www.aaronandlaurafamily.blogspot.com
Please change your link to us to the new address. We're trying to avoid using our last name. Also, the blog won't be private anymore, so for all our friends & family who don't have a blog... you can read it too!
After a week or so, this blog will be gone, so hop on it :)
Aaron is coming into town this weekend (hooray!) so we are taking family pictures Sunday. I need your help deciding... what outfit should Gabe wear (and susbequently should Aaron and I plan our outfits around)? The first outfit is much more "Christmas" with the reds, blacks, greys, etc and the second is more fall, but more difficult to match. Is it too cheesy to go all out Christmas for a Christmas card picture?
On a side note: flu shot (regular one) today- ouch! My arm is already sore!
Sorry I've been away. There are changes coming up.
I've been figuring out how to transfer this blog to a new address, one that doesn't include our last name in it.
That will be happening soon, so check back for that.
I also want a new layout.
And new pictures (family pictures Sunday!)
And my new resulotion... to blog at least 3x a week. YIKES.
(That is, once the changes take place of course!)
In the meantime.... answers to all 2 questions ;) Ha!
We should find out the baby's gender October 21. I'll be almost 18 weeks then, so it is a lot earlier than we found out with Gabe! Hopefully the baby cooperates. Aaron thinks it's a girl, and I really have no clue. This pregnancy has been a TON different than with Gabe (thank heavens) but I know that doesn't really mean anything. As far as names go, we have a few. We like Gianna and Claire for girls, along with a LARGE handful of other names, and for boys... well, that's a whole different issues. IF we're having a boy, I'll be asking for help! :)
My fav color... not sure! I like them all. Orange and purple right now :) Fall, yay!
Alright, to all 3 of my blog readers, ask me some questions you want to know. They can be about anything.
Post your questions in the comments section here and I'll do a post or two (depending on how many questions there are!) answering.
Gracias!
Who's there?
CONVICTION.
I urge you all to spend a 1/2 hour of your day listening to this sermon, regardless of what religion you are. I think it's beneficial for all of us.
http://www.crosspoint.tv/media/religion-lies/v78
(The series is called religion lies, but don't let that scare you off. The actual sermon is on not judging, being the morality police, etc.)
I had a few realizations today:
1) Food tastes SO much better when someone makes it for me, and cleans up the mess.
2) As much as I love Gabe, I REALLY need a babysitter.
3) For being an English Writing major, I can never think of what to put on my blog. When I do write, it never says what I intended. Hmph. Fat lotta good that degree did for me!
We are moving to Ft. Campbell instead of Ft. Bliss!!! Hooray!! That means only 5-6 hours from home instead of 22 :) Ft. Campbell is on the KY/TN state line and is about 45 minutes from Nashville. We could not be more excited!
It was totally a "God thing." We had been hoping there would be someone, anyone who would trade us for Ft. Bliss. We wanted to go pretty much anywhere else, with Ft. Campbell and Ft. Knox being our top 2 favorites (closest to home.) Well, before Aaron's class even started, a guy came up to him and asked him if he wanted to trade. I guess his fiance and her family are in El Paso! It all got approved and made official today.
Here's to house hunting and being close to family!
I'm usually not one to brag about my child (hahaha, funny joke ya'll) but really, isn't he precious? 
Gabe has been fighting a cold on and off for a little ove a month now. I finally took him to the doctor yesterday because he quit eating all together, was really irritable, INCREDIBLY clingy (even if he could see me, he would be hysterical if I wasn't holding him) and not sleeping at all... it was 2 am one night before he fell asleep, then he was up again at 330. AWFUL. Anyway, he has his first ear infection (not bad for 11 1/2 months old!) His right ear was pretty bad and his left was borderline, so now he has an antibiotic to hopefully clear it up. He did weigh 22 lbs 4 oz.... so glad he is gaining weight :)
Last weekend Aaron was able to come in town on his way from Georgia to Virginia. We had SO much fun! He got here at around 1 am Friday morning. Friday during the day we went to the state fair. it was my first time, how crazy is that?! Gabe got to ride 3 rides (for $15... is that not ridiculous?!) and we got to eat lots of different foods. I had an elephant year (kindof a dissapointment) and fried pickles, Aaron had a deep fried Snickers bar, mom tried chocolate covered bacon (NASTY), and dad got ice cream. Gabe's favorite part was probably petting the little goats and piggies! We only stayed for a few hours because it started to rain :(
Gabe up at 5.
Me up from 5- 7 am.
Gabe up again at 7 am.
Bring Gabe to bed.
From 7-8 am Gabe proceeds to take every tissue out of the tissue box on my bed.
Both fall asleep at 8.
Up at 9:30.
Gabe hits head on chair handle. Black eye.
