New Year's Eve

It's 8 p.m., the kids are both asleep, I've had my one celebratory beer, and we're watching the Chick-Fil-A Bowl game. And that is the extent of our New Year's Eve. But that is fine, we realize that is going to be the case for at least the next couple years. I doubt we will even make it to midnight. Man, we are getting old.

I wish I had the energy to sum up the last year, but I am just too tired. I get tired even thinking about the past year; what an adventure it was. So many good things happened, and so many frustrations. I'll just say that we are very lucky and very blessed.

Visitors

Several viruses have invaded this house. Nothing very serious, but serious enough to make us all crabby and irritable. The only one still happy (fingers crossed) is Gwyn. Win took Lem out today on a father/son adventure to the City Museum to give me some time to rest. Gwyn woke up as soon as I lay down, but she was kind enough to lie next to me and quietly play with her bunny while I dozed. Now I am awake and she is eye-balling me and sucking her thumb -- sure signs she is ready for another nap.

Hopefully we will all be better tomorrow.

Christmas Pt. 3

We had Christmas dinner tonight with my family -- at my aunt and uncle's house in St. Louis. It was delicious, and nice to see everyone again. The only bad part is that both Gwyn and Lem are so exhausted from the past couple days. Lem fell asleep not two minutes after we got in the car, and the drive was only about 10 minutes. That was his nap. Win carried him in and laid him on the floor and he slept until the noise of everyone woke him up. He perked up a bit when he saw his cousins, but before long he was breaking down at every little thing. Gwyn was the same way, she finally fell asleep when I put her in the sling. I think it is very comforting for her. Like my mom said, she probably likes knowing that she's not going to be handed off to someone she doesn't know. She snuggles down and finds her thumb and peeks out until she nods off. She has some happy moments but cried a lot, and we decided she just hates all people right now. But you can't really blame them. They have dealt with a lot the past few days, without very much sleep and in different places. They are little troopers, though.

We came home and Lem played with Christopher for a bit, but it quickly deterioriated. So I put him to bed. He was crying and saying, "I don't want to go to bed," as he was climbing the stairs to our room. I had promised him earlier that we would watch Curious George on my computer, so I upheld my promise and let him watch it. I set it on a pack of diapers by his bed and he was perfectly content. Gwyn started crying too, so I brought her up as well, laid her in her crib, and she was perfectly happy as well. I think she was awake for a good hour before she fell asleep, and I think she just needed some time of absolutely no stimulus. She loves her blanket from Oma and the Kaloo bunny we got her for Christmas.

And now it is bed time for me. Good night.

Christmas '09

The kids are asleep, most of the presents have been opened, and the 'adults' have been relaxing by the fire with wine, beer and a Hula Hoop. Props to Win's mom for finding a very entertaining thing to do on a cold, white Christmas.

Yep, we have snow. But before that, we had lots, and lots, of rain. After a long day of waiting inside yesterday, we braved the weather and went to church with my family. It was pretty brutal. Lem was all wound up from just waking up for a nap and the excitement, and Gwyn was not having the crowds and the heat. I doubt we even spent 15 minutes in the pew. But we still made it. Then we headed over to my cousins' house for my family's Christmas Eve party.

It was so much fun. With the little kids there were so many presents and chaos. It was great. Four Nerf guns were opened, and there were several battles among the big boys. We got to see everyone and it was one of the most fun Eve parties.

Christmas morning was a blast. Thankfully, Lem slept in until 8 a.m. He woke up to a huge pile of presents. He got so excited. He's so sweet when he sees something he wants, he gets a little shy and big smile on his face. He got a soap box push car, which sitting out front with a big bow on it. He got so excited over the pistols Paul got him -- he wore his holster all morning, and told me he wanted to go outside to shoot animals. He loved his new train set. After that he was pretty much done with opening presents, and we brought the rest over to St. Louis for the third round.

After a rushed packing job, we jumped in the car and headed west to St. Louis. There we opened more presents, and everyone ooed and aahhed over Gwyn. She was pretty happy, but still overwhelmed and overtired. Lem warmed up almost immediately and had a blast playing with Christopher and everyone. Win's aunt and uncle came over and Gwyn smiled and talked to Elaine for the longest time.

