stomach virus

Well Brian and Clara both got the stomach virus this weekend. What fun! So far it looks like we are all in the clear now! Tomorrow we are going Camping near the coast. Clara's first camping trip! We got her a bed and sleeping bag. We will send pictures after the trip!

Pool Time

Chilling in her underwear. Trying not to pee on the couch.

She went under here. Brian wasn't ready.

We bought Clara a bike helmet so her and Brian can go on my run tomorrow. Brian is going to ride his bike with the new bike trailer. So that should be fun. Then on our way back home we drove through the neighborhood next to ours to check out the new houses. I was driving and Brian asked if I say the snake in the tree. I didn't so we drove back by. Sure enough a black 3 foot snake that was about 2 inches around was trying to climb a dead tree. We sat and watched for a while. Brian got out and took some pictures. They are on his phone and I didn't download them. It was pretty crazy. I know we have snakes around here. We just hadn't seen any. I use to run in that neighborhood. We just hadn't done it in a while. Maybe if we had we would have seen him before.

It rained all morning or maybe I should say down poured all morning. So I didn't think we would go to the pool today but around 3 the clouds left and the sun came out. So we headed to the pool. I was really excited so Brian could see Clara swim. We put her in a life vest today. She asked for one. Then she didn't want us to help her in the water. She can kick her legs and move around pretty good. Then we had to do the slide. She went up and down the slide for a half an hour. My legs fell like I used a stair master. Brian caught her in the water and I walked behind her going up the stairs. She didn't want help. She would get out of the water and tell me no until I told her to be kind. Then it went to butterfly because she saw butterflies and HI Mommy. It was a good thing we were the only ones there with her hogging the slide. I thought we would be there around a hour it was closer to an hour and a half. She didn't want to go home but we needed to make dinner. As I was getting her dressed I asked Brian if he could see how much work it was for me to take her swimming while he was gone. He said I should have gotten a medal like he did in Afghanistan. I thought it was funny.

We had T-bones for dinner. Brian has really been enjoying food since he got back. We wen to El Bronco for lunch and he got the biggest thing there and ate every bite. He said the food while he was deployed was pretty gross.

We went running this morning, because I signed Brian up for a 5K on Labor Day. It was sad to see he hadn't exercised in so long he was doing so good before he left. I guess I'll have to get in back in shape. Today was the first day I felt like running since that stomach virus. It was fun to run with him and Clara. I was wanting him to push the stroller but he could only do it for so long. Clara wanted to go farther than 3.5 miles. She seemed disappointed. Tomorrow I hope to do 10-15 so she will get a longer run tomorrow in her new bike trailer.

Enjoy your weekend!! Below is a movie!

Brian's Party

Two night ago I came down with Ashley's stomach virus. It was awful to say the least. I was so lucky Brian was home most of the day to help with Clara and that the virus is only a 24 hour thing. Poor Brian got thrown into the daily routine a little faster than what what we were planning. He did good. But it was funny he woke me up after he and Clara had dinner and said, "Your child is driving me crazy." Which I thought was funny since I told him that all the time while he was gone. Today I feel almost like myself. No one else has got it so far. Keep your fingers crossed.

Tonight we had Brian and Travis' Welcome Home Party. We had it out at Ashley's. The girls played in the pool. Clara loved to slide into the pool. She thought it was the best thing. She didn't take a nap today, but did really good. Some days she just doesn't take naps. Clara was covered in grass and needed hosed down. The food was good as was the company of our friends. Brian went to buy beer for tonight and was in the Shopette and when he came out he said they are carrying Fat Tire now. Which was funny because I bought him a 12 pack back from WY.

Brian has to go to work tomorrow for in processing and then his ten days of R and R began. Clara and I will take him to work since we are down to one car for a few more days. Then we will go run.

Brian is Home!

Brian got into Robins Air Force Base at 7:30last night. We are so glad to have him home. Clara wants to be with him nonstop. She went right to him last night. She didn't say anythign just had to look him over. This morning we were out running and she wanted to go home to see Daddy so we cut our run short. We are enjoying tiem together!

