Melt Down!

Jemma had a melt down yesterday. She woke from her nap and, as I prepared James' dinner, started crying "I want my daddy." It was so sad. I had just got her calm (after lots of hugs and explaining that daddy has to go to work and he would be home as soon as he can), when he walked in the door! It was only a 30 minute visit, but it was such a wonderful visit. He took Jemma and they snuggled on the couch and talked about Daddy flying jets and being on a big boat. Both kids were HAPPY to see their daddy!

Just before Jim left, he and Jemma shared pizza. Jemma pulled her chair as close as physically possible to sit next to her daddy. "Daddy, can you sit next to me? Can you sit beside me, Daddy? Daddy, can you be close to me?" She is such a Daddy's girl.

Monday was the first time that someone else picked Jemma up at school. Merin called and offered to pick up Jemma since she was getting Mya at the same time. Jemma loved getting to ride with Mya!

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Tuesdays and Thursdays have such a different tempo than Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no rush to get out the door... we stayed in our pjs most of this morning. Jemma usually stays in bed until someone goes to get her. However, at 7:05 this morning I hear a small voice at my door, "Mommy, the sun is up." I had been awake with James for about an hour, but we had just been snuggling in bed... nursing, cuddling, singing songs. I invited Jemma to join us, but with her energy level, snuggling lasts about 2 minutes in the morning! So, we all went downstairs to get breakfast and play. When James took his morning nap, Jemma helped me pot 2 new mums that we bought Monday. She had a blast playing in the water and dirt! It was a beautiful, perfect sunny day. She played in her sandbox for a while and then we went next door and she played with the kids on the swingset. I put James in the swing and he loved it. Addison (7 year old neighbor) pushed James and talked to him and James just giggled. He really likes Addison... he watches him and gives him great smiles! I enjoy getting to chat with Amy while our kids play. I love our neighborhood... we have such wonderful neighbors!

When both kids were supposed to be napping, I decided to shower. I had just gotten in the shower and turned on the water when I heard, "Mommy, can I take a shower too?" Jemma decided that today was a no nap day. I suggested that she play with her puzzle while I showered and then she could shower, so I did manage to get a nice shower alone...

Jemma's school had open house tonight. It was from 5:30 until 7. The school didn't send out any information about the open house except the time, so I had no idea what to expect. I was a little surprised when I walked in at 5:45 to a room full of parents sitting to listen to the teacher go over a ton of information. James was not in a mood to be quiet and sit still, so I missed most of the open house. It was not as I had expected... I thought it would be a casual go in/out, get some flyers, chat with the teacher, see the classroom... oops! I apolgized several times to the teacher. Jemma wore her dress that she loves from her Aunt Suzanne and her sparkly shoes.

Having Visitors...

I love having visitors! Nicole, Byan and Logan visited this weekend and it was so nice. Here are the kids playing Saturday morning. Logan is so content to stay in one place and play and he sits so perfectly. James has no desire to sit or stay in one place. He is so close to crawling that it is scary!

Here we are at the park with the kids after dinner (turkey with carrots from the crockpot, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad and crescent rolls... yummy!) last night.

The kids were playing on the floor this morning. It was so sad to have them leave.

We went to Cole's 3rd birthday party this evening. Jemma got to sing happy birthday, eat cake, wack a pinata, swing, slide, blow bubbles, and jump on the trampoline. It was a kid's paradise and she loved it. James had such fun watching all the kids and was bouncing in my arms. He wants to get down and walk and run and play so, so much!

On Friday, Jim checked his schedule and he was not on it for the weekend. I was overjoyed! Saturday night at 8:30, he got the call to report to Norfolk at 8:30 am on Sunday morning... gotta love change! I have to focus that he will be home soon. :)

Where did this week go?!?

It is Friday night and I am wondering how this week has gone by so quickly...

Monday

Jemma had school and is now quite proficient at saying the Pledge of Allegiance. It is very impressive since she had not heard the Pledge before school began. Of course, we do recite it at least 20 times in the car on our way home!

Jim flew late... they are preparing for CQ (Carrier Qualification, which means that they have to successfully land on the boat). To prepare for the CQ, they have to practice ("bounce") on land during the day and night. It annoys me to have people complain about the jet noise, especially at night. Don't they understand that our aviators need to practice and maintain proficiency?!? I'm on my soapbox, so I'll get off now...

