One day closer...

It is one day closer to having my wonderful husband (pictured above with the kids on 7/12)home!! :)

This is from last night... I think Aunt Suzanne looks very happy... positively glowing!! :)

Jemma, James and I ventured to the grocery store this afternoon. Who knew that going to the grocery store was ever going to be such an adventure?!? If you are reading this and ever see a woman with a baby in a snuggly trying to load groceries into a minivan, please stop and help her... trust me, she would greatly appreciate it! I try to figure out the safest and quickest way to do errands, but there isn't always an easy solution. With James in the infant carrier, it was much easier. He is too big for the infant carrier, but he can't sit alone yet so the snuggly is my option. Jemma is good about riding in the cart, but I always question whether to leave her in the cart while unloading because my little escapist may wind up in the parking lot when my hands are full OR put her "safely" in the car. I question the second option because of the horror stories of carjacking. However, I do put her in the car... the chances of a carjacking are significantly less than my little one escaping and running through a busy parking lot. I wonder, how many other parents are out there questioning these exact same things?!?

Suzanne's brother, Chris, is so wonderful with the kids. He has been so helpful and I don't think he even can comprehend how much I appreciate it. Here is a picture of him holding James tonight... it gave me a break to eat ice cream... pure indulgence!! :)

Busy, busy day

Yesterday was such a great and busy day! I didn't blog last night because I fell asleep nursing James... it is so nice to do that because we are all snuggled together, but my eyes sure do hurt when I wake with my contacts still in!

I called my friend, Leeann yesterday to touch base and try to get together. They just moved last week from St. Louis to Ewing, NJ. So, now they are just a little over an hour away from Andy and Suzanne! :) Leeann invited us over for a quick visit because they are unpacking their new house and packing for vacation (they left this morning). Here is a cute picture of Leeann with her Rachel Lily, who is 16 months old. We had a nice visit, although was a little crazy with the 3 kids!

When we returned, Uncle Andy took us to the firehouse to see his gear and the fire trucks. Jemma was a little timid at first because the radio was a little loud and the trucks were so big, but she warmed up quickly. She got to see all the gear (she is a big flash light fan), sit in the rescue truck and see all the neat tools, and even sit in the driver's seat and pretend to drive!

After the firehouse, we went to surprise Aunt Suzanne. She was teaching at the riding school (aka, "The Barn"). She even got special permission for Jemma to ride! Jemma had a great time riding Thunder around, weaving through cones and over poles! Jemma even helped brush the horse and give him carrots. Afterwards, she found a little frog that she made jump... she found him to be quite amusing.

By the time we got back last night, both kids were pooped! I gave them both baths and we all went right to sleep. What a good day... it makes the time until my wonderful husband returns pass much quicker. :)

Great day

Today was such a nice day! It was a lazy morning. James woke and was a happy, content baby... he just coos and giggles in the morning... I just love it! I have to post this picture from 7/24 because I managed to capture his happiness!

I was a little tired because James was rolling and kicking last night. His days of sharing my bed are almost over. He will be moving to his crib upon our return home. I made French toast and Andy made turkey bacon and we (Andy, Suzanne, Mary, Jemma and I) all had breakfast together. Then I left the kids with GrandMary and went to church with Suzanne and Andy. I was very impressed with the minister and really enjoyed the service.

I miss going to church. I have no excuse for not getting up and going and participating. I was raised going to church and I think that it just feels good. I didn't go in college and have never started going regularly again. I don't know why... yes I do- I'll openly admit it: I am lazy and selfish. Selfish because there is so little time that we get to spend together as a family that I hate to share it with others... when we have time together on the weekend, I want to spend it at home with just my kids and husband. However, I do feel the need to make myself go more often, especially now that I have kids. I think that it is important for them to have a "church family" and understand faith and religion. If they choose not to go when they are older, then it will be their option... but I need to set the example and be a better parent.

Mary left for home (CT), which always makes me sad. I like having family around, especially for the kids. I am happy that my side of the family are 3 hours away... the trip is reasonable and they can visit pretty easy. Jim's side of the family is so much farther. Andy and Suzanne are 6 hours away (unless you are travelling alone with James and Jemma and it becomes 8+ hours), the grandparents are 9+ hours away, and Ken and Karen are all the way on the west coast! I grew up with all of my family so close... I was a very lucky kid. Of course, our family does make great efforts and I try to make sure that Jemma and James know that they have lots of family and friends that love them all over the country! Thank goodness for the internet and phone and mail!!! :)

We went for a nice walk around the neighborhood and we found a swing along the trail. Andy helped Jemma swing... she loves to swing. Suzanne kept me company on the trail... I stayed with the stroller as James napped. He doesn't nap well unless he is in motion... the swing, the car, the stroller... I hope he learns to sleep better soon. Since Jemma had no nap, tonight was the easiest ever getting her to bed. She was asleep before I could even get downstairs. James, however, fought sleep. Here he is "sleeping" with Aunt Suzanne in the hammock. Did I mention that I love visiting with Andy and Suzanne?!? I just noticed the time... it is almost 11... where did the day go?!? I must get some sleep myself... only 9 more days until my husband returns home!!!! :)

Relaxation

For a special birthday gift, Suzanne and Andy gave me a spa treatment... a hot stone massage. It was heavenly, especially after spending all day yesterday in the car! My mother-in-law kept the kids and Suzanne and I enjoyed our time at the spa, had a lovely lunch and did a little shopping. It was SO, so, so nice! We had a relaxing dinner out on the deck (Chris grilled salmon and veggies and I made mac&cheese...yummy) while Jemma ran around and played in Aunt Suzanne's little pond. Uncle Andy is so great with James... he is going to make a splendid father!!

