Wacky Weekend & Bloopers

As usual, we enjoyed a longer-than-usual weekend and now it has come to and end much too quickly.  So with that... here is the 10 second glimpse at our wacky weekend filled with bloopers along the way (and on going sickness).

Daddy headed offshore at an unGodly hour Saturday morning (2:30 AM) for some good fishing.  I guess that is what time "serious" fishermen get out on the water.  Meanwhile, my kiddos and I enjoyed plenty of 'jammie time and then headed to P'cola for a short shopping excursion and then stopped at McDs for lunch before we headed home.  Abby insisted that she did not need a highchair and her big brother supported her efforts to sit next to him and eat.  It really did warm my heart watching them next to each other.

 Here "Mutt & Jeff" climbing through the McDs playground... obviously Abby is needing plenty of help and big brother is right there to push shove help her up as far as she wanted to go.

 But at one point all he wanted to do was slide back down and be first to the bottom, which meant...

 ... that Abby was left to defend herself and get down solo.

Some Daddy pictures from 90 miles offshore... they headed all the way to the big OIL rigs where the fishing is great.  After the initial 3 hour trek out there, they spent the entire day jumping from rig to rig.  They caught plenty of Tuna (which made Mama happy) and then finally returned hom around 9:30 PM Saturday night.  Long day to say the least!

 Up close and personal to those big oil rigs as they were trying to catch some big fish!

 Poor Thomas was exhausted today after we ran around town this morning with erronds & getting lunch.

 I'm not going to say a whole lot about the next two pictures except that "boys will be boys."  Thomas has his Sheriff Woody gun holster on and decided that this was a better suited way to wear his gun... which clearly freed up the use of his two hands.  OMG... I almost peed my pants and died from a coughing and laughter combo (and so did Daddy).  Can you imagine - your son turns around and BAM... in your face is a bright orange POINTY gun?  What is up with boys?  And of course he thought it was hilarious because Brian and I were dieing laughing.

 Sorry about the horrible qualit of picture... but you can probably see what I'm talking about now.

The boys got some fishing time in today, despite the fact that every weather man was wrong about our BEAUTIFUL forecast today, out on the dock. 

And while they were enjoying the gorgeous water & weather, Abbigail and I headed back to the doctor's office (she was just there last Monday with Daddy) to find out that she now has an ear infection and the congestion continues in her chest... this means more drugs to hopefully ease things up for her and make her feel better soon.  After a week of coughing, constantly watery eyes, runny nose that just doesn't turn off - you can see how raw/chapped her nasal area is...

My poor sleeping baby.

Without loved ones there

The birth of your child will be one of the most thrilling and emotional experiences in your life. Ideally, you will share this event with your spouse. But when you're a military wife, there is always the possibility that your husband will be away on deployment when your due date arrives.

Good friends Nicky & husband Bryant, and also Laura & husband Patrick (who both happen to be teachers) have/had to deal with military deployments during their pregnancies.  Nicky recently found out they were expecting their first child.  The news came just days before Bryant left for a 6-month deployment to Afghanistan.  Over joyed with the idea that they were pregnant, they had to say their goodbyes.  After spending the holidays apart (although not their first deployment through the holidays), Nicky prepared for her first ultrasound... alone.  "Watching the baby move, hearing the heartbeat, and seeing a life that my husband I made from our love for one another was surreal and miraculous as anything that has ever occurred in my life. However, in that same moment I couldn't help but be sad. The longer that I am a military spouse the more I learn about the hardships and unfairness that this life is engulfed in... My first parent experience I had to experience alone because Bryant is gone at war. It was a moment that I always imagined him holding my hand for and crying with me."  Although Bryant will be home in late April, a few months before their baby is due... my heart breaks for my good friend who is experiencing so many firsts without the love of her life next to her.  I hope she knows that her support system around her is willing and wanting to help her in every possible way until Bryant is home.

