Ailish Turns One!

On June 12, 2012 Ailish turned one! I had high hopes of making this day very special for our very loved little girl. One, meaning me, should not have put such high expectations on a one year old. Such as her being happy the whole day, hearing laughter, and seeing her smash icing and cake all over her face. Can you guess how they day turned out? Lets start from the night before as I obsessed over the cleanliness of the house since we were going to skype with the grandparents and all the time I spent making a "Happy 1st Birthday"sign. The next morning I happily put on my best "Mommy cute" outfit and began working on the cupcakes that I had set my heart on making her for the last few months, GF vanilla cupcakes with homemade strawberry icing. The icing turned out delicious, but I can't say that for the GF pre-mix cupcake batter.

Once the cupcakes were done it was time to get the party girl into her ballerina birthday outfit. At this point I should mentioned she looked as if she never really woke up from her slumber. I had envisioned a sweet mother daughter picture of her smiling. Ha! She would only pose with Daddy! She could care less for the cupcakes with the delicious strawberry icing, but loved Daddy's mint chocolate chip ice cream. Presents, she was not that fascinated with until she opened Aunt Brooke's and Uncle Christian's gift, a doll baby stroller. She smiled then and pushed her sheep all around the house. She evened cornered Daddy with it. By the time she had her second skype grandparent date. She was done for. Well, most of the day was filled with fussiness, thanks to her third bottom tooth breaking through. Needless to say I was about in tears because nothing had gone as planned in my head for this to be a very special day for our little girl. However, I am confident that her expectations were exceeded. As she walked out of the tiny hall way to the big open space and blank wall that was filled with a hug sign saying, "Happy 1st Birthday," she was in awe. The breakfast GF banana pancakes were a success and pretty much put her in a happy food coma. And at least she enjoyed opening one gift, ballerina shoes. She seemed happy to sport them around too. All in all, I guess it wasn't so bad. The best part was Daddy had off for most of the day.

The Rest of the Trip and So On...

Couple months over due, but once I finish this story and continue telling all the adventures we have had since, you will understand my tardiness in blogging.

After leaving Anchorage, which was a bit of a disappointment due to the unruly road system. We continued on to Homer to catch our ferry. Don't worry we found adventure during our drive. Moose! Yes, we saw our fill of Moose on the way to Homer, 19 to be exact. Once, no one was behind us we stopped. I opened my door leaning halfway out and began shooting away with my camera. The moose were like 10 feet away! Sadly, the setting on my camera could not pick out the moose in the dusk. So, as I am switching the setting on my camera to get a clearer picture, Will steps on the gas. I fumble with my camera ( I didn't have the strap around my neck), break a nail to save my camera, while reaching to close the door. Thank the Lord I had my seat belt on. In Will's defense I told him to TELL me when a car was coming. However, he couldn't quite get the words out and reacted instead. I suppose the Moose had a great laugh.

We then venture on to Homer and I have to go! Of course its 11pm and everything is closed or locked! Another hour and we are finally at the dock and yes, there are bathrooms! It is at this point in time our sweet little girl awakes from her 4 hour slumber. We then wait another hour or so to board the ferry. We get our cabin and all cries break loose until 3am! I am sorry for all passengers aboard. Will and I had a nice 3 hour nap before Ailish awoke and we proceeded to take turns with Ailish, walking her around the ferry, while the other one napped in the cabin. We were never so happy to see Kodiak. Ready to make the exodus off the ship, we waited and waited and waited. The elevator to lift the vehicles up broke! Then it was fixed and they decided to unload and load vehicles at the same time. Are you kidding me?! The evening ended well with a fun Luau at our church. Ailish preferred hanging out with the grown ups and drink virgin daiquiris over playing with her friends. The most memorable part was the snorkel gear relay. Will made me smile and something about seeing your pastor participate reminds you pastors are human too.

Shortly, in to the next week, Will came home for lunch and I announced he was going to be a Daddy again! The next baby Smith arrives early January! We ask Ailish, "Do you want to say 'hi' to the baby?" and she rubs my belly. Cuteness!

Then there was Crab Fest. The biggest event on the island all year. Carnival rides, bed races, high heel races, prizes, King Crab, cotton candy (I had at least 2 bags worth) and my personal favorite Coast Guard rescue demonstration. Will was the flight mechanic (hoisting) for the demonstration. So, proud of him, because, they had him on intercom, and a camera guy right in his face (which can be pretty intimidating/annoying).

