Allergy Attack

J started swelling up on his right leg at about 8am yesterday.  I called the doctor's office not expecting to get very far with them while I multitasked preparing the diaper bag with all of the essentials for a trip to the Emergency Room.  To my great surprise, the doctor told me to bring J in right away.  She took one look at his swelling leg, told me to give him benadryl and sent me on my way.  I left with my head low, feeling like I overreacted.  As soon as we got home I started to change his diaper and saw that the swelling had gone from this:

to this:

I put him right back in the car and headed straight back to the doctor.  On the way it spread up his back and covered the rest of his face.  He kept saying "owie mommy" or "I hurt".  (I fought back tears the entire drive, no parent wants to feel helpless when their child is in pain).  When we got there, they gave him a shot of epinephrine, told me to continue benadryl and to expect the massive hives to come and go over the next five days.  I have also been instructed to pay close attention to what he is eating, but I am going to use the Mom Instinct Card here and say that he was bit by something.  I would like for him to have allergy testing so that we know what we are dealing with (and to avoid a next time)!  Try telling that to a far too busy doctor in military health care.  I will do my research first before knocking down doors for a referral. If I decide it is best for him to have it done-Game On Tricare!

Slack Blogger

My heart hasn't been into blogging every single night recently (clearly, as I have skipped at least two, possibly three nights).  This is the official end to blogging each night and the start to blogging only when I feel like it or have something interesting to say. I don't think everyone needs to know (or wants to know, really) the minute details of what I did each and every day, but I will summarize my days and throw you the interesting parts when I feel the urge.

On a completely different note-I am in insomniac.  No, I haven't been diagnosed. No, I am not a hypochondriac (the position is already filled in this family).  Yes, I may possibly be overreacting.  However, for the past couple of weeks I have not been able to fall asleep until after midnight.  Some nights I don't fall asleep until 3am.  As much as I look forward to naptime every day, I can't even fall asleep then either!  I have even stopped drinking coffee.  I am exhausted, but sleep just doesn't come as early as it should and once I am asleep, I can't stay asleep.  It could be stress, but I am not really thinking about anything in particular when I am tossing in turning (except pondering whether or not to google spanish swears so that I can yell at my neighbors about their flood lights).  I am just stressed because I am not asleep and I so desperately want to be!  

Tonight I took a lavender bath, I have clean sheets and clean jammies (with lavender and vanilla fabric softener on them), and I am going to read the rest of my book tonight. If sleep doesn't come early tonight, I will try Calmes Forte tomorrow.  If that doesn't work, I am trying Benadryl the next night. If that doesn't work, I am caving and trying Tylenol PM.  I cannot take anything stronger because I probably wouldn't wake up for a couple days and I don't think J would appreciate hanging out in his room without his diaper changed or food in his tummy.

Sweet Dreams, Dreamers. 

General George Casey & An Adventure

General George Casey:

This morning I got the great honor of going to a small conference with General George Casey (the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army).  Only about one hundred wives of deployed spouses were invited.  After General Casey spoke, we had the opportunity for a Q&A session.  I, of course, sat silently in the audience and watched as many other brave women asked questions that I would have never thought of.  The only downside was that we did not actually get to meet him. (But that didn't stop K from running out a side door to try to catch him!)

An Adventure:

K and I needed to get out of the house this afternoon so the boys didn't drive us crazy.  We went to dinner, let the boys play, and then surprised them (and ourselves!) with a trip to the mall so they could ride the "horseys" (carousel) and get punching balloons.  Next time we come upon this brilliant idea, the punching balloons will wait until we are exiting the premises.  On a positive note, I am wearing gloriously comfortable new sweatpants.  :)

Peak: I took a nap!

Pitt: Although J took a great nap, it was a struggle to get him down and stressed me out to the max!

Andre Update: I got to Skype with him quickly this morning, and by the Grace of God he called me on Skype after the stressful naptime routine. It calmed me down right away and I was able to take a nap.

