Kicking butt!

Last night was another volleyball game...can't remember the name of the team we played, but we won! Yeah! I was so proud of myself...I played a lot and got a lot of points thanks to our practice we had on Tuesday. My coach got a little upset with me during practice because while we were playing doubles, he wanted me to practice my hitting, but I wouldn't do it. I just remember back from High School how I could never really get a very good hit and so I would look for the "holes" on the other court and try to tip it over. Not a very good strategy after a while when the other team gets used to it. So, he told me that since it was practice to just swing away...so I did. Let me just say...It REALLY wasn't pretty. Every hit...out, long. I couldn't get it into the court unless I aimed for one of my teammates who we were scrimmaging against.

I expected the same going into our game on Wednesday, but when I got set, it just clicked and I hammered it! I got a kill! He set me two more times, I got two more kills. I was hitting down the line (extremely hard to do from the right side) and was getting it in and getting a point for it! Hooray for practice and me finally getting it! I also paid attention to my serving and the position of our opponents and served many a point last night too! Needless to say, I was a happy camper last night with my performance. Now, I hope that this new found skill and confidence can stay with me the rest of the season. Our record now...3 - 1.

Never ending!

This weekend was so much fun! Saturday we picked our neighbor Jonell up from the airport in Jackson, about an hour and a half away. Since she came in around noon, we decided that it would be fun to take the kids to the zoo to see the animals. Christian and Brooklyn both loved the Elephants! We stood there and watched them for a good 10 minutes (not that they were moving that much, but the kids loved them). We hit up a Starbucks on the way back since there isn't one in Meridian! Yes, I know...it really sucks! I'm surviving though.

Sunday, Jonell rented one of the bouncy houses for the kids to play on for Jared's birthday party. Poor Christian was so afraid of it at first until I actually spent some time in it with just us and Brooklyn. Then he realized that it wasn't going to pop, so he relaxed a bit and actually started jumping. After a while, Jonell's friend Arron came over and played on it with Christian. Poor Arron was worn out by my little man after only about 15 minutes. He said that he was chasing Christian around the bouncy house the whole time...I told him that I figured. Christian loves being chased.

We won our game on Monday for volleyball. We played Security who only had 3 players that day, but won quite easily. So, now we're in regular season and our record is 2 - 1. We had practice yesterday and only 4 of us showed up. I was so worn out by the end, my legs were shaking. It was so much fun though. I dove for a ball at one point and got a floor burn on my side. Thanks a lot love handles, if I didn't have you, I wouldn't have gotten a floor burn! We have another game tonight...I think it's against the students from the NTTC...yes, Shane's work...and I'm playing for the Marines. Hopefully the only student that knows me won't tell the other players...not that they'll care. My play group moms tease me and tell me I'm a traitor. They're the only team that wanted spouses to play...and if NTTC had asked Shane, he probably wouldn't have thought that I wanted to play, so wouldn't have signed me up.

Some words to giggle about...Christian calls bananas "baminas," he used to say "stoo poo" for stupid and when he tells me that something is delicious, he says it's "awishus." Also, he sings the irreplacable song by Beyonce...you must not know 'bout me and to the "wef," to the "wef." His new favorite song is Sweet Escape by Gwen. He sings the part of the guy who's making the trumpet sound singing; "Oo-oo, Whee-oo." He's so cute, I just love him to pieces!

Anyway, that's about it for now. I'll post some more pictures of the babies.


He turned away from the camera, so I told him that I would take a picture of his rear end...so he turned around and smiled for me!


She likes to crawl into the cupboard next to the dishwasher...

Disappointing...

About 3 weeks ago, I ordered this dresser/changer combo thing from Wal-Mart. After researching them for weeks, I finally settled on this one from good old Wally World because all the other places that carried the same dresser were more expensive. Man...I'm so upset. I get the dresser here, start to put it together and find that they didn't send me the hardware to put the whole thing together! So, as I'm going through the pieces, I find that 4 of them, including the main bottom piece is BROKEN!!! I had to wait until morning to call the company because they were closed by the time I started putting it together.

