Wichita Wildlife Refuge

Olivia and I went exploring the Wildlife Refuge 3 miles from our house today. I wanted to see buffalo since they haven't been out the last few times we've past through, and we found 2. Both were right by the road, darn near 100 ft from the car, and Olivia did see them from the back seat. The buffalo pictured below was laying down at first and was taking a dirt bath by kicking its feet into the air to get his/her back...quite a sight to see. Then it rubbed its huge head against the poll it was standing by...I think you can even see the rub marks from other buffalo. They are huge and the last time I remember being so close to one, I was 4 or something and camped out in Yellowstone with my family. We also checked out the visitor's center and Olivia enjoyed the children's section. It had interesting information about learning the various animal's scat...guess what that is? Poo!!

Not Much

There isn't much going on here at the house. Finally, the weather is cooling off which gives us a much needed break from the AC...which at times has been on during the day this past week. We really need to put heat film on all the window's facing south to help keep the living room cooler. Right now around 3pm there is a defineate temp difference between the living room and the hallway.

Oh, we had a security alarm installed just a few weeks ago. Ryan and I are getting used to turning it on in the evening and when we leave the house. It's nice to feel safe and secure (more so actually) when Ryan is at work.

Olivia is growing like a weed and finally hit the 20Ib mark. She's now legal to sit facing forward in the car. Also, she just under 31inches. We find it ironic that she is so tiny when her parents are so tall.

That's all for now. Must clean the kitchen and start preparing to host the December coffee for the Marine wives...what have I gotten myself into? Oh, I love it.

Welcome Lydia Cagle!!!

Travis, Lydia and Sarah Cagle

Proud New Dad!!

Finally together after waiting for so long

Ryan and I, along with Olivia, welcomed Lydia Cagle into this world last night at 12:39am. Ryan's sister Sarah, and her husband Travis, called at 5am yesterday morning telling us it was time and they were heading to the hospital. After receiving news Sarah was 9cm at 4 pm yesterday, we thought for sure Lydia would say hello before midnight. However, she had other plans and after 3 hrs of solid pushing by Sarah, a c-section was performed as Lydia just would not fit. So many people are excited to meet Lydia, who was 6 Ibs 11oz and 20 inches, although our turn won't come until Christmas time. We are so proud of Sarah for being such a trooper and sticking it out until the time came to go into the OR. Travis and Sarah have an adorable baby girl and we are so happy for the new family of 3!!!

Happy Birthday USMC!!

Happy 233rd Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!! This year was especially exciting because after all the festivities, Ryan and I could come home and sleep in our own bed. Oh, and I also got a new dress that wasn't red!! The night was very enjoyable but good friends of ours were unable to attend. Matt was out of town so his wife Trisha graciously volunteered to watch Olivia for us...and even attempt to put her to bed. Olivia enjoyed playing with Trisha's girls, Chloe and Cahla and their 11 month old son, Mathan. Ryan and I enjoyed slow dances and great company until we decided to pick up Olivia, travel the 20 min to our home and collapse into bed...again, the best part of the night. Thank you Trisha for watching Olivia.

Happy Halloween!!

The view of our street is behind me.

Our street this year was very quite for Trick-or-Treating. Last year we lived on base in 29 Palms, Ca and it is tradition that kids Trick-or-Treat between 6 and 8 pm. The hours were set this year for our new town of Cache, Ok, however, we only had 1 kid come by compared to the 200 kids last year. The fire pit was out in our driveway and was nice to have once the sun went down but no one was here to enjoy it with us. Our good friends Nick and Laura Whitefield are in Quantico this year so Ryan and I enjoyed watch the stars and kept the fire going.

Olivia went as a Vikings Cheerleader and walked across the street to become the neighbor's one and only Trick-or-Treater. She's still young enough not to understand what the holiday is about and was a bit scared when the strange man put candy in her bucket. She enjoyed taking candy out of her bucket in our driveway and try to eat through the wrapper. Success came when we weren't paying attention and she ate through the foil of a Reese's Piece but she was able to spit the foil out before swallowing...bad mom and dad for not paying attention.

The night concluded without any other kids coming down our street so we now have a gallon ziplock bag full of candy in our freezer. At least next year we know to go to a party somewhere and won't have to buy as much candy.

Learning Fast!

Olivia is learning new things everyday and very fast. Now, she is able to sign "sippy cup" and tell us "hi". When I took my toe nail polish off to redo it for the USMC Birthday Ball tomorrow, Olivia immediately sat down, took off her socks and started to rub her toes with a cotton ball. She takes tissues and rubs her nose like Daddy does when he must blow his nose. Climbing onto the couch to snuggle is no longer a challange anymore, she can do it with easy. Need less to say, we're going to have to watch what we do and say because her little ears pick up everything. It's fun and exciting watching her learn something new and then have the ability to show us these new things. We are amazed at her and love her with all our being.

