Veterans day ended on the sweetest note. It's a little early for the holiday spirit to come over my husband, but long behold this year has been very different. I can't count how many times i've watched Justin randomly put on a Christmas station or how many times I've heard him talk about how much he loves this time of year. I knew these things, but this year there has been so much more vocal delight and I absolutely love it.
Tonight we lit the fire in our home and we watched the polar express with our girls. It was such a sweet memory for me. I'm trying to keep my spirits as high as i possibly can, but I would be lying if I said my mom wasn't in the back of my mind pretty much all the time. This is my first year without her. It's more emotional when I think about the memories I had with my mom growing up. I have been a firm believer in passing on traditions and of course I can't pass them on without thinking about who I got them from. Even still, I try to put my best thoughts forward and I try to keep a smile on my face. Last night was no exception, I was in such awe of my beautiful family.
Watching Ava light up and actually understand the movie was the best. She knows who Santa is, she understands that Christmas is important, and she understood the naughty/nice list. The list goes on, but it was nice to have her point on select details that her minds was curious about. At the end of the movie, the main character picked a silver bell for his gift from Santa... I am going to get Ava a silver bell of her own. I know it'll add more of a connection to the film and it's something she can keep forever.
To add to this excitement, we purchased tickets to a polar express ride this year and I know that it is going to be an ABSOLUTE blast for my sweet girl. Olivia is still a babe, but I hope when she looks back on the videos/pictures that she appreciates the fact that we tried to make their holiday so, so special. To add to the happiness that is this time of year - Texas weather has finally started to get it's act together. We have had 70/65 degree weather, so it's starting to feel like it should.. F-A-L-L. Justin had a few days off from work this week so I'm hoping the rest of his time off proves to be equally as special.
I'm still a big fan of USAREC, recruiting, and seeing my husband every single day. I can't tell you how great this feels. Although we have to get accustomed to not taking two weeks of vacation in the winter, I think somehow we will manage. We have so many things planned for our holiday season. I can't wait to share them all with you!
Happy Veterans day to all of the men and women in our armed forces! We are forever indebted to you for your sacrifices.
♥- Leilani
Veteran's Day
Friday, November 11, 2016
Sunday, October 2, 2016
The last time my family packed our bags for a New York vacation - I was almost 36 weeks pregnant. Now, here we are, with our family of four... packing for a New York vacation less than a year after our last trip. To say I'm excited to spend time with family and have my husband off of work for a full two weeks is an absolute understatement. Granted, it's only been 90 days since Justin was last on leave, but this vacation will definitely be good for us. We get to experience a fall this year (since Northern Texas will not be affording us one) and we get to make some new memories with my in-laws. I think that is what I am most excited for. Olivia will be meeting the bulk of Justin's family for the first time, we will get to do so many autumn activities while we are visiting, and we will also get a break from this 80 degree Southern heat.
I think the weirdest part about prepping for travel is the necessities that are required. I mean, our last trip we didn't need any baby items because Ava was already a full blown toddler and Olivia was still safely in the womb. Packing a highchair, bathtub, and pack + play isn't exactly realistic for this trip. So, when in need - amazon, right? That's exactly what I did. I compiled a list of items that we will need for ourselves, the girls, and little things I don't want to pack (ie, loofas, body wash, etc.) to ship off to New York this week! I absolutely love amazon and the fact that I don't have to stress over that stuff makes this packing process so much easier. It's only Sunday and I started packing our bags for this trip on Friday!
I think it helps the control freak that I am to start this process early. In my defense, it also saves us a lot of time. I'm almost positive that my husband has a four day weekend due to Columbus day (we don't celebrate this holiday, let alone remember it most of the time), which means if we get all our ducks squared away - it's smooth sailing until it's time for us to head for the airport on Saturday morning. I'm most curious to see how TSA is going to go with all four of us. I hate checking bags which always makes TSA lines super for for my husband.
My main focus the next couple days is making sure the house is tip top, making sure our luggage is tip top, and allowing myself to R-E-L-A-X for the next couple of weeks. This is my favorite time of year and I plan on making every single second count with my sweet, beautiful family!
P.S.
** IF YOU HAVE ANY PACKING TIPS ** comment below or send an email my way. I feel like I always overpack, so if any mamas want to give any input - i would be elated to take some of that knowledge.
