Taking a cat nap with Aunt Amy
Yeah I know I am cute!
Look at us!
My family!
It tickles when Daddy kisses me on my neck!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Aunt Amy is in town!
So we have been busy...yeah I think I am beginning to see a pattern. Either way we have been spending time with Amy, she got in on Thursday! We spent some time in the pool today because it is super hot here but we are getting a cold front tomorrow. It is only going to be 90 degrees! I am so so excited! How sad is it that I say we are having a cold snap and it is going to be 90...just ridiculous! Other then that we are going to spend the week gearing up for our 4th of July weekend to San Antonio. We are going to meet up with some of our friends and head to Sea World! We are so excited. I promise to post some pictures because you all know I am going to be snapping away! Have a happy and safe 4th everyone! Until next time! :)
Taking a cat nap with Aunt Amy
Yeah I know I am cute!
Look at us!
My family!
It tickles when Daddy kisses me on my neck!
Taking a cat nap with Aunt Amy
Yeah I know I am cute!
Look at us!
My family!
It tickles when Daddy kisses me on my neck!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Pretty sure....
Ok, so just a note...I am pretty sure Gracie is cutting her first tooth. She has been chewing on everything. Although we haven't been super fussy just when she is tired...which is normal but sometimes she is a bit more fussy. Either way we have a bump and it is pretty hard. I will keep you posted. When it finally comes through oh my oh my is she going to be cute! I am going to miss her toothless grin though! Until next time!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Busy Busy Busy...did I mention BUSY?
So, of course, we have been busy as usual! Matt came home on Thursday after being gone for over 2 weeks. It has been great to have him back home. With Matt being gone I realized how much harder it is to do things all on your own. He is a great daddy and husband! But if you read the last blog, you already know what I think of him! :)
So I think I forgot to mention that Gracie had her 6 month pictures done 2 Saturday's ago. They turned out fantastic! There was only one of them I didn't like...which is pretty good! I will post one of them so you get a preview!
We have also moved up to the "big girl" bath. With Mommy & Daddy close by, Gracie gets to sit up all on her own and play in the big tub. She loves to splash with her hands. Her feet get to moving around too but she hasn't quite figured out how to splash with them sitting up. She is a blast to watch when she is playing in the water. Amy is coming in this week and we are going to go do some swimming maybe. It will be fun to put Gracie in the water now that she is a little bit older. We haven't been in awhile!
Gracie of course is just getting bigger and bigger. Of course that means that more Gracie stuff around the house. It is safe to say that Gracie has now become the new clutterer of the house...she keeps accumulating more and more toys...but I guess that means we need to stop buying them for her! :) Anyway, Matt and I did a whole renovation of the living room this weekend. We moved furniture and turned our former office area into "Gracie's Corner." Matt even painted part of the wall pink! I am trying to convince him to paint the rest of the walls, but time will tell! I still have to do some decorating in her area...but again...gotta have the time to do it! Pictures of Gracie's area are below!
Well, it is bedtime...4 AM comes awfully early! I am working the early shift and I hate getting up but I love getting off of work at 2:30. I am still loving the job but still deciding what my future holds! I still don't know what I wanna be when I grow up! ha ha! Well, Happy Tuesday to you and until next time....
Reading a book! I love Baby Einstein!
She is getting so big!
Gracie's new corner! It is still a bit unorganized...but it is getting there.
One of Gracie's 6 month pictures!
Playing in the bathtub...she loves to splash.
So I think I forgot to mention that Gracie had her 6 month pictures done 2 Saturday's ago. They turned out fantastic! There was only one of them I didn't like...which is pretty good! I will post one of them so you get a preview!
We have also moved up to the "big girl" bath. With Mommy & Daddy close by, Gracie gets to sit up all on her own and play in the big tub. She loves to splash with her hands. Her feet get to moving around too but she hasn't quite figured out how to splash with them sitting up. She is a blast to watch when she is playing in the water. Amy is coming in this week and we are going to go do some swimming maybe. It will be fun to put Gracie in the water now that she is a little bit older. We haven't been in awhile!
Gracie of course is just getting bigger and bigger. Of course that means that more Gracie stuff around the house. It is safe to say that Gracie has now become the new clutterer of the house...she keeps accumulating more and more toys...but I guess that means we need to stop buying them for her! :) Anyway, Matt and I did a whole renovation of the living room this weekend. We moved furniture and turned our former office area into "Gracie's Corner." Matt even painted part of the wall pink! I am trying to convince him to paint the rest of the walls, but time will tell! I still have to do some decorating in her area...but again...gotta have the time to do it! Pictures of Gracie's area are below!
