Coots Craziness

Our Strong Willed Beauty

2012-01-31T11:09:00.001-05:00

So, for those of you who have talked to me, like EVER, about Lily, the following information probably won't surprise you. Nothing about Lily has ever really gone the way we planned. We weren't supposed to even think about having her until Connor was 2 years old, so when she emerged into the world 2 short months after Connor's FIRST birthday, we were NOT prepared, to say the least. We had all the material things we needed...crib, clothes, diapers, etc...but the mental part was not READY!!! The labor was hard, the pushing was LONG, there was infections that required antibiotics for her and bloodwork etc...nothing seemed to go easily for this child, but eventually, after HOURS of waiting, they placed the most BEAUTIFUL baby girl in my arms. She was already a diva, with a full head of BLONDE hair that was over an inch long and thick. She had blue eyes, that she decided to keep despite TJ, Connor, and I all having hazel eyes. She bucked the system straight out of the chute...she just HAD to be different...special...and she hasn't stopped yet. As a newborn, she landed herself in her crib in her own room after just a few short weeks in the bassinet. Not really because SHE couldn't get any rest...she slept beautifully. But, if you were in the same room with her, you couldn't sleep for all the grunting and groaning and sighing noises she would make as she slept. So we set her off on her own, independent path. She was not really a fussy baby, but she learned early how to get her way...or more appropriately, she TAUGHT us how to pay attention to her, and give her what she wanted. She grew more gorgeous everyday, with curly pigtails after just a month or two, and those gorgeous blues.... Then came her first birthday. She learned to walk in about 2 weeks. She went from cruising to walking unassisted with lightening speed. And this ability to move without help was her cue to take off into the wild world, unafraid and never slowing...She is highly intelligent (read manipulative). She had us trained from the start. We endured the normal stage of terrible tantrums. She started the terrible 2s around 15 months. haha! She learned the word NO and used it. When it became less effective, she picked up the word "NEVER!". She learned this word from a TV show with a bird who said Never in a British accent, so here was my not-quite 2 year old with blonde hair past her shoulders who would look at you, evil and smiling, and say "NEVAHH!!!" and people would laugh..hysterically...and honestly, I can't blame them. It was adorable, and hilarious...and endearing... Except....this was just one more method she used to defy our authority. We were locked in a constant and exhausting battle with this young child. We were always disciplining and yelling, and fighting for control over our little wild woman. She didn't listen....EVER. Life was very difficult when at any given moment, if something didn't go her way, without any warning, she would embark on wild, screaming tantrums that included screaming, crying, kicking, biting...anything she thought would work. This ruined things necessary to life, like play dates and grocery shopping. It all became impossible. We spent ALL of our energy just trying to survive her attitude and drama. Things even as simple as changing her diaper often left me in tears. If i had to take them to the doctor, or in public, most of the time i would end up having to leave early and would get them strapped in their car seats and I would cry in the drivers seat. Crying from exhaustion and embarrassment. I was a failure as a mother. This tiny child was stealing my life from me, and I had NO IDEA how to get it back. Fast forward to Lily at 2 and a half. She is the sassiest little girl I know. Don't get me wrong...she can be sweet and loving...but then in an instant, she transforms into this bossy, sassy being. She will scream and yell in a nasty tone of voice and then stomp her foot and put her hands on her hips, with her precious face scrunched up in an ugly scowl. It is awful. For a while, I wasn't sure what to do, and I was paralyzed with the not knowing...I did NOTHING. The problem grew from something she only did to me, or at home, to her thinking it was acceptable at church, or to any stranger who tried to assert authority over her. I got very embarrassed when I noticed her sassiness had "left the family" so to speak. Somehow it was ok when it was "just our little secret". But now, our sins had been laid bare to the public. We had a gorgeous little monster on our hands. I began to pray..fervently. I have now purchased 3 books on raising children....STRONG WILLED CHILDREN...I have begun to sneak into her room at night and hold her, to remind myself how much I love her...It is a hard