Lesson's Learned!!!

Here's the scoop of the disaster that is the airline industry. Granted I owe a lot to the airline industry...my father works for one...but I'm a bit peeved as a paying customer. Instead of purchasing a cheap umbrella stroller to help me get Olivia through the terminals on my own, I took our expensive Maclaren, thinking it would be safe since I'd gate check the thing instead of putting it down in the belly of the beast. Well, was I ever wrong.

The stroller made it safely from Lawton to Dallas but not onward to Minneapolis/St.Paul. Instead, it sat at the Dallas gate by the ticket counter flashing itself to the world and saying, "I'm here for the taking!!" The Dallas gate agent told me I'd have to leave the stroller with her to put under the plane. To my resistance, she would not let me take it to the end of the jetway, which is a secured area not open to the public. She assured me it would be at the top of the stairs in the jetway when I exit the plane...oh, no it wasn't!!! Even the Captain went outside into the cold and down the stairs looking for it in Minnaoplis...our only hope was it had made it's way to baggage claim.

By the time we got down the claim our bags, I knew it was lost forever, for it was no where to be seen. I politely filed a claim, waited days for a phone call and nothing.

However, the clouds lifted today...one day prior to flying home again...for as I return from flying a little 1940s military observation Cub with my Dad, the glorious stroller was in my parents entryway!!! The airline delivered the stroller on their dime...as it should be. I call the stroller glorious because I've never been so happy to see one. I felt horrible that the first phone call to my Grandmother in months was to ask for the recipet because she bought the glorious storller for us as her baby gift for Olivia.

So....lessson learned....spend the extra $20 on a cheap stroller to fly with in the chance it might get lost along the way instead of taking the expensive stroller that will cost 10 times as much to replace. By the way, it was American Airlines who both lost and found the stroller again. Do what you wish with this information...book with another airline or buy a stroller....in any case, please don't take the expensive baby gear with you unless you can't afford to replace it!!!!

Such a Helper

After getting new carpeting throughout the entire house, it was time to put all the furniture back into our master bedroom. Olivia saw me pick up a drawer and decided to help. Ryan noticed the drawer was just a bit to heavy and helped Olivia. She was so proud of herself for helping like a big girl...oh my, she's growing up way to fast.

Spoons...for dinner?

So, I forgot this picture was on the camera...a bad thing to forget such cute pictures. But Olivia was given a spoon to eat her green beans with one night at dinner and this was the outcome. Needless to say, she was given a prompt bath that night.

Our Little Toddler

It's official, Olivia is not longer a baby but a growing toddler. Ok, technically, I think she became a toddler the day she turned One, but we're now seeing her act like a toddler. Her first word, other than Dada and Mama, was Kitty and then came baby, doggy, and birdy. At nursery school this past Sunday the volunteer told me she pointed to a dove in a poster and said "birdy," we're so proud of her. This morning we heard her practicing saying Daddy, first by going Da Da Da then adding the 'ddy' for the full Daddy. It's just amazing how her little brain works and absorbs everything...must remember to keep pottymouth words in my head the next time I stub my toe.

Like most toddlers, Olivia likes to test our reactions. For instance, she'll slowly get down off the chair she's not supposed to be climbing then smile afterwards waiting for our praise. We do say "thank you for listening," but she does get put in time out quite a few times a day still. Yes, she might not exactly understand why she's there (we do get down to her level and give a short explaination)...she's only in timeout for less than a minute...but she is slowly, very slowly, understanding there are consequences to her actions. I need to call Robin and ask how she got her boys to listen to her without raising her voice...her boys, now 9, 7 and 4, are very well behaved.

Olivia also goes completely limp if she knows we're mad at her for something, or she doesn't want to do what we want her to do. When ever one of us is cooking dinner, and the other is doing nothing in the living room, she'll ultimately want to be with the one cooking dinner. To keep her safe we try to keep her out of the kitchen, so when we turn her around and she wants to stay, she'll go limp. Also, and here's the funny part, we try not to laugh at this but it's just so darn cute. She'll lay herself down on the ground, head and all, to throw a tantrum and will either find a soft spot for her head and lay down or slowly put her head down as to not hurt herself on the tile floor. We chuckle at that even though we shouldn't.

It's just funny to watch her learn how to try and get away with things, to figure out how to get what she wants and to show us she's mad. Just thought this would be something fun to share as she is our first born and this is all new to us...