After Crab Fest, I am sure lots of fun developmental stuff happened with Ailish besides her consistent wake up in the middle of the night and stay up for a couple hours. However, the most scariest unpredictable thing happened. It was nearing bath time on a Friday night for Ailish, when I had a starving pain. I walked into the kitchen when I hear Ailish screaming and Will running her to the bathroom asking for my help. Honey Bear had had enough of Ailish poking/pulling/ petting her and she snapped at her! Ailish was bleeding on her cheek. After fumbling with our first aid kit. Will suggests we take her to the ER. I agreed and we rushed out the door as Will thanked God that it was not her eye. Which made me think and thank God that Will was there and I wasn't home alone. Good thing we did. Ailish needed 2 stitches. The Dr. on duty, happens to be the one who attends our church, and the nurses were super nice and did a wonderful job. Ailish was a trooper. She is one tough cookie. We then saw our friend Mort, who is the pharmacist. Got to love small towns. Needless to say I was a wreck the next couple of days and especially, at night due to my racing heart. I couldn't even look at Honey Bear for almost a week. She was immediately put in the kennel and is kept there unless one of us walks her. We are still trying to find her a good home. She just needs adults who can baby her, because she was my baby for 8 years. As well as a yard to play in. There is no rhyme or reason for housing here on base. They have all your information months before you come and they still put young families with a large dog(s) in an apartment style housing with no fence in yard and those with cats and small dogs with a fenced in yard. Seriously? To be fair there are a few lucky dogs of the large and energetic capacity that have a yard. Ailish wasn't afraid of Honey Bear the day after, but the day after that for about a few weeks she was. She is currently loving Honey Bear from afar and desperately wants to be close to her, but we can't take that chance.

More to add, but my neck and shoulders are aching and I am one tired momma.

Anchorage Vacation

May 1st - We made it to Homer, AK after a very rough night at sea.I think it was the first time I was ever scared to be on any type of boat. It felt as if the ferry was going to tip over! A better description would be an amusement park ride that wouldn't end (front to side to back to side we tilted, repeat). By 1am Will and I discovered we were both awake and had been for 2hrs. Due to how humid it was on the upper bunk, I suggested to Will to join me on the lower bunk where it was much cooler. We were finally able to at least catch some zzz's then. However, Will may still have finger marks from me squeezing him when I thought the ferry was going to tip over. Thankfully, Ailish loved all the rocking and slept through the night with only a "shh shh shh" to put her back in sleep bliss. This morning we ate at Duncan House Diner. The food was cooked to perfection. Will's breakfast burrito was yummy! A quite charming place with antique stoves and trinkets scatter about the restaurant. Even on the tiny two tops. The walls were covered in Coca-Cola and other antique posters. It was as if you took a step back in time. The restrooms were labeled with a picture of either a "Sitter" or  "Pointer." Then it was off for coffee for the 4hr drive to Anchorage. Captain's Coffee is where we got our first boost of energy from a nearly sleepless night. Will got the Denali size, which made my 8oz. cup look like a baby. We finally made it to Anchorage. We spotted one moose grazing by the highway before coming to our place of residence for the week. It didn't make sense that where we checked in was not where we were staying and had to go further away to our room. The room turned out to be very nice and spacious, so it was worth it. Next stop, REI. Want to take a guess of how long it took us to find it? An hour! Thanks to the lovely road system of One Way streets, roads that turn into other roads, One Way streets that turn into two way, and numbered building that go down and back up again. The REI was a lot smaller than I expected and after returning our items, it was off to Glacier Brew House. Unfortunately, we did not remember reservations, but we thought its Tuesday night it can't be that bad. Think again, 45min and a rude hostess later. Ailish was nearing breakdown point and our food was still not in front of us. Check please and food to go. What a bummer. Poor munchkin had a full day. At least the food was delicious. However, the portions were small for the price that was paid. Three asparagus? Come on.