♥- Leilani
I think the weirdest part about prepping for travel is the necessities that are required. I mean, our last trip we didn't need any baby items because Ava was already a full blown toddler and Olivia was still safely in the womb. Packing a highchair, bathtub, and pack + play isn't exactly realistic for this trip. So, when in need - amazon, right? That's exactly what I did. I compiled a list of items that we will need for ourselves, the girls, and little things I don't want to pack (ie, loofas, body wash, etc.) to ship off to New York this week! I absolutely love amazon and the fact that I don't have to stress over that stuff makes this packing process so much easier. It's only Sunday and I started packing our bags for this trip on Friday!
I think it helps the control freak that I am to start this process early. In my defense, it also saves us a lot of time. I'm almost positive that my husband has a four day weekend due to Columbus day (we don't celebrate this holiday, let alone remember it most of the time), which means if we get all our ducks squared away - it's smooth sailing until it's time for us to head for the airport on Saturday morning. I'm most curious to see how TSA is going to go with all four of us. I hate checking bags which always makes TSA lines super for for my husband.
My main focus the next couple days is making sure the house is tip top, making sure our luggage is tip top, and allowing myself to R-E-L-A-X for the next couple of weeks. This is my favorite time of year and I plan on making every single second count with my sweet, beautiful family!
P.S.
** IF YOU HAVE ANY PACKING TIPS ** comment below or send an email my way. I feel like I always overpack, so if any mamas want to give any input - i would be elated to take some of that knowledge.
♥- Leilani
Monday, August 4, 2014
Good Morning to my beautiful blog readers! This past weekend went by too fast, and it drained all three of the Howland's in the process! The sun was beaming all weekend long, and we spent all of our time outdoors. Ava bug got her first real "tan" and Justin kind of resembles a lobster with his sunburn. We even managed to fit in a trip to the drive-ins! I can't even begin to tell you how fantastic that was. Ava bug went down shortly after the first movie started, and that gave Justin and I some one on one time. She slept straight through the ride back home, and that was also fantastic!
Here lately I've noticed that Bug has become restless when it's time to go to bed. That's usually not like her because she's always been such an easy baby to put down. She's cutting teeth five and six right now, and something is telling me that teething is the culprit behind her new sleep patterns. Friday night was the first time we have ever driven around our neighborhood in order for Ava to fall asleep. It's funny to us because usually you hear about people with their little infants riding around, trying to sooth their babies... and here we are with our toddler cruising around in order for her to go to sleep. The ride worked like a charm, and Justin and I got a little late night snack as an added bonus.
On another note, National Breastfeeding week is among us and I couldn't be more thrilled about all the participation in my home state! I was so bummed our family missed the big latch on this year, but I'm hopeful that if i'm pregnant now (more on that later), I'll have a chance to go next year with baby # 2 and Ava bug. For those of you who aren't familiar with the big latch on, take a peek here. Thousands of breastfeeding mama's around the globe come together to nurse at the same time. It's a very powerful movement, and I'm so glad our state has so many locations for registration.
Sunday morning (after a delicious IHOP breakfast), I took a pregnancy test... and it was negative. It was still a bit early to test, and I'm only seven days (as of today), past my ovulation date. I plan on taking another test in a few days, and it's been a lot of work not to get my hopes up over a potential pregnancy. Justin and I are both staying optimistic, and are still really excited about our future babies!
That's all i've got for now guys. Justin just started online classes to obtain his BA in history, and I've been more than willing to help him get into the swing of things! I'm so, so proud of this man!
Happy Monday all!
♥- Leilani
Here lately I've noticed that Bug has become restless when it's time to go to bed. That's usually not like her because she's always been such an easy baby to put down. She's cutting teeth five and six right now, and something is telling me that teething is the culprit behind her new sleep patterns. Friday night was the first time we have ever driven around our neighborhood in order for Ava to fall asleep. It's funny to us because usually you hear about people with their little infants riding around, trying to sooth their babies... and here we are with our toddler cruising around in order for her to go to sleep. The ride worked like a charm, and Justin and I got a little late night snack as an added bonus.
On another note, National Breastfeeding week is among us and I couldn't be more thrilled about all the participation in my home state! I was so bummed our family missed the big latch on this year, but I'm hopeful that if i'm pregnant now (more on that later), I'll have a chance to go next year with baby # 2 and Ava bug. For those of you who aren't familiar with the big latch on, take a peek here. Thousands of breastfeeding mama's around the globe come together to nurse at the same time. It's a very powerful movement, and I'm so glad our state has so many locations for registration.