So it was a great Christmas. The kids got lots of great presents, and lots of good family time. It still feels like we live in a different country, even though, obviously, we don't. It is so good to come home and see family and friends, and go to all our favorite places.

Anyway, I just wanted to write this down right away so I don't forget anything. It was Gwyn's first Christmas! She was a little Nordic princess in a white Fair Isle sweater dress and matching tights, and her baby Uggs. She has a snow white sweater coat to match. Today she wore a very sophisticated grey sweater dress from Toos, with pink underneath and flowered tights. I am loving all these little girl clothes. Lem was rocking a '70's thug outfit of tan corduroy pants, his red winter boots, long hair, and blue sailboat sweater. At church we got several compliments on our family, which was really nice.

Ok, I'll stop now. Merry Christmas everyone.

We Have Arrived

We are back at the Farm for Christmas. We did the drive on Monday, arrived almost exactly 12 hours after we left our house. We made great time, and the kids were amazing. We only stopped three times, and there was almost no crying. It was a Christmas miracle.

We are enjoying a couple days of downtime before the holiday festivities. The anticipation is building, but Lem is still saying he doesn't want presents. He is a walking contradiction these days. Perhaps that is the definition of being two years old.

Before I head to bed ...

Two cute kid things:

First: Today, Lem was dragging suitcase around and pretending to go on a trip. He'd come in, say goodbye, then drag the suitcase into the other room. Then he'd come back. I'd ask him how his trip was and he'd say, "I don't know. (shoulder shrug) Good." Then he said, "My plane crashed but I have my suitcase." Then he'd say, "Mama, come pick up my plane." He wouldn't tell me where he went on his trip. But it was cute, especially because he could fit in the suitcase, which he proved earlier today.

Second thing: Gwyn was pretty unhappy today. I don't know why, but all she wanted was for me to hold her. But this evening she got happier. She found her feet today! She has been looking at them for a couple days, but she finally figured them out today. She was grabbing on to them and laughing. She also laughed when I blew raspberries on her tummy and played peek-a-boo. She has such a deep chuckle, a deep belly laugh. And she also does this cough thing when she is excited.

A Nightmare and a Birthday

Today we braved the holiday crowds for some last-minute Christmas shopping. And when I say we, I mean the entire family. It was not exactly fun. Win was very impatient, and we are all still feeling sick. But I had put it off from Friday, and really needed to go.

Anyway, we survived, were successful, and now are home with our friend Hammy visiting. He drove from Louisiana to see us. He is one of the guys from Italy, now relocated to the States. He brought a Cajun-shrimp stuffed chicken that is cooking now and smells amazing.

Gwyn is four months old today. I'll post a picture later, maybe tomorrow. She'll get her photo shoot after her nap and bath tonight. She still isn't very fat, but she has pudgy cheeks and is still long. She'll go to the doctor after Christmas for her check up. She is starting to get really interested in the world, and loves watching all of us. She constantly stares at Win, is fascinated by Lem's antics, and is happy to help me with the dishes and making dinner. She's also starting to play with toys. Of course, everything immediately goes to her mouth. When she wakes up happy in the morning, I'll say good morning to her and she'll pull her thumb out of her mouth and give me a huge smile. Right now she's very drooly.

Mean

I did something mean today. I left Win home with both kids while I ran to the commissary. Gwyn was fed, changed, and (mostly) happy when I left. Fifteen minutes later, as I was just starting shopping, Win called. Gwyn was screaming. He said, "What do I do?" and "She is too young to be left with me, I feel like I'm going to break her." So I raced through and made it home in record time. When I got home she was lying on the floor, happy. Win had gotten most of her clothes off, which she likes, and she was watching them play Wii.

So I felt really bad, but I also think it is good for him to take care of both of them sometimes. And I was only gone for an hour, which isn't that long. But I also forget that this is his first time with a tiny baby.

P.S. I might be jinxing myself here, but Lem and Gwyn were both asleep by 8 p.m., and in their own beds. I'm so happy.

