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!!