Happy Valentine's Day!

What a fun couple of days it has been! Jeff is on a break from work-ups and we actually get to spend the long weekend together!! Yippppee!! We kicked the weekend off with a playdate on Thursday with our friend Stacie hosting! Her daughter Quinn is so sweet and adorable! I have no doubt that Gracie and her will be amazing friends! Gracie also flirted up a storm with her new friends Daniel and Mitchell. then she went back to staring at her shoes again . . . she is her mothers daughter.

Then we had dinner with the squadron on Friday night and then swung by to say good bye to Bradley before he deploys! Thanks Colin and Christina for babysitting! It was the 1st time i have ever left her except with the grandparents and you guys really eased my anxiety!

Then Saturday day Cooper had a playdate and met some of our neighbors to be! Gracie and i both wore out matching peacoats from Gigi and her sunglasses from her Aunt Jenny! We made quite the fashion statement! Jeff spoiled me rotten by drawing me a bath, pouring me wine, and taking Gracie to the grocery store with him! I didn't know what to do with myself! Then he cooked me an amazing meal! He even made me dirty martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives! YUUMMMMM!! Enjoy the pics! Gracie says HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Also a big birthday shout out! We had 3 important birthdays yesterday! Baby Ella, Baby Mason, and Auntie Kacee! Baby Ella and Baby Mason . . . we miss you and your parents so much and we are so blessed to know you! We love you!

Kacee . . . I still remember the 1st day i met you at the club almost 5 years ago! Who would have thought that since that time you would be one of my strongest and sweetest shoulder to lean on, a source of endless advice, the share-er of baby clothes, the one who keeps my phone company in business ("I will keep calling till you answer"), the contributor of all that is innaprop., the "who is right" fight ender, my TV guide, and the guru of all products on the market, and just about all the is good in the world! I love you!

I love dress up!

Some new pictures from this week! Gracie 6 months

Life's chchchchchanges . . . I am changing my view.

I am sitting alone at home at 9pm because I am pretty sure my husband has a mistress. Actually he does. One of my favorite quotes is "The navy is my husbands mistress and that b*tch gets all the attention!" HAAAAAA! Anyway . . .sitting here I started wanting to go over all the reasons why the Navy life sucks. there are lots. Watching a friend lose her husband when she was 8 months pregnant, cheating a friend out of moving to Japan and oh by the way your husband leaves in 2 days for 7 months(Patsy you are being a rock!), deployments back to back, Jeff missing every important wedding, missing Gracie's 1st birthday, Christmas, all holidays, the last 5 birthdays together etc. Even when they are home they work insane hours and you are just thankful to get to sleep in the same bed for a couple a nights a week. Just when I started wanting to get really mad about the had we have been dealt it hit me

Without my husband's mistress:
- I would never had known what being proud was if it wasn't for the Navy. Yes, I was always proud of being an American. I cry at "Where were you" . . . OK sob. However, on a very sad day, watching a missing man formation fly over our squadron it hit me like a ton of bricks. I don't think I could ever be more proud of anything in my life then to say Jeff is a United States Navy Pilot. He still takes my breath away everyday of my life in his flight suit and I have never been prouder of who he is as a person.
- I wouldn't have known fear. Real fear. Like that which puts things into perspective. Caroline says it best when she tells me not to sweat the small stuff or things that can't be changed. I fear spiders, serial killers, random airborne illnesses. However, the fear of the job and his friends do puts real fear in me. Why am I happy about that? Because I will never ever ever let Jeff leave this house or go to sleep at night angry. I have seen how life has been ripped away from others so quickly and that fear keeps me remembering that life is too short and my job is to love Jeff even more then the day before. Yes his drive to work is more dangerous then flying the plane but I take no chances.
- I wouldn't know how badly it hurts when they leave but how amazing it is when they come home. The joy and butterflies I get after 9 years of being with Jeff even if he has been gone 2 days or 7 months is an amazing feeling.
- I wouldn't have known some of the most remarkable people in the world. These friendships I have made on this 7 year journey are simply. . .AMAZING. Maybe it is because you are forced to handle so may emotions together or maybe it is because all of a sudden "outside" people don't get how lonely this life can be(like saying things like " I wish my husband would go away for a while!"). Maybe it is just that that when you least think you need new friends you meet girls that will forever change your life for the better and you can't imagine what you would have done without them.
- I wouldn't have lived in Pensacola, Kingsville, San Diego, Jacksonville, and now VA. I wouldn't have picked up and traveled to Asia or hopped on a plane to fly to Tahoe for 12 hours (HA!).

