Too funny!

This is a photo montage of Jake's unwillingness to pose for a photo with his siblings...Cassidy decided to make funny faces and the baby (as you can see in some of the photos) is trying to figure out what these crazy kids are doing! Oh well, the pumpkin patch was still moderately fun...Jake's mood was less than stellar the whole night -- he was even afraid of the tractors!

Today’s Highlight reel

Today’s moments are brought to you by the letter J!

Jake went to bed last night with terrible congestion…he woke up this morning with lots of drainage…the green gooey kind.  So needless to say, it’s been comical – I’ve found dried booger on my elbow, Jake actually sneezed a GIANT snot rocket onto my hand as I was buckling his car seat and I found a large pile of goo on his t-shirt as I was unbuckling his seat. And he’s had a crusty nose all day sometimes with two little green caterpillars inching down his face…but mostly not – thank goodness!  Can I just say -- GROSS!

Jake has bitten He also showed some new interest in the Duplo blocks…exciting!  He has been stacking regular blocks for a while but the legos are a new thing – yay Jake!  Although where he chooses to put them is a different story – while I try to tell him these aren’t pockets – he seems to think it’s a good hiding place! He also used his play screwdriver to screw his belly button…looked like a good fit I guess!?! Oh this child keeps me laughing!

I have loved cuddling with the baby today…he is so darn cute!  But how is it that the instant I put him in a fresh outfit, spit up comes barreling down his chest and usually all over the shorts below?  Is there some kind of baby instinct that says “I must prove that I can create the MOST laundry even though I’m the smallest person”?  He is already wearing 6-9 month clothes…he is definitely not deprived from the calories he spews – maybe it’s self preservation from baby obesity :) LOL!

Cassidy has been her sassy self…it’s truly amazing how much like me she is…scary really! Her constant ‘Mom, what can we do now’ is really getting frustrating but I know that she craves routine…it just hasn’t happened yet.  We started to get into some kind of groove last week but with a four day break from school, it kind of got out of whack!  Through the process of moving this child has become even further addicted to television…she constantly asks to watch and if it’s a show that she isn’t allowed to see then she tells me that it’s “okay if you turn the channel” – “gee thanks Dear!”  I know that this phase will pass…when she’s like 30 right?  Sometimes I think we should adopt another 4 y.o. girl so that she has a constant playmate!

We talked to Mike today (love bluetooth in the car)– which is always wonderful! Now off to tuck the kids into bed and have some ME time :) 

If only….

All the things that run through my head on a daily basis would just magically appear on this blog…

I could tame my temper just a little more each day – the kids would stop giving it back to me and learn that anger is a fo not a friend

I could finish getting this house sorted…I think it’s depressing me!

I could make the commitment to start exercising on a regular basis and stop using excuses…I WILL start…SOOON!!!

this plugged duct would stop radiating pain on my chest…hugs should NOT hurt THIS bad!!

I were as productive in real life as I am in my head – my ‘to do’ list doesn’t seem too daunting until I actually start trying to DO it!

I were independently wealthy so that I could buy all of my hearts desires…oh come on, how fun would that be anyway!  I’m already hard to shop for – that would make it even harder :)

I could wrap my arms around my best friend and let her know how excited I am she’s finally having a baby girl xxxOxxx

I could kiss my handsome husband goodnight tonight and every night from now until eternity…I do it in spirit, but I wish it were in person.  mmmmwwwwaaaa!

My Daddy wears combat boots

Michael left on September 11th for 3 1/2 weeks of combat skills training (CST). He's been staying very busy...but has been able to call most days.

All suited up - the gear weighs an extra ~40 lbs!

Busy day at the range

Seeing him in all of his gear reallly puts things into perspective.  He truly is going into harms way -- but I know that God will protect him.  After CST he'll head to Washington DC to learn Dari (one of the Afghan languages), then in late March he'll actually leave for Afghanistan.  I know that this separation can only make our family stronger, forcing better communication and appreciation for one another.

Will is 4 months!

Crazy how FAST time flies! Today we went to see the doctor for Will’s 4 month well-baby appointment.

Stats:

Weight: 15 pounds 15 ounces [heaviest Brannon baby at this age]

Height: 25.3 inches [longest Brannon baby at this age]

Head circumference: 41.9 cm

Basically he’s a triangle! Ha ha ha!

He is certainly adorable & very good natured. This smile is how he greets you from his crib!

 

He loves his brother & sister, sucking his thumb and smiling & giggling!

 

We love watching him roll from tummy to back & back to tummy.  He reaches for his toys above & in front of him, he even grabs Mom & sister’s hair :)  We love you so much Mr. Will!

Farewell to our Hero!

Today we sent Michael off to combat training – hopefully we’ll be able to see him again at Thanksgiving.  The dreary day symbolized the feelings we all had as this was the beginning of a very long journey for our family.  I am so proud of Michael’s commitment to maintaining the freedoms this country has been afforded.  We know that he will shine in his role to help rebuild a torn nation in a distant land.  We LOVE you Daddy!

I’m a little cocoa nut…

Mmmmm…what could be more enticing than streets that smell of chocolate??? Not a whole lotta! We took a vacation to Hershey, PA before Michael left for training … it was awesome!

I was a little worried because we arrived late on Labor Day, which was the last day of the season for the amusement parks… we dashed over to Dutch Wonderland, a park just for kids 12 yrs and younger…Cassidy could ride almost every ride…even the roller coasters! She loved it! Mike & I took turns riding the rides with her.  Jake was very leery of the rides and just enjoyed watching from his perch in the stroller. 