Finger painting

Clara had a blast!

Friday Fun

Lets see. Yesterday we went out to the mall with some friends and walked around for a while and bought a few things. We also enjoyed many laughs, it was great fun! Last night I made Travis and Brian Welcome Home signs for the kids at playgroup to decorate. They turned out really nice. I almost made others for the kids to color on, but didn't.

Today we ran to Target bought Clara some finger paints. Then we went to playgroup. The kids loved coloring and we let them put paint on their hands and feet to leave their mark on the signs. It was fun to see what a great time they were having. We thought maybe every playgroup we should something for them to do. The rest of the day we tried to clean up and play. Clara wouldn't take a nap. Not sure why. I was super tired. I just haven't been sleeping very well. I am just to excited to see Brian. I have been super forgetful too. We had dinner then Clara had a bubble bath and we scrubbed her doll and let the doll jump in the tub like a swimming pool. Too funny. I went to go mow the lawn so Brian doesn't have to when he gets home. I got the front done but Clara had fallen asleep and was bent in half in her new bike trailer so I brought her in and she woke up. She wanted a noodle and me to read to her for a while. Then she sat in there reading for a good amount of time by herself. But she is sleeping now. I hope for a better night than last. She woke up at 2 and didn't wan to be in her room. Not sure what happened but she slept with me and it was nice she slept until almost 8. I haven't slept in that late in I don't know how long.

Brian called Yesterday. They were flying into Qater. So he should be there until tomorrow. I haven't heard from him. So I guess all is going as planned. Sunday night can't come fast enough.

Clara and I are only running 8-10 miles tomorrow, a nice easy day!

Playtime

Today we went to a new friend's house. We met them through Clara's swim class. We had lunch with them and spent the afternoon playing. Clara had so much fun. They played dress-up and with stickers. She thought it was great. She behaved really well and she didn't even have a nap today. I was proud of her. All morning all she could talk about was going to Avery's to play, it was cute. When we were over there she just kept saying Avery.

Clara is really starting to talk a lot. It is fun to hear the things she says. I am really excited for Brian to hear all of her words.

Tonight she had a bubble bath and we washed her babies. She loved it. She loves her dolls. She really enjoys wrapping them in blankets and then in their bed. Grandma Winnie sent her a doll bed a while ago and I just got it out last week. She loves playing with it.

We have the rest of the week planned out. Trying to stay very busy so time goes by. Ashley, her little girl, Clara and I are going to spend Sunday together before the guys get in that night. We thought we could be antsy together.

Brian will be flying out of Afghanistan tomorrow afternoon. They have a flight and a time!! (All according to Ashley's husband since I haven't got to talk to Brian too much since his Internet expired.)

Clara said, " I love You!"

Clara got up at 6. I have telling her it is still dark so we can't get up yet, but Murph wanted out (the dog we were watching). So we had to get up. I turned the light on and she was playing with her talking dog she had to sleep with and lug around. I guess the dog says "I love you" So she repeated it. It was really cute. So I asked her to say it again and she did. But her favorite word today was Murph, but Murph went home this morning. We had a pretty normal day. Played ate and slept. Clara took a 3 hour nap. I guess she was tired. So I was able to clean quite a bit. Then Brian called and said Hi no new news. Then we had some friends over for dinner. Clara enjoyed it. It was some we hadn't seen in a while. So the girls played until Kate said she wanted to go home. Then Clara was walking saying home too. She went to bed real easy, it was past her bedtime by an hour. Well we have almost made it to Wed. or trash day around here.

Monday

Yesterday we sent the day at home in our pjs. I was still trying to recovery from my run. I couldn't run today. I was still too sore. Not sure why. Most of the time after the 20 milers I am ok, but not this time. So we just walked two miles instead of running 4-8. Then we went and saw Ashley. We played there for a while and had lunch. Ashley called the guy's shop to get info on their return. So now we have a time. 7pm on Sunday. The location is still unknown. Some of the wives were going to Atlanta to greet them off the plane. But we didn't want to go up there unless they were able to come home with us. Which they are not. So Clara and I will meet Brian on Base on Sunday. He will be able to leave with us from base. He still hasn't left. They should be leaving Wed/ Thurs. now. He doesn't have Internet anymore so I don't know too much. He did call last night but I couldn't hear him. I guess the connection was off. So now Clara and I are trying to find things to keep us busy through the week and trying to clean before Brian gets home.

