The weekend & a special 1/2 birthday.

Today is a SPECIAL day at the Robel household. Stephen isn't here to celebrate but we had a lot of fun anyways. Owen is 6 months old. So... we celebrated his very first half birthday! YAY! He is so wonderful & I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful little angel in my life. He is hilarious and makes me laugh constantly throughout my day. Some things that O is doing at 1/2 a year old...

• Sitting up all by myself. I even try to pull myself up and sit.

• I love my little jumper and can play in it for hours.

• I love watching kitties and playing with Grandma Anne's a lot. (I even pet them nicely)

• I can feed myself puffs and love to try whatever Mommy is eating at the time.

• I spit and rawrr at people, it's my favorite.

• I love to be naked and pee on stuff.

• I'm in size 9 clothes and growing like a weed.

• I am a smart cookie and use it to my advantage with my mom.

• I throw fake fits and fake cough when I'm upset.

The last 6 months has flown right by. He teaches me so much everyday and I can't wait to teach him and watch him grow into a beautiful little boy. I love you Owen Reese! (:

The weekend ended up being wonderful spending some quality time with Talia and little Jon. We got some much needed baby playtime and big girl Mommy time. Friday night we just talked and talked and talked until pretty late. She retreated upstairs and talked on the phone to her Hubby and I stayed downstairs cuddling with O & chatting with Stephen about my day and the changes that they were having at training. Saturday was super lazy. We helped the boys paint pumpkins. They had so much fun and were covered from head to toe. We put them in the bathtub together afterwards to try and clean them off. O had paint behind his ears, in his hair, in between his toes.... EVERYWHERE! But, it was nice to experience something like that with him.

This was before obviously... sorry got the pictures a little backwards.

Talia also got all of the army wives/girlfriends magnets to stick on our cars too. What a great idea! I couldn't get it to load... but it says, " Army brat on board. Safely waiting for my Daddy to come home." (:
(yes it is on my car!)


That night after the boys were in bed, we watched a movie & relaxed. No babies, no hubbies, just Mommy time! All in all a great way to build some morale and vent! Here are a couple of pictures of O from the weekend.

Now to get ready for Halloween! I can't wait to post pictures of O in his costume.

Remembering..

Now try not to cry... this story has a happy ending. 2 years ago I lost a very beautiful being. I remember going in for my checkup and my OB looking and moving the ultrasound wand around looking for the heartbeat and movement. I was pretty upset when I didn't hear that familiar pitter-patter. The doctor sent me over to the hospital where they ran test after test after test. It was confirmed that the baby was no longer living and I was to have surgery the next day in order to remove him from my womb. I lost one of the most precious gifts God gives a woman. The next several days were a blur. I tried to stay focused on anything else, but all I wanted to do was cry. I prayed a lot and came to the conclusion that The good Lord giveth and the good Lord taketh away. I did a lot of soul searching and trying to find out what was important. What I needed in my life and what I didn't.

Fast forward a year ago.... I experienced a lot of ups and downs. I got rid of a lot of the weeds in my garden and planted a few new flowers. I then experienced finding out I was pregnant with O. I was terrified that something would be wrong with him too. Everytime I would go into the  doctor, I was praying that I wouldn't have to go through something like losing a baby again. It took me a long while, but through  experience came understanding and realization of God's grace. He does take life, but he also gives us new life. I was given a little baby boy to care for and love. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I am humbled to know that God brings us trials and heartbreak, so that in turn we might be able to fully appreciate his gifts and blessings.

I know that  this time of year will be a little rough, but with the passing of time get a little easier. As I was starting to write this, Owen decided to wake up from his nap. I peered over the side of the crib and he had the biggest grin waiting for me. He is one of the greatest blessings I could've ever asked for. So today... I am going to hold my sunshine boy just a little tighter and remember that everything does happen the way that it's supposed to. There are always different speculations about what happens with babies when one is lost during pregnancy. Some say that they just aren't ready to come to Earth yet. If that's the case then I have a wonderful little bundle of joy awaiting for me somewhere down the line to join our little family. I found this today also. Makes my heart hurt a little less.

