Brayan at 3 months!

Sweet Lil Dude is THREE months old! I really can't believe it. I spent a few days with the little guy and managed to avoid the crazy Nashville flooding in the process.

His hair reminds me of Albert Einstein. I think that means he's going to be a genius.

So sweet.

Happy baby.

Look how long he is!

Love his big eyes.

The iPhone picture is becoming one of my "go-to" shots. I'm a fan.

My sweet, little nephew

I've been meaning to get these picture posted, but I'm a little behind. However, he is so precious that these photos are well worth the wait. Enjoy!

I so love this guy!

How sweet is this little lady?!

With an inspired heart...

First, I apologize for going so long without an update on my mom. It's been hard for me to put into words the various emotions I've felt through the past few months and a simple "this is what's going on" type update didn't seem fair. I tend to put up walls and only let a few people in on how my heart is doing and what I'm feeling as a result of all the changes happening. To put it all down on paper (or in a blog) and know that anyone could come across it is not an easy task. My slight perfectionism doesn't help either!

To provide a quick update on her status, mom has had two chemo treatments and is still recovering from her surgery. For the most part, she is back on her feet (when the chemo hasn't knocked her out), but still has a little soreness in her stomach and two chemo ports. She has been very lucky to have minimal side effects from the medicine and even plans to try and work here and there a bit. We have moved past being hopeful that the chemo will treat the remaining cancer to being confident and praying expectantly that her cancer is already gone.

I feel very fortunate to have a mother who is as strong and positive as she is, a father that loves her, his children, and of course, his grandson, and a sister that I can relate to on so many levels (and, I can't forget about my brother-in-law who adds humor whether he's awake or asleep!). Though the past few months have brought challenges and heartache, no day has passed where hope and peace did not dwell. I feel closer to my family than ever before.

That's all for now. My heart has so much more to say, but isn't communicating that to the typing fingers. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Ps- stay tuned. Pictures from Easter with the fam are coming soon. Including my precious nephew and my cousin's sweet, little baby!

With a humbled heart...

My mom will start chemo on March 10. I don't completely understand how it all works, but from what I gather she will receive treatment on the 10, 11, and 17, rest for 21 days, and start the cycle again. I've been so inspired by her courage, hope, and humbleness. She actually asked me what she did to deserve all of this and she didn't mean the cancer. She didn't understand why so many people had offered their support, meals, flowers, food, cards, etc. She claimed she was spoiled and didn't deserve all the love. Wow. If you know her then you know that she would give you anything you needed even if it meant that she went without. It's who she is. And I am humbled.

I feel like I have so much more to say, but with everything going on in my head these days I can't sort the words out. Please keep yourselves updated on Emmett's cancer battle (see the "Courage to Conquer" blog linked to the right) and I'll try and post updates on my mom's treatment and such as often as I can. Thank you for your continued support.

twinkle, twinkle

It's true.

(Photoshopping fun got me through the atrocity that was the UK/UT game)

With a joyful heart...

Mom got to go home on Sunday!

On Saturday night the nurse had mentioned that she might get to go home. No kidding, when my sister and I walked into her room Sunday morning the place was all packed up. Flowers were back in the boxes. The drawers were emptied. Everything was ready to go. My parents don't waste any time. That's for sure.

She had one goal in mind - get home in time to see her grandson. Mission accomplished. Though I was already on my way back to Nashville I'm sure it was an emotion greeting and another reminder of everything she has to fight for.

With a thankful heart...

Three weeks ago today I was sitting in a hospital room in Chicago celebrating the new life of my nephew and preparing to watch the Cats take on Vandy. Today, I'm sitting in hospital room thankful for healing, hopeful for recovery, and again preparing to watch the Cats take on Vandy.

Last time, there were tears of joy.

This time, the tears flow from the little moments that are bringing my mother to life (like being greeted by Sabrina, my older sister, for the first time since the surgery).

Last time, my sister was in the hospital bed, recovering from child birth.

This time, my mother sits in her place, recovering from a hysterectomy and cancer treatment.

