Haircut and Other Things

We haven't been all that busy since coming back to Hometown, USA. Yesterday AJ and I went on a little Mama-Daughter lunch date and got some real, honest-to-goodness, hometown food. It was wonderful.

AJ has been waking up super early for whatever reason, so we're all a little tired. She was so tired yesterday that she almost fell asleep in the car on the way to lunch. I'll tell you, I did not have high hopes for how lunch was going to go with a sleepy toddler, but it was great. We were there early enough that it wasn't very crowded, plus its not a sit-down restaurant, so we didn't have to wait around forever for a waiter to come and take our order, bring us our food, etc.

We had another early wake-up again this morning, so when I noticed AJ was laying down on the floor with her blankie watching TV, I knew it was about time for nap. I'm actually pleasantly surprised with how well she's been doing since she is so tired. I guess I'm kind of hoping that this will continue through until next week when we make the drive home. Maybe she'll be so tired by that point that she'll nap the whole way home. Wishful thinking.

As for me, I'm excited. We have a big, fun, busy weekend planned! I'm starting things off right by getting my first haircut in a long time(since AJ was a newborn?). I think I'm going to do something drastic. I'm ready for a change. Plus, anything other than a trim would be drastic based on how long my hair is now. After my hair cut, we're heading to the in-laws for dinner. Tomorrow morning AJ and I have a breakfast date with one of my roommates from college who lives in the area. We're going to the best breakfast place around, so I'm definitely looking forward to that.

I'm planning on getting my hair cut like one of these ladies below. What do you think?

I like the length of LC's cut without the bangs, though.

Heidi's hair looks great, but mine will never stay styled like this.

I like the way Jenn has her's styled in this picture.

Gwyneth's hair is most likely what mine would end up looking like. We have the same hair "type."

My sister is also making the trek home for the weekend so she can spend some time with us while we're here, even though we'll see her next month in sunny FL. The plan for Saturday afternoon is to take AJ to the Children's Museum now that she is actually old enough to enjoy everything. Following that, we're going to order pizza from the neighborhood joint infamously known as "Little I." (Short for "Little Italian.")

Sunday we have another busy day planned, we're going to hang around in the morning, but then after nap we're going to head into the city to go to the Auto Show and then have dinner at my cousin's house. He and his wife have a baby who is about 8 months old now and the last time I saw her, she was a newborn! Crazy how time flies, especially with little ones!

That's the big excitement around these parts! I'll be back Monday to update on the weekend, hopefully with lots of pictures (if I remember to charge my camera tonight) of everything, including the new hair cut!

Settling In...

Well, we made it to Hometown, USA yesterday afternoon. AJ was, once again, a delight in the car (seriously, she's pretty good on long trips for a 23 month old). We didn't have to get up super early to leave, so we got a chance to spend the morning with my Aunt before we left. We hit some snow and sleet for about the first hour, but after that, it was all smooth sailing.

We stopped for lunch at our normal lunch time and I decided to treat AJ to one of the restaurants I grew up with, Steak 'n Shake. We don't have any around where we live right now (or really any of the duty stations we've been at) so it was the first time she has been. She thought it was great! I mean, you get an awesome hat, AND a milkshake? Win-win!

She clearly was loving the hat.

Speaking of milkshakes, after we finished eating, I was trying to get AJ loaded back into her car seat and I set the almost full milkshake on the center console while I wrangled her. It was that moment that my devil-child, AbbyDog decided to jump from the backseat to the front and knocked it over, spilling the ENTIRE milkshake on my leather seats. Awesome. I tried to get her to lick it up and she looked at me like I had three heads, undoubtedly thinking to herself, "I would NEVER eat something that isn't mine." Thanks, dog.

After managing to clean that up with the 4 napkins the Steak 'n Shake waitress so kindly gave me we got back on the road again. (FYI Steak 'n Shake waitress, 4 napkins is NOT a "bunch.") AJ fell asleep almost instantly and took what is, to date, the longest car nap on record for her, 55 minutes.