Saturday

This morning I got up at 5 and was ready to go run. The neighbor's Mom is in town and came over to watch Clara but Clara was up before she got here. Little Clara got up at 5:45 this morning. Poor Marsha. She said they had a nice time. Only one poopy diaper. At least the new cloth ones held it in. I went and ran 20 miles. Julie ran the full 2o with me. It was great to have company for 3.5 hours. I was so soaked during and after running. It looked like I jumped into a swimming pool. I drank close to 80 oz of water. I have been running with a Camel back to be able to carry more water. It has been great. Maybe that is why I was so sweaty, because I have been drinking so much? I ran into a gas station to go to the bathroom and a guy gave me a weird look and I looked in the mirror then I understood. I was just so soaked. Just sweat dripping from everywhere. I felt really good today. I didn't need a nap. I was just a little sore but as the day went the better I felt.

One of the guys Brian is deployed with needed a dog sitter for a few days. So guess who said I could watch a dog. So Murphy came over this afternoon. Lifted his leg on my couch after being here a half and hour. So this should be a fun 3 days. At least him and Jasmine seem to get along.

Clara was excited about having another dog therefore didn't want to take a nap. I finally got her to and another friend called and said she was going to go crazy and wanted to go to the pool. So she came over we woke Clara up after she'd been sleeping close to two hours. We got ready and it poured outside so no swimming. So we got dressed and went out to dinner instead. It turned out to be a fun experience. Clara ran all over the dining area. One of the waitress took her for a while so i could eat. Good thing it was a small little place. It was a Greek/Indian restaurant. The food was good. I ate a little bit and got the rest to go. I have never seen her so wild. We are so ready for Daddy to come home. That is for sure.

Brian is leaving Tues/Wed and flying to a country and having a layover for a while. Then flying to the states Sat and Flying to Atlanta on Sunday afternoon. So next Sunday night he should be home if all goes as planned. I told him I am packing and going on vacation when he gets home. He keeps telling me I'm not but it sure sounds like a good idea to me. I thought maybe a cruise for a few weeks. Him and Clara need some bonding time. Really we are very excited he'll be home in a little over a week. Then he should have two weeks off after briefings and in-processing stuff. It will be nice family time.

A Day of Screaming

So Clara woke up screaming and went to bed screaming. I have no Idea. I guess her teeth hurt and she was in a bad mood. We didn't walk 3 miles before screaming this morning. Clara likes to go for walks and runs. We didn't go to playgroup due to screaming. I did go buy new running shoes she slept in the stroller in the store. We ate lunch with friends and she was good but as soon as we got home more screaming. She helped with dinner she liked that. She wanted to call my Mom she screamed at her. She screamed at Daddy when he called. At 7:30 I had enough and it was night night time. No more screaming for right now. No fevers today!!

I have to do a 20 mile run tomorrow so Julie's Mom is coming over in the morning I hope she is good for her. So I can get my run in, get a break and know I am ready to run the Air Force Marathon. One of the last big runs until the race.

Brian should be leaving the big sand box Tuesday or Wednesday. So we are getting excited. I just want to do some cleaning before he comes home. We went to the commissary and bought the dinner and dessert he wants when he comes home. I just hope all the flight stuff works as they are telling the guys. So I hope just a another week and a half and he should be home if all goes as planned.