The next morning we went to Chocolate World   – a free tour of the Chocolate Factory.  We took a trolley ride around the city and learned all about the Chocolate town & it’s namesake, Milton Hershey – he is an amazing person everyone should try to emulate.  We bought freshly made Twizzlers & chocolates…Jake ate his weight in both chocolate AND Twizzlers! 

  

Later that night we took a stroll through the Outlet Mall that was across the street from our condo.  Cassidy took a big step in the “Big Girl” department and got her ears pierced! 

The kids enjoyed swimming with Daddy in the indoor & outdoor pools and even took a bubbly bubble bath in the condo’s jacuzzi tub!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  We had some fun at the local park and just enjoyed family time as much as we could.  And sweet Will just hung out like a tourist should :)

While the trip was surely worth it, it did prove to be a long car trip…an experimental trip for what it will be like when I travel to Texas solo (except instead of Michael who is soo helpful, I’ll have Ty [our dog] who is almost as much work as the kids!)

A rolling stone gathers no moss...

An interesting proverb...it kind of describes my life.  The proverbial stone is constantly in motion these days.  We are only three weeks away from our 19 month separation...sure, we may get to see him for two weeks at Christmas time, but in short, that will be the best AND worst two weeks of my existence.  I am already starting to tear up as Jake can hear his Daddy come in the door and immediately bolt from what he's doing to greet him with a very cute "Dadddeee, Daddeee, Daddy"  I do fear how Jake will respond when he sees someone other than Mike in uniform...he'll probably run with open arms to an impending disappointment when he sees the man is not his 'Daddddeee'.  It breaks my heart just thinking of it.  Cassidy has been slowly becoming a Mommy's girl over the last few months...sometimes saying some mean things like not wanting Daddy to read to her or pick out her clothes...she doesn't realize how short time with Daddy has gotten.  The baby, well, he has no clue...which is sad in a sense...he'll still have no clue when Mike does come home.  No clue who Michael is...and then just as they finally get their bond started, Michael will be leaving again. *unless by the grace of God this program gets expunged from the military's agenda*
There are many things to be thankful for in spite of the drama that begins to unfold daily...we haven't begun to argue or fight (yet), we sold the house in a whopping 5 days -- so I don't have to keep it spic-n-span any longer, or worry about whether it will sell -- we have a rental to move into, thanks to my internet stalking and my sister-in-law who viewed it on my behalf.  Although it's not something I'd buy, it serves as a nice place for us to live near family.  I have done some researching and I think I may be able to get the boys into a Mother's Day Out program and Cassidy will start Pre-K -1/2 days 5 days a week in the public school system!  The Y has a free membership for deployed spouses -- and they offer childwatch so that will also help with my sanity and ability to lose this baby weight :)  I just pray that it all goes smoothly -- moving alone is far from fun -- but I KNOW it can be done!  Lots of friends have offered their help...and I will definitely be taking them up on those offers :)  So, this blog will become a fruitful place once more...what else am I supposed to do?? I guess I could knit...finish ONE of my sewing projects...spend quality time with my kiddos...but the blogging will help with my venting...and keep Daddy up to date with our adventures, even while he's on a HUGE one of his own.

The day of wellness

On Friday we had the kids ALL visit the pediatrician for their 'well baby' visits.  I thought I was doing a brilliant thing by scheduling them all back-to-back with the same female (because Jake doesn't care for male ones!) provider...BUT I totally forgot that all of them would be getting SHOTS!! Thank goodness that my better half was able to help child wrangle while I talked to the doctor about each one's progress/issues/milestones.  And Dr Morton was a trooper -- she gave me direct eye contact, listened to what I said, and actually wasn't too distracted by Cassidy & Jake chasing each other around the small room, each of them running across the paper laddened table, Jake standing on a file box to reach the sink, or Will's soft coos and giggles coming from his perch in the double stroller :)  It was a madhouse in that 7'x7' room! 

Cassidy was first - she had had a physical at the beginning of the year before she started preschool, so she just got a quick once over - her tonsils bug me, they are always HUGE! She looked at them, "yep, they are HUGE...but does she get Strep regularly, stop breathing in her sleep at night?" "No"and "No" -- then no worries, they're just HUGE! One even touches her uvula -- maybe one day those will have to come out...no doubt it will be when Michael is over in the sandtrap!  Cassidy's stats: Weight: 34 lbs  Height: 40 1/2 inches
Vision: 20/20  Hearing: passed.  Cassidy is beginning to dabble in learning to play computer games, she loves arts & crafts, she is doing very well in swim lessons -she's getting ready for Pike class, she is a loving & helpful big sister.  She realizes that vegetables help her grow big and strong and most nights we can get her to try at least one bite of everything on her plate.  Cheese is her favorite food -- along with pasta and "chicken & french fries".  Our little Cami is just perfect! :)

Onto Will...Jake was still too spun up...and Will was calm, so she saw the opportunity for a good exam.  Will has been showing typical signs of reflux, coughing before & after feeds, grimacing after spewing his last meal, nasal congestion and forceful vomiting.  These symptoms have all evolved over the last 2 months...at first he was just getting used to my forceful let-down and ample supply, now he is truly bothered by the burning acid in his throat & tummy.  Poor little guy!  But it must not bother him too much, as he is still a whopping 13 lbs 3 oz! The heaviest of all three at this age :)  23 3/4 inches in length and wearing 3 month clothes...even some 6 month hand-me-downs...surely they've shrunk...right?  He's wiggling, kicking, cooing, smiling, opening his hands, recognizing our voices and sleeping through the night!  He sleeps in his crib now, and although he didn't sleep through the night for the first few nights in his new digs, he's back to sleeping all night -- well at least 6-8 hours!

