HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDSON!!!!

It is crazy to think that my little boy is four. Judson had a great birthday!!! If today was any indication of what Christmas morning will be like, I will be up very early. Judson woke up at 6:30 asking if it was his birthday and if he could open his presents. He opened his presents and played for a while before it was time to meet some friends for lunch. After playing for a few hours at lunch, we headed home to play with more new toys before going to our friends for dinner. After dinner he played Wii which he is in love with and actually does a pretty good job in my opinion. Where kids get the energy they have??? I could have used some of it today.

Judson was so excited last Friday at school as it was his special day. We got to make a poster for him to take to class as well as treats. He was so excited to show his poster to everyone but most of all he was excited to be LINE LEADER for the day!!!

It was a great birthday!! The only thing that could have been better would be if dad was home to celebrate with us. We will just have to celebrate again when he gets home in a few months.

Happy Birthday Judson

Thanksgiving

I know Thanksgiving has come and gone. Thanksgiving was different this year, no husband and no family except my military family. I am so thankful for all my great friends that I have in Washington. This year I spent the day with a couple friends whose spouses/ significant others are also gone. My friend Abby took pictures of my kids with her new camera, I loved this one of Paislee so I just had to add it!!

Thank you to all our military troops who are currently serving our country and not able to spend the holidays with their families.This holiday season is going to be different as it will be the first Christmas in seven years Mike and I have not spent it together. Thanks Mike for the sacrifices you make. WE LOVE YOU!!!!

OHIO HERE WE COME!!!!

It is official we are headed to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton Ohio. We will be reporting to duty there May 31,2009. As of now we will be leaving Washington the first part of April as Mike has squadron officer school in Alabama starting April 12th. We will leave Washington make a month stop in Alabama and then finish our way to Ohio where we will be stationed for the next couple years. This was our first choice so we are happy that we got what we wanted. I am excited to be leaving the rain up here and to live another place and have new experiences. On the other hand, I am sad to be leaving all my friends. The last four years it has been me staying here as friends move on so this will be different. The next four months will be busy as I get the house ready to rent. Mike will return from his deployment to be home for a few weeks before we head out. With life in the military there is never a dull moment.

Visit From Friends!

Last week we were happy to have some close friends come visit from North Carolina. My friend Sheree and her two daughters Ellie and Aspen. We went over to Spokane to see Sheree's family since that is where she is from. We had a great time with all her nieces, nephews, sisters and parents. There is never a dull moment when we are all together. This visit Judson and Ellie got along great. They are either best friends or each others nightmares. It is always best at grammy's since it is neutral ground and not either of their toys they are playing with. I was excited for Sheree to see Paislee for the first time as well as to see Aspen again. I have not seen Aspen since she was three months old. We really wish that we still lived by each other but at least soon it will only be a eight hour drive instead of a day on a plane.

THANKS FOR COMING WE MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

HaLLoWeEn / MiLiTaRy PeRkS!!!!

With Mike gone for the holiday season, I was not looking forward to trick or treating in the rain. For some odd reason I decided to call the passenger terminal at McChord to see where planes were headed, to my surprise there was one heaed to Hill Air force base. With about an hour to throw clothes in a suit case, find out if my letter was signed so I could fly and get to the base I did it!!! Not knowing when the next plane would be coming back to McChord, I did not really care. I was in a mood and wanted to be around family. Mike called as I was headed to the base and was shocked when I told him what I was doing. Why not is how I looked at it. It cost me NOTHING to fly down there. I had my friends dad pick me up and take me to my mom's who did not know I was coming. When we arrived at my mom's, Judson went and knocked on the door and said, "Trick or Treat!!" She was excited to have us there but my niece was the most excited. She had to do everything she could to fight the tears back.

Judson had a great time trick or treating with his cousin Tegan. We had a great and tiring weekend. Paislee was able to meet her cousin, uncle and great grandma for the first time. It was a fast trip home since I had to come back already. I would have stayed longer but with the flights you never know when the next one will be headed back. I had to head back as well because my friend will be here next week from North Carolina. I now know that there are flights to Utah the first and third weekends of the month which I will be taking advantage of for sure. Judson also thought it was pretty cool being able to fly on a C-17. He says he is just like dad!!

