Thanksgiving Memories

After 8 days of being on southern soil we are back home. The time flew by and we made the most of the time we were there. We hung out with family, friends, went to Bass Pro a few times, got Preston's picture with Santa, saw "Blind Side", hunted, ate a lot of great food and made a day trip to New Orleans. I also got to relax some because Mimi (Rob's Mom) went above and beyond in every way possible. She took care of Preston and kept up on keeping his clothes and bottles clean. Grandpa (Rob's dad) held Preston and made dinner every night that we didn't eat out. Uncle Possum (Rob's brother) kept Preston entertained for hours....or at least until he'd poop his diaper. But, even getting the help, I think I'll need a few days to recoup because of all the fun we had. Being back to reality is hard because there is so much to do to get ready for the holidays. Plus, we have other commitments the next few weekends so I have a lot to cram into the week days.
Anyway, back to our trip. The big news is that I killed a buck! Rob kept taking me hunting and I kept getting frustrated because I could hear the deer but couldn't see them. On Thanksgiving morning we got up before the sun came up. I went begrudgingly because I had not slept a wink the night before. We got to our 2 man stand (Thanks Mom and Dad Herrington) and I was set to fall asleep until we had to get back down. But, as the sun was coming up we heard deer moving. Off to the left a deer was making it's way toward us. Rob had walked me through what to do so many times that I had it memorized. I did exactly what he instructed me to do and killed my first buck. Now to be honest, I thought it was a doe. Had I known it was a buck I may have let it walk because it was young. But, it was fun to track it and bring it back to camp. It's tradition to get "blooded" with your first deer's blood so Rob smeared some on my face. He went easy from what I understand and I'm grateful. We took the meat to the processor so we could give it to a lady that needed the meat. We got lots of pictures of it and are getting the head mounted European style to remember my first deer. Will I become a hunter? Who knows but I did something I never thought I'd do. I love trying new experiences and making memories, both of which I did this Thanksgiving holiday!

Previous blog

I blogged from my iPhone and it was hard to proofread so take it for what it's worth.

Southern Livin'

We have been on southern soil since Thursday night. It was a long flight here but Preston did an amazing job!! One flight attendant took a picture of him and another one complimented him on how well behaved he was. Once we got settled in we took off Friday morning for a weekend at deer camp. I am trying my hand at hunting but it's a lot like fishing in my opinion. You have to be patient while you hear everyone else's gun go off. The bright side is that the hours in the deer stand helped me write my best story yet about a doe named Lola that outsmarted a hunter. The other bright side of deer camp is the great meals and family time around the evening campfire. By Sunday I was ready to head back to enjoy hot, running water. I had been worried about Preston but as always he did a great job! He didn't care that he slept in a pack-n-play and didn't have a lot of toys. Of course Mimi spoiling him and uncle Possom tickling him and grandpa cuddling with him probably helped. We got back last night then rob and I went to his cousin's birthday party. This morning Preston and I enjoyed a neighborhood walk around the reservoir before running errands. We went to Bass Pro to get preston's picture with Santa but Santa was on break. So we did a little Christmas shopping instead. After that we took a day trip to New Orleans, which is 3 hours away. Once again Preston was so good while we enjoyed the interesting sights of the city. It's been rebuilt so we weren't able to see the damage. Now we're on our way home and will all probably sleep good after doing so much the past few days!

A Mover and a Shaker

As stated in the previous blog, this is a busy week for me. I'm trying to get me and Preston packed for MS, do the regular housework and get extra laundry done. So, today I put him on his blanket for some "tummy time" while I transferred pictures to a CD (I have over 600 stored on our camera and need to delete them before our trip). Preston is really into fake "coughing" right now. It's cute but I wish it hadn't come during the Swine Flu epidemic. Anyway, I heard his little coughing so I turned to acknowledge him and discovered that he had rolled over onto his back and had somehow got off his blanket. I put him back on his tummy, on his blanket, and proceeded to watch him roll over onto his back then scoot around on his blanket till he got to his toys. He's sort of trying to crawl but can't get his arms to work with his legs so I guess he figured this way was easier. Either way he is now figuring out how to get where he wants to be. Watch out world.....Here comes Robert Preston Herrington V!!!

A Fun Kind of Busy

There's Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring. But, there's also one more season that people forget about....the busy HOLIDAY season! That season has officially begun in our lives. Yesterday my parents came to town to watch Preston so we could go to a boxing match with our neighbors (who have also become good friends). It was my first experience with live boxing and I enjoyed it.....probably because there weren't any serious injuries. After the boxing match, the four of us went to pizza where there was a live band. We danced, talked and laughed for quite awhile before calling it a night. This morning Preston was supposed to get dedicated to the church. But, the church secretary dropped the ball so it didn't happen. Our pastor apologized profusely and asked us when we'd like to reschedule. The problem is we don't really have a free weekend until the end of January. This week we're going to get ready to head out to Mississippi. When we get back I'm having a MINOR surgical procedure. The following weekend I'm going to Sacramento for a Christmas party. Then we go into Christmas and New Years. After the holiday season Preston and I are going to San Diego for a long weekend then we're all going back to MS for a few days. I absolutely LOVE this time of year....decorating, parties, buying and wrapping presents, everything about it. But, when we do get a few minutes to relax in this season it really makes me appreciate it even more! Tis the season........

