AIT, take two!

Bryan has officially started school at Fort Meade and so far, so good. I'm also getting the hang of the "single mom" thing, I only wish there was a bit more adult interaction in my day to day life, but a park date later today should fix that. I'm really luck to have such a chill little boy, otherwise, I'm sure this would be a totally different experience.

Bryan says that this round of AIT is much more hardcore than AIT three years ago. His first step is to pass a voice test, so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I have a tremendous amount of faith in him, but the fact that so much is riding on him passing a voice test is a bit intimidating for even me.

He will be home for Christmas and I'm already looking forward to a festive date night. I'm thinking sushi and "New Years Eve" at the box office. That movie looks amazing, I'm dying to see it! Star studded cast, much?

Oh, hi!

Hi, Stranger Bloggers!

I've been totally MIA and I totally slacked on my "month of thanks" posts! However, thoughts of thankfulness were not far from my mind. We had a fabulous little Thanksgiving and I am amazed by how much I have to be thankful for.

Bryan left this morning for Fort Meade, he will be there doing AIT round 2 until March 16, which is also my birthday! As far as we know, there's no reason he won't be home for Christmas, so it was just a short goodbye for now. That didn't stop me from getting a little misty though. I will miss him, I love where our marriage is at and he is just so damn fun to be around.

Bryan also took Aydan's Christmas pictures!

What I am Thankful For - Days 8,9,10 & 11

Day 8: I am thankful for Sesame Street, it is the only show that Aydan really seems to enjoy and that's fine by me. I've never really wanted him to be into TV but once I really took the time to watch Sesame Street, I was hooked! How can you resist sweet Elmo's face?! It seems to be one of the rare shows that really is educational and fun.

Day 9: I'm thankful for coupons, I've used them before but I've been trying very hard to really use them a lot more. I love watching my total drop down at the register.

Day 10: I am thankful for www.tinyprints.com, their collection of Christmas cards this year is making my decision so hard but I am loving all the different styles. I think our Christmas card will definitely be making a statement this year!

Day 11: I am thankful for veterans, both of my Grandfather's and two of my uncles served this country proudly and I am so honored to have them in my life. And of course, my amazing husband and all of his colleagues who have made sacrifices so that they, too could be a part of our wonderful Armed Forces. I am so grateful for this day to honor these amazing men and woman. Thanks will never be enough.


And with my love of coupons and Elmo, I think I will be adding "Let's Rock! Elmo" to aydan's Christmas list and using my $5 off coupon at the register!

St. Jude and Target: Two of my Favorite Things

I have not jumped on the Christmas bandwagon yet, I promise, but I have made note of a little something that I will most definitely be adding to my holiday decor. I love Target and I love their little mascot, "Bullseye." I also have a very special place in my heart for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the care that they provide to the little people that need it most. 




This little cutie will be the first thing displayed in my home after the turkey leftovers have been put away. He is just about as cute as they come and 100% of the profits will benefit St. Jude's. The cause warms my heart and the store makes me happy, now that is most definitely a win. 

What I am Thankful For - Days 5,6,7

I've fallen a bit behind on actually posting, but I have been counting my blessings, for sure.

Day 5: I am thankful for my husband. Throughout everything, he's been there for me. He dried my tears when I experienced my first loss, held my hand when I was scared and he truly is my best friend, no one else can make me laugh like that man, I have a blast with him. We have learned so much together and throughout all the up's and downs that are life, there is no one else I'd rather have by my side.

Day 6: I am thankful for the Rock and Roll marathon, I was very lucky to meet some awesome runners from all over the country at work this weekend. Not only did they kick some serious runner's ass, but they were so kind and so gracious towards the citizens of Savannah, it was very sweet. The extra 23,000 visitors also helped my wallet!

Day 7: I am thankful for Fall. While everyone jumps the gun on Winter/Christmas, I am thoroughly enjoying my last Savannah Fall. The weather is cooler and let me just tell you, Aydan looks awesome in some blue jeans! I love Thanksgiving and I'm very excited to see how Aydan likes our Thanksgiving feast!

What I am Thankful For - Day 4

Day 4:

I am thankful for my Roomba. This thing is intense, a little robot that travels around my living area and sweeps up little toddler messes?!? Yes, please!

