tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17251084930756686252024-02-19T09:53:48.186-06:00Lindsey TroutUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger379125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-53714205508510505932017-08-16T11:35:00.000-05:002017-08-16T11:35:13.513-05:00Update Time!How is it the middle of August already?! Shoot.<br />
<br />
I have officially trooped 3 events since getting my membership with the Rebels. Sand in the City, Monday Night at the Movies, and O! Comic Con. All three were totally different experiences, which makes it more fun.<br />
<br />
Sand in the City was a great first troop. I hung out in the shade with my fellow Rebels and a couple Shoretroopers, like sane people. Josh and the other fools (love you, Afton) donning black head-to-toe decided they were tough enough to walk around in the sun. Chumps. Overall, it was a nice day, there was a decent breeze, and with sand whipping around, I made a new friend/human sand shield in Bryan. Thanks, Cheeto!<br />
<br />
Monday Night at the Movies was hot, humid, and there was ZERO breeze. We weren't even sure we were going to be able to troop because of the weather. We made it though, and if I hadn't learned it from Sand in the City, I definitely learned here, HYDRATE OR DIE!<br />
<br />
O! Comic Con was my first indoor troop, and my first long troop, 5 hours. It was 5 hours of fun though! So much fun, we took the boys the next day, and then I trooped another 5 hours on Sunday. I met Ray Park, and learned I shouldn't be allowed to meet famous people. ZERO. CHILL. He was so great though, and I'm glad I was given the opportunity to meet him! He swung MY staff around. My life is complete.<br />
<br />
This weekend will be my first parade, and I'm so excited to suit up again. It's been over a month, and I'm itching to troop!<br />
<br />
I need to track down some pictures, and once I do, I'll add them to this post. Or not. I don't know. At least I updated this thing đ You can always look me up on Instagram (lindsey_trout), I try to post stuff on there, to include Ray Park's amazingness with my staff, and my son meeting/being terrified by Bossk.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-75720561237972928162017-06-05T21:00:00.000-05:002017-06-26T11:41:08.724-05:00APPROVED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8JBJ5AM7vtyLabo4p0G-Ioz_lD6HlGxWw0V8jyCe8HPk3TowWjExv5UaqbC09NKhBhuAE4R_D6BRXJm4ufRv3pAs5N_UMuOGlcnCSIjsdJ65wZZpTavm_j-fHxq514HvuUPnz2Kn4as/s1600/Roster+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="389" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8JBJ5AM7vtyLabo4p0G-Ioz_lD6HlGxWw0V8jyCe8HPk3TowWjExv5UaqbC09NKhBhuAE4R_D6BRXJm4ufRv3pAs5N_UMuOGlcnCSIjsdJ65wZZpTavm_j-fHxq514HvuUPnz2Kn4as/s640/Roster+Image.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I did it! I am officially a member of the Rebel Legion! Eeek!<br />
<br />
After my last post, I quickly called up my mom, bribed her with lunch, and she kindly came out to my house to take my pictures. Thanks, Lady, you're the best! When she left, I put "Sing" on for my boys, so I could run downstairs to submit my photos, you know, like the great mom I am. The rest of my day consisted of providing snacks, wiping up messes, and refreshing my email every 28 seconds.<br />
<br />
At 7:01pm, I received the email that the costume I submitted has been officially accepted! After I jumped around like a crazy person for a few minutes, I had to let the people who really helped me get to this point know about my membership! Thank you to Afton and Reid for helping me navigate, what can be a very long process, and for you being so encouraging!<br />
<br />
So, this Saturday, if you happen to be at Sand in the City, keep an eye for Josh and I, as we participate in our first official troop! Did I forget to mention Josh got accepted into the 501st for his reserve pilot costume?! As he put it, we are now a house divided!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-21846250949515010772017-06-05T14:38:00.001-05:002017-06-05T14:38:25.814-05:00Whoa, it's JUNE!Hey guys, sorry I haven't posted since MARCH. I have started several posts, each about the different aspects of my costume, they're a little scatterbrained right now. I'm working on getting them to a point where a normal person can make sense of them, I also decided that since I'm so close to approval, I want to wait until I have the final okay before I hit that publish button, I wouldn't want to steer anyone in the wrong direction.<br />
<br />
You may be wondering (or not) just how close I am to approval. Well I am happy to share that I have already submitted my costume, and have received feedback!<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>NOT</u></b> approved. <span id="goog_591802483"></span><br />
<br />
Through my correspondence with one of the Rebel Legion costume judges, it was determined that my pants are too gray, OR my tabbards and arm wraps are too brown. Rey's costume oddly has different hues throughout The Force Awakens, because of this, my costume can take on either the brown/tan color scheme, or the gray one, but not both. For me, this was an easy choice. Although I like the gray hues better, if something were to go wrong, my pants are way easier to redo than my tabbards and arm wraps. My pants were purchased through Amazon for $26 and got to my house in 2 days, there's no way I could make a pair of pants that quickly (but hopefully one day I will be able to). My tabbard fabric took me a few trips to Jo-Ann's to find, and my arm wraps were gifted to me from Jesse, his wife also has a Rey costume, and had extra wraps, I'm sure you can find them easily on Amazon though.<br />
<br />
So I dyed my pants browner (is that even a word?!), and Princess Liz Fett (my judge) still thought they were too gray, so I dyed them again, this time they were definitely brown, but now they are too dark. *sigh*<br />
<br />
Back to Amazon I went. I like the pants that I got back in June of last year, but I also wished they were a tiny bit longer, so I searched for something a little different and actually was able to buy 2 pairs of pants for the price of the one pair I got last year. You know, in case I REALLY mess up.<br />
<br />
My pants arrived on Saturday, and I finally got around to dying them with RIT "tan" dye. It was still very light, I don't think I added enough dye to the bath. This morning I tried again with more dye. I sent a picture to Liz and she gave me the thumbs up to send in my updated photos as well as a new roster photo!<br />
<br />
Hopefully by tonight I will be an official new member of the Rebel Legion!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-9680191122435103452017-03-22T10:56:00.001-05:002017-03-22T10:56:32.086-05:00Sabine Wren Over the summer, Josh and I started getting into Star Wars Rebels, so much so, I decided that after I get approved for Rey, I want to start working toward getting a Sabine Wren approved. Back in September or October, I came across an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DravensTotalCustoms">Etsy shop</a> that sells Sabine's bucket. I saved it, I pinned it, I followed Draven's Total Customs on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DravensTotalCustoms/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dravenstotalcustoms/">Instagram</a>, all to keep an eye on the shop. The last thing I wanted to do was find this shop, fall in love with everything, and then lose track of it, or my worst fear, have it close before I got to order anything. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My goal was to finish Rey, and then work on Sabine, but when your mom asks you what you want for your birthday, sometimes you can't help how you answer :D When she gave me the go-ahead to order it, I discovered that my beloved Etsy shop was retiring the helmet I had fallen in love with *gasp!* because Tom announced his <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/513082491/phoenix-mk2-helmet-kit-sabine-wrenhouse?ref=shop_home_active_3">MK2</a> would be available shortly! So not only am I getting a Sabine bucket, I'm getting a new and improved Sabine bucket! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It arrived about a week and a half ago. Guys, she's a beauty! I ordered the straight pull version with a limo black visor. The most I've done is remove the flashing at the bottom, mostly so I could try it on. I can not wait to get started on this thing, it's going to a blast! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are in the market for a Sabine Wren/ Pheonix helmet kit, DravensTotalCustoms on Etsy is the place to go. Tom was amazing to work with, he answered any and all of my questions, I would order from him again in a heartbeat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/161/0/7398940/il_fullxfull.1134501321_r42o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/161/0/7398940/il_fullxfull.1134501321_r42o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e8/5a/d2/e85ad2eb314e539f6957ac4c445a952e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e8/5a/d2/e85ad2eb314e539f6957ac4c445a952e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think my goal would be to complete a season 3 Sabine, I like the bucket design, and quite frankly, her hair the best for that season.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuhgCu3BCqzjUBXWLcHyz2buF3S1pnhgV2UTte-ZMNjgBZPeFpc4YBICgcBUPB4xF8TJOx0zCGtV-nkmQkUyC79pK80pIjwT6r23Lviq-RZV9Q8zGnWreigj5eeO1ye9OiJNGGTfYB98/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuhgCu3BCqzjUBXWLcHyz2buF3S1pnhgV2UTte-ZMNjgBZPeFpc4YBICgcBUPB4xF8TJOx0zCGtV-nkmQkUyC79pK80pIjwT6r23Lviq-RZV9Q8zGnWreigj5eeO1ye9OiJNGGTfYB98/s640/IMG_2151.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH-haRtOGQGyceL8VqKnCDRHqZ2t2TzZOIHrkvVSdXR_3Ei_cygX-WZ9A_4hAyxmPwtq6R-9Su9Xo8FtJp0MSDwNLA5-CPDQeGilLdvbRpcyxaHsZ-vIswLaJ8g-czVqHdocKXRHZWUo/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH-haRtOGQGyceL8VqKnCDRHqZ2t2TzZOIHrkvVSdXR_3Ei_cygX-WZ9A_4hAyxmPwtq6R-9Su9Xo8FtJp0MSDwNLA5-CPDQeGilLdvbRpcyxaHsZ-vIswLaJ8g-czVqHdocKXRHZWUo/s640/IMG_2153.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXTm6dwb79kECvIWr0bDodL8TMpUuceq3Qanjp-s9u9fA31V4qYgQUEjziVCpXYQVM1cwRDa32PA0Ki7d8JlH4KWxzn2tl2po0jaO7DdrB6b6e-7MqZFLVyyNlCwe0Jyg6q8PzqK2Amk/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXTm6dwb79kECvIWr0bDodL8TMpUuceq3Qanjp-s9u9fA31V4qYgQUEjziVCpXYQVM1cwRDa32PA0Ki7d8JlH4KWxzn2tl2po0jaO7DdrB6b6e-7MqZFLVyyNlCwe0Jyg6q8PzqK2Amk/s640/IMG_2154.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpr2uMK7toUeN87jhysvS388eZ7GOZNId39kmDUJnYI5GyWyKip4ZnAsHSxhlO6-9_p8mNUGCg8PRes3EFfxH86ElAY22TIPz50KfNrrWln77wzTL026MRXBDWCJJEo8qW5w8iZFludA/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpr2uMK7toUeN87jhysvS388eZ7GOZNId39kmDUJnYI5GyWyKip4ZnAsHSxhlO6-9_p8mNUGCg8PRes3EFfxH86ElAY22TIPz50KfNrrWln77wzTL026MRXBDWCJJEo8qW5w8iZFludA/s640/IMG_2155.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb7nhjZwBtGY2BNXiAjhawxJStg37VAFZ9YPsFKa-S-ozZUq7M4u7b62yyoJ_bdcyEAiUsFEDOgpAP-sj7EK0KCTHddamS4wRSGyAms5NjFV1SSXCRRy5u94B9SQ0Nmit_bjPSuYLShI/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb7nhjZwBtGY2BNXiAjhawxJStg37VAFZ9YPsFKa-S-ozZUq7M4u7b62yyoJ_bdcyEAiUsFEDOgpAP-sj7EK0KCTHddamS4wRSGyAms5NjFV1SSXCRRy5u94B9SQ0Nmit_bjPSuYLShI/s640/IMG_2158.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-17138720144417240482017-03-14T09:44:00.000-05:002017-03-22T10:56:51.541-05:00A few thoughts...So, I'm currently staring at my foam mock-up of Rey's belt, trying to figure it out before I transfer it over to leather, and needed a break, so here I am.<br />
<br />
A couple of Saturdays back, Josh and I were invited to join an armor party with our local garrison. It's pretty self-explanatory, but for those who don't know, an armor party is a get together where everyone works on their different costumes, and get help if they need it. We had no idea what to expect, and if I'm honest, I was a little worried about whether or not we would fit in. Sure, we're super fun and cool people (*eye roll*), but you just never know!<br />
<br />
When we arrived at Colin and Audra's house, they graciously invited us into their beautiful home and showed us what, in my humble opinion, was the coolest basement I've ever been in/seen. Josh and I like us some Star Wars, but compared to Colin, the term "newb" doesn't even seem adequate.<br />
<br />
I got some good information on the direction of my Rey cosplay, and as of yesterday, thanks to Jesse, I have the last piece of clothing that I needed (arm wraps), as well as the Alice clip for my satchel. On a less-than-stellar note, I did find out that my <a href="http://lindseymtrout.blogspot.com/2017/02/reys-blaster-part-1.html">blaster</a> is smaller than it needs to be. I'm glad that I brought it though, instead of spending a bunch of time making it perfect, only to find out it's too small. That being said, I still plan on fixing it up and working on it, just as sort of a practice piece, so it's not a total loss.<br />
<br />
Josh decided after speaking to several members, that Jango will be going on the back burner for the foreseeable future. It seems like Jango, along with Boba, are great when they're approved, but getting to that point takes a lot of time, effort, and money.<br />
<br />
We met so many people, and I know it'll take a few meet-ups before we remember everyone's names, but these people were so unconditionally nice. I won't speak for Josh, but I felt awkward at times, I wanted to get to know everyone that was there, but I also didn't want to get in their way, we were, after all, at an armor party, people were a bit busy.<br />
<br />
It was definitely a great experience. I am so excited to be finishing up my Rey costume so I can finally be apart of this amazing group!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-67986122070326968412017-02-20T14:13:00.002-06:002017-03-07T11:12:13.387-06:00Rey's Blaster Part 1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-cyESzttsLk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-cyESzttsLk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
For anyone that is interested, here's a quick video of the beginning stages of my blaster! I'm still working on it, and will hopefully upload more videos soon!<br />
<br />