Sunday morning (after a delicious IHOP breakfast), I took a pregnancy test... and it was negative. It was still a bit early to test, and I'm only seven days (as of today), past my ovulation date. I plan on taking another test in a few days, and it's been a lot of work not to get my hopes up over a potential pregnancy. Justin and I are both staying optimistic, and are still really excited about our future babies!
That's all i've got for now guys. Justin just started online classes to obtain his BA in history, and I've been more than willing to help him get into the swing of things! I'm so, so proud of this man!
Happy Monday all!
♥- Leilani
Sunday, April 13, 2014
My babies are down for the night and the house is clean; This gives me a free moment to recap my weekend. Justin had a twenty-four hour duty this weekend, so I decided to get some quality girl time in. Ava and I had a blast on Saturday. We spent time with my friend Aria, Lyndsey, Lyndsey's daughter (Nalia), and Lyndsey's mom (Jan). It was definitely a fun girls day. Saturday was the first real day that I've let Ava just go off with other people (aside from her dad), without mom watching/hovering every minute. Everyone was holding her, kissing her sweet cheeks, and playing with her. Ava had so much fun. I did too. It was the first time that I had gone shopping without a baby in my hands or (chest) every minute. In the future I'm going to try to let loose like this a bit more. I know she's my first baby, so that may have a lot to do with my protectiveness, but Ava is pretty resilient. Granted she wasn't in a different store than me, or even more than a few feet away, but for me, that's progress.
Today was pretty mellow as well. Justin and I are having a hard time with the fact that our Bug is going to be eleven months old in just four days. Everyday with her is truly a blessing, and I just can't believe her first year is closing in so quickly. I'm so excited to write her eleven month update; so much has changed since she was ten months old. Anywho, we got Ava's Easter pictures taken today, and it's safe to say she does not like the Easter bunny. I guess most kids from the ages 0-4 have a hard time with it. I wasn't surprised in the slightest. She does much better with human faces (she loved Santa for the most part), and the silly bunny wasn't making her feel any less freaked out. I ended up letting the photographer take some crying photos of Ava. I'd really rather have the memory of her more than anything. Justin sat in on a couple as well. He was such a trooper today even though I knew he was dead tired.
I purchased the CD of the pictures, and we left. It was the quickest (and shortest) photo session Ava has ever had. We also had a BBQ today. It was so much fun. The Washington weather has been perfect lately, and we are taking full advantage. I've been blowing bubbles for Ava outside and she goes crazy over them. She tries to pop every single one, and gets frustrated when she can't. Each night we go on a family walk towards the golf course in our subdivision, and it's great to get fresh air, and talk time with Justin. It's a little over two miles, which is great for Ava, and us.
I still haven't taken a pregnancy test, but I think I'll take one next week. I still haven't had any major bleeding, and only mild cramps here and there. My back has been killing me here lately. Thank sweet baby Jesus for wraps, slings, etc. If I didn't have them, there is no way I could carry Ava for a long period of time. Other than that I've been pretty normal. Alright guys, looks like I'm off to get some sleep. I've got a busy school week coming up, and I need all the rest I can get.
Happy Sunday!
♥- Leilani
Today was pretty mellow as well. Justin and I are having a hard time with the fact that our Bug is going to be eleven months old in just four days. Everyday with her is truly a blessing, and I just can't believe her first year is closing in so quickly. I'm so excited to write her eleven month update; so much has changed since she was ten months old. Anywho, we got Ava's Easter pictures taken today, and it's safe to say she does not like the Easter bunny. I guess most kids from the ages 0-4 have a hard time with it. I wasn't surprised in the slightest. She does much better with human faces (she loved Santa for the most part), and the silly bunny wasn't making her feel any less freaked out. I ended up letting the photographer take some crying photos of Ava. I'd really rather have the memory of her more than anything. Justin sat in on a couple as well. He was such a trooper today even though I knew he was dead tired.
I purchased the CD of the pictures, and we left. It was the quickest (and shortest) photo session Ava has ever had. We also had a BBQ today. It was so much fun. The Washington weather has been perfect lately, and we are taking full advantage. I've been blowing bubbles for Ava outside and she goes crazy over them. She tries to pop every single one, and gets frustrated when she can't. Each night we go on a family walk towards the golf course in our subdivision, and it's great to get fresh air, and talk time with Justin. It's a little over two miles, which is great for Ava, and us.
