Catching Up!

It has been awhile since I've last blogged... seems like time just gets ahead of me. We have been very busy this past month.. lots of things happening!! We have enjoyed Brandon being on leave since the 5th of December... it has been so nice for him to be with us :) We are getting spoiled though and its going to be hard to see him go back to work and even worse deploy!! Peighton is on break from school.. I think its funny preschoolers get Christmas vacation :) No school for her until the 5th of January... I'm not sure how that will work... hehe... I'm sure we will all be ready to go back to our routine :) Cannot believe we are only 3 days from Christmas and less than 2 weeks from a new year... seems like this year has really gone by... hopefully next year will fly just as easily!! We are very excited about Christmas... I think this is the first year Peighton has really gotten into the whole spirit.. and realizes what Santa Claus is all about... I am looking forward to seeing her face on Christmas morning with all the presents under the tree :) We are leaving the day after Christmas to head down to South Carolina for a few days... can't wait to see everyone and spend some family time!

We've been busy these past few weeks because we bought our FIRST PLACE :) I know crazy us!! We had been talking about for awhile... it would be a good idea for us since we will remain at Fort Campbell until Brandon gets a Captain's Career Course date (which is a school assignment)... which would be no earlier than late 2012 or even sometime in 2013. As much as living in an apartment is convenient... we are basically wasting our money on rent plus its going to get small in an apartment with two kiddos running around. We look it as an investment property... something we can rent to other military families when we do PCS from here... and we are building equity every month instead of paying someone else. We looked for a couple of days... saw about a half of dozen places... and found one we really liked... put an offer on it that day and that night were under contract... its been a hectic process but completely worth it. We closed on the house on December 9th and got to work on it the next day. While the house had some pluses like hardwood floors downstairs, new carpet in the bedrooms, fenced in backyard, a swing set in the back, and decent paint in the living room; we had a lot to do elsewhere. It worked out well that Brandon was off because we were able to get a lot done in just a week. We managed to paint all three bedrooms, redo our bathroom, paint most of the trim, and completely redo the kitchen. Brandon worked very hard and I think even surprised himself at how much he could do all on his own!! In the kitchen, the cabinets were painted white, replaced the counter tops, installed a new back splash, and had new appliances ordered/installed... and the whole area got painted as well as trim. In the bathroom downstairs which is also the master bath, he painted the walls and installed a new vanity, mirror, and light fixture. Also, outside got new black shutters and the front door was painted white. We also got completely moved in and unpacked... we've even managed to decorate the house for Christmas!!

Whew!! I'm exhausted just reflecting on it all... but its also been fun to have all these projects... and to finally be able to have a house exactly how we want it :) At least I can say, we have not been bored or lazy... haha!! We are happy to say we are done...except for some minor details... and we've done it all in less than 2 weeks from closing on our house! Now we can focus on the Holidays... before we know it Brandon will be leaving... Peighton will be 3 and Henry will be here!!

Turkey Day!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! We were blessed to have my parents come up for a few days :) Brandon and I prepared a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings... turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, baked macaroni & cheese, green beans, sweet potato fluff, cranberry sauce, rolls, and pumpkin bread. It was very tasty and I'm pleased to say there were not too many leftovers. We are very thankful to have Brandon home this Thanksgiving... he was away last year for Officer Candidate School and next year he will be in Afghanistan... so this year was very special to us! I think even Peighton enjoyed Thanksgiving.. not so much the food.. she could careless but she was over the moon to have her Mimi and Papa at her house :)

On Friday, we braced the crowds of Black Friday and went shopping. It wasn't too terrible... we skipped all the big stores and went to the Outlet Mall which was fairly mild :/ I have to say I was a bit disappointed in the so called "sales." I didn't find any fabulous deals and felt like most of the sales will be the same ones the stores will advertise in the weeks ahead! I think Black Friday is mostly for big items and door busters... if you are willing to brave the lines at 5 am for 50% off a flat screen TV... then you will get a deal but if not you will get just as good of a deal again before Christmas if not a better deal! I think after a couple of hours of shopping, we walked away with some clothes and a toy for Peighton ... and that was about it! I am happy to say Brandon and I finished the most of our shopping for Peighton weeks ago.. and now I only have to worry about wrapping it all :)

All in all, it was a great holiday!! It was very nice to visit with my parents and have Brandon home for an entire four days! Now with only a few weeks to go till Christmas, I'm sure the time will fly! Looking forward to seeing everyone for Christmas :)

Peighton & Baby Update!