Facebook

On Facebook a challenge was put up to friends to write something you're thankful for every day for the month of November. One person replied that it would be hard to think of something new every day. But, I have just the opposite problem. 30 days is not enough to list every thing I am thankful for. Here are just a few things I am thankful for:
-Being able to worship God
-My husband who is also my best friend
-Our adorable son that makes me laugh every day
-Every day that Preston wakes up healthy
-Our family who loves and gives unconditionally
-Our pets, Holly and Cheyenne, who are part of the family
-Our beautiful home
-A variety of food that we enjoy every day
-Winter=snow/Spring=new life/Summer=long days/Fall=beautiful colors
-Being able to pay the bills every month
-Being a stay at home mom
-My friends who laugh and cry with me
-Memories
-Being able to travel and experience new things
-Nice cars that run good
-A fireplace that brings warmth during cold Winter months
-My passion and love of writing
-Laughter
-Technology: iPhone, Internet, DVR
-New experiences
-PICTURES!!
-The view from our house
-Our funloving neighbors
-Days Rob doesn't have to work
-Health insurance
-Our freeedom
-NASCAR

I know there aren't 30 things listed and they are not in any particular order (I tried that but it got to be too hard to cut and paste). But, as this time of year gets busy with shopping and decorating and parties and life, I challenge you to think about the things that you're thankful for during this time of year. You'll be surprised at the things that you use or encounter every day that don't seem that big but are. Good luck and have fun!

Thankful

I woke up this morning (earlier than I wanted....Thank you very much Preston!) and didn't have a care in the world so to speak. I left the house in clothes I wanted to wear and listened to what I wanted to on the radio. I met up with two friends for lunch at a place we all agreed upon. From there we went to the mall, where we walked around, shopped, talked freely and even openly discussed religion. Not once did I worry about my life or what I was saying or the immediate future or our safety. I enjoyed a nice day with some good friends all because of soldiers that sacrifice so much....time away from their family and friends, modern conveniences, comfort and so much more. They fight for our freedom on a daily, if not hourly, basis so we can lay our heads down at night for a peaceful night's sleep. We have more freedom than most countries combined. So often we neglect to thank soldiers for their hard work and dedication. That's why this blog is one BIG THANK YOU for those who have served so we could be free. OUR vets and soldiers are MY heros!!!!

Pacifiers, Coughing and Buttons...OH MY!

This past week has been full of many discoveries in Preston's world. Actually the past few days have been busy for things he's discovered. It all started last week when I put him in his Bumbo chair, his favorite place to be other than with mommy and daddy. I put some toys on the tray to see what he'd do. It didn't take long before he discovered that, not only could he grab them, but that he could fling them off the tray for a fun game of "Mommy, fetch!". That opened up a whole new world for him. He has since learned how to grab his pacifier and remove it from his mouth. This game started while we were grocery shopping and I was afraid he was going to throw it on the ground. But, his pitching arm hasn't developed yet so he just tossed it around his carseat (Phew, that was a close one!). This morning he worked on getting the paci back in his mouth. This will take some practice but he's off to a good start.
Yesterday I wore a sweater with big buttons. He was fascinated by them! He would stare at them, trying to tear them off. He was constantly grabbing at them. The best discovery to date, in my opinion, is his cough. This discovery came about sometime on Saturday. He would give a fake cough then look around to see if Rob or I noticed. If we didn't acknowledge him then he'd cough louder. That would be proceeded by a "courtesy chuckle". I've only heard him laugh a real laugh a handful of times. But, when we're being silly with him or he gives a loud fake cough, he gives a courtesy chuckle like he wants to acknowledge the action but doesn't think it's worth a full laugh. All of his discoveries are so much fun. He changes so much every week, interacting more and keeping us in stitches. Who knew having a kid could be so entertaining?????

"Me" Time

It's not often that both boys are asleep by 8:30pm and I have the house to myself. On the rare occasion it does happen I like to use the quiet time to read, write or just veg. On VERY rare occasion I use the time to clean what I didn't have a chance to do earlier in the day, but that only happens in "emergency" cases. I have to be "on" every minute of the day, meeting Preston's needs and getting things done around the house so I don't often have "me time". Even when Preston is napping I clean, return phone calls about bills, wash dishes, etc.... (Ok, I lay down with him during his late afternoon nap but by that time I'm exhausted!) So, having a quiet house so early in the night has been a treat.
Tonight Rob was in bed around 7:30 (He climbed 8 poles today and then went to the gym on his way home!!) and Preston was alseep by 8:15. So, I took my People magazine that came in the mail today (Thanks Mom and Dad Herrington!),made a huge mug of hot chocolate and soaked in the tub until I turned into a prune. I read the magazine cover to cover, not worrying about getting out so I could get to bed. Now that Preston sleeps through the night most nights I don't have to go to bed when the sun goes down. Now I'm playing on the computer and contemplating whether to put in a chick flick. On second thought, it feels a lot later than 9:40 so maybe I'll just call it a night. Afterall I've already had some "me time" and I can only handle so much of it!! =)