Well, it is bedtime...4 AM comes awfully early! I am working the early shift and I hate getting up but I love getting off of work at 2:30. I am still loving the job but still deciding what my future holds! I still don't know what I wanna be when I grow up! ha ha! Well, Happy Tuesday to you and until next time....
Reading a book! I love Baby Einstein!
She is getting so big!
Gracie's new corner! It is still a bit unorganized...but it is getting there.
One of Gracie's 6 month pictures!
Playing in the bathtub...she loves to splash.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Daddy's Day!
Happy Daddy's Day to all of you out there that have children, small or big! Gracie's daddy is still away right now in North Carolina but she will get to see him on Thursday. We are planning on spending the day together on Saturday. I am thinking we might go to the pool, go out for dinner, and then we are going to take Gracie to see the new kids movie Kung Fu Panda. Granted, we all know she is going to sleep all the way through it, but Matt and I are kids at heart so what can you say!?!
Anyway, I am going to take a few minutes to totally brag about Matt. He is such a great father. He waited so long to be one and now he finally has his little girl...and we all know Gracie is a Daddy's Girl, but she loves mommy too! Back to Matt, :), he rushes home from work everyday to spend time with his little girl, he helps out with the changings, feedings, and everything else that comes along with having a baby in the house and loves every minute of it. She is spoiled rotten. He calls everyday to talk to her as much as he can. He is just a great dad! Not only did I luck out having him as a husband, because he is a pretty great one, but I lucked out by having a great daddy too!
I am not for sure if I have shared these pictures on here of Gracie and Matt, but if not enjoy them now, if so, enjoy them again!
Daddy & Gracie's 1st pic together
At the bowling alley in May
Swimming in March
At home after work a couple of weeks ago!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Around this time of year....
I am going to take a "Gracie Update" break, although just to let you know she is doing good...as cute as always...to answer a question I get frequently. A lot of my "non-military" friends always ask me, especially around this time of the year with 4th of July around the corner, how I stand being a military wife. How can I be away from my husband so often and so willingly. Well, the simple answer is, I love him and whatever he has to do, I am behind him 100%. A friend of my sent this to me via myspace and I thought I would share. It gives you an insight as to what it means to love a soldier. I do realize that some people will never understand why I have chosen the life that I have but that is ok, it doesn't matter because I love my soldier and no matter where he is told to go or how far apart we are, he is the love of my life and no matter what my heart is always where he is! So I hope you enjoy and pray for those that have lost their lives, for those who are currently deployed to foreign lands defending our freedom, for those that are so bravely joining the services, and for those that are at home having time they deserve with their families and friends.
What it Means to Love a Soldier
She stands in line at the post office waiting to send a package to her husband, a U.S. Army Soldier serving in Iraq. Envelopes, pens, paper, stamps, sunscreen, eye-drops, gum, batteries, powdered Gatorade, baby wipes and Twizzlers. He said he needed the sunscreen and baby wipes. She threw in the Twizzlers. There's a common bond at the post office in this military town. People aren't just sending letters and packages; they are sending smiles, hope, love and just a touch of home. People look around at the others, sharing their concern, fear and pride. They take comfort knowing they are not alone.
Passing through the gate leaving the Army post, she enters another world. A world filled with pawnshops, surplus stores, barbershops, fast food galore and, of course, "Loans, Loans, Loans." This is a life that includes grocery shopping at a place called the Commissary. A life that has her venturing to the Post Exchange, referred to as the PX, instead of heading to Wal-Mart. This is where you come to learn, appreciate and respect the ceremonious traditions of Reveille and Retreat, and of course, the National Anthem from a completely different perspective. At 6 a.m., or as the Soldiers call it, 0600 hours, Reveille can be heard across post. The bugle call officially begins the military workday. At 1700 hours Retreat sounds signaling the day's end. Soldiers render salutes, chatter fades and all eyes are drawn to the nearest flag. At 2300 hours, the bugle sounds Taps, denoting not only the "final hour" of the day, but also honoring those we have lost.
When the National Anthem plays in a military town, a special aura fills the air. Men, women, and even children stop to pay their respects. Civilians place their hands over their hearts. Soldiers salute. In this world, the Anthem isn't just a prequel to the echo of "Play Ball." Since she married her Soldier and experienced the Star Spangled Banner from this perspective, she's noticed how people in civilian towns react to the National Anthem. She notices the people who continue to talk, the hats that stay on, the beer that doesn't get put down, and even the jeers at the person singing the Anthem. The meaning seems to be lost to a majority of people. But if she looks closely, she can see who has been blessed enough to learn this lesson. Some are grandparents, some are parents, and some are young children.