Tuesday morning, I call the company to tell them about the hardware and reorder the 4 pieces and end up having to call them back because I couldn't find that stupid sticker that had the model number and country made in! Ahhh!!! I call them back and get all the things ordered only to get the customer service woman telling me that they'll get the hardware out to me asap, but the pieces I need won't be here for at least 3 weeks. The processing of that order will take that long!!! HELLO??? DO YOU SERIOUSLY NEED 3 WEEKS TO SEND ME 4 PIECES OF STUPID WOOD?

Today was looking up though, I got the hardware and finally got to put some the dresser together! I was so excited and Christian was helping me (he's so cute). I had him putting the pieces of the hardware in that were really easy and he wanted to help screw in some of the screws, but wasn't strong enough to put them in. After I got all the things in that I could...I went to put the drawers together and what did I find??? ALL THE SIDES WERE MISSING BUT 1!!!! I can't win for losing!!!

Ok, sorry, enough about that...today was the picnic for the NTTC (Naval Technical Training Center) workers. It was really fun since I knew people this time. Some of the kids from the play group were there, so Christian had someone to play with while we watched Shane play softball. I saw a few of the guys that I play volleyball with too...yes, they are Marines, but today just happened to be their picnic too. Lots of fun!!

Now, I just need to get myself to bed so that I can catch up on some lost rest from this week. Good night!


She loves Goldfish, but all we had were Whales!


He was trying not to take the picture, but I caught him when he turned around.

So busy!

How is it that I can't remember Friday...at all!?! Maybe because we've been on the go for so many days now that those memories have taken over. Saturday we went to Wes Blish's birthday party. He's a little boy from the playgroup. He turned 3. That was a rough day. It started out with Christian being a little twerp (a nicer description than how he was actually behaving) and me threatening to not even go to the party. Despite his behavior, we made it to the party...only to have Christian cry when we got there because he was being shy and didn't want to go see the other boys. These are the same boys that we've seen every Wednesday for the last 6 or 7 months in a row, and also the same boys that he sees in MOPS every other Thursday. Anyway, I finally got him to come and sit by me for a couple of minutes and miraculously, everything turned around. He got up, went and played with the other boys, and even started listening to me when I told him something. The best part of the whole party was when Christian drove Brooklyn around in the litele Power Wheels Jeep. They were so cute, I can't even begin to explain...I'll just have to put the pictures on when I get them! Poor Brooklyn though, her little legs were about 2 inches short to reach the floor of the Jeep so every time Christian took off, she rocked backward and when Christian backed up, as soon as his foot hit the pedal, she rocked forward! It was a little more dramatic than rocking, but she wasn't hurt.

We also got a new couch on Saturday too! I love it, but we have to wait for it to come in since we didn't want the pea green floor model! It's the regular size of a couch, but the side where the third seat is is actually a chaise lounge. It's going to be great! We also got Christian a dresser that has a storage cabinet up top...which can later be turned into a media cabinet so we can put a TV and things up in there. I'm so excited for it!

Sunday we woke up and went to church with Jonell (my neighbor). She just found out that she's pregnant too, but only about 4 weeks along, if that. I'm so excited for her and that I'm going to get to play with a new baby! Anyway, I dropped the kids off at the nursery...and I'm happy to report that Brooklyn didn't cry the whole time she was there. I didn't spend 30 minutes or anything in there like I had intended to, but did spend about 5 or 10 minutes in there with her. We played with some toys and then I kissed her and told her I would be back in a little while. She did cry, but they laid her down and she took a nap! Hooray!

That evening we went to a baby shower for a guy on the softball team's wife. It was so fun and the fact that I got to bring the kids was even better! We played the melted candy bar in the diaper game, which was totally fun. There was a lady there that couldn't get past the look of it to actually smell and figure out what one it was. She made some great faces though and made everyone laugh just watching her.

We didn't do anything yesterday except for housework and mowing the lawn. Christian was cute walking along beside me with his little mower...until he got bored with it and went to play with Brooklyn in the back of my truck. It was a fun day though and very productive!


Christian painting with his shirt off.


Brooklyn really isn't used to wearing hats!


Can he look any more angelic?!?

Thought I should post some pictures of the babies since they're more fun to look at than my rambling! Enjoy!

Ouch!

