My little sweet pea

Today is one of those days that makes me realize how special and blessed I am to have such a wonderful little boy.  It makes me thankful that my Lord has entrusted me to care for one of his precious children.

Today was one of those busy work days; up before the sun even rises to get things ready for the day and working against a deadline yet trying to spare some time to get to the gym.  This is a typical day for me and by the time I pick up Alex in the afternoon I am beginning to feel the exhaustion and I know I still have dinner to get on the table.  I am walking down the hallway and peering into his classroom to see him and his classmates in a circle enjoying story time just as his eyes met mine.  I walk in and he sprints for me.  I pick him up and he gave me the biggest hug ever.  He must have hung tightly onto me for a good 2 minutes before he turned to my face and gave me a kiss on the cheek; he must have know I needed a big hug like that!

We had a great evening!  It was sunny and warm outside so we went out in the backyard for a little playtime before preparing dinner.  Dinner and bath time went over without a hitch.  We did story time and Alex snuggled up to me in the rocker with his head rested on my chest.  Alex has become such an independent little boy over the last year, but as of late he has become even more affectionate.  I am beginning to suspect that he knows he needs to enjoy this time before his new sibling arrives; before he has to share his Mommy's attention.

Whatever the reason, I love moments like these!  I have realized even more so in the last few weeks (since Dan deployed) that life passes us so quickly and we need to find any way to slow down that clock and enjoy these precious moments before they disappear.  I am so excited about adding a new little one to our family, but I am trying to seize this time that I have with just Alex and make the most of it.  

Dan, I know Alex is storing up a lot of this affection just for you and would share it with you in a heartbeat!  I have seen him hugging and talking to his Daddy doll as if he was talking to you.  We talk about you every night at story time and at prayer time and I tell him how much you love and miss him so much.  We both love you and miss you lots!

Alex's new haircut and a trip to Flower World

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day; the sun was shining and the temps got up into the high 60s but felt like the 70s in the sun.  I decided that Alex was long overdue for a haircut and this time we were going to try to use the clippers to get a closer cut; he has thrown a fit in the past.  He did fantastic and just sat there giggling saying "it tickles."  It is amazing how quickly they grow and how things that once scared them are no longer a big deal.  It is amazing to see how much he understands now when you explain things and how well he can follow directions.  The stylist even put a little gel in his hair and spiked his hair up a bit.  I think it is absolutely adorable.  He looks like a different boy with his hair cut short.

After his haircut we went to Flower World in Maltby. They have an enormous plant selection, a humungous fully landscaped property with a pond and animals to look at.  I wanted to find a nice size mum for a planter in the front of the house.  Alex had so much fun browsing through all the plants, playing with the rocks, and dipping his feet in the pond (with shoes on, Momma was not so happy about that part).

After purchasing my mum, we headed down to the pond where all the animals were.  The geese were a bit aggressive and I had to protect Alex from them; he thought they were funny and would walk towards them as they appeared to be charging him.  I was afraid one would snap at him.  They apparently get fed a lot by visitors and were a bit perturbed that we did not have any bread to give them other than the slice that another lady gave us to give to them.  They had chickens, some very old peacocks, and some goats.  Alex really liked the chickens as they would run up right by you and follow you everywhere.  

I had hoped to get more pictures, but I did not realize that my battery was just about out before I left the house.  I can't get over how beautiful the weather was today and hope that tomorrow is just as nice.  

Dan, thank you for the pics you sent today.  Alex loved it so much!  We miss you and love you!

Poor little guy get's his first cold of the season

I noticed Tuesday morning that Alex had a deep cough, but fortunately no fever or runny nose.  By Tuesday afternoon he had a runny nose and by that evening I noticed a rustling sound in his breathing.  I turned the humidifier on at bed time and hoped it would be better by morning.  By Wednesday morning, still no fever, he had begun making a weezing sound and his breathing looked labored.  I was really worried that he had skipped the whole cold all together and had developed bronchitis.  He was so exhausted because he wasn't sleeping well due to being so congested. 

We got an appointment at the doctor that morning and it turns out to just be a lot of congestion and the weezing is just coming from the congestion in the back of his throat.  His lungs were clear; thank you Lord!  The doctor was great and gave him a decongestant.  He was feeling great Thursday and by Friday I had quit giving him the decongestant.  

Alex's new Thomas the Train blanket

Just before Dan left we purchased Alex a new "big boy" bedroom set.  We still have a night stand on order and I have a few other things left from the nursery that I plan to change out.  Since all his adorable train crib bedding could no longer be used, I felt compelled to find something with a train theme to put back in his room without buying the Thomas bedding.  We wanted non themed bedding since children seem to go through phases.  I found this Thomas fleece print and knew it would be the perfect addition; especially since he will not sleep with the bedding on him and we have been just placing one of his favorite blankets over him at bedtime.  This was a no-sew project that I swear took 4x as long as it would have if I had just sewn it, but I don't think it would not have looked as cute.  It was a challenge to get this finished when you have an impatient toddler pulling at it, sitting on it, and hiding under it in an attempt to get it from me.  He loves this blanket and it comes down with him every morning.  Next I plan to make matching throw pillows out of the left over fabric.  