Cat bites Gabe twice.
Lost hairbrush, can't do hair.
So far... this day is going GREAT!
My parents bought Gabe a little swing and hung it from one of the trees on the side of the house. He loves it and we push him in it almost every day now.
Our second to last weekend in Georgia, we decided to spend a night in Panama City Beach. It was only 4 hours away so we went down on Friday after Aaron got done with work. We had so much fun and Gabe really enjoyed the sand and water. We only went to the beach for about an hour and a half in the morning, then we went and played mini golf and ate at Margaritaville. That place is EXPENSIVE! Yikes.
Last night we took Gabe to his first Colts game! It was a pre-season game vs the Vikings. Kevin got us tickets and we were on the 15 yard line, 5 rows up. It was awesome and Brian was able to make it too :) Gabe didn't like all the noise at first (he'd cry everytime there was clapping/cheering) but after a while he got used to it, thank goodness! Even though the Colts lost we still had a great time and loved getting to see the new stadium.
I got this purse today. I am in love with it. It's probably not good to be in love with a purse, but oh well.
REAL blog posts coming soon. Can't figure out how to get pictures uploaded to blogger off the new camera... they seem to be too big!? Help, anyone?
Upcoming posts:
Back in IN
Gabe's birthday party
Panama City Beach
House Hunting
etc. etc. etc.
Life. So busy.
I have been watching my wonderful wife post on this for a long time now and I think it's about time I add a little something. Although marriage can be very tough, I am so happy that Laura and I made this choice to spend our lives together. It seems that fog, storms, tornadoes, and even hurricanes come upon us at times, but it's all worth it.
Currently, as you may know, Laura and Gabe came down to support me while I'm in my 2nd phase of training and it has really helped to come home to them from the long days I experience here. Today Laura made some calzones for dinner, she really is becoming a great chef, she impresses me everyday with something new.
*EDITED TO ADD* The recipe for the calzones can be found here: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1906368 I used regular Italian sausage, though... not turkey.
I'm so excited to get out of this training environment so we can first go to Hawaii, but also so we can just get into our routine and get situated in a PERMANENT location. I'm really glad Laura has been keeping this blog going for so long, because it acts as a journal for our family. Who knows, maybe I'll post more often.
Aaron-
Well after having Gabe (actually it started while I was pregnant) my definition of busy has changed quite a bit. I used to be able to go to 10 stores, have lunch with friends, go bowling, study, etc. all in one day. Now I count the day as "busy" if I manage to get Gabe and I fed, bathed, and possibly outside once a day. Ha!!
Anyway today we went to lunch by ourselves at Olive Garden. I was craving it something bad so we went. Alone. So pathetic!! It was sooo yummy and delicious though. Soup, salad, and breadsticks. PERFECT!!
Next we hit up the Columbus library and rented about a thousand books. Ok that might be an exaggeration but we did get close to fifteen books. I also rented him a couple of DVDs and we got some Spanish books. Never too soon to learn... especially since we are moving to El Paso, where it is like 80% Spanish speaking!! I got myself some Gilmore Girl DVDs and another Janet Evanovich book :)
Oh one more thing that changed after Gabe was born... I have AMAZING hearing when it comes to him. I can be typing with the TV on full blast and can still hear his faint whimper from the bedroom. Never mind that I can't hear a garbage truck right outside the front door... but I can hear the tiniest whimper from Gabey baby. It amazes Aaron and I!!
I'm not really a cake fan. I usually prefer an ice cream cake. I don't like coconut at all. BUT THIS CAKE IS AMAZING. You must eat it immediately.
Aaron, who hardly touches sweets, has been eating this for breakfast. It's just that good.
Try it. You'll love me forever for introducing you to it. Trust me.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/billies-italian-cream-cake-recipe/
Aaron is in the field this week so I might be posting a lot, but trust me they will all be random :)
Let's see what is new... Gabe is walking/running EVERYWHERE now, he hardly ever crawls. He is a big boy! He also has started to climb on/over everything. He is finally putting himself down for naps and bed instead of having to be rocked (well, 90% of the time) and he is still refusing formula. I've pretty much given up on it. He also likes to lay his head on pillows. He has recently become MUCH more cuddly and will crawl up to sit in my lap when I am on the floor, especially when he is tired. He cut one more tooth on the bottom and one on top, so he has 4 total now, but there is another bottom one and three other top ones not far behind!
My brother Kevin finished his leave and is on his way back to Iraq :( I'm so sad we didn't get to see him while he was here!!
