Aaron's Promotion to SSG

    On Sunday, October 1st, Aaron was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He has been waiting for a long time for this promotion. He has been promotable for over a year, but had to wait until he was sent to ALC. He was finally sent when we moved to Texas and completed the course the week before Olivia was born. Yesterday was his promotion ceremony. Aaron asked his dad to pin him, so he drove down yesterday morning to be here. 

   The ceremony was short and sweet, which was good because it was delayed and we were hot from standing outside. Olivia, who slept the entire time we were waiting, started to get upset as soon as the ceremony started. It was too bright and hot for her, so I don't blame her. Afterwards Aaron had to go straight to staff duty, so we didn't get to celebrate with him, but we are proud of him and he knows it!

Daddy's Home

    The day Aaron had to go back to work from being off for ten days of paternity leave, he had to leave us for seven nights. We were really hoping he was going to get out of the field exercise because he just had a newborn, but at the last minute he ended up having to go. Connor, Olivia, and I survived though! When he came home, we were all so happy. We missed him and all his help!

My happy boys + Olivia.

XOXO,

Jenn

3 More Years

    That's how much longer we will continue to be a military family. When Aaron first joined the Army I was really nervous, but now I can say it has been such a great thing for our family. It has brought us so many opportunities and allowed us to travel to places we never would have dreamed to visit. {We have visited 13 countries and are going to add two more to that list this weekend.} It has also allowed me to take a break from nursing and stay home with Connor. I have been able to see him reach every milestone along the way and watch him grow over the last three years.

      About a month ago Aaron signed a contract to continue serving in the Army for three more years with the promise that Fort Hood will be his next duty station. When he is close to finishing up these next three years, he can decide whether he wants to commit another year or two. I just realized that I never posted the pictures we took that evening to celebrate another three years in and our move to Texas, so here they are!

Last Night of Work and Flying To Texas

     Yesterday was my shift at the hospital and it was bittersweet. I was only there for a year and a half, but I am going to miss my coworkers so much. They surprised me with a little going away party.

On Call and After Dinner Walk

     Aaron left yesterday and is going to be gone for the entire week... again! This is the reason my mom came though. I am so happy she has been here to help me with Connor :)

    I got off work yesterday morning and took a nap until about 11:30. I stayed up with Connor and my mom for a little while before taking another nap at about 1. I knew there was a possibility I would have to go into work for mandatory overtime, so I needed to make sure I was well rested. I got a call at 5 from the charge nurse letting me know that I was on call for the rest of the night. I was so happy that I wasn't called into work right then. We picked up dinner at Sonic, played with Connor, and watched TV. It was very relaxing and just what I needed.

Three Days With My Boy

     I have been off for the last 3 days, but have been too tired and busy with Connor to catch up. Now that I have a little bit of time, I'll get you caught up on what we have been doing.

   On Tuesday, Connor and I stayed home. I was tired from getting off work that morning and wanted to stay home with my baby. We relaxed and played at home. It was perfect!

Eat, Sleep, Play

     On my first night back to work, I watch Connor during the day. Since I work tonight, I stayed up with him when he was awake and napped when he did. Kind of what any mother is supposed to do... sleep when their baby sleeps. Well, this morning he woke up and was ready for his bottle at 7:45. He was in such a good mood, as usual!

 

Back to Work

      Sunday night was my first day back to work after being off for 12 weeks. I was sad to leave my baby, nervous because I had not worked in so long, and excited to see all my coworkers. I didn't sleep well because of all those emotions going through my head. All I wanted to do was hold Connor and play with him.

 My handsome boy

Last Day of Maternity Leave

       Today was my last day of maternity leave :( I know that I say it all the time, but I can't believe how fast these past 12 weeks have gone by. Here's how I spent my last day...

       Connor woke up at about 2:30am, so I woke up and fed him. He went back to sleep as soon as he finished his bottle. He woke up again at around 6, so Aaron gave him a bottle and put him back to sleep. All 3 of us woke up around 9:30 and boy was it nice to sleep in. Connor was in such a good mood, so I played with him on his blanket. I think he lasted a good 30 minutes before he started to get fussy.

12 Weeks

       {Today, my sweet boy is 12 weeks old. I can't believe it! These 12 weeks have gone by way too fast for this momma.}