On a similar note, yet under different circumstances, Laura found out they were expecting months before Patrick was due to leave on his deployment.  They were together for approximately 5 months when they had to say goodbye.  But Laura & Patrick's story is different, but all too familiar to so many military families dealing with a time of war.  Patrick was not home to experience the birth of his first child.  Laura did not have her loving husband with her next to her hospital bed holding her hand when she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Emory.  Instead, Patrick (who happens to be in my hubby's squadron and a good fishing buddy) watched for hours via Skype as Laura helped bring their little miracle of life into this world.  She had support surrounding her but the one she hoped would be there with her was 1/2 a world a way wishing he was.

Although I have not endured what either Nicky or Laura have been faced with, I have however experienced Brian TDY a lot during my pregnancies as well as deploying 3 weeks after Abbigail was born.  Despite the weeks and months with Daddy gone, as a military spouse I feel blessed that he was here to experience the birth & joy of both his little boy and baby girl.  With baby #3 on the way, fingers crossed that nothing comes up unexpected (although, as said before... it is always possible), Daddy will be here to witness and celebrate as we bring another miracle and blessing into this world.

Nicky & Laura - your strength is incredible... it does not go unnoticed, especially by your husbands.  You are an inspiration to me and so many others who hear your story, shed tears for you knowing you are missing your loved one, but saying so many prayers for a safe return home soon so that you can experience the family that you have longed for.

Heckness

These are really just random pictures from the week... we will call it "A Taste of Heckness."

Thomas & Abby enjoying some oranges as they waited for Daddy to make a smoothie last Saturday morning. Apparently, the kitchen counter is the place to be while waiting for food.
Abby loves to walk around holding random clothes; I usually find her drawers open with clothes thrown about in her room. But it doesn't have to be her clothes - Daddy's military socks will do. My bras are popular. Thomas' underwear also makes numerous appearances around the house. She loves to accessorize with additional layers not only on herself...

... but given the chance, she is quick to do the same to Daddy. In this case, Daddy was decked out with bib & blankie and cozy with baby.

In with my stuff

I was getting ready to leave work when I grabbed my purse. I reached into my purse to get my car keys and for some reason... couldn't find them quickly. That is unusual for me because I keep my purse fairly organized (or so I think) and most everything has a "spot."

Where the heck were my keys?

Once I actually glanced into my purse, it all became too obvious what the problem was. I dumped out my purse onto my desk in order to find the keys. Ah ha! There they are... underneath all the other crap that has gotten tossed in with my stuff. A run-down of what (else) I found:

• wallet
• checkbook (although the only check written is weekly daycare)
• small bottle of lotion
• Planner (see earlier post this week regarding importance)
• chapstick
• Tide Pen (compliments of my friend Linsey)
• calculator
• 2 pens
• 2 packs of fruit snacks for the kids on the ride home
• 3 CARS
• baby ultrasound (from Wednesday's appt)
• school keys (on the Apple chain)
• chip clip from old bag of pretzels at work
• love note from my hubby (yes, periodically I get them) about my Christmas present
• donation receipt/ticket for a charity pancake breakfast in 2 weeks
• "Return to School" doctor's note for Abby from this week
  

Friday Night Leftovers (Frozen version)

It has been a few weeks since I recapped a week with some good 'ol "Friday Night Leftovers"... I'm getting back on the horse & getting back to my routine:

• Based on our low & high temps here in FL... I'm wondering if we are going to be able to handle the frigidness of Alaska this time next year? This week/next week here are lows in the 20s & highs in the 40s. Ouch... cold. Next week in AK... lows in the negative numbers & highs in the 20s. OMG... can we say frozen like Popsicles?
• My crew has been suffering from cough, running nose, boogers everywhere, endless tissue boxes everywhere and humidifiers running nonstop through the night. We are just starting to turn the corner (I think & hope) so we are hoping for a better weekend than last.
• I'm trying to remember if Thomas was as whinny and prone to the "sudden-break-down-have-a-tantrum" syndrome that Abbigail seems to be suffering from? No... her sickness this week has nothing to do with it... it has been going on for several weeks. I'm sure hoping that the Twos aren't worse - If so, I won't make it especially with a newborn added to the mix.
• Smooth start to my semester with my M.Ed class - not sure if its better planning on my part, or the fact that Brian is actually home (thus making it all around an easier routine), or just sheer luck, but I'm happy with how I'm being able to fit in all in. I hope I didn't just jinx myself.
• Now that we know we have a little girl Heck on the way... I'm starting to think about the storage of clothes again. I'm sure I will start getting back many of the baby clothes that were lent out to a friend, as well as all the size 12 months that Abby is still in... that means lots of Rubbermaid containers labeled by size stacked neatly in a closet all waiting to be worn again by a brand new baby.
• Can't believe that we aren't leaving the area for approximately 6.5 more months and Brian is already busy at work with Out Processing stuff for us to leave.... some of which involves me and the kids directly. Case in point, this week we had appointments to take care of our passports... military issued because its considered an "overseas" location. Wow - this process is going to go by faster than I thought.

That's it for now. Signing out. Stay warm where ever you are. Tootles everyone.

What's cooking?

The results are in.
They were crystal clear.

The Chinese Fertility Calendar test was correct.
Many of the Prediction Gender tests were wrong.
Many of my friends were right...
But several of them were wrong.

One person who was correct... Thomas.
He must have the instinct, because I know that I didn't have a clue & neither did Daddy.

I'm happy to report that the results from today's ultrasound showed us that Baby Heck is...

healthy...

expected to arrive sometime around May 24th...

is approximately 14.5 oz...

moving quite a bit non-stop... and

... is  a GIRL!

Mad Scientist?

No, No, No!  I know he looks the part, but Thomas is actually getting ready to help Daddy build a toolbox for Thomas' "new, real, big-boy" tools that he got from Santa.  And yes, the set came with safety goggles - hence the mad scientist look.

 Very serious about building

 Daddy had to reassure Thomas that he could really put some muscle into the hammering and actually HIT the nail, as opposed to just TAPPING it. 

Once he got the hang of it... the building process went a little faster.

 You got to love the little goggle lines under this eyes - it reminds me of my high school students who come to class right from Biology and have just dissected some kind of small animal.

 Handy Manny's brother? OMG my son cracks me up with this expression!

 Believe it or not, Thomas has been laughing at this point and is desperately trying to give us a serious face!

 The completed project - a new toolbox complete with a removable tool tray.

 The innocent spectators



Upcoming reveal

Tomorrow is our ultrasound that will hopefully reveal if Baby Heck is going to be wearing lots of blue or lots of pink.  I say hopefully because when we had Abbigail's revealing ultrasound... she made it very difficult.  It took the technician an hour to try and confirm (along with a 2nd opinion from a doctor) that she was a girl.  So, fingers crossed that tomorrow will not take nearly that long (especially since I have to have a full bladder) and that all signs show a healthy growing baby!  Stay tuned...

The Bug

It isn't the flu.  It isn't an ear ache.  Our pediatrician says it is congestion and the bug.  Sure glad Daddy & Abby stayed home today - they each took long naps (although please remember that he is NOT sick... only Abbers), played together and had a nice quiet day together.  I'm sure it was well needed for both of them.  Abby actually probably loved being the only child at home because all the attention was on her.  Meanwhile, life went on for Thomas and me.  Up and out the door early.  School all day long.  And let me tell you that it was weird driving without Abby with us... we missed her.

Tomorrow will be one more day home for the two of them... just to be on the safe side for Abby and let her continue to rest.  As long as Daddy doesn't get too comfortable with staying home and playing "hookie" from work... he should be back to the grind on Wednesday like the rest of us.

TV obsession

... or lack thereof.  Brian and I just don't watch a lot of TV.  Matter of fact, just until recently I really only watched one night of a favorite show.  Most people think I am completely weird when I tell them that I have been absolutely hooked for the last 5 seasons of "Biggest Loser."  This is my favorite show.  I guess it really is all about people choosing to change their lives for the better and I love that it centers around hard work and really looking inside themselves to see why their life is the way it is.  Anyway... I'm hooked.

