Wednesday 29 APR

I got to talk to my man today on the webcam! It was great. We were able to instant message and see eachother. We flirted like we just met. He absolutely made my day. It's always great when the first thing your husband says to you when he sees you is 'Oh my god, you're beautiful. I think you got cuter in the last 8 days.' It was really sweet - he's an angel and the perfect husband.

Other than that, it was business as usual at work - meaningless staff meeting. I picked up my little guy after work today, and I decided we would stop at Sonic - first time at the carhop. I was STARVING, and it is close to daycare. I parked and brought him up front with me. He was really fussy - apparently he was hungry because he found an apple in the car and ATTACKED it. It was hilarious. I had to bite all the peel off so he would not choke. He sat on my lap facing me, and he ate almost the whole grilled cheese sandwich and about half the huge apple. He also drank apple juice - from an adult glass. I cannot believe how big he is getting. We were there about 30 minutes eating and playing, then I put him back in his car seat to come home. He was fat and happy! We came home and walked the dog and played outside. Then, I bathed him, gave him a bottle, and put him to bed. I read outside and mopped the floors, and now I'm in bed. I'm beat - been up since 330 am. I miss my baby, and I'm going to go to sleep and dream of him... g'night!

-Lu

Last day in Kuwait

So today is Wednesday morning-our last day in Kuwait. We are flying north tomorrow-don't know what time yet. I am excited and anxious to start to get to work and do something so time will go by faster and to see what my new "home" away from home will be like.
Yesterday got to talk to my beautiful and supportive wife on the phone-its always nice to hear her voice-helps keep me going and motivated. Then we had a webcam date-sort of-she at least got to see me-hopefully, she gets hers fixed and we will try it again today.
At training yesterday we did the vehicle rollover simulation-it was actually pretty fun-but got a big sand shower in the vehicle-we all couldn't wait to get a shower.
I am 2/3 way done my second book already. I actually slept pretty good last night-didn't get up until almost 630-thought I was going to sleep the day away!
Got up this morning and grabbed some chow-some cereal, banana and coffee. Then I read the daily edition of the stars and stripes. Then I packed up and now I am checking email and stuff. Don't know what I am going to do rest of the day yet.
I guess that is all for today's edition.
Talk to you later...
Michael

Tuesday morning in the Desert

Didn't get to blog yesterday-sorry! It was actually a good day because I was pretty occupied all day. Got up and had breakfast. Then I went to training from 8-2. It was administration training-all the different types of reports that we have to submit and it was very helpful and beneficial-glad I went and that they had it. Then I came back to the tent, changed into some PTs and waited for about 2 hours so that I could read a video book and send to the kids in SC. Then I grabbed some chow-I was hungry since I didn't get to eat lunch! Then it was time to call my babydoll. We talked for almost an hour-it was great to hear her voice. Then I went to the internet cafe to check mail and messaged the love of my life some more. Then it was time for a shower and read a little. I actually got a pretty decent night sleep. Got up today a little after 6 and grabbed some chow. We have training today from noon to 3. Then I am looking forward to our webcam date.
Tomorrow there is nothing scheduled, so I will have to keep myself occupied. Then we are flying forward on Thursday.
Linds-thanks for keeping the blog up to date on events back home and the photos-they are great-you are doing a great job-love you so much.
Until next time.....

Monday in the US...

Today my baby called me at work - we talked for almost an hour. Then, he got on line and we spoke for a while there, too. It was great to hear his voice. I feel good today - energized and healthy. I didn't get to mail off the package today, because I spent my lunch hour talking to M. I will try to do it tomorrow after work or something. I'm taking my laptop to work tomorrow so that we can have a webcam date over my lunch (about 8 pm his time).

Tonight when I came home, B and I played with Henri. We took Henri for a walk, got the mail, then I went for a little jog with B in the stroller. It felt nice to run... going to have to make it a habit again. I've slacked on it a bit. B and I ate some dinner, and he played in his walker. He's doing really well! He was running around the house chasing the dog. He just gets so frustrated when he gets caught on the wall. It will be no time before he is walking on his own.

I took some more pictures this evening, check them out. B stayed up until almost 715. I finally just had to put him to bed - he was in a great mood. After he went to sleep, I sat outside and read, then I did the dishes and some laundry and picked up the house a bit - I feel like the house will NEVER be clean. It's hard going from being at home all day cleaning to working all day with a deployed husband and a child by yourself. The house always feels dirty, but I will get there. I'm actually looking for a housecleaner if you know anyone.... :)

Anyway, gotta get in the shower tonight and get to bed earlier! G'night!