So in ending . . . there are a lot of negatives. There are. It is just fact. It is a dangerous job that takes the person you love more then life itself away for long periods of time. You subtract years to your life worrying. You spend a lot of special time sin life alone. It isn't glamorous. But being a navy wife . . . well I guess I realized the pros outweigh the cons. Here's to more travels, more memories, great friends, being so proud you could burst and letting tears flow when they need to . . . because sometimes that is part of the job description.

So in close I post one of my favorite things I have ever read. IF JEFF COULD DO HIS MARRIAGE PROPOSAL OVER THIS IS WHAT IT SHOULD HAVE SAID . . .AND IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT I WOULD HAVE SAID BACK SEE THE BOTTOM :-)

Military Spouses Should Come with a Warning Label
By Sarah Smiley

If I could rewrite my military man's marriage proposal to me, making it more fair and forewarning, this what I would have had him say:

My dear Sarah -- dear, sweet, perfect, wonderful Sarah -- would you do the honor of being my wife and sharing your life with me?

But wait, before you answer, let me tell you a little about the job. First of all, I am a Navy pilot and I move often. We will have very little control over when or where we go, and sometimes we will be told we are moving one place, only to find out at the last minute we are going somewhere else. Are you good with flexibility? Can you pack and unpack quickly?There will be times you have to handle our moves by yourself because I go out to sea for six months at a time. Now, judging by your reaction to this, I won't go into detail about the additional months I'll spend on detachments and assignments because I really want you to say 'yes' today.

Are you a sentimental person at all, Sarah? I'll probably miss a lot of Christmases, birthdays and anniversaries. But we can always celebrate when I get back, and I'll be sure to call you from the boat on Valentine's Day. (Keep in mind, however, that calls from the ship are expensive, so we'll have to keep it short.) Oh, and don't count on me being there when you have our babies either.

How good are you with home repairs and handling crises? Since I will be gone 60% of our life, you will be responsible for fixing toilets, fertilizing the lawn, and dealing with hurricanes, tornadoes, and any other natural disaster that comes your way.You will also be responsible for coming up with new and inventive ways to remove the smell of JP5 (jet fuel) from the clothes I bring home from the boat, and you will spend a lot of time washing and drying dingy flight suits as well.How quick are you with the iron, and can you hem pants? There will be times I forget to tell you I need my uniform for certain events, and at the last minute I will depend on you to pick it up from the cleaners. Are you good at finding lost covers (military hats), belts, and uniform T-shirts?

Are you attached to your career plans at all? It may be hard for you to build a career as we move from place to place. And are you a worrier? My job is dangerous, and when I'm on deployment you might not hear from me for long stretches at a time. Sometimes I may not be able to tell you where I am at all. You will need to handle these situations with grace and dignity and try to go on with your normal life without crying every time you see someone else's husband coming home daily for dinner.

Try not to dwell on the magnitude of my job or the commitment I have made to the country. I am at the mercy of my command, and though I will treasure you and our family above all things, at times it will seem like I am married to the Navy and that I spend more time on the boat than I do at home. But you will get used to the feeling of being alone. Trust me.Lastly let me say this: Through our time and travels with the Navy you will meet some of the best friends of your life, and you will see and do things you never thought possible. You will join the ranks of all other military spouses who are some of the strongest women in the world. You will have the personal satisfaction that as my wife you have made enormous sacrifices (with little reward or commendation), but you have helped me to serve our country and protect its freedom. For that, I (and others) will always be grateful.

So if all of this sounds good to you, I'll need your answer soon; I have to report to duty in ten minutes. Oh, and can you plan a quick wedding?We'll be moving next month. And Sarah, Don't say I didn't warn you."
Copyright Sarah Smiley.

SO YES EVEN IF JEFF HAD SAID IT THIS WAY . . . I WOULD HAVE SAID YES.