Day 2- Sunshine and blue skies. Only if it was not in the mid 30's. However, do to the unpredictable weather we were going to take advantage of a dry day to hit up the Anchorage Zoo. Ailish loved the Polar Bears, the Lynx, and the Fox. The Fox was her favorite. She shouted, "YeSS!" in excitement. By the time we got half way through the zoo, she had had enough of the cold. Who could blame her? We warmed up in the gift shop before exiting and purchasing our little munchkin a tiny stuffed fox. It was her car seat companion for the rest of the trip. My thoughtful man scheduled me a massage for that afternoon. What a treat! To top it off it was right behind the Moose's Tooth. The best Gluten Free pizza I have ever had!

Day 3- Sunshine and warmer. The Anchorage Museum was at the top of our to do list. We all enjoyed the exhibits. Especially, the native ones. Ailish was enthralled with one of them and the minor. She also enjoyed the tot area where she stepped on this computerized mat that lit up with flowers as she walked. The Lego's was another favorite, along with the slide. The sea turtle scarred her and she turned around and clung to Daddy. We then explored other gadgets. I'd have to say our favorite was being inside a bubble. The most fun was chasing Will around by pushing Ailish in the stroller. She loved it. She was all smiles, giggles, and squeals. The massive elevator took too long, so Will and I carried Ailish in the stroller down 3 flights of stairs.

I don't remember the correct order of the rest of the day or trip. I just know we ate at the Moose's Tooth again, shopped a lot, and ate at Terrabella. They have the best Gluten Free homemade bread and pastries I ever had! I wish we had bought all their loafs of bread since they were half off. O, and we had never been so excited to be in a Target! Ok, it was just me that was really excited to be in "real" stores again. It had been 9mo. since I had stepped foot in a mall! The ironic thing is we found all the good stuff at consignment shops.

Booms and Cliffs

As you may or may not of heard of the unfortunate and terrible news of two men being shot to death here on CG property about 2mi. from where we live. One was a CG another a civilian. I say this one, to pray for their family and friends who are grieving and two, for evidence to be found for justice. Thirdly, to better understand our next adventure.

Last Saturday was a beautiful day that could not be wasted inside. As soon as Will got off work we made beach plans. Since are friends were already down there, they invited us to join there bonfire and eat dinner there. The men went surfing. It was killing me, because the waves were perfect for me to get back into it, but I didn't have my "AK" wetsuit yet. So, I played Farkle with my pregnant friends as they tended dinner over the fire. Ailish enjoyed chasing Honey Bear on the beach with Will's assistance while I snapped pictures. We enjoyed a delicious dinner with friends and headed home. We got stuck behind a slow moving pick up towing 3 ATVs. They slowed and pulled off so we could pass. Which was great except that it was close to a double solid line and a blind curve ahead. We passed and not a second after we pass. Shots were fired. I looked behind us to see a man standing facing toward us with his gun pointed up the mountain. Enough to make my heart stop. No wonder he wanted us to pass. He didn't want to be caught illegally hunting. I would hardly call that hunting though. Almost back to pass when another vehicle slows and pulls off. They wave us pass and I froze, thinking, "Not again." Thankfully, they didn't pull out their guns and we made it safely home.

This past Wednesday, Will came up with the wonderful idea of hiking and then having a picnic on the bay. Honey Bear loved the freedom and ventured along marking her territory and sniffing. Will then informs me as we are hiking that it comes to a cliff. Great. I then begin giving Honey Bear commands to not venture far. I was snapping pictures of Will and Ailish when I notice Honey Bear is rolling in something right on the edge of cliff! Honey Bear! Come! Thankfully, she listened and did not roll off the cliff. If she had, at least she would have gone out happy. The scenery at the top was breath taking and for the first time thought, "Now this is Alaska." It was a relief to find a less strenuous path back down. We sat up the tent leaving one of the sides open to watch the water lap the shore. Somewhat romantic even with Ailish enjoying the picnic too. Maybe next time we will get a babysitter.