After dinner, James got a bath in the sink. Then Jemma had to take a bath in the sink, too!

We are having a great time. I am so happy that Suzanne and Andy allow us to invade their home.

I do miss my wonderful husband. Here is one of my favorite pictures taken just before he left Tuesday.

The Trip

I made it to Andy and Suzanne's house in PA. We left home at 10:30 and arrived her in Schwenksville at 7:30. The kids did really well. James slept most of the trip (thank goodness!) and Jemma was entertained most of the way. I did think that I was in for it when she announced "Mommy, I'm all singed out" and we had not even gotten to the Bay Bridge tunnel (less than an hour from home), but I think that was her sneaky way of getting to watch a DVD. She watched 2 Elmo DVDs and 1 Little Einstien DVD. We listened and sang to the CDs: Veggie Tales and Mickey Mouse. She colored, played with her doll, and drew with the DoodlePro. And she talked and questioned everything. I had to turn on the DVD player once because I needed to concentrate on the road and couldn't answer any more "Why" questions. I'm so glad we are here! I do miss my husband... here is a picture of the minivan which was quite packed!

Packing

I'm tired and still have lots to do before heading to PA tomorrow! Aunt Amy was so wonderful with all the help that she gave us today... I don't know how I would have made it through today without her. She took Jemma to swim lessons this morning and then to MyGym. I was able to get Jemma and James mostly packed while she and Jemma were out. Of course, James was a little fussy because I was not giving him my utmost attention. He did help with the laundry this afternoon.

Jemma's friend, Mya, spent the afternoon with us. Jemma had no nap and is still going at 9:15. I hope she sleeps in tomorrow or she will be a grouch!

We did a comissary run after dinner and stopped at Handel's as a treat before heading home. Such wonderful ice cream, my favorite being Graham Central Station... I got a pint in the freezer!! :)

Here's hoping the kids are good in the car tomorrow!

Bunko Night

Aunt Amy is wonderful! She gave me a night out for my birthday and I played bunko with some girls from the neighborhood. I had never played with them before, so when I left at 7 I thought I'd be home by 9... I was wrong. First there was food and socializing... we didn't even start playing until almost 8:30! Then, half way through bunko there was a "break" for ice cream. There was no complaining from me... blueberry, strawberry and chocolate... I had all three!!! I made it home at 10:30. Amy had put Jemma to bed and James was sleeping on her chest. Now my sweet baby James is sleeping in my arms as I type with one hand. It was a great day... neighborhood coffee social this morning and Bunko in the evening... I'll have to remember the fun of today when I'm packing & cleaning tomorrow!

Here is a picture of Aunt Amy with James from this afternoon.

Polka Dots

Yesterday Jemma asked Aunt Amy for polka dots. I had to laugh! It was a few weeks ago that Jemma asked for polka dots. Both Jim and I were quite confused because we didn't know what she meant. It was only a day or two later while in Foold Lion that I passed the Krispy Kreme display that we learned that "polka dots" are Jemma's way of wanting donuts. The Krispy Kreme bags are green with polka dots! Here is Jemma on 7/9 after consuming a chocolate frosted sprinkled donut. I gave her the whole donut thinking she would eat a few bites and share with mommy... she ate the whole thing!! :)

Happy Birthday to Me!

The kids are asleep and my husband is safely in Fallon, NV for a couple of weeks. I am using this precious time to blog... I will blog so I can remember and share all the precious moments!

This morning was so nice. I love to wake to see my husband beside me and it is special since we still have James in bed with us. Aunt Amy was kind enough to take Jemma to swim lessons (Jemma's picture is posted from a week ago). I just wanted to cry when Jim finished packing then left. I always hate it when he leaves... I am so proud that he serves our country and I cannot whine because I do have a husband that LOVES his job, but I do so miss him when he is gone. In the days before kids, I would write little notes and "hide" them in his luggage... today I quickly wrote one note with some photos and put it in his luggage upon his return home to give me my ID and driver's license.

James rolled over last week for the first time, but he will not perform on demand. He only seems to roll over when we aren't paying attention!

Aunt Amy, James, Jemma and I went to dinner tonight with Vicki and Amy had her first legal drink. It was an orange crush and tasted pretty yummy. Jemma rode her scooter and played with Claire when we returned home. It was overall a good day. I had lots of phone calls and wishes for a happy birthday. I am a very lucky girl! :)

Reflection of Yesterday

Yesterday I donned my best tiara (the one from my wedding... my only tiara), fanciest shoes, Hokie shirt and beads and helped to celebrate the life of Hannah. It was quite a celebration. I'm in awe of Rachel and Brien... they have a love and strength that was evident to everyone. It is certainly a day that I will remember forever. It was beautiful and Rachel described it in her blog: http://hannahandlily.blogspot.com/.

Jemma stayed at home with Aunt Amy and James was with us, of course. He "talked" through almost the entire cerermony... only 4 months olds and already a talker! Rachel said that he could see the angels and was just talking with them and I had to agree. I was so happy to have my husband by my side... he provides such comfort and strength! I did my share of crying and laughing... you could not help but laugh at some of Hannah's costumes and faces!

I've hugged and kissed Jemma and James more than usual... and that is alot! I hope to never forget to cherish each and every moment. Time passes much too quickly and we must remember to savor every fancy moment!!

Inspired!

I've been inspired by my friend, Rachel to blog. She has an amazing blog about her life with Hannah and Lily. She lost her little girl and it was such a wonderful thing to see how people reached out through the internet to offer such support and love. Here begins my attempt to share my life with my family.

I have a beautiful daughter, Jemma, who is 2 1/2. I also have a big baby boy, James. (The picture is of Jemma holding James.) My husband, Jim is my partner and souce of strength and love. I am a truly lucky woman!