Also, sorry this video is a bit blurry, I am not used to this camera just yet :DUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-72018733052295776652017-01-28T10:31:00.000-06:002017-01-28T10:31:01.615-06:00Cosplaying and new beginnings...It's been 6 years since this blog began, and almost a year since I've posted anything. This blog started out as a way for me to share my adventures as an Air Force wife, and then to share my adventures as an Air Force wife plus new mom. I love when my TimeHop pops up with an old blog post, it's fun to reminisce over the fun times we had, and to see just how much has changed over the last 6 years. I decided after Jensen turned 1 that I needed some time off. I didn't want to blog just to blog, and I hadn't been very consistent as it was.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shortly after my last post, Josh and I decided we wanted to go to <a href="http://www.ocomiccon.com/">O! Comic Con</a>. If there is one thing I know about Comic Con, it's that half the fun is getting to dress up. I knew I wanted to try my hand at cosplaying, and it took me a couple of weeks to finally have it down to 2 choices. I was between Ms. Marvel (specifically, Carol Danvers), or Rey from Star Wars. I finally decided on Rey because I thought it would be easier to tackle (and cheaper), if I'm being completely honest, we really didn't have the budget to do a proper Ms. Marvel. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I told Josh that I wanted to go as Rey, I thought he'd give me the look that I've come to expect when Josh hears I want to dress in costume for something, it's the kind of look that says "must you dress up for everything?" but also has a little "well I know I'm not going to talk you out of it, so do it if you must." In reality, Josh was so supportive, he decided he wanted to get in on the action and go as Kylo Ren. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I probably pinned at least 100 things for each of our cosplays on Pinterest. I got to work, Josh even got me a dress form to make my work easier. My goal was to make our costumes as inexpensively as I could, while still trying to make them screen accurate. I got the majority of mine done, and started work on Kylo, and once I started, I realized that I needed way more time and materials than we originally thought. At that point, we were days away from O! Comic Con, and Josh decided it would be better to do it properly and hold off this year. I felt so bad. I couldn't help feeling like, maybe if I would've split the time, we could've gotten something together for him, but Josh kindly pointed out that if we took that route, neither one of us would've had costumes. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFC6AWWeYaAtqIQrkTVzTmz-wFjAMl913ZmUlFb5WBUroez2yoEzTxoT1iwUhg54T_xtkYTDI3aqZkJaaPjrMNhnFBkpCMtbu_yq-erZ30Hy6CD3qRz6m5Ka_xOAk4H1GImgAs6d1Qxs/s1600/13628329_538979836289832_1977766958_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFC6AWWeYaAtqIQrkTVzTmz-wFjAMl913ZmUlFb5WBUroez2yoEzTxoT1iwUhg54T_xtkYTDI3aqZkJaaPjrMNhnFBkpCMtbu_yq-erZ30Hy6CD3qRz6m5Ka_xOAk4H1GImgAs6d1Qxs/s640/13628329_538979836289832_1977766958_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhNBgVwepy6eZZFFxROESkyY4RmyR_7XuJaekTNyh2xRfI76qhDINYNZyt-Ssn5Zb_pPtZcGwWP5mwJ98jaGbAT7wV6lzTnNtv2SIfWqW645TlZrGcyTg7WN6Tx2ku-icRsyYi2HHljo/s1600/13636051_149389188801048_779141374_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhNBgVwepy6eZZFFxROESkyY4RmyR_7XuJaekTNyh2xRfI76qhDINYNZyt-Ssn5Zb_pPtZcGwWP5mwJ98jaGbAT7wV6lzTnNtv2SIfWqW645TlZrGcyTg7WN6Tx2ku-icRsyYi2HHljo/s640/13636051_149389188801048_779141374_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was our first experience with any sort of Con and it was exciting to walk around and see all the different booths, activities, and just getting to people watch-our favorite! Several people even asked to take pictures with me (which I was not expecting, but was pretty cool). We got to one of the last booths in the main hall, and it was all Star Wars! We ended up chatting with the guys for a little while, they complimented my Rey costume, and asked if I was going to submit my costume. I had no idea what they were talking about. They explained that they are from the<span style="color: #bf9000;"> <a href="http://www.rebellegion.com/">Rebel Legion</a></span>, <a href="http://www.501st.com/">501st</a>, and <a href="http://mandalorianmercs.org/">Mandalorian Mercs</a>, and that they are charity organizations that do events to raise money. They are all about screen accuracy, and they thought my take on Rey was pretty good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtswzHRg3hYeNvdCmr64Y9msHEMJssuqCODaE5-LtU9JbKX1ByTiaTEFmycttrwsCVHSfpfawHtAglMGE4j2uKQpdSY10FJiXUfTjKABrk8JkLi8RoMdu8NQ7POELSiIp_-V3WPSrOxY/s1600/13636161_655023404665679_1612185467_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtswzHRg3hYeNvdCmr64Y9msHEMJssuqCODaE5-LtU9JbKX1ByTiaTEFmycttrwsCVHSfpfawHtAglMGE4j2uKQpdSY10FJiXUfTjKABrk8JkLi8RoMdu8NQ7POELSiIp_-V3WPSrOxY/s640/13636161_655023404665679_1612185467_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BB8!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mNd2ubBagJGNRmn22nq-IVfr_4wQemWVbckGgCSJ1rL0ORhWKCygOyCWVHjt2dLhyhW0ls33579UIOt50twJ0i1B0kCXNSO80SozyWrla_7y-liabrG_4Pkn8b0I59VaXX2wW2TOitI/s1600/13628332_644524215697556_96641932_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mNd2ubBagJGNRmn22nq-IVfr_4wQemWVbckGgCSJ1rL0ORhWKCygOyCWVHjt2dLhyhW0ls33579UIOt50twJ0i1B0kCXNSO80SozyWrla_7y-liabrG_4Pkn8b0I59VaXX2wW2TOitI/s640/13628332_644524215697556_96641932_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I clearly need to work on my poses</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-6k9oVjyMIRUrqDq4cHAPNVfjn9X9hX6hr97_Fy8ZbZde9xZuab6gwUGRK5BYjZnVlz2EK5xDyKASHUcxBZQHkBJJncjiIzhQ9NJ3tyghNKXrkp9ht2JoW96ysrlwMSI1ElCTbAL_3g/s1600/13627934_1071864839529393_1964353462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-6k9oVjyMIRUrqDq4cHAPNVfjn9X9hX6hr97_Fy8ZbZde9xZuab6gwUGRK5BYjZnVlz2EK5xDyKASHUcxBZQHkBJJncjiIzhQ9NJ3tyghNKXrkp9ht2JoW96ysrlwMSI1ElCTbAL_3g/s640/13627934_1071864839529393_1964353462_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two actually got married at O! Comic Con and graciously invited Josh and I to their shindig!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since then, I've been working on getting my Rey cosplay up to snuff, and though it's still a work in progress, I'm a lot closer than I was. Josh decided to switch to Jango Fett, which I am very grateful for, because we really had no idea how much more work it was going to be (for Kylo Ren) until we spoke to the 501st. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why am I sharing all of this? Two reasons:<br />
1.) I've decided that if I'm going to try for a membership, then I want to document this process. In doing all of the research for our different cosplays, I realized that there wasn't a whole lot out there that went in-depth the way I was hoping. Sure you can scour different forums, but that is so time consuming, and every time I've attempted it, I end up reading something that has nothing to do with why I was there in the first place. I am by no means an expert when it comes to this stuff, but I'm also want to prove that you don't have to dump tons of money into cosplaying. We are a single income family, and budget is a big deal. We don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on fabric, supplies, and tools, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I really like that we have to be creative, and kind of work around a few things.<br />
2.) A few weeks before OCC Josh and I were talking about how the one thing we really miss about military life was the involvement. If I had chosen to go as Captain Marvel, we probably would've walked right past the Star Wars booth, we would've never found out about the Mercs, the 501st, or the Rebels, and the need for involvement would probably still be on our minds. Not only are we getting the chance to participate with these organizations, it's all for charity, how cool is that?!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know we aren't the only people that want to get into cosplaying that have to keep budget in mind, so if you happen to be reading this and want to give it a shot, do it! Let's do this together. If you aren't interested in cosplaying, but you see that I'm doing something that you know could be done simpler, please tell me. I think the great thing about cosplaying is that everyone has something to offer. I look forward to sharing this journey, who knows, maybe Josh will even pop in to say hey with his cosplay stuff! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know how often I'll be updating, but I will do my best to share sources, pictures, and videos. Guys, I can't tell you how excited I am about this, I hope you join me on this new adventure!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-83887713195227609052016-04-06T11:28:00.000-05:002016-04-06T11:28:48.627-05:00Jensen's Birth Story<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQpiR0xTDAi21gIBg4ZYs32aFWvWeoZtwr_GX11xnGnMn1XKX4sLDJCuI5ldffdVOkd-8xJcZ43WjYBEGrutdmQu2l_P1Bx-Oz7NF5uEvudKi22ZkOqlntIFM_q4cOK2emeMhOlN5_mU/s1600/294+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQpiR0xTDAi21gIBg4ZYs32aFWvWeoZtwr_GX11xnGnMn1XKX4sLDJCuI5ldffdVOkd-8xJcZ43WjYBEGrutdmQu2l_P1Bx-Oz7NF5uEvudKi22ZkOqlntIFM_q4cOK2emeMhOlN5_mU/s640/294+copy.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZy2iAPypvbVcFMP2VMpZW6GuVt0PpQKnd4Lt4POTA5O7rM8OW3dV_mq1kENOSK_5QTmF_Iaj45OATg_9z9-42wzx32DFRnergmjN5lBfbIPSPM0a9AD5IjjQOHyDksEHludNBed0pIE/s1600/262+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZy2iAPypvbVcFMP2VMpZW6GuVt0PpQKnd4Lt4POTA5O7rM8OW3dV_mq1kENOSK_5QTmF_Iaj45OATg_9z9-42wzx32DFRnergmjN5lBfbIPSPM0a9AD5IjjQOHyDksEHludNBed0pIE/s640/262+copy.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been one year since Jensen was born. Happy Birthday, Jen! Shortly after he was born, I wrote out a few quick notes, so I wouldn't forget anything from the day. I'm so happy I did that, as I read through my notes, I couldn't help but tear up at the journey of getting to Jen's birth, and the journey we've been on since then. Without making this any longer than it already is, here is Jensen's birth story:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">March 31, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had our weekly appointment, Dr. Hewitt checked me and said I was 2cm and 70% effaced, which seems miles
better than it was at the last appointment when she said I was only about 1cm.
This time she was able to do a membrane sweep. I convinced myself that I was
having this baby on the 3<sup>rd</sup> because it was a full moon, so I had 3
days to get this show on the road. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">April 2, 2015 </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy birthday Josh! Cole and I celebrated
his Daddyâs birthday by being sick. We know how to have a good time, right?!
Cole had <span style="background: white;">a fever of about 101, I was sitting at
99.4 and feeling crummy, and crossing my fingers that my temperature wouldnât
go any higher. When I went to the hospital when I was in labor with Coleden, I
had a fever and he had to stay in the NICU for monitoring right after he was
born. I really didnât want Jensen following in Cole's footsteps, and l<span class="apple-converted-space">uckily, by the next morning we were both feeling
much better.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">April 3, 2015</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Full moon. No baby. Dang it.<br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">April 5, 2015 (Easter) </span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Around 3am I started having contractions, they
were between 8-12 minutes apart. Around 6am, they started slowing. Our Easter
was spent with our friends, the Lannings. Cole had fun hunting for eggs and
jumping on their trampoline with Sophia. I had occasional contractions, but
nothing that had me feeling like we needed to hop in the car right away. We got home
around 3:30pm, and about that time my contractions started coming back more
regularly. I called Labor and Delivery around 6pm (when contractions ranged
from 5-10 minutes), I was told I need to drink a big cup of water within 30
minutes, and take a warm bath. If I continued to have consistent contractions, we
should start making our way to Ruidoso. After sticking it out as long as I
could, I decided we needed to head to the hospital around midnight.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">April 6, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The hour long drive was not a fun one. First, we needed
to get gas, and the gas station on base apparently closes for the night, so we
had to drive into Alamogordo to get gas. Second, the normally picturesque drive
went completely unseen due to the time of our drive, and lack of street lights.
I hummed my way through contractions, it
was the only thing that eased the pain I was feeling.</span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We finally reached the hospital around 1am. I got hooked up to the monitoring equipment so they could determine
if they were going to keep me. I was dilated to 5cm and had very consistent
contractions, so I was definitely staying (that took about 30-45 minutes). I
was moved to an actual room, and after about 45-60 minutes, Nurse Beth checked
me again and said I was at 8-8 1/2cm and 100% effaced. Josh said he overheard
them saying they needed to get ahold of Dr. Hewitt and have her get here
quickly. Josh hadn't even finished bringing all of our stuff in from the car,
and Dr. Hewitt was being told to get here quickly?! This was going so fast,
almost too fast. When he brought the last bit of stuff in, Dr. Hewitt had
arrived, it was about 3:00. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At this point my
contractions became very difficult to handle. I asked Josh to play some music
to distract me, he chose my Supernatural soundtrack, it seemed appropriate. I
donât think my nurses were used to women playing music while they labored, they
seemed excited to have something to listen to and enjoy while they worked. Oddly
enough, hearing them sing along to my music made me relax. It was such a normal
thing to do; who doesnât sing along to music in the car or shower?! I was
contracting away, and my nurses were singing along, like it (being in labor) was
a normal thing-and it is. It's one of the most natural/normal things there is. It was a sort of ego check. I think I had started feeling sorry for myself, not the kind of
sorry where I wanted to be pitied, more like I had begun doubting my body. I
had to have a cesarean with Coleden, and that experience weighed heavily on my
self-confidence. Who knew something as simple as a couple of nurses singing
along to The Animals "House of the Rising Sun" would give me peace of mind? It
made me refocus. Thereâs a quick little passage in Ina Mayâs Guide to
Childbirth that always stuck with me. One of the women that shared her story
commented saying âThen I thought, no, Iâm supposed to be having a baby here,
not thinking of myself!â I couldnât have said it better myself. So stop
worrying about the past, and focus on right here, right now; and from here on
out, nothing but positivity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My nurses knew how I needed
to be spoken to in order for me to stay focused. I was able to concentrate on
my body and my contractions, while they prepared my room for delivery and
continued to encourage me at all the right times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I do want to take a moment
to give Josh a lot of credit. With Cole, I wanted Josh right next to me, I
needed him to hold my hand, to stroke my hair. I needed that constant touch to help me
through each contraction. This time around, he was trying to do the same thing,
but I was so overstimulated that I couldnât be touched. I felt like I was
hurting his feelings, but I didnât have the ability to express how I was
feeling, I could only speak in monosyllables and even that was proving
difficult. He never skipped a beat, he stopped touching me and kept encouraging
me and reinforcing what the nurses told me. He was doing everything he could to
be my amazing support, and I cannot begin to express the gratefulness I felt to
have him by my side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Around 3:20, Dr. Hewitt
broke my wa<span class="apple-converted-space">ters and told me it was time to
push. I pushed 2 or 3 times and began to panic, this was the point I had gotten
to with Cole and wasnât able to go any further and I ended up with a cesarean.
This was now new territory, and I was desperate to have the birth I envisioned,
so when Dr. Hewitt told me to focus on her words and push, I did exactly that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At 3:34am Jensen Luca Trout was born, weighing 8 pounds 3
ounces, and he was 20 inches long. I have never been more proud of myself than in that
moment when I got to hold my brand new baby (I wasnât given that opportunity
with Coleden). I remember looking into Joshâs eyes and seeing so much love in
his eyes, our family was complete, and we couldnât wait to find out more about
this tiny little human, with his new baby smell.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Josh stayed with me for a few hours, then made a trip back
home to make sure Cole was okay, since we left in the middle of the night, he
would be waking up to our friend, Billy (remember the Lannings from earlier? Guys, seriously, these people are the best. I wish everyone had a Billy and Shelby of their own.),
and wanted to make this huge change feel a little less huge for the newest big brother. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When Josh came back up to the hospital, he did so without Cole (he
still had the sniffles from a few days prior).