Helping Hand

Today was a day to put my exhaustion aside and help out a friend.  V is one of the wives of our battery.  Her husband is also deployed with A and six weeks ago, she gave birth to baby Bryson.  She is in the middle of trying to move home for the rest of deployment and get her house ready for her husbands return from Afghanistan for R&R.  This is an impossible task for someone just barely recovered from child birth, with a six week old and a two year old.  I got the opportunity today to take both kids off of her hands so that she could get some things done before the movers come and her husband gets home for two weeks!

J had so much fun with his new friend (and there were equal amounts of beatings, so I was given the reassurance that I am not the only parent of a "hitter".)  And of course I was in heaven snuggling baby B.  J didn't nap today because of all the excitement (I didn't even bother trying) and it started to show at about 5pm.  He miraculously managed to hold it together though and after being very upset over his new friend leaving, he went straight to bed and fell asleep half way through his story.  Little man had a day full of excitement!

Peak: Lending a hand

Pitt: I do wish J would stop this hitting nonsense and just learn to share already!

Andre Update: We got to talk on skype before J went to PMO and then again after I dropped him off. All is well :)

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

This morning when I woke up (far too early for my own good), I vowed, promised, swore-whatever I had to do-that I would go to bed early tonight.  I am going to watch one DVR show and crash by 9pm.  This plan can only be carried out if J actually falls asleep.  As usual, he is laying on his floor next to his door saying things like "Mommy!" "Where are you?" and "Love you!" All very sweet things mind you, but it is almost 8:30. 

My big plan for tomorrow morning, after a good night's rest of course, is to wake up before Julian, shower, get dressed and ready for the day, and have a quiet cup of coffee.  Of course I will need to be sure to get up a least an hour earlier than he does in order for this plan to be carried out successfully.

With that said-Goodnight!

Peak: Tackling and completing one organization project on my very long list of organization projects.  But another one crossed off and I am pleased!

Pitt: J has learned to push his chair to the sink, turn the water and spray the hose everywhere.  (Caryn called this one on Sunday, she gave him a maximum of two days to figure it out.)

Andre Update: He called this morning.  Not a whole lot to report, he sounded pretty bored.  His internet down was today, which is a bummer because I really really really really really wanted to see his face!

Caught Greasy Handed

Boys are adventurous, curious, busy little creatures.  I understand many girls have the same instincts, but I have given birth to the epitome of a boy.  Today, in the thirty minutes it took him to climb into his bed for a nap, J single-handedly destroyed his glider rocking chair and ottoman.  I wondered, when going in to get him after his nap, why he was all greasy and smelly, and then I turned to see globs of white sunsceen smeared all over his chair, ottoman, wall, and carpet.  I wiped everything down, poured cornstarch to soak up the oil (which actually did help a bit), and through the pads in the wash (because of course the fabric doesn't just slide off for easy cleaning).  The ottoman had to be hand scrubbed, but even the hailed spot bot wouldn't take it out.  The washing of the pads was a failure as well.  Everything is still white, smelly, and disgusting.  Hopefully some more cornstarch will pull out most of the grease and Audrey and I can tackle the job of reupholstering.  And just so we're clear-when I say Audrey and I, what I most definitely mean is Audrey, while I watch and make meaningful noises (think a lot of hmmms and ahhhs) that project I know what I am doing and shout words of praise and encouragement in her general direction. 

The success of the carpet cleaning will have to wait until tomorrow when I steal my neighbor's shampooer.  This may be the push I needed to rip up the carpet in the rest of the house as A has been hinting at for over a year now.

PS. I know I didn't blog yesterday, but I don't feel bad about it. Technically I did, as I was a guest blogger on another blog.

PPS.  I still think J is the cutest kid in the entire world.

Peak: J cuddled with me on the couch for 40 minutes before bed (resulting in a seriously late bedtime because I didn't want to move), he didn't cry when I cut his nails (quite possibly a first), and he's still cute.

Pitt: While cleaning the sunscreen mess, I suddenly realized Abby wasn't underfoot. When I asked J where she was his response was "All gone!"  She got out of our gate (for the second time in a month)!  I ran out with J to find her thinking I could care less if someone else took her in as their own, but sure enough she was right across the street.  (I'm not sure if the pitt is that she got out, or that I found her...kidding....kind of).