Pumpkin Patch!

Judson and his preschool class went on a fun filled field trip to the pumpkin patch. I was surprised at how well Judson actually paid attention to the lady taking them on the tour. He seemed to really enjoy it and seems to really be enjoying school.

We Miss You Dad!

October has been a busy month, I am not sure where it has all gone but it is just about over. We were able to spend some time at this new hotel close to us called the Great Wolf Lodge. It is amazing with an indoor water park, arcade, restaurants and a wizard hunt. Judson and Mike had a great time swimming and enjoying time together before Mike had to leave for his third deployment.

Tuesday morning Mike left for his deployment of four months. We will miss not having him here for the holidays and everyday activities. Our prayers are with him that he will be safe and do his job to the best of his ability.

We love you Mike and will miss you!!!

Great Wolf Lodge!!!

Time Flies

Honestly where does the time go? I cannot believe that my little girl is already five weeks old. It seems like just yesterday she was born. If I stop and think about where my time goes, I know exactly what I spend all my time doing. If it is not laundry, cleaning or cooking then it is spent at the YMCA for Judson doing swim lessons and gymnastics. If we are not at the YMCA then it is spent at soccer practice, or taking Judson to preschool. In between all of this, my time is spent feeding Paislee. So I guess I do know where my time goes. Finally, I have had a moment to update my blog and put some pictures of Paislee in a slide show. Hope you all enjoy!!

Judson and Paislee

Look Who Is Going To Preschool!!!

Judson started preschool last week and is loving it. I am glad that my kid is not one that cries when I drop him off. I feel so bad for those parents as I have been in their situation when I have taken Judson to daycare when I had my many doctor appointments which kids were not allowed. I only wish that he went more days a week and or longer on the days he is there. I have no time to get anything done by the time I drop him off, get home to feed Paislee, shower and be back to pick him up. I guess I may get the schdule down to actually get something accomplished. It is hard to believe that my little boy is big enough to go to school. I am so proud of him!!!

SoCcEr!!!

Judson started soccer on base last week, he seems to really be enjoying it. He had a hard time understanding why they were practicing and not playing a game. This week at soccer he was more into it and even got a chance to play goalie. That was rather entertaining if you ask me. When practice was over and they were having their snack (orange slices), the coach said, "I hope no one is allergic to oranges." Judson yelled, "I AM". I have no idea where that came from. The only thing funnier than that was the look on Mikes face like whose kid just said that. Then he realized it was his. I wish I had a picture of the look on Mikes face. I will have to keep my camera handy to capture the look the next time something random comes out of Judson's mouth!!!

Busy Couple of weeks

The last few weeks have been busy. We are adjusting well to a baby in the house and to having two kids. We are lucky since Paislee sleeps about 6-8 hours at night. We were lucky to have my mother in law here when I had Paislee so we did not have to worry about what we were going to do with Judson. Then lucky to have my mom be able to come visit and stay for a week. It was a great visit and I was sad to see her leave. Mike was back at work and her help was much needed as Judson always thinks he needs something right as I start feeding Paislee. Then it was me with the kids. Mike left on Monday morning and my mom left Monday evening so I had to figure out how to do it by myself. I am pleased to say the few days Mike was gone went smooth. This was a good test as Mike will be deploying the end of October.

While my mom was here, it was anything but relaxing. We had swimming at the YMCA, soccer started, we had to meet Judson's preschool teacher, and you can't not go to the Puyallup Fair. We also took the kids to get pictures taken. Thanks mom for all your help and for running around like crazy. I am sure you needed a vacation from your vacation.

PAISLEE ANN DIMARIA

8 pounds 7 ounces 20 3/4 Inches

After a long day at the hospital to be induced, Paislee finally arrived at 10:24 p.m. After a high billiruben reading and a day under the lights she is finally at home. She is a good baby and her brother Judson loves her lots.