Wednesday Morning

So there is still major flooding from those Monday storms. It also rained more last night. Some county north of us got 12 inches of rain! The main gate to post was washed out, and work was canceled yesterday. Schools were closed and lots of roads closed. I don't know if I'll be able to get to Target this week. Hopefully by this weekend I will.

Lem was sick yesterday -- runny nose, cough and fever. I pumped him full of Tylenol and juice and he seems much better this morning. He certainly didn't act sick. He got an early Christmas present in the mail yesterday afternoon -- new winter boots. Bright red. He loves them. He wore them all afternoon, and after his bath, he ran right out and immediately put them back on. Then he danced around, naked except for his boots, until I tackled him and put some clothes on him. He is finally outgrowing his rain boots. When I got those, I had no idea how much he'd wear them. I'll probably get him some more this spring, but I wanted him to have something insulated for the winter.

With all this rain we have been playing a lot of Wii. Now, when Lem wants to play he says, "I want to play that game." Then he puts his hands on his hips and makes hula hooping motions. Very silly. Or he says, "I want do yoga." But sometimes it comes out, "I want do yogurt." He's getting pretty good at the games.

Nine days until Christmas!

Shopping

Did I blog about this already? Or maybe I've just thought about it ...

Anyway, I've finally visited the third major grocery store in town. We have a Piggly-Wiggly (I smile every time I say that), a Winn-Dixie and of course, the commissary on post. I do most of my shopping at the commissary, mainly because it so much cheaper. I've gone to the Piggly-Wiggly a few times and it isn't bad, but it isn't great either.

I've finally made it to the Winn-Dixie. And I think that will be my store of choice, after the commissary. It has a nice meat, wine, and produce selection. They also have lots of organic stuff. I saw lettuce that wasn't packaged in plastic! And tonight they had fresh-baked, still warm Italian bread. Oh, and it's only five minutes from the house.

The commissary is fine. They offer all the normal commissary things. Some of the perks are cheaper prices, a huge international selection, and baggers who take your groceries to your car. Some things I don't like however. It is always packed, so much that you are forced to go with the flow of traffic, which is very, very slow. Also, like in Italy, it is always out of basic things. And I have to drive all the way on post.

I miss my Schnucks, and luxeries like Trader Joe's, Emisfero, and my awesome little Orta-Fruta in Italy. But I'll survive, and I'm really not complaining. It's more that I'm just discovering the differences here from our previous homes.

By the way, last night Win and I watched No Reservations: Sardinia. Both of us were drooling at all the delicious, simple food. There is nothing quite like Italian cured meats ....

It's Funny

It's funny how just a couple hours ago, I was complaining about being bored here. This afternoon was the opposite of that.

We got the joy and excitement of a tornado warning this afternoon. Win was out hunting, and the mail lady was just dropping off a package when the siren went off. I invited her in, but she said she'd finish the street and then see. The sky was all funny colored and it was pouring buckets, so she came in. We sat and watched the news and made phone calls (could NOT get a hold of Win) for about 20 minutes and then she left, even though it was still pouring. After she left I took Lem and Gwyn and sat in the closet for a little bit, figuring better safe than sorry. The warning lasted only about 40 minutes but it was not fun. I hate that we don't have a basement. Finally, Win called and said he was coming home.

It is still storming and pouring and there are flash flood warnings until tomorrow. The reason it is more terrifying here, besides not having a basement, is that two years ago a horrific F-4 tornado hit the town and killed eight high schoolers. It is not fun to think about. At least the fire station is nearby and there is absolutely no way we won't hear the siren.

Oh, and did I mention that the siren woke up from Gwyn up and she proceeded to scream for the next hour? I think she was feeling my fear, and her crying did not help. She finally calmed down after I took her outside to look at the rain.

Cabin Fever

Yet another day of rain. At least today was a little different with lazy, rumbling thunderstorms. Lem and I ran around outside this morning; it was warm enough for even Gwyn to come outside. Yes, it is 11 days until Christmas and it is 70 degrees outside. We went out for lunch, mainly because I am bored! So much rain, and not much to do here. It is this waiting that is so annoying. Even though I won't be going to flight school, I will feel like we (as a team) are accomplishing something once Win starts.