Andre Update: We talked yesterday on Skype and then again on the phone before I went to bed (that was a nice surprise, but there were some FRG questions that needed answering and he wanted to answer them right away).  He really sounds good, I just can't wait to see his face!

Pizza, Wine, & Friends

The title of the blog sums up my evening.  K was in town so we had a gourmet dinner (Elizabeth's Pizza and Wine!) with friends and lovely, relaxed adult conversation while the kids ran around the yard, getting along quite nicely I might add. 

The rest of the day was pretty relaxed as well.  J had PMO this morning, and I received my first phone call from the director.  She said he was crying for about 40 minutes so I went to get him (he only had about 20 minutes left, but I didn't want to leave him sad).  When I was leaving I saw all the kids coming in from outside (J was inside when I got him), so it made me wonder if he was crying because: a) he had to stay inside with the younger kids, or b) he had stayed inside because he was crying, or c) he came inside because he was crying.  Either way I am curious as to why he wasn't outside with the rest of them.  It would have surely cured the tears (unless the answer was c).  He was fine when we got home (and went outside), we had lunch, played for a while, and then he took a 3 hour nap (2 days in a row!) I won't complain, but I will admit that by the end of hour two, I start getting a little bored without him.

Peak: Girl's Night!
Pitt: J being sad at PMO (and he hadn't even cried when I dropped him off!)

Andre Update: Skype this morning!  It is always a little difficult to talk when we first wake up (as was the case today) because J wants a cup, then he wants to feed abby, then he wants, wants, and wants some more.  But it is always nice to talk and see his face :) 

Together Again

I wish I could say I was talking about A being together again with us, his family, but I'm not.  Instead I'm talking about the next best thing-my friends!  In the beginning of deployment we jumped right into having a weekly get together and did great about never missing a week.  As soon as we all started getting comfortable in our "new" lives, we started to travel and our weekly get togethers fell apart.  I have finally seen C a couple of times (granted they were at functions that we were somewhat expected to attend), I have finally seen K twice this week, and drumroll pleeeeaaasseee-Kerrie will be here tomorrow after far too many months away from me in Georgia!  Even big sister D says everyone needs a Kerrie in their lives, and they have never even met!  Hopefully B will be able to come over tomorrow night and my life will complete. 

Peak: a 3 hour nap from J and one more sleep until I get to see Kerrie!!!!!

Pitt: Harris Teeter gives me mild anxiety at 6pm.

Andre Update: I had mega-errands to run today and missed him on skype...by about 2 minutes. Awesome.

Counting our Losses

 Two more sets of arms and at least another set of eyes wouldn't be a bad thing for this household.  Thus far this week (and keep me in mind it's only Wednesday) we (read: J) have broken:

1. A butter dish
2. An 8oz. drinking glass
3. A soap dispenser

Other semi-disastrous things:

1. Abby's water dish dumped on a daily basis
2. J's bottom dresser drawer (with sheets, towels, washcloths) emptied-also on a daily basis
3. Yahtzee game stolen from closet, opened, and yellow chips (what are those for anyway) dropped into perfectly sized slots of new bubble bucket
4. Egg cracked into a muffin pan

Here's your culprit:

So innocent, isn't he?

Peak: Getting some errands out of the way
Pitt: Having the exictement of buying a very pretty shirt for $6.00 ruined by finding the ink tag still stuck on it.

Andre Update: He called today since we weren't at home.  He got to have a true Afghan lunch (on the floor with people and their dirty feet walking through their fine dining establishment).  He also got to see an Afghan comedy show, which he understood none of but said it was still funny.  And I thought he was at war...

The World Goes 'Round after 8pm-But I don't.

