On to a New Adventure

This military life we live tends to make us a bit transient.  We usually settle into a place for a few years before it's on to the next duty station, the next adventure.

North Carolina has been great to us.  We absolutely love it here.  Our home, our church, our friends (who have quickly become family).  It's where Mara was born.  The home we first brought her to.  Where we pushed through a deployment and really found ourselves as a family of three. The two years was here and gone in the blink of an eye.

But in this life there is always a new adventure and I am excited to announce that we are headed to the Republic of Georgia!!

Where's that you ask?  Don't worry I had to look it up on a map too.  It's a small Eastern European country just east of Turkey and South of Russia.  I mean does the military actually have people there? :)

We are so thankful that Josh's job gives him unique opportunities such as this and are super excited to be headed back overseas.  We know overseas assignments are rare and are grateful for another one so soon after being back from Kenya.

I love to travel and we are ready for all that Georgia has in-store for us!  I also think it's going to be great to immerse Mara in another culture and language (eek they speak another language! I'm in for it!)

So thank you North Carolina for a great two years.  It's bitter sweet leaving you but I am reminded that this Army we love is small and the friendships we've made will likely be rekindled down the road.

And here's to the the next adventure.  Georgia here we come!!

Zip Lining

This past weekend Josh and I finally used his Christmas gift.  I had purchased a zip lining package along with two swing shot tickets for a local place nearby.  Josh had done the zip lining course there before but I had never zip lined and was excited to give it a try.

Two of our friends watched Mara and we headed off.  The course was composed of 8 zips and 3 bridges.  I was a little nervous as I am scared of heights.  Surprisingly I felt great most of the course only getting nervous on the bridges.

It was a pure thrill to zip from one tree to another.  The course is within a state park and they have done a great job of limiting the amount of trees they had to cut down to build the course.  The result is you are literally flying among the trees.

At the end of the course we took turns at the swing shot.  They hoisted us up high in the air and then let us go.  After a few seconds of free fall the rope caught and you were swung out over the falls.  The view was breath taking.

It was a great day.  I'm so glad we were able to get out and do something together.  Sometimes I Think we focus on doing events as a family (which are so important) that we don't get as much time just as a couple.  This was a perfect date for us.

Block Leave-The Beach & Sickness

After our day in Sea World, Mara came home and got sick.  We spent the next two days battling dehydration and cleaning up vomit.  Glorious I know...

At the beach with Daddy

On Thursday we decided that she was well enough to attempt a trip to the beach.  Throughout her entire sickness she was a real trouper.  She was literally her normal self but with bouts of vomiting.  Anyways we packed up and headed out to the coast.  

She did great until we were almost there where she lost her lunch (and Mama caught it). We pressed on and it turned out to be the last time she got sick on our trip.  

I love how she's leaning in this one

The beach was great.  It wasn't crowded and we were able to find a great shaded spot where we could lay down our blanket.  Mara was not a fan of the sand and it took her a really long time to warm up to it enough where she would let us take off her shoes.  We didn't even get her into the water as it was enough for her to sit in the small tidal pool. 

(I hope she warms up to the beach quicker next time as we are headed off to another sunny vacation in a few days!)

running around in the sand

I forgot a swim diaper for her so we just let her run around in her suit.  This may have proven to be out downfall as she had an accident and required cleaning off in the ocean.  With little hand washing resources it is likely this is where Josh and I picked up whatever Mara had.

We then spent the last day of our vacation lounging in bed and running periodically to the restroom.  Thankfully by this time Mara was fully recovered and family were able to run around after her while we rested.  

Exploring

By an act of God we were feeling great the next day.  This was vital as we had a long drive back to Jacksonville followed by a plane ride ahead of us.  

Despite the minor sickness we had an amazing vacation.  We were able to do some big parks while also having off days to relax with family.  

Block Leave-Sea World

After Disney we took a day to rest and recuperate and then headed over to Sea World.  Sea World has this amazing military program where they allow all active duty military personnel and their families free entrance to one of their parks per year.  We didn't take advantage of this last year but were 

excited to use it this year.

Ready for the paddle boats

She really wanted this polar bear!

Again Mara was too small for most of the larger rides at Sea World but we knew she would enjoy the shows and the animal exhibits.  Our first stop of the day was the pet show where dogs, cats, ducks, and even a pig did tricks on stage.  Mara loves animals and was pointing and barking the entire time.  Next we headed over to the dolphin stage for that show.  She loved watching them flip and jump out of the water.  She especially thought it was great when the trainers rode the dolphins.

Watching the dolphins

Dolphins!

We then grabbed a quick bite to eat before exploring some of the animal exhibits.  We saw turtles, manatees, sea lions and a walrus.  Mara especially loved watching people feed the sea lions!  It was getting hot so we decided to relax a little on the water and rented a paddle boat.  I didn't think Mara would do great with this as it required a life jacket and sitting still, but she surprised me.  She loved floating around in our giant flamingo boat!

They swam right up to us!

hanging with daddy

From there we headed over to the killer whale show where we tried to get wet by sitting in the splash zone.  Despite the whales' best efforts we remained dry throughout.  Mara loved watching them jump out of the water and wave their fins.     