Aydan seriously hides crumbs somewhere in his body and then creates a trail of them around my house. Well, Roomba to the rescue. We make a great team; Roomba sweeps up the mess while I do the dishes, prep for dinner or sit on my rear and I go behind him with the mop after he's finished. :)

Thank you, little Roomba.

What I am Thankful For - Day 3

Day 3:

I am thankful to be the momma of the most beautiful, sweet, cuddly, vivacious little boy I've ever met. He is easy-going, he smiles constantly and his giggle is contagious. There's not a single thing I would ever change about him, I literally love every minute and every up and down with him.

What I am Thankful For - Day 2

Day 2:

I am thankful for my job, I want to rip my hair sometimes, but seriously, where else could someone work one day a week and make sufficient income to spend every other single day with her family?

Not to mention, for the first time in almost three years, I finally met the "boss lady," Mrs. Paula Deen. :) I didn't expect to be so starstruck. ;)

Christmas already?!

Am I the only one who waits until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas? I actually noticed that one of our neighbors put up a Christmas wreath yesterday while still proudly displaying their Jack-o-Lantern on their front porch and Christmas definitely threw up all over Target.

I love Christmas but I also love Thanksgiving and the idea of decorating on the Friday after some Football and a big, delicious meal.

I'm really not a scrooge, I'm just in love with tradition.

Oh well, my house is still Fall festive while everyone else's is a winter wonderland, I suppose. Meanwhile, the high tomorrow is 75, Merry Christmas!

What I am Thankful For - Day 1

I have decided to jump on the bandwagon. From now until Thanksgiving, I will be posting what I am thankful for.

Day 1:

I am thankful for my home. I have a beautiful house that my husband and I have made into a home and for that I am so grateful.

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

It's that time again! It's MilSpouse Friday Fill-In over at Wife of a Sailor . Head on over, link up and learn more about your fellow Milspouses!

1. The best part of October was my little monster's 1st birthday!

2. The worst part of October was hearing the news we would be heading to Fort Drum.

3. For Halloween, we will be laying low and passing out candy. Aydan will be rocking his Halloween PJ's. :)

4. I hope that in November we are able to cherish family time and have a fabulous Thanksgiving before Bryan heads to AIT, again. (Reclass)

5. Wifey has posted MilSpouse Secret Santa. I think I will look into this!

Wordless Wednesday

The Liebster Blog Award

A few days ago, I received the Liebster Blog Award from one of my favorite friends, Nicole. It was kind of sad just how much it made my day!


The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.


Apparently this is supposed to be passed to 5 fellow up and coming bloggers, but just like Nicole, I'm breaking the chain. 


I am passing this on to a very sophisticated blogger that I casually followed before even becoming a blogger, myself. Her blog is simple with a dash of fun, humor and sarcasm. AKA right up my alley! Oh, and she's getting married next Fall, what's not to love about that?! So, please check out my sweet friend and future bride, Sam at 'Lavender & Honey.

Up All Night

"Up All Night" is most definitely one of my favorite new shows. I was late to jump on the bandwagon, but I was hearing several friends rave about how funny it was. My friend, Sam, actually told me that it would probably even more appreciated by someone who had kids, so I finally jumped on!

Seriously, watch this show! Christina Applegate is of course witty and hilarious and I swear, these people were spying on me in my home when they wrote this script. Bryan and I have been watching it together and his first comment was "Oh my gosh, this is us!" He's so right, other than the mansion in Beverly Hills and the Beemer convertible, it is us and I have a feeling it's a lot of other new parents. Do yourself a favor and hit up Hulu right now!

Seriously?! Grrr!

Okay, so for the last week since Aydan's birthday, I've kind of been holding a grudge. To everyone who said they would come to Aydan's party and basically blew him off, you suck. A simple text saying you won't be able to make it, does wonders. Telling someone you will be there and then not showing up and then on top of it not acknowledging that you blew my child off is rude and classless. In fact, going on Facebook and talking about what a great day you had doing everything but attending my child's birthday party or telling me that your plans changed is tacky as hell.

It's also pretty tacky when members of your family don't even acknowledge his special day. Yeah, you suck, too.

As feisty as this post is, I feel a million times better now. :)

P.S. At the end of the day, I truly am just grateful for those who did take the time to come to Aydan's party and all the text messages and well wishes from those who couldn't make it. Aydan was surrounded by all the right people on his special day. ;)

One IS Fun!