The house is quiet, the lights are dimmed, contacts out, glasses on, ice cream scooped, and I am sitting in bed-at 8:15pm.  I opened the front door to lock the storm the door with every intention and more than a few ounces of excitement of getting into bed.  That's when I saw it-people walking their dogs, kids jumping rope, someone washing their car...  I forget that life goes on after J goes to bed.  Not for me though.  That sweet boy hasn't napped in three days and I am one tired Momma.  I won't be falling asleep anytime soon as my DVR is somewhat of an addiction, but for the year of 2010 my life is no longer that of taking walks at dusk or sitting out front people watching with my husband (frothy beverage in hand). No thank you, I'd rather be right here, in bed, relaxing for the first time since 7am. This is the new "me time" and I am OK with it.

Peak: J had PMO this morning and I got some organizing done!

Pitt: I miss naps (and it has only been 3 days)

Andre Update: I only got some organzing done because he called on Skype and then complained that I was making too much noise.  I was in the middle of sorting through 2 years worth of Julian's clothing and was showing him some of the cute little tiny outfits he used to wear.  It was fun reminiscing.

100 days since I saw your face

I said goodbye to the love of my life and watched him walk away toward a year of war exactly one hundred days ago.  The thought is bittersweet; 265 days is still a long way to go.  I had a dream the other night that he came home in the middle of the night to surprise me (which I don't recommend, because he may not survive with two feet in the door due to the fact that I would surely mistake him for an intruder).  He was home for two weeks just to check on things back on home, he would be heading back to Afghanistan, but would still be coming home on R&R for two weeks in September. It was the type of dream that feels so real; when you wake up, you expect it to be reality.  Disappointingly, he wasn't there next to me when I opened my eyes. 265 days to go...but 100 down!

Peak: Sunshine and all day outside!

Pitt: No nap, day 2

J's Latest and Greatest: He wants 1,459 hugs before nap/bed.  When I leave the room he cries and cries. (He is usually a champ about going to bed and staying in bed. He loves bedtime!)  He is falling asleep on his floor right now because I refuse to put him back in his bed anymore than 5 times. I will move him in an hour when he is sound asleep.

Andre Update: He called this morning! YES, he actually called.  J was busy outside, so we got in a pretty good conversation.  He sounded great, but seemed to be missing home.

Daughtry!

K and I embraced motherhood today, we graciously faced single parenthood, and we bravely stepped out into the world and into large crowds of people alone with our children with only eachother for support.  (I guess that means we weren't really alone since we had eachother, but this was a big step-especially for K since she has two boys to have eyes on at all times).  After devouring some delicious chicken pot pie (per request of NayNay-thanks kid, great idea!) we loaded the car full of children, snacks, toys, chairs, and blankets and went to the free Daughtry concert on post.  The boys got to ride the train and go down the steepest slide I have ever seen.  I had to take J down it of course, and was glad I did.  It was quite the adventure and was so steep and long that it made my stomach flip.  I love that adrenaline!  I set up our seating area an hour before the concert began so we had decent seats in the middle of the pack.  The concert was fabulous and when he played "Home" I had chills. Not only because the song hits close to the heart, but it also had an overwhelming patriotic feel while standing in the middle of the main post parade field.  The boys were all very well behaved and J danced throughout the entire concert.  He was still wound up when we got home, but was very good about getting straight to bed.

Daddy would be proud that he kept his "ear gear" for most of the concert too!

J's Latest and Greatest: If I tell him my lips hurt, he gives me a big kiss everytime! It's genius, really!

Peak: The Daughtry concert and dancing with J!

Pitt: No nap

Andre Update: Skype this morning before I had to run off to church.  J was being the typical showoff for his Daddy, but blowing lots of kisses and saying lots of "yuv you's" too!

Relaxation

Today was about as good as going to the spa.  Putting the fact that I did yard work for three hours (nonstop) aside, J and I both took three hour naps and he was a snuggly, loving toddler all day long.  I made us a large, delicious dinner (which he happily ate without a fight), poured myself a glass of wine to complete the meal, took J and Abby for a walk through the entire neighborhood (meeting several children and neighbors along the way), and since putting J to bed have done nothing but sit back, enjoy (yet another) glass of wine, and relax.

Weekends are always a little depressing without Andre here to snuggle up with and watch a movie or play a game (I love board games, and am a little adamant about forcing A to play with me even though he (says he) hates them).  But today flowed smoothly and although I would prefer him here, it was as good as it gets under the circumstances.

