It's that time of year again, but instead of listing out the many things I'm grateful for, this is a project that my family and I have opted to do together. Each day we ask one another what we are grateful for and why we are grateful for it. We are only three days in and I am loving the responses I receive from Justin and Ava bug. **Side note, I notice the more we include her in our normal talk, the more she actually retains and responds to the conversation. I absolutely love this tiny human being that is emerging into a fully understanding toddler.** The entire point of this is to realize that we have many things in our life that bring us joy and happiness. It could be something as small as appreciating the festive socks your wife got you, or maybe something as big as having a roof over your head.

I plan on incorporating a lot more family crafts this year. Ava is at an age where she can comprehend what's going on and she knows what "craft time" means in this house! We finally finished making turkey's to send out to Ava bug's grandparents and great-grands last night. I know they are going to be extremely excited about those. I have a couple other Thanksgiving geared activities up my sleeve, and I truly can't wait to do them with my little family. This really is the best time of the year guys. All the extra time with family and close friends... It just truly fills my heart with so much love.

For the first time since our move from Georgia, I am actually starting to feel emotional about not spending our first Thanksgiving there. This year will be the fifth year of holidays Justin and I have been together. The first was spent in Washington with my family. The second was in Georgia, the third was spent apart (thank you, Afghanistan), and the fourth was in Georgia. So as you can see, a big chunk of our memories were made in Georgia. Every year there, Justin and I invited single soldiers over to our home. I can't stand the thought of anyone (especially a soldier), not spending such a family-orieniented day with love, food, and others. Those were some of the best times I've ever had. Our home was full of laughter, friendship, and tons of love.

Justin hasn't really developed the same brotherhood with the guys in his current unit. I know he's never deployed with them (that definitely makes his relationships change), but it's a little bitter sweet that we won't have that same type of Thanksgiving this year. We will have my entire family and somehow that makes me feel a lot better. Hopefully there will be a couple guys that end up coming from the unit though. In honor of one of my favorite holiday's and my current emotional state about Georgia, take a look at some of the photos from our last "turkey day" we had. Ava bug was so small. How many of my readers love Thanksgiving? Do you have any special traditions or crafts you do with your family? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below or by email.

Happy Monday all!

♥- Leilani

Lifehouse

Thanksgiving could not have been more perfect. The food was great, the company was awesome, it was just an overall great day. I haven't had that many people in this house.. like ever. It felt like grand central station, with people coming and going. It was nice though. We had a couple soldiers that were 3 weeks out of basic show up as well. It warms my heart through and through that they were able to have Thanksgiving at our home. The thought of any soldier cooped up in the barracks on such a joyous holiday.. it doesn't sit well with me. This year was also the first year I have never had Thanksgiving leftovers! All of the food we made was devoured with a quickness. Justin and I were pretty stoked about that (moving in like 4 days) because we don't have to throw out a whole lot when moving day comes.

Friday was a good day. I didn't participate in any black Friday shenanigans, and that was completely fine with me. We woke up kind of early to try take two of our family pictures... they were a success! I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out. We should have them in about a week or so, but I'm debating whether or not I want to share them (I want to frame some of them). Yesterday, I was introduced to a cloth diapering/eco-friendly store, here in Georgia (thank you Victoria). I was so ticked, I hadn't found this store prior to having Ava. I purchased a couple more cloth diapers for Ava bug, and I bought bug her very first security snuggle. It's made by Aden and Anais, and it's called bamboo musy mate lovey. Ava loves this thing already!

Oh, Ava's currently in sposies until we move. I washed all of her cloth, all that's left is packing it up. We are using bamboo nature again, and I am in love. Super absorbent, no rashes, and they fit her great. It's weird not seeing a fluff bum on my child, but sposies are going to make our Texas move just a little bit easier for me. In our final days in Georgia, Ava is getting her "my first Christmas" photos done, and I'm feeling nervous about those. Her Thanksgiving photos didn't come out how I'd expected. No smiles from her! Hopefully this round of pictures is better than the last. 