Tuesday

The kids and I didn't venture out until dinner time. Then we went to meet Jim for dinner on base. We had planned to do a picnic at the playground, but it was too windy. So, we went to Jim's office. Jemma loves going to the hanger and seeing the jets. James was being a little fussy and the drool is out of control... he had got to be teething!

Wednesday

Jim flew late last night, so he was home this morning long enough for me to take a shower! I love having the luxury of taking a shower without hurrying to entertain/take care of the kids.

I took James to have his 6 month pictures done. They turned out wonderful! I took him to the Picture People. I knew that I would spend too much money... and yes, I did. However, I could not resist. After getting a couple of pictures with his cute little boy outfit (striped onesie and jeans), I asked Amy (the photographer) if we could take his clothes off to capture his little fat rolls and she agreed. He was such a happy little guy once we took off his clothes! I am so happy to have these pictures... absolutely priceless!

Our old neighbor, Brian, stopped by for a visit. He was in town for a business meeting, so he just dropped by. I love friends and neighbors who just stop in! Unfortunately Jim was flying, so he missed the visit... hopefully Brian and Nicole and Lexi will all be able to visit us again. They live in San Diego now and don't make it back East often enough! Jemma misses Lexi... they played together very well.

Thursday

Nicole (my sister), Bryan (her husband) and Logan (their nine month old) arrived for a visit! I am so happy to have them here. I spent the entire morning cleaning and preparing the guest room... of course, I did have to entertain and take care of the kids, too. The guest room was a disaster and now it is rather presentable... I have some more work to do, but it is better than it has been for a while. Bryan picked Jemma up and she said, "You're prickly... you need to shave!" You just never know what she is going to say. Nicole, Bryan, Logan, Jemma, James and I ventured to Panera for lunch... 3 adults and 3 kids... and it was still an adventure! But it was yummy and I didn't have to cook or clean. Jim was home for dinner. He grilled pork chops and I had made baked potatoes... oh, so good! After dinner, I gave Logan a bath and got him ready for bed. He was so easy going. Logan loved the bath and was incredibly cooperative putting on his pajamas... I like being able to spend time with him. After the kids were all in bed, Nicole and I went out to Target. It was nice to just get out of the house and spend a little quiet time with Nicole.

Friday (Today)

It is so wonderful to have Nicole here... she is such a great Mom. Little Logan is so mellow and sweet.

This morning, James and Logan were playing on the floor. James looked at Logan and did one of his "coos" rather loudly. Logan looked at him and just started crying! I don't know what was "said" but it upset poor little Logan... I felt so bad, but I also had to laugh... it was cute and strange and funny and rather puzzling.

Nicole and Bryan took Logan to the aquarium while Jemma napped this afternoon. I thought Jemma was going to stop napping, but she still really needs a nap, especially after school!

We had Merin and Mya (age 3), Jody and Elena (age 2) and Luc (age 4 weeks), Nicole and Bryan and Logan (age 9 months) plus our family for dinner. Jim made 22 hamburgers on the grill (yeah for leftovers) and we had a blast with all the kids. It was crazy, but so much fun! We kept enticing the kids to eat more dinner with the promise of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (I cheated and bought the refrigerated dough). Here is the kids table: Here is Jody with Elena.Jemma, Mya and Elena put on their sparkly dress up clothes after dinner and played with beads. It seemed like the time just flew by! Now, I am off to bed... more fun is in store for tomorrow!

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Happy Birthday, Hannah (9/21/01)... here was Hannah in July 2005... such a sparkly, lovely little girl. Our sparkliest wishes are sent to Rachel and Brien and Lily today...

Wonderful weekend!

On Friday afternoon, we began our adventure to Blacksburg. We took 460 and stopped by Lynchburg to visit Brian and Meredith and their two boys, Hunter and Garrett. I so wished I had taken the camera out and gotten a few pictures with their wonderful little family. We really enjoyed our visit. The kids got to play (Jemma loved the mini-trampoline and chalk board) and the adults were able to talk. Brian and Meredith are such incredibly wonderful people and I wonder why we don't get together more often... it is only 4 hours between us...