Peak: J seems to be out of his "terrible two" rut for the time being and is so much fun to be around.

Pitt: I have raking blisters because I can't find any work gloves!

Andre Update: Skype this morning. Not as long as yesterday, but I will take what I can get :)  He seemed to be cleaning his room while we were talking (such a neat freak!) but he seemed happy and healthy! 

Missing You

I had a sudden and overwhelming flood of emotion today while talking to A on Skype.  The reality of how quickly J is growing and changing and how much A is missing came out of nowhere and slapped me in the face.  I call it a slap in the face because it actually made me ache.  We are only three months into this and it won't be until September that our beloved husband/daddy gets to come home on R&R (Rest and Relaxation).  I miss him so much that watching the slideshow screensaver on my computer today made me want to cry.  To feel his embrace, to just be in his presence-it is such an uplifting and comforting feeling that we all take for granted until it is gone.  I called Grandma tonight. She always asks about A and is always good about reminding me how good we have it compared to Grandpa's time in WWII.  That was helpful and I am feeling better tonight.

Speaking of Grandma-today is her 90th birthday.  56 years ago today, she gave birth to my Daddy.  In case you aren't following, that means today is my Daddy's 56th birthday!  Both are remarkable people who I have looked up to my entire life.  My Grandmother is full of energy, health, and always has wonderful advice (let's face it-she has had 90 years to get things right!)  My Daddy is the smartest person I know and always has something witty and humorous to say.  He is the best person to turn to if you need cheering up because he can always say just the thing to make you laugh.  Both my Grandma and my Dad have a deep unconditional love for their children and grandchildren (great grandchildren too!) that I hope my children and future grandchildren will feel from me as they grow.

Happy 90th Grandma!

Happy 56th Daddy!

Peak: Running all over the playground with J

Pitt: Missing him ♥

J's Latest and Greatest: He really enjoys it when Abby sits on his lap and rocks with him.

He is no longer afraid to lay down in the bathtub, but does not like the water going over his ears.  Instead of covering them with the palms of his hands, he uses the backs of them.

He got new Jammies! They are very fitting since he now says "hug!" at least 3 times before bed everynight and puts a tight hold on you so can't move until he says so!

Andre Update: He is home again so I get to see his handsome face and J gets to show off for his Daddy!

Last To Know

I am officially the last person to know everything!  I have at least eight friends (and I am sure I am missing a few) who are pregnant right now and I'm pretty sure I was the last to figure out each and every one of them.  With recent events, I am sure I subconsciously turned a blind eye to it.  I will admit that when finding out about each one of them, my first reaction was envy.  I asked a lot of why's, mostly 'why me?' in the beginning, but I shook that feeling fast.  I could not be happier that God has blessed these women and their families with new life and I am now at peace feeling that God has another plan for A and I, J too for that matter.

On another Last to Know note, A's battery is currently deployed with another batallion.  The rest of the batteries have recently returned home from a year in Afghanistan and A's battery is the only battery deployed from our battallion now.  (I understand that this is confusing to those of you who are not military affiliated, but just hang with me!)  Since all of the other batteries are home, we have a lot of events including balls, change of commands and hail and farewells.  When I am informed of an event, I am usually informed just hours before the event is to take place.  There have been times when I have been told in advance and just couldn't attend due to my east coast travels, but tonight I was told just an hour before a hail and farewell was to take place.  I may have just blown it off, but not only was it at my favorite restaurant, but it is also a chance for me to get out, take time for myself, and eat without a sticky fork.  With just an hour to find a sitter (and J still napping) it looked as though if I wanted to get out, he was coming with me.  I packed smartly (books, crayons, cars, cup, bottle, blankies, favorite snacks-you name it, I had it).  Just as I put J in his seat, JR called and offered his wife's babysitting services.  I called S and asked if I could bring J by for a couple hours, but I also had my reservations.  JR and S have 4 girls, including a newborn, and I wouldn't be picking him up until it was dangerously close to bedtime.  I hesitantly left him, convincing myself the entire time that I was doing the right thing.  He didn't cry when I left (a first!), he behaved, and S had all of her in place when I picked him up.  I suppose in the end I did do the right thing for myself, I just hope and I didn't drive S crazy and that I wasn't being to selfish. S is truly a saint for taking on five kids.  Hopefully there won't be a "last to know" next time, but if there is, I plan to either skip the event or bring J along with me and storm the heavens with prayer that he is a pleasant dining guest.