This has been the week for doctor's appointments! Peighton had to go to the doctor this morning for a health assessment for her preschool on post. I was actually excited to go.. we haven't been for a check up in over 9 months.. since her two year old check up. You get use to going to the doctor so often and tracking their height & weight when they are little then after two years... that's it.. only one check up a year. I was interested in seeing how big she had gotten :) Peighton weights about 31 pounds which is in the 75th percentile for her age group and is 36 inches tall.. right at 3 feet... which was between the 40th and 50th percentile. Needless to say, she is growing very well and healthy! She also had to get her thumb pricked in order to give them about a dozen drops of blood for them to check her blood. It turns out she is slightly anemic... the doctor said it was more than likely iron-deficiency anemia... and prescribed her a chewable multivitamin. Other than that, Peighton is a perfectly, healthy two and a half year old!! Yay :)

I also had a doctor's appointment for a routine OB check up. I am at 25 1/2 weeks. The baby is doing well... he is still measuring about two weeks ahead... so looks like another big baby for us! I will probably get another ultrasound closer to 36 weeks to see more acurately his weight and development. But as for now, the due date is still February 20th... so less than 15 weeks to go :) Unfortunately for me, I am also anemic and was put on an iron supplement to correct the issue. It seems odd that both Peighton and I are anemic.. maybe its hereditary?!? I also failed my one hour glucose test.. thus I have to take the 3 hour glucose test on Friday... if I have 2 or more abnormal sugar readings then I am considered to have gestational diabetes. Here's to hoping for good results on Friday :) Its a bit of a tedious test considering I have to fast prior to the test.. then I get my blood drawn before the test.. then I have to drink a concentrated glucose mixture... then get my blood taken every hour for the following three hours... geesh.. talk about feeling like a pin cushion :/ Luckily, Peighton will be going to Hourly Care on post while I sit at the Lab for 3+ hours... I think I will be bringing a good book to read! My doctor should let me know the results of the test by Tuesday.. so I will be sure to give updates next week.

Pictures from the Weekend :)

A Weekend in SC

We just spent this past weekend visiting our family and friends back "home." It was a short trip but filled with lots of great memories! One of original purposes for going home was for the Doggette family reunion which we haven't been able to attend in many years... let's just say Peighton has never been to one.. so well over 3 years. Another reason is we haven't been home since we left there back in August.. we still had quite a bit of stuff to get at my parent's house... and hadn't seen anyone since! The drive was long... it was nice on the way there to be able to break it up and stop about half way there... yes its only 9 hours of driving but it seems much longer with a preschooler in the backseat and a dog in your lap! We arrived in Summerville about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. It was too funny to see how Pete (our dog) interacted with my parent's dog Sophie... even Peighton took a few minutes to get use to being there! My mom was gracious enough to watch Peighton for us that night so Brandon and I could go out with some friends of ours. Even though I'm sure my mom enjoyed to one on one time with her favorite granddaughter :) Brandon and I went with Tim and Ashley to eat dinner at Magnolia's in downtown Charleston... it was so good.. the food was amazing.. I highly recommend it!!