So, I've recently discovered that Brooklyn has SEVERE separation anxiety. Lately, when I leave her with the sitters at the MOPS meeting...she screams the whole time...it's 2 hours. It's not because she's sad, there's no tears, but because she's mad. I'm not quite sure what I should do because I was reading that maybe the sitters and the atmosphere's just not right for her. I think what I might start doing is showing up to the meetings super early, so she can get accustomed to the surrounding before I have to leave her. We'll probably even be there before the sitters and other children, which might be good too so she can have some 1 on 1 time with the sitter and be comfortable. Sounds good to me, hopefully it will work. I'll try it next week when the next meeting is.

Last night we had another volleyball game...lost in 3. I got the ball a lot more, which means I made a lot more mistakes, but I had fun. Our coach and fellow baller was so mad at the end, he just went to the back of the court and buried his head in the bleachers. It was actually funny to me, but I didn't laugh about it in front of him. I'm a little scared of him because he's so intense about the game. I think it's also because he sees the potential of the team and we're definitely not playing as well as we should be. I have an updated picture of my bruised arm...looks a lot worse than it really is. I just look a little like I've been abused or something!


Amazing that the left arm has very little bruising...but this right arm...

Anyway, that's about all for now.

more volleyball!

Today was fun...we had our third game and finally won! We won't mention that the other team had only 2 players...oops, it slipped out. Anyway, so now we're 1 and 2, but today was better than before. I felt more comfortable out on the court and since the coach removed me from the setter position, I had A LOT less contact with the ball, and made fewer mistakes. I know it sounds weird, but when I did get the ball and didn't make a mistake, it made it even better for me mentally playing. It's a little hard to explain, but it makes sense to me. The only bad part about playing...is that I'm up late and can't fall asleep. I'll figure it out sooner or later.

Remember earlier in my other post how I said that my arm was bruised? Well, here's a picture of that just to illustrate how easily bruised I am now...it's a little hard to tell because of the flash, but it's there.


That's just the right, the left looks the same!

On to another topic...we've been having beautiful weather here...mid to upper 70's and even in the 80's today! I've been taking the kids for more walks and to the playground a lot more, just so we can get out of the house. It helps for us to get out...the boy is much better behaved and Brooklyn can practice her acrobatics on the playground too. We've been taking the covered wagon that Christian has, and they're absolutely adorable in it!


Christian really wanted the camera, but I wouldn't give it to him...you'll see what happens next.


Yes, that is our favorite boy crying in his lap...nap time anyone?!?!

When we're in the house, the kids have been having a great time playing with the two new big toys that Brooklyn got for her birthday. Even though Christian's 3, he's still into the little people toys! I'm all right with it until he starts grunting like the girl does when she wants something, then I make him talk...mean mommy!


Gotta love the bounce 'n spin zebra!


Hello musical learning chair, can I climb up onto you? She does...and then she tries to climb onto the table...we're going to move that toy tomorrow.

Well, I'm finally tired...hope all is well. Good night!

My boys

Last night was really cute...while I was updating my blog here, I turned around to find this...



It was so cute, they were laying there watching some show on the TV. It's very rare to see Christian cuddling with Shane though, so when it does happen, I try to capture the moment. Christian caught me trying to take this picture.



After this, Christian decided he would try to convince me that he could play with my camera...



Sneaky little boy, he was climbing up onto my lap trying to grab the camera. Too bad for him, but I sure do love him though!

I CAN'T THINK!!!

Yesterday...we did absolutely nothing. We didn't leave the house for more than about an hour, but it was just up to the playground. I have an amazing video of Brooklyn going down the slide all by herself! It was great! She can climb up the steps and when she gets to the slide, she'll turn herself around and go down the slide. She was feet first, on her belly, sliding down. It was amazing, then, she would try to crawl back up the slide and go down again!

Brooklyn had her 1 year baby check up today too. She was 22 pounds, and 30 inches long. Poor baby got two shots today too, but she was a champ and only cried for a little while. She did really well! Christian got the lollipop at the end though, what kind of a reward was that for baby girl?!?!

