The happenings...

I thought I’d put up an update while I had a moment. Luke is playing and watching Sesame Street, Will is still sleeping (which will probably only last a few more minutes) and I am waiting for the contractors to come and work on the intercom system.

We are all sadly still sick. Luke seems to have gotten the worst of it so far. He’s had a fever, horrible congestion and now a cough. Will still has some congestion and a cough…and I’m still in the beginning stages – sore swollen throat and nasal congestion. Uh-oh – Will’s awake! I’ll be back…whenever I can be! =)

Ok – where was I? Oh yeah – how could I forget…sick. =) I feel so bad for the boys. The sun’s been out – the weather has been decent – there were children activities on post this weekend – and they’re sick at home. I hope the sun will start to burn up all these viruses floating around. I have really felt my limitations with both boys being sick (and fighting a cold myself.) They’ve both needed a lot more attention and I find that my two arms and one lap sometimes just aren’t enough. We’re making it though – God is still God and He is Good! So far only having two arms and one lap hasn’t made us worse for the wear…yet! It’s just teaching us all patience…funny – I don’t remember praying for patience! =)

Will turned 3 months last week! In so many ways it feels like it’s been a year since he’s been born – in other ways I can’t believe my little baby is 3 months now! I don’t remember what I’ve blogged about him doing, so forgive me if I’m repeating myself…I tend to be a repeater. =)

Will is LOVING his Jumperoo. I didn’t really think he’d bounce around in it when I pulled it out – but knew it would be a good way for him to be upright. He proved me wrong and jumps and bounces in utter delight! He get’s so excited – he’ll spread his arms out – eyes wide – and starts to breathe fast with excitement and jump and jump – then take a break to catch his breath – play with the toys for a few minutes – then back to jumping!

He’s started playing (as much as a 3 mo old can) with his toys. He’ll grab on them – put them in his mouth – stare at them – move them. I thought he was done with one the other day and took it away, and he cried! So I gave it right back to him. =)

He’s rolling and scooting. I think I blogged about the rolling? Now when he’s on his stomach, he’ll attempt to scoot. It’s pretty funny to see him trying to scootch his arms and legs forward…only to move mere centimeters. Thankfully crawling is at least another 3-4 months away…I’m not sure I’m ready to have 2 mobile children yet!

Will LOVES watching Luke. I think Luke will teach Will all kinds of mischief and trouble. As long as Luke is playing with him or in front of him – Will’s happy.

We’ve had lots of fun blow-out diapers of late...actually, now that I think about it - it's been a daily occurrence for quite some time now...guess I need to go up a size in diapers. I may need more Zout too! =)

With the onset of this last cold, Will’s been VERY fussy lately. He’s back to wanting to be held 24/7 again and will wake up if I try to lay him down. He’s even started to get really fussy EVEN when I’m holding him in the evenings…which is something that I thought we were over now…he was like that as a newborn – but had been doing really well until now. I don’t blame him though – if he’s miserable, he wants to express it! It does make for some rough evenings when there is nothing I can do to comfort him and he screams...and screams...and screams...and...well, you get the point...=)

Before the cold hit – he was doing a bit better about being laid down. I could usually count on a quick morning nap (shower time for me!) a small mid-morning and afternoon nap – a short early evening nap – and then usually he’s asleep for bed at around 9 -10pmish. It changes constantly as he gets older and needs less sleep though. His naps aren’t very long…I guess he’d just rather be awake! I don’t think he knows how good he has it to be able to sleep all day long…sleep….mmmm…

Will has started giggling. I can usual get him to give a little giggle if I tickle him…sometimes. =) The other night, Luke was playing with his trucks going, “vrrrrooooommmm.” I was holding Will in the rocking chair. I joined in with Luke on the vrooming sound effects and Will thought it was giggle worthy – so he let out a giggle – which made me laugh – which made him giggle – which made me laugh all the harder –which made Luke laugh…well, you get the picture. =)

Ok – on to Mr. Luke. We can now hold some sort of conversation! It’s such a fun and amazing thing to watch his communication skills blossom. He asks where everything goes – “Bug – go?” “Sippy – go?” “Puppy – go?” He says hi and bye to everything too – “Hi bewr (bear)!” “Bu-bye bunny.” He likes to narrate what Will is doing: “Will weepbeam (sleeping).” “Will cwying” He’ll even answer my questions (at times.) The other day I asked if he wanted some apple sauce to which he replied, “ess.” He talks all the time – if he hears a plane in the sky, he says “palane” 50 million times. If he sees a bug in the window – he says that 50 million times. It’s amazing to watch how he “practices” his words. I guess repetition is the key! =)