-Lu

Sunday...

I'm really missing my husband, and I'm kindof down tonight. I think it's just been a long weekend, and I've been really busy. I knew that I would miss him, and I was prepared for doing all of the chores at home by myself. However, I underestimated how difficult it is to maintain a marriage from the other side of the world. We have always had a wonderfully loving relationship and always given each other gifts, phone calls, and cards often. So it's just hard, but important, to remember to maintain that while away, too.

Today, Barrett and I played then cleaned house for a while. He took a couple of naps - I cleaned and read. We went out and finished getting some prizes for daddy (which I will mail out tomorrow). He was really good today. He is becoming increasingly hilarious - everyone loves him. He said 'bye bye' today to someone at the store - first time for that one. It sounded like 'ga ga', but it was meant as a bye bye. He is growing and is still so sweet. He rarely lets me put him down. He and Henri both follow me around all day wanting to be picked up or taken outside. It's impossible to get anything done around here. Well, I am just finishing printing off some pictures for my honey, and then I am off to bed.

Oh, I figured out what I'm sending my love for his birthday. My sister helped me with it - and it is so 'Bill'. It is so funny and cute, and I can't wait until he gets it!! :) Good night!

PS -We still have the cutest baby EVER!

-Lu

My 5th Day in the Desert

So today is Sunday. We got up around 530 and had breakfast chow. Then we had IED training from 8-10. Then it was time to get back into shorts-it is way too hot (yesterday they said it got to 108)! Then it was lunch chow. After that, we went to the PX and I got some more things. Then we went to USO. I am a great supporter of them. They have a program where you pick a book-you read it on a camera-you have 20 minutes-and then they mail the book and dvd back home so the kids can see it. We can only do one a day. So today I read a Dr. Seuss Book to Barrett and tomorrow I will read a book to the other kids.

After that, I am now on the computer for an hour-but the connection is really slow. Then it will be chow time again and shower and then reading. I already finished my first book and am on page 60 of the next book.

They told us today that the earliest we will be flying to Iraq is on Thursday-we got bumped. It could be even later than that-so we will just enjoy our time here in Kuwait.

I love the clothes that Linds bought Barrett-I'm glad the camera is working.

Guess that is all for this installment.....

I have a confession to make...

I went to Target this evening to get some things, and I may have gotten Bar a bunch of new clothes. I couldn't help it, though. He was SO good today, and we haven't actually EVER purchased him new clothes yet. I was given SO much that we didn't have to. However, he really needed them. He is almost 22 lbs now and almost grown out of most of his stuff. The things I got today weren't very expensive, but they were very cute. I can't wait to dress him up - he's so adorable. They will be ruined after he wears them once anyway, though. Oh well. Look at that face, though. How could you NOT want to buy him all those cute clothes!! He got 12 new tops and 6 bottoms.

:)

We went commissary shopping today, too. I got a lot of healthy foods - fruits and vegetables. I'm trying to eat better and lose the las 7 or so lbs. Bar is already asleep, but I need to go weed eat in the back yard. I will write more later!

-Lu

Saturday.,.

Bar just went down for a nap. We were talking to daddy and playing outside, then we took henri for a walk. He fell asleep in the stroller, so when we got home I put him straight to bed. I am trying to clean up a little while he's sleeping. When he wakes, it's time for commissary shopping and going to get a memory card for my camera - so we can take lots of pics for daddy. I am eating a bowl of cereal, just took the bedding off the bed, and am going to try my steam mop on the bed - the steam will hopefully kill dush mites, to which I am extremely allergic (and so is Barrett - his bed is next). We went to the doc and got more allergy medicines for us today - nasal spray and liquid for him, nasal spray, a steriod, and pills for me.

Alright, gotta go clean some more - lots to do this weekend. Just want to say that I love my husband more than anything in the world. He is so extremely loving and caring and sexy and terrific!

-Lu

Saturday in Kuwait

Before I start, I am glad that we got this blog going-helps me feel connected to back home and hear things that you forget to say on the phone or email. Believe it or not, I really miss the little things.

