SOCIAL MEDIA

Two moves in two months & 3000 miles

Wednesday, January 22, 2014
It's been awhile since I've been on here (busy, busy) and I feel like things are slowing down just a bit. As most of you know, my family went from the State of Georgia, to the state of Texas, only to move to the state of Washington just over a month later. While all of that was going on, I was (and still am) fully enrolled in college courses, raising and practicing attached parenting methods with Ava, and trying to keep every spark lit in my marriage. It's definitely a lot to take in all at once, but somehow we made it, and everything is just fine. My biggest fear with moving was that it was going to cause Ava's development to slow down. We haven't had true consistency in our home since the beginning of December, and Justin and I feel just awful about that. Luckily, with each move, Ava bug has advanced even more. I still can't believe how much she's grown since we've been in Washington. Pulling up on things, crawling, sitting in restaurant highchairs... I'm shell shocked at how rapid her growth has been. Even with being busier, we make sure to spend time with Ava at home, just hanging out, allowing her to play on the floor and grow.

I've also managed to maintain a 3.9 GPA with my university. I have gone, (and still am without) wifi for the past eight days.Thank Jesus for mobile hotspot, because I really don't know how'd I'd be blogging, let alone getting my school work done. Century Link is working on getting a crew out here, but I'm growing really impatient. Apparently the lines to our home were cut, so a crew has to come in and dig a new line. Even though I've got the okay from my professors to turn in my work late, I haven't taken advantage of that. All assignments and essays have been turned in on time. I'm pretty proud of the stride I make when it comes to my studies.

I have to say how impressed I am by my husband. If I had to to this type of move, or arrangement with anyone else, I would probably have failed miserably. I have learned the true meaning of patience during our move. I have learned what take it day by day really means. Justin has reminded me that romance does not take the back seat in our lives. Intimacy does not take a back seat. Even with everything we have going on, love in our home is a priority. I am so thankful for those reminders. When you become a mother, a student, a military wife, apart of a military family, a lot of things take the back seat in your life. Justin is an everyday reminder that our marriage and "dating one another" never takes a back seat. So even if it's extremely late at night, we always make sure to do something together. Watching a movie, cuddling by the fire, you name it, we do it. I fall more in love with the love my marriage presents, daily.

Last night I got a knock on the door, and it was a flower deliverer. I hadn't expected any flowers this year, but I actually got more than roses. Justin created a custom vase for me, with the most endearing words I had ever read. In those moments, I cried, and I just held him close. Without a doubt, my husband surpasses a best friend or soul mate. That man is a piece of me. A piece I am so grateful to have. Yesterday we celebrated three wonderful years, and I know this year is going to allow us many more wonderful moments.

Well I'm off all! We've got a busy day, and I'm already behind schedule! Oh, on the upside all of our Jppso shipment arrives in just five days! Yay for no more airbed sleeping!




 ♥- Leilani

Five days

Tuesday, December 10, 2013
We've almost been in this house a week, and I just can't believe it. We are still settling in and getting familiar with this new area. So far, we have fallen in love with this city living. Everything is conveniently close, and I don't feel like I'm in the middle of nowhere. It's definitely a huge adjustment from where we were in Georgia. Yesterday, we explored Fort Hood... oh my lanta, it is a HUGE installation. If we didn't have the map from the welcome center, we would have never found our way around post. I located shopping stores, restaurants, and ten different fitness centers on this installation. Another good thing we noticed is how close one of the gates are to our home. This means Justin will be able to come home during the day, and I'm glad for that.

