Hello wonderful Blog followers!
Sorry for my rather long hiatus... life has been busy, challenging, and wonderful over the past few months. We went to Michigan for Brian to interview for a new job and he got it! We will be separating from the Army later this year. We spent our last Thanksgiving & Christmas in Georgia enjoying the warm weather and soaking up 80 degrees on Christmas Day. So that is the wonderful and busy parts.
Challenges are always interesting. Jude had been sick over the past few months (2 1/2) and he is finally starting to do better. We have no idea what happened to our sweet boy, but at this point we don't want to do any more testing because he is doing better. We are amazed every day with how much he is growing, learning, and doing.
You know January is my favorite month. Everyone is so joyful and hopeful. Most people are starting their new year resolutions and succeeding. People are making big changes (most of which won't last), but for the month of January we are better people. What are our resolutions?
1. Reducing the amount of time Brian & I are on phones, tablets, computers (no being on them outside of Jude's sleep time & his media time).
2. Eating better & working out more (isn't that EVERYONES resolution)
3. Working on my crafting skills & crocheting one new item a month & creating a stockpile or items to sell when we move to MI
4. Operation empty the freezer & pantry (this one I can with out a doubt say will continue until it is done, because we can't more it! LOL)
5. Read more (this was one from last year and I did good for about 1/2 the year...)
What are your resolutions? What do you want to accomplish in 2016? Hopes? Dreams?
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
June & July OVER!!
So, June and July have been SUPER busy! We had Brian's parents, my mom, anniversary trip, and a trip to Seattle! Soon we will even be headed to IL we are just a traveling family lately!
Jude is doing well, he has acquired two premolars (one on the plane to Seattle and one while in Seattle), he is running around, LOVES being outside in WA, and loves being in the water! He really is becoming such a sweet little man (that is when he is not throwing a temper tantrum... gotta love that red hair/German attitude)!!
Brian is amazing and is the sexiest Major in the Army I know! He is working hard and enjoyed vacation time with us! I was flabbergasted on the flight to Seattle at how unhelpful other fathers are with their children and I just leaned over and kissed Brian and thanked him for being wonderful!
I am doing well also, I am trying to keep my migraines at bay with Botox injections and Physical Therapy 1-2 times a week. I am also doing well with relaxing more and not stressing the little things! I am looking forward to our upcoming trip to IL to see family and hopefully enjoy some cooler weather.
On a sad note our FAVORITE neighbors have moved away and PCSed to West Pointe and we already miss them so very much! :(
PHOTO BOMB!
Jude is doing well, he has acquired two premolars (one on the plane to Seattle and one while in Seattle), he is running around, LOVES being outside in WA, and loves being in the water! He really is becoming such a sweet little man (that is when he is not throwing a temper tantrum... gotta love that red hair/German attitude)!!
Brian is amazing and is the sexiest Major in the Army I know! He is working hard and enjoyed vacation time with us! I was flabbergasted on the flight to Seattle at how unhelpful other fathers are with their children and I just leaned over and kissed Brian and thanked him for being wonderful!
I am doing well also, I am trying to keep my migraines at bay with Botox injections and Physical Therapy 1-2 times a week. I am also doing well with relaxing more and not stressing the little things! I am looking forward to our upcoming trip to IL to see family and hopefully enjoy some cooler weather.
On a sad note our FAVORITE neighbors have moved away and PCSed to West Pointe and we already miss them so very much! :(
PHOTO BOMB!
Gaming with Dad
Fun with Grandpa Snyder
Savannah Fountain with Grandma Stueckrad
Promotion to Major!!
Escape Artist at Work
Flying High in WA
Fun in the Sound with Mom at Tolmie
Babyland with Grandma Stueckrad
Anniversary Trip with Hubby
Snuggles with Grandma Snyder
Donut Day!
Ball Pit Fun with Mom
Cousin Love
Two Peg Leg Men
Hey There Cutie!