Anyway, I managed to get about 6 hours of sleep last night. It is really hard being in a tent full of 50 guys, sleeping on a cot and trying to sleep. Some people have been sleeping all day and then up all night. Anyway, I turned the lights out around 11 pm and most people got quiet and I slept until 5 am. Got up and went and got some breakfast-again the chow hall is pretty good considering. Then it was time to read the news-the Daily Stars and STripes and catch up what is going on in the world. Then it was time to head to the PX. I bought another 2 books (since I am already almost done with the book that I brought with me.) I took some pictures of the camp and when I get settled in Iraq, I will download and send to everyone. Then it was back to the tent for more reading and search a word puzzles. Then it was time for lunch.

In about 4 hours will be the highlight of my day, calling and talking to my beautiful wife on the phone.

We actually have some training scheduled for Sunday morning from 8-11 am and then a bunch of downtime-I will let you know how that goes!

It is not as hot today-but still windy-the sand gets in my mouth and tastes terrible!!

I really can't wait to go forward and start working-it will help the time go by a lot faster! It has been very boring and gives people a lot of time to sit and sulk and miss home. I am trying to remain positive as possible.

Anyway, I have learned a lot in my first week so far-don't take things for granted and appreciate all your family and friends. I know this is a necessary evil for me to do, but I really can't wait to get back to the States to be with my wife and family.

What is keeping me going is two major goals-a cruise for the two of us when I get back! and buying our own house.

Anyway, that is all for now. Talk to you later
Michael

Addendum...

I forgot to mention in my previous blog...

I am SO sick of crazy people and drama. I feel like every where I turn, people are losing it. It's as though I just entered real adult life (yes, I did), and I'm ready to go back to college where people are normal. Maybe it's just dealing with people who are ignorant or just plain stupid, I don't know - maybe we need to live by DC or some place where virtually everyone is educated. All I know is that I HATE drama.

It started with my sister this evening. I love my sister very much - I mean she is only 18 months younger than me. However, her and her husband are SO extremely dramatic. He is a total prick - won't even let her drink diet soda. He is very controlling. You'd think that hearing about them getting a babysitter this evening and going out would make me envious or sad ..... nope. I would rather have a wonderful loving husband that I don't get to see or touch than a jerk like him in the same house as me. Then, it was my dad's turn to call - no drama there, thank God. Then, my Mom - my 28 yr old brother that still lives with her is swearing at her in the background. She then proceeds to tell me for the 47th time about his friend that lives there and she wants him gone and he lost his license and blah blah blah. This after having to see my crazy neighbors yesterday... oh, not to mention the one at work who is a little looney - okay, more than one at work. I went to college and got a degree in psychology, but there is a reason I chose not to work in that field - I hate crazy people.

-Lu

Friday in the US :)

Had to work today- my husband called me again this morning. It was great to hear his sexy voice. I miss him terribly, but we spoke non stop for over 30 minutes. It's nice that being on the phone is so comfortable with him. At lunch, K and I went to the gym again - we lifted weights today. Then in the afternoon, K and went to go visit one of our organizations. It was nice to see the people we speak to on the phone all the time and work virtually with.

After work, it was time to go get little Bar. He was in a great mood again - we played on the way home. He was repeating words I was saying. I said 'Dadada', and he repeated 'Gagaga'. I'm not sure why he can't say and never has said 'Da'. Usually that is the first word babies say. He started with 'mama' at only 3 months old - then it was 'Gog' for 'dog' and now 'Gaga' for 'dada'... weird. Anyway, we came home and took the dog out back. The boys played in the yard again for a long while. Then, I brought him inside, cleaned him up, put PJs on, and gave him a bottle. I put him to bed around 630.

Then, I made chili and ate it. I read on the back porch for a while, then I swept and mopped, did some more dishes and laundry, and cleaned off the table. This place is such a mess, and I'm slowly trying to get it cleaned and organized. I started trying to organize my car, too. I put the organizer up in the back and put extra work out clothes for me in it and put extras for Bar back there, too. Slowly but surely....

Tomorrow morning, we are going to the doctor to get prescription allergy medication for both of us - allergens are horrible here. Then, we might yard sale, and it's commissary day. I also need to mow - they were supposed to do it today but didn't. I will at least do a halfass job and maybe they will start next week, I don't know. Then, I need to get a memory card for my new pink camera that my baby got for me! :) Sunday, I think we are going to the zoo. I don't know, will fill you in. For now, time to go to bed and dream about my man.....

