Goodbye #2

He left for Afghanistan today. This would be goodbye number two. The first when I left to come to stay with my parents. I realized saying goodbye over the phone is just as hard standing in front of him saying goodbye. I felt the pressure behind my eyes, thinking of him leaving and missing his daughters first birthday. I bare down and grit my teeth so hard that it makes my jaw hurt to make the teary feeling stop. And it is twice as hard when I look at our little girl and see him in here. [I think this post is me venting]. Ugh I have tears rolling down my cheeks now. It is hard. I'm so use to being in his place. The one going over there and everyone else crying over me leaving. Now the tables have turned. I think the grass is defiantly greener on his side. Ha. I kills me that he wont be here to see his daughter turn one. And I know when that day comes I will hide away after its over and cry because she has grown up soo fast and that he missed a wonderful celebration of her life.





The count down begins and so do the letters. I always find that letters are much more enjoyable to get than an email. It takes a little more effort and to me, it was always nice to hear your name during mail call.  I do have to say we are lucky this go round. Deployed only for no more than 127 days. So if all goes right he will be holding me and his beautiful daughter in July.

 

Daddy's little girl holding on to his dog tags as she sleeps. 

I am sure the next time I write it will be happier, this was to help me get the pressure off my chest.

Long Trip Finally Over

Yes, it has been a little bit since the last time I wrote. There has been a lot of stuff going on. Helping my hubby get ready for his deployment, packing and getting our 11 month old and dog for a long trip from North Carolina to Maine. Unfortunately, the kiddos and I had to leave the daddy behind to come to Maine to spend the 4 months while he's deployed with my family. But we made. Now the only thing I have to do is get everything in its place. I do not know if anyone is like this, but being home was much easier, because everything had a place and there is a place for everything. And everything was conveniently placed. Grrrr

On a better note, since we have been here, my darling daughter has learned a thing or two:

 

Brushing her toofers

She's added another move to her dances moves. She has footwork now. haha

Sadie's Favorite Toy

I randomly bought myself an Ugly Doll one day, because I thought it was different/interesting looking. Things like that I love. I never thought that my daughter would find it and fall in love with it. I notice a trend that she likes weird unusual monsters just like her mommy. 

Meet Peaco:"Peaco is very shy. Well... shy on the outside. On the inside, Peaco is a wild man! You can see it in his eyes. All three. Peaco really shines when he’s doing what he does best. DANCING! Peaco loves to dance in the water...much to the dread of his cousin Cinko. Why dance in the water? Well, think about it! When you dance in the water, no one can see you! SHY! Remember? It’s kind of a pain explaining water dancing to lifeguards though. Please dance with Peaco. He’s seen your moves! (So don’t step on his ears.)"

Each Ugly Doll comes with their own story that explains their personality. So there should be one out there that matches anyone that wants one. There are lots, and they all started out with a love story.  The following is from the Ugly doll website:

"From the creative minds of two love struck artists David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim emerge the Uglydoll family!  What started as a drawing of a playful orange character known as Wage has turned into a whole new world of fun! In 2001, when David's soon to be wife and creative partner Sun-Min had to return to Korea, he sent her many "I miss you" letters with his little Wage character drawn at the bottom. Sun-Min sewed Wage into a plush doll and sent him to David as a surprise gift. David asked Sun-Min to sew a couple more for the Giant Robot store in Los Angeles and they sold out in one day! A very excited Sun-Min sewed many more and those sold just as fast! Sun-Min and David then began to pull more characters from the Uglyverse, a universe where UGLY meant unique and special, to translate into plush Uglydolls.  They both met again at their very first Uglydoll Toy Fair booth (a small 6x6 booth made of felt and wood) in New York, where they would go on to win Toy Of The Year 4 years later!"

I love these little guys. They come in different size as well as action figures.  Sadie takes her's everywhere so goes, even to the doctor's office. Peaco is actually a lot more help there than I though he would be. He He

 Go to the Ugly Doll Website

 

Catching Up on My Reading Resolution

I've been working on my second book of the year.  I have been trying to keep up with my New Year's resolution of reading at least one book a month. I use to be really into to reading, and then, well life happened. Now I'm just trying to fit it in as much as possible.