way to go when you love your child...but after daily beatings, you can't really bring yourself to LIKE her very much. The guilt that comes with that duality is nearly unbearable. So I go into my sleeping child...and I lay hands on her and pray for God to help me. I pray "Lord, help me be the parent she NEEDS me to be, so she can be the person YOU MADE her to be" I quickly began to feel in my heart this idea....God made her with this strong will...stubbornness...for a reason. This helped, but there was no ANSWER to how to FIX her behavior. So I was left, drowning....But I had a direction...So I kept reading and praying. One day, she was being nasty, and I got down to her level, as I had done COUNTLESS times...and I started to yell at her...and then in my spirit came a question. "How do you expect HER not to yell, when YOU yell at her constantly?" Talk about a blow to your ego... So that day I began to change. I started to understand that she was doing what she SAW ME doing...and I knew, I had to stop yelling. I understood now that if I reacted to HER drama, with MORE drama...then I was just feeding the fire. So, through great pains, I have begun to force myself to speak calmly. I only yell for VOLUME as opposed to effect...and, Praise GOD...she has virtually stopped using her nasty tone of voice all together. She still cries and throws fits, but she doesn't speak in a nasty tone of voice. She doesn't talk nasty to me, or anyone. This is major progress. So I felt like I was getting somewhere. But..I still felt like I was in a struggle. Until last Sunday.... Our pastor was giving an excellent sermon entitled "get back". The basic gist of the sermon was that we all needed to GET BACK into our positions...into the place where GOD wanted us to be, and to then WAIT to do the job that God intended for us to do. If we get into our positions and wait....we will receive our Mantle (our protection from the Lord...his favor...) and then we will be able to move forward in the power of the Lord. The most significant portion of this sermon to me, was this statement "Change your perspective..." This is a simple statement. And when he said it, I thought "ok, well I have...I KNOW that God made her this way, and that I shouldn't BREAK the spirit he gave her...but that doesn't HELP me GOD. What do I DO?!?!" and very quickly, I heard, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10) and I understood INSTANTLY. See this child, this gorgeous, stubborn, manipulative, intelligent little being who had become such a burden to my heart, such a drain on my energy, and a source of pain, embarrassment and guilt; She is a GIFT from God. God gives us many things, but the responsibility of raising a CHILD...HIS child...is a great and powerful gift. But, it comes with massive responsibility...and huge consequences if not done properly. Part of my guilt has been how EASY it was to deal with Connor. He is so gentle and obedient, and easy to handle...so by comparison, I just didn't understand why I couldn't make her mind. I should be ABLE to control a small child right? But now, this word tells me, that sometimes....if we have done well with what God has already given us, God chooses to give us MORE...a GREATER responsibility. There is SOMETHING, a PURPOSE, that he has chosen for Lily, and it must be of GREAT importance to His plan for his Kingdom...and HE CHOSE ME. He saw something in ME that He knew he could trust the GREAT responsibility of raising this strong, vibrant, resilient little soul, so that she could learn what she needed to become the woman that God NEEDS her to be. He needs ME to teach her to be obedient...so that she will HEAR His call and be obedient to HIM when the time arises for her to carry out the plans He has for her. This word has changed my life. This tiny scripture brought the POWER of God to the knowledge that was already in my heart. God made Lily this way for a REASON. I may not understand that reason now, and may never understand it fully, but I have a new perspective now. For a long time, I have seen her as a burden, and now I feel like she is a blessing. I feel HONORED that God has chosen ME, that He thinks I am WORTHY to raise a child that is so important to Him. A child that is special, that was made EXACTLY the way she is, for a purpose. I no longer look at her and see a battle that can't be won, but rather a battle that MUST be FOUGHT with endurance, and patience, and must be WON. And I now feel like I CAN. I can WIN. I will need prayer and help and I will have days that I will NOT want to deal with her, but I now have HOPE that she will become the child of God I want her to be...and I will await the day when we are all rejoicing together over the Holy, Obedient, Righteous servant of the Lord that she will become. Lord, I am grateful!

