Time to say goodbye

Hello Maryland!!

First off, Jon and I have both officially decided we hate moving.  I'd rather not do it again.  Ever.  But since there are good chances we'll be getting restationed next year, and a few years after that, I don't think that wish will be coming true anytime soon.

This was my first "real" move.  I don't count the one or two carloads it took to get me to and from college each year.  Or when we left our first Love Nest down the road and moved into the Beach Nest.  Jon and a Coastie friend moved all the big furniture, and we moved the rest ourselves.  It was tough work.  Moving out of a third story apartment without elevators and into a three level house is not cool.  I was in tears by the end of the night.  And we decided right then and there we would never move ourselves again. 

Thankfully, when the Coast Guard reassigns us, they take care of the move.  On Thursday two packers arrived and in 8 hours had our entire house in boxes.  Lots and lots of boxes.  It made us realize just how much STUFF we have.  And also made us realize how much we need to purge. 

I spent the entire day keeping Jack away from the packing ladies.  It was a good chance to sneak in one last visit with our BFFs Janine, Abbie and brand new baby Nate.

Once the packers left there wasn't much for us to do.  The TV, lamps and even couch cushions were packed away.  So Jon and I spent a very dark, quiet, uncomfortable evening on the couch.  The next morning the moving truck rolled up a little after 9am. 

We were anxious to get things going, but the day never seemed to move fast enough.  Jack went to the park, watched movies on the laptop, played with the few toys I had set aside the day before, ran around his empty bedroom, jumped on mattresses and chatted with the movers.  They were all impressed with his size, were positive he'd be quite athletic and promised to keep a lookout for "Jack Tillman" while watching college football in 17 years.

By Friday afternoon there was no furniture to sit on, and no beds to lay the boys down in.  Jude didn't mind, he slept just fine on the floor.  But it was day 2 of no nap for Jack.  And we were all suffering the consequences of an over-tired, bored toddler. 

And then there were meals.  Without most of our food and all of our dishes, we ate all our meals out.  Lunch was usually fast food.  And Jon and I were quickly tired of it.  By Friday night we were both craving some green vegetables. 

Jude's meals weren't an easy task either.  After the cushionless couch was removed there was no place to sit but the floor.  And since there were moving men everywhere there was no safe place to go.  So we locked ourselves up in the bathroom, where I sat on the toilet lid, with my feet propped up on a moving box.  Or, if my back got too tired, we'd just stretch out in the bathtub for a meal.  Needless to say, we're glad to have our couch back!

The movers put the last box in the truck at 4pm.  We were so relieved to see the big job end, and eager to hit the road ourselves, that I hardly gave a second thought to leaving.  Which is exactly what I predicted.  I also predicted that the emotional weight of this move would hit me as we pulled out of the driveway.  I was about 500 yards off.  Instead, I had mini-cry when we got to the end of our road and drove by all the familiar landmarks, and I realized I wouldn't be going by this way anymore.  But the episode was short-lived when we got stuck in the thick of Friday evening rush hour on the bridge-tunnel.

Jack rode with Jon in one car, and Jude was with me in the other.  I was happy to get the sleeps-all-the-time babe, while Jon was stuck with cranky, hasn't-had-a-nap-in-2-days kid.  Instead, Jack konked out within 10 minutes, and gassy-Jude was crying and stinking up the whole car.  I have to say though, the drive to Maryland was gorgeous.  It reminded me of Pennysylvania, without the mountains.  There were rolling fields and big, beautiful farm houses.  In fact, I'm quite positive I saw my dream house.  Well, I didn't actually see it, but the tree-lined lane winding up the hill was a dead giveaway it was back there somewhere.

The moving van wasn't arriving until Saturday morning, so we headed straight for the hotel. By the time we got into our rooms it was after 10:30pm. Jude was hungry and Jack was wound up from his car-nap. So after a few minutes of jumping on the bed we finally got him snuggled under the blankets. Since Jude was in the pack 'n play Jack slept with Daddy in one of the "big" beds. According to Jon, it wasn't a very good night of sleep. Jude was all out of whack from our crazy few days, so he needed a few extra snuggles that night. It was during one of these sessions that I looked over and saw Jack, sleeping soundly, perfectly perpendicular to his Daddy. No wonder Jon complained about getting kicked in the night!

Jude made sure everyone was wide-awake by 6am. Jude was hungry and wanted Mommy, Jack was disoriented in the "big" bed and wanted Mommy, and Mommy was tired and just wanted more sleep! Jon left early to meet the movers and the boys and I (along with Mr. Monkey) had breakfast at the hotel. After dumping his carton of milk all over his face, shirt and shorts, we were finally ready to meet our new home!!