-Lu

Friday in Kuwait

To catch you up:

So this morning we got up around 4 am because the buses came to pick us up to take us to the range. We had to fire 10 rounds to make sure our weapon worked.Then it was back for some chow. I have to admit the food here is pretty good. It was a hot day today-107 degrees. I read from my book and did search a words. Then I had to go to an administration briefing for about a a half hour. Tomorrow we don't have anything in particular planned-another day. I want to get this done and move out-because it is quite boring and gives a lot of people time to sulk and think about home. I know I will be busy when I get to Iraq and will help time to go by faster. On Sunday we are supposed to have 3 hours of additional training from 8-11 am and then Monday I have admin training from 8-2. We are scheduled to fly on Tuesday.

So far I have talked to my beautiful wife everyday! That has been great.

I think I am pretty much over the jet lag.

I really miss hanging out with my wife when we get home from work-taking walks and watching TV-but we will get through this-she is very supportive of me as well as the rest of my great family and I really appreciate it.

I guess that is all I can think of-you can always ask questions of what you want to know. Time for dinner chow. Talk to you all later.

Mike

Thurs, 23 Apr 09

My day got off to a good start today - my baby called me this morning! He sounded like he was doing pretty well. I miss him so much already, though. This is going to be the longest 8 1/2 mths of my life! I already appreciated him, but now I do so even more. He does so much around here - laundry, dishes, cooking, taking care of me. I have the best husband ever.

Work was work. I went to the gym with a friend at lunch. It felt nice, I really needed it. I weighed myself today - I only have 8 lbs to be back to pre-baby weight. Yah!

I picked up B after work, and we headed home. He looked tired but was in a MUCH better mood. When I went into daycare to pick him up, they said I had two slips. I said, "Great, what did he do now?" assuming that he pushed some other baby or something. I read it, and it just said that his finger got shut in the door - no biggie. I tickled his thighs in the car, and he was laughing all the way home. We came home, took the trash can up to the house, and took Henri out for a walk. The crazy neighbors - both of them - were chatting at the mailbox, just where I was headed. I just said excuse me, walked right between them, and got my mail. They both tried to talk and be nice, but I just kept walking. I have no interest in them any more - no time to entertain ignorance. After the walk, we came home and I did the dishes. I think the dishwasher is broken - no water is going into it, so I did some by hand. B played with the utensils, of course, and found a wooden spoon he liked. B, Henri, and I went outside. I read and the boys played in the grass. B actually stayed up until 730 tonight! He's feeling a whole lot better. I finally put him in bed, and he didn't make a peep. I ate lasagna, drank a smirnoff, and read some more. I watched part of survivor - tyson got kicked off. Then, I watched Hell's Kitchen - Ben was kicked off. Then, I took a shower and now it's time for bed. That's about the extent of my day. Oh, B and I did look at some pictures of daddy again. He loves it - he loves his daddy. Well, goodnight.

-Lu

Can you tell I'm tired by this post?

After I started writing this, I was going to delete it because I seem a little crazy or drunk... no, I'm just tired and sick.

So, let's see... today was a decent day. Work was slow - we've not been getting much work for some reason. I've been taking on projects for others just for things to do. Tomorrow is pay day, which is always nice.

Okay, so there are really only two things on my mind right now - 1) I miss my husband and 2) it is SO hot in my house. It got up to 100 degrees today and for some reason they haven't turned on the AC in the houses! I have the windows open just so we can sleep. I'm going to call them tomorrow... this is ridiculous. Well, I just had this thought about the fact that we changed the air filter and that was when it stopped working. I went and reset the breaker and then went out and checked the actual AC appliance. Apparently, we didn't shut the door to the appliance enough and for some reason that shuts off the AC - I guess. I pushed it shut, and the AC came on. Yay! I guess that is fixed, now if my husband would just show up on the door step..... :)

I packed my workout bag tonight so that a friend from work and I can go to the gym at lunch. I'm looking to purchase an elliptical or treadmill or something to use at my house at night. Bar was okay today. The antihistamine seemed to work. He slept well, and his eyes looked better. I brought him home tonight, took a walk with him and the dog, gave him a bath, fed him part of a bottle, and put him to bed. Oh, and he has this new thing... he has a strange affinity for long handled spoons - you know, like wooden kitchen spoons. He had one this morning that I took before he went in to school. He threw a fit. He had another one this evening. He took it to bed with him. I tried to take it while he was sleeping, but he wouldn't let me have it! Haha! I don't mind except the fact that he is not extremely coordinated and hits himself (and me) in the head with it. I think I will sew a padded cover for it. We looked at more pictures of daddy today. He laughs at them. I think he really misses daddy. He won't even allow me to put him on the floor at home - i guess he thinks i will leave. Even if I sit down with him to play he crawls onto my lap. He's a teddy bear.