At first glance, children growing up in this world of artillery, tanks and uniforms are the same as any other kids from any other town. They do the things that kids do. They play sports, go to school, and play with their friends. The difference is that their group of friends may change once a year, or more, due to a change of duty station. They don't have any say in this. They could be two years old and not remember a thing about it, or they may be sixteen years old getting ready for prom and having to uproot and move again. They're known as "military brats," a harsh misnomer for those who learn a lifestyle of sacrifice at such a young age. Yet, it makes them strong.
The little boys become the men of the house and the little girls become the ladies. They adapt to these different situations. They live with the reality that one, or even both, parents may not be around to celebrate birthdays and holidays. They know there will be time when they will look into the stands during Little League games and see only an empty space in the bleachers. At the same time, these kids have a sense of overwhelming pride. They brag about their daddies and their mommies being the best of the best. They know their Mom's been through deployments, changes of duty stations, and the ever-changing schedules Army life brings. While Dad is away, she takes care of the house, the bills, the cars, the dogs, and the baby.
To cope with it all, she learns military families communicate via the Internet so he doesn't miss out on what's happening back home. But he does miss out. He won't be there for the baby's first steps, and he may have to hear his son or daughter's first words through a time delay across a static-filled telephone line. She remembers what it was like before he left, when everything seemed "normal". Normal except for the pressed uniform, the nightly ritual of shining boots, the thunder-like sound of the Apache helicopters flying overhead, and the artillery shells heard off in the distance. OK, relatively normal when they occasionally went to the park, spent holidays together and even enjoyed four-day weekends when he could get a pass.
But, the real challenge began with the phone call. She relives the moments before she kissed him good-bye. A phone ringing at 0400 hours is enough to make her heart end up in her throat. They've been expecting the call, but they weren't sure when it would come. She waits to hear the words, "Don't worry, it's just a practice run". But instead she hears, "Here we go". So, off he goes to pack, though most of the packing is finished because as a Soldier, he is "always ready to roll". She gets the baby, but leaves his pajamas on because it is just as well that he sleeps. She takes the dogs out, she gets dressed, all the while trying to catch glimpses of her husband. She wants to cherish his presence because she doesn't know when she'll see him again. She knows that in other homes nearby, other families are enacting exactly the same scene. Within 15 minutes, the family is in the car heading to the "rally point".
As they pull up, they see Soldiers everywhere, hugging their loved ones. While people love to see tearful, joyous homecomings, fearful, anxious, farewells are another story. Too soon, with his gear over his shoulder, he walks away. She is left behind, straining to keep an eye on her Soldier.
As the camouflage starts to blend, only his walk distinguishes him from the others. She takes one last look and takes a deep breath. She reminds herself she must stay strong. No tears. Or, as few tears as possible. Just words of encouragement to the children, to her friends and to herself. Then she turns, walks back to the car, and makes her way home to a house that is now eerily quiet.
She mentally prepares for the days, weeks, even months ahead. She needs to focus on taking care of her love while he is overseas. Her main priorities will be the care packages, phone calls, e-mails, and letters sprayed with perfume. And, she can't forget to turn the stamp upside down to say, "I love you". Taking care of her family, her friends, even strangers - this is her mission as an Army wife to do these things without a second thought.
At the age of 30, she knows the younger wives will turn to her for advice. "How do you balance a checkbook? How do you change a tire? When are they coming home?" Only when she knows everyone else is OK, the bills are paid, the cars maintained, the lawn cut, the kids asleep, the pets calmed down, and the lights are off, does she take time for her self.
Alone at night, she runs the next day's events over in her mind to make sure it will all get finished. She reviews her checklist of things to do, things to buy for his care package. Once again, she checks the calendar to count down the days. Before turning in, she checks to make sure the ringer is on for the late night phone call that might come in from overseas. Before she falls asleep, a few tears hit the pillow. But even as the tears escape, strength enters her mind, body, spirit and soul. She remembers why she is here. She remembers the pride and the love that brought her here in the first place, and a sense of peace comes over her, replacing, if only for a second, the loneliness, the fear and the lingering heartache she feels while her soul mate is away.
This is what it means to love a Soldier. She wouldn't have it any other way.
What it Means to Love a Soldier
She stands in line at the post office waiting to send a package to her husband, a U.S. Army Soldier serving in Iraq. Envelopes, pens, paper, stamps, sunscreen, eye-drops, gum, batteries, powdered Gatorade, baby wipes and Twizzlers. He said he needed the sunscreen and baby wipes. She threw in the Twizzlers. There's a common bond at the post office in this military town. People aren't just sending letters and packages; they are sending smiles, hope, love and just a touch of home. People look around at the others, sharing their concern, fear and pride. They take comfort knowing they are not alone.