Our best attempt at a family pic while paddle boating

In the afternoon we took Mara to the kiddie section of the park where she was able to ride the merry-go-round and the train.  She loved both and probably would have been in heaven if we let her do them over and over.  

Shamu!

More interested in Daddy's hat than the walrus

When she conked out at the end of the day Josh rode the two roller coasters in the park and we grabbed dinner before heading back to the condo.  Overall it was a great day.  The park was busy but we were still able to do everything we wanted to.  Mara loved the animals and seemed really enthralled by the shows.  

Easter

We got back from our vacation just in time to celebrate Easter with our church family here in Fayetteville.  After service we headed downtown with a few friends for lunch.  It was really nice to not have to cook a big meal and just enjoy everyone's company.

At home we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and unpacking.  We set up a mini egg hunt for Mara in the backyard and she loved picking up the (empty) eggs and putting them in her basket.  We also put together a small Easter basket for her to open.  I tried to keep it simple and focused on the real reason for the holiday with a book, tea set, new silverware, and bunny crackers.  She loves the tea set and is still walking around pouring us glasses.

Dear Baby Girl

Dear Baby Girl,

Mama wanted to write this letter to you because she cannot believe you are already 18 months.  That's a year and a half little girl!  You are now closer to 2 than you are to being that squishy newborn that Mama still feels like was yesterday.

As much as I miss that newborn stage, I would not trade the little girl you are becoming for anything.  You are so loving.  You give unexpected hugs and kisses all the time.  You constantly bestow your Daddy and I these when we need it the most.  It never fails to melt mommy's heart each and every time.

You are stubborn. You know what you want and you will go about things in your own way.  You are quick to tell us no when you do not want to do something and can throw a mean tantrum if we disagree.

Even on days where it is challenging little girl, we love you so much.  You push us both to be better people.  To draw closer to each other and to Him in order to be the best parents we can be to you.

We are so thankful for you.   God knew what He was doing when He created you little girl.  Your smile.  Your giggles.  The way you say mommy.  The way you beam up at your daddy.  Words cannot describe the awe we have in you.

Everyone says the years go by quickly when you have children so we just treasure each and every day with you.  Soak in every moment and look forward to watching you grow and develop into the beautiful little girl we already see inside of you.

Happy year and a half baby girl!

Love you always and forever,

Mommy and Daddy

Mara-18 Months

Wears:  You are still in 18 month clothing and fitting comfortably.  With the warmer weather we have finally broken into your short sleeved shirts and shorts.  I'm so happy you'll get some use out of them before they have to be boxed away.  You are also in size 3 disposable diapers and on the largest size of your cloth diapers.

At your 18 month doctors appointment you weighed 21.75 pounds and were 31.5 inches tall.

Health:  This month you had your first major illness.  You came down with what we suspect was a bout of norovirus while on vacation.  You were throwing up and had diarrhea for about three days.  Poor girl!  You were a trooper though.  You were, for the most part, all smiles in between bouts of sickness.

Says:  This month you started saying Mickey, baby (nope Mama's not pregnant!) and da.  I love that you have shortened dada because you basically just call me mom.

You also pretty much understand everything we say to you at this point.  You constantly point to objects and people to ask what the word is for it.  You learned more animals this month and now know the sounds for a monkey and an elephant.

You continue to sign for nursing, more and eat.  

Favorite Foods: This month some of your favorites include green beans, cheese, fruit strips, mashed potatoes, and soup.  You usually will try anything once but you can still be kind of picky when it comes to some foods.

Sleep: Oh man I've waited for this girl (nope you're still not sleeping through the night) but you are only waking once!  You will now go down for about 6-8 hours before waking for a quick nurse and then will sleep another 2.  It's been so refreshing for all of us.

You slept amazing while we were on vacation which was a major stresser of mine.  You did like to party till all hours before finally going down but it wasn't too terrible.  We have already started to work on this since being back home.

Your naps are ok.  You still go down for anywhere from 1.5-2 hours in the middle of the day.  You have been fighting me on laying you down in your crib.  You pop back up screaming and can't resettle.  Then you'll be up for another two hours before I can get you back down for your nap.  One day you pushed your mid day nap till 5!!!  Some days I don't fight it and just lay you down on our bed for nap instead of your crib.

Best Moment:  Vacation!  We went to the zoo, Disney World, Sea world and saw lots of family and friends.  You did awesome being away from home for a whole two weeks.

Milestones: You walk up and down steps by yourself without holding on to the railing.

You crawl backwards down the stairs.

You spin in circles when prompted.

You step over things when they are in your walking path.

You stomp your feet and still walk on your tippie toes.

You clap to the beat of the music and shake instruments to the beat in music class.

You are getting really good at using your fork at dinnertime.

You ask to be changed if you have a dirty diaper.

Loves To:  You love to play the I have you have game.  You point to your nose and then ours.

You love to cook in your kitchen.

You love to have long conversations.

You love to get in the paper products drawer in the kitchen and pull out all the napkins and cups.

You love Mickey Mouse and all your stuffed animals.

You love animals in general and are always pointing them out and making their noises.  

Favorite Toys: books, mickey mouse, toy kitchen, farm set, puzzles, ball

Dislikes: when we can't understand you, when daddy comes into your room at night and you want mom, baths until you realize you like them as soon as you get in