Well, I'm going to bed now. G'night!

-Lu

In Kuwait

Just wanted to write a quick note that we landed in Kuwait this afternoon and boy is it hot. We are hours ahead of Central Time. We flew from Texas to Maine to Ireland and then Kuwait. We should be moving to Iraq on Tuesday. I am very tired and dirty-need to get a shower and sleep. Hopefully will write more later. Love you all.

Update

My baby called me from Ireland this evening. Too bad we're not there for vacation or something, which would be amazing. He's doing well and hanging in there. I have been finding little notes around the house tonight - in the cupboard, the fridge, on my pc, etc. They are little sweet encouraging love notes. He is the most romantic man!
I went to get Bar from daycare this evening. They called me at work today telling me how his eyes have pus in them. I said that 'yes, I know. He's on medicine'. It's always something with them. I think that Bar just has really bad allergies. He's been sick for too long for it to be a cold. It may be a combo of allergy and cold. I went to KMart on the way home with him and picked up Benadryl for now and Claritin for daily use. It says not to use under 2 years of ago, but they don't take weight into account. I found some dosage instructions online and decreased that. We will see how he does with it. I hope it helps, he has been miserable.
I came home, gave Barrett all his medications, and put him to bed. I then ate leftovers from the calzone I made my man last night, and am sitting here watching Am Idol. I'm so tired tonight! As soon as I'm done writing this, I will go get this ready for work tomorrow and take a shower and maybe paint my nails. My amazing husband usually paints them for me, but I guess I will do it for myself. :) Until next time...
-Lu

And he's off....

It's 4:40 am, and M just took off on the bus to get on a plane to Iraq. M, Barrett, and I went on post at midnight so that he could draw his weapon. Then, we all just hung out at the gym with the other families until 4 when they kicked the families out. Barrett was asleep, but I went around the side and watched M one last time as he filed out the door and into the bus. It's surreal. I think I am still numb. I initially cried a little when we first parted ways, but dried up quickly. I feel okay now. I just worry so much about him. I know he has to be torn up. It's such a scary thing to be going there anyway - and it's been so long since he has done anything like this. Plus, he has to leave me and his little baby behind.

I have been tossing around myself that I would like to rejoin the Guard - in fact I even went, signed, and swore in, but I pulled out at the last minute. I do miss it, but tonight I decided there was no way I can do it. It's hard enough to leave your spouse, but I could NOT leave my son. There's no way in the world. Speaking of my angel, he did really well tonight. He went to bed at 4 pm (he's been sick), and we woke him at 11:30 pm to go on post. He went back to sleep until about 2, then woke up for a while and is sleeping again. I couldn't ask for a better baby.

Well, I haven't slept yet, so I'm going to try to get a couple of hours - I plan on going to work later.

Oh, by the way, I have the best husband in the world, and I am going to miss him terribly. However, I know we have a great relationship, and there is something calming about being able to trust your spouse while he is that far away.... it's really nice. :)

-Lu

Random Things

So it is Saturday-my last weekend in the States for a while-trying to enjoy it while I can! Lets see yesterday:
Went to formation to show my face for accountability. Then I had to take my bags in to get weighed-we are allowed 400 pounds and my stuff only weighed 210-so I am good to go. Got my prescriptions refilled. Then the Army is doing a great thing now-they are mowing lawns of deployed service members for free-so I signed up for that-what a great deal. Then I met Linds and a couple people from her work for lunch at an Indian restaurant-boy was it good! Then we had some excitement-somebody hit the fire hydrant out front of our house and knocked the water main out-but they worked on it and got the water turned on around 9 pm. The military really does take care of its own. About 8 pm, there was a knock on our door and there was another wife from down the street with 2 bottles of water for us since we didn't have water-what a surprise and very refreshing that people do really care! This morning we cleaned a lot. Barrett is teething now and wasn't in the best mood-we gave him medicine and some orajel. He is taking a nap know.After nap time it is time to go get Linds hair cut and for me to pick up some last minute things for the trip. (I am dreading the long, long, long plane ride!) We celebrated Mothers day early (since I won't be here) and what she wanted was a steam mop-so I got her one. There is one more gift coming-hopefully it will get here before I leave!
I don't know if it has really hit me yet that I am leaving-probably not till I get on the plane-the hardest thing for me is going to be away from my family and friends. I guess that is it for now...
Mike

The Best Gift Ever....