Last time, during the drive from Nashville to Louisville I listened to music because I wanted to.

This time, I listened because I needed it.

Last time, the Cats were playing Vandy at Rupp Arena.

This time, the Cats are playing Vandy in Nashville.

Last time, the Cats beat Vandy 85-72.

Let's hope for a similar outcome this time.

Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio recently posted about remembering certain events based upon the UK basketball memories that correspond. At the time I didn't think much of it. I had a few memories of UK games, but they didn't necessarily correspond to significant life events. Now I understand. And though I may overdo it a bit on my allegiance to Big Blue Nation, there is more to it than just basketball. And, boy, do I love my Wildcats!

This week has been about being thankful for the little things (and the big).

Here are a few things that I'm thankful for:

• Brayan. Who smiles. Not to mention the spitting up and pooping that he also blessed me with.
• Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. And the sweet ladies that bake them fresh everyday right down the hall.
• Technology. Though Lil Dude isn't able to join us at the hospital, two webcams dialed into each other allow Granny to watch her grandson sleep peacefully.
• Food. Being able to eat what I want is so taken for granted. A great reminder of that came earlier today when my mother came charging out of the bathroom (at a slow pace) announcing that not only had she passed gas, but she also had a bowel movement (that's the big news of the day and the reason the plate in front of her contains mashed potatoes, carrots, and chicken, instead of broth, jello, and a popsicle).
• Facebook. Yea, I went there. It's allowed me to stay updated on other friends and family experiencing similar heartache and also receive encouragement.
• Coffee. Lack of sleep, a snoring grandma, and uncontrollable emotions are all easily forgotten when coffee is present.
• The lady yesterday (who's name I never caught) who visited my mother (none of us knew her) and reported that she was exactly 8 years breast cancer free. To. The. Day.

With a heavy heart...

First, I'll give you a quick update on my mom. I walked in to her room this morning and she yelled, "I get to take a shower!" Her mouth was bright red from jello she had just eaten! Even now, she is snoring, which is normally annoying, but for now, I don't mind. It means she's getting good rest. Her spirits are definitely up. She is feeling much better. She'll be in the hospital a few more days (probably until Monday or Tuesday), but her body is progressing nicely from the surgery. Thanks again for all the prayers and encouragement. It has meant so much.

Second, I want to ask you to remember two other precious families. The Stallings are a sweet family in Nashville that has cooked me many a dinner and even opened their home to a friend of mine a couple summers ago. You may remember them from this blog post. Emmett is at Vanderbilt Hospital. They found a cancerous tumor on his throat and a few spots on his liver.

My cousin's father-in-law is getting a stint put in today. He has a cancerous tumor on his throat. You met my cousin and his wife here.

Since getting the call from my father on Tuesday it seems like cancer has popped up everywhere. This week's episode of Lost reminded us of Rose's cancer. The bottom line during the UK/Mississippi State game informed its viewers that Nuggets Coach George Karl had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Later there was a commercial about standing up to cancer. I read on my roommate's blog that the 13-year old she's tutoring in France lost her mother to breast cancer a year ago. Kentucky Sports Radio (my vote for best website/blog/whatever around) mentioned that Sunday kicks off "Beat Cancer Week" in college basketball. It's everywhere, but I've never noticed beyond the pink ribbons. And it's never seemed more real.

With an aching heart...

My mother is a fighter. Since her childhood she has faced one battle after another, but not one that she couldn't overcome. I expect this next chapter in her life, my family's life, to be no different. She has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. Not at all what we were expecting when she went in for a hysterectomy. We knew there was a chance of cancer, but the tests done weeks ago had come back negative, easing our concerns. Though the road ahead may be long and filled with bumps and potholes, I am confident in my mother's ability to fight with all she has.

My mother is an optimist. When she called over the weekend to tell me about the looming surgery she was most upset that she wouldn't be able to attend the SEC Tournament with me due to the needed recovery time and that she couldn't hold her new grandson in her arms. That was her sadness. It wasn't about herself. She had decided that if it were cancer her and her sister (who, just a few months ago, was diagnosed with breast cancer) would be chemo buddies and that would be that. She knows what's important in life and has put her faith in those things. Though the road ahead will have plenty of hills, I am confident in my mother's ability to keep her spirits up and not let setbacks get her down.

