Day #40

Our first day alone!! Grammy Gay left at 5:00 this morning so we're now officially on our own with no one coming to rescue us anytime soon. We are ready to be on our own, but I think we'll all miss the help and the company. It's been nice to have all the grandparents here during this transition time. So to celebrate our 1st day alone we did nothing!!! Remember last night when I said things looked like spring here? Well scratch that. We had a surprise snowfall today. Only about an inch or so, but enough to put a damper on our spring spirit. I guess we'll shovel tomorrow. Adam will be excited! Both boys had excellent nights. Alden slept from 9:00 until 3:30 and then ate and went back down until 7:30. Hopefully tonight will be the same. Tonight, I swaddled him again and he went down without crying or me rocking him to sleep. I am not going to get too excited, but it would be nice to have a repeat performance of last night. Adam played all day. I thought he'd have a much more difficult time adjusting after having undivided attention for the last 6 weeks, but he did really well. We played together some, but he played by himself a lot. He even managed to take 2 naps today. We haven't done that in several days. So with all that said, I need to go wash bottles. I sure miss Abrahm doing that job. When Adam was a baby that was always his job. One little (okay maybe not so little) guy sure can go through a lot of bottles! We miss you Daddy!!!

Everynight before they go to bed, the boys have some snuggle time in Alden's crib. They both love watching the mobile! 

Day #39

We had a pretty good day today. Abrahm called and that always makes for a great day! He had just got done with a mission slingloading a blackhawk that had mechanical problems. For those of you in the aviation world, you know how many jokes will be told about that one. The mission went well and the aircraft and crew are all safely back at home. The boys did pretty well today. Both had good nights. Alden is still having some issues getting to sleep. It seems as though he likes to sleep on his tummy. We keep fighting it, but he is quite persistant. Finally tonight he let me swaddle him. That seems to have made a difference so far. We'll see. Adam enjoyed his last day with Grammy. Gay will be leaving in the morning. It's going to be just the three of us now (four if you count Peodogi). We're all going to miss her. I spent my last free day shopping and running all those errands that just haven't gotten done. It was nice to be able to run in and out of stores in less time than it takes me just to get the boys into the stroller. The weather here is nice. It was gorgeous today. Sunny and warm. There was even a rainbow. We haven't seen one of those all winter. I think spring may be on it's way!!!!

Ice cream is delicious!! 

Day #38

A pretty good day after a very rough night. Both boys were up last night. Adam on and off from 12:00 to 2:30 and then Alden from 3:30 to 6:00. Not a typical night here (or at least we hope it doesn't become that way). I think Adam may be working on his 2 year molars. He's been drooling a lot and is chewing on everything! I hope he rests better tonight. We spent lunchtime shopping at the commissary and playing on the indoor playground. Grammy spent the afternoon shopping and the boys and I cleaned out their closet and did some reorganizing. Adam was a great helper. He even helped me grill the steaks for dinner. I think I have a little chef in the making. Alden had lots of awake time today so hopefully tonight goes a little smoother! The weather here is very nice. It's been warm (20 degrees) and sunny. It does cause a little problem though. It's making the roads a little slick. Driving during "break up" is always fun. I did get to talk to Abrahm today. He is doing well. Very tired, but staying very busy. All seems to be going as advertised. He and the company are working very hard.

Look what a big boy I am 

Grammy with her two favorite Grandsons (okay so they're her only two) 

Day #37

It was a busy day today! We were up and out of the house early this morning. Adam had an important play date to be at. We went to our weekly play group at the church. When we got there we found out it was Miranda's 2nd birthday. She brought cake and cool sunglasses. Adam at the cake (without getting any on him) and loved the sunglasses. Alden slept peacefully through all the noise. We then went to lunch and then on home to take our naps. Adam only had 1 nap again today. He slept until the phone rang and woke him up (as usual). Lots more FRG issues today. Nothing serious, just things that take up my time. We then headed to the photography studio to have the boys pictures taken. I am not too hopeful any will turn out. The girl taking the pictures looked about 16 and had the personality and creativity of a worm. Tonight we read more books and played. Abrahm emailed (and tried to call) and said all is going well there. They are still extremely busy, but doing very well. Hopefully I'll get to talk to him in the next couple of days. Maybe next time I won't be on the phone with all the spouses from the FRG.

Aren't I handsome? 

It's great to have a brother! 

Aren't I cool dude? 