A little late, but I must announce that my sweet little boy is now a sweet little one-year-old. His birthday was perfect and his party was a perfect reflection of just how loved he his.

Thursday night, Bryan and I sat in our living room blowing up 74 balloons and snuck them into Aydan's room, when he woke up on Friday (his actual birthday), his face lit up at the sight of 74 colorful balloons glistening in the morning light. It was more than worth all of the hot air and lightheadedness! He also throughly enjoyed romping around in the balloons pretty much all day long. I recommend this to any of my friends, less than $5 gets you one of the greatest birthday surprises and truly reminds you that it really is the little things that mean so much to our kids.
We spent the day just enjoying our little family, we went to dinner at Outback and Aydan was serenaded by the "Aussie" crew who served him a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and Oreo cookie crumbles, no spoon needed, though! Aydan ate that thing by the fistful until I'm pretty sure he experienced his first brain freeze. Bryan's family arrived Friday night and oh my, the craziness began right away!

Saturday morning was a whirlwind, who would have thought that a first birthday party could be so much work?! The park pavilion was decorated and the food was ready literally with seconds to spare, thanks to my mom and my amazing husband for their help, otherwise, I'm pretty sure the party would have been a flop. The best part of his birthday party, was without a doubt seeing just how loved my baby boy is, people took time out of their day to come to a first birthday party in honor of my amazing son and that means the world to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We have amazing friends.

Aydan is one now and I really didn't know what to expect of this milestone, of course I was sad in a way, he will never be a brand new, tiny newborn cradled perfectly in my arms again but it was a lot more than just losing a "baby." It was more about the amazing little boy we are gaining. In his short little year of life he has learned 10+ words including "Mama" and "Daddy" and he has learned to look into our eyes, grab our faces and smother us with the sweetest, big wet kisses I've ever known and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world, not even a brand new, tiny newborn. He's a little person now, the most amazing little person I've ever known and as Bryan says, we really can't wait to "meet" the person he grows to be. He is an amazingly perfect, sweet, handsome, wild and crazy one-year-old and one IS fun!

I love you, sweet boy. More than the moon and the stars and brighter than the sun will ever shine, to pluto and back.

Kudos to the working mom!

Whether you want to admit it or not, being a mother is hard work and it is a job in it's self. Since Aydan was born, I have worked two days a week and been so lucky that I make sufficent income in those two days which allows me to enjoy my time with Aydan and for us to hardly pay anything for childcare. Score!

I was recently asked to help out with our catering department for a week while someone was out of town, of course I said yes. What I did not realize, is that I said yes to working 55 hours the week before a very special first birthday. Oh my! Needless to say, I will survive and I have already gained a tremendous amount of respect for the working mother. Waking up, getting ready while a little one runs around wanting attention getting said little one ready to go to the babysitter's, dropping little one off, stopping to get your Starbucks drink of choice and a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and finally you arrive at work only to prepare for the latter portion of your day. Leave work, pick up little one, get home, plan/prepare dinner, eat, pass out. OH. MY. GOSH. Oh, and somehow you are supposed to keep up with appointments and playdates in the midst of all of that?! I actually had to reschedule Aydan's physical therapy appointment, which was really upsetting for me, we never miss an appointment. Oh well.

I have so much respect for those "Super, Super Moms," you go, girls!

Aydan loves going to his babysitter, he usually only goes about 6 hours a week, since Bryan is able to watch him the other times but he just loves to play with the big kids, so this week is an extra treat for him.

I also managed to get his birthday presents bought and wrapped this past weekend. I really just need to plan a menu, which is actually proving to be somewhat difficult. I really just need finger foods that don't require reheating. Any good finger food recipes? So far, I've got PB&J Sushi (thank you Pinterest), Monster Fruit Salad, spinach and artichoke dip, chips and of course, cake! I am trying to make it adult friendly as well as kid friendly, we have quite a few of our very sweet adult friends coming, which really just warms my heart.

Oy Vey!

Bryan and I were discussing our plans for the next couple months, making our home into a rental property after our move and even talking about when "the next one" should join our little family. Well, wouldn't you know, less than 48 hours later, the Army Gods ripped all of that out from under us.

