Asher's 1st Birthday Magazine

BIG DAY Issue 14 - November 2018

An Action Packed

YEAR OF FIRSTS

An Exclusive Peek Inside The

THE HAPPY FAMILY

ASHER TURNS 1

RAISING A

LITTLE MAN! First steps, new teeth and tons of fun!

A-LIST BIRTHDAY EVENT Get The Exclusive Lowdown!

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BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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THE BABY SHOWER My little Asher, Your father and I knew from day one that you were going to be a boy. I can’t explain how we knew, we just did. Before your father and I started dating I asked him, “Do you ever want to have children one day?” He replied, “Yes, I’m going to have a boy and his name will be Asher”.

Only knowing your name, I started loving you then and dreaming of you. As I attended my best friend’s baby shower, I was feeling a little off. After her shower when it was just Myself, Mary and her mother, I asked a lot of questions.

It was later that day when I discovered that I was pregnant. I remember telling your father and he exclaimed, “Wow!! That’s amazing!”

After that point your father didn’t want to keep you a secret and we decided that we were going to tell everyone on Easter. I’m shocked he kept it a secret for that long.

You were very active in the womb. When we found out that you were officially a boy, you didn’t hesitate to show the world. The technician said with the final photo, “Oh my!

Well there’s no denying he’s a boy.” She told me that you flipped around put your little hinny up to the camera and just opened your legs up for the world to see. I thought I loved you before, but my love for you grew on this day.

On the day we welcomed you to the world I knew you were coming. Something felt a little different. I felt pain and discomfort the entire day. I knew I was going to meet you before long. When we went to the hospital I really couldn’t wait to meet you. I thought I loved you then. The last time they told me to push and I heard your little cry, I thought I loved you then. As they measured you and cleaned you up, as your father held you, I thought I loved you then. When they put you in my arms the amount of love that I felt toward you was unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. My heart exploded and my love could no longer be contained. Every chapter in your book to date I thought I loved you then and every day I love you more and more. There is no good way to explain this feeling, but one day you’ll know.

You’ll have children of your own and you’ll reread this note and say, “Oh yes, I understand now!”

You are everything I could have ever wanted and more. You’re perfect in every way. You’re my little love bug, my Ashman, and I can’t wait to see the man that you become.

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BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

ASHER HAS ARRIVED!

DAD SAYS...

QUESTION

MOM SAYS...

The day they discovered that Mommy was pregnant?

At a baby shower for my friend. Had a good idea before that.

First Reaction?

Nervous and excited.

Shocked/scared.

Tell me about the baby shower

Greg having such great joy opening all the gifts.

Nice decorations.

Surrounded by family and friends. Lots of people. Good food and desserts. Nice weather.

Due date was?

We were originally due the week after Thanksgiving. The day that Greg’s dad was to have surgery done.

Thanksgiving?

Mommy’s labor pains began?

And lasted?

Early in the morning.

The entire day.

I was born at and delivered by?

Oneida Hospital by Dr. Hazem Qalla.

My reaction was?

Overjoyed.

Love at first sight!

The people there for my arrival?

Greg, my Mom and my Dad.

Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Woodard.

My name, it is special because?

Your father named you long before we even started dating.

Daddy always knew he’d have a boy named Asher.

Did I have hair/color?

Yes, and it was very dark.

Yes.

My eye color

I thought your eyes were blue, then they were like a gray, but the doctor told me they’re green!

Other observations about me?

So very tiny.

Who came to see me?

Grandma & Grandpa Woodard, Grandma & Grandpa Getek, Great Grandma Woodard, Aunt Robin, Heidi, Kim, Tonya and Uncle Josh.

My first day home?

16 November.

The weather was like?

Did I have a special outfit?

Grandma & Grandpa Getek, Aunt Kim, Aunt Robin.

Sunny, but windy and cold.

Yes, we bought a special outfit that didn’t fit you. You looked like Biggie Smalls. So we took it off and just left the shirt and pants on you.

Yes, a little explorer outfit that Mommy and Daddy picked out beforehand.