Happy 6 month Birthday My Sweet Baby Girl!!

I can not believe that 6 months ago this AM at 6am my life changed forever and the little angel know as Gracie-Bear came into our lives. What a six months it has been!

Gracie-bear, when you read this someday I want you to look back and know that you are by far the most amazing thing i have ever witnessed. I love you more than I can put into words. You are not only my daughter but also one of my best friends. Daddy has to be gone a lot now and the other day when he left and I sat on the bed and cried but I looked at you in your bouncer and it was the first time in my life I realized I am not alone and with you by my side there is no reason but to smile. Thank you for squealing when Cooper comes in the room! Thank you for giggling uncontrollably when he licks your hand. Thank you for spitting up on me 5 times a day! Thank you for the sigh you let out when you are sleepy or when you are done eating and content! Thank you for bouncing harder with excitement when you are in your jumper and you see me! Thank you for the faces you make every time you try a new veggie! Thank you for saying "mmmmooooooooommmm" even though no one else can hear it!" Thank you for all that you are and all that you will become. I love you my little girl.

Pictures of Gracie, anyone? anyone?

Well, I haven't received picture requests for Gracie at all! I mean from no one! HA!!!! OK . . .OK I have been a horrible blogger and am in trouble with many friends and family. So cut me some slack a new house and a baby is hard work :-) Here are some recent pictures of Amazing Gracie (what her Gigi calls her). The one in the feather outfit is from 2 days before Christmas and her Aunt Jenny sent her that adorable outfit! The rest are from the last week so she is 5 months in them!! So scary! Enjoy!

Just so you know at 5 months my likes are:
-eating
-eating some more
-enjoying cereal
-sticking my toes in my mouth (which daddy gets ssssooooo grossed out about!)
-screeeecching as loud as humanly possible so everyone will look my way and then a smile very sweetly
- jumping in my jumperoo
- reaching for Cooper and getting very excited when I see him!
- blowing raspberries
-saying "mmmooooommooooooomm" but Daddy says he can't hear it all!
- watching TV, so sad but the child is fascinated by it!
- wearing my sunglasses! I love them so much!

My dislikes are:
- being hungry
- being ignored
- teething and we are starting!
- bows with metal clips! My mommy can't find the velcro ones anywhere!!
- my car seat at first but then it is off to sleepyland!

I will be back to post the rest!

Mommy and Daddy in our new house! I was sleeping already!

Ready to go in my cool jacket, hat, and mittens from GiGi!

Collars popped for my outing to the Oyster Roast!


watching TV with Daddy!

Don't I look like a doll baby here?

In my hat from Auntie cougie! My BFF Mailee has a matching one! We have matching bun-buns and glow warms too!!

I love my new bumbo tray and knocking toys off so my mommy has to get them over and over again!

WOW! I am way behind!!!

Well . . . I have been MIA for the last month and some! Gosh I still need to post stuff from Thanksgiving! The last two months have been crazy crazy crazy! The holidays always are but when you add building a house and moving, it gets even worse! Not to mention having a baby in tow for all of it! So we offically in the new house! Speaking of which Gracie-Bug is 5 months old now! WOW! What? I still can't believe it. I actually started crying last night because I "think she is becoming to independent and doesn't need me as much anymore!" HA!

Well lots to report and not much time! Today is MY MOM'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Happy Bday to the sweetest woman who has ever walked the face of the earth! You are one of a kind and one of my best friends. Not only do Jeff, Gracie and I love you but everyone who meets you does too! My friends all like you more then they like me ;-) I love you more than you will ever know! Thanks for enduring the past with me and here's to the future!

It is also Chase Crawford's 1st bday!!! Happy birthday Buggie!!!!!!!!!!!! Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kitty love you so very much! You are the cutest little boy ever and you make me smile every time I think of you! Your birth completed your perfect family!

A HUGE congrats goes out to Lauren and TJ Sack who welcomed Katelyn Jody on 1/2/09 weighing 6lbs 12oz!!!! She is precious!!!! Lauren now you have to make a blog!!

I will add a million more pics hopefully tomorrow (which means some time this week or next :-)

The Amazing Race is over . . .