Peak: Seeing friends and relaxing a bit

Pitt: Not relaxing completely because I was feeling guilty about leaving J

Andre Update: We talked on the phone this morning, still not "home"

Lovely Day

Today wasn't over the top special or anything, it was just nice.  K babysat J for about an hour so I could go to the orthodontist. I brought home all the fixings for a nice big lunch (have to nourish K's ever-growing fetus, he/she will be here soon!)  I hadn't seen K in quite some time so it was nice to just sit and chat.  I am counting down the days until she is done with school, that baby comes along and we can hang out more!

Other than that, we didn't do much today. J took a short nap, but that just meant more time to play outside.  He was a good boy all day.  He did a good job of entertaining himself while I made meals and cleaned up the house, and he was so much fun outside. He would laugh so hard when he blew bubbles and they popped in my face.  It was even funnier when Abby was trying to eat them.  I just cannot believe how hot it is already!  I am looking forward to Saturday (a cooler day) and getting outside to finish raking so that I can hire a yardboy to start mowing my lawn!  It is just too hot to pick up that rake right now...and a little procrastination never hurt anyone.

Peak: Julian and all his greatness
Pitt: Making FRG phone calls that are not the most uplifting

✯J's Latest and Greatest: ✯He got alphabet flashcards with pop up animals on them for easter.  They had been packed in the suitcase until today and he thinks they are great! He laughs everytime he opens the card and an animal pops up. ✯When the neighborhood kids miss a basket while playing basketball outside and J hears the ball bounce off the rim he says "Ooooooooh". I am pretty sure there is no bigger diss than a 22 month old calling out your missed shots.

Andre Update: He wrote me an email this morning. He said he would try to call in the morning (fingers crossed).  He is still not "home" and he said he was bored today.

Migraine

I think I experienced my first migraine this afternoon.  I had a headache all day, but just equated it to allergies and refusing to take my medication for it.  It wipes me out and I want to be on the top of my game for my little man.  He napped for almost 4 hours today and I crashed as well.  The airport ordeal yesterday wiped us both out. When I woke up the headache starting pressing into my eyes more and more. It was so bad I could barely open my eyes while inside, with sunglasses on.  I laid in J's room because it was the darkest room in the house.  He was the sweetest child I could ever have asked for. He kept coming in and saying "you ok mommy?" and kissing my leg and my cheek before toddling off to play elsewhere.  The pain was so bad that I ended up getting sick.  J stood there and patted my back, asking if I was ok.  When I sat down again, he said "flush mommy?" and flushed the toilet and handed me his toothbrush!  It doesn't get sweeter than that.  Unfortunately my head was still a mess, so M took him for the evening.  I took my allergy medication and within 20 minutes the pain was subsiding.  J was at M's for about an hour and a half and was very well behaved.  He sat with L and watched a Spanish movie for most of the time and played very nicely and quietly with the girls the rest of the time.

Peak: J being as sweet as can be!

Pitt: Migraine

✯J's Latest and Greatest: ✯He is just so sweet today.  I am sure sleep helped!

Andre Update: I talked to him on facebook this morning, but was running out the door to run an errand for him on post, so he called instead.  He sounded so sad.  He said he was just exhausted.  I don't like it when my honeys is sad and sleepy. Cheer up Charlie.

Flight Stories

Of course I have flight stories! My flight heading to Philadelphia was just too simple, so why should it be simple returning home?  I learned the hard way that U.S. Air oversells every flight in hopes that people won't show up or miss their flights, thus leaving them with a full flight no matter what.  I also learned that when you purchase one of the oversold tickets, you don't know you're doing it-the airline conveniently leaves that part out.