I don't consider myself the "average" Army Wife, I don't have an "Army Wife" sticker on the back of my car and my husband's dog tags are for his neck, not mine. Basically, I just really want our life to revolve around more than the Army, we are so many great things and we just happen to be an Army family. That said, it's hard not to get overly involved when it comes to major changes for all of us. Bryan went to reenlist earlier this week and was basically told to change his MOS or get out, we never saw this coming. I bawled, my husband has always been a Signal Soldier for as long as we have been married and even before. It was just a big shock, the Army is doing some seriously weeding out and unfortunately, it is affecting the wrong people.

Anyway, I eventually stopped bawling and got over my pity party, Bryan reenlisted as a Broadcast Journalist and we are fairly sure than he can go back to Signal when he goes to WOCS (any input on this would be appreciated!) and now we wait for orders. Bryan reports to Fort Meade, MD for AIT December 2nd until March 16th, so we will most definitely have orders very soon, let's just hope we like where the mean ol' Army is sending us! Here's to hoping!

My, oh my...

Aydan will be one in 32 days. I find myself getting excited to plan a fun party and have all of friends together, but to be completely honest, it is an emotional roller coaster. My baby really is growing up, whether I like it or not. I feel like he really will be pulling out of my driveway tomorrow.

Motherhood has been amazing, this last (almost) year has been amazing. I feel like being a mother is what I was meant to do but in all seriousness, is my baby really turning one?!

St. Jude Children's Research Children's Hospital

Aydan was diagnosed with Torticollis (wry neck syndrome) at two-months-old. So for the majority of his life we have been going to weekly, sometimes bi-weekly physical therapy appointments. We are blessed to have found an amazing PT after some trial and error and when I really sit down and think about it, we are blessed in many ways when it comes to Aydan's condition. We are blessed that we do not live at a hospital and watch our baby go through countless tests and painful procedures, all in hopes that one day a cure will be found.

I have such admiration for the children and families of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and of course an incredible amount of admiration for the hospital in general. With Aydan's birthday lurking around the corner (YIKES!), I felt like it was a good opportunity to start out on a generous foot. Of course I would love for Aydan to get a bunch of great new toys on his birthday, but I also have the thought of those families and their incredibly strong children in the back of my mind. We have suggested that friends and family make a donation, in Aydan's name, to St. Jude. Cancer is such a horrible disease and I hope that in some way, whatever minuscule amount Aydan's Birthday raises, that it helps make a difference for someone, somewhere.

To donate:

www.stjude.org

-Hover over "Ways to Help"
-Click "Memorial and Honor Cards"
-In the drop down menu select "Birthday"
-Select a card and fill out your info with a special message for the birthday boy!

Aydan's email is dear.aydan.lee@gmail.com

Happy Labor Day!

I hope all of my friends are enjoying a fabulous Labor Day with family and friends! We are laying low today, we ventured around Downtown Savannah yesterday and Bryan has to work today. We got a few steaks to grill later and will be enjoying a great meal followed by some fabulous Reality TV courtesy of Bravo tonight.

Today is the first holiday Bryan has not off in as long as I can remember and for that, I am extremely grateful, that is certainly one of the perks of this Army life. Thank you to everyone who dedicates their hard work to keep this country running. Happy Labor Day!

A bottle of Clorox and a fat lip later...

Yep, after a bottle of Clorox, I'm pretty sure my bathrooms are clean. I was disgusted with the condition my house was left in. I would never dream of leaving someone's house like that, family or not.

Oh, the fat lip. Ha! Recently, I ditched the Swiffer WetJet, I never thought I'd see the day but I was honestly spending so much money on pads and refils, it was getting a bit ridiculous. I opted for a more economically and environmentally friendly option. I got the Ocedar ProMist and I really love it. However, I haven't quite mastered getting the tank out to refil it with water and cleaning solution. Needless to say, I yanked it out and basically punched myself in the lip.

I couldn't care less about the fat lip, my house is clean and I feel somewhat normal again.

And a house full of vomit...

Yesterday, I worked my normal 15 hour shift. I never mind it much considering I only work twice a week. Today has been much more stressful that any 15 hour shift in the recent past.

We were supposed to go to a cancer benefit today that was very near and dear to my heart. However, I ended up feeling rather pukey and just blah. Bryan came home from working feeling the same way. Before I knew it, my mother, who is visiting with my teenage brother, and Bryan were also sick. I had vomit in the office, on the carpet, of course. Vomit in the hallway and on the wood floors. Needless to say, my house is a biohazard and all I want to do is cuss at the top of my lungs. I started out as the sick one and before I knew it, I'm cleaning up everyone's nasty sickness. Horrible thing to say, right? I feel like I need to go sanitize my house before my son wakes up in the morning expecting to crawl all over his now disgusting territory. Yet I feel awful for feeling this way. I love my family, but the fact that there are so many sick people in my house right now is really getting to me.

