First Father's Day

Andy was always the type of guy you knew would be a good father. He is laid back, easygoing, and just plain fun to be around. So it is no surprise he has stepped into the role so easily. Through sleepless nights, countless dirty diapers and being spit up on 8+ times a day he hasn't hesitated once. He isn't a good father, he's a great one, and in our eyes he's "World's Best"!

It's been such a great adventure to come to love this man not just as a husband, but also as a father.

This past year has been amazing. I say a year and not just the seven and a half months Jackson has been here because even before Jackson was born, Andy was a great dady. He cared for me and the baby-to-be by running downstairs frequently for late night snacks and holding my hand through numerous ultrasounds, marveling with me at the tiny creature on the screen. He was so supportive, and still is. I am so thankful for the opportunity to raise my child full time, a luxury many can't afford. I'm so lucky to have a hardworking husband who constantly gives his all, to his country, to his job, and most importantly to his family.

Today is not only Andy's first father's day, but it is also his birthday! How great is that!

I have no idea what our future holds, as nothing is ever certain in the military, but I know we're a family and will push through. Because Saturday mornings with pancakes and french toast might not get to happen every weekend, it makes us cherish the ones we have even more.

                                    

On this father's day Jackson isn't saying much, not even da-da yet, but his eyes light up when his dad enters the room and there is no doubt he knows exactly who he is, or of the love between them.

Jackson looks up to his dad, and I'm proud he has such a good role model.

                                                                   

Andy, thank you for helping me be a better person, a more patient mother, and showing me what life is all about. Loving the ride. Happy Birthday, Happy First Father's day, with many more of both to come. Kat

The Horse

(Forgive the lateness of this blog, obviously it was started a few weeks ago.)

We took a big trip back to 'The States' for pretty much all of April. With travelling back by myself with Jackson and 6 pieces of luggage, tackling jet lag, and generally getting back into the groove of things, I completely forgot Memorial day was coming up, and thus, a 4 day weekend. I had thought it would be a good time to hit Paris- before it gets too hot and too crowded, but, alas, the kennel was full so we were bound to stay home with the (furry) boys.

It ended up being a great weekend. Lots of family time, which is exactly what every new family needs.

Jackson is the light of our lives, so corny I know. We look him, and then at each other and just marvel at how awesome he is. He is such a sweet, happy baby. We are unbelievably lucky. For example. Memorial Day weekend we spent Saturday morning in Regensburg. Instead of a morning nap Jackson slept in the car as we drove the short 35 minutes to the 2,000 year old city on the Danube River.

 

We spent the morning shopping and taking in the familiar sights.

Jackson was happy to ride along, chewing on Sophie as we went. After a quick snack for Jackson on the steps of The Dom' (Regensburg St. Peter's Cathedral) he slept while we lunched in an outdoor cafe.

While shopping in the Galeria Kaufhof (a great big German department store). I 'somehow' ended up on the top foor- baby central. I laid eyes on something I knew I had to have. . . for Jackson of course.

We left as a group of three and returned with a fourth. Here is our fourth with Patton.

The horse needs a name. Any suggestions?

Army Traditions

The Army has A LOT of traditions. I am still learning most of them, and what is ‘appropriate’ to do in various situations. I have to give a bit of background before I can get to the real story.

One tradition is the “Hail and Farewell”. Each Army organization (Battalion, Company, or in our case, Team) holds an informal event comprised of the senior leaders and their families. The purpose of this event is to welcome (hail) incoming personnel and send off (farewell) those leaving the team. These events are usually held in the evenings over dinner.

We had a Hail and Farewell for Andy’s Team Friday night. It was a barbeque, on post, at the picnic area.

Another tradition is at 5pm when the flag is lowered. On every Army installation (to my knowledge) the flag is lowered at 5pm while ‘Retreat’ plays, signaling the end of the official duty day (though MY husband is rarely headed home at that point, but that’s another story). Retreat is played over the PA and can be heard over most of the post. When it plays all service members stand. They face the direction of the flag, saluting while they lower the flag.

Jackson and I got to the picnic early and at 5 o'clock someone calls out ‘lowering the flag’. And I think, oh great. I don’t remember what I am supposed to do. Uh, pause, I stand up too. Jackson remains sitting in front of me on the picnic table. Halfway into Retreat Jackson lets out a reverberating pfffffffffft on the metal picnic table. I can’t help but smile because no one is allowed to acknowledge the very loud fart as they are busy saluting the lowering of the flag. Then it happens again. Pffffffffffffffffft tut tutt. I laugh silently as I watch the soldiers around me trying to keep it together. The short ceremony finishes and everyone busts out. Jackson doesn’t know what everyone is laughing at, but he likes smiling so he does too.

I love how he makes me laugh every. single. day.

Favorite

It's only June and I'm ready to call THIS my favorite memory of the summer.

After a bit of a dip in my milk supply I made it my goal (no joke) to nap with my baby every day. You must be thinking, piece of cake. I thought so too, but it really wasn't as easy as it sounds. At first I would lay there awake, thinking of all the things I should be doing, planning what to make for dinner and compiling grocery lists in my head.

Here in Germany air conditioning is uncommon, and we certainly don't have the luxury. Not that I'm complaining (yet). It doesn't get terribly hot but it does get plenty warm. This week our highs have been in the mid 80s. Just hot enough to be a little sticky, but not hot enough to be miserable.

These days we both drift off to sleep together after nursing. I love the sound (and feel) of the oscillating fan as I snuggle up with my little one. I love the soft blue sheets on our king sized bed. I love the sunlight streaming through the skylights. I love waking up to this warm little body 'stuck' next to me.

 

Of course when we wake up from these mid afternoon naps, we both are smiling.

Does it get any better than this?

Things I love lately.

Umbrellas as big as your postage stamp backyard.

New Vera Bradley bags- 20% off, thanks AAFES.

Room for more pancakes. (Which I simply see as a representation of our growing family.)

Fresh flowers. . . inside

and out.

But, without a doubt, the highlight of my week is this little guy.