Now that it was daylight, Josh commented on how freckly I was looking,
and how he had no idea hormones could make freckles pop so much. After taking a
closer look we realized that I had actually popped all the blood vessels in my
face and neck when I was pushing Jensen out, but somehow didnât burst the blood
vessels in my eyes-weird. Even Dr. Hewitt was impressed and couldnât figure out
how I managed that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jensen and I were released the following day, but we ended up
having to go back to the hospital for a couple of days in Alamogordo because
Jensenâs bilirubin levels were crazy-high. Eventually he evened out and we were
able to start our lives as a family of four.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been a blast to watch Jensen grow this last year. His
personality is so bubbly, and happy, and I wouldnât change a thing about him. Iâm
very grateful to be this little boyâs mama. Jensen, you made a dream of mine
come true. You gave me my confidence back. You have a piece of my heart, and I
hope you know that your daddy and I will always be there for you
and your brother. I love you, Jensen Luca. Always.</span></span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8neijvtaMBEQgZWBzrikSllN2hZxRE0zSptCgLOctdUR5LVxWFSHIDXEJnPHpwEHif0H6QzjdwqIVA_e3kfwWS65gBEHDISRxbN8mp4cVeAid2InOlLC2dKQ0uthwE0VEZVcqbg4IUwE/s1600/128+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8neijvtaMBEQgZWBzrikSllN2hZxRE0zSptCgLOctdUR5LVxWFSHIDXEJnPHpwEHif0H6QzjdwqIVA_e3kfwWS65gBEHDISRxbN8mp4cVeAid2InOlLC2dKQ0uthwE0VEZVcqbg4IUwE/s640/128+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCin804GKsmyxFAcl3GTGMBCD9wG30C78MMxu2FB7ORBJj1DtRltPPa_5Ip0opRslPrQpgZvQ2Jebls11IExB0YJyUGXhYOW-jmKToKLL7VhDPqZ6oOSBp497g_c9ziJi6ga4XCjcV-I/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCin804GKsmyxFAcl3GTGMBCD9wG30C78MMxu2FB7ORBJj1DtRltPPa_5Ip0opRslPrQpgZvQ2Jebls11IExB0YJyUGXhYOW-jmKToKLL7VhDPqZ6oOSBp497g_c9ziJi6ga4XCjcV-I/s640/0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4Zgq9V7vT-qfvhgiBjP-i1tmkONv0Wa6Ff4Rlb-lOIL6MU_hcUjIkz5luJWzlGLe3wrxZLF8pRH3iYkOGbqSw_gWeNJhskKxsF-lLgYSEC1s7-jbdagesDKZ_L2ErgxwGC7u8kg8Bx4/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4Zgq9V7vT-qfvhgiBjP-i1tmkONv0Wa6Ff4Rlb-lOIL6MU_hcUjIkz5luJWzlGLe3wrxZLF8pRH3iYkOGbqSw_gWeNJhskKxsF-lLgYSEC1s7-jbdagesDKZ_L2ErgxwGC7u8kg8Bx4/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4XPuWQZ7_45Nb9TNTQoauF_QeQebbUUiIqk6_P1t9RjZCJkMfgmaAQxiCM1UDQkCI1ct_vbMYWsxjWOMsG6tEVb5FfNIBKVe0Fjzgh8VQUf5O6c1PulRIKrACHCI77NQ-TH0_Lw_VNs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4XPuWQZ7_45Nb9TNTQoauF_QeQebbUUiIqk6_P1t9RjZCJkMfgmaAQxiCM1UDQkCI1ct_vbMYWsxjWOMsG6tEVb5FfNIBKVe0Fjzgh8VQUf5O6c1PulRIKrACHCI77NQ-TH0_Lw_VNs/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iFtYtYCt41tlWNeM7-Eort2rGT73g0xElGMiM38SIYffAZ4M0l_OmkFUxpgQuhH75gB7XytkEOYvZJBw-2pyY-_Pf6WDfHI-k1G0BpoNpZQNH1qQHwjhM8MGvHo5VRqukJDRIBr-xsw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iFtYtYCt41tlWNeM7-Eort2rGT73g0xElGMiM38SIYffAZ4M0l_OmkFUxpgQuhH75gB7XytkEOYvZJBw-2pyY-_Pf6WDfHI-k1G0BpoNpZQNH1qQHwjhM8MGvHo5VRqukJDRIBr-xsw/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfJlq3q-IQqqyqAvEeaCfN8afjdYxHwVmnaK2aPrgzppZpBN15X9YuqKmGCjtTEXRlad862CeXcAGqIBKuMgQE5XBf5vS-Oq2a2F-dpibjo6bh7Ay5jrqoQKMXG_eQc0TL0rgs3bTqkw/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfJlq3q-IQqqyqAvEeaCfN8afjdYxHwVmnaK2aPrgzppZpBN15X9YuqKmGCjtTEXRlad862CeXcAGqIBKuMgQE5XBf5vS-Oq2a2F-dpibjo6bh7Ay5jrqoQKMXG_eQc0TL0rgs3bTqkw/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJhg77ydIV3lM40PWgG4UmYImYMibCrngTD61lml-cn6-8XRvLeqa3vKLJVZpGsHDb6X9JAP7JSxmVreB3BUQlsYmP1K2eYBJPyqRUKL_HwsmCKW6LYnawveYMGv_ARbsTn9dm4ICark/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJhg77ydIV3lM40PWgG4UmYImYMibCrngTD61lml-cn6-8XRvLeqa3vKLJVZpGsHDb6X9JAP7JSxmVreB3BUQlsYmP1K2eYBJPyqRUKL_HwsmCKW6LYnawveYMGv_ARbsTn9dm4ICark/s640/5.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtEsUZK_QFcecEVg_wUUysn8HkfWqo1wKv0z9b4lEMDQG8sf38WXvlgZlDem22fgrsJqKdEYN8kZOVv8GgO4r-Lc5rTbuTegRub5GfIFko54LFm_liYD8sRRpmlZfQRnIdmNvvMneVXM/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtEsUZK_QFcecEVg_wUUysn8HkfWqo1wKv0z9b4lEMDQG8sf38WXvlgZlDem22fgrsJqKdEYN8kZOVv8GgO4r-Lc5rTbuTegRub5GfIFko54LFm_liYD8sRRpmlZfQRnIdmNvvMneVXM/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6T1R-hQfVtwBNrYIxkl4GuOp-NkrxqfEJVVg5EaESeJWD-6s3FABKY1_2oLX4P_C8GXgpAAgkL-YfDjbV603e9TbBaqGHv1MVri4Ap1KAo7kEwxBrJChVfDV9yioFvT-po0fhCkfazw/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6T1R-hQfVtwBNrYIxkl4GuOp-NkrxqfEJVVg5EaESeJWD-6s3FABKY1_2oLX4P_C8GXgpAAgkL-YfDjbV603e9TbBaqGHv1MVri4Ap1KAo7kEwxBrJChVfDV9yioFvT-po0fhCkfazw/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikEr-3b4RYyjHPm2N7286pzfUi4c7DVdQ1NwRPofWZKsnLk4FxRGVPuWmkI7rmKPoVtChlo-Wf56X-XrAI4WkfCJ9Lm75utJKb4u_bYL_JilevDavzegoUoLpoV03k8pzRmz5JZ5WwSg/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikEr-3b4RYyjHPm2N7286pzfUi4c7DVdQ1NwRPofWZKsnLk4FxRGVPuWmkI7rmKPoVtChlo-Wf56X-XrAI4WkfCJ9Lm75utJKb4u_bYL_JilevDavzegoUoLpoV03k8pzRmz5JZ5WwSg/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr5LaWuun5vU_I9YHh8Qv5RLWHQxLzDETcO01bGLipOcFlCPHmfdFtqc2FaF910aQJrK1524kQcIYsLxTj3rxeEsR7Wjl1d2nwPwEL9e-N_24-6MafhO1S-thI-hUN6lemxvdpEvQ1gQ/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr5LaWuun5vU_I9YHh8Qv5RLWHQxLzDETcO01bGLipOcFlCPHmfdFtqc2FaF910aQJrK1524kQcIYsLxTj3rxeEsR7Wjl1d2nwPwEL9e-N_24-6MafhO1S-thI-hUN6lemxvdpEvQ1gQ/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUPgBx_BiKGAh0rWxVe-dZM4xb1DNIKOjHuhYywL70g30R9338Zx5-0n2VjvTKJhK9qbR1axRsP1aKKOoN7niTaNoobZqeT_uOxv7WKOge7ULotiEvifliMTGahFyYf25COfhkabj1g0/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUPgBx_BiKGAh0rWxVe-dZM4xb1DNIKOjHuhYywL70g30R9338Zx5-0n2VjvTKJhK9qbR1axRsP1aKKOoN7niTaNoobZqeT_uOxv7WKOge7ULotiEvifliMTGahFyYf25COfhkabj1g0/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ_rzFVo0KZlVPnLTg0H1YiatSfUpp-UB2hJvSzPerC1bz4rG2fucgp8mdKyTmjf9a-F2xnRmgRFa-c97QkgLX6AU2dmalAyq5B0KdBP07iTzWq0QVwsnYI0uDps-YK56SBVWft5A1vE/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ_rzFVo0KZlVPnLTg0H1YiatSfUpp-UB2hJvSzPerC1bz4rG2fucgp8mdKyTmjf9a-F2xnRmgRFa-c97QkgLX6AU2dmalAyq5B0KdBP07iTzWq0QVwsnYI0uDps-YK56SBVWft5A1vE/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAbCgBZ2XL-3sEq6FjN9qvg30_ajH9uFU1uGh5tznIvEw7-D32bCNEM2LNQo2AXdqJEE0r1KxmhxTKMONprmvWXa4tb-u0glI9SbMdIRafQZyaE-q8Bry9KXyEQK8ihIGOodwc8LCGvU/s1600/12+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAbCgBZ2XL-3sEq6FjN9qvg30_ajH9uFU1uGh5tznIvEw7-D32bCNEM2LNQo2AXdqJEE0r1KxmhxTKMONprmvWXa4tb-u0glI9SbMdIRafQZyaE-q8Bry9KXyEQK8ihIGOodwc8LCGvU/s640/12+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-11705295656645267402016-03-06T17:30:00.000-06:002016-03-08T10:47:01.215-06:0011 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xBbMqBRJokA5W_PZNWsff5KeeSNIXEgXqnZR3BfXx0f_JO9aHEkbZ8T1PT5qMMTtYutT2L4HHMwJrwqs0XMNwcq6brv6Y01nqK_1GoGy40S_vdlX-ejI43wx0pVD6MYq4iGCB1TdYOY/s1600/15+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xBbMqBRJokA5W_PZNWsff5KeeSNIXEgXqnZR3BfXx0f_JO9aHEkbZ8T1PT5qMMTtYutT2L4HHMwJrwqs0XMNwcq6brv6Y01nqK_1GoGy40S_vdlX-ejI43wx0pVD6MYq4iGCB1TdYOY/s640/15+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jensen, it is so hard to believe that you are 11 months old. Like in 1 month, you will be an entire year old! The party planning is already under way, and we can't wait to celebrate you, but while we wait for that fun day, you should know that in the last month you/r/re:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>went from taking a few steps, to practically sprinting everywhere you go</li>
<li>favorite pastime is probably splashing in the tub </li>
<li>can stand up without any assistance </li>
<li>give sloppy, open-mouthed kisses; and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world</li>
<li>really good at waving bye-bye </li>
<li>have at least 10 teeth, and I'm pretty sure there are 2 more on the verge of popping through</li>
<li>realized you can just hand Nessa food, and she will give you love and attention (and lick you, which you get a kick out of)</li>
<li>love carrying books and pillows around</li>
</ul>
<div>
One of my favorite things that I don't think I have mentioned yet, but I don't want to forget, is when you stretch out as long as you can when I put you in your crib, and then as soon as I put your blanket on you, you turn into a little ball of sleepiness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To anyone reading this, keep an eye out in the next couple of weeks for Jensen's birth story. I have been working on since he was born, and I can't wait to share it with everyone!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-V5V9rFg-i5eZsdktSf9Bi33u17rSNWApTk2H2Sz2QvL4x39RUSPlw9lTtKmRv0_wtvkO64MkAiNaMezvV497J4cLi_A0chA6HOPK3SkofziE1ex2itXZ5jzkS7kLHeBoJIUV0Y8c45Q/s1600/74+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-V5V9rFg-i5eZsdktSf9Bi33u17rSNWApTk2H2Sz2QvL4x39RUSPlw9lTtKmRv0_wtvkO64MkAiNaMezvV497J4cLi_A0chA6HOPK3SkofziE1ex2itXZ5jzkS7kLHeBoJIUV0Y8c45Q/s640/74+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AaEOz5hxyW2KfJ24leJUPZHdcc6kVuQ900Sxw-J033p8jFfzgYjqTdX79Yb2XsaANeNjYHJMzOCc2948oCMpLaSWm-6Rczp5dY-92V6ajU0TNpmegE5eZ32bsgVfmjzV6pp704t1_kg/s1600/86+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AaEOz5hxyW2KfJ24leJUPZHdcc6kVuQ900Sxw-J033p8jFfzgYjqTdX79Yb2XsaANeNjYHJMzOCc2948oCMpLaSWm-6Rczp5dY-92V6ajU0TNpmegE5eZ32bsgVfmjzV6pp704t1_kg/s640/86+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-72346044558877399572016-02-07T15:22:00.001-06:002016-02-07T15:22:24.301-06:0010 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QpQsW0glVjoCxGKwJ0IEyQXH6EVpkRZPyd3XrRYUouY_9sGsnDc3ZC2tFpxHZriQe7RpJxIlTtrMQjZv7ha62fqsYotF50koHPVcT5d19wfMijkj-uFZ5s1cqBoMC0YB-Oh_wVZlVqM/s1600/129+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QpQsW0glVjoCxGKwJ0IEyQXH6EVpkRZPyd3XrRYUouY_9sGsnDc3ZC2tFpxHZriQe7RpJxIlTtrMQjZv7ha62fqsYotF50koHPVcT5d19wfMijkj-uFZ5s1cqBoMC0YB-Oh_wVZlVqM/s640/129+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
10 months. 10 months. 10 MONTHS! Wow. Very soon this little boy will be turning 1 and it is becoming more clear than ever, just how quick this year is going by. In 2 very short months, you will be turning a year old. I am so excited to start planning your birthday party! This last month you/r/re:<div>
<ul>
<li>have taken a few steps by yourself! It's only a matter of time before we're chasing you around. </li>
<li>brother has taken more of an interest in you, and likes playing with you. I think it's because there is so much more you can do, and he excited to be brothers with you.</li>
<li>love dancing, and you laugh the whole time you do it</li>
<li>Nessa's favorite. Don't tell Coleden ;) She adores you, and even lets you pull her ears, something she NEVER let Cole do. She's become very patient in her old age.</li>
<li>favorite foods: pancakes/waffles, lima beans, grapes, oyster crackers, and string cheese</li>
<li>added "hey" to your vocabulary, plus you've started to imitate a lot of sounds!</li>
<li>have 5 teeth, working on numbers 6 & 7.</li>
<li>eyes have not turned brown. I think the blue might be sticking around!</li>
<li>skin has become super dry, especially around your mouth, we've tried explaining that if you'd stop sucking your fingers, you wouldn't have as much of an issue with this, but you won't listen (hehe). But really, winter is kind of kicking our butts right now.</li>
