Change of Command

On June 11 Josh relinquished command of the 172nd Preventive Medicine Detachment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  It was a long two years filled with both personal and professional growth.  It was such an honor to walk by his side during this experience and be a part of the unit, in my own way.  This day was both sweet and sad, as it is time for us to move on yet we hate to leave our Sidewinder and 261st families behind.

Congratulations Josh on a successful command!!

Mara before the ceremony

Mara decided to read a book during Daddy's speech

The new commander

The new commander and the 172nd

Josh gives his farewell speech

Preparing for the ceremony

The 261st MMB commander

Passing the guidon to the new commander

Josh passing the guidon for the last time

The 172nd PM Det

Another Move

Yep we're still in North Carolina.  We haven't left yet!  This last month here we have moved out of our 3-bedroom house and into a small 1-bedroom apartment on the other side of town.

Without going into much detail, our lease wasn't extended so we had to scramble a little bit to get all of our goods packed up, picked up and moved into our new place.

With a little help from up above, we were able to arrange for our three moves in a very short time.  Moving overseas we had a long term storage move which was mainly our large furniture (our house in Georgia is furnished) and any other items we wouldn't need for the next few years.  We also have an unaccompanied baggage shipment which was everything we would like to have immediately when we get there.  The last move was everything else, all of our household goods that we will need on a day to day basis there.

It was a long four days but the movers got it all packed and taken away.  Hopefully it all makes it in one piece.  It was a little difficult to sort everything out and there were definitely things that didn't make it into the right piles.

Now were finally settled in our new place and just trying to enjoy this last month in N.C. Surprisingly the one bedroom is working out pretty nicely.  Mara is sleeping in the closet but seems to understand that that's "her room".  Yes we'd like a little more room but it's working and doable for the next month.

The time is flying.  This week we have Josh's change of command and then he starts out processing at base.  Before we know it we will be headed up north to visit family and then flying overseas!  Although I am not wishing us gone it will be nice to finally be truly settled again.

Park Fun

We finally had a weekend to relax and enjoy some much needed family time.  After Mara's recital we headed out to eat and then decided to hit up a local park.  It was so hot but Mara loved exploring the playground with Grandma on her heels.  The swing was also a huge hit as she refused to get out.

She was a little leery of the slide as always but we managed to convince her to go down a few times and she even went down the large slide with Josh.

smelly feet.

Overall it was a great weekend full of family and relaxation!

Mara's First Ballet Recital

Mara has been in ballet since January.  I originally thought ballet for a one year old was kind of crazy but the class was free (with deployment money).

I am happy to report I was so wrong.  I think Mara gained so much from this class.  She thrived on the routine of the class and by the end of it was doing the start of some very basic technique.

As with any ballet class there was a recital and early on we decided to let Mara participate.  There wasn't really a routine and I had to be up there with her but it was super cute.

Overall she did great for her age.  She didn't fuss on stage.  She didn't run off.  She stood by me the entire time and did most of what I asked her (blew kisses, spun, waved, etc.)

The pictures really tell the story best so here they are!

There's dada!

blowing kisses

more kisses

grandma came to watch

with her first dance award

Mara-20 Months

Wears:  Right now you are in a mix of sizes.  You are wearing 18, 24 and 2T.  Most of your 18 month pants don't fit anymore so you are wearing 24 or 2T shorts instead.  Your shirts are mainly 18-24 months and the few 2T ones you have are doable but a little long.

You are still in size 3 diapers and really haven't gained any weight.

She crawled right up there

First lollipop

Health:  No major illnesses this month to report.  You did have a runny nose most of the month.  I'm not sure if it was allergies or a minor cold.

sporting Mama's shirt

Another one of Mama's tees

Says:  This month you've become a little more vocal.  You sing to yourself all the time.  I'm not sure what song you're singing but it always sounds about the same.

You have added the words "potty" and "snacks" to your vocabulary.  You also say "pee you" and hold your nose after you hear someone pass gas.

You are constantly asking, "What's that?"  You point to everything and want to know their names.  You do this even when you know what the object is.

This girl's style kills me

too cool

Favorite Foods: This month you have gotten a little more adventurous when it comes to eating.  You'll try almost anything and it gets you into trouble especially with Daddy.  He always lets you try his spicy foods.

You're really into turkey this month and are eating a ton of it.  You also like pasta, Asian flavors, potatoes, quesadillas, and raspberries.

I think you're going through a bit of a growth spurt as you are constantly asking for food.  You still sign "eat", "more" and "nursing" when you want to eat.
  

Sleep: You have slept through the night a few more times this month although it's not exactly a habit by any means.  You usually go to bed around 9 and get up sometime around 5.  You will still nurse a bit and then go right back to bed.  We are still doing our bedtime routine and you seem to have really caught on.

Your waking up once we lay you down has stopped.  Thankfully I was right and it was only a phase.

You still take naps on a bed rather than your crib.  We moved you into the guest room for most of the month for naps and you did awesome.  The last few days of the month we had movers and we simply pulled your crib mattress out on the floor and you took naps there.  

cheesing

No worries Mom.  I'll drive

Best Moment:  One of my favorite memories of this month is when you wanted your Twinkle Twinkle Little star book read.  You went and grabbed it for Daddy.  Then you grabbed the xylophone for Mommy to play the tune.  While Daddy read and Mommy played you danced.

My little ballerina

Swinging before church

Milestones: You have to give Mommy and Daddy both kisses when you see us kiss.

You sing to yourself.

You saw Mama paint her toes one day and now want yours painted all the time.

You do puzzles.  Your favorite is a farm animal one.

You know your colors.

You held your first official tea party.  Daddy, Buddy and Mickey attended.

You finally figured out all the buttons on the pop up toy.

You know the names of the rooms of our house.

You know the difference between whispering and being loud.

You pretend play all the time especially with your food and farm set.

You blow your nose.

You put on make-up when mom does.

You know exactly what to do when we're at ballet class.

20 months!

Look at that smile

Loves To:  You love to chase buddy around.

You love to be outside and play at the playground.

You love read books about animals.  You know cows, pigs, geese, chicken, dog, cat, hippo, monkey, bee, gorilla, horse, elephant, etc.

You love test your limits.  You push back every time Mommy and Daddy say no.

You love to collect rocks and other treasures during your time outside.  You usually put these rocks in your mouth.

She was a ball of cheese this day

Favorite Toys: books, mickey mouse, toy kitchen, swing, tea set, music table, Sophia the 1st pillow

Dislikes: when you don't get your way, when we have to go inside, when you can't be picked up immediately, when mommy tells you no nursing, when you get in trouble.  

See what I mean

Goodbye old house!