Luke knows his basic shapes – circle (kakal), triangle(tri-ka-kul) and square (quware.) And is beginning to understand numbers…a little bit. He’s also beginning to recognize letters. Last night we had pancakes for supper and he pointed to my syrup plate(we were dipping our pancakes in syrup to create less mess on his part) and said “Beeeee!” I looked and sure enough, some how my syrup looked like a rugged B (I double dipped my pancake!) I love this stage so much – it’s like they develop and learn on a daily basis.

We’ve started what we refer to as “learning time.” After his playtime, we pull out flashcards, the president pictures, coloring books – whatever we have laying around – and we spend some time learning. Right now his concentration level isn’t very high – so it’s not always a very long period of time, but it’s fun nonetheless.

Running circles in the living room has become a new favorite of Luke’s. He picked it up from another little boy at playgroup. Now he’ll take off and run and run circles – or just turn around and around and around until he’s too dizzy to stand. I usually sing ring-around-the-rosie just so he’ll have to fall down and have a few seconds to regroup. Otherwise he makes himself so dizzy he’s falling all over the place. Silly boy!

He’s started jumping off things now. He’ll jump off a step, off his floor mattress (which I store under his bed and pull out for nap time and bedtime…this way if he rolls out of bed, he has a soft landing!) I’m hoping he doesn’t attempt a jump off the couch or chair…eek! =)

He's also started moving furniture around...I'll find the office chair in the kitchen or living room - his play grill will be clear across the room - the big red wagon will be in the dining room. Is this a normal stage or does this mean I've moved the furniture around way to much?! =)

Luke LOVES playgroup. He looks forward to it so much. “payguet?” He loves all the slides, toys and singing time. He’s definitely not as shy and reserved as he first was. We usually go three times a-week.

We weren’t able to go to church yesterday, but last Sunday I was able to step out of the nursery for about 15 minutes and Luke did ok. He cried a little bit (I stayed in the hallway) and looked for me a few times, but the nursery workers were able to distract him pretty quickly. This is progress. The last time we tired to leave him in by himself, he threw such a fit that the nursery worker had to come get us. Then I stayed in the nursery with him the last few times…and now I’m trying to work my way back up to the service.

Luke is still very sweet with Will. I thank God that Luke loves Will as much as he does (and visa versa.) I was afraid the novelty of having a new baby around would wear off and Luke would become very jealous. Though he’s had his moments here and there, he’s done amazing. He loves to share his toys, hug and kiss on him, hold his hand, he was even showing Will how to do Wheels on the Bus the other day! I hope and pray these two “bruders” will be life long friends.

Luke misses Chris, but is dealing remarkably well with it all. We’ll talk to Chris’s picture or he’ll even carry it around and play with it. He also likes to watch videos Chris made before he left. I’ve been showing him on the globe and map where Iraq is, and Luke will say, “Daddy go? – Rack” Then I’ll tell him that Luke, Will and Mommy are in Germany (which he can pronounce remarkably well…”Ger-money.”)

I am doing fine as well. I have my moments, but overall, we are all coping fairly well with the deployment. I look forward to my hormones equalizing. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m only 3 months postpartum and that my hormones are still a little out of wack from pregnancy. So other then being hormonal at times and tired all the time, I can’t complain.

Ok – it’s taken me forever to write this. If it’s a little scattered, it’s because I’ve written a paragraph here and there as I have a free moment (which would probably explain why it’s taken a whole day (and then some!) to complete this blog!) =)

Pictures!

Luke playing with his trucks - vrroooom!


I found Luke sitting by the door (way past his bedtime) reading books from the light that came through his baby gate. What you can't see (since I had to use flash) is that it's pitch dark in his room.


Later that night, this is how I found him sleeping...


Luke "playing" with Daddy...



Will "in action" in the Jumperoo...


Toys!


Running circles!


Will just taking it all in...


Cutie pie!


The other night I was reading to Luke and Will - and Luke reached over and held Will's hand! How sweet!



Luke wanted his puppy to be wrapped in a blanket like Will...


Yummy!


"Hey, this is my toy now!"


Yay for Jumperoo!



