When the sky takes a picture...

Something that is VERY common to our part of Germany is rain (it rains ALL the time here.) Something that we haven’t seen too much of is actual thunderstorms though…well, until recently. Tonight marked the second thunderstorm we’ve had this week. However, this was probably the first time Luke was enthralled with the rain falling outside the window. He had just wiggled his own foot in his Cars shoe (on the wrong foot, but he did it all by himself…he’s growing up too fast!) and caught sight of the huge rain drops pelting the glass of our kitchen window. He pointed a very curious finger and looked at me with those big blue eyes that held the question, "What is that!?" I told him it was rain and then explained that it was water falling from the sky. I then had to go attend to Will because he was crying, but once I got him calmed down I turned to notice Luke just starring out the livingroom window at the rain. He kept repeating, “wain” over and over again.

At first he thought the rumbling thunder that accompanied the rain was a plane (the Air Force seems to use our air space as a training field…there are jets and planes flying over us constantly) but once I told him it was thunder, he seemed to understand the difference in sound. Now lightening on the other hand…when there was a flash, I would say, “lightening.” At first he didn’t really respond to it – but then I noticed he started saying “mile” (smile) every time there was a flash of lightening. At first I thought it was because I had just taken his picture…but then I noticed the continuing theme…every time there was a lightening flash – he exclaimed, “mile!” Wow – I guess I DO take a lot of pictures... since Luke seems to think a flash of lightening from outside is his picture being taken!

It just didn't sound right...

I was playing with Luke and Will in his room this afternoon. Luke brought in some coloring pictures he’d done earlier and we decided to hang them up on his wall. While I was at it, I decided it was time to “print out a new daddy.” The minute I said those words out loud I found it both sad and slightly amusing (as I had meant to say we needed to print out a new PICTURE of daddy.) Regardless of how it came out of my mouth (in my defense, it's been a stressful week=) ), Luke has wore out the first picture of daddy…so I printed out two new pictures. We hung those on the wall too…and since Luke didn’t want to part with the “old picture of daddy” that one got hung up as well.

The whole incident was cute and sad all at the same time. Luke enjoyed talking, kissing, hugging, waving, feeding and giving sips from the “bippy” to the pictures of daddy. I had to document it because it was so adorable, so here are pics!

Luke's pictures on the wall...


"Ugging" (hugging) Daddy...




Waving at Daddy...



Kissing Daddy!

I guess Chris looks thirsty in this one, becasue Luke is trying to offer his bippy...

Here he's trying to give him an M&M!

And here's the "Daddy" line up...with the old picture and all! =)

What Chris Wants

(Edit: Once again, the day I post, Mindy sneaks one in on me. So skip this and then come back, because there are cute pictures of Will in the entry prior to this one.)

Alright, I officially declare this blog entry to be the “What Chris Wants” blog. Let the bidding commence. I expect lots of chocolate items, and if you could send perishable refrigerated goods, I would appreciate them as well. Nothing like a melted Snickers washed down by some spoiled milk!

OK, I know I sound like I’m begging when I write blogs like this, but I swear it’s ok if you don’t send me anything. You can just send a card and I’ll think you thought long and hard about me for at least a few minutes, and that works for me. So by no means am I saying I HAVE to have the items I put down here. We have a PX here that usually has the basics, a DFAC that serves four meals a day, and I honestly can survive on what I have currently. Everything else is icing on the cake…if by cake you mean being stuck in the middle of the desert. And on the opposite side of the spectrum, I will warn you that some of what you send me will get shared with other soldiers…I love boxes full of candy and junk food, but I certainly won’t eat all of it by myself. So with that spelled out, here we go.

Stuff I can always use:
Paper towels
Kleenex
Trash bags
Shampoo- I usually use Dove, but hey let’s face it- I’m thinning AND I’m in the Army, so whatever works
Soap- If you go bar, Irish Spring Sport; if you go body wash, you pick
Toothpaste- Crest Regular paste please! Ask my mom, I’m picky…
Baby Wipes- Small packs of unscented flushable are best
AT&T Pre-paid calling cards
Small to medium plastic food storage containers- great for keeping vermin out of the snacks

Entertainment:
TV Shows on DVD- Huge! The only show I don’t need is "Lost," so anything else is great
Movies- Anything will do, especially recent releases
Playstation 2 games- yes I still have one of those…
Puzzle Books- I dig crosswords (not the easy kind!), Sudoku, word jumbles, etc.
Books- History, biographies, or useless trashy novels
Magazines- News, sports, entertainment
Small Devotionals- not really entertainment, but I didn’t know where else to put it