Needless to say, I was the not so proud owner of one of those 'oversold' tickets.  Everyone showed up for the flight, and no one volunteered to give up their seat for a $100.00 voucher off their next ticket purchase.  J began melting down while the flight was boarding. He was scratching my face and neck so badly. Time out was working (he was getting down off the chair and banging his head on the floor), people were giving me the "what a terrible child, what a terrible parent" look, and I could feel the tears prickling in my eyes....and then I was told that I didn't have a seat.  The tears streamed!  I called A's Aunt Donna immediately (she used to work for U.S. Air and knows the business inside and out).  I was told by the ticket agent I could run to terminal A (reminder-this is the philadelphia airport. I was in terminal c!) and try to get on the 3:40 flight (my flight was originally at 1:35, but had been delayed, so at this point, 3:40 wasn't too far off).  I should probably also let you know that I didn't bring a stroller and was down to 1 diaper and 2 wipes!  Long story short-there was no way for me to make this flight (it was oversold as well too, so luck was not on my side) and Aunt Donna instructed me on how to convince them to compensate me.  They gave me a $140.00 check (for cash, not a voucher!) and food vouchers, so we could eat for free while we waited.  I didn't confirmed on a flight until 6:35pm. Too bad the food voucher wasn't good for alcohol, I had whisky on the brain.

Miraculously, J began to behave, but was in desperate need of a diaper change.  Now I have no diapers and guess what happened 30 minutes later?  (I'm not answering, just use your imagination).  I had to find a friend who had a child the same size as J, explain my story, and ask (completely embarrassed) if I could have a diaper.  She sweetly gave me 3, gave J two little bug toys, and the kids played together for a little while.  I could not have found a sweeter, calmer family to befriend.  The husband/father even offered me their stroller to take J for a walk and get our dinner.  I gladly accepted.  J gets heavy after 6 hours in an airport.

Peak: Seeing J fall fast asleep on Aunt Dee before we left for the airport.

Pitt: Being trapped in an airport all day.

✯J's Latest & Greatest: He can now identify a bus and a plane. Unfortunately after 6 hours in an airport and listening to him point out every bus and plane, the words get a little annoying. It will be cute again tomorrow.

Andre Update: I talked to him this morning before we left for the airport. He sounds in good spirits, but is not at "home" so we weren't able to Skype. He also got to say Hi to M, C, and the kids. (MiaMoo told him that she was going to see Dragon in the Land, aka How to Train Your Dragon).

Happy Easter!

Woah! Today was a day.  J woke up far too early for his own good but got to open his Easter basket with Daddy watching on Skype.  (Although he didn't really "open" his basket, but instead stole a chocolate egg and ate it for breakfast along with a hard boiled egg and cup of milk-minor gag). The bunny hid eggs outside since it was so warm out and the kids got to run out in their pajamas to find eggs.  J did a great job keeping up with the other kids.

He napped in the stroller again today and I crashed on the couch for about an hour.  It's a good thing I had that nap because he was a piece of work this afternoon.  The whole family came over at 2 for Easter dinner and J had a time out about every 10 minutes.  He was hitting, biting, melting down...I can't even begin to explain how frustrating it was. I took him upstairs for about a half hour to calm him down (and because sometimes mommy's need a time out too!) A's Aunt Dee took him for a long walk around the block twice (in heels, God bless her!) but he was still something else.  He didn't calm down until after his bath-just before bedtime (of course).

With the exception of J's outrageous behavior, it was a great day overall. The food was delicious and it is always wonderful to be with family for the holidays.  We missed A tons today though. This is the first major holiday without him, and I for one was definitely feeling lonely without him.  (Not to mention I could have used Daddy's help with J!)

Peak: Family!

Pitt: J's craziness

★ J's Latest and Greatest: ★ I thought of something earlier today-already forgot it. Sorry friends!

Andre Update: Pretty much said it all up top (skype this morning). And I'm tired so I'm halfassing the A update-Sorry babe! Miss you millions.