We didn't encounter any other real problems the rest of the trip unless you count the numerous $3.80 tolls coming into town. $3.80? Seriously? That is crazy! I can get a drink at $tarbucks for that amount, but no, you're charging me the same amount to drive on a highway. Brings new meaning to the term, "highway robbery."

We beat my parents to their house, which I knew we would, because they were flying home from CO yesterday, so we let ourselves in, got unpacked and ran to Trader Joe's to get some stuff to make dinner.

AJ decided to get in this basket and it tipped over, so naturally, I took a picture before helping her up.

She was "cooking" in her kitchen before I could get her jacket off her.

Can I just say how wonderful it is to live in an area that has so many options for grocery shopping? When we were stationed at Ft. Lewis, we were really spoiled. We had everything (except Whole Foods) and the stores had great products. I honestly loved grocery shopping when we were there. I also love grocery shopping here. There's WF, TJ's, and more, all right around the corner. Its fantastic! In fact, this morning we went to WF and stocked up on some of the things AJ likes to eat and I got my lunch from their deli bar (which is to die for, BTW).

Speaking of being spoiled, this afternoon I'm heading out, sans bebe, to get a 90 minute massage. I'm anticipating it to be heavenly. My mom gave me a gift certificate she has, so its going to basically be half price. I can't wait.

Ah, this is why I can't come home all that often, my wallet can't afford it! ;)

Purple and Other Fun Things

So apparently not everyone is interested in all my ramblings about motherhood and pictures of AJ. Really? I lost a follower after I posted yesterday. Not sure what that was about, but I know some of you understand what I'm feeling. Was it something specific? Did they not like my opinion on a topic. Oh well, its my blog and I'm allowed to write about whatever I want, and if you don't like it, then you can "unfollow" me. :P

Moving on! We haven't been too busy this week, mostly just relaxing, playing outside and spending time with the family. AJ was wearing the cutest outfit ever yesterday. I've honestly have it forever and have been waiting for the stars to align weather to be cool enough and her to be the right size to fit into it forever! Here she is in her plaid tunic and white jeans (yes, I dressed my 15 month old in white jeans, what about it?).



I think she looks pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself!

For some reason, she also likes to wear this little princess dress-up skirt on her head like she's the Pope or something. Its pretty funny.
Sorry the pic is so blurry, its hard to get her to stand still long enough to get a good one!

Showing off her awesome "hat."

Wednesday afternoon my mom came home and told my sister and I to go get pedicures while she watched AJ for me. I was really debating what color to get because I didn't want it to clash with my dress for the wedding this weekend. Only problem with that plan is that I haven't officially decided which dress I'm wearing for the wedding. Eek!

I'm debating between a coral strapless dress or a navy blue dress, both of which look super cute on, but I didn't want to get pink or red nails in case I wear the coral dress. I decided to go with a lilac (lavender) purple color, and it looks super cute!

Again, sorry for the crappy picture, I was trying to take it in the nail salon without looking like a total creep!

Also on Wednesday, AJ and I hopped in the car and drove to the city to meet my cousin's new baby, Kaley! She was born almost 3 weeks ago and I was so excited to meet her and ooh and aah over a new baby! AJ was too funny. She didn't really care about the baby, to be honest, she was more interested in their dog, but once I started holding Kaley, AJ flipped out! I guess its lucky that I'm not having a baby any time soon, maybe AJ will "mature" a little bit before that happens! Ha! One thing is for sure, life will be interesting if we ever have another!

My sister said that AJ looks like a giant next to Kaley!

She was sooo little! When she was born she was a whole pound smaller than AJ was as a newborn, so I'm thinking that right now she is the size that AJ was at birth. Its crazy to think that AJ was ever that little. I mean, I know she was, but it just has been almost completely wiped from my memory!

It was good seeing my cousin and his wife again, they seem to be adjusting to parenthood rather well, and I'm glad that we made the trek to see them!