The sun sets on another chapter ...

I'm sitting here, on a cushion-less couch, surrounded by boxes which, in addition to everything else we own, include all our lamps and light bulbs.  So it's dark as pitch in here.  And the tapping sound of fingers on the keyboard is echoing off the bare walls.  And this is how I'm spending my last night in Virginia.  How depressing.

On a good note, I managed to get both boys in bed by 7:30.  As soon as I verified Jack was sound asleep I grabbed my camera and ran out for one final sunset walk on the beach.  For old times' sake.  I was not disappointed.

I'm going to miss this guy who brings his flag/fishing pole cart out to the beach EVERY NIGHT.

And so the sun sets on our life here in Virginia.  It's sad, but we know it will rise again in Maryland, and we're looking forward to seeing what's in store for our family there over the next year.  So long Virginia!

Goodbye Beach, We'll Miss You

Well, I think it should be obvious that, other than some very special friends, the thing we'll miss most when we move is THE BEACH.   

Our new neighborhood has a pool, but that's just not the same.  Pools don't have salty air, sea glass, incredible sunsets, friendly dogs and sandcastles.  Plus they do nasty things to your hair and skin.  And so, as I said before, we've been spending every spare minute possible at our place in the sand across the street.  And with two under two, that's not always easy.  So this is how we do the beach these days ...

In the spring, I'd drop Jude in the Moby and trek out there with Jack to build sandcastles.  But now that the weather is heating up, strapping babies to your middle is not as much fun.  Plus Jack cries because the road and sand are too hot for his feet.  So I'm the crazy mom that the neighbors watch walking down the road, pushing a toy laden stroller with one hand and holding a squirmy toddler with the other, beach chair hanging off my back, towel tucked under my arm.  Ready to set up camp in the sun for as long as Jack will let me.

It's a lot of work, and that's just for a short visit.  Ask my parents how long it took me to get ready for just a few hours down at the oceanfront ... lotion, toys, towels, books, water bottles, lunch, snacks, flotation device, boogie boards, umbrella, chairs, diapers ... and two kids.  And that's with 3 other adults lending a hand!

 Usually, I'm on my own, exasperated after being cooped up inside all day with an active toddler who doesn't have enough room to run off his escalating energy levels.  And so I leave the dirty dinner dishes on the counter, pack up the stroller and lug the boys to the wide-open sand.  Most of the time, I don't even bother putting a suit on Jack since he's just going right into his bath and jammies when we get home.  And since it's so late in the day I don't have to mess with sun lotion either.  I've figured out a way to wedge Jude into the jogging stroller, which is not made for newborns, but which works for the 75 steps it takes to reach the water. 

 We've got those great beach chairs that also double as backpacks.  And the "mommy hook" holds all Jack's toys. 

As soon as we hit the sand Jack turns his beach charm on.  He starts waving at everyone who walks by, begging dogs to stop and give him a sniff.  He's realized that blowing kisses gives him lots of fun attention, so he'll stand at the water, hand to mouth, making smacking noises whenever someone walks by.  And then there's the sand.  He digs holes, he dumps sand on your feet, and no sandcastle is allowed to stand for more than 30 seconds within his radius.

But the sand isn't nearly as fun as the water.  If you bring him one bucket of water to play with you've just signed yourself up for life.  He'll play in it for a minute or two, adding some seashells here, a little seaweed there, mixed with some sand.  And then he'll hold the bucket over his head and dumps it right down the front.  He'll come running back, empty bucket in hand, begging you to help him do it all over again.

 And playing in the water is even more fun.  We've learned to never expect Jack to stay dry during any beach visit. He doesn't appear to have much fear of the water, which could be a good thing ... and a bad thing.  Especially when he runs into the water without an adult around.  He loves to jump in the "waves" (which are pretty little at the bay), float around in the deeper water, splash, kick and, unfortunately, drink the nasty saltwater water.  Gross!  And usually all this activity wears him out completely ...

 Of course, while Jack is running, jumping, stomping, and chasing, Jude sleeps.  

You think he'd be safe from curious toddlers, perched high in his stroller seat, protected from the sun and wind.  But no.  Jack has figured out a way to pick on his brother even then.  So it's not unusual to find Jude covered in sand, or even cracker crumbs.  Poor kid, can't even enjoy a peaceful day on the beach.

And so we are sad to say goodbye to our beautiful beach, for now.  With a Daddy who's occupation exists because of the coastline, Jack and Jude are bound to live near the water again.  But until then we'll have wonderful memories to entertain us ... and an upcoming family vacation in Delaware!