                          "An angel in the book of life wrote down my baby's birth.
                     Then whispered as she closed the book "too beautiful for earth".
                                                                                              ~author unknown

Just a living...

I've officially been in  Michigan for one month today! Holy cow does time fly. Stephen has also been gone for 3 whole weeks! It feels like an eternity... but at the same time it seems like he was sitting next to me yesterday. I am so lonely without that goofy boy. I have got to talk to him every single day since he has been away though so that makes it great! We laugh so hard & it makes it seem like he is sitting right next to me. He also is a sweet boy. Yesterday, as we were texting he said a few things and I was thinking, "Geeze! Everything he has said today sounds like it should be from a movie or romance novel." He really is so good to me. & O of course. This is from this summer when we took a little trip to the Gorge. We are pretty cute together huh?

I have been steadily working in the mornings with a set of autistic twins.Which is amazing. I love hearing about twins, seeing twins... I love you Julie Angela. I always hated being a twin, but now I am fascinated.  I also wouldn't mind actually having twins... in a few years of course. That would be the best thing ever. Then I wouldn't have to have anymore kids after that and I would only have to gain baby weight one more time.  It is very challenging, but I am starting to get the hang of it. This is amazing practice too because one day, this is what I will be doing for a living. I have about a million and one things going on and I am still definitely learning how to balance it all out. The constant during my day is O and it is a blessing mixed in with a little frustration. I do enjoy spending all of my time with the little monster baby. He is hilarious and makes me laugh at everything he does. He is going to be a comedian that is for sure. I know this is all about enjoying and experiencing life, but this week has been rough on me. It's always go.go.go. and the little stinker baby has been sick. I never get anything done & kind of want to feel on top of things again. Oh well... all in good time. Hope all of you have an amazing weekend. I am headed to Talia's tonight so that we can attempt to paint pumpkins with the boys. Yeah right... Owen will just eat the paint and so will Jon. Should be a fun getaway though for this mama. Over & Out.

This is for you Mama.

As I'm sitting here doing homework, I keep getting distracted! (imagine that)
It isn't the usual things that are on my mind though. Owen is sound asleep next to me while I'm working and I am content this evening. I am thinking of a beautiful, strong, amazing, talented woman I like to call Mother. She is my hero. She has been my saving grace and at times my worst enemy. Today, she is someone I like to call my best friend. I aspire every day to be half the person that she is. I've been listening to a lot of country tonight... like I usually do to focus. Tonight though I have listened to just about every song that reminds me of my mother. One in particular is Drops of Jupiter by Train. Funny I used to hate this song. It came up on my Pandora radio though and I turned it up and was taken back in time to I dunno 6th grade. My mom picked us up from school and as we got close to home, that song came on the radio. She blasted it up and was singing at the top of her lungs. We got out of the truck and ran in the house all embarassed. She stayed out there and jammed out for a good 20 minutes. Throughout my life, she has done this quite frequently and each time I laugh and go into the house. The other day, I found myself doing the exact same thing! I sat in the driveway and jammed out for quite a while. It hit me.... I am SO much like my Mother! I am so blessed and grateful for this fact though. She is the best mom I could've ever asked for. I hope a little of it has rubbed off on me for O. She has helped me get this far in life and I am forever indebted to her. She loves me and has helped me completely embrace who I am. She supports me in absolutely everything I do and has taught me that my dreams are not out of reach. This is for you lovely woman in my life.... 
my heart and soul, my angel, my rock, my saving grace.

I was working last night & read this book to the kids. My mom used to read this book to me almost every day when I was little and I HIGHLY recommend you share this with your babies. She would cry and hug me tight. Now, I know why she did! I will be reading this to O and crying just like her. I will hold you Mom when you're old and rock you back & forth. I love you!

Friday.

After being a bit down today, I really wanted to cry. This whole Stephen being away from me and my entire family being a million lightyears away I have been a mess today. I shouldn't really be too upset I mean, we have done this long distance business for a long time. I just miss him A LOT! Anways... I am in my old comfy sweats & Stephen's favorite blue hoodie (that still smells like him) mmmm. I'm curled up in a blanket, with a yummy fall scented candle burning and am going to watch a chick flick.... Bride Wars. This is one of my favorites that always cheers me up. Tonight is also the first night that I am re-trying Owen sleeping in his crib. I always put him in bed with me when I'm having a bad night & he is never going to sleep through the night if I keep doing that. I wish he could sleep with me every night, he is such a good little cuddler baby. But, neither of us are getting any sleep that way.