Jake, the tazmanian devil in the room, was last.  He is speaking about 20 words, only about 25% can probably be understood by others...he's uber clumsy, I was worried about the doc questioning me as to his bruises...the many, many bruises this little guy sports are all badges of toddlerhood.  He weighs 26 lbs and is 33 inches...a big boy I tell you! [well, he's consistent on his growth curve--which is good!]  Things I didn't mention...but need to for the sake of remembering...Jake has shocked himself with an electrical outlet - just couldn't get there quick enough, he blows on his food regardless if it's cold or hot, he is very loving to point of possibly squeezing his brother to pieces, he loves to pull everything out of something *all the utensils out of the drawer, dirty dishes from the dishwasher, toys out of the bins, memory cards and other game pieces from their boxes --and strough them all over the basement! -- he is easy to put to sleep, say 'night night' and he waves to everyone and gets laid in bed and that's it!  He has all of his teeth minus his eye teeth, but based on his chewing & grumpiness, those are coming soon :)  He loves his "popi" - his green pacifier that is usually attached to him by a lanyard..but he still loves to carry more than one around, often stealing one from the baby, but then offering it back to him :)  He loves Dora the Explorer, talking on the 'phone' --most objects become phones -anything that resembles a phone, a remote control, computer mouse, cameras, even a potato one day!  Too funny!  And he just jibber jabbers as though he's conversing with someone...he's just soo quick getting a video of this is just impossible! 

So this seems a little biased, in that Jake got a lot more 'description' time...but he is just the most active of them all right now...I love his age! He is so clever and handsome...we're trying to let his little locks grow back to see if those curls are gonna come back or not...so far, it's really wavy.  I'm going to have to stop myself from looking at his little nest of hair and wanting to cut it! 

Again, it's amazing how quickly these beauties are growing!  I can't believe that it's been two months since we welcomed Mr Will -- it seems like he was always supposed to be here.  Building memories and developing 'good people' is our goal with this parenting adventure...let the fun continue!

Motivation

Oh...where does the time go?? I think I would have been a much more productive person before the invention of the personal computer!  This little box sometimes sucks the life out of my day.  I think I'm going to resolve to setting the kitchen timer and giving myself a limit -- so that I can get OTHER things done!  Right now the box is being my research tool --trying to figure out where to live and what to do with myself & the kids while hubby is deployed.  The question still remains...Where do I want to live?  I had sent out an email to some of my military wife friends...basically, "here's the pros/cons, whatcha think?" I have appreciated and valued their responses.  They have led me to new questions -- and really, I think we are leaning towards moving back to Texas.  This wouldn't take place until December probably -- just as we are celebrating the last major holiday with Daddy before he leaves.  There are so many reasons that this could be good...but of course, fear of the unknown makes me reluctant.  I need to just make the decision, feel at peace with it and move on...because dwelling on it is zapping my motivation to do anything else...and I really need to visit the gym!

The life of a military wife

Tonight we hosted a surprise party for a friend's 30th birthday, it was nice to throw my thoughts into something other than Michael leaving...but as the guests arrived, I began to reflect on just what we (military wives) do everyday.  Of the party attendees, two guys were away on TDY (business trip) leaving their wives with infants & toddlers to chase whilst going in two different directions; one guy is getting ready to move his wife, 4 week old & 22 month old sons to Colorado while he goes to Alaska for a year without them; another family is juggling their two small ones...one who is sporting a cast from his ribs to below his knees (fractured femur-ouch!); the birthday girl's family - who are dealing with a close family member's abduction; our family & two other married couples without kids...(I asked them if they knew they were coming to a birth control party!?!? LOL!)  There were about 10 kids - if it weren't for the two couples we would have definitely been out-numbered!  But I digress...as I looked at all of these families I felt proud - proud in the fact that they were living life.  A life that not many can understand.  But we didn't sit around and complain about what we didn't have, didn't understand or didn't like. Military wives are made from different piece of cloth - we rarely get a choice in the decisions made for our spouses regarding their jobs, we just have to live with the decision the best we can.  Even if that means living without them for a weekend, a week, a month, a year or more. Sometimes knowing that they're in harms way, missing birthdays, baby's milestones, holidays...all in the name of freedom.  Most Americans do not really understand how priviledged they live -- and I don't feel a sense of entitlement by loving a man whose chosen to serve his country; I feel blessed.  Blessed to know and love someone who believes in a cause greater than himself.  Yes, I could cry & carry on that my husband is going to be taken away from us...but what good does that do him?  he needs to know that I've got things under control here on the home front so that he can do his job overseas and have comfort knowing that his family is healthy and happy.  Does this make any sense? I'm just glad that I have friends who can find the courage to get out of their houses with children in tow in order to keep living their lives, despite what end of the earth their better half may be on!

Settling in

Well, I think we're all finally settling into the idea that Michael will be leaving -- well, as 'settled' as one can be.  The kids have no idea...and they won't until Daddy isn't around.  It makes me sad just thinking about it.  The idea that Michael will be gone for so long puts a burden on my heart -- can I raise these children well all by myself?  I have this guilt that I'm going to instill only my bad qualities in them, I'm the hot tempered, emotionally charged part of the parenting duo -- Michael is the calm and RATIONAL one - much more even keeled and very smart...hey, at least I get to win a couple of arguments for a while :)  Cassidy is hysterical because she often says "but you know everything Mom" -- I wish honey!