Real Quick

Just a quick update on us all as we enter into our final week in Virginia Beach ...

Both my brothers and G'Ma came down to visit over Memorial Day weekend.  It was my G'Ma's first visit to our Beach Nest and the first time she met Jude, so I'm especially glad she ventured forth on the 8 hour trip!  We had a wonderful time out on the beach, but for the most part she just enjoyed being around her great-gandboys.  She was an excellent "Jude-holder" and an appreciative audience for all Jack's antics.  She also made us a delicious home-cooked meal and whooped me in competitive game of Scrabble.

We took advantage of the beautiful scenery and time all together to get some family photos.

I also now realize how difficult it is to get a toddler to look at the camera at the appropriate time ... at least for more than one shot.  Then again, how fair is it to bring a 19-month old out to the beach and not let him play in the sand?  No, Jack was not happy...

Uncle Jared decided to take advantage of his post-graduation status and spend the week with his nephews.  It was great having a "manny" around for a few days.  Especially one who is skilled at calming fussy babies, entertaining wild toddlers, networking computers and flipping pancakes.  Oh, and did I mention he changes poopy diapers?  So we were all very excited to find out this week that Uncle Jared's first "real job" will only be 1.5 hours away from our new abode.  I'm envisioning once-a-month free babysitting in exchange for home-cooked meals...

My husband and his best friend spent the weekend up painting the new digs before we move in and having a "mancation" of sorts.  So my parents came down to give me a hand with the boys ... or maybe just to squeeze in one last visit to the beach.  My mom's summer vacation has officially started and what better way to spend it then with these two cuties!

We've been to the beach everyday and although the only swimsuit that currently fits me is my maternity one, at least I'm getting a bit of a tan. 

Jude wasn't too enthusiastic about his first time "in" the ocean  But we're confident he will turn out to be just as water-loving as his older brother.

I'm determined to give both boys as much beach time as possible during these final days in Virginia.  We have four more days left before we move and I haven't packed a single thing.  But really, soaking up our last moments of sand and sun seems so much more important than stuffing boxes right now, don't you think?  Besides, I'm still trying to figure out a way to get packing done with an active toddler and a hungry newborn.

And, as always, the stellar photos above were taken by the talented Uncle Micah.  Can you tell which two were not? :)

The bucket list

My slowness in blogging is starting to get to me.  Jack seems to have learned so much recently, like how to scale Jude's crib and reach his hands over the railing, and Jude doesn't even seem like the same baby I brought home 5 weeks ago.  He's working on smiling and getting oh, so close.  You can see it in his eyes  even if his mouth isn't quite there yet.  So yes, there's so much to say and just no time to say it.  And it bothers me to think I might forget all these moments simply because I couldn't find yhe time to write about them.  But we're busy as bees here and I've got plenty of other things on my mind.  Like moving for one.  Thankfully, the Coast Guard moves us.  They'll come in, pack everything up in one day, and then drive it up to the new house the next day.  So I haven't been worried about that at all. 

People keep asking me if we're getting ready to move.  Nope, haven't done a thing.  The move itself is not what I'm concerned about.  It's just everything else that comes with a move.  Address changes, finding a new physician, searching for a new church, setting up the new utilities, making sure we have Internet at the new house ASAP so I won't miss a beat with work (or blogging  ;) ), buying all the stuff the new place doesn't have, buying a new car because the hubby just decided our current one isn't working well for us and that we need to replace it THIS WEEK (if you think I'm a "get it done" kinda person, you need to meet him!!).  And then there are the really important parts of moving, a "bucket list" of sorts, things we must get done before we leave like soaking up every last bit of beach time we can, visiting all our favorite places "one last time," using up gift certificates for local businesses, and saying goodbye to all our fabulous friends.  There's parties and picnics, final dinners and of course, family who want to get in one last visit to the Beach Nest.  I've been too busy to get sentimental, but I just know it's going to hit me all at once, probably at the very last second, when we're pulling out of the driveway and it's too late for regrets. 

Moving isn't the only thing on my mind.  Actually, the one thing I've been stressing about even more is Jude's poop.  Gross, huh?  And how mom-like of me to mention it.  The problem isn't the poop itself, it's that there hasn't been anyway!  Not for a week.  He's eating and peeing fine, and not acting uncomfortable so I don't know what the issue is.  I've read mixed reviews about this, whether it's a real problem or not.  But the fact is it was worrying me and I just wanted some peace of mind. So I scheduled a doctor's appointment for him on Friday afternoon. 