Passing through the gate leaving the Army post, she enters another world. A world filled with pawnshops, surplus stores, barbershops, fast food galore and, of course, "Loans, Loans, Loans." This is a life that includes grocery shopping at a place called the Commissary. A life that has her venturing to the Post Exchange, referred to as the PX, instead of heading to Wal-Mart. This is where you come to learn, appreciate and respect the ceremonious traditions of Reveille and Retreat, and of course, the National Anthem from a completely different perspective. At 6 a.m., or as the Soldiers call it, 0600 hours, Reveille can be heard across post. The bugle call officially begins the military workday. At 1700 hours Retreat sounds signaling the day's end. Soldiers render salutes, chatter fades and all eyes are drawn to the nearest flag. At 2300 hours, the bugle sounds Taps, denoting not only the "final hour" of the day, but also honoring those we have lost.
When the National Anthem plays in a military town, a special aura fills the air. Men, women, and even children stop to pay their respects. Civilians place their hands over their hearts. Soldiers salute. In this world, the Anthem isn't just a prequel to the echo of "Play Ball." Since she married her Soldier and experienced the Star Spangled Banner from this perspective, she's noticed how people in civilian towns react to the National Anthem. She notices the people who continue to talk, the hats that stay on, the beer that doesn't get put down, and even the jeers at the person singing the Anthem. The meaning seems to be lost to a majority of people. But if she looks closely, she can see who has been blessed enough to learn this lesson. Some are grandparents, some are parents, and some are young children.
At first glance, children growing up in this world of artillery, tanks and uniforms are the same as any other kids from any other town. They do the things that kids do. They play sports, go to school, and play with their friends. The difference is that their group of friends may change once a year, or more, due to a change of duty station. They don't have any say in this. They could be two years old and not remember a thing about it, or they may be sixteen years old getting ready for prom and having to uproot and move again. They're known as "military brats," a harsh misnomer for those who learn a lifestyle of sacrifice at such a young age. Yet, it makes them strong.
The little boys become the men of the house and the little girls become the ladies. They adapt to these different situations. They live with the reality that one, or even both, parents may not be around to celebrate birthdays and holidays. They know there will be time when they will look into the stands during Little League games and see only an empty space in the bleachers. At the same time, these kids have a sense of overwhelming pride. They brag about their daddies and their mommies being the best of the best. They know their Mom's been through deployments, changes of duty stations, and the ever-changing schedules Army life brings. While Dad is away, she takes care of the house, the bills, the cars, the dogs, and the baby.
To cope with it all, she learns military families communicate via the Internet so he doesn't miss out on what's happening back home. But he does miss out. He won't be there for the baby's first steps, and he may have to hear his son or daughter's first words through a time delay across a static-filled telephone line. She remembers what it was like before he left, when everything seemed "normal". Normal except for the pressed uniform, the nightly ritual of shining boots, the thunder-like sound of the Apache helicopters flying overhead, and the artillery shells heard off in the distance. OK, relatively normal when they occasionally went to the park, spent holidays together and even enjoyed four-day weekends when he could get a pass.
But, the real challenge began with the phone call. She relives the moments before she kissed him good-bye. A phone ringing at 0400 hours is enough to make her heart end up in her throat. They've been expecting the call, but they weren't sure when it would come. She waits to hear the words, "Don't worry, it's just a practice run". But instead she hears, "Here we go". So, off he goes to pack, though most of the packing is finished because as a Soldier, he is "always ready to roll". She gets the baby, but leaves his pajamas on because it is just as well that he sleeps. She takes the dogs out, she gets dressed, all the while trying to catch glimpses of her husband. She wants to cherish his presence because she doesn't know when she'll see him again. She knows that in other homes nearby, other families are enacting exactly the same scene. Within 15 minutes, the family is in the car heading to the "rally point".
As they pull up, they see Soldiers everywhere, hugging their loved ones. While people love to see tearful, joyous homecomings, fearful, anxious, farewells are another story. Too soon, with his gear over his shoulder, he walks away. She is left behind, straining to keep an eye on her Soldier.
As the camouflage starts to blend, only his walk distinguishes him from the others. She takes one last look and takes a deep breath. She reminds herself she must stay strong. No tears. Or, as few tears as possible. Just words of encouragement to the children, to her friends and to herself. Then she turns, walks back to the car, and makes her way home to a house that is now eerily quiet.