On Saturday, our day was a bit more mellow... we went to lunch with my mom and did a bit of shopping :) That night was Halloween and we took Peighton trick or treating around my parent's neighborhood. She was too cute as a Butterfly Princess even though she really looked like a Fairy... but either way she was adorable and very girly!! All day she kept saying how excited she was and how she wanted to go trick or treating but when it was time she was bit hesitant of the idea. In the end, she had a good time. I think she enjoyed ringing the doorbell more than actually saying trick or treat.. in fact I'm not sure she actually said that too many times! She got a lot of candy... her whole bucket was full.. but it didn't phase her. I think Brandon and I have eaten the majority of it. Thankfully, she is not a big sweets fan.. only if its a sucker! My parent's friends/neighbors had a Halloween party that we went to after trick or treating. There was lots of good food and we all had a good time. By the end of the night, Peighton was exhausted and gave no fuss about going to bed!! Even I found myself falling asleep on the couch :)

Sunday we enjoyed wonderful weather and great company at the Doggette family reunion. It had been awhile since we'd seen everyone.. I couldn't believe how much all the kiddos have grown up and how many little ones there are now! The food was scrumptious as always :) Since it was held at the Palmetto Island County Park, we took full advantage of the playgrounds. Peighton enjoyed herself being able to ride her tricycle to and from the playgrounds! She had a lot of fun with Jena and Lana at the playground... I think she attached herself to Jena... it was just precious! Needless to say Peighton was fast asleep on the way home that day!! It was nice to be able to spend time with everyone... as it probably wont be next year's reunion before we see those faces again :) I think that's what makes a family great... that no matter how long its been... they're still your family!

All in all, it was a great weekend for us. We loved every second of it... it went by fast and there wasn't much down time but filled with lots of love :)

Peighton Update!!

Here are so recent pictures of Miss Peighton!! As you can see, she is getting SO big!! It amazes me how much she looks like a big girl... she is not my baby anymore :) I did cut her hair about a month or so ago to help get rid of some of that baby fine hair... and since it has gotten a lot thicker and its much easier to manage everyday! The first picture is at the house from the other day... she was painting... she discovered that at preschool and loves arts & crafts!! I think she painted like 5 pictures in one sitting that day :) The second picture is from the Ghouls of Glassmere which is a Halloween festival at the Nashville Zoo. We went there Friday night... we had a lot fun even though it was chilly that night... hence the jacket and hat! The zoo had about 20 trick or treat stations around the trail for the kids plus carnival games, a monster lab, a hayride, a carousel, and pumpkin painting. Peighton had a good time... I think she liked the idea of trick or treating :) The last two photos were taken one day before preschool... she loves going. It has been ideal for her... I am amazed at how much she has learned just in the few weeks of going there and how much she has come out of her shell especially around other kids. She isn't as timid or hesitate of playing with other kids as she use to be... especially new kids. For example when we go to the park by our house if there are other kids already playing, it doesn't seem to bother her and she goes and plays. Another thing I noticed is the way she talks... once you can get her talking... she is much more clear in what she is trying to tell you and she remembers everything!! Peighton has also learned to draw a face... which I think is so smart... she describes it to you while she draws it as well. She'll tell you that the face is a circle with two eyes, two ears, a nose, a mouth and hair. When I first saw her draw that, I was shocked because we didn't teach her that at home so I was happy to know she was paying attention and learning at school :)

Little Miss Peighton is also getting very protective of Pete (our dog)... she gets very jealous if someone comes up to pet Pete or play with him. We were at the park a couple of weeks ago.. a little girl wanted to pet Pete and Peighton was very standoffish ... she got sad... and kept saying that's my puppy. It was so cute :) I wonder if she will be that way with her baby brother?!? We have been working on potty training what seems like forever. This past week we finally broke progress and she actually went several times a day for almost a week... and even staying dry sometimes between potty breaks... Brandon & I were thrilled... and Peighton seemed like she was happy about the idea. She would even tell me when she needed to go. This week is another story... its like last week never even happened!! I have to make her sit on the potty and after a minute she's over it... so much for progress! I'm not giving in yet... going to keep at it as long as it takes... our goal is by her 3rd birthday so we still have a couple of months.. and if that fails she will be potty trained by kindergarten, right?!?

