James's Change of Command

Today, this handsome man relinquished command of Delta troop.  He took command in December of 2010 while deployed to Afghanistan and one of the first things he told me after taking command was that it was by far the best job he'd had in the Army.  I've heard that same sentiment numerous times over the last 18 months.  He has loved (mostly) every minute of command and I know today was tough for him. 

Our family before the ceremony began.

I was slightly worried about how the boys would behave during the ceremony.  Kemper has a tendency to run up to James and ask 40 bajillion questions and I knew it would be hot and sticky and just a little long for a 4-year olds attention span.  Luckily (and I shouldn't be surprised) he did FABULOUS (as did Hudson)! 

Delta troop formation

The reviewing party (James, LTC Taylor, CPT Riley)

The passing of the guidon to symbolize James passing the troop back into the hands of the Squadron commander who will then pass it into the hands of the new Troop Commander.

I was presented flowers during the ceremony.

And James arranged for Kemper to be presented with a gift as well! :)  He got a Captain America action figure.



As usual, James gave an excellent speech (and, as usual, brought tears to my eyes with his sweet comments). 

I am so proud of my amazing husband and so thankful to be on this crazy journey with him.  He's taken me to places I never imagined I'd go and we've met people who have made this journey incredibly worthwhile.  I've said it a thousand times but I am so thankful for the Army family God has given us.  We may not be close (geographically) to our families but our Army family is always there for us.  It's a bond that is hard to explain but when you go through deployments and other crazy Army experiences together, you will forever be connect to the people who are there for you and with you day in and day out. 

While his days of troop command are over, luckily we get to stay with 1-32CAV through this next deployment.  James will be the Rear Detachment Commander through the deployment so we don't have to say goodbye to our Ft. Campbell friends just yet! 



Mother's Day

Mother's Day 2012



We had a very nice Mother's Day....church (where both boys were angels!) and then out to lunch (again, they were on their best behavior.  Hudson even slept through lunch so I didn't have to eat one handed!) and we capped the day off with dinner and cake to celebrate Casey's birthday. 



Everyone wore seersucker!  Despite the limited choices for boys clothes, I am having such fun coordinating daddy and boys!  :)  Much to daddy's dismay?!



Hudson is 2 months old!

Hudson is 2 months old!  Where has the time gone? 

We had his 2-month check up this morning and he did great!  He weighed in at 13lbs 11oz (81%) and was 23in long!  He got 3 vaccinations and did so great.  Of course he screamed when she stuck him but as soon as she finished the 3rd one, he calmed right down.   

Hudson is such a sweet baby.  His most smiley time of the day is first thing in the morning.  His face just lights up and he smiles at anyone and everyone who talks to him.  This makes Kemper very happy - he really likes it when he can make "baby brudda" smile.  :)

Big news in Hudson's world - he was evicted from the Pack n Play in Mom and Dad's room and is now sleeping in his crib at night.  Even though I moved Kemper into his crib at 2 weeks, strangely, I think I would have been happy to keep Hudson in our room for longer.  Daddy was tired of tripping over the Pack n Play (and not getting to watch tv before bed). 

He has done great in his crib!  He goes to be around 7:30 and usually sleeps until around 2.  After eating, he goes back down until around 6 when he eats again and then takes a little nap until it's time to take Kemper to school.  During the day, he takes some naps in his room but occasionally will sleep in the swing or pack n play depending on what we're doing.  

Kemper continues to be such a great big brother.  He's so helpful and loves to entertain Hudson (as long as he's not crying).  Usually if Hudson is crying, Kemper will disappear and occupy himself until Hudson is calmed down....I don't think he does this to be helpful so much as to just get away from the crying!  We are having a hard time getting Kemper to understand that when Hudson is napping that we need to keep the noise level down.  We don't want to tip-toe around and end up with a light sleeper (ahem, Kemper) but slamming doors and yelling aren't the best when Hudson is sleeping.  For some reason, the only way Kemper knows how to shut a door is to slam it.  



We're looking forward to our visit to Virginia coming up.  James will be giving up command of his troop and then we'll have a couple weeks of leave before he takes over the Rear Detachment.  We'll be having Hudson baptised while we're in and are looking forward to introducing him to everyone!

Phone pic dump

Hopefully I'll have a longer update after Hudson's 2-month well check on Monday but for now, a few pictures from my phone.

Hudson and Mommy hanging out one afternoon

"SuperBrudda!" as Kemper said

He loves his bath, especially since he can sit propped up now and not have to lay in the sling!

First time in the Bumbo chair...he loves to be sitting up.

<3

I fail to see how that is comfortable.

Sweet sleeping boy.

Brother playtime.

Rockin' one of big brothers old outfits.

Ha, multitasking Daddy!  He offered to wear Hudson for our walk...and Kemper found the backpack harness I used when I flew with him alone and insisted on wearing it.  We finally convinced him to let us take the "tail" off so it didn't appear that we were walking our 4-year old.

Bathtime!

Hanging out in the Bumbo