Happy Easter!

Makayla's first Easter was really layed back. We all just layed around the house and did nothing. It rained all day, so it was a little gloomy. I studied for the test I have tomorrow. Duncan played video games and cleaned the house. And Makayla slept a good 90% of her day away. Right now she's laying on my lap and looking at the picture of herself that is on the screen . She has become such a smiley baby.

Even when she's doing something that she really doesn't like. For instance... her car seat. She really doesn't like being in there unless it's moving. Usually I have to talk to her and make funny sounds and faces at her when we first put her in there. She can't help but let a few smiles slip out. She is also learning how to use her voice for something other than crying or grunting. I forgot how great baby talk sounds. It has been so long since I have been around young kids. I miss the job at the daycare that I had before I joined the military. Having Makayla is better than the daycare job though, because I don't have to send her home at the end of the day. She's all mine!

We dressed her up yesterday and were going to get her pictures taken, but you should have seen the picture place. I think everyone was out trying to get Easter pictures taken. Then we went by the mall to have some pictures taken with the Easter bunny, but he was on break, and we had a bowling date to meet, so that fell through too. I just took a few pictures with my camera instead. I am planning on having some more pictures of her taken this week. Hopefully all of Kentucky won't be there when we go this time. Its kind of funny because she ended up with 3 Easter dresses. The one she has on in the pictures below (which is a little small), one her cousin gave her (which she will be taking the pictures in), and one Grandma gave her which is still a little big for her.

Bowling was really fun, even though im not good at it... at all. I did actually break 100, and beat Duncan one out of three games! YEAH... me!! Kayla slept the entire time. I was surprised because closer to the end of the night they started playing really loud music, and she never budged. It's funny how she sleeps better in the noise. I try putting her in her room to nap during the day, and she will wake up after 30 mins.

Well, I think she's a little tired of laying on my lap. Plus I have to finish studying, so we are going to go. I hope you all had a great Easter!

I know... it's been a while.

I cannot believe how busy I have been. It really is crazy how much time this little tiny person requires. She has been busy, busy baby lately. Aside from her first plane trip to meet one side of her family, she also has her first long car trip to meet the other side of her family. That's right... she got back from California on Monday, and that same week she was on the road to Virginia. It was about a 10 and a half hour drive. She did great though. Of course at this age all she does is sleep, so she always does great. :-)

Here's daddy reaching in the back seat while driving, just so the little princess could hold onto his finger. She was a little cranky until she got a hold of that finger, then she was fine but refused to give it back. I'm sure he didn't mind.

Kayla arrived around 12:30 in the morning, which wasn't expected by anyone. Duncan had a key, so he just let himself in and walks calmly into his mom's room, with Makayla. Even though she was scared out of her mind, it didn't last long once she got her hands on Makayla. Her aim was to spoil the baby, and she gave it an honest effort, but Kayla wasn't there long enough. Which is almost a good thing since I am the one that has to live with the little girl. She did have fun with her though. She got to show her off to everyone at work, give her a bath, get her dressed, feed her, and all the other stuff that she just loves doing. Here they are loving each other. You should have seen Makayla studying her face. Especially when she would stick out her tongue, or talk to her. It seemed like Kayla was already trying to copy her with the talking and sticking out of the tongue.

Makayla got the meet two of her second cousins while she was there. They both enjoyed holding her and were really happy that she was strong enough to semi- hold her head up. I have to agree with them... it does make it easier to hold her when you don't have to worry about that head flopping around.

Her great Aunt also really enjoyed getting to meet her. She was just about as determined to spoil her as grandma, but like I said she just wasn't there long enough.

In this picture she looks so amazed and interested in what her Aunt was saying. This is how she gets when people talk to her. She starts moving her mouth and making noises trying to talk.

Well, another unfortunate first that she has while she was in Virginia, was her first accident. Don't worry... it really wasn't that bad, but it was an accident. Duncan accidentally hit a deer. I know I was in shock too. Everyone was fine. Makayla was still awake in her car seat, just looking out the window. She never even dropped the binkie out of her mouth. The deer was killed instantly, or at least that's what I tell myself so I don't worry about her suffering. Now... for those that might have a weak stomach, you might want to skip the next picture because it has the "evidence" that insurance companies look for when you say you hit a deer.