Well sort of . . . we are back home after a world tour! Who ever said that a 12 hour (one way) car ride in my car (not the Tahoe which is bigger) with a 90lb. dog and a 4 month old would be fun needs to be medicated! Actually it was a lot of fun once we were out of the car! We got to see a million family members and friends although we didn't get to Jacksonville :-( Now I leave tomorrow for to be in Katie's wedding in Cleveland (high of 23!!) So I am back on the go! Jeff and Grandma and Grandad Harper will be looking after the little one!

Speaking of which she turned 4 months while we are gone and has this personality I just can't even describe. She is funny believe it or not. She has a "fake cry" to get attention (she must get that from her dad . . .) and this laugh she does only for herself . . like when she thinks she is alone playing on her mat and she amuses herself! It is a love like no other. She is my world!

I will post all the pictures of family and friends from our trip as soon as I get back! We also move two days after Xmas so "TIS THE SEASON" to be crazy!!

I leave you with some pictures from before we left of Gracie and Cooper . . . their love has become even more intense after the time shard in the backseat!

We're Back . . .

but pictureless!! We just returned from a fab trip to Tampa to unfortunately see off Graysen's Uncle John who left for deployment (be safe John!!!!) but to fortunately also spend some time with Gracie's Godmother, Kathryn! Of course the last thing I asked when I left was "where is the camera?" and then left it behind. Although in my defense I was traveling ALONE with a 3 month old and was stressed (and drunk once I got on the plane, is it OK to breastfeed and drink wine at the same time? JK!). It was all worth it though to be there! Auntie Kathryn lost her camera charger like 2 years ago and still hasn't found it :-) so I only have pictures from my phone! So at least we have these!

We had a blast and loved Tampa (K's home seriously looks like it belongs in a magazine . . . I kept telling her what a grown up she is!!) although it was the coldest weather of the year and I was hell bent to get Gracie in a swim suit! HA! She did get to wear her sunglasses and have a mental breakdown while I was trying on bridesmaid dresses, I am sure everyone around us enjoyed that!! We did also get to take a trip to the bridal store to see Kathryn in her dress (oh my gosh . . . seriously one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! I bawled in the store so we will see people throwing themselves in the isle sobbing at the wedding when they see her for sure!!) Enjoy the pics of Gracie girl with her Aunt and Uncle! Be safe John and come home soon!! We love you and miss you BOTH! Bunk, wish I was still there to be your wifey when you get home from work and drink wine!

She's Here!!!!! She is Here!!!!!!!!!!!! Introducing Mailee Elizabeth Hilburn!!

Mailee Elizabeth Hilburn made her big debut last night at 5:36 PST weighing 7lbs and 1.9 oz and was 19 inches long!!!! She is the picture of perfection from head to toe!! Caroline was a trooper!! I write this with tears in my eyes because I am just so happy for two of our closest friends, John and Caroline (and cooper's girlfriend Sahara too!)

I only wish we still lived blocks from each other instead of across the country now but I know if Mailee is 1/2 the friend to Graysen as you are to me, my daughter will have one of the most special relationships of her life! I love you! I miss you! I am truly blessed to have your family as a part of mine and I can't wait to hold Mailee and for you to hold Graysen at Christmas! YIPPPPPPEEEEE (as you would day!) She is here!!

We have walls!!!

Very exciting! We have walls in the new house! It is coming along quickly! Here are some pictures! This is the house our final paint scheme and design is spun off of.

I don't remember my Betsy Wetsy Doll acting like this . . .

I really don't remember my dolls growing up acting so snotty! So . . . apparently I should never have had a little girl! I have lost my mind when it comes to "decorating" her!! HA!! Jeff constantly says "leave that poor child alone!!" I can't help it! She is so darn cute and I love clothes and accessories!!! However, my little Gracie is really unsure of how she feels about all these additions to her wardrobe! She tolerates the bows . . . despises the hats . . . and loves her sunglasses!! I had to share these pictures because they are priceless. Poor thing really does cooperate . . like today I was hell bent on getting these adorable pants on her that have little built in booties with paws on them (Jeff says she is a human baby so I should stop dressing her like an animal!) and the lining was messed up and she patiently sat there for a good 15 minutes before I gave up!