We are still uncertain of where the kids and I will be, but it is looking more and more like staying in Ohio is the best idea.  While it would be great to be closer to family in Texas, moving back across the country to stay for 18 months, then move across the country again to Virginia (where we'll be for maybe 2 years) really doesn't seem rational.  Even if we moved back into our old Texas house, whose around to support me & the kids?? Michael isn't attached to a squadron there.  We have some really good friends in town but the closest family is about 2 hours away.  Here, I'm plugged into the AFIT group --so we have military support; we've made some good friends, I have wonderful neighbors (babysitter, snow shovelers, playmates) all right next door!  I'm a short flight from family...and closer to Michael while he's in DC for training.  I think logically, it just makes sense to stay here.  I didn't even talk about trying to carry the two mortgages that we have thanks to our last PCS...a mere 6 months ago!

The initial blow was a bit bitter to chew, but I can't say that I was totally surprised by it.  Perhaps I am like the wives whose spouses went to Vietnam on multiple tours -- they had to do it alone while they feared the worst for their better half.  I am certain that God is watching over our family -- he doesn't have to take Michael to Afghanistan to show how quickly life can change, that could happen around the corner, on his way home from work, or in some freak accident in the backyard...life if precious EVERY day. 

I'm going to snuggle my kiddos and spend time with my man now...while I can!

My Deepest Condolences

So, yesterday we got the news...Michael was selected for AFPAK Hands...what is that you say?  "AFPAK Hands are the 'best and brightest' of our Armed Forces and are specially selected for his or her talent and either their knowledge of COIN doctrine, language or culture of the AFPAK region".  In one view (half full), this is an honor to be selected for this special assignment; joint tour credit; accelerated career progression is offered; and specialized training.  In the other view (half empty), the Captains & Majors involved with the project can expect to be 'engaged' for a period of 3-4 years...so the next ~42 months in the Brannon house will be something like this:

6 months - Daddy in DC for training - learning Afghan language, culture and what job tasks/responisibilities
12 months - Daddy 'in theatre', supposedly Michael has been assigned to Central Kabul (much better than a FOB *forward operating base* in my opinion, at least Kabul is somewhat of a modern city & has technology)
12 months - Daddy home (they've decided that 'home' will be Langley AFB)
9-12 months - Daddy back 'in theatre'

Roughly, that is 39-42 months spent on applying "their expertise to governance, stabilization, reconstruction and security" to implement the USG AFPAK strategy -- ya, whatever that means!

Stunned...virtually speechless.  That was my response...it was ironic that WE were the family chosen from all the people we know in the Engineer world.  There are 13 Air Force Civil Engineers attached to this project...everyone around the office trickled into Michael's 'cube' (office) giving their condolences...other friends via text, phone call or Facebook expressed their sadness...offered prayer.  GOD knows we need all of the prayer we can get. 
I keep running through all of the things that Michael is going to miss....holidays, birthdays...he's supposed to leave for Afghanistan the week of our 10th wedding anniversary.  And then, where are we supposed to live while Michael is away...his 'hub' will eventually be Langley AFB, Virginia (where he will do his job for the 1 year home) -- so do we try to move there now, do we stay in Ohio, do we move closer to family in Texas???
At this time, Michael is supposed to leave for training the last week of August.  He's trying to get that training waived and report at a later time, like early October.  He will be in Washington D.C. for 6 months training before he goes in late March...should we move to Virginia so that we can be closer to him -- would we even be able to see him while he's in training??  Then he'll deploy to Afghanistan for a year, return to Langley to work for a year...so, if we don't move now to VA, then when? When would be a good time to go? Now, since we've only just begun to get settled here?  Stay here, let Cassidy finish kindergarten then move that summer (when Michael should return home)?  Move to Texas, probably back into our Schertz house, or rent a house in the DFW area...for the 18 months that Michael will be gone and then move to Langley when he's supposed to return???  Oh the decisions...but the one problem is, he may not be able to move us at this time.  The first group of AFPAK hands didn't get to move their families until after they were already down-range.  I just want things to be taken care of so that I can just get some sort of comfort with the new "single mommy" lifestyle. 
I'd love to just have a life planner come and tell me what to do...I know that He will guide me, but sometimes it just isn't so clear...please pray for clarity and comfort for our family.

I think I have ADD...hmm??

So, is it just me, or is it 'normal' to start one task, think of something else while you're doing that task, begin another task -eventually getting back to the first task at hand....but possibly not finishing either one?  I haven't been my 'good 'ol self' in a while...who is that you say?  The "finisher" Cami, the one who made a list, checked it twice and felt accomplished at the end of the day....what has changed since then?  I've become a mother :)  Now my list is sooo much longer due to so many more clothes, so many more appointments, so many reasons not to even leave the house to DO the errands! (naps are a big one -- don't want to mess with those!)  Plus lack of sleep on my part makes getting motivated hard...I still have bare walls and pictures in boxes...and don't even ask if there are baby pictures up yet...I don't even think Jake's are in frames!  I am just now getting around to getting Will's birth announcements sent out -- I was much more on top of the other's kids...but I guess you can say that my standards have relaxed a little...hopefully not for good, just for the time that I am am ONE person with my TWO hands full with THREE beautiful kiddos FOUR and under! I will regain my totally obsessed with 'everything has it's place' self -- right now, everything's place is wherever it got left last -- good luck finding it!

Thank God for electricity!