Luke had been watching a butterfly - it flew away and here he's asking "waa-why-go?"


The ground is very interesting!


Running feels so good!


Will enjoying the great outdoors...


I strapped Will's carseat to the wagon, loaded Luke in and we went for a little walk!



They aren't always all smiles!



Luke watching one of his favorite movies - "Cars."


The boys!

The Cold Curse

Apparently we have a Cold Curse. Yes – we’ve all fallen victim AGAIN to the latest virus traveling around post. I know I always sound like a big baby when we all get sick – but I feel so bad for the boys who just can’t seem to catch a break – and I feel bad for the boys who have to put up with me when I’m sick and tired too! =) Anyway – if you think of it, please say a prayer for us. Just pray for a quick recovery. Will has been miserable for the last two days – Luke started getting sick yesterday – and now I’m getting it. Ick! Needless to say – we’re all feeling pretty miserable. Any prayers would be appreciated! Alright – off to tend to the poor sick little fellows!

General Sherman Once Said...

Kuwait-ing for the Sun

Greetings from the sunny country of Kuwait, our neighbor to the east. Well, ok, it’s not particularly our “neighbor” per se, but I am here. That much I know. As announced last week by my lovely, amazing, and possibly-insane-for-staying-with-me wife, I have indeed begun the deployment. We’re currently at an undisclosed location in Kuwait- undisclosed because if you looked at this place on a map, you would think I was way off on the coordinates…it is in the middle of nowhere. Outside of Kuwait City, this country is one big sand lot. And it’s hot. Did I mention that? Oh, how I’ve missed the desert heat these last few years. It’s actually not bad right now. It gets pretty warm during the day, but it’s not even summer yet, so there’s more to come. But coming from Baumholder , this is a drastic change.

Leaving was pretty tough. The last minute notification was a bit surprising- I was expecting it at any time, but thought I had another day. I only let myself spend four hours or so getting mad about that, and then I got on with the business of enjoying every last moment with my family. I think Luke’s story time was the hardest that night, and then Mindy wanted to take a picture of it! I love you honey. We bought Luke a lego block Cars playset, and he loved it. I have no idea if he still likes it that much, but his attention was riveted to it that night. Will was his usual baby self, but he looked at me a lot, so I take that as my bonding moment with him. Mindy and I were up for awhile before I got about three hours of sleep, and then I got up around 1:30am to get ready to go. I said bye to the kids again while they slept- again very hard to do. Then Mindy and I said goodbye, and I walked out the door and down to my unit to head off…

To a gym, where we sat for many, many hours. Then we moved to a theater where we sat for many, many hours. Then we rode down to a holding area for many, many hours. Then we went to the airfield…and sat around there for what seemed like a couple more hours before we took off. The flight was uneventful, and we landed in Kuwait around 11pm local time (we’re an hour ahead of Germany time here). By then I was pretty beat, but we had yet to arrive at our final destination, so we drove off into the desert night. After all that, and then unpacking, and then breakfast because it was about that time, I went to sleep on my cot around 8am. So that was nice.

For the last week or however long I’ve been here, I’ve alternated being busy and being bored. But between you and me, mostly bored. There is a Starbucks - Starbucks! - here, so I can’t complain too much. I find some random things to do. In fact, here are some random things about my current life:

1. There are thousands of ladybugs here. Ladybugs? Ladybugs. I don’t remember them from last time, but here they are, everywhere.

2. There is a plethora of Chuck Norris literature in the porta-johns, offset by gratuitous homemade pornography.

3. I have actually spent more time here cold than hot. The AC is constantly set to around 60 degrees, which when it blows right on you- like at my desk in the TOC or in my cot- is quite cold.

4. I have single-handedly funded the college of whatever rich guy owns Starbucks. I can’t resist the apple filled doughnuts. Our battalion chaplain, Keith, is my brunch partner.

5. The game American Civil War is extraordinarily difficult.

6. So far the battalion staff chow topics seem to alternate around between Mormonism, adoption, and what we will do with our free time. We have also reached a consensus that AAFES will do whatever it takes to get soldiers’ money.

7. After 5 years of this craziness, they still can’t seem to keep the showers filled with water. I thought they might have figured that one out by now.

8. I still hate cots.

9. I have a nasty habit of breaking sunglasses, which is why I’m cheap and won’t buy expensive ones. So a day before I left, Min bought me some $15 PX specials. I broke them in less than a week.

