Farewell, Florida!

Our knights in shining armor!

President's Day was our last big hoorah in Florida, and we were lucky to spend it with Josh's parents. Our warm welcome was not to be outdone by the fire alarm, whose ostentatious arrival at 4 a.m. was the highlight of the evening. There were loudspeakers in every room and a robotic voice that foretold the immanency of the Apocalypse and recommended that we depart the building immediately. Apparently Florida building codes require beachfront property to withstand a CAT3 hurricane but not Biblical quantities of fire and brimstone. One hour and one screaming baby later, the fire department notified us that the end times would not happen that evening, but that we should be diligent to observe all standard safety precautions because was still a realistic possibility for the future... especially since that week was Mardi Gras. That night set the tone for the rest of the week and it was a tough one. Fortunately, my parents were there to take the baby-reins and let us get some Josh&Alison time. We will definitely miss living near them in Virginia, especially with their new Granddaughter, but the time we had living near each other was a blessing that we will cherish. Remember... Texas isn't that far away!

 

2 months young!

 

Real women have rolls!

Jackie's 2 month birthday was yesterday, so naturally we celebrated by taking her to the doctor to get probed by cold metal objects and stuck with various concoctions of viruses and bacteria - aka immunizations. The doctor smirked at my concerns and questions about feeding. I think it might have something to do with her weight, which is now a staggering 12 pounds, 13 ounces; believe it or not, this is actually a lower weight percentile than she was in when she was born - someone out there is feeding their baby too much formula. She has grown to a lengthy 23 1/4 inches. Everything seems to be healthy as can be, especially her lungs! This age is really fun and can be really frustrating. Lately I've had to feed her under a blanket because she is so curious about the world around her, she can't focus on anything else. She has her own ideas about how it would be best to eat and wants to fight me over it. :) However, she is also full of smiles and coos that win my heart over every time. The highlight of our day is usually bath time, when she gets to watch the water running and kick her feet in the tub. Sweet little girl!
 

Wuv...twoo wuv...

 
No seriously, she LOVES the ceiling fan...and the chandelier... So much more exciting to look at than daddy...

Baby on Board

Going to school five days a week and having Alison do all the work at home is just as awesome as it sounds. Of course Alison says she's been taking care of a child ever since we've been married and adds that it's still the same amount of diapers with the only difference being that with Jackie, she doesn't have to worry about stubble.
Despite having such a sweet set-up, however, I am realizing that Jackie is subconsciously altering my life to the point that I don't feel like I know who I am anymore. I used to check YouTube every day in the hopes that someone had posted a new chimpanzee video, but now it feels so forced. Is this what life will be like for the indefinite future? To really bring it home, I thought I would compile a short list of the ways my life has changed since Jackie arrived.
 
Top 10: Things That Have Become Exciting Six Weeks After Having a Baby.

America's Next Top Model

We wanted to share some pictures from Jacqueline's photo shoot on her 11th day of life.  We were blessed to have a very talented and sweet photographer to work with at her gorgeous home studio, and would highly recommend her for newborn and other photography!  Check out Audra's website at www.simplesoulphotography.com.

Life's a Beach

There are some times when the Navy - and your tax dollars - and ours - really come through for us...like when they sponsor an all-expenses-paid two-month stay in Pensacola Beach, for example! Josh is currently attending school here to learn all about his new job. So we're starting the new year out right, living in a condo where we can see and hear the Gulf of Mexico at all times. Cell phone reception is sketchy at best, and though it can feel isolating sometimes, a family vacation cut off from the rest of the world might be just what the doctor ordered after a busy month of having a baby, prepping the house for renters, and moving.

Welcome to the World, Jacqueline Diana

On the eve of Jack-O-Baby, Josh wisely stayed up until 5 a.m. with our friend Mark to drywall the perpetually unfinished room over the garage - looks pretty good, but still not finished!