The Plight of the Husbandless...

2012-01-16T17:37:00.000-05:00

It has occurred to me recently that there is large group of my friends, and of course others out there in the world, who really don't understand the struggles of daily life as a Marine wife. So, without trying to sound like I am whining, I thought I would share one of MY biggest struggles. As a wife of a Marine, I am many things. I have to be and do EVERYTHING that needs to be done while my husband is away, which requires a certain amount of the "fix it" personality. I am stubborn, independent, resourceful...even when he is home, it is rare that I ask for help, even from him, unless it is something that I am physically incapable of doing (ie moving something heavy...or anything requiring a chainsaw because that is just scary...) For the most part, I just DO IT..I take care of the problems as they arise and I don't need much assistance at doing so. This mentality is VITAL to survival as a Marine's wife, but it also becomes an achilles heel at times. Let me explain why... So it becomes the inevitable time for deployment. Deployment creates multiple challenges....everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, will break down while your husband is gone. The car, the furnace, etc, etc...you name a big expensive item that can break, and it WILL do it while your husband is gone. We like to call this "the deployment curse." The most ironic part of the Deployment curse, is that even if they were HERE...it's not likely the men would be dealing with the problem. It would still be the wives at home with a DIY fix, or calling a professional. Truth. I love my husband, but his main priority is not to be a handyman when he is home. When my dear husband is at home, his priority is time with the family. Not cooking, cleaning, fixing, etc...he wants to play and watch movies etc. with me and the kids..to be present and involved. This makes him an awesome husband and father, but this is the crux of what causes me the most heartache when he is gone. When he is deployed...he creates a problem that no professional can fix. I can't call the handyman, the electrician, or the furnace repair man. There is no tow-truck for this problem, no product you can buy at the store to make it better. Life with 2 young children is difficult. Even with a husband who is home every evening, days get long, and you start to go crazy without much adult companionship and conversation. So even when he is not deployed, I still have to be careful to make time for myself to be ME, as in the not "mom" me. To do that, I often leave my awesome Daddy of a husband home with the kids and run errands by myself, or go to women's group from church, or something of the sort. That always works out great because it gives him time with the kids and gives me time to relax and be myself. So, when he is gone, it becomes increasingly more difficult to scrape out even a few minutes of time for yourself. It becomes a fight to get to the gym, to get groceries, buy clothes for yourself, or shoes. Every task can turn into a struggle as you get worn down from the long days without a break. On top of this problem is piled the even bigger problem : Loneliness. When the day is done, dinner is over, and the kids go to bed....you are left sitting in a quiet house...alone. As much as quiet is a lovely thing after a day full of toddler noise...it is also a sad companion. There is nobody to share your day with, nobody to share silly stories of what the kids did or said..and nobody to tell you stories that convince you that the outside world still exists! You sit and watch TV and become entirely too attached to the shows you watch because those characters become the only adults you hear from that day, or even that week. You go to bed at night..no good night hug or kiss, no cuddles and snuggles. It's just you. You realize that a week may go by and you don't get touched by anyone other than your children. And no matter how wonderful their love and affections are, it isn't the same. Within the embrace of your husband, or even a friend, there is a security....a strength that gets passed. It is a communication that tells you, "I am here with you, and everything will be ok." It is the simplest reminder that you are NOT alone. Of course I know that God is always with me (and my heart aches for those in my position who DON'T know Him and have this hope)but part of the reason he gives us husbands is to give us a physical, tangible example of his promises. His promise to be there for us, to love us and hold us, and never leave our sides. And when they are away...we are desperate for that other half of our souls to return. To fill the void. So, then we take the problems and combine them with the personality of a Marine wife...and the problem only gets worse. The only way to fix the problem of loneliness is to spend time with people. At first, this isn't a problem, as everybody bands together at the beginning of a deployment. Everybody is asking, 'what do you need?', and 'can I help?' But as time goes on, the needs and the loneliness don't end. But the offers for help dwindle. As an independent, self-sufficient, and admittedly (too) proud mother/wife/person, it is the HARDEST thing to ask for help. It is reasonable to ask for help from another wife who is in the same position. This way you can TRADE services. She needs help too, so if you trade services, then nobody feels like they are a burden. But when you can't find an arrangement like that, then you are left to ask your friends for help. You are left to ask your friends for help, REPEATEDLY, CONSTANTLY, PATHETICALLY...until you just can't stand it anymore. I am not GOOD at asking for help. That is not naturally in my make up, but I am REQUIRED by my circumstances to constantly ask the people I know if they could watch the kids, or help me fix the toilet, or if they know somebody who could fix my furnace etc... It leaves this independent wife feeling needy and pitiful...there are days I would rather stab myself in the eye than text a friend to see if we could come over. I spend time doing everything BUT addressing things that are broken in the house, because I HATE to have to call ANOTHER friend to ask for help AGAIN. It becomes bad enough that occasionally I text a friend and say "what are you up to today?" just to see what they are doing...and the reply I get is "Sorry, can't take the kids today, I am too busy" because that is the most common reason that my friends hear from me, and at this point, they can't imagine me NOT needing something from them. All of this comes to a point where I feel so needy that I just shut down. I stop calling, stop asking for help, because the one thing I dislike the most is being a BURDEN to anybody else. I start to depend on Church services for my social outings. Which in most case works as people are quick to give a hug on Sundays. To them, it means a simple hello, to you, it's the only adult contact you have had all week and it restores your soul. But the weeks that you miss church with a sick child, or for some other reason become some of your darkest days as one week turns into two. I start to tell myself that I can DO THIS by myself...I shouldn't NEED anybody else. If only I was reading my bible everyday and put in a routine in the house to keep everybody busy...then I would be happier. If I could find more time to crochet or sew, the things I enjoy, then I would be happier. But even though these things help to ease the burden, this doesn't take away the loneliness. God creates us as SOCIAL beings. He designed us to work TOGETHER to fill each other's needs, to have husbands that share half of our burdens. I wish I could say that I have found the resolution to the problem. This deployment we moved back "home" to be around our nearest and dearest friends, and closer to family. I am not, in any way, saying that this was not the right decision. I know that it was, and I am grateful to be here for more reasons that I can tell you, but the problem still exists. It is the same in some ways and different in others. It is easier here to ask for help, since I have been friends with people here so much longer. And yet being here has added a new facet to the burden. I knew, obviously, that life had changed since we left here almost 4 years ago, but it is hard to come home to the familiar and find it so different. The friendships you have are different. Those friends have created lives for themselves that don't include you in anyway more than phone calls to keep updated on life. I am so GLAD that these friends have busy lives full of things to do and people to see, but it is hard to feel like an outsider where you used to fit in. It is hard to find your new niche to fit back into your old life. And on top of that, I know that I will only be here for a few months. This begs to ask why anybody would sew into a friendship with me, when they know that they will lose most of that friendship within the year. So, I digress....I could go on for hours, so I will end this here. I hope that this didn't come across as a big whine-fest. I did not intend to make anyone feel bad or guilty, or responsible in any way for the way I have been feeling lately. I merely wanted to help you to understand the sacrifices we make as military families and Marine's wives. The benefits are great, but the burdens are heavy. I will end by saying, if you know a military wife, especially if her husband is deployed.....Offer her help, and mean it. Ask what needs fixed at her house and take your husband over to help with the big stuff. When you see her...give her a hug, squeeze her tight and tell her you love her. Take her kids, even if it's just for an hour. Invite her to come over...even if you are just sitting and watching TV, she doesn't need to be entertained, she just needs somebody to BE THERE. Ask her how she is doing, and don't take "fine" for an answer. Try not to say "I understand" unless you REALLY DO. Pray for her and then just give her your time. She just needs to NOT be alone.

is there such a thing as "ready" ?