It looks like my day is going to consist of cleaning,homework, and more packing. Packing is so not fun. I seriously start lactating every time I pack a box. I'm getting more emotional about the move. I really go back and forth. Some days, I'm all excited and ready to leave, other days I'm reminded that I'm leaving the only state I've been married in! It's kind of surreal. Either way, I'm trying to accept that sometimes change can be really good. On a happy note, I have managed to stay on top of my thankful Novembers, and as of tomorrow, we roll into Dedicated December! It's not an official thing, but I figure, I should keep the momentum flowing. Alright guys, It looks like I'm off for now. Justin will soon be walking through the door with breakfast, and I need some energy food! Enjoy your Saturday all! 

Day 29- I am thankful for truth. Without a doubt, the truth always sets us free. 

Day 30- I am thankful for sports. Without them, I don't know how Justin would feel about his Sundays. 

♥- Leilani

The day is finally here!

Happy Thanksgiving all! I can't believe we are at the end of November. Our time here in Georgia is quickly coming to an end, and I couldn't be more excited to close this chapter of my life. I am grateful we will be spending our day with friends, people who have become family, and single soldiers that are away from their loved ones. As we wrap up the end of November, I have a few more thing I am thankful for.

Day 26- I am so very thankful for my blog, and my blog readers. Writing is such a comfort for me, and I'm glad I can keep everyone up to date with my daily posts.
Day 27- I am thankful for laughter. Laughter is good for the soul, and the best medicine in life.
Day 28- I am thankful for deployment. I have much more appreciation for the time I have with Justin.

We decided to stick the bird in a little later this year, but everything else is being prepped and ready to go for this afternoon. I made my first dish of ambrosia last night, and I've got to say it tastes divine. While I'm talking about last night, I had the worst freak out of my mommy life. I had been rushing, and doing pretty much everything but focusing solely on Ava. (Justin had her) I hate that. I really do. My daughter comes first. Everything else is trivial compared to Princess A. I hate when my time is taken away from her, or when I rush to do things with her, because I'd been "busy" with something ridiculous. Anyhow, (sorry for my mini vent) when I went to feed bug her vitamin d, I think I may have been rushing, we've given her vitamin d a million times, and I didn't think choking would ever happen, until it did. I was panicked, and freaked out. I picked her up, starting patting her back, I just didn't know what to do. I ended up sticking my finger down her throat, and thank god that worked. I have never been so worried in my life. I was so scared, and I felt completely awful. I just held her, and cried. If I had been more focused on Ava, I would not have been in a hurry to get her prepped for bed. Never again will I allow this to happen.

Whoo! That was a lot to take in. On a happier note, I'm starting some Thanksgiving traditions with Bug and her daddy this year. It involves paint and canvases. I'm pretty excited about it. We leave Georgia in just six days! I'm getting ancy over here! Family pictures are in a day. I'm REALLY praying that this Georgia weather cooperates this time. It looks like we will be doing some small black Friday shopping this year. My hp laptop kind of crapped the bed. Sorry for that less than pretty image. I have to replace it, and it looks like the mac book pro is going to be that replacement. Justin and Ava are coming along, this should make for an interesting trip. Alright all, it's time for me to start cooking. I hope your days are spent with family, and people you love. Don't fight today. Don't meddle. Be at peace, and enjoy your feast! Haha, sorry that was really cheesy, but I couldn't resist.

♥- Leilani

Urgent Care

So we took Princess A to the E.R. for the first time today. She had a series of coughing fits last night, and again this afternoon. It was something foreign that we hadn't experienced with her before, so naturally we called the Pediatrics clinic. They had zero appointments available, so they told us to bring Ava into the hospital. Our entire visit took about an hour (so pleased about that) I am so OCD about germs, so I used my moby wrap the entire time, and daddy was on diaper bag detail.