10. I have an insatiable appetite for DFAC ice cream. I rarely eat it at home, but somehow here it calls me like a siren. Must…abstain…

OK, enough randomness. Here’s two pictures for your viewing pleasure-

This one is inside the tent where I live (just one side). If you can pick my cot, you win a prize. Just remind me about it in 15 months…



This is just a random shot of Kuwait. Pretty much everything looks like this, so I just stuck my camera outside and took a picture. I wanted to get the plane and some trip over pictures, but the Air Force is full of OPSEC nerds.



OK, that’s all for now. I’ll be here awhile longer, so maybe I can post another one before we move north.

Rendezvous

Just thought I’d update while both boys are sleeping…yes – both boys are sleeping at the same time! I wonder how long that will last! =)

Will rolled over yesterday! He’s been rolling from his stomach to his back the last few days – and yesterday he finally cleared his arm and rolled from his back to his stomach. He was very proud of himself. He really enjoys being on his tummy. He’s definitely not a back baby – he’s happiest on his side or stomach.

Two days ago, Luke also had a first. We have a short flight of stairs (about 5 or 6) from the front door to our apartment door. Luke can climb them pretty well. Usually he holds my hand or he’ll hold on to the railing. But yesterday he went up them all by himself with no assistance from me or the railing. What a big boy!

There are some moments in the day that just break my heart…especially when I see Luke looking for his Daddy. Last night we had another one of those moments: we had finished supper and Luke was running around playing while I was getting things set up for his bath. Luke LOVES bath time. Since Will’s arrival, Chris had taken over bath time with Luke while I bathed Will. Now that Chris is gone, obviously I do bath time now. The first few times he didn’t really mention daddy not being there – but last night he ran into our bedroom and said, “daddy, awwwe uu?” (Daddy, where are you?) He just stood there and said it twice into the empty bedroom. Poor little guy just doesn’t understand how long Daddy has to be away. I continue to tell him that Daddy’s in Iraq to keep us safe…one day he’ll get it…but it may not be until after Daddy’s come home! =) Though it breaks my heart to see these little moments – it also warms my heart to know how much of a bond Luke and Chris have with each other. I’ve always known Chris would be a good father – from the moment I saw him playing kickball with Holly’s little brother and sister while we were all still at Olivet. And now watching the bond that has grown between him and Luke really warms my soul. Chris is a fantastic father – and I know he can’t wait to get back to his boys.

I’ve been inspired by many of my fellow bloggers to write about my devotions today.

I started a new bible study today called, “Rendezvous: A Sacred Encounter with God” by Frank Moore. I’m really excited to get into it – as it’s been awhile since I’ve done a study. It’s always been hard to find time to do devotions – but I gotta stop using that excuse. I find the time to do other things – so I can surly find the time to spend in study of God’s Word. I guess with the deployment, I have really noticed that my spiritual health needs some doctoring. Good thing God is the Great Physician! =) He has been doing a lot of work on my heart this last week

The verse for today was Matt. 22:37-39 – Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’”

I think we spent a whole semester on this verse in Theology class – What is Love – who is your neighbor – but I don’t even have the mind power right now to get too theological with it. What struck me today was this – We must love God with our whole self – not just our heart – not just our soul – and not just our mind – but with our whole entirety. It can be easy to fall into “going through the motions” of spirituality. Here Jesus says we must love God with everything we have…and not only are we to love God, but we are also to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Here is the quote from today’s chapter in the study book:

“I can encounter Christ in new places and experience His love in the midst of my current situation.”

I started putting my situation in the quote…

I can encounter Christ in Germany and experience His love in the midst of this deployment.

I can encounter Christ in my home and experience his love in the midst of having to raise my two young children on my own for the next 15 months.

I can encounter Christ in my heart and experience his love in the midst of trying circumstances.


I could go on and on, but Luke just woke up from his nap – and we need to run to the store – so I’m signing off for now. I hope all is going well for each and every one of you!


A few pics:


Luke is going through a "don't take my picture" phase, so here's a picture he colored instead!





A few pictures of Will...

To sleep or not to sleep...

Sorry for the delay in an update. We have been going non-stop! It’s been good to stay busy though – it helps distract us from Chris being gone. I think Chris is in the same boat as well – staying busy. We want to thank you all for your wonderful support, prayers and encouragement.


