4 Months Old!

Time continues to move on and Hunter continues to grow. Our little fella is getting so big and he's now already 4 months old! I was so anxious to take him to the doctor to see how much he's grown and I was definitely not dissapointed. Hunter now weighs  in at 18 lbs 12.5oz (95th percentile), is 26 inches long (85th percentile), and his head circumference is 17.5in around (90th percentile). He continues to be a great baby and we love having him around. Here's a few new things that he's been doing:

-He is able to recognize me, follows me with his eyes, and smiles laughs when I talk to him and cries when i leave his side
-He is now reaching for things in front of him, can grasp onto objects, and brings everything to his mouth
-He has been sleeping for a good 6-7 hours straight during the night before waking, and goes back to sleep for another 3 hours before fully waking for the day
-He loves to play in his exersaucer
-His two bottom teeth have come through and continues to slobber like crazy (let the teething phase begin!)

Saying Goodbye (Deployment # 3)

Today was a sad day. The time has finally come and Zane has deployed once again. This is his 3rd time in the past 3 1/2 years and goodbye never gets any easier. Since this deployment is a MEU deployment, things were a bit different.  Most of the Marines and Sailors boarded the ship yesterday, but the last 9 phrogs were scheduled to fly onto the ship this morning. Since most families said their goodbyes at the pier in San Diego, there were just a few of us at the squadron. Nevertheless, the mood was still somber as ever and the time seemed to be ticking by so fast yet  at the same time, ever so slow. When it was time to say goodbye, Zane walked the kids and I to the car, helped me put them in, and said his goodbyes to Hunter and Cally. I know that was super hard for him to do. Luckily, Cally did not understand the true meaning of this deployment and was able to say goodbye to daddy without any crying. Her concept on time is not there yet which made it easier for all of us. Zane then turned to me and we said goodbye with a long embrace, a sweet kiss, and a few tears. Its so hard knowing he will be gone for so long, but I am still so proud of him and what he does. He is such an amazing man and I'm so lucky to be his wife.

Helping Daddy load up

"My daddy is my hero"

Cally and her friend Mikayla

Since they were flying onto the boat, the families all planned on heading to the beach on base to watch them flyover for the last time, but since the flyover wasn't going to happen for another few hours, some of the wives and I got together and had lunch while trying to pass the time and waiting to see our hubbies fly over us one last time.


When the time finally came, the moment was sad and exciting at the same time. All the families lined up along the beach waving their arms or signs in hopes that their marine would see them. As we watched the helicopters fly over, there were tears everywhere, but in the midst of all the sadness I also felt a huge sense of pride. What an amazing sight to see 9 phrogs in formation heading out to sea to protect and defend us, and our country.

 The USS Peleliu 

Heading out to sea

The deployment is scheduled to be approximately 7 months long but could be up to 10 months. In the meantime, I plan on visiting some old friends, heading to Colorado for a few months to spend time with family, and keeping busy with life. Two kiddos brings on new challenges, especially when you're doing everything alone, but I look forward to being as preoccupied as possible to help time go by.

Zane, you are an incredible man, husband, father, and friend. I can't wait for the day when you can wrap your arms around me and the kids again. Until then, I pray for your safety and think of you always. You are always in my heart and I love you more than I could ever tell you. Thank you for what you do, you are truly my hero.

A Fun Filled Family Hike

We took the kids and dogs out for an early morning hike up the mountains behind our house and had a great time (and I a great workout now that I too must pack along a kiddo)! Times like these are cherished and so special, especially since Zane deploys tomorrow. Here are some pictures of our fun time!

Jamaica Mon!!!

Zane and I always make an effort to do a big trip before and after each deployment. From Italy to Cancun, to Puerto Rico, Morocco and Spain, we like to travel the world and spend much needed time together. This year, time crept up on us and we almost did not take a pre-deployment trip but we managed to squeeze one in and went on a 6 day trip to Jamaica with the kids.

We spent the week at an all inclusive beach resort in Montego Bay and had an amazing time. There was a great little water park for Cally, multiple pools with swim up bars, live entertainment each night, many delicious restaurants to choose from and of course beautiful beaches around the whole property.The ocean water was just as you would imagine, crystal clear and beautiful! The sunsets were amazing and our time there was absolutely wonderful.

 Cally got into the Jamaican spirit, and got her hair done the first day we were there!

 

Having fun with Daddy....rain or shine!

We got out into town as well and took a little shopping trip down the "hip strip" and craft markets and got some really cool souvenirs. It was hot and humid but we really enjoyed getting out and soaking up the Jamaican culture a bit.

 

Enjoying the resort!

 

Hunter and Zane going down the kiddie slide!



Cally and Zane at the bar

 

Out to dinner 

Jamaican dancing

 

Nap time!

 

 

We found a jellyfish!

The trip would not have been complete without a dolphin encounter. Cally, Zane and I all had a chance to play and swim with dolphins and it was amazing. What an awesome experience! 

Kisses!

 

  

Cally and Zane getting a ride!

Kisses for Cally!

 

A family camel ride at Dolphin Cove!

More water park fun!

Enjoying the sunset!

 

Our little guy!

Zane found a crab!

 We spent our final day in Jamaica at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville enjoying some food and drinks, the amazing view, and playing on their water slides, trampolines, and other inflatable contraptions.

 

 

Our trip was amazing but went by way too quickly. It was so wonderful to spend time together as a family and loved every minute of it.