A new day

Well Clara made it until 4 this morning, but she was yelling for me. She didn't even get out of bed which was weird and she had another fever. She was really restless and didn't want to go back to sleep. She didn't want to be in her room or my room she wanted to lay on the floor in the living room on a blanket and watch Sesame Street. So that is what we did until close to 5:30 then I got her to lay with me on the couch only if i gave her the remote and then she fell asleep until 7:30. We went back to the doctor, saw a different one and she said the same thing just teeth. She said everything looked normal but her gums. So I said ok and away we went. I gave her more pain reliever at 11 and right before she went to bed. So I hope she makes it through the night. She really didn't eat much today. I got her to eat yogurt if we ate it in front of Daddy's picture, and she ate some fruit a little bit of snacks, and that is about it. I needed to get out today, so a friend and I went to Montezuma to get some fresh produce before the stand closes this weekend. The girls slept on the way and enjoyed ice cream after we went shopping. We ate dinner and came home. Clara went to bed shortly after didn't fight it gave me just gave hugs and kisses after we read a few books and slowly went to sleep. So I hope it is a better night.

Another Day of fevers

Clara woke up at 4 this morning with a 104 temp. She was just going crazy so I gave her more medicine took her clothes off and l put her under the ceiling fan in my bed. I stayed a wake for a while and kept checking her temp. It was dropping so I went to sleep. We got up and ran 8.5 miles then watched the neighbor girl. Clara had another fever at 10 not too high I think I got it right when it was coming on. She wouldn't take a nap and I was really tired. So we took a shower and ate lunch. Finally at 2 I had enough and went in her room layed in her bed and she played on the floor until she fell asleep and later she ended up in bed with me. We woke up at 5 and she had another fever of 103. I found something for dinner, we talked to Brian, and I layed down with her at 8 and we read stories until 9. She is drooling like crazy. I know her teeth hurt. So that is our crazy day. Hope tomorrow is better if not back to the Dr. Brian sounds like he is ready to come home. It should be in the next two weeks if all works as they have planned. I am not getting too excited until they are on their way back to the states.

Dr. Visit

I took Clara to the Dr. today. She was running a fever last night and this morning. She just wasn't her normal self. The doctor thought it was all casued by four of her teeth coming in. I just thought it was weird she had a fever of 101.6 for teeth. The doctor thought it was so high because she is a late teether. She did have a good chunk of wax in her ear that the Dr. got out. So she had a fever at 5:30 tonight it broke and now she is sleeping. It was cute at nap time she only wanted to sleep in my bed. So I sat in there with her. She wanted to watch Daddy's Storytime movie over and over today. No new news about Brian, he has only been hearing rumors about their departure date. He called tonight and we enjoyed hearing his vocie.

Monday Pool Day

Well we were going to the pool on base, but I guess the one we were going to closed for the season. We invited seven other people to go with us so we all met at a friend's house and brought lunch and pools over. The kids thought it was great. It was very hot today So the Moms were sweaty. We all had a good time. I don't have any pictures yet, waiting on an e-mail. But I'll post a few from the weekend. Clara went to bed at 7:30pm. She has a little fever I know she has teeth coming in. She was wanting to chew on my fingers all day. She has been talking up a storm she can say most of her friend's names. She is doing really good telling me what she wants with her words. It will be funny to see if Brian can figure out what she is saying when he gets home. No new news on Brian. Just still planning on coming home at the end of the month. I cut my hair on Friday. But when I talk to Brian on Skype he doesn't want to see it so I have been covering it and Clara wanted to wear my "dew rag" so I had to take a picture of it for Unlce "dew rag".

10K Run

We ran the Jim Herrin 10k in centerville, GA. Clara and I won 3rd place in my age group with a time of 52:58. With a stroller I thought that was great!! Julie ran her first race with us too and she won her age group!! I was very excited for her! Clara did perfect in the stroller didn't complain at all. I think she enjoys watching all the other runner and she was eatting pancakes. It was a great run. It was starting to heat up! It was almost 90 at 10am. Clara is sleeping too much excitment for her in the last few days. Enjoy your Saturday!!

Our Summer

Our summer has been busy. We are currently waiting on Brian to come home from his deployment. The good news is he is coming home early!! How early we are not sure. We are thinking by the end of August.

Tomorrow Clara and I are runnign a 10K. She is my little running buddy!

I thought we would do a blog instead of sending out weekly e-mails. Instead you can check updates on this website and i can post our weekly or daily news. How exciting!! I hope you enjoy it!!