We arrived in Blacksburg Friday night just after nine. (Not bad since we left at 2:30 and spent almost 2 hours in Lynchburg!) Both kids had fallen asleep in the car (noteworthy since Jemma does not sleep in the car) after getting to play in Lynchburg. Thankfully, they continued to sleep long enough for Jim to unpack the car and set up the hotel room. (Have I mentioned what a wonderful husband and devoted father he is?!?) Jemma slept on the pull out couch... her first night in a "big" bed. (She sleeps in a twin bed at home and the couch pulls out to a full size, so it was big to her!) James slept really good in the pack-n-play.

Saturday was the big day! It was James' first football game. Here we are before the game. It was perfect weather... warm and sunny with a breeze. I love Blacksburg in the early Fall!We all had a fabulous time. We went to Hokie Bird's birthday party. Jemma was able to watch Hokie Bird leave on a scooter and have her hand (she didn't want the face) painted with a VT and Hokie tracks. Uncle Andy got us passes to his company's box. It was so, so, so nice. The people in the box were incredibly nice and we got to enjoy watching our Hokies win! Yippie!!

Suzanne is now showing. She is such a cute pregnant lady!

James just adores Uncle Andy. Andy has had a special bond with him since day one. It is so wonderful to see Andy so comfortable with James! And just look at how happy Jemma is with her Daddy!! :)

We are lucky to have Uncle Andy and Aunt Suzanne want to spend so much time with the kids. They give the kids so much love and attention and we are so happy to be able to share in their lives. I'm so happy to have another niece or nephew on the way!

Sunday afternoon we headed home and stopped by South Boston for a visit with Granny and Papa. Tomorrow is Papa's birthday, so we had a big lunch with an ice cream cake for dessert. Here Jemma is holding a sweet potato from Papa's garden. Aunt Nicole brought Logan up from Raleigh and Aunt Amy was visiting from Danville with her fiance, Jerry. The only one missing was Bryan, who was on call for work. Here is Logan and James playing.

Papa had James sitting with him on the 4 wheeler before we left... then all the grandkids joined in the fun! :)

Now, we are home. Jim had to shower and change quickly because he is flying tonight. I gave the kids dinner, baths, and put them to bed. Jemma was tired! She did not have a nap today and yesterday was a big, fun-filled day, so she went right to sleep. James napped in the car, so he was a bit difficult to get to sleep but I think he is happy to be back in his crib. I'm off to sleep myself... it has been a great weekend! :)

Not ready!!!

I’m not ready for this… I haven’t gotten a good picture yet, but James has had the perfect form for crawling quite a few times in the recent days. He has pushed up onto his hands for a while and he has been putting his legs underneath him to rock, but Tuesday was his first genuine crawling pose. It scares me to think of him crawling… he can already cover a lot of ground rather quickly just rolling!

We went to playgroup this morning. It is always so nice for the kids to play and I love talking with the other moms… I’m lucky to have met such a nice group of women! Jemma and the kids made trail mix as a treat before leaving playgroup. On the way home she asked “What’s this? What does this say?” at least 30 times… and everytime I responded with “It’s a M honey. There is a M stamped on every M&M candy. M starts words like Milk, Money…” And her response was “Oh. I like ‘M’s and I like candy. It is good for me.” And I would have to clarify yet again that M&M’s are a treat and they are not really good for you, so we have to save them for a special time. She really is my little girl… she loves chocolate!

Jemma has discovered that she can open the refrigerator on her own. She has been physically able to do it for a while, but we’ve been able to distract/discourage her from opening it until now. Today she asked for “delicious grapes” and I gave her a few. Apparently, I did not give her enough because she went into the refrigerator and pulled out a huge bunch and said, “Look I have a lot of delicious grapes.” I have my hands full…

Vicki brought Rae over tonight for a visit. She has grown so much and is quite the cute little girl. She and Jemma had fun playing… here they are with the jump rope. I noticed again tonight how much easier it is to have another adult to help with bedtime. Both kids were not very cooperative getting to bed! It was after 9 before they both settled down and even now at 9:30 James is being restless. Jemma should nap well after no nap today...