The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, as most of you know, is about a time traveler (of course), Henry who meets Clare, and keeps up with her through out all stages of her life and weds her.  I actually did not know it was a book before I started seeing trailers for it on tv. It appealed to me and like the nerd I am I researched it. My husband thinks I'm nuts for having rules for certain things. And he laughs at this one : I will not watch a movie before I read the book.  I really do not blame him.  I enjoying comparing the movie to the book as I watch. And most of the time I'm let down to home much is left out. At least with the book I get the full effect.

A good book to me is a book that makes you feel the characters emotions so well, that you cry, smile, or your pissed off at the world. Ha Ha. But yeah, those are good books to me.

Finally!! The stroller!!!!

My husband and I have been boring the neighbors jobbing stroller since December. Being that we live in NC running all year round isn't really a problem. After discussing my goal of becoming active again, for the first time after getting out of the Marine Corps, my husband went a head and bought me a jogging stroller at the beginning of January.  After it being on back order we finally received it yesterday. Jeep Overland Jogging Stroller. I was going to use it today, but ughhh, it started raining. At glances it looks awesome and it was very easy to put together. It comes with a music tray that allows you to listen to music from a portable cd, MP3 player, or IPOD through headphones. OR you can play the music through provided speakers for both you and the baby. My husband tried it out yesterday here in the living room. I was actually rather impressed with how loud it was. It does take 4 AA batteries, which are not provided.  Another thing I  like about the stroller is that it comes with an Air pump for the tires and it goes conveniently in the basket. A snack tray with cup holder is provided for the baby and the seat (adjustable 5-point harness) does recline, which is wonderful, because our little one does tend to fall asleep during runs.  One of my favorite things is that it comes with a speed and distance odometer. Also a plus it has reflectors for those running parents who enjoy running in the wee hours of the dark morning or night. The only down fall was depending on where and how you order the stroller it does not come with a weather shield. And the weather shield to this stroller does not cover the whole stroller. The pictures I have found of it, I have seen the child's feet still exposed to rain. It is kind of heavy too. But other than that I am happy with it.  It has good reviews across the board on multiple websites.

Set for Valentine's Day

I am all excited for the upcoming Valentines Day, because it is Sadie's first. I've been going nuts trying to figure out what to get her that she will love. I walk through stores looking up and down all the pink and red isles filled with toys, candy, and bears, and still I came up with nothing. Finally, Barnes and Noble. I'll get her books. Even at 10 and half months old she loves books, which I'm so happy about. She knows how to turn the pages and sometimes she sits next to her dog and it seems like she is reading to her. Though I do not understand her baby gibberish, it is nice to imagine that she is reading to the dog. Barnes and Noble always had little kiddo books for the upcoming holiday too, which is wonderful.

I have always been one for heart felt, stood in the isle for hours, perfect card. My husband knows I never fail at getting him the perfect card for any occasion, even if its just cause. This year I think I am going to make one with Sadie for him. It should be fun. I did some research and found this nifty page that shows you how to make cute Valentine's Day cards for anyone.  I bookmarked it for the future, because I think it would be fun for Sadie when she gets into school and starts that sort of  thing. Homemade Valentine Cards - Fun Project for Kids

 

Dazzle Her Day™

Every year, even while I was deployed I always sent my mother flowers. I always made it so she received them at work. It always made her feel special to get them among her co-workers. This year though she is going to get them from Sadie. Above is the Bouquet I picked for her. I'm sure she is going to love it.

Dear John

Snow Patrol "Set the Fire to the Third Bar" from Dear John

Trailer Park Movies | MySpace Video


I do not know how many of you have read the book or seen the movie yet, but there has been a lot of support out there for the movie. I have read the book, but have not seen the movie. I loved the book and really can not wait to.

The song they have for it "Set Fire to the Third Bar" by Snow Patrol fits the movie so well. I'm sure it will be the theme song for ever long distance relationship, as well as military couple out there. I can't stop listening to it.  I just thought I would share it with you. Below are the lyrics. Enjoy.