Food I like:
Beef/Chicken/Whatever Jerky and everything in that vein
Trail Mix
Mixed nuts
Raisins
Granola and Granola Bars
Crackers- Wheat Thins, triscuits, Cheez-its, stuff like that
Cookies- Chips Ahoy, Fig Newtons, Nilla Wafers, etc
Small amounts of sweets- I have to keep my girlish figure, people…

Finally, I always love to just get letters and other random stuff in the mail. I am the worst letter writer ever, but when you’re over here getting letters is awesome. You can write about the latest and greatest news, include some pictures, news clippings, whatever…that stuff always reminds me there’s an actual real world out there. Plus I would really love to find out what’s going on in your lives since I don’t think I’ve talked to half of you in a year or more.

Like I said, this is just a give-you-an-idea list, not an “only get me this!” list. Please don't feel limited; I did this only to give you a suggestion if you'd like to send something. I live pretty well…your tax dollars, while thrown away in buckets over here most times, is actually well spent on living conditions. And I must say that there are guys living out in the COPs who live much worse than I do- I know I have it good, and I definitely appreciate that fact.

Thanks in advance!

Rice Cereal...

I decided it was time to break out the rice cereal for Will. He’s been nursing like crazy lately. So, I got the box out and started talking to Luke about giving Will some rice ceral. Luke initially thought I was getting him some cereal, so he climbed up in his booster seat. Once he realized it was for Will, he wanted in on the action, so he came and got in my lap to “help” me feed Will.

Will took the cereal fairly well – but didn’t really like the taste of it (though he seemed to like the act of eating.) He made so many different faces – from icky faces to smiles – it was really hard to tell what he was thinking! I let Luke attempt to feed him a few times, and though most of it landed on my lap, he managed to get some in his mouth. It was pretty cute.

TMI warning – in this next paragraph I will be talking about nursing…if that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to skip this paragraph and go to the next one. =)

I will admit I was unexpectedly sad once he started eating. I feel like he’s growing up so fast – is it really time to start giving him food?! He may be a giant, but to me he’s still my little baby. After he ate a bit, I cleaned him up and nursed him. I was very happy when he eagerly wanted to nurse – I love nursing so much and was so glad to see he preferred me over the rice cereal. Now when he gets a taste of real food, he may want to fill up on that instead of what I can offer, but for now, I’m happy he still wants me.

I think I’ll see how the rice cereal sets with him in the evenings for a few weeks, then maybe add some for lunch as well.


Luke seems to be doing much better. I think I’ve become a little paranoid about his health though. Tonight when I was giving him a bath, I noticed his stomach was really distended. I’ve seen his tummy after a huge meal, and it wasn’t nearly anything like it is tonight…and he barley ate supper tonight. So I called the nurse advice line and she reassured me that there was nothing to worry about. I guess I’m just a little paranoid after all the problems we’ve had lately…=)

Alrighty – it’s getting late and I’m quite tired. Here are some pics – enjoy!




The time has come!


"mmmm, mommy is finally going to let me have some food..."


"...this is so exciting - bring on the food!"


"...NASTY! nasty food - yucky..."


"...wait, maybe it's ok...


"...no - no, it's not ok..."



"...then again - it is very interesting..."


"Maybe if big brother gives me some..."




"...maybe I could get used to this eating thing afterall..."




Luke wanted to taste some of the rice cereal..."yucky" was his input!


Look at those teeth!





"...can we nurse now mommy?"

Update on Luke...

Just a quick update on Luke. He seems to be doing better this morning and has held down fluids, crackers and toast. He seems to be in good spirits, but he’s pretty wiped out. I made an appointment for him at the clinic in hopes to get some blood work done. He’s been sick non-stop the last 4 months and off and on the months before that, so I want to get him checked out and make sure there isn’t any underlying issues. Anyway, I’ll let you know how that appointment goes. I couldn’t get him in until next week, but I guess that’s better then nothing!

More later!

What’s going on?!

So Luke was on the mend as of yesterday and today. Then tonight I heard him whimpering in bed. I went in to comfort him – he’d fall asleep – then wake back up whimpering. Finally at 11pmish, he started throwing up again. Thus we have started the cycle over…yet again. I am so frustrated. I’m so tired of my poor children being sick all the time – when will they get a break?

