkable surgeon that Ashley is breathing with ease today.

Cincinnati Children's is a phenomenal hospital. (http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/). Thank you to everyone at the hospital that helped our precious little girl feel better.

Our New President!

2008-11-07T18:02:00.002-05:00

"Daddy, we elected who for president?"

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008: Happy Election Day!

2008-11-07T17:27:00.004-05:00

How exciting that a new president will be elected the year of Ashley's birth.

Oh, say can you see, By the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed At the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, Through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched, Were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, The bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night That our flag was still there.O, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave O'er the land of the free, And the home of the brave?

Ashley is Rolling!

2008-11-07T16:41:00.006-05:00

It feels like only yesterday that Ashley was a "fragile" newborn. On November 3rd, 2008 Ashley rolled from her tummy to her back. I am so happy I happened to have our camera in my pocket to catch this special moment.

Ashley has been told she needs a strong neck in order to hold-up her chubby cheeks. Hehehe

"Hmmmm....I must be doing something important because Mommy is cheering me on *and* she is taking my picture."

Just.a.little.bit.more.power.to.flip

"Mommy, where are you?"

I'm a big girl because I can now roll over onto my back! Clap, clap, clap!

Ashley is feeling better

2008-11-07T16:03:00.003-05:00

Thank you to our friends and family for sending get well wishes to Ashley. I am happy to report she is no longer being administered oral steroids, however, she still is receiving breathing treatments of Albuterol and Pulmicort every four hours. Mr. Turtle (the nebulizer) is not at all scary for Ashley, and she actually smiles as she inhales the "steam" he produces.

We learned the hard way that October is a peak month for croup and respiratory infections. Please continue to promote hand washing....yours and your childrens' health depends on it.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-07T14:15:00.010-05:00

If you could translate Ashley's baby talk, she would tell you how crazy her Mommy is about Halloween. She would also tell you that Daddy took the day off work to help prepare for the evening's festivities. Since this was our little girl's first Halloween we needed to do things right! :-)

Ashley modeling one of her many Halloween outfits.

"Ashley, it is time to put on your costume and have some fun!" Whoo hoo!

Our cute little butterfly. Ashley loved the silky feeling of her costume.

Ashley, Daddy, and Helga. Daddy thought Ashley looked so cute; he enjoyed taking her around to see our neighbors. Helga, on the other hand, was a bump on a log and just sat on the sofa all night.

Batman (Grant), Snow White (Meredith), Alexandra and their parents stopped by for some trick-or-treating fun. Later on we found Batman and Snow White in a dark corner eating all of their goodies.

Cute little Minnie Mouse (Grace) also stopped by with her parents. She is doing such a great job walking, and her smile is just darling. She is also the fastest crawler we have ever seen.

Ashley spending some time with Aunt Erica. Ashley originally went to bed at 7:45pm but woke up because she heard all the fun going on downstairs. We had a great pumpkin day and hope you did too.

Happy Halloween!

Happy First Birthday, Grace!

2008-11-07T10:21:00.006-05:00

Ashley's first cousin, Grace, turned one year old October 25th, 2008. Grace had a super fun birthday party with lots of great food and Halloween decorations. Grace (sporting her pink tutu) and Ashley (in her black Halloween outfit) sure look pretty in their fluffy dresses. Grace is always so gentle with Ashley; she likes to pet her.

I love this picture. No matter how old you are, opening presents is so much fun! (Aunt Emma, who just adores Grace, is in the background and she is 102 yrs old). Grace is very in to Elmo right now and she received a lot of neat toys to play with.

"You want me to do what with this cake? I don't feel like getting dirty today."

" Mmmm....yum yum....my hand tastes so good." I told Ashley that she must be careful not to eat her hand off. Otherwise, I would have to buy her a hook and that might not be as tasty. :-)

Grace and Aunt Jenny. Happy First Birthday, Grace! We had a great time at your party!!! XOXOXO

Alexzandra Marie Reith

2008-11-07T09:12:00.006-05:00

In the late evening of October 14th, 2008, Karl and Erin welcomed this new bundle of joy into their family. (I will list her birth stats once I confirm them). Alexzandra is a beautiful little girl with thick pretty dark hair. She loves to cuddle and be held by her big sister, Meredith, and her big brother, Grant.

I couldn't resist posting this picture. Meredith and Grant stayed with us while Karl and Erin were in the hospital. The kids were so excited for *their* baby to arrive. The morning after Alexandra's debut I asked Karl if I could share the news with the kids. (The gender of the baby was a surprise for all). I snapped this picture right after telling them about their baby sister. Can you guess who no longer is the baby?

Alexzandra and Grandpa Reith enjoying some time together. I am sure he told her a story or two.

We really enjoyed having Meredith and Grant stay with us. They were very helpful with Ashley and even watched the Presidential debate with us. Their reaction was the same as most of America....they fell asleep.

An Afternoon of Decorating & Strollercizing

2008-10-22T18:51:00.004-04:00

Ashley's First Boyfriend. Yuck, yuck, yuck. ;-) Let me tell ya, this guy can talk! This afternoon we spent a couple minutes (literally) putting out a few more Halloween decorations. Ashley was very intrigued by the black and white nature of Mr. Bones.