My room was decorated with?

Whales, anchors, sea theme.

Who were the first visitors to see me at home?

Grandma and Grandpa Getek

Memories of my first day home?

Gracie & Buddy were there to meet little baby Asher. Mommy did great. Daddy was a nervous wreck.

BIG DAY MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2018

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A MESSAGE TO OUR ASHER The wait was over. Our little bundle of joy had finally arrived! I’ll never forget the moment I held little Asher for the first time. I felt exhausted and terrified at the same time. But one thing that I felt above all else was an overwhelming sense of joy.

I would describe it as love at first sight. As I held this darling little boy in my arms it felt like I had known him my entire life. Some say women become mothers when they become pregnant, and men become fathers when a baby is born. On that day I became the proud father of a beautiful baby boy. Could anything be more precious? Could anything be more perfect? I think not.

Asher Gregory - my sidekick, my buddy, my little “Ashman”. I look forward to seeing all that this life has in store for you. Daddy loves you to the moon and back.

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BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

Time For The

BAPTISM A

sher was welcomed into the Christian world on 5/12/2018 at Transfiguration Church in Rome, NY. Members from the Getek and Woodard families were present. Godmother’s Lauren DeJong and Kim Woodard were at his side as he began his journey of faith. Overseeing the ceremony was Father Paul Angelicchio, assisted by Grandpa Brian Woodard.

Upon conclusion of the ceremony all who attended were invited to dine at The Grapevine Restaurant in New Hartford, NY. Asher wore a lace detailed christening gown that was inspired by British Royal family. This tradition goes all the way back to Queen Victoria. A Christening gown, also known as a baptismal gown, is a dress like garment that a baby of either gender wears when they are baptized into the Christian faith.

Traditionally a Christening gown is a shade of white. This hue is meant to remind us of how Christ died to wash away Sin. It symbolizes not just purity, but a renewed innocence bought with an incredibly loving sacrifice. Asher’s gown was created completely from his Grandma Woodard’s wedding dress.

“WHOEVER BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED.” - MARK 16:16

BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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Meet The Royal Family

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BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

The Extravagant First Year Of The

DUKE OF SYRACUSE

Asher was a wild one this year having attended many royal events. As the newly appointed Duke of Syracuse, his royal tour started shortly after his birth. Asher hit the ground running with many holidays.

He attended the first birthday of Princess Hanna, Duchess of Seminole. This event had such a frenzy surrounding it with paparazzi that the exclusive event planner, Lauren de Jong, kept all the details quiet until the day before.

Not even Hanna herself knew the details. Only immediate family were in attendance for this extravagant event that People magazine covered.

Asher also attended the baptism of Prince Luca, Duke of Norwalk. People came from all around to attend this event. Rolling Stone was there to cover all of the juicy details and had exclusive photos. Luca, Asher and Hanna had a meal fit for a king and queen before ending the event in a hot air balloon ride.

Asher was also at the second birthday of Prince Jeffrey, Duke of Rome. This event drew a large number in attendance. All joined in at Jeffrey’s castle for the festivities. Asher was seen riding a rocking dinosaur, while Jeffrey entertained his guests with a large one of kind cake from the royal cake creator, Kim Woodard.

The tenth Birthday of Prince Tyler, Duke of Utica was held at an exclusive restaurant where they wined and dined all night. The event ended with a pyrotechnic cake. People magazine was allowed to attend this private event.

Continued On Page 9 >>

BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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On The Royal Holiday

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BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

Continued From Page 7 >> Asher went on holiday this year to both Hershey Park and Cooperstown. These small breaks from his royal tour were just what the doctor ordered. When leaving the hotel on their last day at Hershey Park, Asher’s father told the paparazzi his memories from the trip were “Car trouble. Tow truck. A fabulous Mercedes rental car. But overall a good time.” Asher went with his parents, Grandma and Grandpa Woodard, Uncle Josh and Aunt Tonya, Tyler and Jeffrey.