Of course, 30 minutes before we're supposed to leave I sat nursing him in the rocking chair and guess what that boy did?  Yup, gave his Mama the biggest poo she's ever seen from a baby so tiny.  He hasn't gone since then, so I'm guessing he's going to be one of those once-a-week babies or he's going through a very long growth spurt,  But I'm sure that's more than anyone else wanted to hear on the subject so I'll stop there.

My boys and I are wishing you all a splendid Memorial Day with your friends and family.  While we're busy making our own memories, may we never forget those who have given their lives for our freedom.

I'm Booking It: Finally Some Fiction

Well I took everyone's advice and started reading while nursing Jude. It's not always easy, especially since Jude tends to be a two-handed nurser (for those of you Moms who know what I mean), but I did manage to finish an entire book the first week he was home. Of course, that's when other people were around to entertain Jack, when I was awake a lot longer at night and when I wasn't back to work. Now I can't do much reading when Jack is on the loose, Jude has gotten a lot faster with night-feedings and I hardly have to keep my eyes open, and during the day I'm usually typing emails with my free hand during feedings. But, when I do have a chance, reading is a great alternative.

And so, after months and months of what only feels like books on pregnancy and childrearing, I've really been looking forward to some good fiction. My mom arrived just in time and gave me Francine River's Her Mother's Hope for Mother's Day (or maybe it was a "push present" since she's the Mom and I'm the daughter.) First off, I LOVE Francine Rivers. She just may be my favorite present-day fiction writer. I have the Mark of the Lion series and read all three books several times. That's how much I adore them. So I was super excited to see she came out with another book after what seemed like the longest break. I hadn't read anything about it, so I didn't know what to expect other than it would probably be a book about a mother. And it is, and her relationship with her daughter. I think the author does an excellent job of developing her characters, you feel very close to them throughout the book. I wouldn't call this an upbeat novel, in fact I felt a little depressed throughout much of it, but then again that may have been the hormones talking. I won't say much more about it 'cuz I dont' want to be a spoiler, but the ending is a killer. As in, you think you have "this" many more pages left and then you go to turn to the final chapter and realize that the rest of the book is just addendums and advertisements. I'm totally left hanging and now have to wait until the second book comes out in the fall. Which is why, from now on, I may wait until a series is completed before starting it!

Two books I ended up reading unintentionally this past month were The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems. Basically I needed a refresher for Jude, and was also looking for information on gas and growth spurts (how exciting!). I ended up reading all of the Womanly Art and most of the Baby Whisperer, which I'm planning to return to in the near future because the older Jude gets the more questions I have. And with a title like that I'm expecting some great results! :)

One of my most excellent friends here in Virginia, who I am going to miss terribly, gave me a few books as a goodbye gift. One of them was a perfect "read while nursing" book - Dirt Cheap Green Thumb. It's a small, short-ish read. Easy to get through in two feedings (or less if your kid is a lazy eater). Our new house has a small "salsa garden" and according to the landlord's last email, there are tomatoes already waiting for our arrival! For my birthday I'm asking for a square foot garden, so this book was chock-full of excellent gardening information. Since I'm a novice, everything is new and good to me! We'll see how this garden thing goes.

Finally, someone let me borrow Have a New Husband By Friday. I only had it for two days and was able to finish it in time by skipping the two chapters on abuse, which I didn't need. I really enjoy reading marriage books. I think because they usually contain some of the things I learned about in my college Communication classes and also because I'm always looking for ways to improve my relationship with the hubs. This was a pretty good book. A lot of information I had heard before but some new stuff as well. Unlike some of the other books I've read, this is written by a man to an audience of women, and there is no male version of the book. It was interesting to hear his perspective on the female sex - he often mentions how great we are at multi-tasking and "doing it all." If what he says is true, I think I've gained a new understanding of how men view their wives and collected a few ideas for our own relationship.

Okay, so looking back maybe I only got to one fiction book last month.  But that's one more than last month.  And I've already started a new novel for next month's post that I'm totally giddy about.  Can't wait to pull this one out of my bag when we're at the new pool in a few weeks.  Because nothing says SUMMER like 17th century England, right?  And just in case you think you've got me figured out, I will say it is not a Jane Austen book.  In fact, all my Jane novels have been relegated to the back bookshelf and will remain there at least for the duration of the year.  A girl's gotta take a break at some point!  Until then ...

A month late and a dollar short

Okay I don't really know about the dollar short thing but I finally got around to taking Jack in for his 18 month well-baby check-up last week, now that he's over 19 months. Ooops. I just didn't want to schedule it when the baby might be coming, and then I was waiting to see when Jon would be available so I wouldn't have to bring Jude along. But I ended up taking him anyway and of course, in typical Jude fashion, he slept the entire time.