Aaron and I are thinking about buying a house in El Paso. It makes me sooo nervous because what will happen if we move later and can't sell it, but it seems like it might be a good plan. The way the housing allotment is near Ft. Bliss we would save a TON of money if we could find a house in our price range close to base. The rental homes cost almost double what our mortgage would be.... plus we'd get 8,000 back from taxes for the first time home buyer. We'll see what happens. I need to plan a time to go look! I still can't believe we are going to live practically in Mexico. Crazy.
We are also planning a trip to Hawaii in December :) I can't wait!!
I decided on the Rebel T1i camera. It's an upgrade to the Xsi. I went to Best Buy yesterday and held the bigger 50d and oh my gosh, it was so heavy. Ridiculous! I liked the T1i much better plus it has a video camera in it, so I can sell our other video camera that we never, ever use. Yay.
Anyone out there have a DSLR camera that they are happy with? I'm looking into getting one and would like some opinions :) I'm looking at the Canon Rebel XSi and the 50d, and the Nikon d90. I don't want to get the Rebel and then "outgrow it" soon after... but I don't want to spend all the money on a 50d right now if it will be too advanced.
1. What time did you get up this morning? 8 am
2. How do you like your steak? medium
3. What was the last film you saw? Part of "Cars"
4. What is your favorite TV show? the office
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? southern cali
6. What did you have for breakfast? laura made me a wonderful breakfast casserole.
7. Your favorite cuisine? burger
8. What foods do you dislike? sea urchin
9. Favorite Place to Eat? arbys
10. Favorite dressing? bleu cheese
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? toyota corolla
12. What are your favorite clothes? cargo shorts and t shirt with sandals
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? italy, central america
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full
15. Where would you want to retire? southern cali
16. Favorite time of day? end of business, get to see my family.
17. Where were you born? las vegas
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football, wrestling
19. What is your favorite thing about someone you love? laura is so loving
20. What is your favorite thing to get in the mail? laura and Denise's brownies
21. What do you most like to do during the winter? snowboarding, sitting close to laura
22. Bird watcher? sort of
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? evening. morning I'm on auto pilot
24. Do you have any pets? nope
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? addition to the family soon
26. What did you want to be when you were little? football player, rb
27. What is your best childhood memory? hunting up north, ice skating in the back yard.
28. Are you a cat or dog person? dog
29. Are you married? yes, got to have my lauratabs
30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes
31. Been in a car accident? Yeah ran into my high school, it wasn't my fault
32. Any pet peeve: people not being real or honest with themselves
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? supreme
34. Favorite Flower? whatevers cheapest at the flower shop
35. Favorite ice cream? whatever ice cream is present
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? arbys
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? 0, my instructor was my wrestling coach.
38. From whom did you get your last email? laura
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? dont have credit cards
40. Do anything spontaneous lately? nope
41. Like your job? yes , lately its been under question, i can see the light at the end though
42. Broccoli? neh, i just ate
43. What was your favorite vacation? San Diego was awesome with laura
44. Last person you went out to dinner with? laura and Gabe
45. What are you listening to right now? laura
46. What is your favorite color? purple and yellow (because they are the vikings colors)
47. How many tattoos do you have? 0
48. Do you feel that you have changed as a person in the last 10 years? definitely
49. If you could have any job today, what would it be? wrestling coach
50. Favorite type of candy? peanut butter m and m's from the freezer
1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:30 am
2. How do you like your steak? medium well usually, sometimes medium
3. What was the last film you saw? Part of "Cars"
4. What is your favorite TV show? I really like the Bachelorette... ha ha!! I like a ton of reality TV shows and anything on HGTV!
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? TN probably, southern cali, florida
6. What did you have for breakfast? Cheerios and some of the meal I made Aaron
7. Your favorite cuisine? Right now... Mexican... but usually it's Italian
8. What foods do you dislike? raw tomatoes, mustard
9. Favorite Place to Eat? Oh so many! McAllister's, Panera, Olive Garden, etc.
10. Favorite dressing? Ranch
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? Honda CR-V
12. What are your favorite clothes? summer dresses
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Europe- Italy, Spain, England, Ireland and probably Australia
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full
15. Where would you want to retire? Florida
16. Favorite time of day? mornings and early afternoon as far as Gabe's mood, evenings when Aaron gets home!
17. Where were you born? Indiana
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football, sometimes basketball
19. What is your favorite thing about someone you love? My husband is so funny and sweet, very considerate
20. What is your favorite thing to get in the mail? real letters
21. What do you most like to do during the winter? sledding/snowboarding then hot chocolate
22. Bird watcher? nope
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? morning... I'm exhausted by the evening
24. Do you have any pets? my child and husband- ha! Pete (dog) & Rowdy (cat) in Indiana
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? :)
26. What did you want to be when you were little? dr or vet
27. What is your best childhood memory? Christmas times, strawberry pickings, snacks after school
28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog
29. Are you married? Yep, to the best guy ever
30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes
31. Been in a car accident? Yeah I got rear ended right after A and I got married
32. Any pet peeve: driving too slow, people who think they are always right
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? supreme
34. Favorite Flower? lilly
35. Favorite ice cream? ohh tough call, cookie dough?
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Taco Bell or Chick-fil-a
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? 0, I was the top placed!