<li>love your Cabbage Patch Doll, and we finally have a name for him (we lost the little birth certificate that they come with, and I can't remember the name he was given), Phillip. His name is Phillip. Cole named him, I don't know where he heard that name, but I think he looks like a Phillip!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhzGkFsru_9vECnsFOKogxXDYlpUtwAlRg1Nu0a8C1klHIQny523USVFKNA_DH-kTAvkFD44PZTY209o4riBTwwpr3C50zjbc-tN0pkRpQeKucnXhQ-To8Hv_G1q71UYuq2C-A-Yfr78/s1600/114+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhzGkFsru_9vECnsFOKogxXDYlpUtwAlRg1Nu0a8C1klHIQny523USVFKNA_DH-kTAvkFD44PZTY209o4riBTwwpr3C50zjbc-tN0pkRpQeKucnXhQ-To8Hv_G1q71UYuq2C-A-Yfr78/s640/114+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTXGujlZC15Ud0gt06n_RIE5TNVtvGZU9zeTqtYKGXSTYZHH8OklXouQxJuP2-yQ-B4861aWJq6ASaUDlHED4s1K8tGYYQMn-hOD13ArGG38NjERp4lloHMul70lLU1DdYPH9AH6R8yI/s1600/158+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTXGujlZC15Ud0gt06n_RIE5TNVtvGZU9zeTqtYKGXSTYZHH8OklXouQxJuP2-yQ-B4861aWJq6ASaUDlHED4s1K8tGYYQMn-hOD13ArGG38NjERp4lloHMul70lLU1DdYPH9AH6R8yI/s640/158+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVbrzEopx1dG44gN1Ak2uJxlwm8J4ZlHkCs86Kg7Li6zoUEEkNq0gHQ5bq_00fF4YpYZnHz8aNJaba_FOVHoGrDNWC-n76mWcgUdT5_zE8AvnhmqcqrXG3eo7uwKdpzzI_64_suW3JaI/s1600/193+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVbrzEopx1dG44gN1Ak2uJxlwm8J4ZlHkCs86Kg7Li6zoUEEkNq0gHQ5bq_00fF4YpYZnHz8aNJaba_FOVHoGrDNWC-n76mWcgUdT5_zE8AvnhmqcqrXG3eo7uwKdpzzI_64_suW3JaI/s640/193+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-45624912052891776642016-01-09T17:09:00.002-06:002016-01-09T17:09:43.159-06:009 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeafkYow2M-Ey2jvDdWAnDdDhx5rujwCcUJmYuROz88g_V-mh3ebOw40BiM1g7M2B1mT0Vqfk47TrdG-pAzDL7AF1Izgw_OFU6pGVNGyPDLvV9HvuKdeIDCkws4wdF9LpOhldTn61pm4/s1600/15+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeafkYow2M-Ey2jvDdWAnDdDhx5rujwCcUJmYuROz88g_V-mh3ebOw40BiM1g7M2B1mT0Vqfk47TrdG-pAzDL7AF1Izgw_OFU6pGVNGyPDLvV9HvuKdeIDCkws4wdF9LpOhldTn61pm4/s640/15+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jensen, I feel like you have grown so much in the last month. It also seems like I say that every month, but it is nonetheless true. Your personality is becoming more and more pronounced. Everyone that meets you says that you are the happiest baby! For the most part that's true, but with 4 teeth coming in at once, I don't blame you for being a little cranky the last few weeks. Let's get to it, in the last month, you:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>stand alone for a few seconds</li>
<li>give kisses</li>
<li>point at mom and dad, and giggle</li>
<li>love eating real food (non-purees), especially peas, bananas, and green beans</li>
<li>started dancing (you bounce up and down while standing, and shake your head)</li>
<li>drink water from a sippy cup</li>
<li>can say Mama, Dada, and yeah (although, I'm not sure any of those have meaning just yet)</li>
<li>recognize your name</li>
<li>sing along with Cole when he sings (I don't know that either of you is singing the same song though)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Favorites things: crawling (toward the bathroom especially), taking baths, when Nessa licks you, Coleden, your motorcycle (it plays the jams you like to dance to the most), listening to music, pulling people's hair, and when Coleden pushes you over.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not-so-favorite things: diaper changes, hats, having your nose wiped, nasal aspirator, when mom or dad leave your sight (even for just a second), baby food with bits of food in it (is it a puree, is it table food, the world may never know), and socks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Height: 28.5", 58 percentile</div>
<div>
Weight: 18 pounds, 22 percentile</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLFBH-AuokhlpogJdILewDAv2_C_rBb8VhExipjNmxvvcMZcdX9PfaMl4Qa6kxgGwXMJTE_Z-xcTarh6noJ3n8ykEzvtDyHojKwmCvfe8Nm_dZ7_lKeh88sWvVq61YRQdCnpj0FxSt9U/s1600/39+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLFBH-AuokhlpogJdILewDAv2_C_rBb8VhExipjNmxvvcMZcdX9PfaMl4Qa6kxgGwXMJTE_Z-xcTarh6noJ3n8ykEzvtDyHojKwmCvfe8Nm_dZ7_lKeh88sWvVq61YRQdCnpj0FxSt9U/s640/39+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Pzfs0iUGHrlX4Lx5RIfW2x0480KEXgtyO1fWlfubC8aAGUyuT75bpgQzHFTJiq2jnGDnV1Hwfft5dpWG8uz6EmI5jjqqavjGHwprCESWPp0u8mF0oDDKpwjSETawxN44GRYu1tYh6A/s1600/47+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Pzfs0iUGHrlX4Lx5RIfW2x0480KEXgtyO1fWlfubC8aAGUyuT75bpgQzHFTJiq2jnGDnV1Hwfft5dpWG8uz6EmI5jjqqavjGHwprCESWPp0u8mF0oDDKpwjSETawxN44GRYu1tYh6A/s640/47+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdisvbTA5qDU_v3hNAIELVDAWmUgImOgZwTBnDDyA6Tk2mjncRyhBfzWEcy-hic6t-j-sNWmoElqs4pawuRqhB69lo-0lE3syLExIaudHmpKOtwmHShyrJ29a_xhlFAPw8sqV6UX4U7c/s1600/74+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdisvbTA5qDU_v3hNAIELVDAWmUgImOgZwTBnDDyA6Tk2mjncRyhBfzWEcy-hic6t-j-sNWmoElqs4pawuRqhB69lo-0lE3syLExIaudHmpKOtwmHShyrJ29a_xhlFAPw8sqV6UX4U7c/s640/74+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-29274416729573100852015-12-24T06:16:00.000-06:002015-12-24T06:43:57.169-06:00Merry Christmas Eve!Hello all! I just wanted to pop in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! A couple of days ago, Coleden, Jensen, and I made the trek to Bass Pro Shop to take a picture with Santa. The boys did so well!<br />
<br />
We met my cousin Chrissy, Aunt Tammy, Brenden, Carter, and Carly (and eventually my mom). After our failed attempt to see Santa the evening before at Regency, I am so glad you suggested Bass Pro, Chrissy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-ksvYKb6SC2eRfH-Bxj5_lmLeci27O7UayMlhEx5wtZMoQggfcA3T2EiAGVFKAbb5_r9hedGuBZNUdrsQ0r7dyLP25vIuGP6cL3Vp7g5d-05u5U5mLJb9RyFQQwaj5Em0nscEMZ6-U0/s1600/15+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-ksvYKb6SC2eRfH-Bxj5_lmLeci27O7UayMlhEx5wtZMoQggfcA3T2EiAGVFKAbb5_r9hedGuBZNUdrsQ0r7dyLP25vIuGP6cL3Vp7g5d-05u5U5mLJb9RyFQQwaj5Em0nscEMZ6-U0/s640/15+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coleden was so excited to see Santa, but he was having just as much fun seeing all the nifty decorations and toys they had displayed while we waited in line. He looks like Buddy the Elf to me in this picture, "Santa's coming! I know him!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xWgqtHuhbBbz10O1Tscw2dsmG20zyfsoreWyMtY_Ju-4hhctZAv8rlJneS2Y4VBtoZREEPeUMeNqeOySFcS8i9BQpC0tw6goTd9fNEALvlNDrlES4vkyuU9IcvL8JgnHzjRwnl6voXY/s1600/119+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xWgqtHuhbBbz10O1Tscw2dsmG20zyfsoreWyMtY_Ju-4hhctZAv8rlJneS2Y4VBtoZREEPeUMeNqeOySFcS8i9BQpC0tw6goTd9fNEALvlNDrlES4vkyuU9IcvL8JgnHzjRwnl6voXY/s640/119+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coleden told Santa he wanted "4, 5, 6, 11 airplanes!" haha For as excited as Cole was to see Santa, it's kinda funny that he wouldn't get any closer to him then that. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenEZ9gMleQlCZtP7b6fsccRJJWfVlZzPFNWinLPLi65OeUCHcfwlbFPPfprwmDYTJfZNx8fcPBRCimGjgpPEFEuI1UwAA3YTLKakb4yMjE6r_jXvRM5szK7LEvfSpiqF6mPa11LoitU8/s1600/125+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenEZ9gMleQlCZtP7b6fsccRJJWfVlZzPFNWinLPLi65OeUCHcfwlbFPPfprwmDYTJfZNx8fcPBRCimGjgpPEFEuI1UwAA3YTLKakb4yMjE6r_jXvRM5szK7LEvfSpiqF6mPa11LoitU8/s640/125+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jen did really well until our turn was over, then he started crying; it's like he didn't want to leave Santa and his cozy, soft suit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuN_PcQkbig8-Wezp0G9TnBEdCeEH62ZLXhrBqcZRtaUdxIXX4I0U7fzHpgsbA58GJFhcYbRDF5zqURuLWALrTHsVOI4wDBrjeCOjSD2TmA6PCufy9p5Z1bh_GM3O8qvwYefx77Yzpbc/s1600/151+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuN_PcQkbig8-Wezp0G9TnBEdCeEH62ZLXhrBqcZRtaUdxIXX4I0U7fzHpgsbA58GJFhcYbRDF5zqURuLWALrTHsVOI4wDBrjeCOjSD2TmA6PCufy9p5Z1bh_GM3O8qvwYefx77Yzpbc/s640/151+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Coleden already liked Santa (a far cry from the last couple of years), but he <i>really</i> liked Santa after he gave him a candy cane. When we got home, he discovered his candy cane had broken, and wanted me to take him back to Santa so he could tell him that he accidentally broke the candy cane he was given. He didn't want to ask him for another one, just wanted to let him know it was broken. Sorry kiddo, I'm not driving all the way back to Iowa just so you can tell Santa about your broken candy cane.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cG0UNS6MF2umFJ_32nk0RaLrKMGYKBJERlSjk377B7FnRgYF5jhxnv0ja8WcsCeUdCx6xse8PzWQ2K-Wj2bgSfQfyitXpPGpEtNNiRdxf5AZhVGQjj102b9vrZuQ2UmynCZ1aXl-Ts0/s1600/31+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cG0UNS6MF2umFJ_32nk0RaLrKMGYKBJERlSjk377B7FnRgYF5jhxnv0ja8WcsCeUdCx6xse8PzWQ2K-Wj2bgSfQfyitXpPGpEtNNiRdxf5AZhVGQjj102b9vrZuQ2UmynCZ1aXl-Ts0/s640/31+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love Carter's face in this picture, he's so unimpressed with Santa. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWgK-1fRrkrjiqiT7DsOD15BVQGvf8F5UFujmBvhvLGBc4vTgZ9JalXdp83-Bw-Z-A_Q_hTp2Io9TWP4KJZ986Ya099KM40vmt09roItmKwkc0in-2f9e03y884CZnOtxPGOXhmT9M8Y/s1600/44+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWgK-1fRrkrjiqiT7DsOD15BVQGvf8F5UFujmBvhvLGBc4vTgZ9JalXdp83-Bw-Z-A_Q_hTp2Io9TWP4KJZ986Ya099KM40vmt09roItmKwkc0in-2f9e03y884CZnOtxPGOXhmT9M8Y/s640/44+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These two little boys are just the cutest!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSHpaQMhxfuhR6nC9ZPHElmKGStAny9Yo5lq9axG1rKTK5GrD_TobRnlB8vi8yFBI8Tng-xqRPmLooqlTduFpJklOnGAksz7jzKqrlu_zyV7xKslLZaXFgeHqfHuXv1VBTT8-tLKkink/s1600/48+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSHpaQMhxfuhR6nC9ZPHElmKGStAny9Yo5lq9axG1rKTK5GrD_TobRnlB8vi8yFBI8Tng-xqRPmLooqlTduFpJklOnGAksz7jzKqrlu_zyV7xKslLZaXFgeHqfHuXv1VBTT8-tLKkink/s640/48+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm dying to know what Brenden asked Santa for that Santa said "We'll have to see," then did this. Brenden's smile makes me think he has plans to take over the world. Carter's like "It didn't work for Loki, brother, it won't work for you." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43TR86tDmLsboenTTetaLr2N_AyY_z0VWCjkHFJA9-Y8P7XOJDZ7yCNfLjfl3xhKu2sh1zJyGPob2eycpsD7YBQfIuiuK2a0yjgt6IpXhBgf6qrNZGWmU4EikRAJNldh7wXfPUMgWvwE/s1600/74+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43TR86tDmLsboenTTetaLr2N_AyY_z0VWCjkHFJA9-Y8P7XOJDZ7yCNfLjfl3xhKu2sh1zJyGPob2eycpsD7YBQfIuiuK2a0yjgt6IpXhBgf6qrNZGWmU4EikRAJNldh7wXfPUMgWvwE/s640/74+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know why, but I just love this photo of Carly. You can't see her face, but the way Santa is paying full attention to her, I feel like she has her shy smile on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnnG83rpQ8wwolx5k09-kAiImkxux1tVfPi_qzMgl6Ws3Q8L3SWTUjjHqboyaKXksvTTJ59naDDfQQwPGAPfVk8dIrRgXhWI6J_0xatM_doVRbeAvhwbEkzS0f8zWSq2yf9he-QeUQ6U/s1600/84+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnnG83rpQ8wwolx5k09-kAiImkxux1tVfPi_qzMgl6Ws3Q8L3SWTUjjHqboyaKXksvTTJ59naDDfQQwPGAPfVk8dIrRgXhWI6J_0xatM_doVRbeAvhwbEkzS0f8zWSq2yf9he-QeUQ6U/s640/84+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such a beautiful little girl!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBTKDRRmSti9VRKTgIk-SvtMdqLcwBRwips6niNleuld0qUCwOT3lBVXc1u9yXjtxHmXKd1QWHYTwTZhyphenhyphenZurKEoEZ5tFVxnUvVoEvVmwhNccCwnW1S4MBz-aCGs9J5ECALDg5rI88XUM/s1600/105+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBTKDRRmSti9VRKTgIk-SvtMdqLcwBRwips6niNleuld0qUCwOT3lBVXc1u9yXjtxHmXKd1QWHYTwTZhyphenhyphenZurKEoEZ5tFVxnUvVoEvVmwhNccCwnW1S4MBz-aCGs9J5ECALDg5rI88XUM/s640/105+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She looks a little nervous here, but still such a cutie!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-81434726981923989862015-12-10T10:26:00.000-06:002015-12-10T10:26:36.856-06:008 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeyM7-YMS3gRVcn7OR4wEs4Uu5lOcjSX12CXoGhswXmjLo7JZVj_qCRPBD9Nug3TJAVziU1nYOMLmjuJarhsZppa8GfgCruDId_yOIqtj-SZC03L0mnHWVoZ5UtBijc55fZ9RIZ7G2bg/s1600/34+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeyM7-YMS3gRVcn7OR4wEs4Uu5lOcjSX12CXoGhswXmjLo7JZVj_qCRPBD9Nug3TJAVziU1nYOMLmjuJarhsZppa8GfgCruDId_yOIqtj-SZC03L0mnHWVoZ5UtBijc55fZ9RIZ7G2bg/s640/34+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jensen is officially 8 months old! Well, he has been for a few days. I took a round of pictures of him on the 6th (his official 8 month), but I foolishly didn't check my camera settings before shooting, and they all came out <i>off</i>. So we re-shot, and they are much better this time around.<br />