Well, aside from her first airplane ride, first car trip and first car accident, she also has her first week in daycare. I ended up getting a list of FCC members, so I started my "interview" process. I called them all, but only three had an opening for an infant. I went to see all of them, but REALLY liked the first one I meet, and that is who takes care of her now. I have been back to work for 3 days and everything is going really well. We dropped her off for a few hours Monday afternoon and went to run errands since I had late shift (4pm to midnight) and the whole time I felt like I wanted to cry. I never actually cried, but that famous "frog" was definitley in my throat the whole day. The next day when I went to work, I had the same feeling, but it just wasn't as intense. And today I had that feeling until lunch time. I went and spent my lunch with her, and after that I was better. Here's a picture of her right before I left her on the first day. I have yet to get one of her and the care provider.

Her care provider really seems to like Makayla. She only takes care of her two sons and Makayla, which was one of the things I really liked. She says she doesn't plan to take any more children any time soon and I sure don't object. The fewer the kids, the more time she has with her handsome little boys, and my precious baby. She always tells me how good Makayla is. I think everyone is surprised at how good she is. She will sit, or lay for an hour sometimes without a complaint. She does the best when she can see you. She really is a good baby... and im not just saying that because she's mine! (I know... we have all heard that one a million time, but im serious! hahaha)

Heres that precious face we have all fallen in love with. This picture was taken yesterday. She sat in her seat for about half an hour before she fell asleep and watched Duncan play on the Internet. Right now shes laying on the couch, watching her daddy watch a Looney Tunes movie. She's been there for a little over an hour. HEY... and she rolled over a few mins ago!!! Well... kinda. She was laying on the middle cushion of the couch and Duncan was sitting on the cushion next to her. All of a sudden she arches her back like a little rolly polly, and ended up on her side (towards her daddy). Then she turned into a wiggle worm and ended up on her stomach, and up pops the head. That's why I say she "kinda" rolled over. I think the weight of daddy on the couch gave her a little help.

Ok... one more thing, then you all can get back to what you were doing. We went to the doctor at the end of last week, because she needed a slip that says its ok for her to be in daycare and she weighed 10 lbs 6 oz and was 21 inches long. This little girl is growing so fast. It's hard to believe this Sunday she will be 8 weeks old. She is so alert and strong for being so young. She holds her head pretty steady now. You should have seen her the other night. It was the cutest thing. She was lying on our bed, on her tummy and was kicking her legs like she was trying to crawl. I put my hands behind her feet and she was actually able to push herself forward with those little leg muscles. I just held my hands still and let her go to work. She went a good 6 inches, before she got frusterated. We both laughed our butts off. We just can't get enough of this girl. What did we ever do before she got here?

We're back...

So... did you miss us? I know, its been a while since I have been on here, but we have had a heck of a couple of weeks. For those that I haven't talked to, or seen, Makayla and I went to California! Thats right... the big CA! We had a lot of fun, but no where near the time we needed. I was able to see the majority of my family, but only a few of my friends. The whole trip was a surprise for about 98% of the people. I had to tell one of my family members, just incase something happened to us on the way there, we wanted someone to know where we were. So my Aunty in Oakland was the lucky one to have to keep the secret, and man did she do a good job! We were able to surprise all of my cousins. But the first place we stopped was my Aunty's house in Sacramento. She was so happy to see us it took all she had to not cry. A couple of tears found there way to the surface, but for the most part, she was strong.

Here she is enjoying her Granddaughter. (I know your probably wondering how my Aunt is Makayla's Grandma. Since my mom isn't here I have about 3 people that are like a second mom to me and this Aunt is definetly one of them.) At first she thought Kayla was going to be really spoiled, but was shocked to find out this little girl will lay wide awake without anyone holding her for a long time if you let her.

My dad was another person we saw when we were in Sacramento. He could not take his eyes off this little girl. He just held her and smiled. This was the first time I have ever seen this man not watching a basketball game that is on TV... right in front of him! My dad is so obsessed with basketball I have seen him watch a basketball game that was being commentated in Spanish! But the beauty queen held his interest, as you can see!

A friend of mine stopped by my Aunt's house while we were there also. He was impressed and was one of the only people that says she looks like me. Then again... he's never met Duncan, so maybe thats why.

Next we were off to good ole Napa! I had to rush to catch my best friend before she went to pick her son up from school because I knew she would be leaving as soon as she picked him up. And sure enough she told me she was planning on going straight to the mall. But we were able to catch her. She wasn't as strong as my Aunt. She started crying as soon as she layed her eyes on us. She planning a trip to Kentucky sometime next month, so we look forward to seeing her.

Another one of Makayla's "Grandma's" came to see us while we were in Napa. She is my moms best friend from highschool. She couldn't wait to get her hands on this little girl. She called the night before she came to find out what the earliest time was that she could show up the next day! She is such a sweet heart. I can see why mom my made sure they stayed friends all those years.