We have seen a different doctor for each of Jack's well-baby visits. I think it's partly my fault because I schedule them last minute and then take whoever has an opening. And I haven't met one I truly loved enough to insist on seeing again. Until now. Too bad we'll never be back to this clinic before we move, but I just loved the doctor Jack met with on Friday. He was an older gentleman with snowy white hair and a slow, soft voice. Perfect for my wild child. Who, while I was fillling out paperwork on lead poisoning, happened to be removing objects from the drawers when the doctor walked in. I was really hoping he wouldn't make us wait too long. I had only brought a few books and toys to keep Jack occupied in that tiny space full of drawers and buttons. Thankfully, he didn't. This has been the most attentive, thoughtful doctor we've met with yet. In fact, I think I was in more of a hurry than he was. He let Jack play with his equipment, and showed him how the tape measure and knee-knocker-thing worked. He seemed genuinely interested in my son. And he kept commenting on Jack's adorable rosy cheeks (they are kinda cute, but I'm afraid they make him look like he's constantly out of shape!!). But I think he was little taken aback at Jack's size when his shirt was off. Jack's a big kid, but you really notice it when you see that belly and all those rolls!! I thought he was starting to thin out, but now I'm not so sure. He's definitely clinging on to that baby fat. At 32 pounds he's currently wearing 2T clothes, but all his shirt and pants are tight around the belly. He continues to hang out in the 97th percentile, which the doctor seemed please with. But I have to wonder, at what point is it no longer "good" to be bigger than 97% of your peers??

We talked about his development, how he's interested in learning and likes to figure out how things work. How he "walks" up and down the stairs. How he maybe says 8 words max at this point - Mama, Dada, dog, uh-oh, what's that, ball, hoT (emphasis on the "t") ... apparently this is on the low end for his age but I'm not too concerned. We just have to make it a point to go over words and sounds with him for the next few months. We discussed how he's a great sleeper, and a generally good eater who loves his fruits and veggies, and that he's never had an ear infection or any other sickness since he was born. The doc seems to think it's because he's not in daycare but I personally believe it's because Jack and I both find visits to the military clinic extremely bothersome and do everything we can do avoid them!

We finished with the doctor and walked across the hall to get Jack measured and weighed. I set Jude's carseat down in the room, turned around and Jack was gone. I looked up and down the hallway and peeked in each of the other exam rooms. Nothing. The office isn't that big, where could he have gone in 10 seconds time? I finally found him out in the waiting room, playing with toys in nothing but a diaper and socks. Some random nurse said, "Oh I wondered who this child was!" Thankfully, Jude doesn't walk yet because his Mommy left him very much unattended while chasing after Jack!

Vaccinations were a breeze this time compared to our other visits. The "vaccinator" was a little more slow than I like to see (I prefer the fast ones that do all three shots before you can blink your eye!!) but Jack's one tough cookie. And the lollipop at the end definitely helped. Thankfully he handled the immunizations much better than last time, and was just a bit more clingy that day and night. And the best part is no more shots for the next 2.5 years. Hooray!

So that's Jack at 18 (eh, 19 months). He is really growing up. He may not say much, but he definitely understands EVERYTHING! And he's learning how to do new things every day. He loves jumping in the air with both feet. He insists that I use a changing mat whenever I change Jude's diaper, and makes sure to bring it to me each time. He gives himself a round of applause every time he throws something in the trash. He brings me his shoes when he wants to go for a walk. He has a habit of shutting all the doors upstairs before coming downstairs, although he probably doesn't realize I only do this to keep him out of our room and and the bathroom. He thinks pancakes always taste better when they come off Mommy's plate. He believes that everything that comes through the car window in a bag must be food, and gets very upset when Mommy doesn't give him a taste of her vitamins when she picks them up from the drive-thru pharmacy. And apparently, just today, he's even learned how to operate the lock on the gate in the church nursery. Thankfully they caught him before he made his way back into the sanctuary. Although it would've been interesting to see my son walking up the aisle in the middle of the sermon.

One of his favorite activities is crawling over the chair arm and hanging out in the small corner between Daddy's chair, the wall and the shelf. He would read some books or play with puzzles for a little and then start crying for me because he couldn't get out. Eventually he realized that with a few swipes he could clear all the books and puzzles off the shelf, and create an escape route that would deposit him behind the chair and back into freedom. He now does this on a daily basis.



Isn't it funny how proud you can be of a little child? Jack and Jude don't do much at this point, they haven't made any major contributions to society, haven't solved any world issues, haven't scored any touchdowns yet or came home with A's on their report cards. They can barely even talk. But those boys are just the light of my life! And I love 'em like crazy!!