<br />
This little boy is growing leaps and bounds, it's incredible to watch him learn, and figure things out. It's been a busy month for my squirrel baby, he:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>is starting to recognize his name</li>
<li>survived his first brother-inflicted goose egg</li>
<li>loves when Coleden shares his cars and Legos</li>
<li>likes spending time with his cousin, Hadley, but doesn't understand that it's bad manners to poke her eyeballs</li>
<li>thinks it's funny when Coleden rolls on top of him</li>
<li>makes the best facial expressions, his I'm-judging-you face is the funniest</li>
<li>is crawling as fast as lightning</li>
<li>learned to stand up on his own, and is already cruising on the furniture</li>
<li>discovered Nessa's food bowl, and will make a break for it any chance he gets</li>
<li>likes sleeping on his belly with his arms tucked in and legs spread out</li>
<li>has been jabbering for a while now, but the last few weeks, it actually seems like he's trying to tell us something</li>
<li>is obsessed with rainmaker toys, Cheerios, and biting toes</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aKsWoQzyoJ7qt1LnaAKgVZZjexvveJXEVST6Kl3g1X0evfymbZn6r3Md5adQ9chMf4aztu3eGgVHL2_Yuz5l51kg2EoluCcCgYXW1cw1-_AXADQOUDHunLI-tZIpcFiot9e0RRlUB_8/s1600/926+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aKsWoQzyoJ7qt1LnaAKgVZZjexvveJXEVST6Kl3g1X0evfymbZn6r3Md5adQ9chMf4aztu3eGgVHL2_Yuz5l51kg2EoluCcCgYXW1cw1-_AXADQOUDHunLI-tZIpcFiot9e0RRlUB_8/s640/926+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnluxD6-tW5Hdf3PdjCAUPtFw5MOiDGNchpB3ItOjL-TRd_lg1DwrVFFzHxvLyY9nOByL2Qf85NIemhgjmjDIH0cRSnCG-U-C-iI1La7uSITx3Xw6eRB3yMfFTBxncFpKZSHOvGczQ9Ng/s1600/15+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnluxD6-tW5Hdf3PdjCAUPtFw5MOiDGNchpB3ItOjL-TRd_lg1DwrVFFzHxvLyY9nOByL2Qf85NIemhgjmjDIH0cRSnCG-U-C-iI1La7uSITx3Xw6eRB3yMfFTBxncFpKZSHOvGczQ9Ng/s640/15+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I started taking Jen's picture and these two goons jumped in. I think this was the 4th or 5th photo of the bunch. Is this their way of telling me I take too many pictures? They hear the shutter, that means you ham it up and pop into your brother's photo session, duh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-48013018533471228372015-11-06T20:25:00.000-06:002015-12-20T21:28:42.853-06:007 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYydziw6WKHLBtTHiFkmr0OWYhiLwq1hQCf1_LS13gJ8qG4KgGoY17q1GpVdmtNljZDkA4ah4Yg84t1bmUnJRW2XCTL4ro6erBWUCvOdJEdJW3mru2BtxipY3PAvMM_Oi2JEFJfEZF2o/s1600/5522+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYydziw6WKHLBtTHiFkmr0OWYhiLwq1hQCf1_LS13gJ8qG4KgGoY17q1GpVdmtNljZDkA4ah4Yg84t1bmUnJRW2XCTL4ro6erBWUCvOdJEdJW3mru2BtxipY3PAvMM_Oi2JEFJfEZF2o/s640/5522+copy.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
Jensen Luca, I can't believe you're 7 months old already. You have grown by leaps and bounds, and your Daddy and I are so proud of you. Time is flying by, and in the last month, you:<br>
<ul>
<li>sit unsupported</li>
<li>can go from tummy to sitting up</li>
<li>rode in a shopping cart, like a big boy for the first time</li>
<li>are the king of the army crawl</li>
<li>love feeding yourself Gerber Graduates Puffs</li>
<li>want to stand up in the worst way, but just haven't figured it out yet, but soon...</li>
<li>were the Robin to your brother's Batman, and you two were the cutest dynamic duo</li>
<li>tried and loves pickles (boy after my own heart!) </li>
<li>laugh like a maniac when your brother drags you around by your ankles</li>
<li>started saying "Mama, Dada, hey"</li>
<li>light up like a Christmas tree when Coleden gives you a good night kiss (all Coleden's idea)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Favorites include: blowing rasperries, sleeping in your crib, sweet potatoes, "Welcome to Duloc" song (from Shrek), when Mama reads "The Big Pumpkin," and anything Coleden does.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sF-FkZkdGvVK3Rnmf4RTUXBfXReDS5xnuU21KY974FAphkyRiQakee7brLAwmC8MccYeum6qMf_uN0Y1x4hlWNIdER4fk8PG_SwQI4NIic-5s68LSthwL0ritkufBNn4HXLCYa36EdM/s640/blogger-image-470857114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sF-FkZkdGvVK3Rnmf4RTUXBfXReDS5xnuU21KY974FAphkyRiQakee7brLAwmC8MccYeum6qMf_uN0Y1x4hlWNIdER4fk8PG_SwQI4NIic-5s68LSthwL0ritkufBNn4HXLCYa36EdM/s640/blogger-image-470857114.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB-LpVN0JijAYHFUEofwzie6chFNtt2uCs3MlnjhvTrNjCFQeWAbcTGCYAsgpRHwh0oNzg5U8dvl-_2Sr9nwTmqwyPGQwQ94N2zfi-cOYlG9CE6hQSlTOV-F-7TizvGdn9N5SoDRzFrs/s640/blogger-image-715789891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB-LpVN0JijAYHFUEofwzie6chFNtt2uCs3MlnjhvTrNjCFQeWAbcTGCYAsgpRHwh0oNzg5U8dvl-_2Sr9nwTmqwyPGQwQ94N2zfi-cOYlG9CE6hQSlTOV-F-7TizvGdn9N5SoDRzFrs/s640/blogger-image-715789891.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF3HfCcs-AbhZSihRcUbjSMYAoU1s2BCGDysqrtb5td3utoT5vgw48JBwmN-yizoYo-JwaHSHHaZ-mmDVRMWZGQ3M4WiU6oBCRJ9vxXom43op8zvr4J80Hs8jGm1H3m0i_uczBIHucjc/s640/blogger-image-2000055384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF3HfCcs-AbhZSihRcUbjSMYAoU1s2BCGDysqrtb5td3utoT5vgw48JBwmN-yizoYo-JwaHSHHaZ-mmDVRMWZGQ3M4WiU6oBCRJ9vxXom43op8zvr4J80Hs8jGm1H3m0i_uczBIHucjc/s640/blogger-image-2000055384.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-60777357663099278342015-10-19T21:19:00.001-05:002015-10-19T21:22:57.041-05:00Anniversaries and New AdventuresWhoa, I'm doing a blog post about something other than my kids?! Craziness.<br />
<br />
Friday, Josh and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. If you would've asked us on our wedding day what we thought the next six years would be like, I guarantee you, our first year of marriage would've been the only one we would've been close to guessing correctly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtUzbi9ymdZjHttIzzVHBuPvfABYOXaM9e3N9zG4O2XNdzCyvLbSiMIsSQ2Q7-X6cXncHPVhQMP2ev6jvMv-zUAyptMltss5tLN-sZy9EgiYWjrVb-66ihhaqhZCAu8eEKTc3bp4JkGs/s640/Josh+and+I+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtUzbi9ymdZjHttIzzVHBuPvfABYOXaM9e3N9zG4O2XNdzCyvLbSiMIsSQ2Q7-X6cXncHPVhQMP2ev6jvMv-zUAyptMltss5tLN-sZy9EgiYWjrVb-66ihhaqhZCAu8eEKTc3bp4JkGs/s640/Josh+and+I+wedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4tbJuSbxBUZYDy2Lv_Om1yCmUqMaUs2skR-0ui1cjwCCzXi8264Or40Avczp9uuNgi2Gz8S5xKcYD-ZXhg1fpbN7nKIAGDC391qZboBXQ2eHQj3YI5GWXlNGcLTe9-umD8RPMweFIt8/s1600/IMGP6055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4tbJuSbxBUZYDy2Lv_Om1yCmUqMaUs2skR-0ui1cjwCCzXi8264Or40Avczp9uuNgi2Gz8S5xKcYD-ZXhg1fpbN7nKIAGDC391qZboBXQ2eHQj3YI5GWXlNGcLTe9-umD8RPMweFIt8/s1600/IMGP6055.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Five years ago today, everything in our lives changed, Josh joined the Air Force. If I had to timeline our journey in a few short words I'd say: San Antonio, Biloxi, Germany, Coleden, Travel, Ethiopia, New Mexico, and Jensen. The long version looks more like this:<br />
<br />
San Antonio. Josh left for Basic. At the time, it was the hardest experience we ever met. I think the longest we'd gone without seeing and talking to each other was like a week. It was definitely a long 8 1/2 weeks. I felt so proud watching Josh graduate from BMT, I got to meet this different part of Josh, and fall in love with him all over again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgOJKExf8Aeh6HvxJ71BAaf4oKnOwUm2YfrwZz20zGkW29TAmU_9DA1ZAl4SlHBnQLOu9FoKkCffTm_6YOI3Tft_H7uty0A4MmGcc-YcQx0fDsthtf5e5pLigXGkWQFKT3hh_d2Jx2vs/s640/DSC06184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgOJKExf8Aeh6HvxJ71BAaf4oKnOwUm2YfrwZz20zGkW29TAmU_9DA1ZAl4SlHBnQLOu9FoKkCffTm_6YOI3Tft_H7uty0A4MmGcc-YcQx0fDsthtf5e5pLigXGkWQFKT3hh_d2Jx2vs/s640/DSC06184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgrhY8RcP3-2MRsoVNsk1Jor9wIPMNQyeJkS_ANCoSOBAnulzvfy15vooPRVQUYwy6DEne0L28DkWIM73gaNXMuVcnfvPj9nQgvE8BiRuNPkSQuDpbz9II6YX24oudlXaxeoFwE1iPkw/s640/Lindsey+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgrhY8RcP3-2MRsoVNsk1Jor9wIPMNQyeJkS_ANCoSOBAnulzvfy15vooPRVQUYwy6DEne0L28DkWIM73gaNXMuVcnfvPj9nQgvE8BiRuNPkSQuDpbz9II6YX24oudlXaxeoFwE1iPkw/s640/Lindsey+and+I.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Biloxi. We moved to Mississippi for Josh's technical school. For the first time in my life, I wasn't living in Nebraska, where the majority of my family lives. Biloxi will always have a special place in my heart. I had the pleasure of meeting some of my favorite people. Good times were had, and memories were made. Leighann, I hope you don't mind, I borrowed your picture of us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xAzmt_6fKHlcLLu7YWxgUkKtZ9_IjPD-sIwkVHWxQfEkYhGLhqf5eCXNq6E8hK5x8CoChM8iFMJGkIB-8oA8ZwhGHe1tU-ng4ITrVgTW2IVsEMzBSBzPXMoqJWFqRgLVoMASjUlqsWU/s640/DSC06359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xAzmt_6fKHlcLLu7YWxgUkKtZ9_IjPD-sIwkVHWxQfEkYhGLhqf5eCXNq6E8hK5x8CoChM8iFMJGkIB-8oA8ZwhGHe1tU-ng4ITrVgTW2IVsEMzBSBzPXMoqJWFqRgLVoMASjUlqsWU/s640/DSC06359.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQ4Ny9_VmIV-E_QdQs2QCRyP59ps6vSsxGacZC5nWVY0HIXerHLelrQSI7z8X7D0vGBu5MJA25ZyYn1GqaSDKhruxHuKO8Lezbk9SLPcH9Ly0JKqo-cPU4f5M8_5kiPUR5d5u6UjuQ-M/s640/DSC06485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQ4Ny9_VmIV-E_QdQs2QCRyP59ps6vSsxGacZC5nWVY0HIXerHLelrQSI7z8X7D0vGBu5MJA25ZyYn1GqaSDKhruxHuKO8Lezbk9SLPcH9Ly0JKqo-cPU4f5M8_5kiPUR5d5u6UjuQ-M/s640/DSC06485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLciS1syFWb3_qCM6eu0bRPgDJNbVayjhrFD1u1xaWzwCgKnPaJjuOldpR82NyxXjetTIVzUooe4lG237Wr3aXiKuuCmyTnngAaKBITt1oUMX_J1vCav8mAgJ2JyRb9lCixpNXe0MdsHA/s1600/Lindsey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLciS1syFWb3_qCM6eu0bRPgDJNbVayjhrFD1u1xaWzwCgKnPaJjuOldpR82NyxXjetTIVzUooe4lG237Wr3aXiKuuCmyTnngAaKBITt1oUMX_J1vCav8mAgJ2JyRb9lCixpNXe0MdsHA/s640/Lindsey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00YlpHiSoJluUZ_I_7QZG9Fr12eVRKnC5fn_hXn57YgldQezKOhof4MsSFvxb-77z4IXv9hO6W5t0VKNA3Saq4acUVVxebzQLmj92DhbuIIQsVMTDnMt65lP1SRFFkd-FmeDUzF8wvIc/s640/DSC06626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00YlpHiSoJluUZ_I_7QZG9Fr12eVRKnC5fn_hXn57YgldQezKOhof4MsSFvxb-77z4IXv9hO6W5t0VKNA3Saq4acUVVxebzQLmj92DhbuIIQsVMTDnMt65lP1SRFFkd-FmeDUzF8wvIc/s640/DSC06626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3vMxichAsYNduvV965GsQ3fZSvrfg-W4r02dc1oibDjvoatgrYuVC8EZirB3UtKIcJPTyTb9vcWOiFCDU7ZxVO3V5U_bgrSbgXdVW9biojFvERisFcb7l7aXp8Xrljq67ZV_fv-SIHU/s640/DSC06424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3vMxichAsYNduvV965GsQ3fZSvrfg-W4r02dc1oibDjvoatgrYuVC8EZirB3UtKIcJPTyTb9vcWOiFCDU7ZxVO3V5U_bgrSbgXdVW9biojFvERisFcb7l7aXp8Xrljq67ZV_fv-SIHU/s640/DSC06424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Germany. We found out we would be living in Germany for three years, at first we were scared. We had just found out we were pregnant with our first child, and now we're moving halfway across the world?! Our time in Germany felt like a long honeymoon of sorts. It was just Josh and I (and eventually Coleden), figuring things out. Once we found our rhythm, we fell in love. Whether it was the food, the views, or the people, it was an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to the day we get to go back and visit!