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 6 - A song that reminds you of somewhere

Obviously the 30 day song challenge is going to take me a year to finish, but I am determined to finish it!




I heart Chicago! Bryan and I went to Chicago last summer shortly after finding out Aydan would be a boy. While we were there we saw Blue Man Group, it was amazing and the music always takes me back to that awesome show in a very cool city. Chicago is just fresh and vibrant and everyone is so active and in shape. I definitely look forward to going back one day.

And we're back...

After a successful Florida trip followed by a very busy weekend filled with family reunions and beach trips, we are home and back in action! We had a great time visiting with family and friends and as my one of my new favorite friends, Nicole and I were talking about, the sun really does shine a little brighter in the sunshine state. You really never know what you have until it's gone, I miss my home terribly. I was very lucky to grow up in such a gorgeous state, go to amazing public schools (Go Titans!) and have the beach and Disney World at my disposal. That said, it really is good to be home and settling back into our routine. One day, my heart will wander back to Florida, one day.

We got back Friday night and Aydan went straight to bed, the little booger has decided that sleeping anywhere but his crib is just not acceptable, so we were rather exhausted. First thing Saturday morning we headed to Augusta for Bryan's family reunion and then straight to Hilton Head from there for a night at the beach. Whew! We had a great time but I'm glad it's over.

Bryan is back to work after some time off and I'm hoping we have some answers on all this reenlistment and PCS crap soon. One of my dearest friends is PCS'ing this month and this will be my first time saying goodbye to such a good Army family. I guess I've escaped it long enough. She has been such a dear friend, definitely the type of person that would do anything for you, even at 2 AM. It will be hard to say goodbye but I know that we will stay in touch.

Speaking of staying in touch, a few weeks ago I had a table at work that was made up of 4 women in their mid-thirties. They had been friends for 10 years, before they ever had kids, husbands and mortgage payments. One of them had kicked breast cancers butt by the time she was 31 and another had miscarriage that resulted in a D and C  gone wrong thus resulting in a total bowel reconstruction. They had been through so much together and distance was never going to keep them apart. It was heartwarming and I take comfort in knowing that I have friends that I know for a fact will be sitting at a dinner table with me, somewhere in this crazy world 10 years from know and for that reason, saying "see ya later" to such a sweet friend is a little bit easier. Oh and did I mention that these ladies wore their scars with bride?! Flaunt your battle scars, girls, they make you stronger, only you can make yourself weak.

So, I'm back and unfortunately, life and laundry followed me here. However, I'm so happy to have my little family back together and hopefully looking forward to some good news! Fingers crossed for orders to Fort Campbell SOON!

Full speed ahead!

The next few weeks are already jam packed and I have a feeling it is going to be like that for a while! Aydan and I ship out to Florida on Sunday morning, I am beyond excited to catch up with family and friends and enjoy some of my favorite Florida activities but slightly intimidated by the fact that literally within hours of our return we will be headed to Augusta for The James Family Reunion. It is an annual event and so far we have not missed one, so it would be a shame to start now. My family is literally all over the place and a lot of time there isn't much effort made to get together and keep in touch, so I've always admired that Bryan's family does this. It will be interesting to see how Aydan does with all of the people surrounding him!

On our way back from Augusta we are going to spend the night in Hilton Head for some much deserved family time on the beach. It will be nice, I'm excited!

I ordered Aydan's birthday t-shirt thinking it would be a while since it was a custom order and she literally emailed me a couple days later telling me it would be ready to ship in less than two weeks. You should check out her Etsy shop, she has adorable shirts and plush animals for every little monster. http://www.etsy.com/listing/63040146/whats-your-number-monster-tee?ref=pr_shop I also ordered him a monogramed monster blanket, just because he such a snuggle bug. It is going to be hard not to give it to him early, especially since it will be in hiding for about two months before his birthday! Ahh!

Anywho, that's our story, our very busy story!