My brother had to be the funniest person we saw the whole time we were there. My moms best friend and I practically chased him around the house with Kayla, trying to get him to hold her! He refused to even get close to me when I was holding her. I laughed so hard. What was this little 10 LB baby going to do to this grown man? Finally when no one was around I got him to hold her, just long enough for me to snap a picture. He was completly stiff the whole time, but he over came his fear. :-)

I didn't get all the pictures I wanted when we were in Oakland. I was only able to capture 2 of my cousins with Makayla. We all got so caught up talking about her and sharing different "mommie stories" I forgot all about the camera. Heres one of them holding her. He stopped by for only a few mins, and it seemed like after he held her that was all he wanted, because he left right after that.

This other cousin of mine held Makayla almost the whole time she was there. She had to leave for about an hour to take her son to his swimming class, but as soon as she got back, Makayla was right back in her arms. Everyone tried to convince me to leave Makayla with them, but I think she gave the best attempt with the words "You can leave her with me until you get out of the army...I promise I won't have her calling me mommy!" What's so funny is I think she is really serious! Hahaha my family is so crazy.

Makayla was a perfect angel on all the airplanes we went on. The people on the planes looked a little annoyed when we were all boarding. I think they thought she was going to scream the whole time, but she slept most of the time, and just looked around when she was wake.

Here she is making those cute faces that keep my laughing all day!

And here she is showing her angelic side. You can't tell in this picture but her eyes are starting to turn a lighter brown already... I think!

Wow... that is a long post! There is so much more I can say, but I better get dinner started. We'll be back soon though... with more surprises!!!

6 hour sleeping stretch!

Thats right! Last night Makayla slept for six hours straight without waking up. I doubt that will happen again any time soon though. She was really tired because we had a long night. We all went to Duncan's 1st Sgt's house for dinner. Well, after dinner we started playing board games. We played Military Pictionary (really hard), regular Pictionary, Outburst (really fun) and Scategories, Well, the 1st Sgt is already a very loud person, and everyone there was getting really into the games. We were all yelling and screaming at the top of our lungs. There were 2 other children there who were sleeping in the living room, and were completly not phased... at all. But my poor Makayla just couldn't stay asleep. She was OK for a while, but when something exciting would happen like cheating, (I won't say any names... 1st SGT) we would all get really loud and her little eyes would pop open. I was shocked she didn't get cranky because she was so tired, but she was a perfect angle the whole time. I was also shocked she didn't fall asleep as soon as we got home. She was up for a couple more hours when we got here, but when she did go to sleep she was out for a whole 6 hours. She usually does 4 hour stretches, so that extra 2 hours really made me happy. I needed it as much as she did.

Today wasn't as exciting as last night for Makayla, but I am really excited! I bought a new digital camera today! Its a Kodak with 6.1mp, compared to the 2.3mp that I have been working with. I know... that camera is really old, but all the pictures on this page so far are from that old thing. They aren't to bad I don't think.

Speaking of pictures... here are some. These are from the old camera. This picture makes me laugh cause it looks like she wants to say "MAN do I have a headache!" But shes just trying to wake up. Its funny watching her wake up because she makes it seem like such hard work. It usually takes a good 5 to 10 mins before she can wake up all the way.


Heres her and her famous eye. Ever since she was born she always seems to leave her right eye closed more than her left. I was really worried for a while that she was going to have a lazy eye, but when she opens those beautiful eyes she makes my worries go away.


Heres her and daddy napping on the couch. They sure do look comfy!


Well, tomorrow I will try to put some pictures up here from the new camera. Maybe we can see if there is really that big of a difference.

What a night... and day!

Last night around midnight, Makayla was up for her midnight snack so I figured I would post a few more pictures. I had her in one arm, and the other arm was typing away for your enjoyment. I typed 4 full paragraphs with one hand. I was bragging about how I have learned to do just about everything with one arm, and complaining about how at 1 month old this little girl has already learned how to fight her sleep. I went on with descriptions of each picture and other stuff that I can't remember right now, and what happens?!? I hit the button to post it... and the internet decided I wasn't logged in! So all that hard work, that would have taken 10 mins if I had 2 free arms, but took almost 45 mins, was GONE!!! Makayla had fallen asleep in my lap during all of this, so I figured I better go back to bed before I get really frusterated. Sure enough... as soon as I get up stairs... shes awake again, for another 30 mins. Its a good thing I don't have to go back to work until the 21st of this month.

