Don't mind the mess

If you come to my house today, or any day for that matter right now, please don't mind the mess. My usually clean house has been taken over by unfolded laundry, toddler entertaining toys and crafts, and Uncle Sam flight bags sitting at our front door.

The (caffeine induced and natural) energy levels have reached an all new level. I'm chugging coffee by the gallon daily to keep up with my little wild one. 

Seeing as I become a mega-germaphobe when new babies arrive, I can't say that we've left the house much in the last three weeks. There's not enough Lysol in the world to make me chance the flu germs entering our house again. Probably, thus the craziness has escalated. Cheyanne and I have gone a little stir crazy. Newborn babies aren't so much fun for a 2 year old, we've learned. There's a lot of "Don't jump around the baby!" and "Be careful not to poke Baby Brother!" and "Slow down please!" being said around here. 

We've gotten pretty creative to find entertainment for Cheyanne during Jameson's feeding times.

Thus the mess. But its better than the tv being on 24/7 as it is some days. I'm not the best at juggling 2 yet, obviously.

"Look Mom, my hand's stuck!"

Mess everywhere or as Cheyanne calls it "messy mess." Her first chore, helping Mommy empty the dishwasher by putting away the silverware is one of her favorite big girl rolls. 

I'll get better at juggling. But as for now, I'm not inviting you over! :) Well that is, unless I know you won't judge me and my lack of mommying and housekeeping skills and/or you don't look around too much. 

Just keep your eyes on these two cuties and we'll be just fine.

Last minute trip to Virginia

We're home! Did you even know that we were gone? Probably not due to the severe lack of blogging I've been doing. Well, we took a mini last minute trip and now we're back.

Almost two weeks ago, the day after Independence Day (Thursday), the Giant left on yet another trip for who knows how long. That night, I decided Cheyanne, the dog and I would pack up and head north to Virginia (Saturday) to see my sister Dr. T that just moved back from California. Say a little what what!! for us sisters being on the same coast finally after almost four long years apart.  The plan to make the 8 hour drive quickly changed and thanks to the in-laws, plane tickets became the better option. This was a God-send since this girl hates to drive and quite frankly was terrified out of my mind about making the long haul on my own with the kiddo(s). So, in 24 hours, I frantically got dog records, found a boarder, got dog to said boarders, repacked airplane style, and made us to the airport on our own in one peace. I have to brag for a moment, I swear, Chey is the best kid flier that there ever was. I don't even have to stress about her on a plane anymore.

on the plane watching the clouds go by

Not once in her life has she ever not enjoyed a plane ride or in turn caused anyone else to even really know she was on the plane. Ah I love this kid. And yes I know there were a few too many negatives in that last sentence, but you get the point. She rocks on a plane.

We had a great 5 day trip to Virginia Beach. I can't even begin to explain how great it was to spend time with my sister. Its hard to believe that we hadn't actually been together since Christmas. Thank God for Skype. Cheyanne was a little confused at first when her Auntie T, "TT" or "T" as Cheyanne calls her, and her dog Kaya were not in the computer "box", but she figured it out by the time we got in the house. Again, thank God for Skype.

We packed so much into 5 days. I'm sure it was much easier on me than it was on my sister who had just moved in to her new place the day before we arrived. Even though my main goal of the trip was to help my sister, I think we did a lot more distracting than we did helping.

Although, we might have helped a little.

We had so much fun. My parents even ended up surprising us the day after we got there. Cheyanne loved getting surprised by her Nana and Skipper.

After my parents left, T and I even took advantage of a babysitting offer from my mother in law, and enjoyed a little sister time on our own. I am so thankful that my mother in law was so willing to give me a few hour break away from Mommyhood. Cheyanne loved spending one on one time with her Grandma and I think the feelings were mutual. Our few hours of sister freedom was just what the doctor ordered- uhyhuck uhyhuck. Wink wink to you who got the joke. Would you believe that until this trip, I had not had my nails done since my wedding- almost 4 years ago?!! That's right. Four. Years. Ago. What was I waiting on? I've already told the Giant that I will not be waiting another 4 years before my next mani-pedi, that's for sure.

Just look at my pretty new blue toes and painted nails. A week later and my toes still look pretty.

The time went by so fast, as it always does when having fun. I'm so glad that my sister and I are back on the same coast again finally. No more 6 month hiatuses for us. I can't wait to get together again soon, hopefully sooner than later. We missed the Giant the whole time of course, but what a nice distraction if we had to be without him. We hope to see him again soon too…

It's Official. It's over!

Not that this affects our family too much since my husband is still over there flying high and will be for some time, it is historic and needs to be shared. And, in sixteen years, if Cheyanne ever looks back at her old Momma's blog, I want her to know what she was doing the day that the Iraq War ended.

Today, Chey met someone new in her family to love. Since we've been back home with my family, we've been soaking up as much family time as possible.