I'm starting to spend more time with the girls from the play group. They're such a great group of women. We went to Shane's batting practice today...yes, he's playing softball already. I'm a little concerned, but I can't stop him from doing it. Anyway, one of the wives was there and she just happened to be a playgroup Mom. So we hung out with her and her little boy. It's really nice to have some friends here that I can relate to. Well, time to get Christian into bed...bye for now.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

It happened, my baby girl went from baby to a toddler today. Not walking yet, but considered a toddler based on her age. :( Today was great!

We started the day at our play group...when we walked in, the girls had thrown her a little birthday party. Complete with mylar balloons, 9 to be exact. I brought the cupcakes and we opened presents. She got her first two baby dolls today plus some new dresses to wear too!


Sleeping in her car seat on the way home from play group!


Kissable lips...

We came home and had lunch after that and then all three of us took naps. It was really nice, but too short of a nap for me! I probably could have slept the rest of the afternoon and tonight, if that doesn't tell you something!

I had another volleyball game tonight and left the kids home with Shane. Poor Brooklyn, he said that she screamed most of the 2 hours that I was gone. Poor Daddy too! So, we made some dinner and had my neighbor, Jonell and her son, Jared over for dinner. Chicken, rice, corn and garlic bread...most of Brooklyn's favorites! She scarfed the chicken and played with the rice a little bit before gobbling that down too. We then cut the cake and opened presents right after. It was a pretty successful day, I think!

Birthday cake with a "1" candle on top.


Opening presents! (Check out my silly face too, what a goober)!


More presents!

Today was fun...sorry I wasn't so detailed...it's late and I'm ready for bed! Night!

From lazy to super busy!

The day before Brooklyn's birthday...we were busy, that's the only way to put it. The kids and I left the house this morning at 9am...we made stops at Lowe's to check for a rug for the girl's room, Geoffrey's for some birthday presents and then to Wal-Mart for some last minute things that I needed to prepare for tomorrow. Since tomorrow is our playgroup, I'm baking cupcakes to celebrate with everyone because it's just too much for me right now to have them all over to our house like we did for Christian's birthday. So, we came home at 12:30 and by 1, we were walking over to my friend Shawna's house because she, her husband and 2 sons just moved onto base. That was the last time that I sat down today...for about 2 hours, just relaxed and visited.

We got home and I immediately put Brooklyn down for a nap...and then realized, I'd better get those cupcakes going otherwise I'm going to have to wake up early tomorrow to do it. Over the years, mornings have gotten progressively worse for me. Anyway, Brooklyn down, cupcakes in the oven only to realize...Ahhh!!! I've only got as long as it takes for the cupcakes to bake to get ready for the volleyball GAME, not practice, game, at 5. I needed to leave at 4:15...talk about cutting it close. All went well though, got myself, Christian and Brooklyn ready to go while getting all the cupcakes baked thoroughly. Score 1 for me!!

I showed up this afternoon at the gym with babies in tow with my neighbor to signed me up to play volleyball with her. I walked in and pretended not to really know how to play to fit in a bit. I didn't want to come in and overstep any boundaries being the only civilian playing on the Marines team (and having a Navy hubby...there's an unsaid rivalry there). In fact...I even had to have a special release form for myself to play on their team considering that my husband is Navy...kinda stupid right???

After a while, the coach asked who had played before and a handful of us stepped out of the probably 20 people there. Skipping over the boring details...I played both games, didn't get subbed out...kicked butt over-hand serving, and even had a referee, after the game was over, come and shake my hand and tell me that I played really well! Every time I say that I still have to pick my jaw up off the floor...I was so happy to hear that. I found out later from my neighbor, Jonell, that there's another game tomorrow and I'm wanted there!!! Hooray for me! I'm so happy with myself!!! I even got a few little boo boo's too...my arms are bruised because they're not used to playing anymore and I scraped my knee...here we go again with the war wounds!

BIG sidenote...I turned Brooklyn's car seat around today so she could face the front...my little girl's growing up!!!

Lazy day...