Alex's new big boy bedroom

Touch A Truck

Today there was an event called Touch A Truck put on my the city of Marysville.  They had firetrucks, police car, police motorcycle, SWAT van, CSI van, Garbage truck, Tractor, and a backhoe for everyone to get a chance to look at, touch, and sit in.  I knew this would be such a hit with Alex.  We got there right at 10am when they open and hopped immediately onto a tractor ride that took us around the field.  This was a great start since it let Alex get to see everything that was there.  

Our first stop after the train ride was to see the fire trucks.  Alex was in complete awe.  They had little fireman's hats to wear.  It took a little coaxing, but once I got it on him, there was not getting it off.  

After the firetrucks, we headed over to the police car and motorcycle.  He was not so interested in the car as he was the motorcycle.

Our last stop was to see the tractor.  It was so high up there that being pregnant, I was really uneasy about carrying him up the ladder so he could sit in it, but I knew he so desperately wanted to sit in it.  A father of another little boy asked if I would mind letting him put him up in there.  He was so nice, he had his little boy share the seat with Alex and held onto him to make sure he didn't slide off.  Alex was so happy and so was I; I was really afraid that a tantrum would have resulted had he not gotten to sit in it.  

I so wished that Dan was able to be there today.  I felt like I was stealing this experience away from him since this is such a Daddy type of event.  I am grateful that Alex enjoyed himself so much and that I was able to share this day with him.  Hopefully, they will have this same event or something similar next year while he is back. 

Alex could not stop talking about the firetruck and tractor.  He wore that fireman's hat the rest of the weekend.  If I had let him, he would have worn it in the bath and taken with him to bed.  I think I am going to need to find him a fireman's costume for Halloween!

Dan, we miss you and love you so much!

We said our goodbyes one last time....

Today is D day and this time they will not be coming back until the end.  It was 5:45am as we headed out towards the base.  As we rode along we went over all the things I need to keep up with or do while he is gone that we have discussed so many times already.  I think we kept talking because if silence came the flood gates would open up and I was trying sooooo hard not to cry for Alex's sake.  A few tears escape anyway despite my every effort.  I built my strength up so much in preparation for this day and it being our second time in less than two months, I believe made it easier this time to say goodbye or so I thought.  We pulled into the pier and parked.  I got out and gave him a huge hug, not wanting to let him go, but knew if I didn't make it quick, I would break down into tears.  I gave him a kiss and went to get Alex out.  We tried to make this seem like Daddy was taking a fun trip on this big ship and we would all see him soon.  No tears, just tight hugs and Alex and I both waving bye to Daddy and telling him we love him.

I drove off seeing him boarding the ship.  We didn't stay behind to see the ship pulling out; it would have just been too much.  Alex and I went to Mc Donalds for breakfast afterwards.  Still my strength sustained and we made it through breakfast and then drop-off at school with no problems.  As I was driving to his school to pick him up that afternoon it finally hit me the reality of our life for the next 6 months.  I kept thinking of all the events he is going to miss; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day, my birthday, this baby growing in me, the ultrasound where the doctor announces whether it is a boy or a girl, and God Forbid the birth of this baby.  The flood gates open and the tears are pouring as I am driving towards his school.  I take a deep breath and pull over short of the schools parking lot to wipe away the tears and dry my eyes.  I can't believe after all these hours I finally let my wall down.  I keep telling myself "not now, you have to hold it together for Alex's sake."  I knew these goodbyes would be a reality when I met him, I knew this when I married him. It never gets easier to say goodbye and adding a child to the mix makes saying goodbye that much more difficult.

I know we will all be ok and with the holidays coming up this time apart will hopefully pass by quickly.  I miss you sooooo much already baby!  I promise to take good care of Alex and Baby Boo #2 and keep the home fires burning till your return.  We love you soooooo much!

Baby Boo #2 at 12wks

Today we had a full day.  Alex had his 2yr checkup; he is now almost 34" tall and 30 lbs.  His speech is really good and he is already putting together 4 words, so he is doing really great.   

Next, we went for my 12 week ultrasound.  She looks great; all 10 fingers and toes and a good heartbeat.  It took the tech over 30 minutes just to get all the measurements because she was moving so much; I think this one is going to be extremely active.  She always had one of her hands up by her head.  No we do not know the sex of the baby as of yet, but I can always hope!  Dan, of course, wants another boy.

  

After all that, we went mattress shopping and completed Alex's big boy furniture set.  Tonight was the first night that he slept in his big boy bed with big boy linens.  I can't believe my little baby is no longer a little baby; even today his doctor said his appt is no longer a well baby checkup, but a well child checkup.  He will always be my baby at heart!  He seemed to really enjoy the fact that he has a big boy bed; let's hope he continues to be fascinated with it and transitions easily!