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 5 - A Song That Reminds You of Someone

Matthew West - Save a Place for Me




When I first heard this song, I was in a different CD and scanning through the radio searching for some decent music. When I heard the opening chorus, it really caught my attention. I lost my Grandfather in December of last year, two days before Christmas, actually. This song reminds me of him and the feelings associated with his passing. My Grandpa was not only a grandparent, but he was very much of a father figure for me, having never grown up with a father in my life, he was a very important man in my life. I have faced many different emotions associated with him being gone, I have missed him and wished for just one more hug and I have been angry, I've also really tried hard to understand how someone could be here one minute and gone the next...this song basically sums it all up for me. I miss him immensely, but I know that one day we will be together again and it will be as if no time has passed at all.

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 4 - A Song That Makes You Sad

Alan Jackson - Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning

For obvious reasons, this song really touches my heart and also makes me sad. I will never understand how some people can have so much hate in their heart. September 11, 2001 was by far, the most tragic day this country has faced in my lifetime. I remember that day very vividly, my mom was taking me to school when the first tower was hit and we thought it was an accident. That evening we went home and called all of our friends and family scattered across the country to make sure they were okay. I hate that day and what happened, but I am proud of the way my country stood up and stayed strong and the unity that was apparent after that horrific day. 

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 3 - A Song That Makes You Happy

September - Earth, Wind & Fire



I am old soul and this song is proof. This song always manages to put a big smile on my face. It reminds of when I graduated High School and moved into my own place, I would jam to this song at the most random times and to this day it has yet to get old. Maybe I should find an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band...

Success!

I owe a dose of gratitude to the Dixie Chicks, after I put the the munchkin down for bed, I turned on some Pandora and it was indeed, The Dixie Chicks that got my motivation back! My house is back to normal and much more livable. I cannot stand clutter and chaos, so I think a clean house has added meaning for me. I even decided to give the Swiffer a break and break the old fashion version of scrubbing the floors hands and knees style. My goodness, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders!

My euphoric feeling may also have something to do with the fact that I am in love with my new 'do.

I feel so much better having my blonde highlights again, even if they aren't natural this time. Not to mention, some time being pampered just does a girl's soul some good.

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 2 - Your least favorite song

Ke$ha - Tik Tok




First of all, how can I take anyone with a dollar sign in her name seriously? Secondly, this girl has zero talent and this song is proof. Not to mention, it is annoyingly catchy, I hate this song, I really do but it just makes me sing along to it. And the video, my God, the video. If I wanted to watch some drunk chick stumble around like she didn't have half a brain, I would go to a hillbilly bar, just sayin'. Shame on you, Ke$ha, shame, shame.

Monday, Funday? And exploding babies, of course!

It's Monday! Not only is it Monday, it's the Monday before we leave town for an entire week. That's a big deal! My house is in shambles and it's driving me crazy, yet somehow every time I actually take the time to clean it, I go off on some tangent and start reorganizing something that no one will appreciate but me. Today will be different, no really, it WILL be different. I have my fabulous hair appointment in a few hours, so I will come home rested and relaxed and ready to get things done! It will happen. I can't stand my house being out of order. Not to mention, leaving town and packing for our adventures has taken on a whole new meaning since Aydan made his entrance into the world. It's not just a matter of forgetting my hair products and making the decision as to whether I will splurge on some new products or get creative with what I have anymore. Baby stuff is expensive (okay, well I guess hair products are expensive, too, but you know what I mean...) and there's a lot of it! You need diapers, clothes, baby approved soaps and sunscreens, diaper rash cream, enough wipes to last through a week's worth of normal diapers and/or a week's worth of massive, out of this world blow out diapers! Oh and you don't just need clothes you need EXTRA clothes and not even just extra clothes, extra, extra clothes. Basically you should prepare as if your baby is going to explode every single day that you're away. Don't forget the massive furniture-like items - the Pack and Play, the sheets and the mattress pad for the Pack and Play (remember, your baby will be exploding on this trip, God forbid the mattress get ruined), at least one stroller but if you're a stroller freak like me, you'll bring two, a portable high chair, a bucket filled with all of our favorite toys, I'm certain I'm forgetting something. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Today is the day that things will get done, I'm sure of it. I doubt I'll start packing but I will definitely make note of what needs to be packed and get all of my laundry done so that it can eventually be packed. When I die, my cause of death will be laundry, I'm certain of it. I think about hiring a laundress from time to time but then I realize that would be very unwifely of me. I mean, even if the laundry piles as high as Mt. Rushmore before it gets done, it's still my job and for some weird reason, I always feel very domestic and accomplished after it is all done and neatly put away.

