Our little Asher turned 1 today. It’s so hard to believe that our little baby is already walking and practically talking toddler. We have so many nicknames for him (Asher Basher, Ash, Bobo, Bobz, etc.) that the other day I actually had to stop and think for about a minute as to what his middle name is. That’s right, he’s Asher Austin.Â
I like to think that Asher is about the most loved little boy in the world. Of course Andy and I are crazy about him (as we are about Jude and Levi), but what’s super special is that his brothers Jude and Levi are also crazy about him. They are constantly hugging and kissing him and protecting him from himself. So, he’s one blessed little baby.
Asher celebrated his birthday today by an afternoon trip to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center near Terra Heute, Indiana. It is a non-profit center that rescues lions, tigers and other exotic felines. There was just a chain link fence separating the 230 large cats from us. We were told that Rule #1 is that if we touch the fence, we are kicked out.  It was pretty cool to get just inches away from the amazing felines. We even had to dodge some tiger pee. All the animals came with the sad stories of abuse or neglect at the hands of breeders, the circus or individuals who thought it would be cool to own a tiger cub, but then couldn’t take care of it when it got big.Â
Now we’re off to pick out a cake or cupcakes for Asher’s birthday party tonight. If Jude has anything to do with it (and I know he’ll have everything to do with it), Asher will get Angry Birds or super heros. Jude also suggested that Asher likes what he (Jude) likes so Jude should pick him out something, like a Transformer. Maybe we’ll let Jude and Levi pick out something small for Asher, but I think the oblivious little boy will just get a generous 529 Plan contribution from us this year.