just a quick note

He y'all...just thought i would let you all know that we're still kickin...been on the road for almost 2 weeks now...getting a little worn out..but we're hanging in. We'll be home late saturday, maybe sunday..we'll see how the 12 hour drive from IL goes...planning on at least stopping half way...poor Connor is so tired of the car seat! but we've had a great trip. Once we get home we'll get to uploading the pics and such from our trip! lots of Connor cuteness to come..Happy New years to everybody (unfortunately motherhood had sissified me...i'm headed to bed! no ball drop for me! just head dropping to the pillow!) Blessings!

8 very short months

so, today was Connor's 8 month "birthday" GOSH! how does time go so fast?!?! We have had a bit of a rough week. MOnday went from a morning of decent normalcy, to an evening at the ER with Connor...we were worried he had an ear infection from a cold that had hung on..and after calling and getting an appointment for the next day (soonest available) at the ped's office, my poor little guy began running at BOTH ends...LOVELY!! and when daddy got home from work, couldnt even muster a smile for him. i called back to the office and they said they just couldnt squeeze him in (definitely NOT campbellsville, KY where docs will meet you whenever is necessary...grr..) so we carted him off to the ER to get checked out. The ER here was GREAT!! we were in and out in a little over 2 hours...the staff was great...and Connor, running a fever, having an ear infection, and some sort of virus causing both ends of his digestive tract to revolt....was smiling and flirting with the staff...the nurses, docs, security guards, and other patients were all falling in love with him....and couldnt hardly believe he was sick. So, the kicker of the story is the longer we were at the hospital, the worse i began to feel myself...and on the way out the door..yep..you guessed it...MOMMY had to throw up too!! it was a wonderful and fitting end to a long day!

so Connor and I spent the night doing all sorts of amazing and awful things. TJ was WONDERFUL and stayed up half the night taking care of us...he stayed home the next morning from work threatening to take me to the ER too since i had thrown up all night...but i refused and he went to work after i was able to get up and eat a little something and hold it down. tuesday was a long day...but we were over the worst of it. We've spent the rest of the week just trying to rest and recover...Today was the first "normal" day, although a couple of Connor's symptoms are dragging on. At least he is back to his normal, playing, laughing self.

At 8 months, here's the run down... Although i dont know how LONG he is..he is a whopping 22 lbs and a few ounces..this would be the average size of a 12 month old...but nobody calls him fat...he's just big! "perfectly plump" as the doc in the ER said. he has 4 full fledged teeth and one that has just broken through..the sixth tooth came through for a few days and then seems to have gone back in..this doesnt seem fair..but such is life. He is beginning to give kisses (mostly to daddy) and although they are usually with an open mouth and lots of slobber, they are welcomed with great joy around here. We also think he is beginning to wave...he likes to wave at John who is a friend of TJ's who is staying with us for a few weeks while he's in flight school here...we're not positive it's on purpose, but we think it just might be the beginning!! He is also pulling up on EVERYTHING...he definitely has to have a little help, but it won't be long until he's up on his own and causing even more craziness!! The other current milestone is that he is gaining an understanding of the word NO. this is funny because he gets that he's supposed to stop, but he cries because he doesnt want to...but if you ignore the crying, it stops almost immediately and he (usually) happily goes on about his business. He is also learning to share...at this point, that is usually sharing his pacifier, food, or toys with the DOG..haah! but what are friends for?! The picture below is pretty typical of what you'll find around here..(the big black thing in the picture is our dog, Sampson. he tends to be a black hole in pictures..Connor is holding his ear!)

so life is wonderful and joyful around here. Connor has been the most wonderful blessing, and we continue to revel in seeing the world through his eyes...all things really ARE new!! So, we hope to be seeing a lot of you on our Christmas adventure..we'll be hitting up harlan county, KY, then drivig through Cville for a short visit on the way to IL to see the Shake clan there! wish we could see the rest of you too! love you all...and merry christmas (just incase i continue to be delinquent in the blogging!!)

Here are the "official" 8 month old big boy pictures!! check out the TEETH!

Nearing Thanksgiving...