2011-09-16T15:05:00.000-04:00

So I usually have a pretty clear idea of what I want to write about before I sit down to blog. Today, that is not exactly the truth, rather I am sitting here because I need to sit and write out my whirling mind before it makes me go postal.
We are rapidly approaching the departure date for Daddy's second "vacation" to the Middle East. I spend a lot of time remembering our preparation for the last deployment, and I can say, it seems to feel EXACTLY the same. Days rush by so quickly, and I just stand here and think in my brain, "I should be more prepared for this, right?!" I have survived a deployment before and my "handle it" mentality keeps nagging at me saying, "Keri, WHY ARENT YOU READY?!?!" Does ready even EXIST?!?!
Please tell me what "ready" would even mean.... how can any wife be "ready" to say goodbye to her husband for months, not knowing how he will be when he returns, or even IF he returns...If that was the only question we asked here, the many possibilities are endless and all that is entailed in that tiny question could take us DAYS to ponder and try to figure out. If only that were it, but i find myself asking myself HUNDREDS of questions that are easily as weighted as that one... The hardest of these questions involve the kids and how they will cope without him, and how HE will cope without THEM. I am once again living my life trying to memorize every little moment. The way he holds my hand, and the way he looks that the children...the way Lily's eyes positively LIGHT UP when he is here, and the way Connor just can't quite help himself but to waylay him when he's not looking. The way a living room full of children and dog quietly watching TV turns into a frenzy of excitement at the sound of a motorcycle in the driveway followed by hugging and yelling and recounting of the days stories. Bedtimes full of whispering, giggling and prayers. Wrestle-time full of squealing and "haya"s, and the many horseback rides on Daddy's back. Neighborhood walks that end in Mommy or Daddy carrying/pushing Connor's bike back to the house because he got tired and joined Lily in the wagon..Beach days, trying to keep the kids from drowning as they run headlong into the waves with no fear what-so-ever.
That list is endless...and my heart aches for TJ. For the thought of all that he will miss while he's gone. The everyday things that mean the most, and the big things too...Lily will grow from a budding drama queen into (hopefully) a young lady. Connor might well be all grown up by the time he returns, he is already such a fine young gentleman. My greatest sorrows are for TJ and how it must hurt to be away from his kids for so long. I cant really even begin to imagine, nor do i want to.
After all this, comes my worries...the greatest of these is maneuvering the world of raising 2 toddlers without their Daddy. The last deployment was difficult in this manner, yet, in some ways i think easier, since Lily was too young to realize what was going on. This will certainly NOT be the truth this time. I am burdened already with how much she will long for her Daddy, her hero. I am not prepared for how to help her with that, when I know I will be feeling exactly the same way. I know Connor will be very sad as well. His Daddy is his favorite person, and he just wants to be with him, all the time, whatever he is doing...So the separation will take it's toll on TJ's little man.
So, tell me, how are you to prepare for this...what does "ready" even mean. The only answer I can come up with is to tell you that "ready" doesnt exist. The truth is that regardless of how difficult my days will be, I will have the easiest part of it all. I will be in MY home, with MY children, safe and sound where we can sleep in our beds and eat whatever we want. The children will have the more difficult task as they deal with something they can't possibly understand the way that I do. Duty and selflessness are hard concepts for children to grasp, but they are very real to me. TJ will have the hardest of it all. He will be away from his family and his home. he will sleep when and where there is time and space, he may be in danger more often than not, and he must eat what is available to them, which often times is an MRE, or local food that can be even scarier (although, TJ has never had a problem eating..) he will be missing out on watching his children grow. I have always said that i will not pity myself for this, because I know that I dont have the hard part. see...all this stress and hurt...the answer is simple. I just put one foot in front of the other, and I trust in God. I trust that GOD is in control, of EVERYTHING. And I just sit in that...i wrap myself in that peace on the nights when i think i might go crazy...and He is enough. He HAS to be...and He IS.

God's amazing push....

2011-07-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

As I walk through this life and get a little older, I am beginning to recognize God's incredible ability to "push" me. I can see how God has adjusted and amended, tailored and tucked, added and subtracted things in my life to guide me, to PUSH me, towards the decisions that coordinate with His will. At this time in our lives, there is an expectation of great change. TJ is working up for his second deployment. He is also facing the board that decides whether he can stay in the Marine Corps, or whether he must choose another path. If he stays in, there will be decisions on where we will go next, some of which will not be in our control. We are seeking guidance from God on whether to expand our family again. In all this I feel God pushing me. I used to see the difficulties in my life as just simple difficulties. I would just feel frustrated that things were not as I wanted them to be. But now, I can see God in the difficulties. I can see God making a part of my life difficult, to help me to look for something else. I have begun to keep the attitude of 'If it is unsettling, or upsetting, then I should look for the lesson and not drown in the misery.'

My current struggle in life is feeling isolated. Over the last year and a half, I have progressively felt pushed aside and left out. I have begun to feel, even in places where I have "belonged" before, like an outsider...like a woman, yearning to be involved and immersed in life and friends, yet standing on the outside watching everyone have the life/friends/family that I want. And it's not really that I want what THEY have. But I want MY version. I want what I have always been accustomed to. I have never had any trouble finding friends and making family in the towns/places that we have lived. We have moved a lot, and yet I ALWAYS find at least ONE, solid, dependable friend. Someone that fills the gap, even just a little, on the many days and nights where TJ is not here. I usually find a "family" of friends that surrounds and supports not only me, but my little growing family. And yet, here, even though at one time I felt like things were progressing exactly this way.....now, I just sit and wonder what happened. I sit in my house with my children, and long for a friend to just come over and hang out. Not even DO anything or GO anywhere..just to BE. Of course I long for the friend who helps out at a moment's notice. I have several of those, just none who live here presently, and I wonder, at times if I will ever find that here. Which brings me to the point of this blog.

It has become apparent that this stage of my life is a PUSH. God is helping me, PUSHING me, to make a decision that I normally wouldn't make, by taking away the comfort of family and friends where I live. Since TJ returned from Afghanistan, there has been discussion of where we would live when he deployed again. TJ's vote has always been for me to move back to KY, and I have always felt that decision would be a cop-out. I felt that moving home for a deployment was an admission that I couldn't handle it. That I wasn't WOMAN enough to take care of my family, or something. I have always been the wife/mother who just TAKES CARE OF IT. This personality trait is part of how I can live the life of a military wife and not just keel over and die :) It is ingrained into my spirit to hold fast, sit tight, and God will see me through.

Now, I must admit that at some point, this resiliency turns into just plain stubbornness. I stop really listening to God as I get caught up in my desire to "do it myself". This is why God, in his amazing patience and love, chooses to PUSH me. Now, I know he has pushed and guided me before, but this time, God needed the strength of 1000 Semi-trucks pushing together, to break through my stubbornness. I was dead-set against this move. So, he has isolated me, he has slowly, but surely taken away each leg of the table of support that I built for myself. He has taken away family that lives close, friends that i had bonded with, a church that pushed me to grow, and even a personal drive that I had to keep myself healthy and in shape. He has slowly and methodically placed road blocks in all these areas of my life that have made them less and less effective, until I have been left with no other choice but to see the answer. HIS answer.

