Happy 2nd Birthday CJ!

Today our little boy, CJ, turns two. How on earth did time pass so quickly?! It seems like just yesterday I was standing outside in the snow 41 weeks pregnant with him...

I was induced on January 9, 2010. Our last picture as a family of two.
CJ was born on January 10, 2010 at 11:17pm. He was 9lbs, 5oz, 22.5 inches long. I wish I could say that every memory about his actual birth-day was wonderful and happy, but the truth is it was one of the scariest nights of our lives, and I don't like to "go there" often. I will share his birth story sometime soon, but not today.
All that I like to remember and think about on CJ's birthday is how it is the day that all my dreams of becoming a Mom FINALLY came true. And this *not so little* bundle of joy was the answer to my prayers and made (and continues to make) me SO happy.
We left the hospital as a family of three. :)
My favorite family photo (so far).
Last year, January 10, 2011 our little CJ turned one.
I thought there were a lot of changes during that first year, but this year CJ has continued to grow and learn new things.
This year he finally started walking! :)
His infectious smile kept us all laughing.
CJ taught us many new things.
His energy and spunk for life is so beautiful and thankfully contagious!
His curiosity and unique explorations are adorable.
CJ has a strong, independent spirit.
He knows what he wants and uses his voice to tell you!
CJ is also the sweetest little boy. Although "cuddling" isn't his "thing" he LOVES giving hugs and kisses.
I know he is going to be an excellent big brother to his little sister!
CJ is so funny, and already knows it at this young age. He thrives off of making others laugh. One of his favorite words right now is "happy". :)
CJ you are the best thing that has happened to us. You truly are our sunshine when the skies are grey...Thank you for the most wonderful two years we could have ever imagined!

I pray that you always smile bright, and that you continue to be as happy as you make the world around you.

Happy 2nd Birthday CJ!

We love you SO SO much. Love always, Mama & Dada

Restart

When I ran cross-country in high school, at the beginning of a big race if any of the runners fell within the first 100 meters, they would call everyone back and restart the race. I wish we could have a restart on our year because we haven't gotten the proper footing, and we're off to a poor start.

JT has pneumonia. I've had him on strict bed/recliner rest. Even though he's been on antibiotics since Friday, we aren't noticing much improvement so he's going back to the Dr. tomorrow just to be safe.

Despite completely disinfecting our house (twice!) and avid hand-washing, it was inevitable and CJ has caught the cold. :( Just praying that it doesn't develop into anything worse like it did for JT and me.

Christmas decorations are still up. And our dead Christmas tree is sitting there begging me to be undecorated. Between trying to get healthy and trying to take care of my boys, it just hasn't happened.

And speaking of Christmas, we were supposed to go to Disneyland last week to see the Christmas decorations there and celebrate CJ's birthday early, but obviously that couldn't happen. I know we can see them next year, but disappointing none-the-less.

I DO realize in the grand scheme of life none of these things are THAT bad, and we still have so much to be thankful for. But it's just been a long 9 days, and I'm hoping this isn't an indicator of how our year is going to go.

21 weeks

How far along: 21 weeks today.

Size of baby: approx 10.5 inches long, 12.7 oz. About the size of a banana.

Gender: Baby Girl!!!

Total weight gain/loss: +6 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Symptoms: This week I caught a cold that turned into a sinus infection. It is SO not fun being sick while pregnant because I couldn't take any "good medicines" until I got an antibiotic from my Dr., no other symptoms this week other than ones associated with my cold.

Sleep: About 9 hours a night, with about 2 trips to the potty.

Food cravings: Eggs, chocolate.

Movement: I feel her moving usually 2-3 times a day. I think she likes chocolate as much as I do, because she is really active after I get done snacking! ;)

Best moment this week: Feeling better from my sinus infection!

What I miss: Sushi...I might have to go get some Cali & tempura rolls this week to satisfy that!

What I'm looking forward to: Celebrating CJ's 2nd birthday this week! Where did the time go? I feel like just yesterday I was pregnant with HIM!

Oma & Gpa in SD!