As we start into the "holidays" I am left with a new feeling this year...i have been known to be called "scrooge" for my pure lack of wanting to decorate. This year seems to be a bit different as Connor will appreciate the sites and sounds of these times...but i still dont want to DEAL with the ordeal of a Christmas tree...we'll see..haha! This year is new and special..and hard at the same time. I believe i must give in to the idea that I probably wont see my family this year...it's just too far to travel with a baby and a large dog..12 hours of driving plus stopping and eating, etc...i just think it would be a bit much. I am blessed with a family who understands that, although they miss me (translation...they want to see Connor!) Anywho..luckily, TJ's family is a little closer so we'll get to spend some time with them which will be good.

not a whole lot of excitement around here. Connor has officially "birthed" his 5th tooth...well..it's "crowning" haha! he's been a peach this week! actually, he's definitely not as bad as kids can get while teething..but certainly a little off from his normal happy self. He has discovered that his little baby army crawl can take him places, like around the corner into the kitchen where he can beat his fat little hand on the hard floor and make cool noises...we do this at least 12874 times a day! fun for mommy! He's also getting ready for self feeding by picking up every small piece of trash/dirt that is on the carpet and adeptly putting it in his mouth with lightening fast speed....he just hasnt figured out the chewing part yet! oh well..someday soon enough i'm sure. He's also growing the ability to make his desires known...that is..Connor has SASS...haha! i love his little attitude..but we're learning quickly that mama doesnt have that!! haha!

TJ is keeping busy with prep training for infantry school..they keep them running most of the day, working out, learning stuff, etc...so much for any relaxing before the school starts..haha! but busy is better than bored for TJ so that is good! we went to the MC ball last week..our speaker was the Assistant Commandant of the MC, 4 star General Amos..he was awesome..a very inspirational speaker..we had a great time..this fine lady is Trista who has become my best bud here in VA..I'm hoping we all get LeJeune so we can "stay together" haha!



well..i guess that's it..not a whole lot here..PS..welcome to the family blog for you newcomers (i added you to the update list so you should get this like an email!! no worries Dr.V...i didnt ignore your email..just been busy chasing a 7 month old!) so email me back and let me know you got it!! To you "oldies" thanks for reading!! love to hear back from you!! take care all!!

My how time flies!!

so yesterday was Connor's 7 month "birthday" I can't hardly believe that it's been that long already! He's now closer to a year than to zero..yeesh! Next thing we know he'll be graduating high school and then getting married...already makes me want to cry!! hah!

It's been a big week in the Coots household!! TJ completed TBS (the Basic School for officers) this has been a long 7 month trial for TJ as a Marine and for us as a family..lots of long hours and long days...lots of dealing with people he didnt really get along with (and we know how TJ is..haha) BUT I am proud to announce that last Friday, he crossed the stage and made it official..he has finished the Basic officer training. Now he goes into a waiting platoon to continue working out and training to prepare for the Infantry Officer's Course that starts in Jan. So, fun fun... With Graduation also came Warrior Day...which is where the families can come to base and see some of what the guys have been doing...this includes riding in some vehicles and shooting weapons...this was GREAT fun!! Connor really seemed to enjoy the day spent with daddy! and I did too! hah! anywhoo..enjoy some of these pics..we'll catch you on the flip side!

hello again!

hey everybody...i've been a little lazy as usual..but i'm trying to snap out of it! haha! SO...let's see..life is....well...busy! TJ graduates from TBS Friday - THANK GOD!! We are very excited to move on to the next chapter...and that we dont have to physically move to get there! haha! we are hoping to enjoy the holidays with a little bit of leisure time! but i guess we'll see!

Connor enjoyed his first Halloween..nothing to high key...passed out some candy..and went down a few houses to visit with his favorite neighbor's, our friend's Trista and Andy (one of TJ's fellow marines) Connor has begun to do the army crawl (low crawl for Marines ssshhh..don't tell TJ i called it "army") everywhere...and tonight, for the first time, grabbed onto my legs and tried to pull himself up. I think he's just going to skip the real crawling thing and go straight to walking!! He is such a little man now, and just grows and learns every day! he's still in love with his dog and is now fascinated by the cat...who of course wants nothing to do with him...so he spends his days scooting around after him..haha! i guess that's it..we'll keep this a short update with a few pics...so..enjoy!!

so i'm wondering if anybody really reads this thing

hey people! if you are reading this..i would appreciate some comments..that way i know i'm not just talking to myself out in cyberspace!! haha! at the bottom of the post there is a place that says "post comment" click on it, write your message and POST IT! haha! would love to hear from you all!!
love y'all!
Keri

Finally a free minute post KY visit

so, we spent a wonderful week in KY last week!! wahoo!! i managed to only get a couple of pictures...having too much fun to pull out the camera i guess. (or i might just be a ditz...who knows?) While we were there we celebrated Connor's 6 month "half birthday"! I can't hardly believe that it has been half a year since the birth of this child. I honestly can't hardly remember what life was like before our little Connor. I feel like being his mommy is exactly what i have been supposed to be doing my whole life. We must have been very bored before his birth! hah! The world is a new place when you get to see it through the eyes of a baby. All things are wonderful and new..and he reminds me of that daily!
Connor had his 6 months check up and shots tuesday. He is a whoppin 21 lbs and 6 oz at 27.25 inches long. This means that in what was actually just short of 6 weeks, he grew 1 and a quarter inches and gained almost a pound and a half...let's say he is well fed. The doctor was pleased with his growth and development and raved about his temperment. Said he was one of the happiest (and grabbiest) babies she had seen in a while! So, back in 4 weeks for the second part of his flu shot, and then we're in the clear till January as far as doctor's are concerned!
TJ is in the home stretch of training. They should graduate from this current class the first week in Nov. There have been a few bumps of late, but he's rolling with the punches and working hard to make the improvements he needs. He is such a hard worker...and also a great dad to Connor. Seeing them together is the favorite part of my day!
speaking of Connor..he is up from his nap..i should go get him...here's a couple pics from the last two weeks...enjoy!