Today is our 4 year anniversary. It has been a wonderful, fabulous, amazing 4 years. I love my husband more and more each day… and I didn’t think it was possible to love him more than the day that I married him! We had such a perfect wedding day… my only wish was to have it last longer… I loved having my friends and family there with us to celebrate… I had such FUN! Now, I wish my husband was here to snuggle on the couch with me. He is flying and he doesn’t land until after midnight… but at least I’ll have him home and beside me soon!!

Tomorrow we depart for Blacksburg. I’m so excited. I have not been back to VA Tech in almost a year. I love going back there… it is almost like going home again. We are going to take the kids to Hokie Bird’s birthday celebration and then to the football game on Saturday. Hopefully, we will play better this week against Ohio. I would love to see the Hokies win!


A recap of the last few days:

Monday
Mya spent Sunday night with us and I took the girls to school on Monday. Here are a couple of pictures of them just before heading off to school.

Tuesday (9/11)
James had pears Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. He liked pears much better than bananas. He does know when it is time for food… he will not nurse and gives me a look that I interpret as “FEED ME NOW!” I made yams to try tomorrow. Here is Jemma feeding James some rice cereal.

Wednesday
While I was in the kitchen this morning, I heard Jemma talking in the living room (not unusual), but it was more than pretend talking. She had found my cell phone and called Jim at work. She was having a conversation with her Daddy… she certainly keeps me on my toes. James and I just spent a quiet morning at home while Jemma was at school. I had a few things that I needed to do and he needed a long, good nap. Jemma had a great day at school… the Tumble Bus was there and she reports that she got to jump. Although Jemma talks a lot, it is hard to actually get a clear picture of what exactly she did and learned at school. I’m really looking forward to the open house when we can talk with the teachers. Merin made lasagna and brought it over… so yummy and I didn’t have to cook!! :)

James had yams today and loves them. He will open his mouth and lunge at the spoon for more. Maybe he will like vegetables better than Jemma! Here is James in Jemma's swing... we can't use it because he just reaches out and stops the swing... I'm afraid it will hurt his little arms!

So, so gross...

Sometimes I wish I were the working parent and not home... very rarely, but at times like this:

About 30 minutes ago Jemma came out from her room and proclaimed, "Mommy I had a really big poop." (She had been in her bed talking to herself for almost an hour... she should have been napping, but there are those days when she doesn't nap but does have "quiet time" which is acceptable to me.) And she does wear a diaper to nap in, so this shouldn't have been a big deal...

However, as I went upstairs I noticed that she was COVERED in poop! It was disgusting. I had to put her in the tub and scrub her all over, including her hair. I had to strip her bed and wash her clothes and clean the actual bed itself. Yick! Yick, yick, yick!!!! Anyone got any ideas on how to convince a 2 year old that poop is not to be played with?!? She is a smart kid but I can't seem to make her understand that we do not play with poop. I'm off to put clean sheets on her bed...

Our internet still is not very cooperative… sporatically, it works but usually there is usually just a flashing light. So, I’m typing this in Word and when I finally have that moment of connection, I’ll post really quick!

Thursday
James had his 6 month checkup. He is 19 lbs 15 1/2 oz... only 1/2 ounce short of 20 pounds! That puts him in the 88% for his age. He is 28 3/4 inches long, which is still off the charts. He must get his height from Jim's side... maybe he'll be as tall as his Uncle Andy! Everything went wonderfully and he didn't even cry that much when they give him the shots. Jemma was such a great big sister... she sat and watched quietly and patiently. (I did give her fruit snacks to keep her happy and occupied.)

Jemma keeps saying "Mommy, talk more." I have explained that my throat is sore and I don't feel very well but she just doesn't like that answer. This cold has got to go away… there is too much to do to be sick!


Friday
Jemma’s 2nd day of school. One of my happiest moments was when I met the teacher, Ms. Kathleen for the first time. She told me that Jemma was a “Model student… good potty example for the other kids… plainly speaks and answers questions.” I am so proud and so happy, yet a little sad. It seems like just yesterday when she would cry and be so, so upset whenever I would leave her for the shortest time and now she is quite independent and welcomes the opportunity to go to school.