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhBZi_xBRFJ9MgCNBPuBTs8Llpn9SHGtqXVR7zYwGjkD1X4yHwphFTqRMagRB0wPcnjdNd8yUKrAKFrbwejM-PYmeu6rJBgvVPReh-PUsoCoWRuLV_0jjPHkUfxL2ni8GGzyHaqQWrDk/s640/flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhBZi_xBRFJ9MgCNBPuBTs8Llpn9SHGtqXVR7zYwGjkD1X4yHwphFTqRMagRB0wPcnjdNd8yUKrAKFrbwejM-PYmeu6rJBgvVPReh-PUsoCoWRuLV_0jjPHkUfxL2ni8GGzyHaqQWrDk/s640/flags.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvkyF2Lg-DyRSwpqaAyAoWuxHNkaP7et4RKHyLXGrg15MozmIVOZULVhyphenhyphenD3z0HskTewCufte8nUjduhQKP4rdpSUTrLZd0fFTru48wyCzEiWmVZVOcbUw_HKJvl_6LmvByxSE3rsewG0/s640/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvkyF2Lg-DyRSwpqaAyAoWuxHNkaP7et4RKHyLXGrg15MozmIVOZULVhyphenhyphenD3z0HskTewCufte8nUjduhQKP4rdpSUTrLZd0fFTru48wyCzEiWmVZVOcbUw_HKJvl_6LmvByxSE3rsewG0/s640/DSC_0061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbSgDZbm_b8TEkRE4tiCAmv5L08KWbuT7s0jq-Vsl7n2-ERjazBjVbG1tm-RgQKkvO6SHUrIVggTgPnYgacyY6oYHwk-61P0bAVK5SrTUy3GKUrhkUURcSaVuGXQzsyMVqsdfp2Vl0JE/s1600/772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbSgDZbm_b8TEkRE4tiCAmv5L08KWbuT7s0jq-Vsl7n2-ERjazBjVbG1tm-RgQKkvO6SHUrIVggTgPnYgacyY6oYHwk-61P0bAVK5SrTUy3GKUrhkUURcSaVuGXQzsyMVqsdfp2Vl0JE/s1600/772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMRPNRXKIEFrj61XLnarrRfZzME5SXmaRBojgXKyXgrS6DI2gSIHNz2lTv1d7yQbRPz0O3oMgM0uMjq5SvUh4IZsJzbg7aYJHpo1DJ_fA1BZA5iiTtrFhhqZayzR-qD41rFk3bE0TkuA/s1600/josh+and+cole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMRPNRXKIEFrj61XLnarrRfZzME5SXmaRBojgXKyXgrS6DI2gSIHNz2lTv1d7yQbRPz0O3oMgM0uMjq5SvUh4IZsJzbg7aYJHpo1DJ_fA1BZA5iiTtrFhhqZayzR-qD41rFk3bE0TkuA/s1600/josh+and+cole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Coleden. Our beautiful moose baby! He made me a mommy and taught me a new kind of love. He has the kindest heart, and the best sense of humor. I love who he is becoming, and I can't wait to watch him grow up with his brother.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEBxnq3z-GA0sUUERTb7Lg52ZwIEqAyORTbIUEsw0Baj_XEaa7_lIOzopDttlj3m80VIZqT7s0Dz2W6LX-ltuPkH1BUjzH6WEr0ufJCZzKnZ0loRqEEgOcV74njhP5DVNkZKYnI5F8DI/s640/Full+Term.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEBxnq3z-GA0sUUERTb7Lg52ZwIEqAyORTbIUEsw0Baj_XEaa7_lIOzopDttlj3m80VIZqT7s0Dz2W6LX-ltuPkH1BUjzH6WEr0ufJCZzKnZ0loRqEEgOcV74njhP5DVNkZKYnI5F8DI/s640/Full+Term.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYNFK9Ma9itkw8xXKTMJ35S-MZVA0VqwqMzgZjYVNAZH-O2WUZ8831QQDgDoHRARQqrUME8wnQwzd25QBvauDIWkPvNmftJ8fs5XzP93KOri_W20dVbHSAJDvxpEgW8B6FaTJ3mVrsFU/s640/on+Marie's+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYNFK9Ma9itkw8xXKTMJ35S-MZVA0VqwqMzgZjYVNAZH-O2WUZ8831QQDgDoHRARQqrUME8wnQwzd25QBvauDIWkPvNmftJ8fs5XzP93KOri_W20dVbHSAJDvxpEgW8B6FaTJ3mVrsFU/s640/on+Marie's+blanket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaDE4sy8El_cW8XAUqNNoG3yOLEFkSqFYuInBmx1ZFHosL5Q-e2njVcDI6S-KOYTD4dM-w_qo0bf7dllL-l1-4bG5X9Z5s_e2H7yz1I5gE_GCnnk6W7uJIdyMaYOFQMwiqnQOle2aKKY/s640/Our+cute+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaDE4sy8El_cW8XAUqNNoG3yOLEFkSqFYuInBmx1ZFHosL5Q-e2njVcDI6S-KOYTD4dM-w_qo0bf7dllL-l1-4bG5X9Z5s_e2H7yz1I5gE_GCnnk6W7uJIdyMaYOFQMwiqnQOle2aKKY/s640/Our+cute+family.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Travel. We were given the opportunity to travel Europe, maybe not as much as we would've liked, but all things considered, we did a pretty good job. We went places I never would've imagined being able to go to, and most of it was done with an infant/toddler!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeC-38n9g0q-HUt3XAQg6nDdYI2_HH2bnub38bFzEsfHXx4Z9GtLY14PWdUxQ5n7blve7tp4xDwult8HkrlIdaE7pdpdW5KtFmwGZN5hOt02igy8gwSnJ5G5sTEDoDlNqeDqiZ5TCtVEI/s640/Our+Fam+at+the+Eiffel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeC-38n9g0q-HUt3XAQg6nDdYI2_HH2bnub38bFzEsfHXx4Z9GtLY14PWdUxQ5n7blve7tp4xDwult8HkrlIdaE7pdpdW5KtFmwGZN5hOt02igy8gwSnJ5G5sTEDoDlNqeDqiZ5TCtVEI/s640/Our+Fam+at+the+Eiffel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DE7zoPPilq_snCIvuMrASYir9LyUUxpzciE5KaVH6LO2qoI_gvrQsk7y72Y3kzMucriXTVMcjlB8GWcAoerUgfp9mrKT9cD3iSsJUfUUPJpCo-mI7-2mV_MxqC_Qwhkz13JNN7Lc4Vo/s640/318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DE7zoPPilq_snCIvuMrASYir9LyUUxpzciE5KaVH6LO2qoI_gvrQsk7y72Y3kzMucriXTVMcjlB8GWcAoerUgfp9mrKT9cD3iSsJUfUUPJpCo-mI7-2mV_MxqC_Qwhkz13JNN7Lc4Vo/s640/318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyUkSUN1OxXX_tV_zlTs7KZ5sortPEfYnXQ9T8trtTVClkDDQpbT1bQcgE1SXtO0DsViy4wN8zn9S6PtMYFdpgU8Xg6N9qglSFgRytksg2rKfzXFbFObTegaquB_TLcBJWMydMzsUkno/s640/43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyUkSUN1OxXX_tV_zlTs7KZ5sortPEfYnXQ9T8trtTVClkDDQpbT1bQcgE1SXtO0DsViy4wN8zn9S6PtMYFdpgU8Xg6N9qglSFgRytksg2rKfzXFbFObTegaquB_TLcBJWMydMzsUkno/s640/43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CosJdsAOHYAC8a6a075VUDkW_3GJ8VZGoMJA2fKhv2cGPy135T65G6-ajpvwdEF_oPLWRxB5OAASPVnEB5dijkSzNWIWriVv9witAlvx3if-dJmq9JGhOKwK5CwCdDHhMYFJE_DOS7U/s1600/518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CosJdsAOHYAC8a6a075VUDkW_3GJ8VZGoMJA2fKhv2cGPy135T65G6-ajpvwdEF_oPLWRxB5OAASPVnEB5dijkSzNWIWriVv9witAlvx3if-dJmq9JGhOKwK5CwCdDHhMYFJE_DOS7U/s1600/518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXogAh18eKd3HojyVNPBW_MID81ASksIxgv2y5S4AGE94PAc_0NvL0CbpUymj8yBAmF5CK3rTWOfgfBprieo8kykNd6oa8PTBJRd5hJKOwekYI9vg77bMCtaoothz90I5yI0FQKcjRKs/s1600/67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXogAh18eKd3HojyVNPBW_MID81ASksIxgv2y5S4AGE94PAc_0NvL0CbpUymj8yBAmF5CK3rTWOfgfBprieo8kykNd6oa8PTBJRd5hJKOwekYI9vg77bMCtaoothz90I5yI0FQKcjRKs/s1600/67.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ethiopia. We found out Josh would be deploying to Ethiopia. It felt like my heart had broken into a million pieces. Watching Josh say goodbye to Coleden, and knowing Cole had no idea what was happening was so hard to see, but seeing them reunited was by far one of my favorite moments<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQjcxp5DaTubjquKAbQy2F6XmMm4puEHL5e107V9LFx2TCBtCT4s17Ss9hj_8PfpAtVa8khtOPEvKISxpP2N_D8HjVX76tLnoqvD88Chv_PG_qw1bYXrontf53aYqYn5PEabdys6fGcA/s1600/165+BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQjcxp5DaTubjquKAbQy2F6XmMm4puEHL5e107V9LFx2TCBtCT4s17Ss9hj_8PfpAtVa8khtOPEvKISxpP2N_D8HjVX76tLnoqvD88Chv_PG_qw1bYXrontf53aYqYn5PEabdys6fGcA/s1600/165+BW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgZZOASvYXnNECD5LEA4OBmoJslFrujAcV1-ytpPN8vgz8Qz1bcHisSZklLcpUXKXo3ta0SAjTNPPrgYQnYS7LkVecG-Vzz7wt-5ngb4mQ1rcqhENLw-s0MDKAadFgYvR9nhyWXCxciU/s1600/175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgZZOASvYXnNECD5LEA4OBmoJslFrujAcV1-ytpPN8vgz8Qz1bcHisSZklLcpUXKXo3ta0SAjTNPPrgYQnYS7LkVecG-Vzz7wt-5ngb4mQ1rcqhENLw-s0MDKAadFgYvR9nhyWXCxciU/s1600/175.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
New Mexico. Josh extended his enlistment so we could get stateside. We thought it'd be easier for Josh to find a job if we were only dealing with an hour time difference, rather than seven or eight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Vfkl7PLvgsZ7DEtGCE4Xywga8b5tTAfVAviK7ke5tbxFFSKymfnfuLml9jqgLEk9gAuP4xrCVkf-VPIMoTahXrabmEbVwbD5sEaSuBocKVaau9n5WsO1z0cfU2cip866dZ_ebHvrsM/s1600/blogger-image--341332503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Vfkl7PLvgsZ7DEtGCE4Xywga8b5tTAfVAviK7ke5tbxFFSKymfnfuLml9jqgLEk9gAuP4xrCVkf-VPIMoTahXrabmEbVwbD5sEaSuBocKVaau9n5WsO1z0cfU2cip866dZ_ebHvrsM/s640/blogger-image--341332503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU527sH8IkDYiT3WcN_qtSAX1Etbu4Ig4k0ekbJ_oF8enojFx4mAvFQbJ65Oq20ZH7LlvmST1zC1v2WcgERELpeMeW1WOK5Xqav8-3SaFKAw2OA8LoV5u7NhN5pTNWr_-gItAuybOkh1U/s1600/652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU527sH8IkDYiT3WcN_qtSAX1Etbu4Ig4k0ekbJ_oF8enojFx4mAvFQbJ65Oq20ZH7LlvmST1zC1v2WcgERELpeMeW1WOK5Xqav8-3SaFKAw2OA8LoV5u7NhN5pTNWr_-gItAuybOkh1U/s1600/652.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-9qEqeC3Y4itpEiIGj-ybJGdfhtBAbpenbWNRbGjfdMhKyoza3bg-sOLQLgruyI1ww_6d4avNyUngdDrhoMC3l8upTqmBFO-EqZUgJeawsXZ30_-E7OxtqkviNQts4W6J1qJkK2EioU/s1600/105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-9qEqeC3Y4itpEiIGj-ybJGdfhtBAbpenbWNRbGjfdMhKyoza3bg-sOLQLgruyI1ww_6d4avNyUngdDrhoMC3l8upTqmBFO-EqZUgJeawsXZ30_-E7OxtqkviNQts4W6J1qJkK2EioU/s1600/105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jensen. This little boy gave me something he'll never truly understand-peace of mind. I never truly accepted my cesarean. I felt like if things had been different, I could've had the birth I wanted/envisioned. Jensen gave me that opportunity, and he also put to rest a lot of self-doubt I had felt. He's curious, and adventurous, and I think he'll keep us on our toes as he grows up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriU4967Sw_bFDmpQi-QshSzBeiZFsSdvkNwsyj_HcPKJQdgUTOnRjgsd_baNvk9-REIC8y6k_iZBEvZxcmNVD2pmnurmCA11o0zkjyxthNdZFuP7M_TFmYiHHHQKHrVLETOu_1a3XExQ/s1600/689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriU4967Sw_bFDmpQi-QshSzBeiZFsSdvkNwsyj_HcPKJQdgUTOnRjgsd_baNvk9-REIC8y6k_iZBEvZxcmNVD2pmnurmCA11o0zkjyxthNdZFuP7M_TFmYiHHHQKHrVLETOu_1a3XExQ/s1600/689.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP5YsirTbme7yYSXM8vuUiZTU1vXMp7tEo6QCq0ocpOFTUB6yyrTXxcIQNvBIJzpsBNqMNecvfRN9Nu5af_NKJHHSenEVPYV7H6Mf11NYHHsYBXhCKbFOF451lO6dWBNAhM-qamXBp4A/s1600/17+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP5YsirTbme7yYSXM8vuUiZTU1vXMp7tEo6QCq0ocpOFTUB6yyrTXxcIQNvBIJzpsBNqMNecvfRN9Nu5af_NKJHHSenEVPYV7H6Mf11NYHHsYBXhCKbFOF451lO6dWBNAhM-qamXBp4A/s1600/17+again.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD5y4YxvykW-5AVLt-_ciRIHvpaoUsifMM3x2cZepzd0lcC6jGr3ndvbWOG8c-Gu3GSiYLkFBUZx90-wJzLDNexEoOYpYDg_YCSqVjBbl4FF6jEYwiwzXWkKSOW5UL5M2k11MYIQ37mc/s1600/130+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD5y4YxvykW-5AVLt-_ciRIHvpaoUsifMM3x2cZepzd0lcC6jGr3ndvbWOG8c-Gu3GSiYLkFBUZx90-wJzLDNexEoOYpYDg_YCSqVjBbl4FF6jEYwiwzXWkKSOW5UL5M2k11MYIQ37mc/s1600/130+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrX29rgCP5P0Tx9MgRypY7s3mCs_Hd5Z0oYHl_A-zQ9pMdDAUHXERGEPySuOjUkJ35KWQ31qTlJF0xxLXh0jA3thN7h5yhu-JzImToMIQcWSELQAgcFHjA8BGwYUPgdTMuUyjBzekZew/s1600/69+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrX29rgCP5P0Tx9MgRypY7s3mCs_Hd5Z0oYHl_A-zQ9pMdDAUHXERGEPySuOjUkJ35KWQ31qTlJF0xxLXh0jA3thN7h5yhu-JzImToMIQcWSELQAgcFHjA8BGwYUPgdTMuUyjBzekZew/s1600/69+copy.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
<br />
I started this blog as a way to remember our Air Force adventures. Now it's more like a digital baby book, and that's okay. Our journey with the Air Force has come to an end, but our journey as a family has just begun. I don't know what will happen with this blog, but if you're taking time to read this, I want thank you for being part of this experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-79847934553564927582015-10-06T13:32:00.000-05:002015-10-06T13:34:10.224-05:006 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXE7QDH9-_W4iERsj9wr8NobFzvMBFvBh53SONgnZMSOfNxiaRX97RCDybrbVzJf3A5PMciUI-fSNeVqqvfO9f-NaeJYg2kLFa4rZM2e0VZV9-txcaT_3zrC8DA9iMAw01T3Fpxj3N2M/s1600/1018+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXE7QDH9-_W4iERsj9wr8NobFzvMBFvBh53SONgnZMSOfNxiaRX97RCDybrbVzJf3A5PMciUI-fSNeVqqvfO9f-NaeJYg2kLFa4rZM2e0VZV9-txcaT_3zrC8DA9iMAw01T3Fpxj3N2M/s640/1018+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jensen,<br />
How in the heck are you half a year old already?! It's crazy to think that a year ago <b>today</b>, we were telling your grandparents, aunt, and uncle about you. Now you're here, and you've changed our lives for the better. You have a smile that lights up a room, and a laugh that is 100% contagious. I love watching you grow and learn every single day. Thank you for choosing me to be your mom.<br />