"Not so sure what I think of this hat . . ."
"YEAH HATE IT! I have decided I hate it!!!!! Take it off"!! "Mom, I look obnoxious . . . take this off!!!"

" Seriously . . . Seriously . . . why are there still flashes . . . bow off my head NOW!"
"OK . . . THIS I can handle . . . Daddy and I are HOT!"

3 months old and life adjusts around us!

Happy 3 month birthday Gracie Girl!! Everyday your personality comes out more and more and everyday I love you even more than the day before if that is possible! We have our ups and downs you and I! This AM you woke me up at 4am sobbing and when I (very cranky and frustrated) picked you up you buried your face in my shoulder and just sighed . . . it may have been the best sound I have ever heard in my life. When you "re-awoke" at 9am you laid in you crib and babbled to yourself for 30 mins before I picked you up . . .the smile you gave me when I walked in the room was priceless. Like you were saying "oh there you are . . . I was just telling the ceiling fan my political views". Today you refused to nap, cried for about an hour, and for the 3rd time in our relationship I cried along with you. I was tired and cranky and just wanted you to go to sleep. Then I sat down and you laid on my lap and batted your eyelashes and smiled and I realized my life will never be what it was 3 months ago . . .and I am better for it.

I love you more than you will ever know Gracie Girl . . . and when you are 16 and hate me because I didn't let you wear a mini skirt or get your belly button pierced like Auntie Caroline or your eye brow like Auntie Kathryn, I hope you read this. I hope you read it and know that you are my greatest achievement and life is complete because you exist. Love Always, your mommy

Happy Halloween from the Wiggle Worm!!

Well we had a day outfit and a costume for my little princess thanks to Kacee (can you send me a picture of Chloe in this when she was a babe?) and GiGi who got her costume! I mean have you ever seen a cuter wiggle worm? We knew this was the costume when we saw it because it is one of her daddy's nicknames for her!

I am proud to announce that I was at Target at 4:45 buying candy (hey at least I got a good deal at the last minute) and also heard maybe the funniest thing I have ever heard in my life. Are you ready? This dad was helping his two kids pick out costumes and said "you guys are being mighty picky since you it is Halloween today" so this little girl who was probably 3 held up a Snow White costume and he says " Yeah thats cool but you can't be Snow White you gotta be Snow Black"! See waiting till the last minute affords you memories like that!!!! Hilarious! Gracie Bear's costume arrived via UPS at 5pm. I am officially a top notch procrastinator!! We decided she didn't need many Snickers so we handed out candy instead of trick or treating!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Colin and Christina's Wedding!!

I am a little behind on my picture posting! Our dear friends, Colin and Christina got married on October 11th outside of Chicago! Colin and Christina found love in a very odd place . . . aboard the USS Enterprise in the Middle East! It was a wonderful weekend!! We flew up there and Gracie made her first airplane trip at 9 weeks!! She was a total trooper even though I was a nervous wreck because we flew standby and were the last 3 that made the flight and I had to sit separate from Jeff in a middle seat with a newborn! The ride home was better! Yikes!! Grandma Mary came with us so she could take care of the little "nugget" while we were in the wedding! Thanks again Grandma Mary! (I just realized we didn't get any pics of you and Gracie :-(

Christina was gorgeous (as always!) and Colin was adorable (don't worry Colin I won't tell everyone that you cried . . . a lot). it was honestly one of the most romantic and sweet ceremonies I have ever seen. It was really touching! All except me as the reader . . . I broke into hives and speed through it! Sorry guys!

We had a blast and loved getting to see some of our best friends that we had in Jacksonville! We love you guys so much and are so happy for you!!

Some things I have learned in 2 short months . . .