The triage nurse was really sweet and made our baby laugh! I wasn't so scared about bringing her in at that point. Her lungs were clear, her heartbeat was excellent, and she wasn't running a fever of any kind. It took about fifteen minutes for them to call our names back; we were pleasantly surprised. The doctor was just awesome. She came in and the first thing she mentioned was how beautiful our daughter was. She told us we did such a good job with her, and commented on how happy Ava was. It was nice to hear such warm comments from a physician. Since everything appeared to be symptoms of a common cold or teething, the physician opted not to do a chest x ray (no need to expose her to radiation) when there was no fever present. We were told to continue with saline, draining the mucus, and the cool or warm mist humidifier. After that, we were all set to go home.

I have to admit that didn't go anywhere near as bad as I was expecting. That's a really good thing though. When we got home, I made all three of us scrub down, and wash down anything we took to the E.R. The whole bringing home germs aspect of going to urgent care really grosses me out. I told Justin I'm glad we can't put Bug in a bubble, but if we could... No! I'm totally joking. This is my life now, germs, germs, germs. Tonight, Ava had her first full serving of avocados. I'd say she's fond of them. She keeps opening her mouth for Justin to feed her, and fussing when he takes too long. I love it! Next on the food list is apples! I have completely delayed Thanksgiving shopping (with the exception of the turkey), so that's on our to-do list this weekend too. Well, it's Christmas movie time, I would say the weekend, but with Justin not having to return to work, it feels like the weekend everyday. Happy Friday all!

Day 22- I am thankful for leaves. When they fall down, I feel total zen.


♥- Leilani

In route

We leave the state of Georgia in two weeks! I'm still trying to wrap my brain around this. Calling power companies, cable companies, and transferring our internet service has made this process feel more real. I've actually stepped up and gotten on board with this whole moving ordeal. Tonight, I mapped out our trip. I figured out where we are going to stop, how long we are going to drive, the whole nine yards. I love that Justin lets me plan everything. My OCD  is completely satisfied.

Ava is still a bit sick. She got her "my first Thanksgiving" pictures taken today. She was such a stinker! I know she was tired (she knocked out right when we got home) but I was expecting her to give that million dollar smile... she didn't. Not even for her daddy. I was so shocked. I haven't seen them all yet, but I'm hoping there's a money shot somewhere in there. Tonight was round two of avocados, and Ava is a fan. She ate so much tonight (hoping she sleeps longer at night) I was surprised. We also started her on oatmeal yesterday. I didn't think we'd do any type of oatmeal or rice meal (organic or not) but Ava's Pediatric doctor stressed the importance of replenishing her iron. I researched and it was definitely a step we needed to take. Surprisingly, Ava likes her oatmeal. It's great for us, because now we are getting into a food routine. Oh, I think I neglected to mention that my Princess is saying mama now! It makes me smile, and completely warms my core whenever I hear her sweet voice utter mama. Princess A makes her mama's world a better place.

Justin got his bulldog stamp and has officially finished clearing this installation. This means he will be home with his girls until his forty days of leave are up (they haven't started yet) I am excited about that. Even though it's weird having him home this much, I am loving it. Having another set of hands to help with the baby, or to snuggle has been absolutely wonderful.

I realize I am getting behind with my thankful days, and I apologize. Things are only going to get crazier for me, but I'll try to stick to this for the rest of the month!

Day 19- I am thankful for traditions. Every month I have something to look forward to with my family
Day 20- I am thankful for my beliefs. Even when I feel conflicted about my faith, the lord is always with me.
Day 21- I am thankful for counselors. I don't know if my mental health will stay in tact like this forever, but I'm glad there are people available to help me if I go off the deep end.

This quote gave me pause.

I feel like I want to post a little something everyday. My mama reads my blog (among a lot of others) So it's nice to give her a full update on my day (on the days where we don't get to chat). I'm off for now! Homework calls. Goodnight All!