A friend and I were discussing the other day men and gift giving. Most men think that all women want expensive jewelry and purses as gifts. I told her how my sister's husband gave her a $350 Coach purse for Christmas (and later bought her the $250 wallet to go with it). She wasn't extraordinarily happy because that is a little over the top for her. She told me she only carries it to church on Sundays. I said I would never want an expensive purse like that - I mean, I would have formula spilled it in and crackers smashed on the bottom. We think it is awesome when a man gets you something that shows he really knows you - no matter how big or small.

Since my husband is going to be gone on Mother's day, he decided to go ahead and give me a gift (b/c he is ultra thoughtful). He gave me ... drum roll.... a Bissell steam mop. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's exactly what I wanted! We have all hard tile floors since we live on post now, and we have a baby who crawls on them all the time. Regular mops just don't get the food the smashes into the ground, and we have to mop like every night. Also, I don't like all the harsh chemicals on the floor, so it's PERFECT! Thanks, babe! XOX

Ready to fly

So, everything is in order now for my deployment. Got my clearance from the docs and got my orders this morning. Got to take my bags into get weighed this morning. Other than that, it is just time to enjoy the time until I actually go on Tuesday. Will really miss my beautiful wife and children!

Thursday

So it has been Monday since I last posted. My flight is now flying out early on the 21st. I am glad that I get one more weekend to spend with my family. Today I have a doctor appt to get officially cleared. Other than that-just packing up.

Daycare....

I went to pick my son up from day care yesterday afternoon, and I got a little surprise. They once again told me to sign an incident report! I read it and it said that Barrett had grabbed another child's face and bit him! I thought, 'no way'! There is simply no way that happened. I'm not one of those parents who thinks their child is perfect. I don't expect him to be. However, I know my son. He has NEVER bitten anyone. He plays with his step siblings just fine, and we have a dog who is really rough with him. He GIVES away his toys gladly. He is not mean or vindictive in any way. I asked the ladies if he could possibly have just been playing, exploring, or even trying to kiss the child (which he does - opening his mouth and rubbing it on things), because he even puts his mouth on the floor to feel it. They said they weren't sure, they couldn't tell.... wait, you couldn't tell?!?!?! Where exactly were they? There is a huge difference! Don't say my child hurt someone if you don't even know that he meant to! They put him in a crib again for 1 minute for time out. My son's sleeping (which has never been good) has gotten worse lately. He wakes up every few hours like a newborn. When I go in, he reaches for me. It breaks my heart. I explained to the manager yesterday that my child has sleeping problems, then you throw him in a crib for punishment? And you think he's ever going to want to sleep in a crib? Also, he is not even a year old! First of all, infants put EVERYTHING in their mouths - toys, their own feet, another child's cheek, it all goes in. Secondly, you can't put a child under 1 in time out. They don't understand what is going on. Sure, say no, separate the children, but time out? That's not how it is intended to be used. We are putting our child in another daycare - signing him up today. Hopefully he will just finish this week out at his old daycare and that's it. I've had it. You mess with my child, and I will stop at nothing to see that the situation gets fixed. I've fired a doctor right in the middle of treatment, I will do it to a daycare, too.

Great Weekend

So I had one terrrific weekend! Got to spend lots of quality time with the family and it was very relaxing. The pictures turned out great! Looking forward to spending another great afternoon with my wife.

Happy Easter!

So the Easter Bunny came this morning-everyone got a basket-see attached pictures.

Yesterday was good day-we painted some eggs and then we got to go to Outback for a nice dinner and to see a movie. It was nice to have quality time with my wife. Happy easter to all

Movie Theatre Etiquette 101....

I have to rant for a minute about people who don't get out much and don't understand how common sense seating in a public setting works. You know there is like a science to it.....