There is much I want to spill out but I want to actually enjoy my movie. So for the last thing of the night I want to remind you all that today was RED SHIRT FRIDAY. This is a great way to support our soldiers. (Thanks Talia for reminding me). So everyone don't forget to wear RED next Friday.

So Owen & I both were sporting red to support the Daddy. I would've taken a picture of us both but, O was covered in puke & drool within the first hour. So... I changed him into a different red onesie... but it wasn't the super cute outfit that he had on beforehand. Anyways... I hope everyone has a good weekend. lots of xo's.

I've been wanting to blog all week! It has been crazy around here. Well not really... but there has been a lot to do with most of the time holding Owen. He hasn't been sleeping at all!! Day or Night. I'm pretty sure it is his teeth. So I am trying a few different methods to try and get him to sleep at night and be comfortable. We will see how that works out... cause I am one tired Momma.

Anways, we have had an interesting few days to say the least! Saturday, I met up with Carrie & her kids. We went to a pumpkin patch & it was roasting out! Oh my goodness. In the 80s in October. This is crazy! All in all it was a great day spending time with my sister and getting to know her kids. I love them. (:

I didn't take many pictures because I was busy entertaining O for the afternoon. Her littlest boy is a riot btw. I love getting to know them all. Sunday was an adventure with church OH MY!  Owen pooped everywhere before we even got into the building so I had to change him before we could go into the chapel. Once in Sacrament, and they were passing the water around he kept grabbing at mine. So being the awesome mother that I am thought it would be a great idea to give him one of his own. It's just a tiny little cup. As I was helping him, he kept trying to shove it in his mouth. HE SUCCEEDED!  He starts screaming and crying as I'm trying to fish it out. We go into the foyer and he poops again! I am thinking, "How much can one kid poop? Seriously?!"

I get him changed & head to Sunday school. He drops his bink as we sit down, so one Brother Chew picks it up and tries giving it to him in an airplane motion. Owen starts screaming again and freaking out! I hurry out and try to calm him. (I knew it was close to naptime) I feed him in the mothers lounge and he falls asleep for probably 10 minutes total. I then head to Relief Society and as someone is giving the Opening Prayer, Owen pukes all over inside one of the hymn books and then all over me. As everyone is laughing, he poops all over me and I am once again getting up and rushing out, as not to disturb what is left of the quiet. We are on our way home and he finally passes out. I honestly thought that Sunday would just be one day and Monday would be better. It did NOT get any better!

I tried entertaining him in this while I cleaned. That lasted maybe 10 minutes at the most.

                                  I fed him & he was happy for a little bit but ultimately it came down to carrying    him around in his carrier below while I did anything!

                  
                 

                                     We did go for a walk & he was great. He loves looking at all of the leaves here.

He is pretty rotten though. This was last night when he woke up probably 5 times every hour. Poor little babe. I sure love him though & it doesn't matter what I do or where I go, he will be the biggest joy in my life.

Now I'm off to finish up package number to to my Love & hopefully get some studying done tonight. Here's to wishful thinking. YAY!

Crockpots, a Baby GI Joe & Michigan Housewives.

Today there was a funeral for a small baby in our ward, so Anne asked if I could go serve at the luncheon afterwards and she would watch O. She gives me the soup that I'm supposed to take and as I'm taking it out to my car, I keep thinking, "Wow this is a really high-tech crockpot."
I get to the church and ask where I can plug it in. I walk into the gym, to find about 25 other crockpots all lined up and plugged in to various extension cords and power strips. I realize that I'm not dealing with your usual women here. They all had made a different kind of soup and each crockpot wasn't just the simple plug it in and adjust the temperature. They make them stainless steel now and have retractable cords (like those super cool vacuums). Some have lid stands and ladle holders. I was blown away at the various ones that everyone had. I know I probably shouldn't have been so fascinated with crockpots, but I couldn't help it.
Then as if it wasn't awkward enough helping at a funeral that I knew just a couple of people at, every single person had to come up to me and ask how I knew the family or was related to this bunch. (All in their Wisconsin/Canadian accents sorry folks I still here an accent from each one of you and yet you all seem to get offended when I mention this).  I'd say I'm not I'm bla bla bla and I'd start explaining who I was. EACH one said, "Oh you must be Lacy!" They would all hug me and say that they had heard so much about me. Yet I had no idea who any of them were. I also am not much of a hugger. I hate germs and hate touching. Unless it's O kisses or Stephen kisses.