38. From whom did you get your last email? yahoo
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target or Kohl's!
40. Do anything spontaneous lately? hmmn..
41. Like your job? best job in the world ;)
42. Broccoli? with cheese
43. What was your favorite vacation? San Diego with Aaron, Florida with the fam
44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Aaron and Gabe
45. What are you listening to right now? A & Gabe playing
46. What is your favorite color? pink and orange
47. How many tattoos do you have? 0
48. Do you feel that you have changes as a person in the last 10 years? Yep- 10 years ago I was 12! Ha!
49. If you could have any job today, what would it be? Vet or Dr, or interior designer- IF I was talented that way, which I am NOT! Ha ha!
50. Favorite type of candy? Plain 'ole Hershey's chocolate bar... but when I was pregnant with G I wanted Sour Patch Kids ALL THE TIME
Try it!!!
Gabe's 10 month birthday was a few days ago which just shocks me. How in the world is he already 10 months?? What is even worse is that his birthday party is in a month!! We are celebrating early so that Aaron can be there. We're doing a Winnie the Pooh theme. I figured this is the only year he'd let me get away with that :) While I was at the party store picking out invitations I ran across a mom with two kiddos that I thought were twins- IRISH twins, 10 months apart!! I was so amazed/impressed with her!
Anyway, at 10 months old here are some things about Gabriel:
*he's into EVERYTHING
*he loves breakfast, and isn't really a picky eater
*he HATES formula/loves soy milk (I can hardly get him to drink formula, anyone have a suggestion?)
*he's sooo active and loves toys that move and/or make lots of noise
*he crawls super fast and is now starting to walk, on his own, from object to object
*he eats a ton but isn't gaining weight?
*he REFUSES to lay down for a diaper change. he screams/kicks/rolls the entire time!
*he's pretty vocal but sticks to his favorite (dada) a lot
*he loves the bathroom and unraveling TP :)
*he loves to empty the kitchen cabinets
*he cut his first top tooth this week!
Gabe loves when daddy gets home from work. He gets really excited, so this week we decided to take him outisde to look at the flowers, lilly pads, cat tails, fish, etc. at our new apartment. It was fun except that it is SO SO HOT here all the time- even at 7 pm.
The night before Gabe's 10 month birthday he decided to walk. We had seen him take steps one other time but this time he initiated it and did really good. Since then, he's taken a few steps a few more times. He still prefers to crawl (much faster) but we can tell it won't be long before he transitions to walking!
Gabe pulled every pot/pan/dish out of the kitchen cabinets.... and then proceeded to climb in them.
He climbed inside the dishwasher, took all the utensils out, and threw them on the floor.
He knocked over the trash and then played in it.
He peed on the floor not one, two, or three times... but four times.
He spilt 3/4 of a bottle of bath wash into the tub while the water has running.
He threw his breakfast/lunch/dinner all over the floor.
He wanted to be carried all day.
He pulled on the blinds until they bent.
He unplugged 1/2 of our appliances.
He refused to go to bed without being rocked... a daily occurrence (thanks, mom!) but one that causes significant pain to my back when we don't have a rocking chair.
Still, though...
He was still the cutest little baby ever :) Marley Gabe and me
Some quick observations:
1- SWEET TEA. Amazing. Really, truly, amazing. When you go to a restaurant, they ask if you want sweat tea (instead of water, like they do in Indiana.)
2- It's so hot that you walk to your car and are sweaty by the time you get in. HOT.
3- The grocery baggers carry, and unload, all your groceries into your car. Two bags or twenty, it doesn't matter.
*The Army Commissary does this, too, but you have to tip them.... these guys won't let you tip! Southern Hospitality.
4- Did I mention it is hot?
5- Southern accents. Awesome.
6- The Food, with a capital F. I'll probably gain 80 pounds here... in six weeks. No one's counting, right?
7- The grass is tricky. It LOOKS like soft Indiana grass, but it's really pointy and sharp... not nice.
Overall, though, I like it here! I think I'm meant to be a Southern girl :)
While we were in Indiana for a week between trips, we took Gabe to Columbian Park. It has changed so much since I used to go there!! There were so many nice playgrounds, a petting zoo, Tropicanoe Cove, etc. It was awesome. Gabe had a blast!
*Side note... sorry you're not in any pictures mom! Next time I'll take some, I promise :)
Hard to believe my baby is almost 10 months old... sigh. 