I still haven't taken a pregnancy test, but I think I'll take one next week. I still haven't had any major bleeding, and only mild cramps here and there. My back has been killing me here lately. Thank sweet baby Jesus for wraps, slings, etc. If I didn't have them, there is no way I could carry Ava for a long period of time. Other than that I've been pretty normal. Alright guys, looks like I'm off to get some sleep. I've got a busy school week coming up, and I need all the rest I can get.
Happy Sunday!
♥- Leilani
Saturday, October 12, 2013
It has been a perfect Saturday so far. I realize I have been blogging every day for the past week or so; I just want to have all my thoughts and feeling documented as I go through this process with my mom. A year from now, It'll be nice to see that some days were easier than others. It'll be nice to know I still smiled and enjoyed my days.
We woke up kind of late this morning on account of no sleep Friday night. Ava has been sick and I've been freaked out by her congestion. I stayed awake most of the night just watching her sleep and giving her saline and tylenol when needed. So we did my love bug's first Halloween photo session today and I am in awe over the photos! I'm so glad Justin came with us. I have NEVER seen my baby smile like she did today. She is a definite daddy's girl. Sometimes that makes me a bit jealous.
Daddy making Ava giggle hysterically during breakfast
I've found myself getting irritated with Justin a little bit today. He was being so socially awkward. It was weird for me. He's definitely not used to hanging out with the friends I made throughout deployment on a regular basis. I love him to pieces, but It was unexpected. There's also the "funny guy" factor. I swear his jokes... (most times) are just not funny. I have found this problem with guys in general.. starting to think it's just me that can't take a joke.
Aside from that, I have no complaints. Princess A did taste dirt for the first time today. I was mortified. She had her little hands in the grass and instinctively put her hand in her mouth. I keep telling myself dirt is going to happen. It's going to be everywhere and I need to jump on the "dirty baby" bang wagon NOW!
I guess we'll see how far that goes! Oh I almost forgot to mention I carved pumpkins with family and friends this weekend! It was a blast. Justin was so much better at gutting the pumpkins than I was. I swear he's a natural at almost everything. I even got some yummy pumpkin seeds! So far, we have stuck to the holiday traditions that I love so much.
Well I'm off! Spending the rest of my afternoon with my little family! Happy Saturday all!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
I have never felt so alive before. This weekend has been so enriching and I am so thankful for it. I remember blogging about spending every waking moment with my family this weekend, and I'm so glad I did. I got to see more of Justin's paternal instincts, Ava is definitely showing signs of distinguishing strangers from people she sees on a regular basis, and I was able to find "me time" "Justin and I time" and "family time" All three of those are very important. It'll be a hard process not being around Ava every waking minute, but eventually it does have to occur. I'm starting out with little things. Going to get a mani or pedi AND actually enjoying myself, rather than rushing through it. Taking longer showers, catching up on reading, etc. You get the picture. Something that isn't Justin related or Ava related. "Justin and I" time comes very easily to me. My husband and I have a very strong connection. A lot of my positivity is reinforced by Justin. Once Ava has a nap or she goes down for the night (rare lately, due to her four month sleep regression) we take full advantage of that time. Last night Justin got a full on back massage out of me and I got a fantastic foot rub! We started watching a new series together, Grey's Anatomy! He loves it (I love that he loves it) Things that we are able to do together, with just one another is important in maintaining our healthy relationship. When it comes to family time, with Ava being still very infant like, we stay in more. We do things like, tummy time, singing, and gabbing with her (great development tools) When we do go out we make sure to point out bright colors for Ava. It's so cute the way her eyes get so big and curious. She is a very alert baby, and it's nice to see her so intrigued by her surroundings. I keep going back with feeding Ava rice cereal. I said no, I said yes, then no.. With finding an organic brand, I'm trying to push myself to at least try it as a stepping stone for Ava. Feeding time will be great family time when we do decide to start solid food. It can involve both parents. As of late our move to Texas has been a major topic of discussion. We have already found a home that we LOVE and it will be available The month we plan to move. Take a look:
granted pictures are completely different than in person, so we have lined up a couple other properties to view with the realty company we chose to go through. Looking at homes has made me more excited for our upcoming PCS. I can't wait to document my experience on my second PCS, this time with having an infant. This post turned out to be much longer than I was expecting! I'm off, football is on, and that's a major deal in this house! Happy Sunday all!
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)