Day #36

A fairly good day at the DiMarco's. We had a pretty good night. Alden only got up 1 time at 4:30 this morning. He ate and went right back to sleep. So he's slowly but surely getting there. Adam is thinking about giving up his morning nap. This is day 2 with no morning nap. It's probably a good thing he didn't take one today. Between the phone ringing off the hook with FRG issues and the doorbell ringing, he'd have been up anyway. He did redeem himself with a 2 1/2 hour nap this afternoon. We did manage to run some errands today. We had a big outting to the toy store. Grammy went ahead and bought Adam's birthday present so she could just leave it here instead of mailing it. At the toy store Adam discovered the trains. He had the best time playing with them. I think we've got a little railroad conductor on our hands. Today he really started "reading" books with me. He brought me two of his favorite books to read. I would read some and then leave out key words and he would tell me just the words I left out. He really did very well. He knew lots of words from "Are you my Mother?" and a lot of letters and words from "Dr. Seuss's ABC Book." I was very impressed (even if he is my own child).

Adam saying his new favorite word... "Nooo" 

Adam loves his baby brother (most of the time) 

Day #35

Tonight will be a quick post. I am exhausted! We had our first FRG family night tonight. We ate pizza and made Easter Crafts to mail to Daddy. All of the children had a great time, including Adam. He was carried around and loved on by all the girls. He's such a little flirt. He must take after his Uncle Trent! Alden just slept through the whole thing (all 4 hours). When we got home he was starving. He drank a whole 7 ounces!!! Hopefully that will get him through the night.

Adam and Ezekiel flirting with the women at the FRG meeting. Daddy better come hom quick! 

Alden at his first FRG function 

Day #34

Whew! It's been a rough couple of nights, (which is the reason I didn't post last night). Saturday night wasn't too bad, just too short because we got up early for church. Yes, we did manage to make it there. All dressed and on time! I even managed to bake cinnamon rolls before we went. Sunday we spent at home playing catch up. Alden had his first nap in his crib. He usually sleeps in the bassinet of his pack-n-play. It was going well until Adam had to go down for his nap. He started talking and woke Alden up. Alden started crying and when I went in to get Alden, Adam started crying. Needless to say no one got naps! I think that is why Adam had such a bad night on Sunday night. He was awake off and on from12:00 to 3:30. It's not like him to be that upset for that long. I am not sure if there was a problem, but hopefully it's resolved. He had a good day today and went down well tonight. We'll cross our fingers. He's been spending his days playing in his new "house" Grammy helped him make. He's moved all his animals and toys in. One box has provided endless entertainment. Alden is beginning to have more awake time during the day. Let's hope that continues. Abrahm called today. (He posted a comment on Day #32 as well if you want to read it). He is doing very well. He finally moved into his own room. He's getting settled in. He is flying a lot. He flew almost 9 hours in 2 nights. He had tonight off, but will be up again tomorrow evening. His soldiers are doing a great job! Please continue to keep them in your prayers. Well I'm off to bed. Wish us luck!!!

Adam licking the beater after making cupcakes 

Alden's first nap in his crib 

Adam playing in his "house" he and Grammy made out of the stroller box. 

What a handsome guy. Dressed up and ready for church! 

Day #32

It's bath night at the DiMarco's. In an effort to get ready for church tomorrow, both boys had a bath. Both went very well. Alden loves his bath (for now). Adam spends more time playing than bathing. Hopefully we'll have a good night and make it to church in the morning. 8:30 is going to come awful quickly I think. We had a very busy day running errands. We took our new stroller out on the town today. Adam loved it. Alden slept the whole time, so I guess he liked it too! Alden had a better evening tonight. He went down without too much of a fuss. I think he was down in 20 mintues instead of 2 hours. Let's pray he has a good rest of the evening.

It's bathtime for Alden 

This one goes here I said.  

Day #31

Today we spent the day at home. For the past 3 nights, including tonight, Alden has decided he wants to cry and be held from 10:00 to midnight. I've just laid him down for about the 4th time tonight. Once he is asleep he is fine, it's just getting him to sleep that's the problem. He only does it for his intial bedtime at night. After his feeding at night and during the day he does great! Hopefully we outgrow this little issue soon. Last night at 12:30 am just as I was laying down to sleep, Adam decided he needed his mommy. He was up on and off until about 2:00 am. That is definately unusual for him. But needless to say I was exhausted today. Well enough complaining. Grammy ran errands this afternoon while I stayed at home with the boys. Adam and I caught up on our mommy and son time that he's been missing. We read lots of books. He can now fill in the letters when I sing the ABC song to him. He doesn't know them all, but he knows a lot of them. He also can say words that you leave out when reading his favorite stories. He's such a smart little guy. I did need Abrahm here today (for lots of reasons). But the main one being that our double stroller arrived in the mail. I had to assemble it all by myself. As you can see from the picture we had success with as few swear words as possible being said. Adam spent the evening being chauffered around the house in his new wheels. The final happening of the evening was Mommy's night out. I met a friend and went to my favorite restaurant for dinner. We had a very nice time. It was nice to be with another adult without the kids for a little while. Wish us luck tonight. Alden seems to be down for the count now and hopefully Adam will stay that way.