Renaissance Festival and Traveling Home

Our week long vacation up in the great north ended with a trip to the Renaissance Festival held every year just south of the Twin Cities. It has been a tradition for years for the Collins women to go and this year Olivia and I were invited. We spent the day walking around an authentic village with employees, vendors and patrons all dressed in period attire. The weather was nice and pleasant making the day just that more enjoyable. We saw jousting and ate spinach pie. Before leaving we stopped by to get our picture taken in period attire, yet another festival tradition. Olivia really enjoyed pointing and saying 'doggie' to the very large, non-neutered, 1 yr old dog.

On our travels home, Olivia found the baby bouncy seat in the Armed Services Center (similar to a USO) at the MSP Airport. Then while waiting for the flight from Dallas to Lawton, she enjoyed her raisins and sat still for a cute photo op. All in all, she did very well traveling with little or no sleep for that day. I love her to death but I'm looking very forward to traveling back north with the help of Daddy.

Flying High

While visiting back home in WI, Olivia finally got her first small airplane ride. We took her up in an Apache, a four person airplane so Nana got to come along and take pictures. The first picture in this blog is of myself as an infant taking my first plane ride in a Cessna 140. I was so excited to take Olivia up since flying has been such a huge part of my life. We only went up for about 20 mins, just long enough for her to see the world around her and to fall asleep. I was looking out the window and did not even notice she had fallen asleep with her head on my arm until Nana pointed it out to me. It was an enjoyable flight and I look forward to taking her flying again.

Hanging Around...

After a busy day traveling, hosting a baby shower, and seeing the Blue Angels preform in the rain, it was time to relax. Olivia and I traveled back over to MN to see Grandma and Grandpa Collins. We went to the park to swing on the swings...something Olivia loves to do...and Uncle Travis (brother-in-law) made sure Olivia enjoyed her time on the swing. Then we met Aunt Sarah for lunch and Olivia showed us all how she could drink from a straw...she's growing up so fast. Then it was back to the house to enjoy the outdoors with Morgan the Dog who just couldn't resist trying to lick Olivia all over.

The last few days has been spent at my parents house in the semi-country of WI...I say semi-country because they do have 2 acres of land but the surrounding areas of the town are growing up fast. I'm amazed at how much changes between my visits. Olivia is catching up on sleep and enjoying the outdoors with Papa. I am able to run...when my knee doesn't buckle out on me...and help around the house. Olivia is currently awake at 10pm while I'm trying to finish this blog. After 12.5 hrs of sleep last night and nearly 4 hrs of naps today...I guess putting her down at 7pm was not going to work. We'll be relaxing for a few more days before going to the Renaissance Festival with my mother-in-law. Til then...enjoy!

Blue Angels

Not only did it rain all day Saturday...the day of the baby shower...it rained most of the day on Sunday, the day we all went to see the Blue Angels. I was so excited to take Olivia to her very first airshow that was in Eau Claire, WI the week we were here visiting. I did get my wish, however it was not as planned. Originally, we were to fly a small plane over and enjoy all day watching the planes. As the rain had not stopped the night before, we drove the hour to the show after Olivia awoke from a rare 3 hr morning nap. Upon paying for parking and becoming the second car next to enter the parking lot, we were informed the lot was full. That was alright since the Blue Angels were not scheduled to perform for another 2 hrs...or so we thought. Due to the unpredictable rain, they started the show as we were waiting for parking. Not to worry, our parking spot was right near the entrance which made for an easy get away once the rain did start coming down. We watched the start of the show on our brisk walk into the events area. There were so many people attending the last day of the show due to the tickets for Sat were also good for Sun (even though the tickets said no rain refunds/transfer). The Blue Angels were the main attraction and we were not impressed with the other booths...or lack there of. I even got to change Olivia on the ground...which she did not mind one bit. Shortly after the finish of the Blue Angels show it started to pour so we hiked back to the car, grabbed a late lunch and drove home. All in all a good day...just a bit wet.

Babies, Babies, Babies

Our main reason for coming up into the cooling temperatures of the North was to celebrate my sister-in-laws baby shower. I'm excited to announce that her due date is November 10th...the same day as the Marine Corps Birthday!!! So, as we made homemade onesies for her little girl, I made a cute "My Uncle's in the USMC" with "Bomb's Away" on the butt flap. It seems that I am once again surrounded by friends and family who are pregnant...no, we're not expecting. As I helped host the baby shower, Olivia spent the day shopping with Aunt Katie and Nana. She enjoyed herself so much, that night she slept very well. The shower was the kick off to a busy few days...followed in the next few postings.