Sprinkler Fun in Roy, WA
Yelm Farmer's Market!
Space Needle Family Pic
One of Jude's last visits to the neighbor's house!
Friday, June 12, 2015
May is done and so is half of June... Ooops...
May was a pretty easy month. We celebrated Mother's Day, Jude had his 15 month appointment, and Brian got all set for his surgery this month. All in all everything was amazing! Mother's Day was spent hanging out with my friend Phoebe and the next day my dear husband and son pampered me, cooked for me, and loved me! It was AMAZING! :)
Jude's 15 month appointment went well and he seems to really like his new doctor. He did well with his shots and was so patient during all the waiting.
Now for the check in:
Stop Eating Fast-Food: We are continuing to do really well! We did get my choice this month for the 3 month mini goal. So, we had McDonalds... Ummm YUM!
Read One Book A Month: I was able to read two this month so I made up for my failure last month. I read: Sliding Into Home the next book was The Art of Chasing The Rain both were really good. I enjoyed the second book much more and I HIGHLY recommend it!
Get Jude More Socialized: Still not much progress on that front. We are still hanging out with friends and their children. He is a sweet boy and is really playing well with others.
Quality Time With Brian: Brian and I did not get a chance to get out this month, but we are looking forward to our little getaway for our Anniversary.
More on June at the end of the month!
A few photos:
Jude's 15 month appointment went well and he seems to really like his new doctor. He did well with his shots and was so patient during all the waiting.
Now for the check in:
Stop Eating Fast-Food: We are continuing to do really well! We did get my choice this month for the 3 month mini goal. So, we had McDonalds... Ummm YUM!
Read One Book A Month: I was able to read two this month so I made up for my failure last month. I read: Sliding Into Home the next book was The Art of Chasing The Rain both were really good. I enjoyed the second book much more and I HIGHLY recommend it!
Get Jude More Socialized: Still not much progress on that front. We are still hanging out with friends and their children. He is a sweet boy and is really playing well with others.
Quality Time With Brian: Brian and I did not get a chance to get out this month, but we are looking forward to our little getaway for our Anniversary.
More on June at the end of the month!
A few photos:
Walking on his Monkey Leash
Waiting at the Doctor's Office
Playing in the Pool
Yummy! First Ice Cream
Climbing on the couch now!
Playing with his best friend Ashley (next-door neighbor)
Sunday, May 3, 2015
April is over
So, this was a fun filled month! We enjoyed Easter with the neighbors again (Brian was working of course), my mom came to visit and get some quality time with Jude, and we went on a long weekend (mid week of course) to Nashville, TN to visit friends!
It certainly was an amazing and busy month, which makes me look forward to May where we don't have to do ANYTHING or go ANYWHERE or host ANYONE! :) It will hopefully be a relaxing month, though it hasn't been so far...
I really don't have much to say this month I am kind of fried over all. I am patiently awaiting our Anniversary trip in June where I feel like all I will do is sleep! LOL! I am trying very hard to keep my stress down and not worry about the little things which always seems so difficult for me... Ah well.... I AM TEFLON! ;)
Monthly Check-in:
1. Stop Eating Fast Food - We successfully made it to our mini goal of 3 months and decided that we would treat ourselves once every three months. So, we got Dairy Queen (Brian's choice obviously) and it was okay, but not what I had hoped. I am hoping in June/July for some McDonalds or Jack in the Box... yum!
2. Read One Book A Month - SUPER DUPER FAIL! I don't think I even got a quarter of the way through my book. It just didn't grab me and I found it dull. So, I am going to start a new book this month. The book I attempted to read, but didn't was: The Cat Who Blew the Whistle. I used to LOVE The Cat Who... series, but this one just didn't grab me... :(
3. Get Jude More Socialized - Jude had the opportunity to play with Jack-Jack our friend's child who is one month younger then Jude. They had a great time and were as thick as thieves! I am glad to see he can play well with others! :)
4. Quality Time with Brian - While my mom was visiting we went out to see a movie together which hasn't happened in over a year, probably more like 2! It was great to sit and relax together. We also finished A LOT of projects around the house before my mom arrived and loved coming together for a common goal.