ALMOST THERE!!

Today is the last day for a few things!! This morning is my last fetal monitoring which I will not miss going twice a week, also my last OB appointment before we welcome our little girl into the world. I am getting induced tomorrow and hoping it is a fast labor and easy delivery. I am more than ready to be done with this pregnancy!! Being pregnant with diabetes this time around made the entire pregnancy different. I will not miss the trips to Madigan weekly for an appointment with all the different doctors. I especially will not miss the calls telling me that I need to go to Labor and Delivery to be monitored for some reason or another. I am excited but a little nervous as I know she is going to be bigger than Judson since Diabetics have big babies and on the growth ultrasound yesterday they estimate her at 7lbs 11oz plus or minus. The doctor said she could come out at 9lbs. Lets all hope for the best and that she is not that big!! Judson tells us everytime we go to the store he needs to buy a toy for his baby sister or she will be mad at him.

We are all excited to welcome her into our family. I will post pictures when I can!!

Extreme Heat

I never thought the day would come where I would complain about the heat in Washington. Our summers are short and not as hot as some places but when you are extremely pregnant and with no air conditioning it is not much fun. Thats right NO AIR CONDITIONING!!! For some reason people don't think you need it here so it is rare to find a house with it. We do have a window unit in my room which helps some but really who likes to go inside from the heat to have your house be just as warm?? Mike never thought the day would come that I was hoping it would rain since rain is what we always have. Luckily this week has cooled off and it has even rained some. Not sure I could have taken many more days of the heat both inside and out. With it being so hot Judson spent many days at the pool with dad and mom watching from the side.

STILL HERE!!!

Sorry for the no posting in a while. Life here in Washington has just been crazy. Between Judson having swimming and gymnastics twice a week and me having fetal monitoring twice a week plus all the other Dr.. appointments that week, I feel as though I don't have much time to get anything done. At least there is end in sight!!!! I will be getting induced at 37 weeks which is on August 27th and I can hardly wait!!!!! For a while there I think I was trying to see if I could be at Madigan Army Hospital the most. My friend Dawn and I were in competition since she was there frequently after breaking her wrist playing soccer and having surgery on it. Not sure who won or is in the lead.

The last month we took Judson to the military showing of the McChord Air Show. He loved all the planes and how fast they go and the tricks. I think his favorite part was sitting in the cockpit of a C-17. Judson has also been enjoying the summer here and being able to play outside all the time and not have the rain. He wakes up every morning looks out his window and says "Mom the sun is out today!!!"

Mike has been very involved in softball intramurals and even played with a team from McChord in a tournament in honor of fallen police officers. He is just waiting the arrival of his little girl and getting ready to head out again for four months. We will sure miss him when he is gone.

As for me, I am just getting bigger by the day and ready to be done being pregnant!! At least I only have two weeks left. I also went with some friends a few weeks ago to the Toby Keith concert which was awesome. He does a great job!!

I promise to do a better job at blogging and staying more current.

GRAEAGLE CALIFORNIA

For the Fourth of July, Mike, Judson and I met my family at my aunts cabin in California. Mike won't call it a cabin since it has electricity and running water but it is their cabin. Graeagle sits an hour and a half away from Reno NV so it is a nice short drive from my aunts house. After a flight that was delayed two hours we finally arrived to Reno at midnight and Judson was ready to play with his cousin and best friend Tegan. Luckily we got him to sleep. The next day we headed to the cabin which was all fun and games. The guys went golfing while the girls relaxed and the kids just played. We went to the pond where Judson decided to jump out of the canoe since all the other kids were doing it. It was a good thing he had a life jacket on and I was able to see the swim lessons paying off. It was a great trip and vacation!!!! We all came home tired but already talking about going again next year!!!

Check out my Slide Show!

Thank you Troops!!