They all suggested we get together and have various play dates with the kids and get together for lunch and so on and so forth. I am actually excited to make a few new friends here. But some of them seemed like they were just doing it out of pure obligation. That bothers me! (Not you Liz, I love you already)

Most of the women here... alright and most of the men kind of have an attitude. They aren't all that high maintenance. Which makes me feel great. That means that I am able to look halfway nice, while not having to remotely try. I can just roll out of bed, brush my teeth and feel comfortable with seeing anyone and everyone at the grocery store or on the street. Back home, EVERYONE always has to get ready before going out to the grocery store or get the mail. It's like who freaking cares what you look like to talk to the mailman? Who are you really trying to impress here?

So as you can see, I am having a few mixed emotions about this dear hand shaped state. I'll continue to analyze and get back to you on that one. On another note, O's halloween costume is almost complete! He is going to be a little GI Joe soldier man, just like Stephen. I thought it would be brilliant and somehwat unique.... seeing as everyone dresses up their babies like a puppy or a peapod. Should be a nice first Halloween for him. Now just to find a costume for the Momma. Hopefully one that doesn't resemble a piece of cloth. That's about how big all of the adult women costumes are now. Geeze.

Oh! Tomorrow we are going to spend the day with my sister Carrie and her little darlings. First time getting to meet my neice and nephews. I am super excited and a tad nervous. But, should be great. Here's to a great weekend for all of you. Be safe! xo

This new adventure..

I am missing my family especially bad today! I don't have anyone to argue with, to yell at, or to talk to about random crap that nobody else would listen to besides them. From 1,600 miles away I want to tell you all that I miss you. I  miss all of the kids running around all the time. Never having a moment of peace and quiet. Them coming into my room in the middle of the night, "Yacy are you awake? Yacy can I seep wif you?"

Today I was shopping for a few things and I realized that I am going to miss Danny, Amanda, Jayden, Brendan, & James birthday all within a couple of weeks of each other. So I took it upon myself to pick out a birthday present for Danny. Since, his birthday is on Halloween and send it to him. (Sorry Amanda you will most likely get a card) It took me a good 2 hours to pick something out. I have shopped for plenty of 4 year olds and I could not for the life of me choose something that met my standards. It dawned on me, I always let them choose what they want and I have to pick something out by myself. Not acceptable. I realize that I am not going to see them for a few more months and that breaks my heart! Sorry guys, I wish I could be there for all of our family festivities.

But, I have to say that I am SOOOO grateful for all of them. The yelling, the fighting. The many hugs and kisses. I love how close we are and that if I need anything, they would be on my doorstep in an instant. They keep me going. Even if it's a random text once a week, I know that they actually give a shizz about me. How great to have that feeling too.

I also realize that my Michigan adventure has just begun. I have a lot to learn and much to build on for myself and for Owen. There are crafts to do, goodies to make, a sister and her family that I have so much to learn about still! I have a half sister that I had never met until just recently and can I tell you really quick that she is amazing!

 A lot of my roots are here and I am determined to see what this place has in store for us. I am close to all of the lakes and amazing things that this place has yet to show me! So here's to a whole new chapter in my life. The best is yet to come!

If...

This is all over the blogosphere and I am jumping on the bandwagon...
Because all the cool girls are doing it.