So a little update with Princess A. Teething has hit hardcore, and it is full blown. I have never had a fussy baby... until teething made an appearance. She isn't running a fever (thank god) but she is definitely feeling discomfort with her swollen gums. I've had to give her teething tablets, but that's the extent of what we've done to help alleviate pain. They seem to work really well, and I'm hoping they continue to work, as cutting teeth is soon going to become our norm. I believe Ava will be crawling within days. Once you put her down on a mat, our bed, anything really... she is off! She is so strong, and I have enjoyed watching my little girl develop so rapidly. She is also independently sitting up. We don't assist her anymore, she does it on her own. She can pick herself up when she falls back, she is refusing to stay down, and I LOVE IT! While we are on the subject of independence, it looks like our co-sleeping days are coming to a hault. We have purchased her crib, and it should be here any day now. I'm not going to just rip the band aid off, but we are starting her off with napping in the crib. I won't lie, I'm fully prepared to camp out in her nursery if it helps Bug adjust. Justin bought her a baby Einstein jumper the other day, but I am partial. I hadn't planned on using jumpers, bouncers, etc. She has played with it a couple of times, and it seems as if Bug really enjoys it. I think I'll be okay with her using it here and there, but not as a regular thing.

It has been over a week since Ava has been out of cloth diapers, and I've got to say I am going nuts. Each time I change her, I make a comment about how much money is going in the trash. Granted, we haven't experienced any type of rash with these biodegradable disposables, but it still feels weird having my baby out of her soft, cloth diapers. Before I left Georgia, I purchased a few more, and I am ancy to use them. I will say that this is the perfect time for me to strip Ava's diapers before I use them again. That will be an all day thing I plan on getting done this weekend (look out for my routine). I have found a handful of cloth based stores in our area, and I'm excited to have tangible stores for all my cloth needs

Yesterday we became Sam's Club members, and I could kick myself for not doing this sooner. We decided to start buying things in bulk, (in an attempt to save money) and although replenishing our fridge was spendy, we are stocked up for the next four weeks. Sam's club also has a rewards system; for every five hundred dollars you spend, you get ten dollars back. A lot of people don't think it's worth it, but when you add up the amount of money you spend on groceries, getting any type of money back, is a nice little incentive. Buying in bulk is going to cut down a lot of expenses for us, and I'm glad for it. On another note, we are seven days away from picking my mother up from the airport! I am jumping up and down (literally). I am so excited to spend quality time with her, and to have Ava get that time as well.

Things are going well for us. I did have to deal with a slight hiccup with the rental agency in Georgia this morning, but that was only a minor situation. I'm just glad I keep all paperwork, including our in-inspection at the rental property in Georgia. They tried to charge us for some of the damages that were already present in the home upon move in. This is the part of renting that I am not fond of in the slightest. Hopefully everything will work itself out! I hope all of my readers have already dove into the festivity that December offers. We are taking Ava on a car ride of the most decorated homes in all of Central Texas, and I am so giddy about it. With our tree up, and the stockings hanging, the festivity is all around me.


Hot cocoa, Frosty the snow man, and toasty fires are now our normal so far. I can't say I have any complaints about that. Happy Tuesday all! 





♥- Leilani

Goodbye to you

Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Today was so bittersweet. I woke up with butterflies/nervous bugs. The feeling you get when something big is about to happen. Graduation or your wedding day, you get the picture. I really hadn't allowed myself to cry, or to think about what moving meant for me. We woke up around 8 a.m. this morning (rental company was arriving at 11) took our time getting ready, got some breakfast, and packed the last of our bags in the car. Victoria was kind enough to take me to get breakfast for Justin and I (car on the dolly), and she was super helpful with helping us clear every room to double check that nothing had been forgotten.

The time really went by so quickly. I left Justin to deal with the rental agency, and Ava bug and I decided to spend our last moments in Georgia, hanging out with Adalin and her mama. Still, things did not feel real about the move. It wasn't until the point that Justin came knocking on her door, summoning his girls to the uhaul did I realize, this is real life. We are leaving, and who knows if we are ever coming back. Wow. I started tearing up, I look over at Victoria, and she was too.

I guess you don't realize how much someone really means to you, until having them around isn't an option anymore. I had a surge of emotions going through me. Here was a woman I had spent 9 months with, praying and hoping that our husbands would return from Afghanistan in one peace. Here was a girl that watched my womb grow, and followed me into labor and delivery. A woman that cooked mac and cheese almost always for a pregnant woman who craved it. Someone who saw me at my worst, and my very best. You can't replace people like that in your life. I'm not even going to try. In Georgia, I found the true meaning of a bond. I found out what makes us Army wives special.