I've been dying to post about my parents' visit, but we've all been in "recovery" mode over here. After Christmas, touring San Diego and just going literally non-stop, JT and I rang in our New Year sick. I couldn't take DayQuil, etc since I'm pregnant and I ended up with a sinus infection. But a Z-pack did the trick because I feel SO much better now! (So now I've been working on laundry, putting up Christmas, etc. rather than blogging).

My parents first full day in San Diego, we went to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. My Dad told me that it was one of his favorite things he did while he was here, so it's nice to know I'm not alone in my love for this place!! As you can see it was a beautiful day!!!

CJ was not on his "best behavior" for Oma & Grandpa. In fact he threw more temper tantrums while they were here than he EVER has before (and he hasn't thrown nearly as many since!) I was kind of embarrassed! But I guess that it's only natural for a toddler who is already overstimulated from Christmas to want to show off and act crazy for his grandparents! Anyhow, one of the funny things he would do is not want to eat his breakfast, but want to steal Oma's "cookie" instead. Don't worry about those extra breakfast bars Mom, CJ finished them up for ya! ;) One of the fun things we go to do with my parents was the day after Christmas we all went to the USS Midway. JT and I hadn't been yet, so we were excited too! CJ had a blast running around checking things out. Sitting on one of the chains of the anchor.
Turning a wheel "drive!"
Playing with the ropes where you could learn to tie knots. "Pull".
My dad was too tall for some of the walkways, and some of the knee-knockers were too tall for my short mom. CJ asked Dada for some help navigating the halls!
Checking out all the cool planes.
Riding in a plane with Dada.
Here we are on the flight deck of the Midway. (Coronado is in the background). The Midway was really cool, and I would definitely recommend, especially for anyone who enjoys military history!
CJ trying out his new bike that Oma & Grandpa got him for Christmas. (At first he was scared of it, so we were glad when he warmed up to it and was asking to "ride bike".)
The next day JT had to go back to work :( So CJ and I took my parents down to the awesome San Diego Zoo! We got to see the elephants (CJ's request), polar bears, and pandas (my parent's request) plus lots of other animals along the way! It was another GORGEOUS day, and CJ got so hot he even took off his shoes and socks! Silly boy!
On their last day, we were a little more low key, but still ventured out! We drove over to La Jolla to show my mom and dad the seals laying on the beach! CJ was excited to play in the sand, and it took all three of us to keep him from running up to the seals! The weather was so pretty, with a nice breeze since we were on the coast. We finished up by getting some shaved ice, but I didn't get a picture because I was too busy eating, HA HA! It was the perfect ending to a great time together!
As usual, the precious time with family passed way too quickly!! I'm already looking forward to their next visit! (although we probably won't be able to do as much sight seeing since I'll have a newborn baby girl) Mom & Dad, thank y'all so much for using your Christmas vacation to come see us and spend this Christmas with our family in California! It meant so much to us! My Mom said her favorite thing in San Diego was "getting to play with CJ", and I know he felt the same way because he is STILL asking for Oma & Gpa a week later!!

New Year

First day of 2012. Much like when we move somewhere new, we've got a clean slate. All the promise and unknowns...exciting and scary all at once!

2011 was a big year for us. CJ went from being a baby to a toddler. JT graduated with a Masters, and wrapped up his 3 years back in school. We moved from Michigan to California and started our new chapter here. Despite all the changes, I feel like it was a good year overall.

I want to be realistic for my goals for 2012. Realizing that with the birth of baby girl, there are going to be LOTS of hard changes. Especially on me. Being a stay-at-home mom with a VERY active toddler is challenging enough, and this year we'll be adding a newborn to the mix. Should be interesting. My main goal for the year is to survive.

Other goals for 2012:

1. Get more involved in a church here and go more regularly.
2. Spend as much quality time as I can with CJ before his little sister arrives, and make sure we still have special CJ/Mama time after she is here.
3. Make dinner more/eat healthier. And prepare freezer meals before baby's arrival.
4. Be more engaged with JT and be a better wife.
5. Complete unfinished photo albums/scrapbooks/projects before baby arrives.
6. Potty train CJ!!
7. Start a compost pile.
8. Replant my garden in the Spring. (might not happen depending on how big I am/how I'm feeling).
9. Once baby is born, savor each moment with her, because I now know it will pass too quickly!
10. Nurse baby girl for a year.
11. Get baby to take a bottle!!! (CJ refused and it was really hard on me never getting a break from feedings).
12. After baby arrives, start walking, then hopefully ease back into running after taking 5 years off! (find a double jogging stroller on Criagslist?!)
13. Do better about remembering birthdays/anniversaries & sending cards.
14. Keep in touch better with friends and family far away.
15. Nurture new relationships here in California from acquaintances to friends!