I have also been wanting to paint lately, our walls were originally painted with cheap, builder's paint. The kind that you barely touch and you've actually just permanently left your mark on the time capsule that is our walls. Bryan painted the living/dining room, kitchen and Aydan's room while I was pregnant and now I would like to tackle the rest of our first floor. Maybe I will make that my project for when we get back from Florida!

Anyway, that's the Monday to come in a nutshell as I sit here on my couch not doing anything productive. Woohooo!

30 Day Song Challenge

I don't get into the cheesy, chain stuff often but I do love some good music, so I am willing to give this one a shot.

day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a song from your childhood
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year

DAY 1:



This is actually impossible. I could never pick one favorite song. However, I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas is up there on the favorite list. This song is the ultimate feel good song, it also reminds me of a special time in Bryan and I's marriage. We were married, just bought our own house and just at a really fun place in our marriage. If I'm in a bad mood - play me this song, I will definitely break at least a tiny smile!

Nine Months Old

So, I am a bit late (things have been beyond hectic), however, as of July 14th I am the mother of a nine-month-old. Whoa! How did that even happen? This was a hard one and I didn't expect it to be, when I got the "Your Baby is 41 weeks Old!" email, I sobbed. I was only pregnant for 39 weeks, that means he has officially been on this big, crazy world longer than he was snug in my womb. The emotions are insane, it's hard not to sob as I write this even. For the most part, I love watching him grow into such an amazing little boy, I really do, but there will always be those moments where I just wonder where my baby went off to. I have never felt a love like this, it is the most powerful, amazing feeling in the world. Today, at the dinner table, I was just in awe of my little family. I looked at Bryan and then at Aydan and all I could do was thing about how he was so much a part of both of us and a reflection of our love for each other and for that, my love for my husband takes on so much more meaning than it did 41 weeks ago. Just when you think you really love someone, something, or someone, comes along and magnifies it even more. I am beyond blessed.

Aydan is doing fabulously, by the way! He is consistently improving with his physical therapy and I have grown to really remember that every baby is different and every baby learns at their own pace. That said, I have also grown to hate those stupid milestone charts! Aydan is actually right on track yet he still goes at his own pace, it's hard to explain. The torticollis holds him back, but it doesn't. I am just glad that his case is minor compared to others and we are fortunate enough to have wonderful insurance, his therapy has yet to cost us a dime. He is crawling and pulling himself up, but he only pulls himself up the most dangerous of places, such as the bathtub or the sharpest corner he can find. I'm assuming it's more fun that way. He says "Mama, Dada, bah-bah (bye-bye) and nigh-nigh (night-night)." He can also wave. He's pretty awesome.

Aydan and I are actually headed down to Florida a week from today. I am beyond excited, it is long overdue. We will be visiting with family and wonderful friends. Also, I am getting my hair done to tomorrow for the first time in longer than I am willing to admit! I am so pumped, I NEED this almost as much as I need that Florida trip. Yay for girly time!

And while we are on the topic of sobbing...





This song brings an amazing, happy tear to my eye every time I hear it. It reminds me so much of sweet boy. Weird, I know. It has nothing to do with sweet baby boys. It was the song that played on our way to the hospital to go have Aydan. For some reason, this was the "Oh my gosh, this is it!" song for me. I loved being pregnant but I looked forward to the moment that I got to meet my beautiful boy. This song played and I felt amazing, my body was amazing for growing this baby boy that I was so close to meeting. The song just put it into perspective for me. Less than 24 hours after that song played, I did meet my sweet boy and he was more than amazing. Probably not what the writers had in mind when they wrote the song but it will always hold a special place in my heart.

And just because...

Aydan Lee Chandler James - October 14, 2010 - 7lbs 11oz 19 1/4 inches long

A Successful Boy's Vacay and Homesick

It turns out saying goodbye to Bryan and Aydan was a lot harder than I thought, not to mention that day was just a mess from the start. I started by dropping my phone in a sink full of water and I ended up dropping Bryan's phone and shattering the entire thing literally right as they were about to pull out of the driveway. I got tears in my eyes kissing Aydan goodbye but took comfort in knowing that he was in good hands with his daddy. After they left, I decided to get one of my favorites - a Publix sub, I witness a very rude lady being well, very rude and it just made me feel even more defeated. I came home, ate my lovely sub and went to bed early. There is a happy ending - I was able to get our entire upstairs cleaned and reorganized, I also got the carpets cleaned! I went from feeling very defeated to very accomplished. The boys really enjoyed their trip and came home tired and happy. We have insurance on both of our phones, so I filed a claim on Bryan's phone and a brand new phone arrived the very next day, I was able to fix my phone with a Ziploc bag full of rice and now it is good as new! 