 ♥- Leilani

It's Happening

You're probably thinking that this is in regards to the compassion reassignment.. WRONG! I'm having a very emotional mommy morning. Yesterday, we had our biweekly home visit from Christa. Christa is apart of the new parent support program that I joined before Ava was born. I can't express how much Christa has helped me, influenced me, or made me feel like I am doing everything right! The program itself is worth taking a look at, if you are located on a military installation. Any who, Ava loves Christa. Always smiling and cooing at her when she visits. Apparently, Bug is in the "stranger danger" phase. I left the room for no more than two minutes, and I heard her crying. Not fussing, but legit bottom lip out, tears flowing, I felt so bad. Christa said she scanned the room for me, and when she couldn't find me, she started crying. Because Bug spends so much time, well all her time, with her parents, we are her normal. We are her constant. Although this is normal, I can't help but feel like this is my fault. Justin doesn't have a problem with this. He likes that Ava won't willingly go in the arms of a stranger like nothing is wrong. That is a definite plus, but I'm just concerned about her initial reaction to my family, even Justin's family.

Oh, I ordered Ava's highchair yesterday. I also ordered the rest of the items I needed to make Bug's baby food at home. Can you believe her highchair is already out for delivery? Sometimes, I love amazon prime! I'm going to spend this next week getting my Princess familiar with her highchair. Familiar with her utensils, and her bowls. I'm so glad we are going to ease her into this, rather than throw it at her at one time. Due to the potential pesticides in carrots, we decided to make sweet potatoes Ava's first baby food. We are also giving her juice this month! I ordered sippy cups for her! We are not putting juice in bottles! So many milestones for Ava bug this month. I cannot believe how fast this has all gone.

During my home visit with Christa, she asked what I wanted Ava to be as she got older. A question I think about often. I told her, I wanted Ava to be kind, to be warm. To be an extrovert, an optimist, funny, caring. Intelligent to a fault, giving, considerate. I want Ava to have the best attributes from her mommy, and her daddy. It was nice, thinking about who my baby is going to become. At the close of our meeting, Christa said something to me, that made me cry long after she left. She said, "I love who you are." That statement alone made me feel amazing. You hear things like that from your family, parents, or spouse, but Christa, had no reason to say that, other than the fact that she meant it. It was so nice, and touching, to have someone that has only known me a short while, say something so wonderful.

Before I start the waterworks, be on the lookout for videos! I never usually post photos of Ava (wanting to keep her beautiful face off of public blogs) but, I'm thinking I might post a video of her first time using a sippy cup, and her first time eating sweet potatoes. It's always fun to share this stuff with my family, so I thought I'd share it with my readers as well. Before I forget, here is Day 8. I am thankful for friends. They are people we CHOOSE to be apart of our lives. They are total strangers, that someday turn into someone we trust. Someone we cherish.

Alright all, I am off for the weekend! I hope you enjoy your loved ones this weekend! Hug a Veteran! Happy Friday!

♥- Leilani

Bright, Sun Shiny Day

My entire morning has been glorious. With Justin clearing, he's exempt from certain things that he'd normally be doing, like physical training. I guess the time interfered with a briefing he had, which gave me a whole 4 hours with him this morning, and for three of those hours, our daughter was sleeping. We never usually get time in the morning together (unless it's a weekend), and it has made me even more excited for forty days of leave. I was even able to do some yoga from home. I usually don't prefer to, due to all of Cooper's dog hairs covering my mat.

Today marks the start of a four day for Justin. Veteran's day is around the corner, I really can't wait to celebrate that! I think for part of the day we may explore a museum, monuments, something historic in Savannah. One thing about the South that I enjoy, is all the history. I took a trolley tour at the beginning of this year, and I learned SO much about almost every street in downtown Savannah. With Justin being such a history buff, I think it'll be a perfect way to spend our Saturday.

I think we are going to start buying boxes this weekend; We've received all this information about the dity (do it yourself) move, and now I'm overly excited to get started. I can't believe how much money there is to be made by moving ourselves. Not to mention the glorious feeling of knowing that our things won't be lost our damaged. Thanks to our trip to New York this summer, I'm not worried about driving with Ava in the car. She's such a good baby, I know this trip will be a breeze. If Fort Lewis, Washington is our next destination, I really want to take the road trip. Justin wants Ava and I to fly out, rather than road trip it with him. It makes sense, I just wanted to stick together, as a family.