Which brings me to our day! OK... anyone who has talked to me recently knows that I am dreading the day I have to put Makayla in daycare. Today I figured it would be a good idea to go over to the center to observe and talk to the ladies that will be working in the room she will be in. When I get over there the ladies told me that Makayla's not even registered! I told them I put her on the waiting list when I was pregnant and was told to call when she was born. After she was born, and I called I swear the lady told me she could start on the 15th of March. (I don't start back to work until the 21st, but I took an extra week so I could take her over there for a few hours a day so she could adjust. OK... OK... I needed an adjustment period too!) Come to find out... March 15th is the day I have an appointment to register her for the daycare. So basically she is still on the waiting list and when I go back to work, if nothing opens up for that daycare she will have to go to a FCC member until something does open up! For those that are not military... FCC members are people that watch children in their homes here on post. They are usually the wifes of military men. I was having a hard enough time dealing with Makayla in a facility that has cameras recording each room all day. Now I have to grasp the idea of her in someones house... where I have no idea whats going on. I just have to take some strangers word for it. I know those of you that have been in the game of mommie hood for longer than me are shaking your heads thinking "Everything will be fine, just calm down!" Way back in the day when I pictured myself having kids, I just knew that my Aunty Louise and Aunty Rose would be the ONLY people to watch my children. That was just the way it was going to be... no questions. Now, in a couple of weeks Makayla is going to have to be dropped off with someone... and I don't even know their name yet!!! Ok... I have to stop... im getting a little teary.

So on to the pictures! Heres the princess chillin on daddy chest. She loves to be layed on your chest. Its one of her favorite places.

She looks a little confused in this shot. I think she gets it from her dad cause thats the same look I get from him after asking him the same question 7 times while hes watching T.V. What is it with men and zoning into the TV?

Here she is... ready to head to the grocery store. It was snowing outside, but we really needed some food in this house. So im out freezing my butt off. We had to park a mile away because everyone else in Kentucky also decided they just had to get some groceries. I should have held off one more day cause the very next day it was sunny and semi-warm. I'm sure all those people were thinking the same thing. Who knew?

I also picked up the pictures we had taken of Makayla when she was 2 weeks old, so those will be in the mail soon enough. Which reminds me... Aunty Louise and Jill... I haven't forgotten about either of you. I will e-mail you both the pictures I promised really soon. I'm working on baby time here... so be patient! Im sure you both understand!

Already one month old!!

I figured if the month of February had 30 days in it, today Makayla would be 1 month old. I can hardly believe it! She is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I couldn't be happier. At one month old she has won the hearts of people across the country... literally. Everyone I talk to from California, Texas, Kentucky and Virginia have fallen in love with her and can't wait to get their hands on her. Soon enough, is all I can say... soon enough!!! As for accomplishments at one month old she is able to hold her head up when you put her on her tummy. Its a little unstable but its up there. She also stays awake for about 2-3 hours in the middle of the day. Yesterday we gave her a bath in an actual baby bath tub and she liked it. Well, I should say... she liked it more than the sponge bath she usually gets on a towel on the counter. She still doesn't like getting her hair washed. I think its because her head gets cold faster than the rest of her body. She loves to be talked to, no matter what its about. The other night Duncan described an entire wrestling match to her and she was perfectly content until he stopped talking. She also loves her mobil hanging on her crib. She doesn't sleep in her own room yet, (she sleeps in a basinet next to our bed) but I put her in there in the morning when I need to take a shower. I usually get about 15 mins to shower and get dressed before she gets bored with the mobil.

Well, here are some pictures since I know thats the main reason you guys all come here! I was going through all the shoes she has and these are the only ones that almost fit. I thought they were really cute, so I had to put them on even though she has about another half an inch before they actually fit!

This was tonight right after bath time. The towel she is laying on was what she used to get bathed on, but we have upgraded to the baby bath since her belly button stump has finally fallen off. I was so happy to see that thing go. It was driving me nuts.

Heres me and my pride and joy! I don't really like this picture of me, but for those that visit the page, that don't know what I look like... here I am.

And daddy and his baby girl. The more he figures her out, the more fun he has with her. He can't get enough of her. I'm sure once she gets older she is going to be a daddys girl, and she'll have him wrapped around her little finger

It was brought to my attention earlier that leaving comments was limited to people who had an actual blog account. Well, I have changed that. So if you have tried to leave a comment and it wouldn't work, try again. If it still doesn't work, e-mail me and I will try to find the problem. For those that have left messages... thank you for the compliments. They are all going in her scrapbook!