Great Long Weekend

One of the perks of ARMY life is the invention of the four day weekend... we were so happy that Brandon had Saturday thru Today off. It was such a nice break :) We had a good time just spending it as a family... these weekends are so precious and rare. On Sunday the weather was gorgeous... low 60's and sunny... we decided to take advantage of the day and headed downtown Clarksville to explore. Most of the shops were closed because it was Sunday but we did find a great restaurant to dine at for lunch... the Blackhorse Pub & Brewery... fantastic sandwiches! If you ever come visit, we will have to take yall there :) We also went to the Clarksville Museum & Customs House. Admission is free on Sundays which is a nice plus... and there was a train room with working model trains including Thomas the Tank Engine... Peighton loved that! There was also an exploratory area similar to a children's museum.. it had a bubble room, toddler area, kitchen area, grocery store with mini shopping carts and shelves lined with "groceries", and an area with puzzles & board games. Peighton really enjoyed it there... will have to return there this winter when the weather prohibits our outdoor time.

The model trains caught Brandon's attention and has become his new project... we've already been to Hobby Lobby twice over the weekend and to Home Depot. He made a table out of wood for his train set... soon enough we can have our own model train exhibit... haha. Peighton is fascinated by it... I guess she can be Brandon's little helper! My hobby over the weekend was to working on the nursery... its so cute... as soon as its finished I will post pictures... I'm very pleased with it :) Today was a nice day for Brandon and I... Peighton had school this afternoon... so we got to spend some time just us (no kiddos)... we stayed on post and had lunch... went to the 101st Museum on post and went to the library... it was just nice not to have Peighton to occupy and entertain... it reminded us of what life was like before kids!

All in all... we had a very long, relaxing but productive weekend! Sad to see it's over and tomorrow Brandon goes back to work but only 3 days till the next weekend :)

Baby Update

Well I had my 20 week ultrasound this afternoon...and its a BOY!! We were so relieved... I had an ultrasound at 12 weeks and it appeared to a boy... but I was thinking in the back of my head what if was too early to tell and what if its a girl. But the little guy was not shy and he is definitely a boy :) He is growing very well... he was very active during the whole session. Brandon got to be there and see the little guy! The technician was able to get a still of him sucking his thumb... too cute. We are thrilled! Cannot wait to meet him in February!!

Peighton Update :)

I am pleased to say that she is still loving preschool... we went yesterday for our second day and she was very excited to be there!! In only took me a minute to say bye to her...she walked right in and had no problems. Its so cute... there is a routine and she already knows it and tells me what I need to do. The children have to wash their hands upon entering the classroom... there are two little sinks that are the perfect height!! She knows that her bookbag goes in her cubby which has her name and picture on it. Then she gets to pick a station to go to... yesterday she chose arts & crafts... they were making pumpkins. The only qualm so far is that she has lost her hair barrette for the past two times so from now on I am going to just leave them at home. I have to say she is the cutest kid in her class :) Peighton looked very cute yesterday... it was cool and windy so I dressed her accordingly especially since they go outside to play. She had on jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt that had cheerleaders on it and her pink converse shoes... too adorable! I am enjoying all the years I get to dress her without any backlash from her :) I look forward to picking out her outfit for tomorrow!! Now if I could just get her potty trained, we'd be set... haha :p

Peighton's First Day of Preschool

I am pleased to say that it went wonderful!! I was a little nervous about her first day especially since she woke up at 7 am that morning and I knew she wouldn't get to take a nap...I was afraid of a meltdown. Luckily for us, our drive to the preschool on post is about 20-25 minutes and she fell asleep a few minutes after we got in the car and slept until we pulled into the parking lot. So Peighton got her power nap in and she was excited to be at school. She is in the toddler program which has three teachers and about 15 kids maximum. When she turns 3 in January, she will transition into the other side which is the more preschool design for 3-5 years old. I was pleased that her classroom didn't have too many children and with 3 teachers there is plenty of supervision/attention to go around!