All before noon

last week. The morning started out normal. Will asked before leaving if I needed the car and I assured him I did not because my friend was coming here. So, I thought. When I called Milpol they informed me that no visitors were allowed on base during this time unless I picked them up at the gate. What was I to do, but to call Will at work. Unfortunately, the guy who answered the phone was too lazy to get up to see that Will was there and told me he was not. Yes, I could have walked to the vehicle a 1/4mi. if that, but it was raining and the previous day I had did that with the stroller and rain cover. Sadly, those two things were still in the vehicle. I text Will in hopes of retrieving our friends number to inform her of the hurdle. Thankfully, she got on the Internet and we were able to arrange her picking Ailish and I up at the gate. By the time I huffed and puffed my way up to the gate with my 20 plus pounds of extra weight (Ailish), I notice she was missing a shoe. There was no way I was tracking back and it wasn't as if anyone would take a half of a pair. We make it to Java Flats without incident to discuss VBS plans for the preschoolers. We were about done when the sweet little girl my friend was watching knocked her water glass over. Monkey see, monkey do. Ailish decided she would do that to. All on my pants, her pants, and into the diaper bag where a disk of pictures lay waiting to be delivered. While we were cleaning the two messes up, Ailish decided to knock my friends water over too. So, we quickly wrapped the meeting up and left. Note to self: Keep everything out of Ailish's reach at the table, unless its hers and or well contained.

Teething and Other Stuff

Parenting is an adventure and add on the fact that you are miles and miles away from family can add a toll on one. Especially, when your darling usually happy baby is screaming her head off for two hours in the middle of the night because of teething. And that is after she has had teething tablets. Then there is all day fussiness and the random outburst cries. O, the not so fun times of wakeful nights and lack of sleep reminds me of her newborn days. My how fast they grow! Ailish has recently celebrated her 10 month birthday! Each day is a blessing from the Lord and a gift to share it with her.

Today Ailish discovered Banana Nut Cheerios. She certainly goes bananas over bananas! She was laughing while smacking the Cheerio box. It then turned into a snack attack eating yogurt bites and Mum Mum's, which she tried to share with Honey Bear. She may not be a full blown walker, but this girl can scoot! She wanted to pet the puppy and scooted her way towards her while Honey Bear scooted closer for her food. That is when Ailish decided to reach for Honey Bear's paw. Yeah, a big no no in the Honey Bear's book. Somehow, by God's grace, I manage to snap a picture, block Honey Bear's snare at Ailish, and protect Ailish's food in her hand from Honey Bear while shouting "No!" Quite a task while setting down. Ailish being a baby and having no clue that her hand might have been chewed off began to laugh. Which leads me to her new "thing," laughing when we tell her "no" or remove an object from her mouth.

She made a big leap last night walking 4-5 steps by herself! She walked from Mommy to Daddy. Each day is something new and exciting for her and for us.

"Dad Da is Back!"

"Dad Da is back as of March 18th!" Ailish smiled as she saw the plane land and then stared at "Dad da" in aw as he held her for the first time in 3 weeks. Such a sweet reunion. I will pause in this part of the story for now to catch you up on the week or so prior. Ailish said her first word, "Dad da dad da dad, Hi Dad." This memorial mile stone happened about a week before Will's arrival home. She said it every day almost all day long! I even had her say it to him on the phone. It was so sweet until she hit me on the head with the kitchen spoon she was playing with. We all know her favorite now.

Fast forward to "Dad Da's" arrival. We were all so happy to have him home and off of work for a week! We spent almost every day combing a beach for sea glass. Will had never seen sea glass before and as I was explaining what it look liked I stumbled upon the most beautiful vibrant blue sea glass. From then on out Will has been the sea glass pro.

Ailish is growing by the minute. The morning of "Dad da's" arrival she experienced the unpleasantness of breaking through of her first upper front tooth. It lasted 2-3hrs. Ailish's second word was "Ba ba" which we think is "Ma ma." However, it started out as "Bob or Bubba," I am so glad she made it to "Ba ba." She has taken a few steps between Will and I as we play the walking game and she can stand for about 5 seconds by herself. She is adventurous; holding on to chairs and grabbing the next one and slowly moving her feet over. Yesterday, she stood and walked by herself as she pushed the laundry basket. Ailish's favorite game now is opening and closing cabinets and drawers. Completion of baby proofing the house here we come!

Kodiak's snow has almost completely melted and its beginning to feel like spring with 30 to 40 degree weather. Unfortunately, it does not smell like spring. It smells like manure. The deer are everywhere looking for food and were right outside our window the other week. Currently there are a couple deer grazing two houses down.