Today was really nice, even though Shane had to go to work. The kids and I just hung out together and spent some time playing. It started out a little rough when Brooklyn decided she wanted to get up at 5:30 this morning. I was really not happy about her decision, but sheepishly, I thought that maybe she would go back to sleep if I put her in bed with me...boy was I wrong! It was just incentive for her to play with my eyelashes and stick her finger in my nose...yes, I know it's gross, but she thinks it's fun! So then, I rolled onto my back so she couldn't play with me, but wasn't comfortable...and when I rolled completely over, she just stuck her strong little baby toes into my back and pushed. You wouldn't think something so small would have such strong toes. They really hurt!

We finally got out of the morning rut and got into the groove while we watched Little Einsteins and said "Blass Bart," (blast off) as Christian says...or more yells! He's so funny too about it. There are little gadgets on that show...one is the "Clapper Catcher" and is affectionately called the "crapper catcher" because he can't say it correctly. That one caught me off guard the first time I heard it, until I figured out what it was.

This afternoon when Shane got home from work...right away, he and Christian went outside to play soccer. It was actually in the 60's this afternoon, so we didn't have to bundle up. Tomorrow it's supposed to be almost 70, which I'm so excited for. Christian and I are going birthday shopping for Brooklyn and baking some cupcakes for play group on Wednesday. I'm also joining the Marines Volleyball team and the first practice is tomorrow! I'm so excited, but also, so very, very nervous! Wish me luck for getting all this done tomorrow!

Soccer!

Today was a really fun day for all of us. We decided that since we got our tax return money back that we would go and get some things that we wanted for the house. Well, we couldn't really find what we wanted, so instead, we bought a small goal and a couple of soccer balls for Christian. He absolutely LOVES them!

As soon as he woke up from his nap this afternoon, Shane took him right outside (despite the chilly 50 degree weather) and they played soccer for a good while. I then decided that I was going to go take pictures, but as soon as I got Brooklyn and myself bundled up...Shane came strolling through the door. Don't worry because I made him go right back outside and take pictures! Here are some shots of them playing together!


Christian and Shane kicking the ball around!


He was fixing his beenie, totally un-soccer related, but I thought it was a cute picture!


Score 1 for Christian!


Brooklyn even got in on the ball playing.


My handsome hubby posing with the ball.


After Christian kicked the ball in, Shane was having him make a #1 with his finger and yell, "Whoo!"

A pretty good day for all of us...

Where has the time gone?

So, today is the 3rd of March and though it's been coming for a while and I've known it, it's really just hitting me today. What's that you ask? My baby girl is turning 1 on Wednesday. It feels like just yesterday when I was in the hospital getting ready to bring her home. I still remember her first car ride...screaming for the last 10 minutes in the car and Christian falling fast asleep as she was making her presence known. I couldn't believe that he had fallen asleep, but he sure enough did.

She's recently been sleeping a lot better; going to bed at 8 and not waking for a feeding until around 3. It's been really great. When she was sleeping badly, I didn't mind even then. I really do enjoy the time we spend together at night. It's quiet and we can enjoy one another's company. She's nursing and I just sit there and stare at the beautiful little person that Shane and I have created.

She's such a great little person. She's gentle and calm, while at the same time really playful and excited. I can't believe she's almost 1...but it's been great watching her develop into this amazing little girl. Absolutely wonderful!


The outfit that Uncle Joe's girlfriend made for her...lady bugs and flowers! This is also one of her favorite faces to make...the wrinkle nose!


Wearing her jean hat and chewing on a toy.


Little curly locks!

Laundry fun!

I went to do laundry the other day when I realized that I couldn't carry my load of clothes and Brooklyn too. Then, I remembered our hamper with wheels on the bottom of it. So I threw the laundry and Brooklyn both into the hamper and wheeled them to the laundry room. Of course, when Christian saw this he wanted a ride too...so here are the pictures from that!


Brooklyn in the hamper


Both babies in the hamper


Christian pushing Brooklyn

They both had so much fun...we have to do the rides almost every day now...what did I get myself into!?!

I finally gave in!

So after being Megan's blog stalker and reading a few other people's blogs, I decided that it might be a good idea for me to start one. Megs, I know you mentioned that I should do this back when I just had Brooklyn...I've resisted, until now. It's a little easier for some time to myself to let others know just what the heck is going on in our crazy lives! Anyhow, I hope that this turns out the way I'm expecting it to...here's hoping!