All in all, we've had a fun week and more fun is on the agenda for this weekend! I believe AJ has plans with my parents to go to the Farmers' Market and I'm going to drink my weight in margaritas with my girlfriends. Can't wait!

I'll try and post an update Sunday night when I get back, but no guarantees as AJ and I are planning to head home early Monday morning, so I'm sure I'll be busy!

Must Read: Super Boring Post About Nothing!

Okay, so I figured that it had been long enough with no posts from me. I'm sucking it up and considering that this is my only job (you know, aside from going out to lunch and taking care of AJ) I should have something interesting for you.

Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Don't get me wrong. We've had a lot of excitement and done many interesting things since you heard from me last, but I don't have any pictures of any of it.

That's a lie. I have taken 2 pictures since Thursday. I have one picture of food and one picture of AJ. The thing is, lots of pictures could have been taken, but then the paranoia sets in and I fear that people will know who I am and where I hail from (not like 98% of you reading this don't already know) and come find me while I'm sleeping. You know, rational things like that.

AJ was with my in-laws this weekend while I headed to Iowa for a Bachelorette party. They took her to the zoo and had lots and lots of fun!

I also had fun, but in a vastly different and not-at-all-AJ-appropriate sense. I will say though, that as far as Bachelorette parties go, this one was tame. Much tamer than my own was. It was held at the bride's parent's house, and it was a pool party. The weather was okay, but not hot enough for me to want to get in the pool, so I drank many beers, played bags (cornhole?), and ate cupcakes, Buffalo Chicken Dip and lots of other yummy foods.

Sunday morning we were laughing about how old we all are because no one was hungover, we had all gotten a good night sleep and we were having a lengthy discussion about the merits of Fiestaware dishes versus other dishware. These are definitely not the things we discussed at my Bachelorette party 3.5 years ago (not that I remember much from that weekend, anyway). The funny thing was though, it was fun!

I'm super excited for the wedding this weekend, but I'm starting to get even more excited to get back home. I'm glad that I am able to see lots of friends and family, but I'm ready to sleep in my own bed again and just get back into our normal routine!

Before any of that happens though, AJ and I are going to meet my cousin's new baby, Kaley! She was born at the beginning of June and I can't wait to meet her, see her squishy new-ness and maybe even hold her!

In case you made it this far into the boring, picture-free post, here are the two pictures I've taken over the last 4 days.

My pizza at lunch today. Mmmmmm.

AJ having a morning snack.

I promise if you stick around another week or so I'll have some new baby pics along with other fun stuff we're doing the rest of the week and hopefully wedding pictures and lots of college roomie pictures from the weekend.

Beep, Beep! Comin' Through!

So we left off Wednesday afternoon after our trip to Jeni's ice cream. AJ took a great nap and when she got up, we headed up to my maternal grandparent's to visit. As I mentioned before, my grandad has recently been moved into the assisted living section of the community, so things are changing a lot for them and I think they've had a hard time adjusting to living in two separate places, even if they are only a 5 minute walk away.

AJ getting a picture with great-grandad.

And one with great-grammy.

My cousin Molly was there, too!

Pointing out where she found the cat treats in a drawer.

Pretty interested in said cat treats (she ate a few before I figured out what she was doing).

Pooped after a long, fun day of visiting (and eating cat treats)!

Thursday we got up bright and early again and headed Westward! I wanted to get on the road early to miss any chance of hitting traffic, and luckily it was smooth sailing the whole way! We got to my parent's house around noon and had lunch. After a failed nap, we proceeded to play outside for most of the afternoon.

AJ got in a little driving practice in Z's jeep.

As you can see, we don't play around, she is wearing her seatbelt. ;)

Now if only she could reach the clutch!

Don't fall out, AJ! There are no doors on that Jeep!

My "brother from another mother" aka Hutchy came over last night for dinner!

He was enjoying the faces AJ was making at him! He has a niece of his own who is about 6 months younger than AJ, so seeing AJ at this age will be good practice for him in a few months when Delaney is this age!