She mentally prepares for the days, weeks, even months ahead. She needs to focus on taking care of her love while he is overseas. Her main priorities will be the care packages, phone calls, e-mails, and letters sprayed with perfume. And, she can't forget to turn the stamp upside down to say, "I love you". Taking care of her family, her friends, even strangers - this is her mission as an Army wife to do these things without a second thought.
At the age of 30, she knows the younger wives will turn to her for advice. "How do you balance a checkbook? How do you change a tire? When are they coming home?" Only when she knows everyone else is OK, the bills are paid, the cars maintained, the lawn cut, the kids asleep, the pets calmed down, and the lights are off, does she take time for her self.
Alone at night, she runs the next day's events over in her mind to make sure it will all get finished. She reviews her checklist of things to do, things to buy for his care package. Once again, she checks the calendar to count down the days. Before turning in, she checks to make sure the ringer is on for the late night phone call that might come in from overseas. Before she falls asleep, a few tears hit the pillow. But even as the tears escape, strength enters her mind, body, spirit and soul. She remembers why she is here. She remembers the pride and the love that brought her here in the first place, and a sense of peace comes over her, replacing, if only for a second, the loneliness, the fear and the lingering heartache she feels while her soul mate is away.
This is what it means to love a Soldier. She wouldn't have it any other way.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Our girl is 6 months!
Hello All!!! Well, a half a year ago...2 days ago :)....Gracie was born. It is still hard to wrap my mind around the fact that she is 6 months old! My goodness how time passes you by. Gracie had her 6 month check up today and "alles gut" (all is good). She is 16 pounds and 4 oz, growing like a weed at 26 inches. The doctor was really impressed that she stands up while she is holding onto hands not to mention she won her over with her gorgeous smile! She gets everyone with that...she loves attention.
Matt is still gone to North Carolina. The last time we heard from him, he was doing alright. I should be hearing from him sometime around the 17th. Gracie and I are getting along good. We are having a good time hanging out having Mommy and Gracie time.
Other then that nothing else is going on so I will leave you with Gracie pictures! I got a new camera...I am having fun taking pictures and who better then to take some of our girl! I am sure you will enjoy them...gotta love that smile! :) Until next time...
Monday, June 2, 2008
Whew....what a weekend!
So it is not news to everyone that we have been extremely busy! Well, we topped off the month of May with a trip home to see Amy graduate high school. After a delay in El Paso because of weather in Chicago (surprise surprise surprise) then of course another delay in Chicago...again, surprise, we got into St. Louis almost 3 hours late. We got our rental car and headed up to Greenfield with plenty of time to spare. It was awesome to be there to support Amy and watch her graduate. It was very nostalgic being back in our high school gym. Considering I can't remember the last time I was there and I am even thinking it was at my own graduation. Crazy! Either way, congrats to Amy along with other 2008 graduates!
Of course, going home meant that Gracie was able to meet all of her extended Coonrod and Cunningham families! They were so excited to see her and give her the long awaited hugs. Gracie got a whole new wardrobe from everyone. I am definitely thinking she is going to be the best dressed little girl in daycare! She also got to spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Cunningham. She really enjoyed herself that is for sure. But we are all exhausted! :)
Matt left today for Special Forces training for 2 weeks. We won't be able to talk until the 17th which is ok, being a military family you get used to it! Gracie is already missing her evenings with Daddy. Please keep Matt in your prayers as he goes through the next two weeks.
Well, I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open, which is a good opening for me to apologize for any incoherent ramblings in this blog! :) Until next time...
Gracie all dressed up for graduation!
Aunt Amy & Gracie celebrating!
Four Generations, Matt, Grandma Coonrod, Mom, & Gracie
Gracie playing with Grandma!
Grandpa & Gracie having some cuddle time after breakfast!
Of course, going home meant that Gracie was able to meet all of her extended Coonrod and Cunningham families! They were so excited to see her and give her the long awaited hugs. Gracie got a whole new wardrobe from everyone. I am definitely thinking she is going to be the best dressed little girl in daycare! She also got to spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Cunningham. She really enjoyed herself that is for sure. But we are all exhausted! :)
Matt left today for Special Forces training for 2 weeks. We won't be able to talk until the 17th which is ok, being a military family you get used to it! Gracie is already missing her evenings with Daddy. Please keep Matt in your prayers as he goes through the next two weeks.
Well, I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open, which is a good opening for me to apologize for any incoherent ramblings in this blog! :) Until next time...
Gracie all dressed up for graduation!
Aunt Amy & Gracie celebrating!
Four Generations, Matt, Grandma Coonrod, Mom, & Gracie
Gracie playing with Grandma!
Grandpa & Gracie having some cuddle time after breakfast!
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