As we celebrate America's birthday, I would like to thank all the troops who continue to fight for our FREEDOM!! With a husband who serves in the military, war is not something we take lightly. I would like to personally thank all our friends who have just left for another deployment and pray that they get their job done and return home safely. I would also like to say thanks to all the spouses and my friends who are there for me and support me when Mike is gone. Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July.

INCREDIBLE HULK

Judson has decided that he really likes the Incredible Hulk. His friend had some incredible Hulk gloves so Judson thought he needed them as well. He won the battle and ended up with the Hulk mask as well. He loves wearing them around and to chase and scare kids outside. Sometimes I wonder where he comes up with the things he says and does but he keeps us all laughing.

SEATTLE SLUGS

For those of you who do not know that the slugs here in Washington are HUGE!!!! Rain must be their fertilizer. Just about daily we see slugs in the flower beds and on the grass, sometimes we even get lucky and have one stuck to our front door. They are gross!!!!!!!!!!!! Judson tells me they won't hurt us which I know but really who likes seeing 3 inch slugs everywhere??? They are gross. Take a look at it.

New Bed!!

With Baby number two on the way and Judson using the dresser that goes with the crib, we decided it was time to get a new one. I have wanted to get Judson a bedroom set for a while but dad kept putting it off. Finally about a week ago, we finally got one. We ended up with a captains bed, a dresser and a nightstand. Of course we bought it at my favorite furniture store uphere The Old cannery which is 10 acres of furniture. It is a store that is fun for all with trains running along the top of the store and a big train play section in the kids bedroom section. Needless to say, I have bought a lot of furniture there in the 3 1/2 years that we have been here. I will be sad when we move and I can no longer shop there. Even if you are not looking for furniture you can go enjoy the activities they do for the holidays. I have had two friends win $1,000 gift certifacets on St. Patricks day. Judson enjoys the easter egg hunts, the pinata, and whatever esle they do for all the holidays. This is one furniture store your kids will not complain about going to. Judson does not want to leave even when it is time to go home.

Welcome Home DAD!!!

After a month of Mike being gone he is home again safe and sound. My husband is a real trooper. After already flying for 26 hours he arrived home for his mom, Judson and I to pick him up at the base and head straight to the Seattle airport to get on another plane and head to Ohio for a friends wedding. I was so excited he made it home and was able to go to the wedding and that we were able to have a weekend away together. I did indeed feel bad that he was getting on another plane but he did it with a smile on his face. Judson also had a great time with his grandma while we were gone. Thanks Bonnie for coming over and watching him. Most of all thanks Mike for being a great sport.

WELCOME HOME!!!!

Sunshine!!!!

After about seven months of nonstop tian the warm weather we had this weekend was welcomed by all with open arms. Judson and I were so excited to see the sun and be able to spend time outside that we were outside all weekend. We spent our time at the parks, doing yard work, having water fights, swimming in his new pool, and going to the Northwest Trek. The northwest Trek is a wildlife park zoo place. Judson enjoying seeing all the animals and the tram ride that takes you out to see more animals in their natural habitat. Judson loved the bears and has told everyone all about the moose, deer, elk, and bison that he saw as well. It is just too bad the sun was only out for a few days and we go back to rain tomorrow. We will just have to wait patiently and look forward to the next time the sun decides to peak through the clouds!!

Check out my Slide Show!

IT"S A ??????????

I am not convinced as the little person in my belly is not very cooperative when it comes to an ultrasound. After convincing my doctor at an appointment to do an ultrasound and tell me what she thought I was having a few days before my big ultrasound, she went back and forth from boy to girl and settled with boy. She apologized for not knowing for certain since the baby was not cooperating and she could not get a clear picture.

I was sad since I really just want a girl. So the day of the ultrasound came which was a few weeks ago and once again the baby did not cooperate. When the ultrasound tech asked if we wanted to know the sex, I said, "If it is a boy no and a girl yes." She looked at me a little funny but just went on with the ultrasound. Once again not much cooperation from the baby :( First the umbilical cord was between the legs, then hands down there, and then legs closed. Needless to say I was getting a little anxious as I just wanted to know for sure. The tech finally came out with the sex and I must admit I am still not convinced. It is a good thing I will have a couple more ultrasounds before I am due. Hopefully we will get a clear shot on one of them.