PICTURE TIME:
It certainly was an amazing and busy month, which makes me look forward to May where we don't have to do ANYTHING or go ANYWHERE or host ANYONE! :) It will hopefully be a relaxing month, though it hasn't been so far...
I really don't have much to say this month I am kind of fried over all. I am patiently awaiting our Anniversary trip in June where I feel like all I will do is sleep! LOL! I am trying very hard to keep my stress down and not worry about the little things which always seems so difficult for me... Ah well.... I AM TEFLON! ;)
Monthly Check-in:
1. Stop Eating Fast Food - We successfully made it to our mini goal of 3 months and decided that we would treat ourselves once every three months. So, we got Dairy Queen (Brian's choice obviously) and it was okay, but not what I had hoped. I am hoping in June/July for some McDonalds or Jack in the Box... yum!
2. Read One Book A Month - SUPER DUPER FAIL! I don't think I even got a quarter of the way through my book. It just didn't grab me and I found it dull. So, I am going to start a new book this month. The book I attempted to read, but didn't was: The Cat Who Blew the Whistle. I used to LOVE The Cat Who... series, but this one just didn't grab me... :(
3. Get Jude More Socialized - Jude had the opportunity to play with Jack-Jack our friend's child who is one month younger then Jude. They had a great time and were as thick as thieves! I am glad to see he can play well with others! :)
4. Quality Time with Brian - While my mom was visiting we went out to see a movie together which hasn't happened in over a year, probably more like 2! It was great to sit and relax together. We also finished A LOT of projects around the house before my mom arrived and loved coming together for a common goal.
PICTURE TIME:
Jude Hella Loves Oakland!
Jack & Jude
Easter Egg Fun!
Coffee with Grandma
Checking out the Kangaroos at Nashville Zoo
Justin & Jack with Brian & Jude
WOW Look at that Easter Basket!
Antico Pizza YUM!
Jude & Jack working together to move a chair
Jude Checking out the Trains
Friday, April 3, 2015
Post March Check-in
This meeting has certainly been a busy one. I started physical therapy (PT) this month for my migraines at my Neurologist office and it seems somewhat helpful and is a nice time to destress at least once a week. Jude had his 12 month appointment (though it was closer to 13 months) and that went... well... it was okay...
The doctor and nurse said that Jude dropped on the growth curve again and I was told that if this continued Jude would be fully labeled as "Failure to Thrive" which would require him to be in the hospital. Also in this appointment the doctor said to 1. Start Cows Milk 2. Take Away the Bottle and 3. Take Away the Pacifier. Yeah right doc! You can come to my house and do that if you would like. Anyways, when I went home with the mind set of "Okay to cows milk, bottle be gone by 14 months, and pacifier can stay" I decided to first look at my growth at home and "see the damage". Well, to my surprise Jude had not dropped at all and has maintained his 60th percentile. I returned the following day to the clinic, because there was a 4 day weekend coming up and they would be closed (closed for the holiday of St. Patrick's Day). They re-weighed Jude and he "suddenly" gained weight and went from the 34% to 45% in just 24 hrs. The nurse seemed unwilling to listen to me about having a different growth chart and wouldn't show me theirs thus I left and knew that my son was healthy and would continue to grow.
The next week, I got to celebrate my birthday with my dear husband. We were able to have our neighbors watch Jude while we went to the Melting Pot. SO YUMMY! It was a wonderful birthday and I felt so very loved. The rest of the month went well and we enjoyed every moment we were able to spend as a family. Jude is walking around like crazy, only has one bottle a day (at night time), is talking more, and loves being active.