James loves to jump... can you see his big smile? He has gotten to be such a wonderful baby... I love this age!!! :)

Jim had the afternoon off due to the airshow. Our plan was to pick Jemma up from school, stop by Chick-fil-A as a treat for Jemma’s first week of school, and go to the base for the airshow. It was just after Noon when a friend called and told us an airplane had crashed at the airshow. We still don’t know why it crashed and our hearts go out to the aviator’s family… I am so glad that we weren’t there to witness it because I just don’t know how I would explain that to Jemma. We did go to the base and see the static displays and the Blue Angels performed… but they were too loud for James and Jemma.

Yesterday, the pediatrician encouraged me to start more foods with James, so last night we started bananas. He loves his oatmeal and rice cereal. He doesn’t appear to like bananas… we’ll try them for a few more days. I start with bananas because they are so easy and available… I hope he changes his mind and likes bananas soon. We had a yummy dinner (crockpot pork, asparagus, crescent rolls, mashed potatoes) then went for a walk around the neighborhood… of course, we walked over and/or jumped on every manhole! I am feeling much better except for this awful sore throat… I don’t want to talk because it hurts… thank goodness for the throat spray!

Saturday
We went to a birthday party for Marisa today at Taylor Farm. Marisa turned 4. She is truly an amazing little girl. She was born premature and has not had an easy beginning. Her mother, Michelle is a wonderful and inspiring woman. She is always so positive and so nice… she is truly a joy to know and we appreciated being invited to Marisa’s celebration! Here is a picture of Jemma with the goats.

After the party, we went to the mall and got new sneakers for Jemma. They are so cute and they have lights. I planned to do it before school started, but just didn’t quite make it! We went for a lovely walk around the neighborhood after dinner and acknowledged every manhole. Afterwards we went to Rita’s for mango Italian water ice. Jemma gets the little trial size cup and we just refill it… it is the perfect size. James was just content to sit in the stroller and coo and smile and squeal with delight. Thankfully, my throat is feeling better! Yippie!!!!

Sunday
James slept all night! Jim made pancakes for breakfast (a triple batch, so we have them for the entire week) and I again realize what an amazing and wonderful husband I have. Jim took Jemma to the airshow. (It is just too loud for James and I didn't want to battle keeping earplugs in his ears.) Apparently, according to Daddy, French fries and fruit snacks are an appropriate lunch at an airshow. Who knew?!?

James and I went to the grocery store. He rode in the stroller and had a grand time looking at everyone and everything. He is quite the little people watcher. I made pears for James for dinner. He had bananas for the past 3 days, but didn’t really like them. He seemed to like the pears better.

Mya came to sleep over tonight. Merin is on her way back from a wedding in CA, so we are watching Mya for the evening. Jemma and Mya had such fun today. The just laugh and play. It makes me a little sad that Jemma will never have a sister… bedtime made me think of talking to Nicole in the bunkbeds growing up. Sometimes my parents would have to tell us several times to stop talking and just go to sleep. Tonight, I finally had to move Jemma to our bedroom and leave Mya in Jemma’s room. They were so cute talking… but they needed to go to sleep… they have school tomorrow!

Jemma's First Day of Preschool

Today was Jemma's first day of preschool. It seems like just yesterday that she was so tiny and dependent. Now, she is off to school! She has a Hello Kitty backpack with a Hello Kitty wallet. I put a couple of pictures in the wallet just in case she misses us.James fell asleep in the car on the way to take Jemma to school, so Jim took Jemma inside for the first day. He said that she was so interested in the classroom that she barely even noticed that he left! When I went to get her, she greeted me with "Hello, Mommy. I had a good day at school." I am so happy that she had a great first day!

Home, sweet home...

Our adventure is over and we are home! We had a lovely time in CT... I'll try to post more about that trip tomorrow.

James is now a little man on the move. He rolls and rolls and rolls and scoots on his belly. No more leaving him in one place and expecting him to stay there!

Jemma starts preschool tomorrow. I'm so excited for her. I can hardly believe that my baby is going to preschool, though. She has a pink Hello Kitty backpack and lunch box. She is ready... I'm not sure how I'll be in the morning.

My memorable Jemma story from today: From the backseat I hear, "Mommy, you have to stop all the way!" Apparently, a rolling stop is not adequate... yes, I was busted by a 2 year old for not coming to a complete stop at the stop sign. Maybe she is going to be a policewoman/traffic cop when she grows up!