• If I were to get pregnant again I would throw myself off a very tall bridge. Talk to me about getting pregnant again when I sleep for 10 uninterrupted hours. Until then I will want to punch you in the face.
• If I could have any job in the world I would be paid at least $4,000 a month for being a SAHM.
• If I had a day to myself I would go to the spa, read a book and just call every 10 minutes to check on O.
• If I could live anywhere in the US I would want to pack everyone I love and head south. 
• If Owen was a girl her name would be Scarlett.
• If I could have any talent in the world I would want to be able to sing....
• If you met me in real life I think you would want to be my bff.
• If I could go back to school and get a different degree I would get it in Communications or International Relations.
• If money were not an object I would stay home with the babyboy, pay off everything, and buy lots of pretty things.
• If I could meet one celebrity I think I would want to meet Ellen or Oprah.
• If I could only shop at one store for the rest of my life it would be Marshalls or Tj Maxx. Seriously, they have everything.
• If we get a pet I would get a fish, they have a quick shelf life. (No litter boxes)
• If I could go on a trip right now, I would want to go to Fiji.
• If I had to choose between a house cleaner and a personal chef I would choose house cleaner. But, then they would quit bc I would follow them around to make sure they were up to par.
• If I had the option of plastic surgery, I would totally do it. Well even after O I look alright.. it would just be better if my you know what's didn't sag to my knees. (;

Just another manic Monday

Alright... I have a mountain of homework to do tonight. But, before that gets started I need to tell all of you lovely's about my day. Can you say HELL? I mean, it wouldn't be so bad but I am freaking out about just about everything and maybe being a little overdramatic. SO here goes.


I set my alarm for seven this morning because I had oober amounts of stuff to do. I heard it go off and then I shut it off TWICE because I didn't want to wake up O. Then I fell back asleep until 9:03! EEEK. I jumped up brushed my teeth and threw on some clothes. I got Owen dressed and we were out the door to the Post Office to send Stephen his package of cookies. Every minute I was looking at the clock and thinking alright if this doesn't take that long then I will have time to do this. It took forever at the Post Office. Firstly, because I had no idea where it was and secondly because the workers there were so freaking crabby. I wanted to punch them!


So we hurry home and I am throwing things around like crazy trying to get ready for work (today was supposed to be my first day and Pants' babysitter was picking him up at 1230) Then Owen starts fussing. Oh my goodness! I forgot to feed Pants. I fed him some apples and cereal. Then we took our first trip to the Secretary of States office to change my drivers license. All the while thinking, I still need to pump, get a bag ready for Owen and feed myself and Owen lunch. I get lost for about 20 minutes, almost get side-swiped by some old man and sit and wait for my number to be called for another 45 minutes! I get up to the counter and they tell me that I need 2 proofs of residency. (I hadn't even thought of that) I call my boss, tell her that I don't think that I can switch my license today ( I have to for my job). She doesn't sound very happy with me. I am a mess driving home. I call my mom, my sister, then another sister. They all help me with various things and I try and suck it up for them. It is now 12:15. I call Owen's babysitter and tell her not to come. I scrounge up to proofs of residency and am out the door again. I am again on my way to the SOS office for Round 2. I almost get hit again by another old man in his grandpa car... this time on a ONE WAY.


I get there stand in line some more... stand in line some more.... stand in line some more. They finally help me. I get everything and rush out the door. I get to my car with the carseat, Owen and the diaper bag. I reach into the side pocket to pull out my keys. Instead, I pull out one of Owen's baby spoons. I look through the window and there sits my key to the car. Oh the joys of being a mother. Good thing I had a spare. I get into my car and have ANOTHER breakdown. I drive to Target because I need to buy diapers and have ANOTHER freakout. I am crying so hard, I start laughing. The only good thing about my day was sweet texts from my love, O's laughter & baby food was on SALE! (:

But, truth is we are ALL going to have days like this. Days where we don't want to get out of bed or days where all we want to do is cry and I think that sometimes that it's alright to have them. Just know that there is always a new day and the sun will be shining. Remember... "It's always darkest before the light."

Spiderman..

Well.. I had a few things that I wanted to get off my mind. But, the second I came to my computer I completely lost all train of thought. The only thing I could think of was the other night when Stephen was home and being a goof ( as usual) and climbed on the couch and HAD to kiss me upside down. I kept telling him to get down. He never listens to me. Right now, I am sooo glad he did that.