Monthly Check-in:
1. Stop Eating Fast Food - Another month down, but I still crave it. I thought the cravings would stop by now, but man I could go for some Taco Bell or McDonalds! Ugh!
2. Read One Book A Month - I was a little late this month hence why I am not writing this until now. The name of the book was: A Break With Charity. It was pretty good, but not what I expected.
3. Get Jude More Socialized - We had an older child over for dinner and Jude interacted with her some, ugh! It's just not going how I had hoped...
4. Quality Time with Brian - We went out for my birthday as our date night. We are still trying to cute technology out of our meal times, but it seems that we are starting to slack on that. We have been spending time doing outings as a family which has been great.
The doctor and nurse said that Jude dropped on the growth curve again and I was told that if this continued Jude would be fully labeled as "Failure to Thrive" which would require him to be in the hospital. Also in this appointment the doctor said to 1. Start Cows Milk 2. Take Away the Bottle and 3. Take Away the Pacifier. Yeah right doc! You can come to my house and do that if you would like. Anyways, when I went home with the mind set of "Okay to cows milk, bottle be gone by 14 months, and pacifier can stay" I decided to first look at my growth at home and "see the damage". Well, to my surprise Jude had not dropped at all and has maintained his 60th percentile. I returned the following day to the clinic, because there was a 4 day weekend coming up and they would be closed (closed for the holiday of St. Patrick's Day). They re-weighed Jude and he "suddenly" gained weight and went from the 34% to 45% in just 24 hrs. The nurse seemed unwilling to listen to me about having a different growth chart and wouldn't show me theirs thus I left and knew that my son was healthy and would continue to grow.
The next week, I got to celebrate my birthday with my dear husband. We were able to have our neighbors watch Jude while we went to the Melting Pot. SO YUMMY! It was a wonderful birthday and I felt so very loved. The rest of the month went well and we enjoyed every moment we were able to spend as a family. Jude is walking around like crazy, only has one bottle a day (at night time), is talking more, and loves being active.
Monthly Check-in:
1. Stop Eating Fast Food - Another month down, but I still crave it. I thought the cravings would stop by now, but man I could go for some Taco Bell or McDonalds! Ugh!
2. Read One Book A Month - I was a little late this month hence why I am not writing this until now. The name of the book was: A Break With Charity. It was pretty good, but not what I expected.
3. Get Jude More Socialized - We had an older child over for dinner and Jude interacted with her some, ugh! It's just not going how I had hoped...
4. Quality Time with Brian - We went out for my birthday as our date night. We are still trying to cute technology out of our meal times, but it seems that we are starting to slack on that. We have been spending time doing outings as a family which has been great.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
One Year Appointment
Today, Jude finally had his one year appointment. We had to wait until 28 days after his MMR vaccine that he got before our trip to Chicago. So, today we made the trek to Fort Stewart for our 0800 appointment (ugh so early!!). All in all his appointment went fairly well... he is developing well, his height and head circumference are on track, and his weight... well... that is to be determined. He has gained weight, but from what the doctor & nurse told me he dropped in percentiles again, but according to my growth chart he hasn't dropped at all. So, that part is still remaining to be seen whenever the doctor e-mails me back. We also had a discussion/disagreement on the presence of fluoride in the Richmond Hill water, which we then determined that the doctor would just give me a multivitamin with fluoride in it. The doctor also made three recommendations (on top of feeding him more food) 1. Add whole milk into his diet 2. Take away his bottle and 3. Take away his pacifier. I literally laughed in the doctor's face and told him he could come to my house and deal with my son if he intended all of that to happen at once. He said he understood and that we could work on it slowly. So, today we have started Jude on milk slowly. Next we will cut out the 2 bottles he gets a day and switch them to sippy cups and finally (and in no particular hurry) we will cut out the pacifier except at night & then all together. I just really don't want him to become a thumb sucker...