Barrett had a girlfriend over last night (his baby sitter), so my husband and I went to dinner and a movie. We saw 'I love you, man'. It was a pretty good move (although we are just getting too old and tired to sit in a movie theatre that late), but I was amazed at how some people seem to not understand movie theatre etiquette. My husband and I were early, so we were the first ones in the theatre. If I sit too close to the screen, I get a migraine, so we went all the way to the back in the center and sat there (we may have also wanted to act like we were in high school and make out in the movie :) ). Another couple came in after us, looked at us, and went exactly halfway down in the center. Perfect, exactly how it should work. A third couple comes in - mind you they are probably about 45 years old, the woman weighed about 300 lbs and had on short shorts and flip flops! It was like 40 degrees out!! Anyway, they came in, looked around, and common sense should have told them to probably go about halfway between ourselves and the other couple. No, of course not. They came all the way back to our row, then sat TWO CHAIRS down from us! Who does that?? Then, of course they had to be those annoying people that talk loudly and think they know everything. Another couple came in after us and sat right infront of us. We were like surrounded! AND there were only 11 people total in the whole theatre. Grrr...

Oh well, I had fun with my honey anyway. I accidentally left my debit card at work last week, so all night we joked that I was taking him out with his money (although it's the same account). I would ask for his card and then pay with it. Oh, and we both got carded for alcohol last night again.... it made M's night since he's almost 37. :)


-Lu

Round two, ding ding ding...

Last Saturday, I was going to take my loving hubby out to a steak dinner. Unfortunately, our baby got sick, so we had to stay home. Well, we are trying it again tonight. Not sure if I mentioned that we hadn't been out during the evening by ourselves since the baby was born 10 months ago!! A friend's daughter, who is 14, is going to watch him. She is certified by the Army to babysit, so I feel safe with her. We are doing dinner and a movie tonight. I'm really excited! The best thing is that the baby is probably be asleep most the time we are gone, so he'll never even know.

We are also trying (for the third time) to get professional pictures taken tomorrow. Everyone has been sick, so we haven't been able to do it. Bar is seeing the easter bunny today, so we will get pics of that, too! :) Hopefully, it will be a good day and all will work out.

Lu

Friday

Had a good productive day today. I managed to sleep in until 7! That felt great. Then I dropped Barrett off at daycare around 8. Had to take brownies into Linds and then went to Walmart to get Linds easter present-a computer (or puter) as she calls it so we can stay in touch while I'm deployed. Got the cars oil changed. Then came home and cleaned a little bit. Linds was able to come home for some lunch-it was great to see her. Then I started to pack. We are hitting the commissary today-she is getting off an hour early today.
Until next time.
Mike

Tomorrow is Friday... yah!

Yea, you get a 4 day weekend, Mr. Michael! :) Funny how we both work for the Army (in different capacities), but I never get an extra day off. Haha.

My wonderful husband admitted one of his life aspirations tonight - drum roll please - to be an infant forever. Hahahah! I guess, what is there not to like - being greeted in the morning by ladies calling you 'precious' and 'beautiful', getting fed by a bottle, eating whatever you want, playing all day, sleeping whenever, being pushed in a stroller, having someone change your diaper (and we just won't mention the breast feeding... :) ). I found this quite comical.

I'm excited for this weekend. The daughter of a friend of mine is going to watch the Lil Man on Saturday. My honey and I haven't had an evening to ourselves since he was born (10 months!). I'm taking him out for a nice steak dinner and then we shall see. Egg painting and hunting on Sat or Sun and pictures on Sun. I'm taking a half day on Mon to enjoy the afternoon with the love of my life before he leaves for a while.

Anyway, gotta run. Michael and I are baking desserts for my luncheon tomorrow. Mwah!

Another Week has flown by!

Wow, another week down! I did lots more training this week-first aid, and qualified with weapons. The biggest thing that I am getting out of this class is getting used to wearing all the equipment-it is quite heavy! and getting a nice suntan. If it is this hot in Texas in April, imagine what it is going to be like in Iraq in the mid summer. At least we have a 4 day weekend this weekend! Lots of quality time with the family and packing. As of right now, all I know is that I might be leaving next Friday, Apr 17-don't know a time or anything. Anyway, that is all for now-sorry so short and sweet.
Looking forward to painting eggs this weekend, having date night with my beautiful wife and getting family pictures.
Happy Easter Everyone!
Until next time.....
Mike

Being a Parent

So being a parent means that you have to be flexible in your schedule. Sometimes your kid will throw your schedule out of whack-that is what happened to us this weekend. Barrett got sick again-the ear infection spread to sinus infection. He was pretty miserable all weekend. We went to the Ft Hood thing-but it was a big letdown-not what we expected at all. I think we spent a grand total of an hour there. Barrett got bit by a pig at the petting zoo-but handled it like a trooper. After that we went to the doctor for Barrett (took a little bit longer this time) and got some medicine-so our date night was cancelled. Today was also a bust-he woke up grouchy and not his normal self so we didn't go to the egg hunt-we will have our own in our backyard next week and we didn't get pictures-but have an appointment set up for next sunday at 4. Instead we went and looked at a couple of more houses and then came home and cleaned. Oh well, you win some, you lose some, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Got lots of more training this week-but only a 4 day week-we have a 4 day weekend-gotta love the Army.
Proud of Joey making AB Honor Roll and Mackenzie making A Honor Roll
Overall, life is pretty good to me!
Until Next time....