My mother is a prayer warrior. Who really knows how prayer works? Though I can't explain it I've witnessed its power. As visitors stop in and offer encouragement it's the one's who take the time to pray with her that means more than the flowers, cards, balloons, and even her favorite, angel figurines (though those are all appreciated). It means more to her, to us, and, I'm sure, to the overall healing of her body. Though the road ahead will look new and different, I know that my mother will remain a warrior who looks to Christ.

My mother is a loving wife. Grandma. Friend. Co-worker. She's gracious. Caring. Considerate. Joyful. She feels like she's inconveniencing us (which is just ridiculous), but would be the first person at our side if the roles were switched. She's stubborn (proven by her sneaking sips of water when the nurses aren't looking). Silly (proven by her telling her pastor she'd be showing up at church in her hospital robe and sitting in the front row next to him). Independent (see the red marks on my dad's hands from her slapping him away when he offers help). Beautiful (see photo above). Modest (though the male nurse who assisted with her latest bathroom trip may no agree). Most of all, she's mine - for that, I'm extremely thankful.

For those of you reading this that hadn't heard the news you can see the update from my dad below. We are confident with the doctor that she will make a full recovery. Thanks to everyone for the support and prayers. It's greatly appreciated and comforting to know that people are striving with us. Much love, Ashley.

From my dad:

Bev's surgery went through ok yesterday, but she does have stage 3c ovarian cancer. The doctor did a full hysterectomy then she took out a layer of fat over her stomach that had cancer and a portion of her colon which had cancer on the outside of it. Then she cleaned and scraped other parts that were infected. Some parts they could not take out. They put a port in her side and will treat the rice size pieces that are left with chemo through the port directly to this area. She will still have to have a regular port put in and take regular chemo treatment after that. Dr. Gordoneir is very confident that she got enough of the cancer and that the port in her side will be enough to give her a full recovery. It will be a long process. Pray. God can do anything he wants and he has a plan. She will be in the hospital for about a week if everything goes well. Norton Brownsboro Hospital room 410.

More of Brayan!

For those of you not on Facebook. :)

Introducing: Brayan James Baker

Brayan James Baker was born at 7:58 am, January 29, 2010. If you took his daddy's face and shrunk it down it would look just like this! You gotta admit, he's pretty dang cute.

He's 6 pounds, 12 ounces and 19.5 inches long.

I got the call at 2:12 am Friday morning that Little Dude was on his way. The drive from Nashville to Louisville (to meet the parents and head to Chicago) seemed to go by pretty quickly. Along the way, I became thankful (or more thankful) for a few things:

• Coffee. No better time for it than 2:30 in the morning
• The 24-hour gas station by my house. It's not sketchy so I felt semi-safe
• Darkness. Especially when I'm singing at the top of my lungs (and dancing) to stay awake. It's nice not to worry about getting caught by the few other drivers on the road
• Cruise control. It was hard to not drive as fast at the road would let me so I could get to nephew. Cruise control kept me safe and allowed me to focus on other things - like my superb singing
• The deer grazing on the side of the road. It was cool site to see at 3 in the morning. I'm mostly thankful for their mother who must've taught them not to play in the street
• Dave Barnes. His combination of love, heartbreak, and (non-cheesy) faith songs are a great mixture of music to jam to in the early morning hours

There will be plenty more photos to come. Stay tuned...

Thanksgiving Wrap-up

(this is what happens when I don't use the viewfinder)

I enjoyed a long weekend with the family over the Thanksgiving holiday. I got to play with the new babies in the family, eat lots of turkey and other goodies, shop on Black Friday, and watch UK fall to UT for the 25th time since I've been alive. Minus the Cats losing to UT, the weekend was great! Here are a few shots.

Meet Elijah. He's 3-months old and quite the happy little baby.

Bryona, is 6-months and is all decked out in her pink adidas outfit!