Following the appointment Jude had four immunization and then a standard blood draw for anemia so we will await those results as well. All things considered Jude really was a champ through all of it and though he shed a few tears he got over it quickly and was smiling at everyone within minutes.
After breakfast Jude had his first taste of cow's milk and he seemed to enjoy it for the most part. We will see as we slowly add more to his diet. My sweet baby boy is growing up and changing so much!
Following the appointment Jude had four immunization and then a standard blood draw for anemia so we will await those results as well. All things considered Jude really was a champ through all of it and though he shed a few tears he got over it quickly and was smiling at everyone within minutes.
After breakfast Jude had his first taste of cow's milk and he seemed to enjoy it for the most part. We will see as we slowly add more to his diet. My sweet baby boy is growing up and changing so much!
Sunday, March 8, 2015
February
Though it is the shortest month of the year this February has been jam packed! This month we took the LONG LONG (14+ hours) drive to Illinois for Jude's 1st Birthday Party!
We had a great time seeing everyone and really loved celebrating Jude's 1st year of life! Jude was so lucky and thankful for everything he was given and for all the love and squishes from all in attendance.
Since being home we have been working on getting over any and all sicknesses that we acquired from the weather, friends, and just traveling in general. Photos to follow!!
Now for the end of the month check-in:
1. Stop Eating Fast-food - This month was slightly easier, with the exception of the drive to/from IL. We did stop at a McDonald's for breakfast, but we were both very good and only had oatmeal & coffee! Brian even said today he feels like pushing it to 6 months!
2. Reading One Book a Month - I didn't quite make it this time, but I was able to finish it in the first few days of March. This month I read The Nanny Diaries
3. Get Jude Socialized More - Not so much thus far. We did get to have the opportunity for Jude to play with some of his cousins, but I am still at a loss for what to get him involved in. Still need to get to the children's museum.
4. Quality Time with Brian - This month our date night was while we were in Illinois. My mom was able to watch Jude and Brian and I snuck off to Cheesecake Factory and Trader Joe's. We were also able to have a nice candlelight dinner the three of us for Valentine's Day!!
In the next month (this month technically) I plan on focusing on how to fix up my life. I need to be able to take some time to do the things I enjoy to do and really develop myself as a person!
PHOTO BOMB!!
We had a great time seeing everyone and really loved celebrating Jude's 1st year of life! Jude was so lucky and thankful for everything he was given and for all the love and squishes from all in attendance.
Since being home we have been working on getting over any and all sicknesses that we acquired from the weather, friends, and just traveling in general. Photos to follow!!
Now for the end of the month check-in:
1. Stop Eating Fast-food - This month was slightly easier, with the exception of the drive to/from IL. We did stop at a McDonald's for breakfast, but we were both very good and only had oatmeal & coffee! Brian even said today he feels like pushing it to 6 months!
2. Reading One Book a Month - I didn't quite make it this time, but I was able to finish it in the first few days of March. This month I read The Nanny Diaries
3. Get Jude Socialized More - Not so much thus far. We did get to have the opportunity for Jude to play with some of his cousins, but I am still at a loss for what to get him involved in. Still need to get to the children's museum.
4. Quality Time with Brian - This month our date night was while we were in Illinois. My mom was able to watch Jude and Brian and I snuck off to Cheesecake Factory and Trader Joe's. We were also able to have a nice candlelight dinner the three of us for Valentine's Day!!
In the next month (this month technically) I plan on focusing on how to fix up my life. I need to be able to take some time to do the things I enjoy to do and really develop myself as a person!
PHOTO BOMB!!
From Jude's 1st Birthday Photo Shoot! So HANDSOME!
Cake Face
Starbucks Lover
A Year in Review
Opening Presents at home before heading to IL
Actual 1st Birthday! Clothes from Uncle Dan & a Rib!
Cake Table at Jude's Birthday Party
Jude's Smash Cake at his Party
Jude Celebrating at Our Neighbor's for his Birthday!
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