The DeLorme Family: 4th of July and Other Updates

We had another wonderful 4th of July. I just love the 4th of July because it is the quintessential summer holiday. It is just so nice to sit outside and enjoy summer while celebrating America. We had our annual party as we do every year. This year we decided to keep it a little smaller and low key than in years past. I preferred it because I felt it was a little less chaotic and busy. There were lots of kids there for Ashlyn to play with and she just had a blast with them. We got Ashlyn a bounce house again and they kids just bounced and bounced. Ashlyn was very sad to see it go. Dawson enjoyed his first 4th of July. He enjoyed interacting and smiling at all of the party guests. The fireworks were just amazing this year. The showed seemed to be much longer than normal. They went off very late this year, so the great show made up for that. I am a bit sad now because it feels like once the 4th is over, the rest of summer just flies by and before I know it's back to school time. I'm trying to enjoy the freedom as much as possible.

Ashlyn went to the dentist last week. She really enjoys going to the dentist and we have been making sure she goes twice a year. I really want her to get in good dental habits early on. I just love her dentist office and they do such a good job of catering to kids. The dentist said she has been brushing well and she has no cavities. Ashlyn was very proud of herself. Her dentist office is now on Facebook and they take a picture of you if you have no cavities and post it on Facebook. Her picture is on the front of the album for the month of July and she looks so cute and proud. We made an appointment to go back in six months and Dawson will actually being go with then for his first dentist appointment. I am interested to see how that will go for an 11 month old.

Ashlyn will be starting her new school in less than one month! I can't believe it's coming that quick. She remains excited. She can now read two books very well and we are going to be adding new ones. Most nights she is very excited to read and it very good at it. Some nights she is not as enthusiastic. She has also deicded to be an aspring singer/songwriter. Tonight Joey asked her to sing him a song. She told him she had to write one first. She grabbed a pad of paper and jotted down some scribbles. She then came back and sang a song she madeup to him. It was too cute! She just loves to sing and I wonder if singing is oneday in her future.

Dawson continues to do great at sitting on his own. I can't believe he can sit that well unassisted for only just turning 5 months. I am so proud of him. I have finally got him on a good sleep schedule. He has become such a good baby that literally the only time he cries is when he is tired or hungry. If he ate recently, I know he needs to lay down for a nap. If he slept recently, I know it's time to eat. He now takes a nap aboout an hour or two after waking up. He will take a two hour nap in the midday, and then he takes a litle 45 minute nap around 4:30. He now goes to bed around 7:45 or 8:00. He goes down like a dream. I put him in his crib, he squirms around for a few seconds then is usually out. I don't remember Ashlyn ever going to sleep that easily. His night wakings are still here and there. One night he will sleep until 4:45 a.m. and the next only until 1:30 a.m. I still can't find any rhyme or reason to it all. However, I am pleased with only one waking a night. I am finally starting to feel a little bit more rested.