The tricky part is now to accept His answer. The answer that means that I am NOT strong enough, but HE is. And that I CAN'T make everything better, but He CAN. That I can NOT do it by myself, but WITH God, I CAN do ALL THINGS. That I CAN'T have the friendship and support that I seek HERE, but I CAN have it where HE wants me. WHEN he wants me, and HOW he wants me. It doesn't matter how many objections and worries that I have about this decision...HE will take care of them. He will take care of the how and the where and the why, and all those details that are a great burden in my heart will wash out as HE continues to PUSH me. to push me to TRUST in HIM.

God - I know it doesn't always seem like I'm listening. Forgive me for my stubbornness. I hear you. I will follow you. I pray you would just continue to guide me and keep your hand in ALL of the decisions that are to be made. Help me to continuously seek and trust in YOU. I can't do this without you. Thank you for loving me enough to push me, and for being patient enough to use a push that is mighty and tender all at the same time. I know that if it were not for your incredible love, I would be crushed by the weight of my days. You hold me up. I love you.

umm...hehe..another year has passed.

2011-07-15T15:08:00.002-04:00

Ok, so here we go AGAIN. I just read my last post..."has it really been a year" haha! funny words, since yet another year has passed since my last visit. Life is crazy these days (so what's new)
Lily has turned 2, although she's been acting like the stereotypical 2 year old for months now. She is a lesson intelligence and patience. She is extremely intelligent, and manipulative in the lovely way that toddlers can be. She has discovered that she can ALWAYS get my attention by saying "i need a hug, or a kiss" or "i love you Mommy!" She uses this against me. And she almost always wins that battle (and i pray i will NEVER stop letting her win that game!) She is stubborn and willful. I truly believe that God has something very challenging and wonderful for her in the future, and he is raising her with a level of persistence that is stretching my patience. I guess God is growing BOTH of us in that manner. She has also begun to use manners. Now, saying that, I will say that she uses "no, thanks!" a lot, but usually in the nastiest tone of voice that you can imagine coming from a face as gorgeous as hers. it's positively hilarious and enchanting!
Connor is my little man. At 3 years and a couple months, he knows EVERYTHING. And what he doesn't know, he intends to find out NOW! This fills my day with stories that start with, "MOM, did you know.....?" and "Why" "what" "where" and you know the rest of that one. He gets really frustrated when i say "i don't know", and whether i truly don't know the answer (or just don't know what the heck he's talking about), or I'm trying to avoid answering a tough question in an effort to protect his little heart....he always says, "Will you PLEASE JUST TELL ME!?" He is such a wonderful little man. We have been focusing a lot lately on loving our sister. We are learning that LOVING her means NOT hitting/pushing/biting her....as well as remembering to take care to make sure she is happy. We do that by LISTENING to her, and sharing, and making sure that he does what it takes to take care of his baby sister. He is very good at this game, and has shown a heart full of generosity far past the age of 3.
Now with all this excitement, I have begun to ponder a lot on my position as MOTHER. Truly there are days when i feel that i am not cut out for this motherhood thing. Most of the time i feel like I'm just hanging on to the knot at the end of my rope while life takes us for a spin. But i feel it is so important to remember (as i read today on another blog) that Motherhood is a CALLING. Motherhood is what God WANTS from women. He wants us to devote our lives to supporting our husbands and families. There are days that i feel like what I'm doing is just treading water...that there is no significance to all the tiny little things i do everyday...the books i read, the toys i pick up (and pick up and pick up), the household chores, the cooking, the MILLIONS of questions that i answer (sometimes over and over and OVER!). But i have come to realize that the picture is SO MUCH BIGGER than what i can even imagine. Every little thing i do during the day is part of what is shaping the ENTIRE future of my children's lives. I am changing who they will be, how they will act, and the choices that they will make with each and every tiny little decision that I make. The weight of this would crush most women. This is where God comes in. I really don't know how anyone can parent a child and NOT believe in God. He is my ONLY hope of not irrevocably screwing my children up. I cannot do ANYTHING without his grace and mercy and guidance. Being a parent (especially of 2 intelligent and active toddlers) can be such a terrifying experience, but i know that i don't have to be afraid, because the God of the UNIVERSE (the UNIVERSE PEOPLE!!) is right here with me, and with THEM...and he will protect us. And what he doesn't protect us from, he will be there WITH us to see us THROUGH. This kind of peace is the ONLY reason I can continue to live the life i live, with these two BEAUTIFUL challenges that God has given me. These little challengers...that grow me, and amaze me, and stretch me, and teach me MORE about the kind of LOVE that God has for me, and wants FROM me.
Lord, let me honor them with my words and my actions. Teach me to show them YOUR kind of love and mercy so that they can live a life that knows the JOY and PEACE of a life spent with YOU.

has it REALLY been a year?!?!?!

2010-06-02T10:46:00.002-04:00

ok. so apparently having a second child was the end of my blogging career?!?! ahha! well...a year has passed since my last post. Life is a whirlwind. Things are going to change quite a bit for our family in the next couple weeks. Daddy is headed across the ocean to defend our freedom. So Mommy has decided that keeping up with a blog will be a nice way to help keep some memories for daddy while he is away! So i will do my best to keep up a little better. OK..that's it for now. will try to get some pics up and such soon! love to you all!!