Learning Something New

OOPS....I never got back to blogging last night. After I put Preston down my day kind of ends. I soak in a hot bath and then unwind with a good book or TV before calling it a night.
ANYWAY, we are learning that Preston is not a typical baby. He's a fabulous baby but that's not what I'm referring to this time. I'm referring to the fact that he reacts differently to vaccinations than the typical baby is supposed to. My understanding is that on the day of the vaccinations babies are fussy, tired and usually need Tylenol for a fever. Preston, however, is perfectly normal the day of his vaccinations. He takes his usual naps, isn't fussy and doesn't run a fever. The day after, however, is when he sleeps almost the entire day. He's not fussy or running a fever but he sleeps a lot and just wants to cuddle. He usually takes 4-5 forty-five minute naps each day and if I'm lucky he'll take a 1 1/2 hour late afternoon nap. Today, however, he took a 3 1/2 nap and he only woke up because I was intentionally making noise. By the time he woke up I had vacuumed, wiped down all the doors, did touch up painting around the house, washed all the dishes (I usually do it in spurts cause I hate it), scrapbooked, put together a couple Christmas presents, called about 3 bills (I got one reduced by $105 and another one completely wiped out....love it!) and cleaned the bathroom. I'm not used to having so much time during the day. On one hand it was nice but on the other hand it was weird not to have my little man to talk to, play with and smile at. He did stay awake long enough to help me load up firewood in the wheel barrel, feed Cheyenne and water the trees. The rest of the day he slept...and all was good!

4 month check up

this is jen writing but i have a sleeping baby in my arms so am typing with one hand. today preston had his 4 month check-up and vaccinations. this time instead of screaming uncontrollably he melted everyone's hearts. his height is in the 75th percentile (the pediatrician said the nurse probably didn't accurately) and his weighht is still only in the 10th percentile. so our doctor told me to start him on rice cereal. i wondered how he would do because 4 month olds aren't usually good with eating from spoons, but preston took it look it like a pro. he ate rice cereal twice and both times was able to eat 5-7 spoonfuls. At this rate he'll be a chunky monkey in no time! ok, he woke up so i better feed him. more later......

So much.......

There is so much to write about today that I don't know where to begin. I decided to wake up with Rob this morning and take advantage of the quietness. When he left for work I got the rest of my first story written and formatted so I could send it to the institution today. I was also able to get some other important things done before Preston woke up to start the day. After Preston got up we went to see Rob's crew do helicopter work in Dayton. I always admire what Rob does but seeing it up close gave me a new appreciation for his job. I told him I'd never get on his case about napping anymore, especially after getting up at 4:30am myself AND seeing how hard he works everyday! Preston and I left there to go to a doctor appt I had. He had everyone in the waiting room smiling by the time we got called in because he was making his teradactyl noises. The doctor even commented a few times about how good he was being. Like I have said many times, we know we have a good baby but it's nice to hear it from other people as well. He is 4 months old today and every month I like to look back as what he's accomplished. In this past month he laughed (only one day but we'll take what we can get), discovered his feet, puts everything in his mouth, can almost sit up, interacts with us so much more, babbles and is starting to grab things (he held his medicine bottle tonight!). Being a parent is such a fun, exciting experience. Yes, we have rough days but those are few and far between anymore. He pretty much only cries when he's really hungry or overly tired. Other than that he is a very happy baby. The milestones he constantly reaches just amazes me! So much to be thankful for as we are really blessed..................

Running and Writing

At 34 I've discovered a HUGE "Aha" about myself! I love reading, writing, photography, scrapbooking, running and hiking. (That wasn't the "aha.) The "aha" is that all of my passions are things that are usually done by yourself or without competition. It surprised me when I thought about this because I am such a social person. I think the reason these things are hobbies/passions is because I am a control freak, an anal perfectionist. I hate when people point out what I'm doing wrong or when I have to compete against anyone other than myself. That's why I am stretching myself in two ways. One way is that I'm in the process of fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming an author. Since my writing to date has consisted of this blog, my journal and my Masters project I am dreading the editing that will take place. I love writing and it comes easy for me, but I don't like someone pointing out all my mistakes. I guess I'll have to get past that if I want to be an author because I have to have an editor that will strengthen my writing.
Another way I will stretch myself is by running a relay in June. Last night I was asked to join a relay team for a 24 hour run. I was asked by a neighbor earlier in the week to join her team but it had come with the disclaimer that she didn't have a full team. I figured I wouldn't have to do the relay but now there's an official team so I am committed. I am part of a team, responsible in part for the team's success or failure. That concerns me but the people that I know on the team are laid back so that helps ease my insecurity. If nothing else it'll give me an excuse to get in shape before we start trying to have a second child.
So, two weeks into the 34th year of my life I will stretch myself, trying to get past my insecurities and letting go of how controlling I can be. Wish me luck...