Month of the Military Child

April is the month of the military child. I just wanted to say how important my family is to me and I know military kids have to go through a lot and want to thank all military kids. Ft Hood is having a little celebration today that we are going to after nap time. Then it is date night tonight with my terrific wife!
We looked at 3 more houses yesterday and they were pretty good. Can't wait to move in. It is time to settle some roots!
Got a lot of sun yesterday in training. I am also sore from combatives-boy I am getting old!
Talk to you all later...Mike

Friday, April 3

I had a pretty good day today at work. We had a little staff meeting, but other than that, it was the same old thing. I had a nice girls' lunch out today. Three girls I work with, myself, our labor attorney, and a girl that does admin for the hospital went for Japanese. It was really good. I'm taking my awesome husband out for steak dinner tomorrow night - leaving the little one at daycare. It's something we rarely get to do, so I'm excited.

When I picked up my son from daycare today, I had to sign an 'incident report'. I read it and it said that my son, who is 9 months old, wanted to play with a toy that another baby had. He allegedly was upset and scratched this baby in the face leaving marks. They stated that they told him 'not to scratch' and put him in time out. I looked at them and asked, "Are you joking?" They just looked at me as though they were thinking 'why'. I said, "He's nine months old! You put 9 month old babies in time out??" She said, "Well, yeah, we just put him in his crib for about 1 minute, but he didn't like that too much". I said that I would imagine not being that he is too young to even understand what being in trouble means. My degree is in psychology, and I have studied some child development, and my understanding of timeout is so that the child is able to calm down so that you may explain to the child what he/she did wrong. That doesn't work with an infant. They don't know what you are saying. Also, I don't believe that you are supposed to use a bed, or a crib, as punishment. If he goes there when he is in trouble, why would he go there to sleep?

Anyway.... I think I made my point to them. If it happens again, I will speak with the manager about it. Now, I am going to enjoy the rest of my evening with my sweetheart.
-Lu

Things....

On Daycare - I have to say that I am actually liking my son's daycare. I had my doubts in the beginning, and it broke my heart when he would cry as I left. However, yesterday, he even gave the lady a smile as I left. They are training him to use a sippy cup - he's doing well. He only takes about 2 1/2 bottles a day now, which is great. Babies should be weened from a bottle around 1 year (unless you are my sister and your three year old still takes a bottle). They feed him REALLY well - average day is breakfast of pancakes and fruit, morning snack with juice, lunch of hotdogs or pizza, vegetable, fruit, and milk, and afternoon snack with juice. He seems to be getting used to it. Plus, absense makes the heart grow fonder, so when I get there I am greeted with a huge smile and him crawling to me. :)
On Work - My job is going great. I am about to ask for a raise since I was on maternity leave last time we received one.
On This Weekend - We are taking our baby to an egg hunt this weekend, will post pictures. It will be cute. Also, Easter bunny is next weekend. We are getting professional pictures taken with the little man this weekend as well. Also, looking at more houses to purchase.
Life in General - I bought a new laptop last night. My husband is taking this one overseas with him, so I needed one. It's PINK! Yah! My husband is still wonderful, and IT'S FRIDAY!!!

Gotta go wake up my angel so I can get to work. :)
-Lu

Been a couple of days

So it has been almost a week since I last blogged-to catch you up:
Had a great weekend last weekend spending time with Linds and Barrett.
This week I started IRT (Individual Readiness training) in preparation for deployment-it is a 2 week class. There are 300 of us. We have done lots of classes (death by powerpoint) and lots of weapon training. Looking forward to another great weekend-next weekend is a 4 day weekend!
Barrett is doing well in daycare and eating up a storm-I will have to get another job!
April 1st went by with no april fools jokes!
Still love my wife to death! She is the greatest.
Also, I miss Joey, Mackenzie and Joel very much and am very happy and proud to be their dad-until next time...;
Mike