The Duke of Syracuse attended many farms during his royal tour to go over their agricultural programs. He takes a high interest in anything involving animals.

Asher’s big event is going to be covered by Big Day Magazine and they will have all the exclusive photos and videos from the entire day. The event coordinator will be Lauren de Jong.

We wouldn’t expect anyone but the best to be working on this event. Lauren has been working with the royal family for many years now. The cake will be created by Kim Woodard.

Kim has been the exclusive cake creator for the royal family from the time that Asher’s Mother was a child. The royal photographer, Chrono LePrince, has also signed on for Asher’s big day. He has been the official photographer for some time now. It is rumored that many friends and family from all over will be traveling to attend this event.

This wild year will end with a wild birthday party and we will be there to bring you all of the details.

BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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AN AMAZING YEAR OF FIRSTS!

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24 & 25 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS We celebrated with your father’s family on the 24th and your mother’s family on the 25. You wore these pjs that Auntie Lauren and Uncle Mark got you.

31 DECEMBER NEW YEARS EVE Every year we eat lunch with your Grammie and Grampy.

This was your first lunch at a winery, Owera, one of our favorites. This was also the first time you ate out of a bottle.

10 JANUARY YOUR FIRST SMILE I knew the night before you were probably going to start smiling.

The next day I talked to you and you reacted with a smile to what I was saying. Though you smiled all along this was the first time you were acknowledging my change in tone and certain things I was saying, almost like you understood. This is one of your Dad’s favorite photos of you.

20 FEBRUARY YOUR FIRST DAY OF DAYCARE Your first day with April was actually the date your father and I started dating. I asked about you multiple times that day. Around lunch I got this photo stating that you had played till you fell asleep.

30-31 MARCH EASTER The entire Woodard family ate at Gone Coastal on 30 March and the Getek family celebrated along with the DeJong family on 31 March. This shirt was bought by your Auntie Kim.

14 MARCH SLEEPING IN YOUR CRIB This was your first time sleeping in your crib. Up to this point you were sleeping in your bassinet.

14 MAY EATING SOLID FOOD Sweet potatoes was your first food. We decided that you were showing such an interest in food that it was time for you to eat more than milk.

26 MAY SWIMMING You went swimming for the first time in your Cousin Tyler and Jeffrey’s pool.

BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

26 MAY STRAWBERRY After swimming we ate dinner at Grammie and Grampy’s house. We used your fresh food feeder to give you your first strawberry. You loved it.

27 MAY FEEDING YOURSELF You’ve always wanted to do everything yourself. We found this special spoon so that you could do just that, or at least attempt to.

6 JUNE FIRST TOOTH Teething was quite a long and painful process. You started teething months earlier, but your tooth finally showed itself on this day.

19 JUNE SITTING ON YOUR OWN Your Auntie Kendall got this photo of the first time you sat on your own without help.

7 JUNE BUBBLES Grampy had a special bubble gun that we played with on this day. This was the first time you saw a bubble. Grampy tried to get you to pop them as well. You preferred to just watch them.

22 JULY BEACH We took a ride out to Jamesville Beach Park. It was your first time in a lake and on a beach.

22 JULY SAND This was your first time touching (and eating) sand.

4 JULY Had lunch with Busia and Dziadek at our home. It was really warm outside so we ate inside.

8 JULY ICE CREAM We finally gave you the best part of summer, ice cream.

You didn’t like it at first but the next time you really enjoyed it.

14 JULY SPLASH PAD Used your splash pad for the first time. Your Auntie Kim got this for you because we couldn’t find a small pool.

28 SEPTEMER BIG BOY The first time you no longer looked like a baby :(

18 OCTOBER SNOW First time touching snow was in Cooperstown on vacation. Grampy ran you outside as quick as he could. You didn’t like the feel of the snow and kept pulling your hand away.

31 OCTOBER HALLOWEEN Our little “muscle man.”

14 NOVEMBER - FIRST BIRTHDAY Today is the day that God gave us you!

BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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THE MANY SLEEPING POSITIONS OF ASHER

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BIG DAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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