the teeth!!!

why not do 3 in 3 days?!

so, we have been waiting and waiting for Connor to start teething. I mean, we've had the drool, we've had the chewing...for months now...but last week we started to notice that one of his top teeth might be getting ready to come in. It was swollen and you could feel the tooth underneath!@ how exciting...so we continued to wait. WEll, tuesday morning, we went on base for a breifing that wives could attend with the guys...and TJ was letting Connor chew on his finger, and he announced "ouch! we have a tooth!" so i pull back the top lip and say "umm..NO we dont!!" and he said "no dear, on the bottom..." and sure enough there was a bottom tooth showing! i didnt even know it was coming!! then wednesday morning, the top tooth made its appearance...fun fun...two teeth in two days..this kid does it rough and tough... So i was glad that was all over...but was still dealing with serious crankiness and the pooing (OH the pooing!) which of course leads to diaper rash...yay! anyway.. so last night TJ got home late and was fiddling around with Connor and said "wow, that top tooth is really coming in fast, and then there's the bottom one....i mean bottom TWO?!?!?!" The second bottom tooth was in too! that makes 3 teeth in 3 days! YIKES! i mean seriously people?!?! couldnt we just get one under our belt before we started doing multiples?!?! So anyway, it's been an interesting week of drool, poo, lots of diapers and diaper rash creams, tears, laughs, and amazement at how brave this little boy is..because through it all, he is still managing to smile and laugh and be basically the happy little boy he always is when most adults would be crying in the corner (that definitely includes ME!)
soo...it's day 4....we'll see what POPS UP today!! Wish us luck!

the end of my delinquence

hello everybody - contrary to popular guesses...i havent ACTUALLY fallen off the face of the earth...just been busy...actually...not really...we could probably use the word "lazy" instead...just this one time. anywhooo.. we've had a fairly uneventful last two weeks (i cannot believe it's been two weeks since i updated here, but my life seems to go by really fast these days...with all my laziness!)

We did find out that TJ was assigned to Infantry as his specialty - there are a few mixed feelings about this decision...but most of them are based on downright reluctance to have to go through the officer's school of infantry which is notorious for being very difficult...but other than that, i think we can call it a good outcome. This is, in fact, what TJ has dreamed about doing as long as I have known him...I'm excited that, essentially, his dreams are coming true...how many people can say that?!?! This also means that we will be here in VA a while longer...with the next move coming early spring next year...destination still TBA...

Been playing softball for a church team...it's a little different from the powerhouse of The Horn - so that has been a challenge...I am currently sporting a large bruise on my thigh from a ground ball that i didnt field very well....but, it helps pass the time i guess...we got rained out last night and tonight..which was good since yesterday was the season premier of my addiction - Grey's Anatomy... let me tell you what...i'm glad i was home to watch...since the previews were, let's call it, misleading...but it turned out to be a good thing...

I am preparing for my first visit home to KY - i know this might seem funny but TJ and I have come to the consensus that somewhere along the way, Campbellsville, KY became HOME to us...we have our family's homes too...but Cville is where it's at...mostly for me, it's where Courtney is at...so Connor and I are flying home for a week...TJ will drive in for the long weekend due to Columbus day and then we will all drive back (11 hours yikes!!) but it will be so good to get home and see all of our "family" in Cville...only wish that our real families were closer so we could apply the one stop shop method! Connor is very excited to see his Aunt Toot (courtney..) as is Mommy!

Speaking of Connor - the little bugger is in LOVE with the jumperoo we got him last weekend...he spends hours in that thing head-banging away...at least if he ends up slightly brain damaged, we'll know he had fun doing it! He's also trying to crawl...today was up on hands and knees rocking back and forth...Watch out world, Connor is going mobile!! time to start babyproofing the house...fun fun! we're also in the process of buying a new car seat since the little lug is quickly outgrowing the infant seat...the JOYS and PAINS ($$$$$$$) of motherhood! it all is going so fast! pretty soon he'll be all grown up...i can't hardly believe he's closing in on 6 months~ ok..well i think that's it on the updates...all is well..here are this week's pics of the tot...enjoy!