She walked us out to our uhual, and she didn't leave her drive way until we drove away. In those moments my heart sank. I don't think I've ever hugged her that many times in such a short time span. If I learned one thing in this world, home is definitely not your zip code, or the state you live in. Home is where you make it. I never though I'd have such great friendship, and love in Georgia.. Now here I am, bawling like a baby because I didn't want to leave all the relationships I built. I know this goodbye, isn't a goodbye forever, but that hasn't made this process any easier.

This is one aspect of military life that will never ever sit well with me. Moving. I hope Texas knows it has some pretty BIG shoes to fill!

♥- Leilani

Holy Productive Monday

Monday, November 25, 2013
I am completely beat. From the time I woke up this morning, until this very second, I have been on the go and on my feet. I started the day off with a neighborhood stroll with a friend and Coop troop. I got some girl talk in while Cooper had a morning play date. I even managed to reschedule our family pictures for this Wednesday. I'm really excited! I just want good pictures, I feel like of all the things to ask for in the world, that is a reasonable request.

Shortly after that, I got ready for the day, and ran some errands. Justin and I had a lunch date topped off with a day of shopping for holiday decor... AND I got my Christmas tree! I have never been so excited for a tree like I was today! 7.5 ft Douglas fir tree. It's full, and pretty, and just lovely. I can't wait to get some decorations on this baby! While at Target, I signed up for the Target red card. You save five percent on every transaction when you have the red card. It's easy peasy. It's linked to a checking account, so basically it's like swiping your own debit card. Anyhow, the sales associate told me about another awesome savings method. the target cartwheel. It's an app on your phone that allows you to scan or enter a bar code, and it either shows the current coupons for that item, or it says nothing found. It was pretty awesome, and because of those saving techniques, I saved over $20.00 today!

On the way home I sat in the front seat. I know this may seem silly, but since Ava was born I haven't sat in the front seat like at all. I sat in the front on the way to Savannah (only because Ava bug was sleeping), and I sat in the front on the way back (only because our giant tree wouldn't fit in the trunk), I was pleasantly surprised on how well Ava and I did without being right next to each other. It was a sweet trade off too, because I got to hold hands with my sweet man all day! It was so nice. Justin said he missed having my hand to hold! That comment made my day.

The rental company called and said they are showing this house tomorrow afternoon, so when we came home we started packing things up. Oh, before I forget, Ava HATES apples. I know it's tarty, but this is day 3 of apples and she still makes that cringed little nose face. I'm glad we are moving onto pears tomorrow! On the upside, she isn't allergic to apples, she just isn't fond of them. So yes, packing. I packed our entire master bedroom this evening. All by myself! I love that Justin and I are flexible with watching the babe. He kept her happy and entertained, while I organized and packed.

I'm delighted we only have 3 more rooms in this house that need heavy packing like the master bedroom. We are opting to hire a moving company to load up the u-haul (makes moving day easier on us) and that will allow us to relax a bit more this week. We don't feel rushed, everything is on our time. I do have to visit with a few friends before we leave. I only have nine days left in the state of Georgia. With Thanksgiving, and Black Friday right around the corner, I know things are going to busy for everyone.

Day 23- I am thankful for pictures. They allow me to relive all the special moments in my life.
Day 24- I am thankful for bubbles. I'm 22 but bubbles still bring out my inner kid.
Day 25- I am thankful for my husband's kisses. They can turn any frown of mine upside down

Whoo, well the baby is asleep for the night, Justin and Coop are perfectly content with the PS3, looks like I'm off to do homework! Oh, guess who aced her last two courses with 97 percent? This girl! Happy Monday all!   ♥- Leilani

Make Over

Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Before I write anything else, I just want everyone to know, I am aware that we are only  in the month of October. I just couldn't fight the urge to completely Christmify my blog. It honestly makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I've been playing the Michael Buble Christmas c.d. all day long. All I really need is for Georgia's weather to get with the program.