I find the map and draw a straight line
Over rivers, farms, and state lines
The distance from 'A' to where you'd be
It's only finger-lengths Jobby that I see
I touch the place where I'd find your face
My finger in creases of distant dark places

I hang my coat up in the first bar
There is no peace that I've found so far
The laughter penetrates my silence
As drunken men find flaws in science

Their words mostly noises
Ghosts with just voices
Your words in my memory
Are like music to me

I'm miles from where you are,
I lay down on the cold ground
I, I pray that something picks me up
And sets me down in your warm arms

After I have travelled so far
We'd set the fire to the third bar
We'd share each other like an island
Until exhausted, close our eyelids
And dreaming, pick up from
The last place we left off
Your soft skin is weeping
A joy you can't keep in

I'm miles from where you are,
I lay down on the cold ground
And I, I pray that something picks me up
and sets me down in your warm arms

I'm miles from where you are,
I lay down on the cold ground
and I, I pray that something picks me up
and sets me down in your warm arms

 (Thank you to Sing356.com)

Jogging strollers: Tips for running with small kids

From Active.com

American Running Association

There are few life events that can disrupt your normal training more profoundly than the addition of a baby to a family.
One of the first discoveries a new parent makes is that the exercise you once took for granted can be a major challenge to fit into your day. Jogging strollers those big-wheeled contraptions you see flying down the road holding a sublime, often sleeping baby, and a temporarily liberated parent running behind are the answer for many parents who wouldnt consider giving up their cherished run.
Here are some tips for those interested in jogging strollers.
1. Purchase a high-quality stroller. Do not sacrifice budget for stability. Your stroller should not tip at all on turns. Look for a seat that holds your baby deep down in its hammock-like seat with a sturdy seat belt. Two-seaters are also available.
Safety features you need include a locking brake, grip material that wont turn slippery when your hands are sweaty, and a wrist strap to prevent a runaway stroller.
2. Its a very good idea, although you may feel a bit silly, to take a test drive without your baby. You need to get used to the new mechanics of running behind your stroller.
Think of your route in terms of its effect on your babys ride. Never use the stroller at night it just isnt safe. Stick to familiar routes and think about unexpected obstacles, like car doors, bicycles, potholes, and dogs.
3. Never take your hands off the stroller. The jogging stroller is designed to roll with as little resistance as possible, making it very easy for it to get away from you.
4. When your baby is young (under 1 year) choose smooth surfaces to keep shaking to a minimum. It makes a lot of sense to use a bicycle helmet for your baby your jogging stroller is not the same as a baby carriage. Head injuries can occur at running speeds, just like they occur at biking speeds.
5. Dont forget to consider your babys exposure to the elements. Use sunscreen and hats to block the sun (even in non-summer months). Use extra clothes in cold and damp weather. Remember, your baby isnt generating any extra body heat and he has the wind created by your speed to deal with.
6. Remember to be considerate of other runners. Give a wide berth when approaching or passing other runners. Check the rules before you enter a race most races wont allow strollers.
7. Dont let your guard down on safety. Although the jogging stroller provides a convenient way for you to get out the door and run, the advantages dont come without risks to your infant. Stay vigilant and your exercise can be satisfying and safe for both you and your new companion.

2 Miles Love Yourself

Yesterday my husband surprised me by getting off early. He leave in the morning around 4:45 am and works 12 hours or more a day. I'm lucky if I see him before the sun goes down, so it was nice to see him. We decided to spend our extra time together running. Him, the baby, and me.  As I started running I feel like I have let myself go.  When I got out of the USMC I was able to run 3 miles under 25 minutes, now ughhhh. I felt like my heart was going to explode out of my chest. I was like this is what a year and a pregnancy does to you. And yes, I admit, when I hit my pregnancy this girl was snoozing a lot and not working out much.

When my husband clocked 2 miles at 29 minutes I felt myself starting to slow down thinking how did I get so terrible at running. Then I thought to myself, that is why you are running right now. You are gaining all back just by putting yourself out there and going through the struggle to become it again. I have running shoes on and in my head I started singing military cadences in my head. My  husband was pushing the stroller and was 5-6 feet in front of me.  Each time I trailed by him, I thought in my head, run to your baby, she smiles when ever she sees you. So that is what I did, I ran to see her smle. 

I caught up, looked at my daughter and she smiled at me as if she was thinking "There you are Momma" and I kept up with my family the whole way. All the way home. And when I finished, I felt great. Even though I know I need improvement, I felt great that I did it.