Easter Eve

Today was a 'little bit of everything' day. V and I worked together to get the food cooked and the house cleaned for the big get together tomorrow.  I took Bran and J to the playground again until Bran had an emergency bathroom situtation and we ran home to make it just in time!  I walked the block with J a couple more times and he fell asleep in the stroller.  For fear that he would wake up if I moved him, I parked him front of the front door, came inside and worked on centerpieces.  He slept for about an hour out there and then sat it in for another hour eating chips and grapes before he would let anyone take him out. He was happy as could be just munching away and soaking in the sun.

Sadly, today was the day we said goodbye to A's dear great Aunt Jenny.  She was a wonderful woman and will be deeply missed.  This evening M and I went over to her Mom's house for a gathering of some of A's family.  It was a nice time looking at pictures and eating (that's what we do in this family, afterall!) 

When we got home, J decorated easter eggs for the first time with the other kids.  Actually, I should say that he decorated one easter egg.  He cracked his other one and proceeded to eat the entire thing!  Can't wait for tomorrow! His first full Easter experience.  The bunny didn't bring him a basket or hide eggs last year.

Peak: Dying Easter Eggs and watching J sleep soundly in the sun.

Pitt: Saying Goodbye

★ Julian's Latest and Greatest: ★ Cousin Bene gave him his first sip of beer tonight, he preferred his juice box. ★ He loves birds. He sat with cousin Chris today for almost an hour watching birds out the window. I guess it's time to get some bird feeders.

Andre Update: I didn't turn on my computer this morning because we had a lot to do in order to get ready for tomorrow while M was out spending time with her Grandma (Aunt Jenny)-so we didn't talk today. I hope that he will be available in the morning to watch J get his Easter basket and do his egg hunt!

Philly, Day 2

We were going to go to a farm today, but unfortunate circumstances made for a change of plans. A's great aunt is very sick and the family was called to stay with her today.  I stayed home with the kids (four total) and A's cousin's sister-in-law (how's that for a mouthful?) We made the most of the day, packed a picnic and walked to the playground. A's Aunt Donna and cousin Chris met us there for awhile and helped chase the kids.  J refused to nap (surprise!) and instead colored his hand (and bottom of his foot) with a marker.  He is all cleaned up and sleeping soundly (even through MiaMoo and RileyRoo fighting like crazy over Wonderpets!)

Please say some prayers for A's great aunt and family.

Peak: Playground and J actually ate normal food at normal times today without a fuss! And...I'm wearing a snuggie!

Pitt: J always feels the need to hit and bite other children who are about his age and size. Poor RileyRoo has taken the brunt of his abuse today (she will be 3 in May and is a peanut...weighing in at 1 pound less than J!)

★ J's Latest and Greatest: Can't think of anything today...sorry.

Andre Update: He bought his Harley today!!!  A 2011 Fatboy Low! I am so happy that he has fulfilled his dream of owning this bike (and paying for it in cash!) It will be delivered at the end of deployment! I am so proud and happy for you honey! Congratulations on your new baby :)

Hello Philly :)

I am sorry to say (for your sake, not mine) that I do not have any dramatic flight stories for you today. J was as behaved as an (almost) 2 year old gets and it was a piece of cake!  The woman who sat next to me fell in love with him immediately (and was feeling a little sorry for me because someone stole my window seat so I had to sit elsewhere, but I really didn't care!) He sat on her lap for the second half of the flight and was so quiet I thought he would fall asleep any second.  No such luck though. In fact, he did not nap all day. When I tried to put him down, he laughed at me!  I am surprised that he made it until bedtime with no major meltdowns...now if I can just get him to eat solid foods again and lay off the water and milk, I would be happy!

Peak: Being here with my family! (Well A's family, but they are mine too now!)

Pitt: J just finished his antibiotic and is now suffering the side effects of it. Thats about as much detail as I will go into.

★J's Latest and Greatest ★ He is (finally!) a pro at throwing kisses and it is the cutest thing in the world!

Andre Update: We skyped this morning.  He got a 300 (perfect score!) on his PT test today!  I am so proud of him! He's so dreamy!