I hate that I can't experience Autumn in this state. Instead of scarves, boots, and leggings; I'm wearing summer dresses, capris and sandals. Am I going to allow that to stop me from being a lover of holidays? I think not! We are actually suppose to be going through a tropical depression with a chance of a "cold front" I highly doubt the cold front. Today was good. I'm tired and a little more drained than usual, but I can't complain.

We are making progress on the compassion reassignment requirements. Having my mom's doctors' on a different coast and time zone have made things a bit more challenging. Ava has been a character today. Each time I have tried to leave a message with someone involving the compassion reassignment stuff, she starts yelling. She hasn't yelled in about a week, so it kind of caught me by surprise. I got a laugh out of it though. My girl knows just what to do to keep her mama smiling. It's crazy how little beings are good that way.

I'm feeling bad for my mom and sister today. They are both sick! My mama barely has a voice. I was kind of bummed because I really wanted to talk to her today. I know we have messaging, but I hate texting and she honestly needs to rest. I'm hoping they start to feeling better really soon. As I'm writing this Miss Ava decided it would be okay to scoot halfway across my area rug.. That is not okay! I'm off for now! Enjoy your Tuesday all!

I love him

Friday, September 13, 2013
I keep saying that in my mind. I love him, I love Justin. There's so much more there than that. Have you ever felt like you have all of these words, all of these thoughts jumbled inside your head, and every time you try to organize them they don't sound half as good as they should? That's how I feel today. Today was like fresh air. It felt good. Since Savannah is so close, we decided to paint the town. Before I go into that... We have this new rule in our family. With being new parents, we realize there are sacrifices that HAVE to be made (for the sake of our daughter having a norm) our "late nights" are 7 p.m. People are more than welcome to stay over at our home and hang out as late as they want, but we like to have Ava settled and ready for bath time and lullaby's at a decent hour. Okay,so back to painting Savannah. We anticipated no parking, lots of people, and chaos. We got none of that! We were pleased! Granted it was a Friday, which meant work day for most. We got front row parking, no long lines for the Tavern we ate at, and very mellow, slow paced atmosphere. We had a great time today. We laughed, we made icky faces from trying gator, and we had people stop us about our daughter several times. (this never gets old) I love when people tell me how wonderful my daughter is. She is thee most mellow baby I have ever met. As we explored the historic district, we talked. Not to say we don't usually talk, but it was different. We talked about goals, dreams, Ava's future, our life. Our connection was on fire today. We were intimate. Not in the sexual intimacy. Justin brushed my hair off my face, he touched the small of my back (this gave me immediate shivers) he gave me Eskimo kisses! It was just pleasant. We did a little shopping, got some souvenirs (we are planning on NEVER returning to Georgia) We ended our time on River Street with gelato and managed to avoid the rain shower that came soon after driving off.  We did a few other things at the mall today, and then called it a night. Even after the excitement of the day was done, we weren't. The love this man gives me, man.. I don't need too many other things in my life to make me feel complete. I hope everyone else had a Friday like this! Like fresh air ;) Goodnight!