I love my Kentucky Wildcats - even of the football kind, despite their 25-year losing streak to UT.

Starting tomorrow I'll have a daily post related to Christmas. Maybe. That's my goal anyways...

MILLwork for food: the Hart's

Yeah, he sees something he likes...

So my cousin is probably the most precious person in the world (and I'm sure he feels quite manly after reading that). We're separated in age by 20 days (I'm older) and spent practically everyday together growing up. We've been through quite a bit (mostly thanks to me) and I love when I get to spend time with him and his wife, Brittany. Saturday night we grabbed dinner at Old Chicago (quite delicious) and then headed to downtown Louisville to snap a few shots. We started on the Indiana side of the Ohio river where, no joke, a washing machine floated by.

Had a blast, guys. Thanks for being great sports!

MILLing about: Chicago

Over the 4th of July holiday I headed up to Chicago with some family. Nine of us in one house--sounds crazy, right? It probably was, but we had a good time anyway.

Unfortunately, it rained on Saturday while we were playing downtown. My camera was safely tucked away under my $3.00 poncho. Besides, amongst trying to keep warm and dry, eating Giordano's crazy good pizzas, and figuring out the whole Steve McNair deal, I barely would've have time to fit in picture taking. Maybe.

On Sunday my sister had a cookout with yummy BLT Dip (great with wheat thins), guacamole (very green), some-type of sausages (dee-lish-us ones), potato salad (approved by Bo-bo), texas barbeque beans (i'm not typically a fan of beans, but these passed the test), and the always invited to cookouts hamburgers and hotdogs. It was quite a spread and I'm pretty sure I didn't go more than 15 minutes without taking a bite of something. Really.

My brother-in-law's sister came along with her 4 children--all boys. This was the only time I pulled my camera out the whole trip.

Lucas is one of the twins. He was really good at the slip-n-slide as well as splashing the camera.

This is Jacob. The other twin. Quite precious. And quite the little ham.

My mom considers these guys her grandkids. They're really good at making funny faces. Nicholas is the older one who seems embarrassed by his little brothers and Zachary, aka "Mad Man", is the little one sticking his tongue out.

Here's a pic of the crew that made the trip (minus Brittany who took the photo)

From left to right: (Top) Paul (Bo-bo)- we're 20 days apart in age. As a baby, I was a giant compared to him; Gabe, my 14-year old cousin from Florida who thinks Spanish people are from Mexico, not Spain; Sabrina- the sister with the Baby Baker growing inside of her; Me; Mom- the insane one (her word, not mine); (Bottom) Jim- the Bears fanatic; Ray- the uncle that gets me into UK Football games; Dad- the cornhole champion

MILLiwatt??? 1.2

(My sister is going to kill me for this)

My sister and brother-in-law are expecting their first child! With a little help from Conan O'Brien and photoshop this here blog has a sneak peak of what their kid will look like.

First you need to meet my sister, Sabrina, and brother-in-law, Jim.

The rest of the people in the picture include my grandma and my cousins Corey, Renee, and Chris. This was the only picture I could find to suit my purposes...

And here's what their child will look like one day:

YIKES!

I kid. I can't wait until the baby is here for real. I'll probably be making a few more trips to Chicago each year. I'll probably also be broke because baby shopping is my favorite. 

They are going to be great parents and I couldn't be more excited for them. 

I hope it's twins!

the fASHion Mill 1.2

Mother's Day quickly came and passed again this year. I got to spend the weekend with my incredible mother. She may pronounce a word or two incorrectly, but no one's heart compares to hers. 

So I painted for her. 

One day I'll have an art room. For now, I clear space on the floor and get to work.

Here's the finished piece. I painted some picture frames to go along with.

Dad and I hung it up on Friday before she arrived home from work. It was a good 30 minutes and multiple pass-bys before she noticed. She was quite surprised. Dad had been talking her out of buying a picture to hang for weeks.

I gave her this painting two Mother's Day's ago:

 Happy Mother's Day, Mom. 

(Note to Mom, I'll give you $5 if you can figure out how to comment on this blog post)