Time For Change

And not the Obama kind of change that is full of ideas but implementation is lacking. I mean real change. After reading "How to Miss a Childhood" this morning while sitting by my wonderful almost 5 year old baby boy, I realized that I follow a lot of the recipe and it saddened me. I do it without even realizing it because it has become habit. It's a bad habit that needs to be changed. After all, there is nothing more important than raising my kiddo to know that he is more important than a damn phone. How sad is it that all the new and "wonderful" technology has taken over family values? So today is a new day and I plan on using it to change some very bad habits and start new. Clean slate. This is going to take some time, I know, because it is too easy to fall back into old routines. We do have some things we do together every day or week but I can always do more. Even though I am a perfectionist (a battle in itself), I am going to try my best to spend more quality time with my kiddo. Anyone else up for the challenge?

I mean, come on, look at him! Who wouldn't want to spend more time with my "wild child"? 

Oh My!

Who might have walking pneumonia?? This girl! I went back to my OB today because I have had a horrible cough since Thursday that has only allowed me to sleep for about 2-3 hours a night. I called Friday to make the appointment so it's not like I waited this long; they just didn't get me in any sooner. Anyway, she examined me and gave me an antibiotic prescription. I also had to get blood drawn...again...to check my white count among other things. I thought I just had a sinus infection or something but apparently my lungs sound like crinkling paper. Bonus: I got to hear the baby's heartbeat and it sounds very strong! At least my current ailment isn't holding the baby back; he or she has been doing cartwheels in my belly! Sometimes it makes me giggle and sometimes it makes me cringe. Either way, it's a wonderful feeling :).

Sports Time

For some reason, someone at Robins AFB decided that it would be a great idea to overlap the end of the soccer season with the beginning of TBall season. So on 14 April we had a very busy day with opening ceremonies for TBall and a soccer game shortly thereafter. Needless to say we were all tired by the end of it. Did I mention we had to be there at 0745 for the opening ceremony? On a Saturday! But we did it with bells on...well with our eyes open at least. After the opening ceremonies we went to the BX to walk around and look since we were going to have to be back on base within an hour for his soccer game. Even though it was a long morning, at least we got to do it as a family :). 

His New Team

Hats Off During the Anthem

Go Mets!

Family Pic

Kickoff

Racing for the Ball

Go Falcons!

Summer's Here...

...and it's only April! I finally figured out how to use the sprinkler system at our house so of course Bucky had to run through it - and who wouldn't?! He had a fun time playing and jumping. The next day I hooked up his Slip-n-Slide that I bought off season last year and he had a great time with that as well. He's still learning how to do it so he was a little red and hurting when he finished, but we all had to learn that the hard way, didn't we??

Farm Animal Day

On 13 April, Bucky's Pre-K class had Farm Animal Day where a local farm brought several animals and taught the kiddos about them.  Bucky actually sat still and paid attention throughout most of the discussions...future vet maybe??  Actually he just loves learning new things! The kiddos were allowed to pet the animals after the talks and Bucky was willing to pet all but the rooster because of the "claws" and beak. Overall he had a great time with the animals. 

Learning about a baby goat

"Oatmeal"

Listening intently

Petting the hen

Looking at a duck's teeth

Spring Break, the Final Chapter

The last day of our Spring Break trip was Easter. We were not originally planning on staying that long but I thought Bucky and Jazzlyn would have a good time hunting eggs together...and they did! Buck was supposed to join us but ended up staying in Ga to do some work and because one of our cats was sick and needed daily medicine. I almost headed back early but Bucky was too excited about hunting eggs. He showed Jazzlyn how to do it and also shared his eggs that he found with her (and Caitlyn). The kiddo has his bad moments but it's moments like this that remind me of what a great kid we have and what a great heart he has. After we headed home, I realized what a horrible photographer I have become. I've never been the best but I can definitely tell that I need to practice. Mainly I need to remember to get pictures of everyone. Most of my mom's side of the family was there but, alas, there are not pictures to prove it. Hopefully my mom did better than I this year! 

Easter Swag

Finding Eggs

Helping

Sharing His Find

Mom, Bro, and Caitlyn

Cousins

Cousins #2

Cousinly Love

Bro's Fam

My Fam (minus the hubby)

Their Cute Little Baskets

Spring Break, Pt Deux

I had been wanting to take Bucky to the beach since we arrived in Fl (ok, actually since before we arrived in Fl) but the weather was not cooperating. So on Friday when the weather appeared clear, I made us get up, get dressed, and go. I also texted my friend, Anna, to see if she and her kiddos wanted to meet up with us for some fun in the sun. They had plans later in the day but we were able to get together for lunch and for the kiddos to play before we parted ways. We met at the mall since they have put a play area in the middle of the food court. The kids had a great time and then we ate and left. It was a great impromptu visit! I also have Anna to think for recommending an area on Beach Dr to go to rather than driving all the way out to the beach. It was perfect. the beach area is much smaller than the actual beach and we didn't have to compete with Spring Breakers. I actually got to relax rather than being side by side with Bucky because he could only go a few feet from me and there weren't many people. He enjoyed it and eventually a few "friends" came too so he had someone else to play with before we left. During this trip, I realized I need to get a new bathing suit to feel comfortable enough to stand up. Now I don't mind showing my belly because I was trying to get a tan at this point but the rest of my changing (and growing) baby body needs to be covered up a little more than it was. 

Digging in the Sand

Building a Sand Castle

Smiling for Mama

A Cool Sea Urchin

Getting Braver

Tiny Baby Sea Urchins

After the beach, we headed back to my parents' house. As a last minute decision, we decided to go to Friday Fest since my hubby was not going to make it to PC as planned. We cleaned up, changed clothes, and headed right back out again. And it was wonderful! There was a lot going on and Bucky really enjoyed the kiddie area with the bouncy houses. We also ate dinner while out there and enjoyed the very nice weather while walking around downtown.

Posing with a Van

Sliding

Climbing Back In

Taking a Quick Break

Making a Sand Jar

Very Proud