<br />
In the last month, you:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>got your first taste of food, sweet potatoes, and loved it so much you were grabbing the spoon trying to get Daddy to go faster</li>
<li>are sitting by yourself</li>
<li>got a big boy car seat (thanks to the Babies R Us car seat exchange!)</li>
<li>are finally starting to sprout some hair!</li>
<li>had your first trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo AND Vala's Pumpkin Patch </li>
<li>prefer standing to sitting</li>
<li>are about 2 seconds away from a proper crawl</li>
<li>say "Mama" a lot. I like to think it's because you're a baby genius, but the popular belief is that you're just jabbering, which I'm also okay with</li>
<li>have two teeth</li>
<li>watch your brother like a hawk. Everything he does is interesting to you. My favorite part of any day is when Coleden plays with you. The love in your eyes when he gives you attention, makes my heart so happy!</li>
</ul>
<div>
You've had quite the busy month, little boy, and I look forward to seeing what you're up to next month! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love, </div>
<div>
Mama</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaiVcIYz8YtyPWMWHDJIeS__8CfEtlChAOVyPRhKoWryCKluDYLgjK3KldNtFWVv-kORRoQp7Oz_WT_fBnqF_iF8wFRBr51VWMPXYxAegnUEn1RJUQWc34KSCh-1Sj4208tXji7rqrTA/s1600/1066+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaiVcIYz8YtyPWMWHDJIeS__8CfEtlChAOVyPRhKoWryCKluDYLgjK3KldNtFWVv-kORRoQp7Oz_WT_fBnqF_iF8wFRBr51VWMPXYxAegnUEn1RJUQWc34KSCh-1Sj4208tXji7rqrTA/s640/1066+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
For anyone interested, here's what Cole was up to at his <a href="http://lindseymtrout.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-little-boy-is-6-months-old.html">6 month mark</a>!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-8503251664595470032015-09-06T18:58:00.000-05:002015-09-08T16:38:53.527-05:005 monthsFirst of all, greetings from Omaha! Second, my squirrel baby is 5 months old today! This month has been a whirlwind of change for our little family, all for the better, and we're so happy to be home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKo4pHRu-UeAnOvlFHB_LJ-HCk9T2074PkRrRz0COjUZVbU3l0hYWYTWz_FIpWFEIztVrnL7QxW2MKOzEayYtmd_5TMBCFFki8S59XZGoZKh6XhL3Y8O92UwJ3yZAc6AEmZNzXjI9apI/s1600/219+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKo4pHRu-UeAnOvlFHB_LJ-HCk9T2074PkRrRz0COjUZVbU3l0hYWYTWz_FIpWFEIztVrnL7QxW2MKOzEayYtmd_5TMBCFFki8S59XZGoZKh6XhL3Y8O92UwJ3yZAc6AEmZNzXjI9apI/s640/219+copy.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Let's get to it! In the last month Jensen:<br />
<ul>
<li>can officially roll back-to-tummy, and tummy-to-back</li>
<li>loves peek-a-boo, and dancing with Mama and Daddy</li>
<li>is super wiggly, and trying so hard to keep up with his brother</li>
<li>had his first big boy bath (in the tub versus the sink) and it was a life-changing experience</li>
<li>has become best buds with Cole, the brotherly interest is now mutual</li>
<li>had his first nursery packed up in boxes and shipped away (I totally cried when it happened, and thinking about it makes me tear up a little)</li>
<li>is a wee bit ticklish</li>
<li>likes being held upright so he can look around, he loves seeing what's going on around him </li>
<li>moved to a new state (new to him at least)</li>
<li>met his aunt, uncle, and cousin for the first time</li>
<li>met Nessa Rose for the first time and loved her crazy-long tongue</li>
<li>is one of the most smiley babies I've ever met, and his laugh is absolutely contagious </li>
<li>got to experience grass for the first time and it was more life-changing than the big boy bath</li>
<li>is starting to get a tooth or two, but they're being stubborn</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU7jvOhFnYBQg2W5v9_XvuabeXRLfWRJgpsV0d-p77EhFN5T_0Atfd4cVxaaVeCW0A-PW8SgNief8UcipAfL_ZncrINwbC31H-E0pS6W3G7mx-tK3in2gWMHC3xlRQgcDEhkqWx-038M/s1600/161+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU7jvOhFnYBQg2W5v9_XvuabeXRLfWRJgpsV0d-p77EhFN5T_0Atfd4cVxaaVeCW0A-PW8SgNief8UcipAfL_ZncrINwbC31H-E0pS6W3G7mx-tK3in2gWMHC3xlRQgcDEhkqWx-038M/s640/161+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those toes get me. Every. Time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UU-cWlDvIIvzYgSlXRV639lN2eK315OJPvs-_uH4PEQT2WRLX4_fCTZNAeS6QhFk23bqAwic4ho5rH-Y0x59BFGneqfxLhzQqNjVzaki6f6rs65M531QQ_JSfpnB0_7Udev1wq4Hyzc/s1600/183+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UU-cWlDvIIvzYgSlXRV639lN2eK315OJPvs-_uH4PEQT2WRLX4_fCTZNAeS6QhFk23bqAwic4ho5rH-Y0x59BFGneqfxLhzQqNjVzaki6f6rs65M531QQ_JSfpnB0_7Udev1wq4Hyzc/s640/183+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nope, not wiggly at all ;)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-22217634189149397022015-08-14T21:56:00.000-05:002015-08-14T21:56:12.104-05:00Anne of Green Gables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovt9HEffOS2I8iG3RqiDFGSdZzpgDh9aSIZWw-tm0DkQTRGz7DCF52y5FHQi3Ak3xS4T9DRg3__kkRwtPT88SIu6rP-AoSiR2LlLux4OUyh_G0jMuC_HWaf4_8nHyizalWdXJbEKNASU/s1600/Anne+of+Green+Gables.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovt9HEffOS2I8iG3RqiDFGSdZzpgDh9aSIZWw-tm0DkQTRGz7DCF52y5FHQi3Ak3xS4T9DRg3__kkRwtPT88SIu6rP-AoSiR2LlLux4OUyh_G0jMuC_HWaf4_8nHyizalWdXJbEKNASU/s640/Anne+of+Green+Gables.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I feel sort of lucky that I had never read <i>Anne of Green Gables</i> before; part of the reading challenge I'm doing includes "an author with your initials." With an exception of a few books (ones that require rereading old favorites), I'm only reading books I've never read before. While my married initials are L.M.T., I didn't have much luck finding anything. On a whim I tried L.M.M. and wouldn't you know it, I found myself reading this charming book.<br />
<br />
For me, Anne was very similar in spirit to <a href="http://lindseymtrout.blogspot.de/2014/01/pollyanna.html">Pollyanna</a>, which I don't mind at all. It's nice to read books with positive messages. It's kind of funny how different our generations are from one another. As I read this book I found it interesting that there were so many circumstances where Anne was scolded for being imaginative. When I was growing up, my parents encouraged my imagination, I think it's a huge part of who I am, and inspired many of my passions. I look at Cole (and hopefully Jensen in the future) and I'm in awe of his creativity and ability to imagine.<br />
<br />
I ended up downloading the entire series. I look forward to finding out what happens next. One of the things I like best about Anne of Green Gables is that there are so many quotable moments (part of the reason I'm looking forward to finishing out the series). A few of my favorites are:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKC4_J87JC7LVoLqrSh9GFo_fm4J_UoHBrnJX9HZj89qduyFynNvY18iL0BTpJyJoDdSIQGtVeTjtE0drK55h_Ezjv2_7YCdOtLoI0EBrlTDgWLWAAiiAAV-t2z6SaiZR-GULAU_bF8s/s1600/1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKC4_J87JC7LVoLqrSh9GFo_fm4J_UoHBrnJX9HZj89qduyFynNvY18iL0BTpJyJoDdSIQGtVeTjtE0drK55h_Ezjv2_7YCdOtLoI0EBrlTDgWLWAAiiAAV-t2z6SaiZR-GULAU_bF8s/s640/1+copy.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't it splendid there are so many things to like in this world?<br />
<br />I'm not in the depths of despair this morning. I never can be in the morning. Isn't it a splendid thing that there are mornings?<br />
<br />It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC8aRl6AL0W_oM7CVaazefta2Oa_PhA4sc5wiLw9f_ZfSiTr3U2hecAfQlxkx94Q8JJ60dSxWQmSfEXiuPQG7CUlDkTWsYHFMO2KYwXOdwdXCxe33hOe-LHcQWKTbb7fJ7MW7Syz1X74/s1600/2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC8aRl6AL0W_oM7CVaazefta2Oa_PhA4sc5wiLw9f_ZfSiTr3U2hecAfQlxkx94Q8JJ60dSxWQmSfEXiuPQG7CUlDkTWsYHFMO2KYwXOdwdXCxe33hOe-LHcQWKTbb7fJ7MW7Syz1X74/s640/2+copy.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
The world looks like something God had just imagined for His own pleasure, doesn't it?<br />
<br />Cakes have such a terrible habit of turning out bad when you especially want them to be good.<br />
<br />Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Af6cqaeCD3sB4PzCvx7xAAho2ZqxtMiZY_vhAIjOkdnpBUbrQ6UXlk-9ar0saChiGZK9RQ9qhFMUutlDEmMW9PlgJw5b_BdFzpg8dKEA9GXrnBPhu6Pes6IME9Vp_jMzQSGgkOuTjuI/s1600/3+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Af6cqaeCD3sB4PzCvx7xAAho2ZqxtMiZY_vhAIjOkdnpBUbrQ6UXlk-9ar0saChiGZK9RQ9qhFMUutlDEmMW9PlgJw5b_BdFzpg8dKEA9GXrnBPhu6Pes6IME9Vp_jMzQSGgkOuTjuI/s640/3+copy.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-61288916891319471432015-08-06T18:27:00.002-05:002015-08-14T22:03:17.328-05:004 months old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSalZD94ZQhRx0Rnt3H8lCD9fbfFM23Z5f6SozjYWIr9HRXbiVEAm-X5sneAA0bEifzgOVJKiW1q-iYZrP77nudT5bDhyQ4ql0IbtrEfYfx5lIhjv6RPUnUGrG80diWYzPdd31tIMRjE/s1600/4+months+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSalZD94ZQhRx0Rnt3H8lCD9fbfFM23Z5f6SozjYWIr9HRXbiVEAm-X5sneAA0bEifzgOVJKiW1q-iYZrP77nudT5bDhyQ4ql0IbtrEfYfx5lIhjv6RPUnUGrG80diWYzPdd31tIMRjE/s640/4+months+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm taking a quick break from my moving checklists to share that Jensen is 4 months old! This month has flown by, but July and August have a tendency of doing that. This past month I've seen some pretty amazing growing from both my boys (I'll share more on that soon!). These last few weeks have made for quite a few proud mama moments, so lets get started!<br />
<br />
In the last month Jensen:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>reaches for toys</li>
<li>thinks it's funny to be spooked</li>
<li>loves standing</li>
<li>discovered his tongue</li>
<li>laughs when Mama sings "Go ninja, go ninja, go!" (like from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2!)</li>
<li>likes when Cole holds his hand, shows him how toys work, talks to him; basically, if Cole is giving his brother any attention, Jen loves it</li>
<li>slept in his crib (instead of his bassinet) for the first time AND slept in the following morning</li>
<li>finds his reflection fascinating (and why wouldn't he, he's pretty stinkin' cute!)</li>
<li>rolled from tummy to back, and TODAY he rolled from back to tummy!</li>
<li>smiles and it's totally contagious, try as you might, you will always smile back at him</li>
<li>prefers his fingers over a pacifier</li>
<li>scratches his face so bad it bleeds (it doesn't seem to matter how short his nails are, he still wakes up with new scratches almost daily-yikes!)</li>
<li>loves sitting in his bumbo seat (and Cole likes wearing it on his head)</li>
<li>falls asleep to two different music boxes playing</li>
<li>sounds like a bird when he's really excited</li>
</ul>
<div>
UPDATE August 11, 2015:<br />Jensen had his 4 month appointment and weighs in at 14.8 pounds (39%), and 25.2" tall (56%). Once again his shots have knocked him out, and he going through a growth spurt, so I've got a sneaking suspicion that he'll be staying busy with sleeping and eating.<br />
<br />