Officially 5 months now

So today is Connor's five month "birthday" so to speak. He really amazes me everyday. This week was fun filled...TJ has been out in the field all week, so it's just been the little man and me. We both decided it would be fun to have a cold, so the first part of the week, when Connor was asleep, MOMMY WAS ASLEEP!! so we didnt get a whole lot done, oh well. But we're feeling better now..both of us. At his last check up, the doctor told me that I was to have Connor on some solids by his next appointment (6 month check up) So, I tried solids again. It's been about a month since we tried it the first time..and what a difference it made! He now opens his mouth when he sees the spoon coming..and actually seems to be swallowing it! What a concept. I have my proof by extra EXTRA stinky diapers now..so much for the sweet smelling poo of the breastfed baby..we're on to the real stuff now! hah! So we are now getting a small bowl of rice cereal and this week, a small portion of sweet potatoes. Now, I've never met a sweet potato i liked, regardless of my mother's intense search for a good recipe, bless her heart. So, although I consider this appreciation for sweet potatoes as treason..I will forgive my son for going to the darkside...whatever makes him happy is fine with me! Also in the Connor news this week, is two short stints on his knees and elbows...with his little (well..) belly off the floor. He didnt really try to GO anywhere..but this scares me..crawling is definitely not far off..although he seems to have figured out how to roll around very well..and gets angry when things get in his way..you know, like walls and furniture! and he has alreayd mastered trying to clear DVDs off the bottom shelf of the TV stand...lovely! We are REALLY in for it!
On the parent side, TJ should find out his MOS in the next couple weeks. Which will give us some indication for a time frame of when and where we will be headed next. I'm looking forward to that. Although we have quickly found a great church family here, and I will be sad to go. If TJ gets infantry, we'll get to stay a few more months..so maybe that will be good. Whatever God wants though..He's got it under control! I'm glad somebody does! haha! And for me..been keeping busy getting stuff together for a flea market this weekend..so excited to get rid of some stuff.and i'm hoping to make enough money to go to Ikea and get some stuff i want! i love that store! I've also been singing and playing the guitar at church..and although i get nervous..it's getting easier..and i'm playing a beautiful song this weekend..so wish me luck.. ok..well that was long! so sorry!! here are the pics for the week! love you all!

Connor's 4 month check up/shots

So, today was our first visit to our pediatrician here in VA. Overall, the experience was good. We had to wait a while, but that is pretty normal in busy doctor's offices...so whatever. I'm glad to announce that my child is HUGE! hah! Connor is 4 months and 3 weeks old now, and he weighed in at a WHOPPING 20 lbs solid! he is 26 inches long and has an 18 inch head! he's a growing boy! As the Doc said, he is the poster child for breastfeeding considering he has only had a few spoonfuls of rice cereal and has grown to be a strong, strapping young man! haha! She said he is the picture of health and seems to be doing everything he is supposed to be doing! He got 4 shots today, and other than the fact we had waited long enough that Connor was asleep (it was nap time) when it was shot time, he did very well. There was a lot of crying and tears...but mostly i think he just wanted to SLEEP! but by the time we got out to the front desk, he had stopped crying...he took a nap, and before we could finish lunch, he was back at his usual smiling happy baby! So that was that! Sad thing is that i think it was harder on me, than it was on him! hah! but i didnt cry this time! so i guess i was brave too! So...next round of shots in just over a month (since we were a bit behind schedule this time!) wahoo!! here's some pics from labor day weekend! enjoy!

Going to try my best

I have come to realize that there are several people in my world that might be having trouble keeping up with us Crazy Coots. I am finally realizing that some people just don't have myspace (although i think that is slightly crazy! ha!) anyway.. so i'm going to try my best to begin to keep a family blog, letting everybody know what all our family has been up to. With pictures, etc, of course! so here's the first post.
We have been here in VA for a little over a month. Although the house is still somewhat boxed up, we are settling in fairly well. We have found a church we LOVE, and they have some how swashbuckled me into singing (and occasionally playing) with the praise and worship team...so that has been interesting. I have managed to make a handful of friends here, and life has begun a routine, which is good. I never used to like routines, until i had Connor..and now i live by them (with some flexibility allowed of course...i'm still a "fly by the seat of my pants" girl at heart)
Connor is 4.5 months old now, if you will believe that. He rolls over both directions now and is currently obsessed with sucking his bottom lip! I am very blessed though, because he's all drool and giggles...a very happy and laid back baby. I could have asked for more! and He really loves being here with daddy, although i still dont think we see him enough.
TJ is a little over halfway done with TBS...it has been somewhat of a challenge for him..being in student status anyway...but he's doing well and looking forward to the next step, whatever that may be!
so i guess that's it, like i said, i'm new to this dealybob...so bear with me as i figure out how this all works...i'll attempt to post some pics...here we go...