Wild ball of joy

The other morning after both girls were up and we were about to head downstairs for breakfast, we were in Ashlyn's room all laughing and being silly.  Kyla said to Ashlyn, "Ash, you are a wild ball of joy!".  I have no idea why she thought to phrase it that way, but when she said it, I immediately agreed with her.  Yes, Ashlyn is a wild ball of joy! 

I will always remember the tears I cried at the beginning of her life.  I know why I cried those tears, it was a shock beyond what I can explain that had lifelong implications.  I remember as those tears at the beginning were falling, I really wondered how much joy there would be.  Little did I know, I was holding joy itself.  Ashlyn herself is joy and the joy that her life brings to our home is something I never saw coming.  She waves at everyone, laughs all the time, dances anytime music is on, claps when we sing and gives hugs away freely.  This is not to say she doesn't have moments of tears and frustration.....she is a two year old after all.  But, she is without a doubt a wild ball of joy and this is what she is up to these days......

Gaining more independence using a spoon and fork on her own -

Obsessed with washing her hands - She will go into the bathroom, climb up the little stool in front of the sink and yell out, "Wash!" until you either redirect her to something else or let her wash her hands. 

In love with her big sister - These two girls have a blast together and the love is so mutual between them.

I love this picture.....they were looking at a book together and I noticed them holding hands.  I had to sneak a picture.

Time for hair salon.  This is one of Kyla's favorite things to do right now and Ashlyn is a very willing customer.

And it all leads to lots of laughing....

 In love with daddy  - Here she is with daddy after a wedding where he officiated.  I was worried about her being quiet during the ceremony because I knew when she saw her love up there she was going to call out his name or want to run to him.  I was able to subdue her in the back row, close to an exit with quiet singing in her ear. 

Sometimes the greater the tears, the deeper the joy.  Wild ball of joy.....we wouldn't trade her for anything.