Win is fighting the boredom by hunting, and this week I am taking Lem and Gwyn to two play dates. That should help.

On the upside, Gwyn is getting to the super-cute baby stage. She is talking a lot more, getting louder and trying to have conversations. Win swears she says hi to him. She is taking more interest in the world and wanting to be a part of it. I love it.

Lem is still in love with his sister. I catch him giving her kisses and hugging her. He has helped me change her diaper, and loves unsnapping her sleepers. She just finds him fascinating. I think they will be very close as they get older.

Lem as awake from his nap; he came out laughing because his arm was asleep.

Another thunderstorm is brewing ...

Sunday Afternoon

First fire

Ohhh ... what a quiet weekend. It is raining and foggy here, football is on, Lem is attacking Win, and the Goober is asleep. Yesterday was much of the same, minus the football. We've been making fires, even though it really isn't cold, but because we can.
Yesterday afternoon I went to a Mary Kay/Premier Jewelry party hosted by a mom I went to the park with last week. I was the only one who showed up, but that was fine. I went primarily to do some social networking (i.e., meet people!). It was nice to get out of the house and socialize a little. Lem stayed home with Win, but Goober went with me. This week we are going to two play dates with the moms' group.
Not much else going on, just getting ready for Christmas, trying to do some more unpacking, and trying not to get bored. We are not good at this waiting game.

Friday Flashback

Showing off the bellies in descending order

Me, of course

Rowers on the lake

My second trip to Lake Bled, Slovenia, was my pregnant woman spa weekend with Michelle and Samantha. We went in March 2007, while the husbands were away training. Michelle was eight months pregnant, Sam was seven months, and I was six months. It was wonderful -- the hotel had indoor thermal pools and the spa. We got massages, special baths, and visual and solar therapy.

We made quite a spectacle for the locals. Three very pregnant women, and no men in sight. Also, they don't see too many American tourists there. Every night, we had the same waiter at the hotel restaurant, a nice older man. He spoke a little English and was so perplexed by us. He'd ask, "Where are your husbands? You come from America?" We'd just say, "They are in Germany (which they were), and no, we came from Italy (which we did)." That poor guy couldn't figure us out.

Bled is one of my favorite discoveries in Europe. It is a magical place, one of those gems that is just now being discovered by Americans.

Happy Friday!

Round Three

Win's old unit has deployed again. Although a lot of our friends have moved on, as we have, there are still some who have just returned to the Stan for yet a third time. It is strange for us to think about it. Win has said he feels guilty that he isn't with them, and I feel guilty that my husband is home with me.

So please keep those soldiers and their families in your thoughts and prayers. The soldiers keep getting sent back there because they are so good at what they do. I will be hoping that this round will be way less eventful than last time.

Here is a good military/surviving deployment book for those who are interested:

The Homefront Club by Jacey Eckhart

I thought of something.

So I thought of a cute thing that happened yesterday. I was rocking Gwyn, and Lem came up and climbed into my lap as well. In no time he had passed out! Gwyn was still awake, happily staring at the Christmas tree lights. Win had to help me -- he took Gwyn so I could carry Lem to bed. Then last evening, I rocked Gwyn again and then put her to bed. When it was Lem's turn, he asked to be rocked again. Very sweet.

Oh and BAD news. I totally broke my jogging stroller. I'm so disappointed. I was getting it out of the car after walking last Monday, and I dropped it. I didn't have the front wheel on, and when it hit the ground the piece that holds on the front wheel snapped off. It is a tiny piece of plastic, I thought it would be really easy to replace. Well ... I called the company today, and they told me that piece is considered part of the frame and can't be replaced. I couldn't believe it. I've had the stroller maybe six weeks and I've already broken it. I guess I got what I paid for, but still! So ... I guess I will start looking for another one. Maybe I will just go ahead and get a BOB this time. Maybe strollers are just one of those things that should be considered an investment. I'm really upset about it.