And AJ's favorite part of the trip so far, the neighbor's dog, Lily! They're perfectly sized for each other!

So, as you can see, we're having lots of fun and trying to just take it easy so AJ doesn't get too tired from all the activity! We've got lunch plans today and then tomorrow AJ heads up to the in-laws for a big party Saturday night while I head to a bachelorette party.

I'll post again next week with all our weekend pictures!

Happy Friday, all!

We Made It!

Just wanted to drop in and let you know that we officially made it to Hometown, USA this afternoon.

We got up early, made really good time and only stopped once in a 6 hour trip (Hallelujah!). I really just wanted to get the last long drive out of the way. We got to hang out with my sister this afternoon and then had dinner with my parents as well.

AJ is in bed, and I'm headed that way as well. Even though its only 8:15, all the traveling and driving is starting to catch up with me. I'm exhausted!

I'll make sure to get on and post more pictures and update you all on the trip so far in a few days (probably after I get back from the bachelorette party this weekend).

Until then, have a great rest of the week and don't be surprised if you don't see a post from me for a few days! I'll be on twitter most likely on and off all weekend, so if you *need* me, that's where to find me!

Nighty night, all!

Hometown, USA Trip: Part 1

I figured that since AJ is napping I'd get some of my pictures uploaded and let you all see what we've been up to since we got to Ohio yesterday afternoon.

We started out the drive early, which ended up being a good thing because it took a lot longer than I was expecting to make the drive. I was hoping that AJ would sleep in the car in the morning since I woke her up so early.

Early in the trip I decided to stop for breakfast so I could take my Poison Ivy medicine. I have to eat with it, so I figured a stop was warranted. We somehow chose the only fast food restaurant in the world that doesn't have high chairs (awesome! Thanks, Bo Jangles in Greensboro, NC!) and AJ face-planted into the table.

Shortly after recovering from that we got gas and hit the road again. I was hoping to get some miles behind us and may have exceeded the speed limit a bit and a friendly state trooper spotted me and issued me a ticket. Hooray! The trip was really starting out the way I was hoping!

Here I am, happy the sun has finally come up.

The picture above was taken right before the speeding ticket. We made a few more stops, one at a rest stop so AJ could run around and play for a bit. Then we stopped and got some snacks so we wouldn't have to make a lunch stop.

Right after the stop, around 10:45 AJ finally fell asleep.

Only took her 6 hours to finally fall asleep!

She spent some time reading.

We drove through lots of tunnels.

After we made it through all the tunnels, we were making pretty good time, things were starting to look up. That is until we pulled up to a toll booth and I only had $0.48. Luckily they wrote me an IOU and I was able to get cash at the next exit and pay the first toll with the second, but it definitely added an extra stop that I wasn't planning on making. But seriously, who doesn't realize that they're on a toll road until they get to the toll booth with no money? Fail.

And finally made it to Ohio!

AJ had to catch up on her email and twitter.

We visited with AJ's great-grandma.

And her great-grandpa.

AJ got her first taste of Skyline Chili!

And I enjoyed some, too.

After Skyline we went to Jeni's for ice cream!

I got the Salty Caramel and AJ had the Wildberry Lavender.

We liked the decorations in the shop!

Pretty flowers in a Mason jar.

As you can see, we've been having a great time here in Ohio! I'm so thankful we've got family here to let us crash in between legs of our trip to Hometown, USA. Its nice to see everyone and spend some quality time with my baby. I feel like we get in such a rut back home that its fun to switch things up a little bit.

Tonight we have dinner plans with AJ's other set of Ohio-based great-grandparents and one of my cousins and then tomorrow morning we're heading West for our second leg of the trip.

I know I'm excited to see my parents and the in-laws, plus a new baby, lots of friends and familiar surroundings in my hometown.

Get In Mah Belly!