We had a power outage last night that lasted for about 6 hours!! This just made the house dark, the AC had already gone out on Monday -- so it was already hot & humid in the house, but now we couldn't use the fans either so it got down right balmy.  The storm that rolled in whipped around the large trees in our yard like cattails -- I knew this wasn't a good sign...then boom, some lightening & thunder and a large crash...out went the lights...and the water for that matter because our house is supplied by a well.  At about 4 am the fans & all the lights that were on when the outage happened turned on -- thank you LORD!! I wasn't sure how I'd face the day with a hot & humid house and NO water either, but the Lord saved me from the gloom of 1/3 of those concerns and for that I'm thankful!!  When day broke we saw that one of the neighbors large cottonwood trees had fallen onto some power lines, not sure if that's what caused the outage, but maybe it will give us some good firewood for the winter :)
Cassidy enjoyed another night at VBS last night...after she had a complete meltdown as I was trying to leave.  She didn't take a nap yesterday and I asked her if that is why she was so emotional and she agreed.  At least if she is just like me in personality, she has one up on me, and that is that she can admit her faults!  After some coaching, she decided to stay...and at the end of the night she said she had "so much fun".  But the weird thing is, when we asked what she did, what she'd learned...."I don't want to tell you, I don't want to tell anyone" -- what?? I wanted her to rush home and share what new songs she'd learned, dances, crafts...she wanted to just keep all of that joy to herself.  I told her that maybe one day she would want to share it with us, and it was okay that she didn't want to right now.  I know that the Lord is working in her heart -- as we were driving home she said, "Mom, God made those lights and the everything else in the world too".  I love that she's having a good time at VBS although the fact that it's 6:15 - 9 pm is not so great...I have been trying to run around to get dinner cooked on time and then when she comes home she is soooo riled up that she doesn't settle into bed without some stern words and on one occasion a total meltdown with red, swollen, puffy eyes...she is great at fighting sleep.  Only two more nights left, so hopefully we can swing back into bedtime routine starting this weekend.
Jake decided that he likes the tricycle now - we have one that has a parent handle.  He can reach one pedal but not both, and he used to kick & scream when we'd try to put him on it, now he just squeals because he needs a little help getting on it!  Cassidy on the other hand has ridden her new "big girl bike" a handfull of times...I threaten to give it away...maybe she'll decide that she can ride her big bike since Jake can almost ride his big boy trike :)  She's all about not being "little" -- we'll see!
Will, well, he's sleeping through most of the night already!  Can't believe that it's been six weeks since his arrival.  He is becoming quite a chunky monkey -- but with all of this heat & humidity, his skin looks terrible!  He is such a good baby - with the exception of a few puking episodes that have required complete clothing changes for both of us - he is pretty easy! Did I just say that???
Well, I'd better get on with our day -- before it starts to slip away!

'Just another Manic Monday'!

Well, I tossed and turned after doing the baby's 4:30 feed, so I got up and got started with my day.  Of course, I had to pump first, since the baby sleeps so well at night I get super full on one side -- of course I have too much milk for this baby...unlike with the previous two, I don't have a stressful job to diminish my supply!  So maybe I'll be able to keep him on breastmilk for a while after he's weaned...but we'll be needing a deep freezer soon otherwise, the whole family's gonna be having breastmilk! LOL!  Anyway, after pumping, I called my soon-to-be former boss, left her a 2nd message to call me so that I could quit!  I then began writing my resignation letter -- I got my labels for the birth announcements shored up; gave Jake some cuddle time after he woke up, made chocolate milk, got Jake dressed, unloaded the dishwasher, loaded the dishwasher, Cassidy woke up -- she's into picking out her clothes the night before so that she can dress herself in the morning -- (awesome!) I of course got caught up on emails & Facebook -- the vortex that is the black hole in my life!  Then got the baby fed & dressed...fed myself & Jake some cereal, Cassidy refuses breakfast usually, so I let her finish off her snack from Vacation Bible School last night...pretzels, cereal and M&Ms...then off to aerobics @ the YMCA (or the MCYA, MCMA, CMYA--those are the things Cassidy calls it!)  I managed to get all 3 kids there on time, check them in and get to class -- worked out, all 3 did great in the childcare room!! came home fixed lunch while I fed the baby -- I do entirely too much while nursing -- could explain some of the soreness I get from time to time :)  Now all are down for a nap...time for Mommy to catch up on some stuff...been searching for a photo website to archive photos and print off for the grandmothers...don't think I've sent them actual photos since Cassidy was a baby!  But they always ask..oh, I do send them professional photos..just not actual day-to-day photos.  Oh, I ate lunch too...now, trying to plan a trip to the Library, figure out when to take the stale bread to feed the ducks/geese...but really should be stuffing the birth announcements and getting those ready for the mail...did I mention it's 1:37p.m. I've been up since 4:30 a.m. and I had my first cup of coffee in a really LONG time (I usually have a diet coke or coke zero as my a.m. pick me up) but I've been trying to wean myself off of the soda...I think it's making me retain the fluff around my midsection - I know I just had a baby...but I actually WANT to workout for a change!  Really, I just want to eat what I want to and not see it show up on my thunder thighs!  And I'm not one of those nursing moms who just spontaneously drops weight like a fly...but I've been pregnant or nursing for the last 4 years with little break in between...so who knows, maybe I will get back into that college size!  Cassidy has VBS tonight and we might head up to Ritters (a wonderful custard shack) to meet up with some friends tonight..maybe I can justify the custard if we walk there and walk back (about a 2 mile walk with hills!)...it's 1:41...did I mention I drank coffee??!??