So for now the verdict is: IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mothers Day

Well this Mothers Day was much like all the Mothers Days I have had since becoming a mom. I have gotten used to spending the day with Judson as Mike always seems to get sent somewhere for every Mothers Day. Judson and I had a great day together just playing and spending time together. I asked him Saturday night if he was going to bring me breakfast in bed he looked at me a little puzzled and said by myself. Well Sunday morning rolled around and Judson came in my room to wake me up and asked where is your breakfast. I thought it was cute that he even remembered me telling him that.

I hope every Mother had a great Mothers Day!!!!

BaSeBaLl

Who ever thought coaching baseball for threeand four year olds was a good idea must not have been thinking straight. Now really it is cute but I don't think Mike really knew what he was getting himself into. The parents are supposed to help so it should be easier but there are always the parents that don't want to get involved. Well all would be ok if Mike was here but since he is gone for a month guess who that puts in charge. I would not mind if it wasn't for the belly of mine that is growing daily and kids that don't really listen. Luckily there is another dad that comes that took over last night. I still got involved and interacted with Judson and helped other kids out but at least I was not in charge. Hurry home Mike we miss you!!!

Visit from Friends!!

A few weeks ago we had some friends come to visit from North Carolina. Judson and his girlfriend Ellie were very happy to see each other and actually got along pretty well. I was very happy to be able to see Sheree and spend time with her and be abe to see Aspen her little baby.

Kids do the craziest things!!!!!!!!

Where kids get some of the ideas in their heads is beyond me. Last night Judson was in his bathroom, which I thought he was actually going to the bathroom until I heard mom come here. I walk in there to Judson sitting on the counter with the sink full of water and his feet in it. Wait!!!!!! It gets better. He said mom, "This is like a swimming pool." Then proceeded to sit in the sink. Needless to say water went all over the bathroom. I decided to clean the water up instead of taking pictures. I just wonder where that idea came from. Must have been something his dad would have done as a kid.

TULIP FESTIVAL

Last weekend Mike, Judson and I went to the Annual Tulip Festival. It is about two hours from our house so we decided lets make a trip out of it. We left Friday afternoon and drove up to spend the night.We stopped at the outlets and did a little shopping then went to the hotel for some fun. Mike and Judson went swimming which Judson could not get enough of. Saturday morning we ate some breakfast then headed out to the tulip fields. I have never seen so many tulips in my life. They had tulips of every color and shape really. Some tulips looked as though they should be roses but they were tulips. It was a great time especially since the weather cooperated and we had sunshine. Check out the slide show full of picture after picture of tulips.

Check out my Slide Show!

Happy Easter

We had a great Easter this year. With it being the first Easter that Mike has been home we took advantage of all the activities going on. The weekend before Easter, Mike's work had an Easter egg hunt with over 3500 eggs. Needless to say there were more than enough to go around. Then Saturday before Easter, the base had an egg hunt with once again more than enough eggs. With Judson's Spiderman basket filled to the top we was stuffing eggs in my jacket pocket. He did walk away with an egg for the grand prize though. Judson loves the hunts but I think it was the large inflatable slide that had him the most excited.

ALOHA

ALOHA!!! We are back from Hawaii and I am missing every minute of it. We had a great time and Judson loved the beach. We stayed at Bellows AFB and had our own little cabin and what seemed like a beach to ourselves. It was so quiet and peaceful and the best vacation we have had in a long time. We did so many fun things from going to the Sea Life Park, to snorkeling , the Polynesian Culture Center and hanging out on the beach. It took Judson some time to get used to the waves and the ocean but when it came time to leave he wanted to stay. We also had the opportunity to visit with some friends that moved from Washington over there. The worst part of being home is the rain and 46 degrees especially since it was 85 degrees in Hawaii. Sorry also about the large amount of pictures in the slide show we just had tons of pictures from our trip.

Check out my Slide Show!