Our Baby Steps: Happy Valentine's Day!

Jack and I at the parade

I know I have not written in a long time, and I feel terrible that I have not been keeping up. Things have been very busy in Erie. Although I think maybe one or two of you like my writing, the excitement is more in the photos of Jack. I will disperse some new randoms photos throughout.

To finish up my last blog entry, the second half of our trip was spent in Tampa.

Jack got to meet some of my closest friends from college, and got the full Tampa experience...Gasparilla! Well, it was the kid gasparilla but he got the idea!

The Introduction

Teana and I were pregnant at the same time, and her daughter, Kennedy, is 2 1/2 months older than Jack. They were quite a cute pair...Jack and Kennedy!

Kennedy was a very gracious host. Upon arrival, she offered Jack a binky!

"Try a binky"

Although he kindly denied the offer, she insisted!

Jack did try it to be kind but decided it was not for him

She insisted!

Trying to keep it in his mouth

Jack escapes the binky but finds one of Kennedy's toy to play with

Jack at Gasparilla party before the parade

Jack kept grabbing Kennedy's tutu

Teana has become quite the crafty lady. She MADE this outfit for Jack. I love it! I need to learn how to sew....my one semester of middle school home economics was not enough.

Telling Jack not to pull her tutu:)

As I am sure you are figuring out, Gasparilla is a pirate-themed parade

Very happy

We had a great weekend with our friends!

Teana, Kennedy and Ryan

I do miss Florida...and onto some exciting news...we officially got news today that we are moving to Jacksonville, Florida. One small disclaimer, EVERYTHING in the Navy is subject to change BUT the detailer informed us that orders to Jacksonville were placed in the system, and available to us 60 days before we arrive!

It has been a lot of anxiety not knowing where we would be. The dogs were all prepared for a two year getaway to Okinawa, Japan. They have had their shots and have been chipped to go anywhere in the world. I think they will be excited too; however, George is quite furry and may need to get a trim upon arrival.

Onto other happenings, we officially listed the house. We have had a few showings, and an open house yesterday. I am keeping my fingers crossed that someone loves my house as much as I do, and wants to buy it. That would really reduce my stress...house sold and orders (I don't know if I could be so lucky)!

Carl has been working to wrap up his last three and a half months at Hamot. He spends countless hours on research when he is home, and is trying to get some items complete before our departure. I don't think I really believe we are leaving. Five years have gone fast!

Jack is doing great. He is seven months, two weeks and is such a happy baby. He is sleeping through the night, and smiles incessantly. He loves his Daddy, and smiles so big when he walks in the door. Jack is quite the conversationalist, and is constantly wanting his independence. He grabs for all types of glasses and food, and wants to feed himself. I sometimes let him do it but he gets food everywhere.

He crawls backwards but not forward. He can hold onto the laundry basket and stand there while holding on. He giggles a lot, and loves most food. We introduced mums this week (baby rice cakes)...he LOVES them! He likes most foods...still not a fan of bananas or squash. He adores green beans. Most kids don't like the green stuff but Jack actually favors green beans and carrots to apples and pears. I am glad he likes his veggies.