Then it was time for some fresh air and time to burn some rubber. Here is the princess' chariot....Mommy will be playing the role of the horse.

Ready? Go Mommy! Push me around the neighborhood!!

Five minutes into the walk....

Ten minutes later....whew! What a workout, and what a day.

The Morning at Hilger's Farm Market

2008-10-22T18:25:00.007-04:00

This morning Ashley and I braved the frosty weather and meet-up with some friends at Hilger's Farm Market. We had a great time learning all about pumpkins!

Our little punkin with some pumpkins and gourds.

"Mommy, How many more pictures are you going to take?"

We love pumpkins!

Michigan Here We Come!

2008-10-16T20:22:00.010-04:00

This past weekend Steve, Ashley, and I headed to Michigan to visit family and friends. This was Ashley’s first road trip and she did a great job being strapped in her car seat for three hours. Steve also did a wonderful job lugging all of our gear in and out of the car. (I have a tendency to over pack).

The weather was perfect and the fall foliage was beautiful. It is so hard to believe October is here and that Ashley turned two months old October 12th.

Ashley spending time with her Grandpa (Dennis) Wagester and “Auntie” Sophie.

Ashley’s fangtastic cousins Vinnie and Nicolas (aka Bumble Bee from Transformers).

Chhhhheeeezzzzzz! Nicolas, Vinnie, and Ashley. (Ashley is wearing her Halloween outfit and mummy hat that Nicolas and Vinnie picked out for her. They have great taste!)

Watching cartoons with Vinnie. I don’t remember what program was on but both Ashley and Vinnie were *really* focused.

Grandma (Kathie) Wagester’s little pumpkins.

Show Us Your Teeth!

2008-10-04T21:30:00.005-04:00

Show us your teeth!

That is what we told the children to get them to smile for this picture. Ashley had a wonderful Saturday afternoon playing with and being held by her first cousins, Meredith and Grant. We also made rice krispy treats, played with Ashley's car seat and stroller (a lot), and watched It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. We were so busy that we did not have time to decorate for Halloween...maybe next week.

Princess Ashley Waves Hello

2008-09-25T21:12:00.005-04:00

Every little girl needs a tiara (thanks Aunt Melissa) and a pair of pink heels (thanks Donna and Sandy). Steve and I snapped this photo right before bedtime last night. Ashley was such a good sport.... We were laughing so hard that we could barely take her picture. Oh yes, Steve wanted it noted that the bow on her lapel does *not* squirt water.

A Visit from Grandma (Kathie) Wagester

2008-09-25T20:46:00.003-04:00

Ashley had so much fun spending time with Grandma Wagester this past weekend. Please come and visit us again soon. We love you!

Ashley's First Pair of Heels!

2008-09-17T12:45:00.005-04:00

Ashley received the cutest gift in the mail yesterday from our friends Donna and Sandy in Arizona - her first pair of Heelarious Elle hot pink patent heels. You should have seen her eyes....she was so excited! What girl doesn't enjoy shoes? Thank you Donna and Sandy.

Big Dreamy Smile

2008-09-15T17:42:00.004-04:00

I *finally* was able to capture a smile on camera. YEAH! What do you think Ashley is dreaming about? Milkshakes, shopping, her cousin's first birthday party next month (which happens to be Halloween-themed), Daddy buying her a puppy, or having her grandparents visit?

We Love You Grandma Reith!

2008-09-15T17:34:00.002-04:00

I found this picture of Grandma (Sandy) Reith and thought everyone would enjoy seeing it. Doesn't Grandma Reith look so cute and innocent? I think Ashley has some of her facial expressions.

Is My Bow too Gaudy?

2008-09-08T12:54:00.010-04:00

Ashley turns one month old this week! Steve and I cannot get over how she changes every day. We have met some great milestones these past four weeks and wanted to share them with you:

Ashley is now sleeping all night in her crib and only wakes when she is hungry and/or needs her diaper changed. (Mommy and Daddy are getting a lot less sleep, though, as every burp, giggle, cough, etc. comes across the baby monitor. Babies are loud when they sleep!)
Our little girl is now smiling frequently. It just melts our hearts when she giggles and gives us a big gummy smile. She definitely has us wrapped around her tiny little fingers.
Today (Monday, September 8th, 2008) Ashley and I attended "Born to Read" story time at our local library. Ashley did a great job during the twenty minute lesson, and she really enjoyed listening to the instructor, Miss Whitney, sing songs.

Have a great day!

Our Little Angel's Birth Announcement

2008-09-02T17:31:00.004-04:00

The birth announcements are in! Dupont Hospital did such a great job. Ashley's photo shoot only lasted a few moments as she was the perfect model and the below image was captured in the first shot. (The pink rose came from Grandma & Grandpa Reith's floral bouquet celebrating Ashely's birth).

It's a Girl! Welcome to the World Ashley Nicole!

2008-08-28T17:36:00.001-04:00

At 7:27 AM, on Tuesday, August 12th, 2008, we welcomed our first child, Ashley Nicole Wagester, into the world. She was 8 lbs, 1 oz. and 21 inches long. We are so thrilled Ashley is finally in our arms; we are so excited to begin this new life as parents.

Thank you all for your advice and well wishes these past several months. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful group of family and friends.