soo...yes..we are still here

2009-05-04T15:16:00.002-04:00

I realize that delinquent doesnt come close to covering my latest blogging style. Hehe! Needless to say, we have been busy. We moved to NC on the 15th of April. that means we've been here almost 3 weeks, which seems like a lifetime and a flash all at the same time.
we are slowly getting accustomed to the loveliness of coastal living. Two lizards and one centipede in the house later, i'm thinking the houseguests of IL were much more relaxing to deal with, but i'm sure i'll adjust. YOu have to take the good with the bad. Connor is loving life here. We have family in the area so we have people to love on him all the time. He's quite spoiled. In our short time here, he had his birthday party (finally), has been fishing, and to the beach. And he seems to just love all of the outdoor activities. He is currently learning to run and spends most of his days going up and down the hall way, half running, with his hands behind him like he is flying superman style and usually laughing or squealing, or both... he loves to be chased in this activity. He will also give Sampson kisses on command. We are working on learning more words than "da da" and i think he might actually be calling me "maaam" sometimes...it's a funny sounding version, but i'll take it! He also loves to sit on the couch, the only problem is he can't quite get up by himself..which makes lots of work for mommy.
I am 8 weeks from my due date. I'm pretty much fat and miserable...you know, in the good pregnant way i guess. Having trouble sleeping at night since i can't stay comfortable. Bless TJ's heart for putting up with me..but i guess this is half his fault. heheh. But we are excited to start preparing for Miss Lily's entrance into the world. We have to paint her room...it currently has a bloodstripe on one wall..for those of you non Marine people...that means one wall is painted Navy blue with a red stripe down the center...it is the same as their dress uniform pants, and is a cymbal of the blood that was shed by marines before them...anyway..i think it's not quite right for a little baby girl's bedroom, so we'll have to do some "adjustments" in there...guess we better get started!
Everything else is good...Jelly likes the new house...sampson loves his yard, and is even being friendly with the neighbor's tiny little italian greyhounds. We have met a couple neighbors who are great, and i am happy to report we have found a church that we really really like! It was one of those, you walk in, and feel right at home kind of experiences...and i'm headed to lunch with some of the girls tomorrow, and i'm anxious to get to know them better!

so life is good...i'll put up some pictures soon...well..i'll try...i guess with my track record, i shouldnt make any promises! ok..well love you all!!

Life and Mom update

2009-03-31T11:44:00.002-04:00

Hello everybody! it's been a couple weeks since i've written. I wish i could say i've been too busy...but honestly, i havent been busy at all, and that has lulled me into this lazy mode. I have been worthless for the most part. Mom came home the day after they placed her second stint. Straight from the ICU to home. Although i think maybe a day or two in the step down unit could have been good, she was itching to get home, and the hospital wasnt doing anything but watching her. So we could do that at home. We got home and Mom was a little surprised at how exhausted she was. Not sure exactly what she expected, but her body needed some serious recovery. The stints were successful, and despite the doctor's prognosis that she wouldn't regain function of her right arm (which was pretty much useless before the first stint) Mom had regained most of her arm/hand function. She does have some weakness in her grip and hand control, and has a little bit of a shake in her hand in some motions. This is an incredible miracle, in my opinion, but from Mom's point of view, it is a source of frustration. She is going to need time to adjust to what the new "normal" is in her life, and make adjustments for how to live daily life with a partially functioning hand. Being the fiercely independent woman she is, this is a struggle for her, so i pray that she will adjust to things over time and not get too stressed out. Honestly, we are very lucky we didnt lose her all together, let alone lucky that she didnt have a major stroke that was much more severe than what she is dealing with now.
So all in all things are good. We have just been hanging around the house mostly, intermixed with a couple short shopping trips for baby clothes, and even a few maternity items for me (thanks mom!) But just taking it easy i guess. This has been a struggle for me, because in my brain, I have a lot to do! Fortunately, the day mom got out of the hospital, we also got Connor back from our friends who had been watching him. It has been great to have him home with us, and i think he helps mom's spirits greatly. He really loves his grammy and is full of smiles and giggles. Who can be upset around a baby?! hah! He actually has learned how to really walk in the last week...bridged the gap from 4 steps to walking all over. This is exciting and exhausting all at the same time. He is into EVERYTHING!! including chasing mom's dog...who is older and grumpy...she's not too keen on him..but he just wants to love all over her!! haha!
Mom has a check up with her neurosurgeon tomorrow (wed). I'm sure they won't do anything but continue to monitor her for a little while. So, I have booked my flight back to VA for Thursday. I am confident that Mom can do everything she needs to live alone. And i have a husband who i miss terribly, and a house to pack and clean. We will be departing VA on the 14th of April to head to our new home in North Carolina. So we have a busy couple weeks ahead of us filled with boxes that will be great fun for Connor to help us pack...or unpack since that seems to bring him great joy! Mostly i am just grateful to the friends and family that have been praying for us. I really know that through all of this, God has been here with us, making provisions for everything we need, and seeing Mom through this physical battle. He has provided support from multiple family and friends calling and offering help, childcare, encouraging words, even a bottle of Yoohoo left on the step at Moms for me. all of these things have made this a bearable trip, and allowed me to be here without freaking out about all the other things i should be doing. God is good!
So, I probably won't be around too much in the next couple weeks. I do hope to get a video of Connor walking up on Facebook or myspace...or maybe even here..we'll see! But i love you all! thanks for your words of prayer and support! We couldnt do it without you!