I think Chris plans to post a blog in the next few days. I’m not sure of what I can say as far as where he is (AFN has taught us all about OPSEC) – but he’s at a mid-way point and safe. I’ll let him fill you in on what’s going on at his end.

We are doing well. Like I said at the beginning, we’ve been very busy. Luke still hasn’t quite grasped the fact that Chris will be gone long-term. He looks for him quite often during the day. Thankfully he hadn’t thrown too many fits about it though. I explain to him each time he looks for Daddy that, “Daddy’s in Iraq” or “Daddy had to go to Iraq to keep us safe.” I was telling him that “Daddy’s at work” but then I realized that when Chris got back and “went to work,” Luke might freak out. Now Luke will say – “rack” for Iraq.

As for me – the biggest adjustment has been dealing with just being utterly exhausted. I can’t seem to catch up on any rest. Will obviously still wakes to eat during the night – so even if I try to go to bed early, I’m only able to sleep in blocks of time. Thankfully I can drink my coffee again – though I’ve learned the hard way that I still need to drink it in moderation…

Updates:

Will:

Will is quickly growing out of his clothes – there are so many cute things I haven’t even been able to put him in yet! A few weeks ago, he had to go up to size 3 in diapers. He has started grabbing things now and just today completely rolled over from his stomach to his back. I had put him down to do tummy time this morning – turned my back for a second – and he’d rolled over to his back! Yay Will! He’s also discovered his hands.

We have our good days and rough days with the sleeping. He still wants to be held a lot – but I’ve been working on finding ways to lay him down to sleep. Sometimes it works – sometimes it doesn’t.

He loves to be sitting up and watching everything that’s going on. He likes to smile and kick his feet and pump his arms. He loves Luke. Just today, Will was on my lap and spitting bubbles – this made Luke laugh and attempt to spit bubbles – which made Will smile – which made Luke laugh – it was great!

Luke:

Luke is talking up a storm. He’s putting words together now – which is SO exciting! He’ll say, “Mato – watch?” Which means Tomato Watch – which means he wants to watch one of his Veggie Tales movies. While I was still telling him that Daddy was at work, he said, “Daddy? Work?” He’ll say, “hukey (hungry) – eat” and “uum on (come on.) It’s so much fun to watch him put words together. I don’t think there’s a word out there he won’t try saying either – his new ones are helicopter, macaroni and spaghetti. He’s also learned – “ewwwww!” Which means he has something gross on his finger…and will usually come give it to me. Last night the “ewww” came out of his nose. =)

He has been doing much better with his eating – maybe we’re getting past his extremely picky stage…or maybe it’s because he finally has some molars. Whatever the reason – I’m happy.

Luke does seem to be having his own sleep issues. He won’t take a very long nap – so he get’s overtired during the day – which makes him overtired when he goes to bed…which seems to make him overtired when he wakes up in the morning. It’s quite the vicious cycle.

Weight Loss Attempts:

I did start a weight loss blog – but I’ve pretty much failed at every goal I’ve set for myself so far. I think this was just a bad week to try to start anything. Oh well – I’ll keep trying. If you’re interested in keeping up with my failed weight loss and exercise goals (Hehehe!) here’s the link: http://minsweightlossblog.blogspot.com/.

Alright, neither Luke or Will are cooperating right now, so I guess I’m done with this blog…or at least that’s what they're telling me. So here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure!

Tummy Time!


Luke watching a movie on the computer...he's all set with his Goldfish and Sippy!



Will is obsessed with this cow on his farm play mat. He'll just stare and stare at it!


Luke and Will playing together!


Ready for church...


"I wasn't doing anything bad mommy - I promise!"


Awwww! Sweet kisses!


Mommy and Will! Will dosen't look too happy to be taking this picture...


I've found that if I put Will down in the swing or boucny on his side - he'll sometimes stay asleep - yay!


I love baby feet!


"I'm a perfect angel at all times!"


Drinking from his new Cars cup while eating a banana.


Sleeping with Luke's monkey. Yes, the monkey has a diaper. Luke will take his monkey to the changing table to get a diaper change - it's hilarious!


"Mato!!"


Cutie!


Luke watching his Parise Baby DVD - he can pretty much name everything that comes up on the screen. Here he is telling Elmo what's on the screen..."b!"


Here is Will swiping at his bunny in the bouncy...


Until next time!

Have a wonderful day!