If he hadn't, I would've had the longest day today and then not had anything for me to laugh at and make it all better. He isn't even here and he's making my day better. Even as I look up, I see the knife (in the sheath mind you and I will be taking it down when Owen is just a little bigger) strapped to the side of his crib. He told me, "We have to start him early Honey."

A knife? I said, " What's next? Guns?"

I should've kept my mouth shut. He told me last night that he wants to get Owen a shotgun for Christmas. I told him that we will wait until he is at least FOUR before we start teaching him how to shoot weapons or any of that kind of stuff. I think he was upset but HONESTLY he isn't even 6 months yet. I love my boys... even if they drive me crazy sometimes.


After a crazy day, with Owen being a naughty, I'm pretty sure I'm ready to relax and watch some Chelsea Lately.

Happy 5 Months Tiny Pants.

I have noticed, since becoming a mother, that time flies by so much faster than ever before.

It feels like it was just yesterday that I was sitting impatiently in my delivery room waiting to meet my tiny son for the first time.

He went from a quiet newborn who slept half of the day, to a fully alert 5 month old who wants nothing more than to "talk" my ear off and to stand up all of the time.

Don't get me wrong, I love watching my son grow up and learn new things. It just seems to be speeding by at the speed of light.
Stephen just left yesterday and I just keep saying "I hope the next few months fly by".

But now I realize I need to live in the moment and stop wishing my life away. Because if I'm always wishing it was tomorrow, what happens to today?

From now on I want to cherish every second I have. And appreciate the little things in life that are making this time without my love a bit easier.

Things like Owen's big smile that he loves to show off, my family who would do anything for me, Stephen's wonderful family, my amazing friends who support me through whatever, or just a simple phone call from my Soldier.

We aren't promised tomorrow. So here's to living today to the fullest and appreciating EVERY single second of it.




Owen! You are 5 months old. It seems like just yesterday I held you in my arms for the first time. You are growing so fast. I guess this is something I need to learn to get used to because time flies by. In the past five months you have learned so many things. It's like everyday it is something new you learned. One thing that has stayed the same since you were born is your adorable smile. It melts my heart. You are such a happy baby, which makes me a happy momma. Here is what is going on in your world sweet baby boy.

When you're 5 months old... You wear size 6 month clothes, but soon they will be too small! You are almost out of size 3 diapers. And you weigh 20 pounds!

Owen, you sit up on your own and roll over like a mad man. You are currently trying to crawl, but wish you could run already. Hold on buddy, the best is yet to come. (:

You LOVE LOVE LOVE to stand! If youre not happy, all I have to do is stand you upright and you're a smiley boy all over again!

Your pediatrician says you should be able to sleep through the night now, but doctors can obviously be wrong about some things!! You wake up about every 2 or 3 hours to eat.

You can now ride in the stroller like a big boy! You actually like it a lot because you can see more. You just turn your head left, then right, over and over again as you take in all of the scenery.


You smile ALL of the time. But that's nothing new. You've been a smiley boy since we saw your sweet little self. You laugh a lot now too.

Swimming is your favorite hobby!! Seriously, you could do it all day everyday! I think you pretend your bath tub is a pool because you try to swim around like a little fish. You soak Mommy and when I try to get you out, you get mad.

You wake me up every morning by grabbing my face. I wouldn't want to wake up any other way. You're the perfect alarm clock!

Riding in the car puts you to sleep. You like to look out the window.

I feed you baby cereal and various fruits and vegetables. It gets pretty messy, but you sure love your naners! When I give you a bath, I just have to make sure to clean the fruit out of your nose.. Silly boy.

You also love drinking water like a big boy. Using both hands. I say, "You're not a big boy yet!" Then you laugh and spit at me, making my heart melt.

You wake up around 8:30am every morning for about an hour and a half, then you're ready for a nap!

You shake your head no a lot and make the funniest sounds.

You teach me SOO much about life and that sometimes I just need to let go and scream... just like you. You are my love Owen. My sunshine on a rainy day and the thing that will always put a smile on my face.

I wish I coould freeze time. I know one day I'm going to miss these days of you being so sweet and innocent. The days where mommy is the most amazing person in the world and your biggest worry is if you have your binkie in your mouth and a finger to grab onto. I love you so much my little tiny pants. Happy 5 months!