Especially Cheyanne. Little miss shy Chey has become quite the social butterfly. At least in the family, that is. Since she was so shy as a younger baby, I tended to shy away from groups of people or unfamiliar faces with her because it caused her such distress. Well, something in her switched. She still definitely does better in small groups, but she is not half as intimidated by people like she used to be. Today, we finally got to test this new phase out. My parents and I drove up to West Virginia to see our dear Aunt Phyllis. While she is technically my dad's cousin, she "practically raised him" as she likes to say. She is a special and vital member of our family from WVa, and I have been itching for Cheyanne to meet her. Of course, like the horrible blogger that I've become, I didn't take a single dang picture during our visit. ::Ugh Sigh:: What was I thinking- or better yet- what was I not thinking? I was definitely not thinking about pictures because I was too busy keeping an eye on Cheyanne who was more than happy to chase be introduced to her Phyllis' 3 cats today. My daughter is 15 months old and has rarely seen a cat before. Yeah, we're completely dog people. So, needless to say, I saved a few cats lives today from a curious tail pulling toddler. And just in time for the cats to learn that Cheyanne wasn't giving up easily, they disappeared into their hiding spots which clearly meant it was time for us to go. Anyways, this post is not about cats. Its about our day on the day that the war ended. 

That's what we've been up to. Visiting and soaking up some extra attention. Extra attention definitely isn't scarce here. With grandparents less than 50 yards away, I'm loving the family time and Cheyanne is loving the many open arms and laps. 

Here she is tasting her first cherry. Despite the grimace on her face, she actually loved them. I know this because she not only ate Nana's but she ate mine too (along with my eggnog milkshake).

So, what were you doing on this historic day?  Anything worth jotting down? You might want to because in sixteen years, who knows who will be asking you as they read about it in their history books. My Giant, Chey will definitely want to hear it from you. I'm sure your day was much more worthy of a jot. Mahoney, Graves, same goes for you… 

In other important news… Auntie T comes east bound in 24 hours!! Even though she won't be here at home until Thursday, DC is waaay closer than San Francisco so I'll take it. I think I can hold out for a few more days… but just barely! Come home fast Sister!

Yay for Grandparents!

The grandparents have arrived and I couldn't be more excited! I love my parents and I'm so glad they are here to visit for a few days. Cheyanne is too. It's obvious she's missed her Nana and Skipper. And their timing is perfect.

We've got a fun 3 days planned if the weather permits. Its gotten a little cold (high of 65- brrr- for my Northern Virginia friends in snow this weekend) so that might squelch our walking downtown Charleston tour tomorrow, but fingers are crossed. If it gets too cold, I guess we'll just have to revert to plan B and stay inside to bake my airman some cookies for care package number one instead. Which plan do you think we should go with Hubs? No comments on my lack of baking abilities allowed peeps. They'll be delish.

Skipper and Cheyanne wasted no time. Skipper got to "fixing" her walker after she ran into the wall a few times.

The puppet and the puppeteer

Then it got a little confusing and I'm not sure who was leading whom.

Chey snuck in some sweet hugs while loving on her Nana before bed time too.

We can't wait for more fun tomorrow.

On another topic:
I did get a Skype call from the Giant today. Despite the fact that the reception was beyond horrible and we could only understand every other word each other said, I saw his face and it settled my heart. He's now in Qatar and ready to start work. One step closer…

Sweetheart, you are loved and missed tonight. I'll be seeing you in my dreams. My love always and forever.

Team spirit

Cause its what. we. do.

Everyone gets in on game day with enthusiasm

I love my family.

Birthday prep

Hello my friends! Let the countdown begin... the birthday countdown that is! The big day is in less than 48 hours away! Almost a quarter of a century old. Feel old yet fam? I don't! I love birthdays. Not just my birthday (although it is on the top of my list), but all birthdays. Birthdays are special because out of 365 days, there is one day set aside for just you (and my cousin Cammie that shares my birthday- Happy Birthday sweet Cammie). One day to feel special, no matter what else chaotic or otherwise is going on. One day to smile and need absolutely no reason to do so. One day to sit back and appreciate everyone in your life that loves you and goes the extra mile to show you just that- whether it be by the cutest puppy Weimreiner card sent in the mail three days early because they planned ahead for you, or a jacket that you have wanted for years because he knows that you get cold so easily, or a special weekend trip planned to one of your favorite cities just to be able to be together as a family. That's why I love birthdays. Not just because its ALL about me-although that is a pretty good reason-jk jk :)

photo texted to me from the hubs

So, I'm busy prepping for my birthday weekend. My parents have planned a great weekend trip to Washington DC for us. We are meeting there tomorrow and will be staying in the district, doing touristy things like going to the National Geographic Museum to see the traveling Chinese Warriors exhibit. photo courtesy of the National Geographic

I'm busy planning our itinerary aka meals. Even though eating is quite the challenge recently, I can't exactly skip meals anymore or my body lets me know IMMEDIATELY! I will be sure to have a granola bar with me at all times- just in case. I'm hoping with a little planning ahead, we can avoid any MS (morning sickness) meltdowns.

Will have lots to tell you when we're back. Enjoy my birthday weekend. Sorry it won't be better weather for all you fellow Virginians. I just can't do it all and still plan a fabulous weekend... :)