Go figure

Go figure the very night Ailish is thus far sleeping well and I could too, would be the very night our new neighbors above us would let the elephants out to play jump rope and bowling. I wouldn't care if it was earlier, but non stop since 8pm and its already past 10pm. I'm about to pound on the ceiling, but that is not the best solution. I am trying to get enough guts to go up there and politely tell them we have paper thin ceilings/floors.

Well, I was going to write more. However, I can't focus with all the thumping!

Time flies

Time has flown by since Will's departure for C-School with only a week left. We can hardly wait to be reunited. The first week is always the hardest. I didn't realize how sleep deprived I was until I tried to pay for Ailish's natural teething tablets with my military id. Good thing Harborside Coffee was just around the corner.

The weeks have been filled with the usual with a few exceptions; formal coffee, Birthday lunch for my friend Ginger, and sweet friends volunteering to watch Ailish. What a blessing!

Ailish has been teething like crazy, hence the teething tablets. She has also been a busy baby with play dates and loving attention from the older ones. Especially, from one of my friends oldest son. Around the house she goes; walking with assistance from TV stand to bookshelf to sing and play to toys to the vent to the American Flag chest to the coffee table and back to the the TV stand. Ailish's other favorites are opening and closing books (especially, while standing up against her toy chest), playing with her sing and play vigorously, teasing Honey Bear, and saying "Da da dad da."

The "Sweetest" and the "Funny" Today I successfully contacted Will in time to hear Ailish say, "Da da dad da." She then hits me with the spoon she was playing with. We now know who her favorite is ;)

The "Genius" Ailish loves to walk with assistance. However, my back could not take it anymore. The solution, the Jumpo. O, yes. Mommy is happy and so is baby!

21 Days

Yes, 21 Days didn't seem too bad until I wrote it on the dry erase board in an attempt to countdown. That is when it hit me like a brick wall and it was as if the breath was sucked out of me. I somewhat panicked at the thought and if I had the money would be catching a flight to the lower 48 asap. Instead, I am here watching our daughter play with markers while babbling and wondering how I am going to make it 21 days without Will.

Deep breath, exhale. The last week has been nothing but ideal. It started with the bug and ended with 2 hours of a screaming teething baby up until Will's departure, talk about romantic. We were grateful for our date the night prior. However, that came with a hitch. My strapping young lad of a husband found out he wasn't so young as he thought and had pulled a back muscle while working out. Needless to say he was in pain the whole night, but took it like a man. I am just glad we didn't have to call the tow truck when we got stuck in the snow and ice while making a u-turn. Just add sleepless nights in the mix and that about sums up our week. On the bright side Ailish has a newly painted bright yellow room. Now to add the finishing touches.

Here is to this week, a better week for all of us. I hope.

Sleepless nights

Welcome to the Smith's 4 day weekend. We had hoped to catch up on sleep and spend quality time together. However, the 4 day weekend turned into 3 and the quality time together was spent on the bathroom floor. "The Bug" had hit me hard by 2am Saturday or earlier. All I know is everything came up from the last 24hrs even the water I kept drinking to rehydrate. Will walked in to the bathroom to check on me and it wasn't too long after he was feeling queasy too and lay beside me. Thankfully, he wasn't projecting and was able to take care of Ailish. By mid morning I was able to hold down water and apple sauce, but was weak as could be. Will and Ailish did a Gatorade and jello run to replenish my empty weak self. Will hadn't slept since I had first woke up. So, I manage to give him a half hour break from Ailish so he could rest. Needless to say we were exhausted and she wasn't about to take a nap. We are grateful she was able to sleep that night and by God grace not catch "The Bug."

Sunday night Ailish woke up hungry and I woke up tired. Somehow while feeding her I manage not to let go. Then there was this morning. Three to be exact. She woke up starving. I say starving because she ate until 6am! We were then able to put her back down for an hour. You guessed it and was up again to eat. Somewhere before 8:30am we both fell asleep on the couch. Fully, exhausted we headed to MOPS and was blessed with the encouragement of the speakers (Chaplain and his wife). And here I write as Ailish refuses to nap. So, I must go and try to calm her.

Blur

The last couple of weeks have been a blur. There was even a day that the snow created a blur or better known as a white out. However, the snow is melting and we are beginning to see patches of green beneath.