Can't quite decide if blogging is my thing??

Let it be said...I'm terrible at blogging.  Of course, I did just add a wonderful little guy to our household, making 'free time' a bit difficult.  Additionally, Cassidy is now staying home and I've become a stay-at-home Momma!! WOW! Things have changed a ton since my last post!  Let's see...we had a baby - it's a boy! *remember that old long distance commercial??*, co-hosted a baby shower for a good friend, we celebrated Mother's Day...truly blessed! then Cassidy's 4th Birthday -my where did the time go?? then Michael's lasik eye surgery, Cassidy's birthday party...Jake's first haircut, Will's umbilical stump finally falling off after his 2 weeks appt!! Will growing out of newborn diapers...then newborn clothes, but not fitting in 3 months clothes...oh, what to wear...Will turning 1 month old...5 weeks old...3 month clothes fit...and here we are, almost at 6 weeks and we are getting a few coo's and at least one gummy grin a day! Life has really gotten so much more hectic & definitely more challenging with our newest addition...but I wouldn't have it any other way! Now... I just need to inform my boss that I'm not coming back to work *sorry* and make all of our "well" visit appointments to the pediatrician...Cassidy's 4 year old, Jake's 18 month old, and Will's 2 month old...my where DOES the time go??  So, my goal is to become a better blogger, for my kid's sake...so that I can print this stuff off and remind them that I did notice the small things...AND the BIG things when they were little...and that I do care, so much...

Hopefully my last shopping hoorah before the baby comes...

I went to a Mom's sale at a huge church here in Beavercreek today...it was INSANE! I was probably one of the first 25 people in the door at 0830 and there were already "HOLD" signs on many items...probably from the presales *if you're a seller you can shop before anyone else*.  I really went hoping to buy a cozy coupe car for Jake..there was only 1 there...and it was already taken! BOO!  BUT, I did manage to find a Littlest Pet Shop (LPS) playarea thingy for Cassidy...LPS is her new thing...for $7...whoo hoo!! They are usually at least $30 new, so that was a great deal!  Then I got Mister Will a jumperoo...saw my friend's baby in one last week and she was having sooo much fun; I had contemplated getting one when Jake was smaller, but went with a walker that had a jumping function...didn't really work to his liking either way, he usually just cried in the thing anyway :)  I got a new backpack hoping to replace the one that I paid WAY too much for that both kids (Cassidy & Jake) have screamed & kicked to get out of...must be a really comfy one! Ha!  So maybe since we'll be outnumbered soon, this backpack can be a little more useful.  And a few other toys for the kids round out my purchases...no clothes...there was no way I could go back in for clothes...it was a madhouse!  On top of it all...I forgot to eat my protein bar that I stuck in my purse, so as I was standing in the tremendous check out line and starting to feel woozy...I realized, I hadn't eaten in over 12 hours...not good for a lady in my situation -- I devoured that bar in like 1 minute! Ha - I have no brain left!

Loving the baby I have, but wanting the other to come on out!!

I have found that in the last few weeks, while Jake has been taking large strides into toddlerhood, I have throroughly been enjoying him.  He IS still my baby...at least until Mister Will decides he wants to meet us all!  Jake has really stole my heart...just his cute little expressions, his little voice, his mass of curls...*sigh*.  I will miss these days for sure, when it was just the two kiddos -- one parent to one kid -- but I know that Will is truly God's will...so I am more than happy to have him in our family...if he ever decides to come!  I don't know why I've become so impatient with this pregnancy --probably because I don't have full time work to distract me...and I've known that I was pregnant since 4 weeks...so I'm ready to cuddle my little guy already!! Until then, I'll keep making tickle sessions, sand box messes and toddler wrangling my passion :)

Okay...so I'm really bad at blogging

I know that you're supposed to up-date frequently, write things about what the kids are doing, how the pregnancy is going..but really it's all been going "just fine" -- nothing special to write about.  But then reflecting, I think there is a ton to write about.  As we get days closer to welcoming the final installment to the family, Baby Will, I need to cherish the baby that we still have in the house, Jake.  But really, he has started taking great strides at becoming a "big boy".  The first week that Michael was in Alabama, I discovered that Jake's grumpiness was due to cutting FOUR molars at the same time! Poor guy -- but that's his normal fashion...one tooth is for sissies...he always cuts 2-4 at a time.  He has become so much more verbal, using his signs and using "please" & "thank you" a lot :)  He makes me giggle because he likes to use my belly button as a proding place and then blow raspberries on my tummy...the baby just wiggles in every which way!  Jake is also a very loving brother with his "Sissy" -- he can actually enunciate all 3 syllables of "Cas-a-dee" -- each morning he is thrilled with hugs from Cass and looks for Ty, our dog.  He LOVES Ty, not sure that Ty enjoys all of the love, but Jake is very fond of our 90 lb lab.  I think one of the cutest things that Jake started late last week is "motoring" his cars...pushing them along the floor with a distinct "bbbrrrr" - ADORABLE!  And he started riding the small ride-on toys...boy, he really IS trying to make room for baby!

Cassidy, meanwhile, just continues to be a loving big sister.  She has already considered Will apart of the family - "Mom, there are 4 boys and only 2 girls" (4 boys=Daddy, Jake, Will, & Ty-the dog!)  When asked how many brothers & sisters she would like to have she stated "2 brothers and 3 sisters" -- so I kindly explained that those "3 sisters" would have to be good friends that she makes!  I think she will relish the idea of being an only daughter/sister.  Especially as she gets older and she won't have to share her clothes or "Girly" things with the boys -- at least that is my hope :) -- in more ways that one!  She has been going so long with a dry pull-up at night that I decided it was time to try sleeping without a pull-up -- so far, so good!  My little girl is really growing up!