However, recently I have added a second night of TV into my life.  This too is a reality show but it is completely different from my Tuesday night obsession.  Regardless of your political affiliation, regardless of what you think of her as a political candidate... I think anyone will find "Sarah Palin's Alaska" completely intriguing.  I'm sure a big part of us starting to watch this show is because we are heading to Alaska this summer for our next assignment.  The show does such an amazing job of showcasing Alaska, it resources, the amazing opportunities & adventures that await people up there.  OMG... Alaska is so beautiful and I'm so excited about the adventures that I hope we take full advantage of.  So while the TLC shows ends tonight with a 2 hour series finale (watching it as I type)... this show has just begun to peek my interest in everything that the state of Alaska has to offer.

Dirt & Boogers

I realize that doesn't sound like such an appealing caption for this blog but it really does capture the kids this weekend.  And it is all centered around "sickness."  It started Friday afternoon when we were told there was a child who had gotten the flu in Abby's class at school... sure enough that night Abby started with the watery eyes, running nose galore and a serious cough.  That night I ended up sleeping on Abby's bedroom floor until about 2:30 AM because she continued to be woken up by her cough and clogged nose.  Poor girl.  Needless to say, over the course of the weekend, we have polished off a few boxes of tissues and had boogers touch about everything.  Gross!

 However, we did manage to make room for some well-timed playtime outside where we enjoyed some swinging, soccer, climbing and fresh air.

 Oh... and lots and lots of colored balls.  This will keep Abby totally consumed FOREVER.  If you look closely in this picture... there is a huge booger hanging out of her poor little red nose.

 Speaking of soccer (two pictures above) -

• We are signing up for our first ever season of YMCA soccer this week and are looking forward to it starting next month.  Let's just hope Thomas enjoys himself... and burns off ALOT of energy.  Secretly, I hope he likes soccer because that was Mommy's favorite sport played growing up.
• We got pretty dirty this weekend playing in the backyard... I'm fairly certain that Thomas & Abby will always get dirty playing any sport they decide... I should probably buy stock NOW in Tide laundry detergent.

Abby & Daddy will stay home from school/work tomorrow because Abby has just progressively gotten worse - they will head to the doctor in the AM and see if its just a cold, the flu or maybe even an ear infection?  Either way, Daddy will give lots of TLC to her and jsut give her a chance to rest when she wants to.  Oh and let's not forget she won't be spreading all her gross and yucky boogies & kudies.

Old School Girl

There is no doubt... I'm old school.  Despite the fact that I have an iPhone, maintain a blog, take online classes for my M.Ed and are very reliant/versed with computer technology - I do not and will not use all the techie planners/calendars that are associated with all of this fancy tech gear.  I'm the kind of organized person who needs to have my hands on the type of calendar/planner that I can write on, highlight in, scratch out, draw arrows, and make lists on.  To me - it just wouldn't be the same - or effective for me if I didn't have my personal planner or my lesson/school planner.  So until otherwise,

I will continue to be an old school girl.

Reluctant

Reluctant is the best word that I can think of that describes Abby’s position on “talking.” She says only a few words, which are inconsistent at best. What she does do is babble… at this point, babbling plus all of her gestures are her means of communication. Unfortunately, she struggles to get her meaning across now and then which leads to frustration on her behalf. However, time and time again we have been told that it is a healthy sign that she is trying hard to communicate and cares whether or not we understand her.


We know that Abby doesn’t have a hearing problem because when we give commands or ask her to do something, she follows them or her gestures make it very apparent that she understands (even if she is defiant).

In my heart of heart, I know that nothing is wrong with Abby despite the fact that she is not really talking much at 17 months old. But hearing people say things like, “is she saying anything at home yet?” or “her problem is you guys do all the talking for her” is a bit frustrating because it seems to imply that Abby is either not as smart as other kids her age or that we (as parents) are enabling her not to talk and are ultimately responsible for her reluctance. We know that kids progress at different paces and that most people are too quick to compare – but we will continue to encourage Abby to express herself, as well as we will continue to repeat words slowly and clearly. Because in the end, almost always things even out.