Our darling Ailish has had a time with teething. It has caused her to wake up randomly in the middle of the night and has kept her fussy during the day. Now that it has subsided some, she is fighting off a minor snotty congestion. Despite all these unpleasant things, she has some new and interesting developments. She is now 26 1/2 inches long and still loves to walk with our assistance along with holding on to objects to stand. Honey Bear is the focal point of her induced laughter. Let me explain. Ailish holds dogs ball in front of her. Dog looks at ball expectantly. Ailish looks at dog, continues to hold the ball, and laughs (ha ha I got your ball). Ailish eventually lets go of ball and dog is happy. Dog brings ball back to baby, when baby plays nicely.

Today while we were all in the kitchen preparing dinner (Ailish in the high chair playing), we kept telling Ailish "Hi." Ailish would then say, "Hi" back to us. Quite enjoyable to us. We have not determined her first word yet due to the many, "it really sounded like she said... at the appropriate time.

I am sure there is more, but my mind is going blank as I desire sleep and rest. Goodnight.

Tomorrow!

Yes, Ladies and Gents, my Handsome husband returns to us tomorrow! I kept saying "Daddy will be here tomorrow!" Ailish kept looking around. So, I said, "Tomorrow is tomorrow and today is today." It seemed to help, but she still walked over to the door. I would have thought she wanted to go play in the snow, but it was -11 with the windchill.

Since, the cabinets and fridge were about empty we went to the grocery store on base to relieve Daddy upon his arrival of such duties. Believe me, if I knew that it was -11 I would have waited until tomorrow. The wind gusts pretty much took out visibility with the snow and I felt like a popsicle by the time we made it into the building. Thankfully, Ailish was all bundled up and probably too warm, lucky her. We had a successful grocery shopping time with not a peep from the little one, until it was time to put her in the car seat. I pulled up to the building to load the groceries in the vehicle and by the second hand full of bags my fingers were frozen! I then regretted declining the nice lady for help with the groceries. I almost ran back inside to say, "I changed my mind! My fingers are frozen!" However, I pushed through along with pushing the back door up to prevent it from knocking me out.

We may be getting neighbors upstairs. As I was leaving for the grocery store this morning it looked as if they were doing a walk through.  We shall see.

What?! I don't know how all the water in our shoe tray ended up on the floor without the shoes in it moving an inch. Sadly, there lay my balaclava soaked as I stood in my last pair of clean warm socks in the cold watery mess. Poor Honey Bear had to wait while I retrieved a regular pair of socks for her walk.

There was a play date scheduled for today, but I am so glad we rescheduled for next week. I did not want to go back out in the frozen tundra for I was still chilled to the bone hours later. Bible study, I sadly missed tonight due to an upset stomach. Even though I am feeling better and could have made it there in decent time, I just had peace about staying home tonight. At least Ailish was able to get a warm bath tonight so she will look extra pretty for Daddy tomorrow!

O, to have my Snuggy to keep me warm tomorrow night!!! Yipee!

SOS

OK, so not quite, but almost. Today was just one of those days that I had to take a minute to cry, wished we lived closer to family, and for Will not to have deployments that lasted this long. I am aware that his deployments are nothing compared to countless others who serve our country. Why you ask? Well, the only consecutive times that Ailish was not screaming was after her first feeding for alone play for 30min. and at church until after lunch and eating. I hardly think it was teething or any other pain except not getting her way. She would almost immediately stop screaming when I would assist her in walking. Didn't think I would have to pull out the parenting books this soon. The bright side is Will and I had already decided upon his return to set time aside each week to discuss how we will handle different situations and which ones for discipline and what consequences there will be.

The most amazing thing happened last night. Ailish and I were in her room preparing for her bath when I was thinking that I needed to pick up her dirty insert and place it in the hamper. Since Ailish likes to walk to the bathroom for bath time, I assisted her. Guess what she does?! She walks over to the dirty insert, picks it up and carries it outside her bedroom and places it in the hamper! Boy, did she ever receive praise for that! I was astonished to say the least and beyond happy. So, today after removing a pooh cloth diaper and placing it near the bathroom to dispose of the pooh, I return to pick up Ailish only to return to no pooh on the diaper. Honey Bear! Words could not describe how upset I was at the dog. Needless to say Ailish was not allowed to play with her puppy who she loves. Then about an hour later I remembered that I had forgot to feed Honey Bear! What a day!
Four more days until Will returns! Thank you Lord!!!