Oh, I almost forgot! Day 7. I am thankful for online universities. If I weren't able to obtain my degree online, I don't think I'd be going back to school for awhile. I'm fortunate and very thankful that I get to stay home with my daughter, care for my home, and FINALLY get my BA in healthcare administration.

Looks like I'm off! Ava has been in a "don't put me down" phase, so I'm off to baby wear my bug, maybe take a walk in, enjoy this fresh air! Happy Thursday all!





♥- Leilani

Day 5 & 6

I totally spaced on writing this yesterday, but this post will reflect day five and day six of things I am thankful for. I am thankful for the depth the lord gave me. I am also thankful for our service members. There are so many hard moments in our lives, very few are comfortable with sharing, even with a trusted friend, let alone writing them on a very public blog. I am grateful that I can share my pain, my happiness, my frustrations, my insecurities, myself. I am not ashamed to talk about my marriage, my parenting, or the things that make me an imperfect human being. There is always more to people than what they are willing to share. I'm glad I know this, and I'm glad I like to connect on deeper levels. Because of my depth, I have made life long friends, I have made connections with so many beautiful people.  There is more to me than what appears on the surface. I love that. I'm not a generic person. I thank the lord for that each and every day.

Our servicemen without a doubt are my heroes. They know their lives are at risk, but they do it anyway. What is more heroic than that? Each and everyday, I am reminded why I live in a country that allows me to be free. I am reminded, because of the soldier I married. I don't want to be all cheesy and cliche, but being able to see first hand what the families go through, and the soldier, gives you a different perspective. I am so proud and humbled to say that I have a military family. I am so proud and humbled to be apart of something so much bigger than myself. I am thankful every single moment of every day for what our military does.

November, I really love you. I shouldn't have to have reminders to be thankful, or reminders to be a better person, but I'm glad I have them. I don't want to ever be a selfish person. I don't want to be a materialistic, driven person. Reminders like thankful November, keep me grounded. I know I'll have my moments, but, I just want to be a good person. I want to always care about others, and I want to teach my daughter to care for others. It's so important to me. This post is getting sentimental, haha! I'll end things there. I've had a very emotional day, and I'm glad for it.

I'm going to wrap this up, Ava is calling for her mama! I will have to update you all soon. Good things are happening for my family!

Here we go

looks like I'm jumping on the bandwagon with the thankful Novembers. I know, I know, we should be thankful every month of every year. Truth is, I like this tradition. Every November, I can count on facebook being filled with all the thankful Novembers from my friends. I can count on people trying to be more selfless and less self absorbed. It's a refreshing change from the eleven other months. This post is going to count as my Day 1, 2, & 3 days of thankfulness. It's pretty predictable. My family. My Ava and my Justin.

You know the saying, a picture is worth one thousand words? It's pretty accurate. I'm thankful for Justin. More thankful than I can actually express to him. He has to deal with a pretty bitter and morbid woman for a wife (these days). He blocks it out. I'm trying so hard to push him away, he won't let me. He's everything I need, without direction. He's nurturing. He's a protector. He loves Ava and I, so hard, so true. I can say, life has never presented me with a love like his before. 

Then we've got my Bug! My curious, my innocent, my sweet little girl. I'm thankful for the "normal" she brings to my life. I'm grateful that her smile is enough to make Sunday a great day. I am thankful for her existence. I never knew my child would fill voids, even I was unaware that I had. On the days where my heart aches so badly, it seems to be instantly replaced with the love and warmth I have for my daughter. Ava has presented me with a love so pure, I would have called B.S. if not having experienced it myself. 

Family is not overrated. I'm so thankful for mine. Even with our 3,000 mile distance, they are still there for me. Family is the reason why most people go on to move mountains. Our families needs us. They need us to be okay. No one said life was going to be easy and complaining about the cards we are dealt will never fix anything. I'm thankful for Ava, Justin, and my family. Having them makes everything better in my world. 

♥- Leilani