Thanks to some garage sales a couple weeks ago, Jensen finally has some TMNT pajamas. Naturally, I needed to get a few snapshots of my boys rockin' their cool PJ's! By the way, Jen's pajamas are 12 month-sized, so you'll have to excuse me, while I go cry in a corner...</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy76R6AbPVm4wQcq01BM4phyDDyHBVti53mKmv9dZ9r-Yd3OATughQqPg0TDxnTeBDVzcN3QldkJd7yY9YtnWv2bCKyI4ZlBwJ1d9-e9sdRzrl4didE86U6wzwGR7ufoSP3hkzvNt-fos/s1600/90+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy76R6AbPVm4wQcq01BM4phyDDyHBVti53mKmv9dZ9r-Yd3OATughQqPg0TDxnTeBDVzcN3QldkJd7yY9YtnWv2bCKyI4ZlBwJ1d9-e9sdRzrl4didE86U6wzwGR7ufoSP3hkzvNt-fos/s640/90+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI2pqP35GCnBehWew5cBxvmc5xtWlPnbilBc5lvk1UO5pVv_2EllKEqWtv4H-ep-72xCHLjdjq3oSDb_kA6zzZnxEnfYOHroEiYCdg39_uGqlYmHbElmERKsH1r6bkkqRKbTSwv-Dibo/s1600/133+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI2pqP35GCnBehWew5cBxvmc5xtWlPnbilBc5lvk1UO5pVv_2EllKEqWtv4H-ep-72xCHLjdjq3oSDb_kA6zzZnxEnfYOHroEiYCdg39_uGqlYmHbElmERKsH1r6bkkqRKbTSwv-Dibo/s640/133+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodybAjlSwnjtLlS9XpY5zhgBU6ELTAFUy1HxgbP0s0WcqIjPrsgfYRfzUq4RPeTLxcC7mRfk7ooiABOoP1gs64ZTL0Lx7vOEIYlmC5AZb2A-opQkXiBckY1guRXTSdR9r-Z9mqrAXSbI/s1600/196+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodybAjlSwnjtLlS9XpY5zhgBU6ELTAFUy1HxgbP0s0WcqIjPrsgfYRfzUq4RPeTLxcC7mRfk7ooiABOoP1gs64ZTL0Lx7vOEIYlmC5AZb2A-opQkXiBckY1guRXTSdR9r-Z9mqrAXSbI/s640/196+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-32990718034398126062015-08-01T14:54:00.001-05:002015-08-01T14:54:46.864-05:00Fight ClubThe first rule of fight club is you don't talk about fight club. The second rule about fight club is you don't talk about fight club.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCGb_9qzxvmtBLnaB2NSdOynPO6Gd3MZ0TvDTd_mLPSAfNmcS8pS7MxH6rgDTS9fc1gEUtEf9qdQzhet_7Pzn28RHcoAAAj1fRSdBPS2CaDp6G7hmmlnol4xc_YFFVONEe_G4HodqAO8/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCGb_9qzxvmtBLnaB2NSdOynPO6Gd3MZ0TvDTd_mLPSAfNmcS8pS7MxH6rgDTS9fc1gEUtEf9qdQzhet_7Pzn28RHcoAAAj1fRSdBPS2CaDp6G7hmmlnol4xc_YFFVONEe_G4HodqAO8/s640/Capture.JPG" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I decided after reading <a href="http://lindseymtrout.blogspot.com/2015/07/tuesdays-with-morrie.html">Tuesdays with Morrie</a>, I needed something different. What could be more different than Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club? I have only seen the movie one time, and that was when Josh and I first started dating (we've been together almost 11 years, so needless to say, it's been a while), so I knew the plot twist. I do think, had I not seen the movie, I would've been surprised.<br />
<br />
It seems like it always takes me a few chapters to figure out the author's writing style and adjust to it. This one definitely jumps around a bit, but it's easy enough to catch on. Overall, I liked the book. I just found out that there is a Fight Club 2, it's a series of comic books that started being released this year, so I may check them out, when they're finished at the end of the year.<br />
<br />
Now excuse me while I go watch Fight Club, and then not talk about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-7430972556266316182015-07-20T17:22:00.001-05:002015-07-20T17:22:48.510-05:00Tuesdays with Morrie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3aPyv5YLB1wX-uYRbyGct5TQRXNKYUc9gQITQrEnAB03VSW4bzLkDKNGWPDJYHqWdPR5iBhWi9zJIHDtSDc7GBV9yFzcyl78fDimfW4ssLDl7IcOyWIXuZ_fYCjV153v4r2hDxDYofg/s1600/tuesdays-with-morrie+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3aPyv5YLB1wX-uYRbyGct5TQRXNKYUc9gQITQrEnAB03VSW4bzLkDKNGWPDJYHqWdPR5iBhWi9zJIHDtSDc7GBV9yFzcyl78fDimfW4ssLDl7IcOyWIXuZ_fYCjV153v4r2hDxDYofg/s640/tuesdays-with-morrie+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I just finished Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I knew going into this book that I'd cry reading it. I'm a crier, that's how I am. What I hadn't prepared for was how fond I became of someone I'll never have the pleasure of meeting.<br />
<br />
Morrie Schwartz made me think about life in a way I've never thought about it before. Don't you love books that, once you finish them, they make you feel like you could be a better person? I'm not sure how I hadn't read this book before, but I'm glad that I have now. Albom's writing was not only easy to follow, but I felt like I was in Morrie's study with the two of them, listening to this wise man explain life.<br />
<br />
There are so many amazing quotes to take away from this book, among my favorite:<br />
<ul>
<li>Death ends a life, not a relationship</li>
<li>Invest in the human family. Invest in people. Build a lttle community of those you love and who love you.</li>
<li>You can't substitute material things for love, or for gentleness, or for tenderness, or for a sense of comradeship. </li>
<li>You should be with the person you're with...I am talking to you. I am thinking about you.</li>
<li>Don't let go too soon, but don't hang on too long.</li>
<li>When you learn how to die, you learn how to live.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-9285830160135755282015-07-13T12:16:00.001-05:002015-07-13T12:16:26.773-05:00We're getting so close!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTXxPn_IJsWbNr7s9NtcZFODbAcsrI3-ItH_v3Q5ESZ-7ObLOK2LxZLV487Cx8INpz2CDUniZ4bfgT3aWRN9a_3MO66NEpB9cxxkDCqq3Nr0hJGhEs-1zFD7BDlIU-C2STjYnUkH3wN4/s1600/40+days+to+Omaha+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTXxPn_IJsWbNr7s9NtcZFODbAcsrI3-ItH_v3Q5ESZ-7ObLOK2LxZLV487Cx8INpz2CDUniZ4bfgT3aWRN9a_3MO66NEpB9cxxkDCqq3Nr0hJGhEs-1zFD7BDlIU-C2STjYnUkH3wN4/s640/40+days+to+Omaha+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Guys. Seriously. 40 days. Is that right?! It can't be. 40 days, or 6 Saturdays, or 1 month and 10 days, any way you slice it, we're close.<br />
<br />
Right now my focus is figuring out how much we can fit into our cars. My goal is to get rid of enough of my clothes, that I can fit everything into a single suitcase. To be clear, I plan on using the vacuum-seal bags, I'm not planning on getting rid of <i>that</i> much clothing. It's just hard to know what we are going to need in Nebraska, with it's crazy weather; plus we don't know how long we'll be without our stuff.<br />
<br />
I also hope that I'll be able to use the same logic and get Cole and Jensen's clothes in one suitcase as well. Hopefully, we'll be able to fit so much into my car that when Josh joins us in Omaha a week and a half later, his car won't be so full. It will be, I'm just trying to be positive.<br />
<br />
Thankfully my father-in-law, Jerry, will be flying down here to help drive up to Omaha with me and the boys. I can't even imagine making that drive by myself. Yikes. Thank you, Jerry for helping us out!<br />
<br />
Okay, I've procrastinated long enough, I'd better get back to my to-do list for the day. Happy Monday!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-1800663482152703132015-07-08T15:21:00.000-05:002015-07-08T15:21:12.769-05:00Supernatural Playlist Last summer, when I was doing <a href="http://lindseymtrout.blogspot.com/2014/07/photo-friday.html">Photo Friday</a> for July, I shared a playlist I was currently loving. I just threw it together so we'd have some music for our room on the cruise. I pinned it to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/LindseyTrout/">Pinterest</a>, to share with other Supernatural enthusiasts. What I hadn't expected was the feedback I got from it. It was mostly songs people felt I should've included. I didn't purposely exclude these songs, I was just trying to make a fun playlist for a vacation. Now that it's been brought to my attention, I thought I'd make a second list, to try and get the songs I forgot!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's the original list:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OSTwVd4UIDK3ouKmwaEuAKx0fchyphenhyphenRObWmX4dlI0MWEOvFqA8MEu_IIfF6G-B21VtN0W06Kf-3cBv1AjwPgKT6kut_-hfUzNCFher7e6HdpLBePt1nq6kWQGBdF0gviRSyLoNPSUxqOc/s1600/Supernatural+Soundtrack+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OSTwVd4UIDK3ouKmwaEuAKx0fchyphenhyphenRObWmX4dlI0MWEOvFqA8MEu_IIfF6G-B21VtN0W06Kf-3cBv1AjwPgKT6kut_-hfUzNCFher7e6HdpLBePt1nq6kWQGBdF0gviRSyLoNPSUxqOc/s640/Supernatural+Soundtrack+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And the new list:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeO2O1CP2FRohDX9flwkb3k8Hs_tqdhMmgBSgKiz5j6DGG3weLLr7m8Umcr_kxTbIUKRLlfSSaIhEOJIQmcgvtFn9Eyymn4sMCv_YjMtQvvyfZWPGK4uPCPnixuUWdnNfn6dG8cGkrbA/s1600/Supernatural+Playlist+2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeO2O1CP2FRohDX9flwkb3k8Hs_tqdhMmgBSgKiz5j6DGG3weLLr7m8Umcr_kxTbIUKRLlfSSaIhEOJIQmcgvtFn9Eyymn4sMCv_YjMtQvvyfZWPGK4uPCPnixuUWdnNfn6dG8cGkrbA/s640/Supernatural+Playlist+2+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank you to the folks that gave suggestions, I hope this list makes you proud!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-17778253047437733112015-07-06T12:07:00.000-05:002015-07-07T16:40:54.007-05:003 months old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EjJPsYubRMApjEge6UuR_Zivw9iiksEAcHtmnFMRezD-kaa9Kj-iozeyFN0Q67mgcilmtzBiT4YRzr0PLHNjzj5Up0OlZZc8eqD9o1uKEuF02MBP-r9Q6_AhYx4zxJDYwm76Zovj1iQ/s1600/18+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EjJPsYubRMApjEge6UuR_Zivw9iiksEAcHtmnFMRezD-kaa9Kj-iozeyFN0Q67mgcilmtzBiT4YRzr0PLHNjzj5Up0OlZZc8eqD9o1uKEuF02MBP-r9Q6_AhYx4zxJDYwm76Zovj1iQ/s640/18+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jensen is 3 months old today!<br />
<br />
This past month Jensen:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>prefers to be sitting up so he can look around</li>
<li>hates, hates, HATES when his daddy makes the Chewbacca sound</li>
<li>can wear 6 month clothes</li>
<li>breastfeeds like a champ</li>
<li>is awake more during the day, and sleeps longer at night</li>
<li>loves when his brother "reads" to him</li>
<li>started napping in his pack 'n' play, instead of his swing (his swing is still his favorite though)</li>
<li>only stops crying when he's on his activity mat, if Cole gives him kisses and hangs out under it with him</li>
<li>finally fit his skinny little legs in cloth diapers</li>
<li>discovered his hands hands and feet</li>
<li>not only smiles more, he's is full-on belly laughing </li>
<li>is starting to have his first real growth spurt </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i43NM2LgmIWcchp5_3dplheUyrp8LFADqcmEEbo5-1JKcuToyCwVlJ2ya0KTuXy9ZPAYFm9xSalnbKW4f0hjlQVwyN6dktOe6xnrkroOaZ9A_rQOl-uk-tEDUems_Fb5M-1Be2jt20c/s1600/63+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i43NM2LgmIWcchp5_3dplheUyrp8LFADqcmEEbo5-1JKcuToyCwVlJ2ya0KTuXy9ZPAYFm9xSalnbKW4f0hjlQVwyN6dktOe6xnrkroOaZ9A_rQOl-uk-tEDUems_Fb5M-1Be2jt20c/s640/63+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1725108493075668625.post-25642002499733441722015-07-01T16:17:00.000-05:002015-07-01T16:17:07.343-05:00Homemade Egg (McMuffin) Sandwiches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I can't even remember the last time I shared a recipe-yikes! This has been one of my favorite go-to breakfasts since Jensen was born. It takes less than 2 minutes to make, who doesn't have that kind of time? Added bonus: it only has two major ingredients! That's my kind of recipe!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrY8G-DgVODiQrgq3tkenNQJ0xbxwjPc5eD875GtuBEEepjrOEb2l9W-kivAMXJm7eCK0jWvekoNIvuIWF5_LQLT2A72Ds15-M3zl22VtjRhDMpwZyCYp4hyphenhyphenZNmEXIWdDWH_3v_jmUbQ/s1600/recipe+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrY8G-DgVODiQrgq3tkenNQJ0xbxwjPc5eD875GtuBEEepjrOEb2l9W-kivAMXJm7eCK0jWvekoNIvuIWF5_LQLT2A72Ds15-M3zl22VtjRhDMpwZyCYp4hyphenhyphenZNmEXIWdDWH_3v_jmUbQ/s640/recipe+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
See how easy that is?! I love it! You can add cheese too, I'm just not much of a cheese person. The only thing that would make this tasty little sandwich better is bacon. We don't buy bacon frequently, it goes too quickly in our house, but if we ever had any leftovers, I'd toss some on top! This sandwich is also easy to eat one-handed, while breastfeeding. That's a <i>huge</i> deal right now!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0