Goodbye Georgia

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

This is not a bittersweet post, this is one of the SWEETEST posts I will ever write. Each passing day brings us a day closer to starting a new chapter at a different installation. I am beaming on the inside. When I got the news that Justin had orders, I panicked. I HATE change. It took me so long to warm up to Georgia, and now I have to say goodbye to everything I know here, everything that has become familiar. Now, after almost six months of knowing about the move, I feel really good about it. The best things I could have taken away from Georgia, I already have. My daughter will always be a constant reminder that Georgia was so good to me. Without our endocrinologist, who knows If I'd have Ava or not. I am forever grateful for Georgia, because Georgia gave me Princess A. Georgia also gave me more time with my husband. If Justin had stayed at Fort Lewis he would have deployed shortly after we got married. Without Georgia, I wouldn't have been able to spend two years with Justin before he deployed. We needed that time to grow as a couple, and we did. I learned that not every army wife is a friend. Just because we endure the same battles, at times, doesn't mean we are meant to mesh. Without Georgia I would have never known what it feels like to have no family, or close friends near by. This molded me into a stronger woman. Into a more aware woman. It also gave me a larger appreciation for my family. I never knew how it felt to not have them around, now that I do, I love them more than I ever did. The most important value I can take away from Georgia, would be that Georgia forced me to learn how to stand on my own two feet. Justin and I had nothing when we started. To look at how much we have now, is unbelievable. We've built a home. We didn't run to our families when we found ourselves in a bind, we learned how to rely on one another. I found out what the true definition of independence is. For that, I will never forget Georgia. Lastly, I found true friendship and love outside of my "norm" I have met people from all different walks of life, people I wouldn't have given a second glance to back home, people that had a different upbringing than me, people that come from a different coast than me. AND I have learned to love them, appreciate them, and understand them. Those same people stood by my side for an entire deployment. While I was pregnant. They were there every step of the way. For that I will forever be indebted to Georgia. You gave me a life, I never thought I'd live. I'm glad to be leaving, but I won't ever forget you. 



Life

Sunday, July 7, 2013
I've been doing some soul searching here lately. My results, while slim, were pretty remarkable. Justin and I have been in this "feel good" phase. We love that feeling. Life isn't going to offer us rainbows everyday, but they happen more often than not. More and more (if that's possible) I fall in love with something new about my daughter. Wether it's a new noise she's making, or the way her eyes light up when she looks at me... She is truly perfection at it's best. I started a "bucket list" with my husband this week.. Before you say anything, yes I know a bucket list is a "before you croak" list. For me a bucket list, is "WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NEXT" LIST! So before we leave Georgia there are a few things we'd like to see.

HOWLAND BUCKET LIST
Jacksonville Zoo
Georgia aquarium
sitting on the Forest Gump bench (totally not my idea)
attending a SOUTHERN college football game
Jekyll Island with Ava
Hilton Head beaches and resort for a weekend
riverboat ride in Savannah

This is really all that's on it right now. With our trip to New York in a matter of days, We aren't going to be able to check any of this stuff off just yet. I'm getting more excited to leave the state of Georgia, even if it's just for a little while. This past weekend was a great, but busy one. I don't think I've been on the go this much since before I had Ava. I am totally burned out and I am looking forward to SLEEP tonight. We went to a four year old's party on the fourth of July! That was fun. BBQ, friends, and of course fireworks! Ava was a trooper through it all. Not fussy, slept well, and she wasn't too bothered by all the loud noises. I remember being super worried about her ears, so I had my hands glued over them the entire time. Friday, we had friends over for dinner. I got my grilled asparagus out of my husband again! YUM! Justin has some great battles here! Lots of laughs and reminiscing occurred. Saturday we went to a flea market! Haven't been to one of those since I was back home in Seattle. It was so great! So many vendors.Lots of animals,organic food, and southern style items! We picked up a lot of decor for Justin's man cave. Haven't seen that much Bronco stuff since we moved to Georgia. I got myself some cute stuff too. Found a hat that was calling my name!


We woke up at 7 a.m. and we didn't get home until after 6 p.m. A LONG DAY. Justin also got his motorcycle back that we sold over two years ago. so now we have this beauty with us until it sells, again. He keeps going back and forth with wether he wants to keep it or not. A conversation that will make for excellent pillow talk this evening.


 Today we had a big pot of chili for lunch over at a friend's. and I can honestly say that topped off the weekend on a good note. I'm ready for recooping this next week. I have my postpartum appointment and Ava has her 8 week check up. I'm nervous about this whole vaccination ordeal. In my mind vaccinations make sense. I just don't know If i want to have them injected into my sweet little baby. Another conversation Justin and I HAVE TO DECIDE ON before the 10th. Alright, I'm off! I can barely keep my eyes open and it's family night in the Howland house. Snuggles and sleep time. Right up my ally!