So please continue to pray for Luke to get better as well as Will and I to not get sick. Something’s gotta give here…I just hope it’s not my mind! =)

The curse continues...

So the “sick curse” continues. Luke woke up from his nap and threw up everywhere. He’s been throwing up all afternoon and evening. Poor fellow! He’s finally resting and has gone over an hour without throwing up…so hopefully that’s a good sign. These poor kids just can’t catch a break. If you think of it, please say a prayer for Luke’s recovery and that Will, MeMe and I don’t catch this virus.

MeMe is leaving tomorrow, which we’re all sad about. =( It’s been such a blessing having her here! Thanks for coming Mom Judy!

Alrighty, off to tend to my sickhouse.

Haircuts, Bath time and Tags!

Haircuts...

Well, we did it! We cut Luke’s hair today. If you knew how much Luke screamed, hollered and fights against this, you would know what kind of feat we just performed! Anyway, I thought I would post before and after pics. Mind you, this is my first attempt at cutting Luke’s hair…Chris has always done it before. Luke of course screamed like we were cutting his toes off, but MeMe hugged him throughout the whole process and that helped keep him manageable.


Before: He's looking at the clippers in this pic...see how terrified he is!


Me with the clippers and the bee...to bad the bee strategy doesn’t work anymore...


After: he's waiting for his promised piece of pie here...



Bath Time...

I thought it would be fun to compare bath pictures of Will. Today he is 4 months old. Crazy! Where does the time go!


Here is Will on Feb. 2nd - a little over a week old


Here he is tonight - exactly 4 months old!



This morning we went to Idar-Oberstien to get MeMe’s train ticket. We are sad that the day is nearing that she has to leave. =( But hopefully Will’s passport will come in soon and we will be free to fly back to the states. Annnnnyway, while we were walking up to the train station, Luke wanted to chase the pigeons and “ugg” (hug) them. Most people would cringe at the thought of hugging a pigeon (though I think they’re cute) but he was quite adamant about it. I told him that I didn’t think the pigeon would want to be hugged – and he seemed to accept that explanation.

After we got the train ticket, we went to Hertie (a German store) and did some shopping. Luke got some fun things and even Will got a little toy. I don't often buy on the economy because of how horrible the Euro rate is, but I let loose today and picked up a few things. That’s what the COLA’s (Cost of Living Allowance) for after all right? =)

MeMe, Luke and Will in front of the train station in Idar...

MeMe and Will at the bakery in Hertie...

Cutie Pie!

Luke LOVED the escalator! We had to ride it 3 times!

Luke latched on to this stuffed pig at Hertie, so I bought it for him - it's name is Pigsley! He calls it "Pigs"...

____________________________________

Tagged - you're it!

I was "tagged" to write 6 random things about myself from Anita, and I was also tagged awhile back by Monica and forgot to respond - so here are my tags… =)

Here’s the first tag:

6 random things you may not know about me:

1. I save earthworms. Yes, it’s gross, but I can’t stand to see those big fat slimy worms flailing around in the middle of the sidewalk trying to make it to the other side...all the while the sun is beating down on them frying them to the sidewalk. So I pick them up and throw them to their desired destinations. Yeah, I’m weird…I know…

2. I’m slightly paranoid about certain things…I used to be worse, but I’m still paranoid about quite a few things. One of my big fears is a house fire. So I unplug most things…and check to make sure the stove and coffee maker is off a million times before I go to bed.

3. I like to color with Luke…and find myself still coloring long after Luke has found something else to do…=)

4. I giggle too much…ok, so everyone knows that about me!

5. When I was younger, I wanted to be a hockey player…hehehe!

6. I’ve seen a ghost before…most people don’t believe me and think I’m crazy, but I saw what I saw…

And here’s the second tag:

A little bit of me:

On the outside:

Name: Mindy

Current Status: Married

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Blonde…though it’s gotten quite dark since my first pregnancy

On the inside:

My Fear: Something happening to my children

My Weaknesses: food…chocolate…coffee...food…mmmmmm

My Perfect Pizza: Stuffed Crust Pepperoni…or Papa Johns with the garlic dipping sauce…mmmmm

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow:

My thoughts first waking up: “Please Luke, go back to sleep…it’s only 5am!”

My bedtime: anywhere between 9pm-midnight…depending on the night

My most missed memory: To many to even mention!