Time flies when life gives you lemons

2009-03-13T16:41:00.002-04:00

So....this week has been crazy!! I left Stafford, VA Monday morning with my friend and fellow marine wife, Roxxann. We were enroute to the Camp lejeune, NC area on a house hunting trip.Fun times. Our hubbies left early the next day for 3 weeks of training in CA before graduation from IOC...which also means limited contact from them! Now, being 6 hours from home and having two kids around a year old, and a lot of houses to look at is a pretty daunting task...but amidst much stress and some strategically placed (and awesome) baby sitting, we managed to cram in finding a rental for us, and putting a contract together for Rox and fam to purchase a home. it was CRAZY!
meanwhile, in hometown leb, IL...Mama shake decided to spice things up and create some excitement. Adam came down to join her for a doc's appt to address a new issue with her right hand/arm...stroke like symptoms similar to what happened 2 years ago. well this time around it warranted an MRI and what has become a week in the hospital. What they have decided is that her history of radiation treatment and brain tumor has compromised her internal carotid artery. Her tumor actually surrounds this artery, and the artery itself has narrowed due to some plaque buildup and some deterioration as a side effect of radiation. SO...yesterday they placed a stint in the artery just under the tumor in hopes that it would help to restore bloodflow to the brain above it. Although they didn't hold out much hope for her to regain control over her right arm, this morning her arm function is much improved. The surgery did leave her with a blood clot in the artery, just above the tumor...so they are battling with blood thinners and hoping that the clot will dissolve before it causes anymore issues. They also have decided that she has had a series of TIAs or small strokes over the last couple months, that have been undetectable until the most recent MRI.
so, they are keeping her here at Barnes Jewish hospital in StL for at least another week. Hopefully she can be moved from ICU to a regular room in the next couple days. they will then repeat the angiogram to see if this stint is working they will then decide whether they will place another stint in the artery within the tumor. That would be a bit more risky especially with the clots that are there now. So, we will wait and see.
Me...i'm in for the long run. Took a one way flight in with Connor yesterday. While Mom is in ICU, Connor can't be here, so Adam's friends have taken him to their house to stay. Last night was my first night without my little guy, and although it's hard to be away from him i know he is much happier in a place where he can run and play, and they will bring him to visit soon! hehe! once mom breaks outta here, we'll bring him back home to mommy!
so that's the most of it for now...i'll try to keep updates coming as i can! thank you for all the prayers!! keep em coming!!

Connor's first hospital stay!

2009-02-27T08:48:00.002-05:00

Hopefully we don't have to make a "second" post EVER!! haha! Hello everybody! I thought i would update you on what our week has been like! Connor managed to pick up the flu...somewhere...who knows, they're kids right?! So anyway..the puking commenced 2 AM Tuesday morning. This is especially challenging for a pregnant mom due to the wonderful smells that accompany this action, but, as is par for the course, TJ is in the field this week, so it's all on me! hah! anywho...the puking continued all day. I commenced to feeding him pedialite by syringe since that was the only way he could keep anything down, but it was a LONG day! By that night, i got him to hold down about 4 oz of formula (he was starving, at by that time, i figured, what's more puke at this point) well, he kept it down and slept ALL NIGHT. I had so hoped we were over the hump, but Wed morning was more of the same regurgitation practice. Well, we took him to his regular pediatrician who said i was doing all the right things, but that he was dehydrated and if he hadnt produced some urine (sign that i was getting him enough fluids) in a couple hours, that i was to take him to the ER for IV fluids. We returned home to where we started throwing up EVERYTHING, INCLUDING the syringe-fulls of pedialite. So we went to the ER...Poor Connor was so drained and sick, he was pitiful...he didnt have the energy to flirt with the nurses or anything.

So they admitted us for IV fluids, and we spent Wed night in he pediatric ward of the hospital. They took wonderful care of us, and the fluids began to work quickly. Wed night was tough though, Connor screamed for over two hours straight. Finally we got him to hold down some fluids in his tummy on top of the IV fluids and he fell asleep. The nurses praised me for how calm i was, but I tell you, it was only the grace of God that kept me that way. I had spent quite a bit of time the night before on my face praying for his health, and my ability to deal with whatever he needed. Let me tell you, God answers prayers! Amidst all of the craziness...i never felt panic, and i never felt sorry that i spent my entire birthday in the hospital (it was thursday!!) I was just grateful that we were where we needed to be to get help for Connnor, and that he was able to give me a smile and a giggle. It was the best present i could have gotten. So after more labs and no vomit on thursday, they released us Thursday evening to our own recognizance.

Connor is doing much better this morning, got good rest last night, had some applesauce and formula this morning and played until he wiped out. We'll follow up with our regular doctor today, but it looks like we're over the hump now. We even had a normal poo this morning...I told mom, i never knew how excited i could get over pee and poo...but Connor's first pee after 36 hours plus of major dehydration spawned phone calls and happy dances!! and it is certainly good to see some poo with a shape! so i tell you..simple pleasures for us moms.

TJ will be home from the field tonight. I did get to speak with him a couple times while we were i the hospital, but i assured him that all was well and he didnt need to come stare at the IV bag with me. I'm sure it was hard for him not to come, so i wont yell if he grabs him out of the bed tonight when he gets home (it will be well after bedtime before he gets here) I just feel so overwhelmed sometimes by the love of my family and friends. Thanks to all who helped by visiting, bringing food, or helping me remember i had a dog at home that needed care! hah! We are truly blessed by the "family" that God has blessed us with!

I realize i havent posted any pictures recently..i'll get on that, i promise! love you all!

10 short months...