So . . . even thought my brain feels numb and I can't remember simple words like "dog" or "lunch" which amuses Jeff greatly when I get frustrated and say "you know what I mean!!" and he says "no really . . . I don't!" I guess "mom brain" is a very real thing! I thought I would share for my fave new mommies or mommies to be what I "have learned" Just call me O' Wise One :-)

1. Growth spurts suck: I read about them and thought "oh I wonder if I will know when she is having one". Oh yeah . . . you know. My sweet precious angel turns into Jaws. I mean every 2 hours she becomes like a teenage boy in search of boobs. She can't get enough . . . oh and naps . . forget it. She is far too famished . . . but she does have the energy to scream (thank goodness, we would hate for that not to happen!). These happen around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 and 9 weeks (for Grace), and now 12 weeks. We love them!!
2. Burp cloths, Bibs, and Pacifiers oh my : Gracie's sweet Grandma Mary made her a ton of homemade burp clothes and then 2 dear friends also gave me monogrammed ones that were gorgeous (thanks Elena and Kacee!) I also received about 20 bibs. As a expectant mommy I was pleased to have so many but thought "when will I ever use all these?". The Spit Up Gods are laughing. Enter a baby with reflux like the Exorcist and who drools when she is hungry (kind of like her daddy) we go through them. So Lesson #2 . . . yes you really will need 72 burp clothes and 97 bibs. Question it now but thank me later!
3. Batteries: Whoa pump your breaks dirty birds . . . HA!! As far as batteries . . . go ahead and buy stock in Duracell. I mean I have never in my life gone through 5 packages of D batteries in 2 months. By them in every size . . . the swing and bouncer seat become your best friend. If they die and they will (like after 2 weeks) you will go into panic mode and so will the baby without her "swing fix". It is like "baby crack".
4. Your boobs: become such a major part of your day that they even start becoming a main part of your dreams. I dreamed last night that Jeff and were at a romantic dinner and i was topless. Just hanging out! People giving me dirty looks and I WAS offended . . . I mean didn't they know i was a mommy??
5. Sleep: Gracie now sleeps from about 8pm to 7am . . . yes since about 9 weeks (again she is advanced , I am pretty sure). However, I wake every hour to make sure she hasn't stopped breathing, spit up or pooped from one end of the nursery to the other, or stolen my car keys to go for a joy ride. Sleep and worry pretty much go hand in hand together. My suggestion a glass of wine and a Benadyril~ you will get some rest. Hey she is!
6. A smile changes it all: Even on the worst day . . . when you haven't put in your contacts for 2 days, brushed your teeth in 1, have smelly spit up all over you (and quite possibly poop because you smell it but kind find the source), and a baby who has decided today is the day to try for an Emmy in crying. When you think you have reached your limit . . . she stops crying and looks at you and smiles . . . and the world is perfect at that moment.

PS. I have also found that I now can not eat buttered popcorn . . . why you ask wait until your newborns diapers!! They smell the same.

Our New House!!

Jeff and I have always dreamed of building a house and looks like we can check that off!!! We are so excited we can't even stand it!! We have finally found our home after looking at every home for sale and rental in a 60 mile radius :-)! We are in love with our neighborhood (even though we are like the first to be there!) it has two huge lakes, walking trails, a playground, a park and more. Not to mention J's commute to work will now only be 8 minutes!!!! Yipppppeeeee!!! The 45-1hr. each way was really starting to exhaust him esp. because he could have an early Am flight with a two hour break and then a night flight . . . but be stuck there all day (all day being leaving here at 5am and getting home at 11pm)! We looked at this house when my mom was here and fell in love but it was out of our range . . . but blame it on the market and they came way down to our limitations, so it was an investment we had to make!! A little scary because we still own our Jacksonville house but real estate is an investment and we made the leap!

We also love that all the homes are Charleston/Craftsman style homes! Exactly what we wanted . . . so it has the old home look but all the new stuff!! I also love that there are only roads on the back of the homes so off your front porch you only see grass and trees and trails!! I will be having quite a few glasses of wine under my fan on the front porch that is for sure!!

Jeff when you read this please know how proud I am of you!!!!! You work so hard and are such an amazing person, it makes me so happy to see you so happy!! Thank you for everything you do for Gracie and me . . . we are so blessed to have you as our husband and daddy! I can't wait to start memories in our new home together! I love you.

Funnies for the moms

This is my fave company in the world, Mikwright. I have their cards, napkins, notepads etc. I thought the other moms might find these amusing! If you are in the Jacksonville area still you MUST go by my friends, Jonathan and David's store, ONE OF EACH!! It is in 5 POINTS near Riverside! They sell the Mikwright products there . . . not to mention Tyler Candles (my fave thing ever) and a million other amazing things!!! Miss you both and Bonnie too!