Well, the squeals of a busy toddler are calling -- I finally have the laptop back, it's easier to blog with this little contraption that being sucked down to the basement behind the desktop -- plus, Jake doesn't try to "help" me out so much when I'm on the laptop :)

Jake cracks me up...most days :)

Today, as I am trying to clean up the abomination that is our basement, Jake has kept me in the giggles.  From now identifying his pacifier as "Papi" to eating a whole tangerine -- taking time to spit the seeds out -- he's been a little hoot today.  His vocabulary seems to really be improving lately, that or the amount of time we're spending together has made me more able to understand him.  He has enjoyed eating the fake folage & berries off of my artificial wreaths, pulling VHS tape out of the casing and rearranging what I've just arranged..nice huh?  Oh and I forgot to mention that Jake is by far the one who seems to show Ty the most love, but I'm not sure that Ty is very appreciative :)  Ty will be laying somewhere trying to catch a nap and Jake will begin to yell for him, search him out, then once found, proceed to lay all over him, poke at his eyes or nose or even better offer him kisses...this kiddos cracks me up, although Ty has yet to find the humor.  So, hopefully, by the time Michael gets home from work it will look like I at least accomplished some form of clean up today!

My first Car Accident

Well, the first time had to be a doozie, huh?  I managed to total our '08 Honda Odyssey in a head on collision about two weeks ago.  I thankfully only received minor injuries -- nothing broken, but my left knee was badly injured on the steering column, I dislocated my right shoulder (which I've done before), my left thumb was swollen & lacerated, and to top it off I had seatbelt bruises to my pregnant belly & across my chest.  The other driver apparently broke a finger but is claiming that she lost consciousness and therefore cannot recall any of the details of the accident.  Here hun, I'll give you a refresher...I was turning left at an intersection where there isn't a protected turn...it was 8am on Monday morning so traffic was pretty heavy.  I proceeded into the intersection on green and while I was advancing into the intersection, the light turned yellow.  The car in front of my turned without any hesitation, I waited just a second because I couldn't see the rest of oncoming traffic...so I proceeded to clear the intersection with caution...then YOU came barreling out of no where in your silver Mercedes and before I could even think you were plowing into my front end.  Since you sped up to make the light...you hit me going about 40 mph in a 35 mph zone...but were you ticketed...no, only me, for failing to yield the right of way on a left turn.  Ho hum...what's a girl to do?  I was transported to the closest hospital with a NICU in case little Will decided that he was too traumatized by the accident...thankfully I was 32 weeks that day, so delivery wouldn't have been a death sentence ---thank you Jesus!  So after spending close to 8 hours at the hospital for monitoring & to have my shoulder relocated...we came home thankful that I wasn't in more serious condition. 
Michael has been really supportive surprisingly...not quite sure why, but a guilt trip at this point would probably just send me into hysterics which wouldn't play out well for him to deal with :)  So...we have been told "we can fix it", "oh, actually, it's totalled"  so now we wait for the insurance company to determine the value and then we can begin searching for a replacement.  Oh, and another thankful thing is Michael went TDY the following week after the accident, why am I thankful for that...because it wasn't THE morning after he left...I had a whole week to get back into the swing of things before having to manage the two joys of my life all by my hobbling, pitiful self :) 
So, lesson learned: I now do not even mess with a yellow. I think this was a good wake up call for me to improve my driving awareness.

Once again, Thanks be to God for keeping Will & I safe :)

Time flies when they're so little...

Jake...he is the best little man a gal could ask for.  He gets cuter by the day!  I just can't imagine that in about 6-8 weeks he is not going to be my little baby anymore.  But as each day passes, he is really starting to show that he doesn't want to be "the baby" anymore.  He has really done well with his walking, he is now using most of the signs that we...well, I - have taught him, and funniest of all, is he has now started shaking his head in agreement/disagreement.  He will sign "eat" "more" "all done" and "please" is just around the corner...I know it (please?)! I think that his nodding is the funniest, because he usually does the opposite of what he really intends to "say" :)  (He shakes his head "no" when he really means "yes") Anyway, last night I could tell that he was starting to get tired, so I said "Jake, ready for night-night?" he shook his head "yes" and started walking to the stairs to go up to his room.  I didn't follow right away because I was trying to finish what I was doing, so he came back to the living room and got my attention (screech) and then I got up and he walked to the stairs again.  He walked to his room and headed straight for his bed...I said "wait, we need to do pj's" and so he waited by his changing table for me to return with his pjs...who is this kid?  I changed him and then put him down, he walked to his bed, I said "get in bed Buddy", he crawled into his little toddler bed (which is just so darn cute) and he waited for me to tuck him in...I just LOVE him :) 
We really need to start the book habit at night like we did with Cassidy -- she has to have a couple of books before bed, otherwise she gets out of bed constantly until she either gets in so much trouble that she cries herself to sleep (which makes me feel like a terrible mother...but she hasn't correlated that late bedtime = grumpy Cassidy in the morning) or it just gets so late that she just can't fight the sandman off anymore. 
AND on top of Jake being such a good little guy, he has had the most terrible cold & cough this week -- its the first time he's been sick since his RSV in December.  So he has coughed himself through sleep for most of the week, but still woken up with a smile (and green slimey nose! ewww) -- sounds like it might be bedtime tonight...maybe I'll take him to his room rather than have to be led to... :)

March 1st...celebrating 3 firsts in 2010!