On Sunday we decided to go to the beach, in the two years that we've lived here, we've never ventured to one of Georgia's beaches. I think I've just felt like whatever beach Georgia had to offer was not going to be good enough. We went to Hilton Head, SC, about an hour drive from us and it was nice, much nicer than Tybee Island. We rented bikes and rode them down to a less crowded part of the beach. Aydan enjoyed a nice nap snuggled up with me on the blanket and Bryan got some great pictures of the little man's first beach trip. With all of the stress that Bryan has been dealing with at work and just the pure craziness that seems to be our life these days, it was so nice to just relax and spend the day with each other, as a family without the distraction of anything else. 

Hilton Head was truly beautiful but I just find myself really missing home lately. I will always favor Florida's beaches and I will always get butterflies every time we cross the state line and I see the brightly colored "Welcome to Florida" sign. I am more ready than ever to PCS, I think I just feel like since going back to Florida isn't an option right now, I am eager to go somewhere new and start a new chapter. 

I think there is a Florida trip in my future, just for a few days to see family and friends, especially since when we do PCS, it will be a lot harder to get down there. 

A Boy's Weekend?

Bryan's dad is headed down from Chattanooga today, they plan on driving down to Florida to catch a glimpse of the last Atlantis shuttle launch. The weather is questionable, so it might actually be rescheduled. I always work all day on Saturday so it is starting to look like Aydan will be tagging along with the boys! Of course I will miss both of my boys, I've never been away from both of them at the same time, but I'm mostly excited for them. This will be the first time that Aydan gets some undivided time with his "Papa" and his Papa won't have to share him with anyone else (except his daddy, of course). I really hope they have a fun trip, Aydan is a great traveler and really just a great baby, so I'm sure he will enjoy the trip.

The Sad Truth

The sad truth is that I tend to find myself really disappointed with some of my fellow military spouses lately. I would definitely describe myself as easy-going and open-minded, even if I don't agree with someone's opinion, I often find myself respecting them for simply having an opinion and owning up to it. I have dabbled around on different "Army Wife" type forums off and on since Bryan and I got married, at first it was a great way for me to get to learn more about the Army lifestyle and possibly make a few friends along the way. While I have "met" some wonderful women, some of which I admire more than I can say, others that I feel like I have built a great bond with, there are those few that just leave me shaking my head with my jaw on the floor. If it's not one thing it's another. Oh, where do I even begin...

I guess I will start with the disappointing fact that some of these women speak/type as if they have no more than a fifth grade education. I shouldn't have to decode someone's text, at least I really don't want to. Not only do these women avoid use of proper punctuation or use two '&' symbols (&&) instead of the normal one. The spelling, the made up abbreviations, it all just leaves me scratching my head. I don't get it.

I also don't get how some women can take someone's statement and completely turn it into something it's not to seemingly cause unnecessary drama. I'm all about a friendly debate, but i get really aggravated and annoyed when someone just refuses to be wrong or simply can't accept that someone doesn't agree with them. I'm really just over it.

I do know that these traits are not specific to military spouses, however, it saddens me that my fellow military spouses would carry themselves in such a way that leaves me wondering if they made it out of high school or the fact that some of them treat others like trash and can't stand the fact that not everything is about "winning" or being right.

I am proud to say that I do not think this is the majority. At the end of the day, I know that I have surrounded myself with an amazing group of military spouses. We are strong, courageous women. I have made some of my best friends through the Army, some of which I will soon say "see you later" to and some of which I hope to welcome into my daily life really soon.

New Blog!

I have been wanting to start a blog for several months now, mostly because I have a lot of opinions, many of which I'd rather not share through social media outlets such as Facebook or Twitter. That said, I have recently taken to Twitter to allow for a little bit more of an "uncensored" me. I am excited to see what becomes of my new blog-endeavour. :)