It is foggy and rainy here and Win and Lem are attempting to make a fire in our fireplace. I had to move all the Christmas decorations. If they get it going, I'll take a picture. Granted, it's probably still above 60 degrees outside, but a fire will be entertainment and take the damp out.

Blah.

Not too much going on here. We haven't been doing much of anything. It is raining today. Gwyn is taking a nap, and Lem is cycling on the Wii. He's getting better at it. Win is at work. I've been busy Christmas shopping, too. I just love being able to do everything online. Now I just have to wait for all my packages to show up.

Trying to think of any interesting tidbits but failing miserably ... maybe something exciting will happen later today.

Busy

We've had a busy couple of days, and days without naps for Lem, which makes the days seem really long.

Friday, Win woke me up with breakfast in bed, which was awesome. Then Lem and Gwyn and I went to the park with two other moms from the meetup group and their two-year-old boys. The moms were really nice, and the boys had fun. It was cold -- it finally feels like winter -- and time for heavy coats. I think Gwyn was warm enough in her sheepskin boots, two pairs of pants (one fleece), two shirts, winter coat and hat. I had her facing out of the front carrier for the first time, and she really liked that.

Yesterday was Win's 32nd birthday. Yes, he is old. He went hunting in the morning, then watched football all afternoon and evening. Alabama beat Florida, which was pretty sweet. We had steaks, baked beans, garlic bread and apple pie for dinner. Lem was awake until 10 p.m., because he finally crashed that afternoon and slept until almost 6 p.m. (my fault, I know). But towards the end he read his book in bed, then got up and turned his light out and went to sleep without a peep. And he slept straight through until 6:30 this morning! Also, Gwyn has slept through the night the last two nights, waking up at 7 a.m. It's really awesome.

St. Nick came last night and brought some surprises. Lem is having a breakfast of Pez and Tic-Tacs. He got two great books and Gwyn got a blanket made by Oma. Both got Christmas ornaments as well.

I think today will be a lazy day, with the exception of the sugar rush that I'm sure will kick in soon. Football will be watched. I hope to get a lot of Christmas presents ordered.

Survived

I survived my first night in the house without Win last night. He had staff duty (24-hour duty that actually turned into 15 hours; he was home by 6:30 this morning). That is why I was up so late, blogging, watching Cake Boss and eating chocolate. Even though I've stayed home alone many, many times before, the first time in a new place is different. And now I'm responsible for two other little beings!

Of course, it was very uneventful. However, I had all the lights on, both inside and out, and Lem and Gwyn both slept with me (which means I did not sleep well at all. Lem is very squirmy). I know it will get easier, but it is definitely different from being in an apartment building where there are other people. This is one of the reasons I'd love a dog right now, but that isn't going to happen.

Lem was up first this morning, and I came out to find him on the couch with my laptop turned on in front of him.

I also just saw two massive cats in our backyard. They were huge, at first I thought they were dogs or even raccoons. They did not look like house cats.

Ham and Onions

Sigh.

I took a day off from blogging to celebrate my month of daily blogging. And now I think I've lost my momentum. I'm sure I'll find something to say.

Christmas decorations are up. For now we will stick to my trusty three-foot fiber-optic tree. Lem is fascinated by the Nativity set. I keep finding Wise Men all over the house. Baby Jesus likes to sleep on his stomach. I love how Christmas lights make a room so cozy. That's why we had them up year round in our dorm room my sophomore year.

We were under a tornado and flash flood watch this morning but nothing happened, thankfully. The schools in town were closed because we were supposed to get 6-8 inches of rain. I'm glad we live on a hill. I bundled Lem up in rain gear and let him outside, he loved it. I got soaked.

I tried making pizza again. Much better this time. Didn't kill the yeast. I used whole wheat flour, and as I got it out of the oven, Win said, "This smells suspiciously like something that is good for you." It was good, but I need to get more creative with my toppings. Perhaps I'll consult the Crazy Pizza menu I still have.

Currently eating dark chocolate and watching Man V. Food. Earlier it was Top Chef and Cake Boss. Oh, how I love the non-football nights.