My pick:

Pepsi or Coke: Coke

Single or group dates: hmmm…both are fun

Adidas or Nike: Nike

Tea or Nestea: I love sweet iced tea

Chocolate or Vanilla: chocolate

Cappuccino or Coffee: Coffee…coffee and more coffee!

Do you:

Have a crush: my hubby Chris

Think you’ve been in love: I still am!

Go to school: No, but may get my Master’s at some point…

Want to get married: 6 year wedding anniversary is coming up!

Believe in yourself: depends

Think you’re a health freak: HAHAHAHAHA!

In the past:

Gone to the mall: What I would give to go to the mall…

Been on stage: Yeppers

Eaten sushi: no

Dyed your hair: yep

What were you doing: (times reflected when this post was written, not when it’s posted)

A minute ago: writing this post

An hour ago: nursing Will

A month ago: Rocking a screaming Will trying to get him to go to sleep…

A year ago: Planning a move to Germany and trying not to throw up every other minute due to Hyperemesis Gravidarium (extreme morning sickness)

Finish the sentences:
I love: God, my family, my friends and my pets

I feel: exhausted all the time!

I miss: Chris

I need: a pedicure

Alrighty, I guess I’m supposed to tag other people…so I tag everyone who blogs to do either one or the other - or both…and don’t worry, you won’t hurt my feelings if you don’t do it! =)

Alrighty, I’m off for now! More later…

Wow, am I ever behind!

I know I know – I’m WAY behind! =) I’ve tried to play catch up…so scroll down after this blog and there are a few more. If you think I’m behind on my blogging…you should see how far behind I am in my e-mails! =) It’s been pretty busy needless to say! We’ve managed a train trip, a road trip, 2 trips to the Krankenhaus, lots of time with the kids and loads of fun. We are all so happy that MeMe’s here…I’m not sure we’re going to let her leave.

Here is a VERY quick update on the boys…

Luke is growing up right before my eyes. I just can’t believe how much he changes/learns/develops just in one day! Right now his favorite thing to do is…dance! He runs around in circles, stomps his feet, claps his hands, jumps up and down, shakes his head…laughs and laughs and laughs. We’ve started having dance parties…even Will has gotten into it a bit! It reminds me of some of the great dance parties we had on First Floor South!

He talks constantly. He’s putting so many words together now. It just blows my mind when he actually completes a thought or sentence.

One of the funny things he’s been doing lately is calling everything that resembles a buger a…”buhger.” He’ll call a speck on his bed a “buhger” then tells it – “ni-ni.” He’ll call a crumb a “buhger” and then proceed to say “hi buhger” while waving at it...It’s quite comical!

I'll have to recap some more funny stories in the next blog...but for now, here are some pics!

Despite the constant illness's, Will continues to grow like a giant. We had to weigh him for his Tylenol dosage and he came up at a whooping 20 pounds…no wonder he’s so heavy in his carrier!! He’s working on sitting up. He can pull himself to sit in the swing – and if you help him out he likes to sit on the floor or in your lap. He wants to sit on his own so bad, but it’ll be awhile until he can sit unassisted.

He still wants to be held a lot. He’s happy in his jumperoo or on the floor for awhile, but when he gets tired he only wants to be held. He’ll take tiny cat naps in his swing…and when I say tiny I mean like 10 minutes and then wake up screaming like the world’s coming to an end. I’m afraid I’m gonna have to let him cry it out a bit here and there…as much as I don’t want to (nor do my neighbors want me to) – I just can’t hold him constantly. Oh well – I’m enjoying MeMe while I can…and so is Will! =)

I'll update more on him later as well, but for now...some pics!

Luke and Will are so cute together. They just bond more and more as time goes on. They laugh at each other, smile at each other, and watch each other. Luke always wants to know where Will is – he’ll narrate what Will is doing – and Will loves to watch Luke. I am so happy they get along so well. I keep waiting for something to go wayward, but they just adore each other. Luke is always wanting to "ugg" (hug) Will - and of course we wouldn't deny him that request. In a few years they'll come crying to me because they've beat each other up...I'm all about the uggs while we can get them! =)

We sadly have to see MeMe off next week. =( It has been SOOOOOOOOOOOOO wonderful having her here. Though we’ll manage by ourselves again, it has been a fantastic break and a huge blessing to have MeMe with us. Thank you for coming MeMe – you have been a Godsend and a blessing to us!

We celebrated Guka's B-day via webcam!

Happy MeMe!

More later!