ANNA'S 2 MONTH

Last Thursday I took Anna for her 2 month check up (I know, I can't believe she's already 2 months old either!) and she is looking good.  She now weighs 11 lbs 3 oz, 42% and she is just under 23", 48%.  She also had to get 3 shots and took them pretty well until a few hours later.  She took a nap later in the day and woke up screaming and continued to scream for over an hour.  And this is really rare for my calm little girl and I knew that she wasn't feeling well.  I think that her leg must have been really, really sore.  I felt so badly for her, she just seemed miserable.  She eventually calmed down and then slept a lot the next day, but seemed to feel okay.  Overall she is still just as pleasant as ever.  Such a sweetie!! 

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.