I think most of this stuff is pretty attainable, but my type-A planner personality will also have to "let stuff go" if I can't accomplish it all. Like I said, main goal is survival, and taking the best care of JT, CJ and baby as I possibly can! Wishing everyone a wonderful 2012, may it be your best year yet!!

20 weeks

How far along: 20 weeks today! HALFWAY!! (well, I am actually hoping that I was halfway either last week or the week before since CJ was born at 41 weeks)

Size of baby: approx 6.5 inches long, 10.6 oz. About the size of a cantaloupe.

Gender: Baby Girl!!! We have decided on her name and announced it to our families on Christmas!

Total weight gain/loss: +6 lbs (HELLO Christmas cookies!)

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Symptoms: Morning sickness (threw up one random morning this week?), tired, hungry

Sleep: About 9 hours a night, with about 3 trips to the potty.

Food cravings: Everything!!!

Movement: Yes! I feel her a lot usually first thing in the morning and in the evening. She is a wiggle worm and I love her for it.

Best moment this week: Christmas!

What I miss: Holding CJ as much. I've been trying to not carry him when it's not necessary.

What I'm looking forward to: A brand new year starts tomorrow!

Christmas Eve & Day 2011

Christmas is so much fun with a toddler!! (I LOVE his shirt that says "Dad's Greatest Gift" Now isn't that the truth?! He is definitely my greatest gift too!)

Since we're in the military and we're going to be continuing this nomadic lifestyle for the next, oh, 14 years or so...JT and I decided as a family that we want to do Christmases at our home. Wherever that home may be, so at least that will always be a constant for the kids in their constantly changing lives. (With the exception of CJ's first Christmas last year that we did in SC with the grandparents. But we figured he was too little to remember that one.) CJ was so lucky that his Oma & Grandpa (my parents) were able to fly out and be here for Christmas this year.

On Christmas Eve my Mom and I baked several different types of cookies. JT and my Dad watched football and did a little last minute shopping. We tried a new church for Christmas Eve service, because it was within walking distance from our house. They had live animals: camels, sheep and a cow. CJ LOVED that!

And because it was the "family service" we kept CJ with us. He did really great, and enjoyed getting to walk hay up to Jesus' cradle. Our little angel:

When we got home from church, we followed my family's tradition of having seafood on Christmas Eve. I made us Shrimp & Grits. (And I chose this also because I thought the green and red peppers made the dish all the more festive! I am a dork.)

This year we started a NEW tradition for our family. When I was growing up, I ALWAYS wanted to open a present on Christmas Eve. I remember my sister and I begging our parents. Well, every year the kids will get to open the family game for the year, that we will play together that night. Since CJ is still a little young to play a "structured" game with rules, our game this year was Memory Match. CJ had a blast just playing with the cards! :)

Opening his stocking from Santa on Christmas morning!
CJ was SOOO spoiled this year. I honestly can't think of many toys that this kid doesn't own. I'm glad baby sister is on her way to help teach some sharing and also because then I can start getting rid of extra "baby toys" we've been saving. CJ did a great job of savoring each present. If it was a book he would flip through the pages until we took it away to encourage moving on the the next present. He wanted to play with all the toys and seemed excited by everything he got. We are so thankful for our generous family and friends who love our sweet boy so much.
His favorite present was a Mack Truck that is also a carrying case for cars. It came with 15 cars. He hasn't stopped playing with it! Putting the cars in and out, vrooming Mack around the living room, and of course lining up cars!
I didn't get a picture of Christmas dinner, but we had Honeybaked Ham, mashed potatoes, asparagus, squash casserole & rolls. Our cutie on Christmas!
CJ got bath crayons in his stocking and REALLY enjoyed "color"ing in the tub! (I'll have to ask Dada how much he enjoyed cleaning the tub afterwards).
We had a GREAT Christmas this year! I can't believe next year we'll have two kiddos to celebrate with!