Well, I am terrible at planning ahead for haircuts..even with my own.  I started to implant the idea that Cassidy was WAY overdue for her first haircut at the end of last year.  Michael was reluctant to cut it, claiming "it will just grow"...obviously it will keep growing, but it might grow healthier with a little trim.  So, I set out to get Cassidy a memorable first cut experience...well, the place here in town that catered to kids, closed ---and it was Sunday, amazing how many salons are closed on Sundays...ALL of them.  But Sallys was open - fancy scissors & a cape - wa-la, we're in business.  I have had my hair cut enough times in my life that I should have paid attention at least once...right?  Well, as with most "at home" cuts, it is shorter than I was intending, but I had to get all those dead ends off..they've been there for almost 4 years now!  It did prove to be a challenging task though..her hair has no natural part and it actually started to get more curly/wavy as I cut...she has some good body in it now!  In the end, I was pleased with my work & Cassidy's patience, she got to watch "Snow White" while she was getting her cut!  And she actually liked it...once I showed her that we could still do all the same hair styles as we'd done before :) 

And little Jake man -- wow, he has really started to take some steps into "Big Boy Land" -- literally!  He started walking last weekend, just after turning 14 months!  We thought that he'd be an early walker for sure because he was crawling at 8 months...but I think he knew he wouldn't be as fast as when he crawled!  He looks like a little monkey when he is walking, holding his arms up above him for balance.  Now, he's experimenting with how to get from sitting to standing...he gets a kick out of himself falling over- LOL!

AND Jake started sleeping in his toddler bed -- I can't believe it, I've only found him out of it once, and that was after he'd woken up at 7am and decided that he could use a little more shut-eye :)  I think he could sleep anywhere...but it did help that I put it up in his room once we moved in, and he would climb up in it and bounce around and he definitely should remember Cassidy sleeping in it...he's such a clever boy!

Taxes...I understand why they say "death by taxes"

Taxes...I sometimes think that I should have been an accountant.  I am really good at remembering numbers and well...sometimes I hate working in a "people person" job -- so by being an accountant I could be someone completely different from who I am now. 
Anyway, I digress...I usually do our taxes each year - not sure how it became my "thing" but I'm not sure it would ever get done if Michael had to do them :)  So, this year was particularly difficult -- we converted our home into a rental, we had a home tax credit that was to be repaid but we got the wonderful "forgiveness" ticket by having our family serve in the US military, we had stocks that we sold for a miserable price (thankfully, we're pretty bad at the stock market, otherwise we'd be in REAL trouble!) AND we moved across the country -- with all of our receipts, bills, documents, etc packed away in boxes.  I just hope that I found everything that is pertinent to this year's return.  This is the first year I've done itemized deductions...I really wish we could go back to the 1040 EZ... it was way simpler!!  I just hope that the IRS takes pity on me and decides NOT to audit my masterpiece...at this rate we are having a small return, which will be great considering I just got a letter stating that the home we are already paying out of pocket to have someone else live in, doesn't have an adequate escrow account...well crap.  I now wish that we had just sold it, taken the cut then instead of dragging out the process each month!  Anyone want a lovely home in a nice surburb slightly north of San Antonio??

ooh lots of good things happening today :)

Well, Jake decided that he wanted to walk last night...he has been walking with assistance for a while -- he'd hang onto one finger and walk along side Mike or I...but he'd never let go! Last night, he decided that walking to Daddy was what he wanted to do!  YAY Jakey!  And today I got a text from the sitter, he walked across her kitchen -- he'll be 14 months on Friday..it's about time!
The second awesome news...the new Bumbleride Indie Twin arrived!! I have partially put it together, but haven't gotten to test drive it yet.  I know that it is such a huge investment, but I hope that it will be motivating to get out when its time to get that baby weight off!  I can't wait to prove to Mike that it IS the best thing next to sliced bread :)

Okay, so its about time

I have finally gotten around to putting this blog together.  I've been horrible at maintaining the website that we purchased while we were overseas to update everyone about Cassidy and our European adventures. 

(And frankly, I don't want to pay for it anymore!)  Cassidy is growing up sooo fast and I'm not even sure how much of Jake actually made it to the old website!  He is so screwed as the middle child and he has a birthday the day after Christmas...doubly screwed! 

So, I'm trying to get this thing going while unpacking boxes yet again, getting kids into new childcare and trying to start new friendships and a new job...I love being a military wife!  It gives you the chance to start over and over again...and again!  We are finally starting to see some progress with the house...although we have yet to sled down the hill in the back yard.  Oh well, the kids are so young the don't even know how fun it can be...maybe next year!  We are looking forward to the Spring when we can see the rest of the yard -- not really sure what we bought at this point :)  We have been blessed with phenonmenal neighbors - who have 6 children, and aren't sure if they're done yet - you go girl!  I think that when Mr Will Ethan arrives ...we are DONE!! Being a L&D nurse, you see the reactions of people during their pregnancies & deliveries...and you get a sense of those that are "done", "maybe one more", and "I could do this again tomorrow" -- I'm definitely in the "DONE" category!  And I think Cassidy will appreciate only having two little annoying brothers :)

Well, I hope that you enjoy the rants & rambles of a woman who is surely going crazy day by day...that would be me...in a nut shell...but not in a pysch vest yet :)  I look forward to sharing my family,  our adventures in parenthood & our lives as a truly blessed family.