GOODBYES. YES, MORE THAN ONE

This past week Chris left for deployment and we were lucky enough to get to say goodbye twice.  If you can't tell, I am being very sarcastic when I say lucky.  We said goodbye one night and he ended up not leaving, coming back and having to say goodbye again the next night.  His deployment in 2007 we said goodbye 4 times and it is not easy.  And it is definitely not any easier with kids.  I felt so bad for Alexander.  He was pretty confused, but seems to be handling it well so far.  He's been a bit emotional, but it's hard to tell if it's deployment related or if it's because he's 2.  It's so tough because you love having the extra day with him, but you also just want him to go ahead and leave so that you can start looking forward to him coming home.  So now the countdown to his return is on!

I was able to talk to Chris today and he has made it to his second leg of the trip.  He should hopefully be in his final destination in a few days.   He seems to be doing well so far. 

We've been pretty busy the past few days and I'm trying to continue keeping us busy.  We've been to the park, playing with neighbors, watching soccer games, and having friends over.  Alexander was also sent a toy train from his Great Grandmother and he has been playing with that every chance he gets. 

Anna is as lovely as ever.  Today she was awake for a whole 2 hours in a row and was very content the whole time.  I keep waiting for her to snap and hit a really rough patch, but for now she is a wonderful and calm baby.  An absolute sweetheart!

FAMILY WEEKEND

This past weekend we were trying to get in as much family time as possible before Chris leaves.  Chris had Monday off for Columbus Day so we were able to do some really fun stuff.  Saturday night we went out for an adult (and babies) dinner to farewell some really good friends who are moving to England.  It was a great evening!  Sunday the weather was beautiful so we took the kids to a local state park to do some hiking.  Alexander turned out to be quite the little hiker.  He picked up a walking stick and a pine cone before we left the parking lot!  He absolutely loved hiking through the woods and didn't tire out until the hike up the hill back to the car.  I held Anna in the Moby and she was also a happy little hiker.  Actually she just slept, but she seemed pretty happy.  On Monday we took the kids to go pumpkin picking.  Alexander was so excited!  We took a hayride, picked pumpkins, fed some fish, went down a giant slide, swam in some corn, and much more. We had a great weekend together!



Alexander, the Trailblazer!




He learned all about following marked trails.



On top of Daddy's shoulders!

Family photo.  One of us doesn't look happy...

another try on the hay ride, still no smile.

he carried it all the way back to the tractor.

swimmimg in corn!

ANNA ROLLING

Today Anna rolled over for the very first time and Chris and I both missed it!  But then she did it 3 more times and we were able to see those.  Even though it seems as if she usually just naps during tummy time, it must be paying off. 

ANNA GROWING

Last Friday I had to take Anna to the doctor for her eye.  It was tearing and there was mucas in her eye.  It seems that she scratched her eye and I have to put ointment in it for a week.  It doesn't seem to bother her at all though. While there she was weighed and with all her clothes on was 10lbs, 7oz!  She has gained 3lbs in 5 weeks!  I can't believe how big she is getting!

Uncle Brian and Auntie Claire also visited this last weekend.  We had a wonderful time and celebrated Thanksgiving with Chris. 

ALEXANDER'S ANTICS

Alexander is so funny and smart these days.  This morning, before he was even out of his pajamas, he got it in his head that we were going to go somewhere in the "ga ga" (car).  I told him that we weren't going anywhere yet he proceeded to go and put on his shoes.  Then he tried to get out of the house into the garage to go to the car.  Well the door was locked and thankfully he can't reach the lock yet.  This was not to deter him.  He went into our bedroom and found Chris's keys.  He took them to the door and realized once again that he wasn't tall enough to get the key in the door.  Well, once again he had a solution to this problem.  He went and found our step ladder and took it over to the door.  He had some problems at first getting it out and upright, but he eventually won that battle.  He climbed on up and tried his hardest to get the key in the hole.  Luckily for us, he's still not that good with his hand-eye coordination.  During all of this he didn't ask Chris or I for help even once.  His problem solving skills and his determination just amaze me. 

And of course I couldn't leave out Miss Anna.  Here are a few pics of my beautiful little girl in her pretty little dress.