If you've been reading my {lack of} posts lately, you know that AJ and I are about to embark on a semi cross-country drive back to Hometown, USA for a little family time with my grandparents, a wedding, sleepovers with AJ's grandparents, dinner with relatives, and ohhhh, dinner with the relatives.

FIL, are you listening?

I need me some homemade gravy, pasta, meatballs, sausage, and maybe some manicotti and garlic bread.

Please notice that I said NEED, not want. I NEED someone to make me a delicious, multi-course, homemade Italian meal.

Oh, I also need to get some real Hometown, USA food while I'm home too.

You can bet that I'm going to make every effort to eat at Skyline Chili when I stop in Ohio to visit my grandparents. Also, at bloggy BFF Moe's urging, I'm going to hook myself up to an IV of eat some Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream as well.

I don't even consider Columbus, OH to be my hometown (although I did live there for several years as a youngster). I have lots (and lots) of family there and my parents grew up there though, so its kind of a second hometown for me (or third, but that's another story).

Also, in case it wasn't clear, I equate food with happiness. A visit home isn't complete without at least trip to the best hotdog restaurant ever, or a sandwich (complete with hot peppers) from Potbelly. Don't even get me started on pizza. Oh, pizza. How I miss you when I'm gone.

Sidenote: I'm sure other cities have pizza as well. Its just not the same. Let's not get into a debate on whether Windy City pizza or Big Apple pizza is better. Just agree to disagree, k? Mmmk!

So folks, to wrap up the story, I'm going home to eat. I will most likely return to the land of eternal summer a good 20 5 pounds heavier than when I leave here next week. I'm also going to drink. Lots. I am going to a bachelorette party and a wedding sans bebe, I mean, what do you expect?

I just hope I don't gain too much to fit back in the car at the end of the trip! ;)

Ack, Seriously?!

I can't believe that I have slacked so much on the blog front lately. I'm currently working on a post that should be done soon, but otherwise, I've kind of felt like I don't have all that much to say. I didn't want to bore y'all with more recipes (especially since my blog is not intended to be a food or recipe blog) so I'm putting together some ideas for new stuff to come. With that being said, let's move on to more exciting topics this morning!

I'm sure you're all aware (some of you may be far too aware) of the Snowpocalypse that is currently shutting down about 1/2 of the country today. We are some of the lucky ones here, we didn't get any snow and the weather outside today, while dreary, is actually really nice (think 65 degrees when I took the garbage to the curb this morning).

Our families and friends back in Hometown, USA, however, are right in the thick of things. On my Facebook news feed all I see is pictures of 74 foot snow drifts and houses completely snowed in. The only thing I have to say about the situation is that I hope you all stocked up on your tomato soup and grilled cheese supplies and that you have a warm puppy or kitty to cuddle up with today (or at the very least, a snuggie)! Enjoy your day off!

For those of you who aren't lucky enough to have the day off, sorry!

AJ's Baptism

One of the things we did while we were in Hometown, USA was have AJ baptized. We are lucky enough to have a close relationship with our priest and he was able to fit us in on a Saturday afternoon in December. The ceremony went really well and I really liked that we were the only people there and AJ was the only baby being blessed.

What made it even more special (aside from our families being there) was that the priest who performed the sacrament was the same priest who married D and I, almost 3 years ago! This was basically why we wanted to wait until we were able to have it done at home instead of our last duty station.

Also, I just wanted to let you know that these are not all the pictures from that day, but for some reason, I can't find the rest of them. I think that either my mom, my father-in-law, or D's aunt have more, so this is just what I've got!

Anyways, without further ado, AJ's baptism!

Me, AJ and her Godmother, (D's Aunt) Debbie.

D, AJ and me before the baptism.

Our family with AJ's uncles and aunt (L to R: Uncle J, Uncle B, Aunt A).

Playing with Daddy's blue cord during the baptism.

Entertaining the "audience" during the ceremony.

Chewing on her baptismal gown.

Getting ready to be baptized!

My brother, sister and Dad, happy about the situation.

Here we go!

She's baptized!