2009-02-11T15:41:00.002-05:00

Today, Connor is 10 months old! I can't hardly believe the time has gone by this fast. Especially noting how close 10 months is to 12...it's highly disturbing to me! We celebrated today by taking advantage of the beautiful springlike weather. Our friend Roxxann who has an 11 month old, Christopher, and I picked up subway and took our sons to the playground at the local Marine Corps Museum. Nice place, great weather...the boys loved the swing and the slide!! Connor now has learned the "classic" crawl on hands and knees..but still chooses to do the combat crawl when speed is necessary - as in trying to get out the gate! Actually most of the time he crawls to the gate and stops, to fulfill his obsession with opening and closing anything that resembles a door. He is also currently in love with music and has learned how to clap. He spends lots of time playing his little piano and bobbing up and down and clapping to the music. He still walks back and forth (and over the dog or cat if necessary) on his walker, and even took a couple unassisted steps last week. He is trying to stand on his own, and can get a good 5 or 6 seconds before he crashes! He is entirely too smart already, although he has started to try to chew on everything.including me and other children, so we're big into dealing with learning not to bite.
This past monday we had to go to the doctor. Connor had flared up with a BAD case of eczema. We got some steroid cream which seems to have really cleared it up very well!! We also found out that day that our "little" boy has managed to gain another pound and a half in the last month! He now weighs in at a whopping 24 lbs and 14 oz. He's huge! but he's healthy!
All in all, I really can't complain, this little boy is the most precious and loving thing!! he is starting to give kisses on his own, and I think he's starting to use some signs. We started a couple months ago teaching him basic signs for Mama and Dada, etc. I think he's trying to say Dada - He gets the hand up and stretched, but won't touch it to his forehead yet. But he repeats it after you do...and says "dada" with his tongue sticking out sometimes! Everything is currently done with his tongue hanging out. I think we're gonna get another tooth! hah!
anyway..i'm rambling! My baby is such a big boy now, and i am so proud of him! Will take a few pictures and try to get them posted soon!!

Big Announcement!!

2009-02-06T14:39:00.003-05:00

Hello everybody! I wanted to update you all on our newest addition to the family. I had my 20 week ultrasound on Wednesday. Yes, that means I'm halfway to being a mother of two! eek! anyway, The baby is growing well and healthy. NO apparent problems. Heart rate was 147. The tech made several comments about how "beautiful" the anatomy of our baby was! I saw lots of wiggling fingers and toes..and good solid leg and arm bones!! We did decide to find out the sex this time - since we needed to know whether we needed to restock, or just pull out the baby boys stuff we own! TJ wasnt able to make the appointment, so I had the tech seal the gender in an envelope, and then i waited (too long) for him to come home Thursday evening so we could find out together.. Here are the results:::

Her name will be Lily Della Coots. Lily is a name I have always loved, and Della is TJ's grandmothers name. She was very special to him, and it means a lot to him to have our daughter carry on her spirit!! We are very excited, and feeling overly blessed with everything. We are definitely aware that this having a baby thing is more complicated that it sometimes seems and we are grateful that God has blessed us already with one AMAZING and WONDERFUL child, and we are looking forward to meeting our new little squirt in June!

Connor is 9 months old! already!

2009-01-13T14:14:00.002-05:00

so...his 9 month birthday of sorts was Sunday! I cannot believe how old he is already! We had his check up today...he is 23 lbs 8 oz, 29.5 inches long, 19 inch head.. as my OB said it yesterday morning..he is STURDY! But he's got big shoes to fill..and he's well on his way. The doc is quite impressed at his social skills..as he was talking to and flirting will all the nurses and the doc herself. And of course, he HAD to grab everything she put near him...makes listening to his heart fun. She said he is the picture of health..other than that stubborn runny nose, but still no sign of ear infections...so maybe it's the fact that he cut his 7th and 8th tooth in the last week and a half..that means 4 on top and 4 on bottom...and he thinks he can and MUST eat everything you are eating! But now that he's figured out how to chew..more foods are on his horizon!!

Connor accompanied me to my 16 week check up at the OB yesterday. She said all is well..Heart rate in the mid 150s...sounds familiar..but i am still hoping for a girl. we have decided to find out the sex this time so we know whether to buy a bunch of pink, or just load up on diapers and a double stroller! hah! The big ultrasound will be Feb 4th. I just wish TJ could go, but that is highly unlikely..you all can help by praying for a miracle day off for him..!!

other news...well..there's not a whole lot! we should find out in the next couple weeks where our next duty station is. We are excited to know..yet hoping we dont end up in the desert of California..although that is where our best friends just left for, so they would be our saving grace if that happens! haha! But i know God's got it all worked out however he wants it! so i'm looking forward to the adventure. Mostly i'm just spending my days in awe of my little boy, who looks at the world with new eyes, and seems to be loving every second of it. And dreaming about a new little pair of eyes that we get to do this all over again with!! Life is surely exciting..and here in the world of the Coots, there is NEVER a dull moment!

finally have a chance..

2009-01-08T12:00:00.005-05:00

hey everybody! incase you were wondering...we made it back to VA just fine! it was a long haul..and a long time to be gone, but we were very glad we got to see so many people. To those of you we may have missed, we'll try to catch you next time! Since we've been home, things havent slowed down. Connor has already figured out how to walk with the push along walker that he got for Christmas...so he is tearing up the house..and of course, falling and bumping various body parts..but he's having a great time. We used all of our Christmas gift money to purchase a video camera..and are already enjoying documenting some of Connor's typical fun things to do..i'll see if i can figure out how to post some of them here! Our best friends here at Quantico are moving this weekend...so it begins, this life of making and leaving friends, but I wouldnt change it for the world...we will miss the babysitting..but mostly we'll miss the friendship we've created with them! Good luck to Trista and Andy as they head to 29 Palms in CA, by way of Ft.Knox for tank school on the way! in other news..for those of you who havent heard...TJ and I are expecting our second child in June. We have kept it a secret for a while - i'm already 15 weeks (out of 40) - because we wanted to suprise his family for Christmas..and boy did we do just that! it was great! This baby was a suprise to us...at least the timing, but sometimes I guess God just can't wait to send more blessings...so we are looking forward to this child with excitement! ok..here's my favorite pics from our trip..and maybe a video..i'll try it out! haha..

just a quick note

2008-12-31T23:13:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-11T22:11:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-11-20T18:24:00.003-05:00

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!!

2008-11-12T09:08:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-11-04T18:55:00.004-05:00

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

2008-10-20T13:48:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-17T17:09:00.003-04:00

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?!

2008-10-03T09:51:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-26T16:59:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-11T22:23:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-02T15:26:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-28T09:48:00.002-04:00

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...