Five days to go...

Five days to go until "Daddy" comes home! We can not wait! This past week has actually flown by at record speed. Monday-shopping, Tuesday-Mops, Wednesday-play date/fellowship with the ladies and Bible study, Thursday-more fellowship with the ladies and play date/dinner, Friday-play date, and today-baby shower.

Now to break down the moments above: Wednesday, I had planned to mope around all day in my pajamas along with Ailish. However, while in the middle of feeding her my friend calls and invites us over for a play date with another Mom. It was 9:30am and the play date was for 10am. The drive to her house in good conditions is 15min. I quickly accepted the invitation and immediately after Ailish's last swallow. I placed her on her play mate, got dressed, bundled her up in her car seat, started the vehicle, and removed 6+inches of snow off the entire vehicle, and then proceeded to make a track behind the tires to reverse out of the parking lot. Yes, I did remember Ailish, and made it before 11am. When I was taking Ailish out of the car seat she was mesmerized by the snow falling. It was the most precious sight that I will treasure forever (captured below). It was such a blessing to arrive at her house with coffee and muffins waiting to be indulged. I am so glad I didn't stay at home. I would have missed out on the fun of hanging out and meeting another friend. Later that night Ailish was the model of content at Bible study until prayer time at the end. Thursday, was another blessing visiting with friends and indulging on quiche, coffee cake, and coffee. Their place overlooked the water. So, peaceful watching the snow continue to fall and thickly gather on the pines. The best part was the lady who was hosting resembled my Mom. So, this Mommy got a break from baby. Later on Ailish had a play date with Hunter. She absolutely smiled the whole time as they shook maracas, bang the drums, and pounded on the piano. It was as if another side of Ailish was coming out. It was cute watching them touch each others hand. Ailish actually gave Hunter's Mommy a high five, which she learned just before arriving at their house. Before bath time Ailish and I lay on our backs and read about Noah and his big boat. She smiled, cooed, and leaned over to try to give me kisses on the cheek. Friday, Ailish learned how to play ball! And one of those nights Ailish heard Daddy talk to her on the phone and she just smiled!

Meanwhile, Will went on his first hunting excursion. I will let him fill in the details. All I am going to say is 3 men, 1 gun, and no transportation.

The last few days

It has been three days since Will has left for St. Paul Island and boy do I miss him! Will is definitely the most awesome helpful husband ever! I know this because of all the work I am having to do while he is gone. Its tiring being a 24/7 Mom with no breaks. Rewarding, yes. My favorite thing Will does to help out is spending time with Ailish. She adores him and has been looking for him every evening. The second most helpful thing Will does is clean the poopy cloth diapers and puts all of them in the wash. The third most helpful thing is helping with bath time. Ailish likes to arch her back and push up with her feet in the baby tub when upset. This takes patience and miraculously with only two arms she was kept from bumping her head on any hard objects. The fourth most helpful is taking Honey Bear on her final walk for the evening, because by this time Ailish is down and I am ready to put my feet up. There are so many more things I could mention such as him washing the dishes, taking the trash out,giving me a massage, etc. However, I most finish the post soon for the little one has apparently not gone down as I had hoped.

Will made it to St. Paul Island safely after a delayed take off and a night at Dutch Harbor where they met and spoke to one of the Captains from the show "Deadliest Catch."

Ailish and I have kept busy with the usual tasks of the day, grocery shopping (which she was an angel this time), and the gym (she didn't last quite as long due to the unexpected amount of children running around with majority of the mom's not working out. This is a designated area people with rules that children should not be running around). We also had a lovely play date with a bunch of other mom's from church. It was a blessed time of fellowship that I truly thank the Lord for. Ailish's play date fell asleep, but she was much entertained by us adults and toys.

Ok, got to run. The baby is calling. The cloth diapers need to be wash and Honey Bear needs a walk.

Two Weeks, Here we go

On Tuesday, Will came home for lunch to discuss a couple options. One he could leave for St. Paul in two days for two weeks or option two leave for St. Paul for two weeks just after coming home for a week from being gone three weeks. So, after a brief discussion (b/c after all its going to be two weeks from each other no matter when he goes) we decided he would leave in 2 days for St. Paul. The positives of this trip is the crew he will be with and he will not miss a giant part of Ailish's development. We said our goodbyes just a little more than thirty minutes ago and I can honestly say my heart hurts. Here is to two weeks of being a 24/7 Mom in a place where close family and friends are far far away. At least I'm not on an island in the middle of the Bearing Sea.