Ready to go out on the town with my new stroller! 

Day #30

Happy 1 month birthday to Alden! I can't believe it's been 1 month already. He has grown and developed so much since the day they handed him to me in the hospital. He is so alert and strong and content (most of the time). He is full of all those baby noises: burping, grunting, tooting, screeching, etc... It is unreal to me now that he was ever inside of me. We had a good day today. Adam woke up early with a little stuffy nose. By this afternoon it was pretty much gone. We did run some errands today. We went to the PX and commissary to get things for our FRG family night next week. Adam got to play on the playground inside the food court again. He just loves it. He even went to the top of the big steps today. He didn't go into the tunnels, but you could see him contemplating it. He did get into trouble when he wouldn't come down when I called. A little motivation from mommy helped. The shirt Adam has on in the picture his Grammy Gay made him. She put velcro on it so he can put Abrahm's patches on and off of it. When we got the shirt out Adam immediately said "Daddy" and he even recognized the patches as Abrahm's. It's amazing how sharp his memory is. Speaking of Abrahm, he called today. Things are still going well, he's just ready to get into his permanant "home". There have been some issues with the old company leaving. Hopefully soon he'll be able to move in and get all his personal belongings.

I look just like my Daddy! 

Day #29

Happy Birthday PopPop! Abrahm's dad's birthday was today. We hope he had a great day. We sure did. It started out early, but not because of the boys. They slept super! We had a family member in the FRG have an issue and called and woke us up at 7:00 am. We started and ended the day with FRG issues. Hopefully nothing too serious. The rest of the day we spent running errands. We mailed Abrahm packages, then went to Sam's to buy formula, then went to Quiznos to eat (yummy) then to Office Max and finally to Joann's. We were super busy! The boys were great. Adam really missed his Daddy today. He talked a lot about Abrahm. He said a few things that let me know he still remembers doing things with his daddy. That's very encouraging. He stood in front of the TV while we played Abrahm's video and made the animal sounds along with Abrahm.

Do you think the post office will deliver these little packages? 

A small care package ready to be sent to Daddy. 

Day #28

What a great night we had last night. All boys slept extremely well (even Peodogi). Alden woke up just once at 2:00 am to eat. I am not overly confident tonight will be the same, but one good night is better than none. As I was feeding Alden at 2:00 this morning I started thinking how truly blessed we are. God has blessed us two wonderful and healthy children. Even in the midst of the craziness with Abrahm deployed and the FRG issues we have so much to be thankful for. So tonight when Alden's awake half the night I hope I can remember that even during those times too, he is a great gift from God. Abrahm stay safe on your flights the next couple of days and know we love you and miss you bunches!!

What a big boy I am getting to be! Only 4 weeks and I can hold up my head like a champ! 

Look Daddy. Mom's been fixing my hair again!! You better get home soon. I don't know how much more of this I can take! 

Cute Story

Adam woke up from his nap ready for a snack. He first asked for milk so I got his milk for him. Then I picked up the tin we keep the animal crackers in and asked if he wanted them for a snack today. He said yes. When I asked them what they were he quickly replied "Daddy". I guess he remembers he and Abrahm eating animal crackers together. The whole snack time he would point to the tin and say "Daddy". It brought a smile to my face so I thought I would share. Lovey, just wanted you to know Adam remembers!!

Day #27

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! We had a pretty good day at the DiMarco's. Alden and Adam both slept very well last night. Adam awoke to Valentine's presents. He had a big balloon which was a hit. He enjoyed opening his cards as well. He was a little wired this evening, but went down for bed very well. He helped me cook dinner using his new utensils Grammy bought him. Alden had a good day as well. He is really focusing on things now. He will look at a toy and follow it with is eyes up to 180 degrees. He is moving his mouth like he's trying to talk. He is 4 weeks today. Abrahm called from Balad today. It was nice to hear his voice (even if it is still scratchy). His company took over operations from the other company yesterday, his one month mark in country. He said things are going well. He had 8 of his 11 aircraft all flying at the same time. Quite an accomplishment. He is flying quite a bit, but has been off for the last couple of days. Both of us agree that time so far has passed by quickly. That's a good thing when you're talking about a year!!! I can't believe how much has happened in 1 month. Let's hope the next 11 are more uneventful.

Alden saying I love you Daddy. Happy Valentine's Day 

Adam says Happy Valentine's Day. I love you Daddy!