Halfway mark

I'm at the 20 week point and I'm really surprised that I'm already at the halfway point.  Although I feel the same in many of the same ways as I did with my first two pregnancies, there are a few things that seem a little more "enhanced":

• I feel bigger.  Granted I lost a lot of weight (more than the baby weight) after having Abby so I started at a lighter weight... but now I just feel bigger than I was at this point.
• I'm thirstier.
• I'm hungrier.
• I'm more tired... I'm sure teaching on my feet all day, 2 kids, commuting, grading papers at night, etc has something to do with it.

At this halfway point, Baby Heck is growing bigger & stronger both inside & outside.  He/She weighs approximately 10 1/2 ounces now. He/She is also around 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana.  I'm feeling the baby kick and move (like flutters) each day now and it is a wonderful to "feel" the little life growing inside of me.  I can't wait for Brian to be able to feel the baby also in the coming weeks.

Lead Singer

Video Clip - Meet our new lead singer!
Thomas thinks it is hilarious that Ziggy does this when he plays the harmonica. If you notice too, Abby is just swaying to the beat (or lack there of) like she is a groupie or something to the band.

New Years Eve Sleepover

The kids got a special treat on New Years Eve... a sleepover at Grannie & Grandpop's house complete with going out to dinner for pizza & hitting up the game/ride arcade at the mall.  And you know what that means for my hubby and me?  When there are no kids around, that means we switch modes and get to enjoy some couple time which included dinner out at Hibachi followed by a movie & actually staying up until 12 midnight.  I won't even sugar coat it... it was really, really nice.  Thank you Grannie & Grandpop for giving us the opportunity to do that.  Guess with us moving so far away, we won't have nearly as many of those kind of nights. 

Gearing up with overnight bags

Daddy even rolled up the Lightening McQueen sleeping bag and attached it to the backpack

Enjoying some time on the rides with a new friend

Thinking about a future career in the food industry?

Thomas would LOVE this.  Matter of fact a few times this past summer/fall when the Ice Cream Man has driven by our house and we have stopped him to enjoy a cold treat, Thomas has asked if all the ice cream was his?  When I said "yes," Thomas already seemed to be contemplating his first entrepreneur move.

Abby & Grannie having some tractor fun

Happy New Year 2011!

Another year has come & gone.  Each time this happens, I am left wondering "how does it go by so fast?"  It feels like it goes even faster now that we have children.  I love reflecting back though on what has happened throughout a year so that I can be sure I have learned something (I hope I learned something), so that I can plan for the future (and maybe not make so many of the same mistakes), & so that the little details of my children growing up are firmly cemented in my head.

Despite being separated about half the year (with the 2nd half of a deployment & 4 TDYs to CO this fall), our family has been blessed to grow together, create wonderful memories and thrive like we have hoped.  This New Year is sure to be an exciting one as much change is on the horizon for us.  A few things we are hoping to experience, accomplish, celebrate and enjoy in the upcoming year:

1. A new baby... adding to the love & the craziness in our house! I feel like "Part of Five" will certainly be a fitting title for us then.
2. Thomas starting preschool at the ripe old age of 4! With a few site words already familiar to him, I just know that he will start to experience the initial steps of reading and his world will open even more.
3. Abbigail will find her words very soon. Once she does, we are certain that she too will thrive, in her own way, during the "Terrible Twos."
4. A positive and exciting move up to Anchorage, Alaska where there is outdoor adventure awaiting us... as well as very, very cold temperatures. We know we can adjust to the different climate and we also know that this is an experience that we don't want our children (or us) to miss out on.
5. Losing the babyweight for a final time (towards the 2nd half of the year) ... if I can do it the first two times, I'm certain I will be able to do it this final time with determination, support & hardwork!
6. Continuing to complete my 2nd Masters degree in Educational Leadership.
7. Being a stay-at-home Mommy (at least for the first year once we are in Alaska) and enjoying every moment of my children's milestones first hand.
8. and the most important... time together as a family! I can't wait!