Yesterday was supposed to be a relaxing day. It started out great with Ailish sleeping over 13 hours. However, the grand plan of eating a quaint breakfast out turned out to be coffee and pastry to go and homemade omelets, due to every place on our list to eat at was conveniently closed. On the bright side we got to consume delicious coffee and count the numerous bald eagles on our way back home. I believe the total in to town was 24 and the total leaving town was 30 eagles. All within a mile.

Now to start the day, taking it minute by minute and reminding myself to breath and to keep busy. Your prayers are much appreciated for Will's safety and for the rest of the crew he will be working with. Thank you!

A Winter Wonderland

We have about a foot of snow that came within 24 hours and the wind has created drifts up to a few feet. It was quite humorous to watch Honey Bear try to make a yellow snow cone. She refused at first by making her way back to the door of warmth. However, with just a bit of encouragement she was relieved. The snow here is much different than what I have experienced elsewhere. And no, I am not referring to the yellow snow, but to the pure white light fluffy snow that can freely blow like a molecule of sand.

This week has been a challenge with Ailish teething. She, thank God, thus far has been able to sleep through the night. However, she may not be able to go down until 10, but I will take that. The days are hard due to her whines and needing to be consoled. The best way to console her is to hold or hold her up so she can walk. My back is on its way to recovery with the purchase of a Jungle Jumperoo off a local group called Swip Swap. Great deals and finds. I really need to stay off of there. Its pretty bad when shopping is better second hand than at the local stores. At least for most items. The bright side is Ailish loves the Jumperoo! We hope she doesn't grow tired of it too quickly.

Note to self while grocery shopping with Ailish in the big girl seat: have additional paper on hand and not the grocery list. I thought I had a two year old with me and not a 61/2 month old. She kept grabbing the grocery list out of my hand, balling it up, putting it in her mouth, and a nice tare. I traded it for a pen. Yes, I must confess not the best thing to give her, but if shopping was ever going to get done, something had to be done. Apparently, her fun toys were not as interesting as Mommy's things. Next time I am playing with her toys as I shop and maybe she will want to play with them.

So, I am getting the word out there to those of you who have spare money just laying around and want to come visit Alaska aka grand baby, niece, daughter, friend, etc. I would love visitors between the very end of Feb. to mid Mar. and from the last week of Mar. to the first week of Apr. My love will be furthering his knowledge in his field and be out in the field. If you can't come, please pray for my sanity and Will's safety. Thank you!

Much love!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve was special for I almost sat through an entire service! A great message of the true meaning of Christmas was presented with scriptures and songs. It was a joyful time. Afterwards we were planning to enjoy some Chinese food. One of Will's traditions. However, the place was closed. So, we went to McDonalds. Sadly, it has become our new tradition, because that is what we had last year. In all fairness, it was some of the best fast food we have had.

Do you recall the Christmas song, "All I want for Christmas is (My Two Front Teeth)?" Well our pretty little darling received her two front teeth for Christmas! They are some sharp ones too! She is a cute little girl who loves to babble and gurgle. Ailish's favorite part about Christmas was taking the bows off the presents. Consequently, her favorite present was hair bows. Some of her other favorites on Christmas Day was shiny pink wrapping paper which aptly went into her mouth, a doll baby which she petted its hair continually, and the purple phone off her sing in play (she did not let it go even while being tossed up in the air).

Even though we were far from family and close friends this year, it just happened to be one of the warmest memorable Christmas' yet. When I say warmest, I am not talking temperature (it was in the single digits), I am referring to the thoughtful gifts that were given to us and to our first Christmas with Ailish. My love nailed it with my gift of a kindle and a personalized mug he designed. A few other gifts that warmed our hearts was a canvas of our wedding day and a canvas of Ailish wearing Daddy's sunglasses. Every gift received was so special and thoughtful to us for though we were miles apart each gift seemed to say, "You are in our thoughts." Thank you!

Happy New Year! May this find you well and full of hope!