Peighton was ready to go into her classroom when it was time!! She has her very own cubby to store her belongings :) All of her teachers were very nice to her and welcomed her to the class. They have different stations set up for the kids to go when they first come in the class. Peighton picked the puzzle table...she sat down and began her puzzle. I told her goobye and gave her a hug and told her I would be back soon. She was a little whiney... but no crying and after a few minutes she was over it... I think some of the anxiety came because two other children were having a hard time and Peighton was just a little nervous. So I left her and checked on her in the window for a few minutes and she was just fine... finishing up her puzzle. She is SUCH a big girl and I was so proud of her!!

Three hours is a LONG time or so it seemed... I was a bit lost of what to do without Peighton in tow. Then I kept thinking I wonder how she is doing?!? When I walked into her class to pick her up... she came running towards me... MOMMY she said!! She looked happy so I could tell she had a good time and was just fine. Her teachers said she did well...no problems and that she had fun! Peighton told me some of what she did in her own words...she got to paint which she loved and she had a picture to bring home. She had ritz crackers and cheese and milk for a snack... and they played outside too. She seemed excited about it and when i asked her if she wanted to go back ... she said yes. So it was a very sucessful first day!!

A funny story... yesterday morning when we were talking about school she asked if she was going to ride the bus school...haha... I told her mommy was going to take her and she said oh okay. I told her one day she'll get to take the bus to school... can't believe my baby is going to preschool... ah time flies :)

the Latest...

Its been awhile since my last blog...not too much has been happening...its been quiet and fairly routine!! We are anxiously awaiting for Brandon to come home...can't wait till the 3rd of October. It was too funny the other day Peighton was talking to Brandon on the phone and told him he needed to come home so she could see him...and that he worked too much. I agree!! This week has been especially hard for us with him not being allowed to use his phone...they are suppose to be in "real war" training. So we've been a bit lost without getting our daily phone calls. I know he is exhausted but I think he is well prepared and knows what to expect come January when deployment time comes. Hopefully, he will get a bit of a break when he gets home...we would sure like to have him around the house :)

Peighton has been testing me again...ahh the life of a 2 1/2 year old! Some of her behavior is due to daddy being gone again...its rough on the her and i when its just the two of us day in and day out. However, some of her behaviorisms are due to lack of a nap the past two days...we have been busy on post with lots of errands and appointments!! I am happy to say that Peighton will be starting preschool come Thursday!! YAY :) I have been looking forward to this...I know she will benefit greatly from this experience and I know she is looking forward to it as well. It will be nice for her to have that environment and social interaction with other adults and children. I am very excited to see how she excels and what all she has to say everyday when I pick her up. Peighton will be going on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4. They have a morning program as well but it was filled up which sort of lucked out for us...I think 1-4 is a better time frame for us. We get up early but it takes a lot to get us all out the door!! I think I will enjoy the time "off"...it will be a good break for us and a chance for me to miss her :)

Pete (our dog) has recovered very well from his surgeries!! He is back to his old grandpa self :) He has been quite a good companion for us...especially these past weeks with Brandon being gone. Its funny to think how much a pet makes a difference in our families. He definently makes my day more challenging...all the daily walks he requires (another con about not having our own yard but he keeps me in shape) and not being able just to leave the house without making sure he is set for the duration we will be gone. Whoo! Come to think of it...Pete is just another kid but its worth it having him around after Peighton has gone to bed...I don't feel quite by myself!!

Doggie Update :)

Well, it's quiet around here today...Pete (our dog) had to go the vet this morning to get "fixed." He had to be there between 730-8 so it was an early morning for us. Of course, since we got him from the shelter, you are not given a whole lot of information about him. But apparently, he has some major dental problems that needed to be taken care of and since he will already be put under for his surgery this would be the best time to do it. Pete apparently was not taken very good care of...he had a mass on the top of his mouth and some of his teeth are rotten and will need to be pulled. So my hundred dollar vet bill is turning into two hundred and fifty dollars! What are you going to do though...say don't worry about it and let his mouth rot away so he has no teeth left! Pete is apart of our family now...i can't let his health just deteriorate. The doctor also thinks he has to be older than just 3 due to tartar build up on his teeth and the shape of his teeth....which i can agree with it...because he is a mild dog who likes his sleep and has no interest in playing. He has to stay over night...so I'll be picking him up tomorrow. They are going to call me after his surgeries are done to let me know how he is doing...hope all is goes well!! Peighton was sad when he left the vet...she didn't understand why Pete had to stay :( Hate to see Pete gone...will be lonely without him tonight...but it will be a lazy day for me because I won't have a dog to walk a dozen times today!!