Traveling to Wisconsin

Olivia and I embarked on a new journey...traveling on an airplane with a terminal change at Dallas/Fort Worth. We have come up to Wisconsin to visit my parents and sister. Olivia did very well on both flights despite having only a 20 min cat nap at the USO in Dallas. The sleeping room was fantastic at the USO with comfortable reclining chairs, a tranquil fountain and dimmer switches on the lights. If anyone travels through the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, the USO is located in Terminal B at Gate 15...complementary food, drinks, movies in home theater chairs, sleeping room, internet, and play area for the kids.

Remembering...

Today we all need to remember those who lost their lives in the attack of 9/11 so many years ago. It is hard to imagine how far this country has come since that dreadful day in 2001, when all hope was lost and the idea of recovery was far from certain. We also need to remember those who lost their lives in the fighting after the attack. Everyone is important.

I'd like to thank all the families of those serving our country, who fight for our freedom and the freedom of others. It is our duty as spouses to keep the home fires burning so our military members can try and have one less stress to worry about while putting their lives on the line.

I think about all the wonderful friends I have met over the past 3 years and how their families are coping with multiple and sometimes back to back deployments. Those women who give birth without the support of their husbands are very strong and should be an inspiration to all.

Not everyone can be a military spouse but those of us who can stay strong and calm help many other spouses who are unable to cope.

Thank you to everyone I know.

Devil Dog Run

The Marine Detachment on base hosts the Devil Dog Run every year to raise money for our humble Birthday Ball. It is open to anyone and the Marines are highly encouraged to participate. This was the first year we could participate since we left for 29 Palms just a week before the run last time we were here. It was much larger than I thought...at least 2,000 people ran either the 10K, 5K or unit run. Ryan's tummy was bothering him that morning so he pushed Olivia in the jogger while I ran ahead. I got to the half way mark before the unit runners caught up with me and the road became way to crowded for my slow pace, so I kept Ryan and Olivia company to the finish line. My final time was 43 min for the 5K...not bad for someone who had not run in over a month...I blame the weather. My last competitive run was the Turkey Run in Quantico back in November of 2004. I ran the 5miles in 57 min and did a little training before the race.

Completing the Devil Dog Run has brought back the joy of running for me...not to mention the help of cooler weather. I've always considered myself a runner even when I did not run regularly. It is my time alone with my thoughts and gives me a sense of personal accomplishment...something that I can not rely on anyone else to complete.

The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is hosting another 5K Fun Run in October to benefit the Cancer Center of Southwest Oklahoma and I'm thinking about signing up. It gives me time to actually train a bit before hand so maybe I can run the whole thing...baby steps.

Venting...

I love our house, I love taking care of our house, I love our little angel...but it can get very boring around the neighborhood being the only person home. There are only 5 family's living on the block with 3 new homes on the market. Everyone works except the wonderful couple across the street who just had their first child on Sept. 2nd...he's in the Army on medical leave and she, well, just had a baby. There is only so much a person can do around the house until the exact same thing is done again.

I've cleaned up the living room just to have Olivia mess it up again...that's ok, it's her job. I've done a load of laundry every day this week. I clean the kitchen, vacuumed the floors (what little carpet we have), and check email several times a day. Ok, maybe there's other things I can do around the house, but knowing I can't go anywhere at anytime is starting to create cabin fever. Oh, it's still to hot to go outside with Olivia during the day.

So maybe I just need to sit down and read a book, something that is not on my school's reading list anywhere...it's been a while since I've read for pleasure, not purpose.

Just venting...

Labor Day Weekend Fun

Lots have been happening since the last posting. Olivia and I traveled down to Fort Worth, Texas to visit a friend from 29 Palms. She just had her 4th son three weeks ago so the trip was short but sweet. Maddie, 18 months, and Thomas, 4 yrs old, enjoyed playing with Olivia...she could keep up with the boys.

Upon returning home, Olivia decided to bring me her shoes, my shoes, and went to the front door. So, we went outside and I set up her new baby pool due to the incredible heat and humidity. She has started letting us know more about what she exactly wants. Bringing us things she needs or wants to play with...like diapers and wipes, it looks like we'll need to get a little potty soon.
Ryan's parents came down to visit us for the Labor Day Weekend. They decided to drive the 13 hr route, arriving here after 2am. Olivia was unsure of who was in her house the next morning but took no time at all adjusting to having her Grandparents around. We traveled out to the base to show off Ryan's office, and then hit the Commissary. Grandpa found the carts with the cars and kept Olivia entertained while we checked out. Then everyone went to LETRA (Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area) to go to the beach. The water was cool at first but became very comfortable. Olivia loved being towed around in her floaty and Ryan, Tina, and Grandpa enjoyed testing out the water slide. All was fun and games until Ryan splashed water directly into Tina's eyes...but then he felt bad, a good thing.

All and all, the weekend has been fun...relaxing and enjoying seeing Olivia laugh and play with Grandma and Grandpa.