It's Just Another Manic Monday...

It always seems like its something...I am feeling very exasperated and its only 1215. Its been whirlwind of a day thus far. I had all good intentions of being productive and getting somethings organized/accomplished around the house BUT that all changed at about 900 when I was trying to do breakfast time with Peighton. Apparently, Pete (the dog) wanted to test my patients..like they aren't already tested enough with my 2 1/2 year old...so he peed in the house right where i could see him...then after getting in trouble...he did it again in a new spot. I was FURIOUS!! Nevertheless, Pete was sent to his crate for punishment while I spent the next 20 minutes cleaning up his mess!! And here I thought, he was going to be a good addition to the family...maybe his "wild" ways will change after Wednesday when he gets fixed!! Let's hope so for Pete's sake...crazy woman I was thinking I could handle a dog along with our preschooler...all while Brandon is away :/

In the midst of all the chaos this morning, Peighton made quite a comment to Pete...she told him that we don't potty in the house, we go outside...you don't want to get in trouble. I tried to not laugh...she is too funny...her personality of being the first born is coming out in her as she gets older. And she thinks Pete's crate is a new found toy...she puts her stuff animals in there and tells them good night...oh the imagination of a child :)

Hopefully, our day will proceed with a lot less drama! Who knew one ten pound dog could cause such mischief!! Peighton is about to lay down for a nap and that will give me some peace and quiet for a solid hour or so...much needed after this morning :) After naptime, we will be off to the Commissary for our weekly shopping excursion...oh the joys of mommyhood!

Intro...

Okay so here it goes...the first entry. There's so much pressure to write just the right thing! I thought this blog would be a good idea for myself to journalize all that is happening as well as keep our friends and family in the loop. It seems like our life gets hectic and we don't always have the time to share all that is happening with everyone. Sometimes there is not so much in our life and other times too much to remember it all before its already happened and over with.

We are settling in to our new adobe in Clarksville, TN. Our apartment is spacious enough and having a playground right across the street from us is ideal for Peighton. We've already broken the place in by getting a dog. He is a wonderful companion to our family even if he does require numerous daily walkings...he is still loved :) Brandon spent one week in processing at Fort Campbell and another week in processing with his unit 3rd Brigade Headquarters. Now he is off at Fort Polk, LA for JRTC which is a training center to prepare the unit for deployment. I think he is getting a good look ahead at what is in store for him in Afghanistan...long days and not so gourmet food! I am positive he is getting a good handle on things and will feel prepared on what all his job entails when he returns. Peighton and I are sure ready for him to be home...it seems like just last month we was gone...oh wait he was...ahh the joys of the ARMY life!!

With the hubby/daddy away, Peighton and I are getting lots of bonding time...somedays I think we get too much :) I enjoy being able to stay home with her and see how much she learns in just a matter of days! I try to keep our days filled with something interesting...a trip to the library, art projects, lunch at Chick-fil-A, etc....whatever helps the days go by faster and keeps her entertained and happy. I hope I can get her involved in some activities here soon...she really loved the Little Gym when we were in Summerville and I would love to get her back into that. There's lots of activities on post but its based on first come, first serve...and Fort Campbell is a huge post. Hopefully before too long, we will have something in the works!! I also hope to get back into my once loved activities of PWOC and MOPS...time is awasting :)

Our week ahead is a full one so that will help another week go by!! Brandon is due home around the first week of October... and hopefully the cold weather will be here by then and we can enjoy all that Fall has to offer!! I can't wait to see what Peighton decides to be for Halloween :)