Just been awhile

It seems I never have time to update on this blog. Ethan is still very demanding and the time I am not tending to him I am spending time with James. I still am very much battling mother's guilt over not being able to spend quality time with James like I use to and I just pray he understands that I love him NO less. James handles it much better than I do for sure with the new addition. Lately I have noticed him wanting more of my time to play games or just play and it kills me because Ethan doesn't always allow. It irritates me to no end when people say that Ethan is a good baby and that I am lieing about him crying....the majority of these people are holding him or giving undivided attention to him. Sure he is fine as long as I am holding him and giving him attention but as soon as he is put down for a split second you'd think he was being mistreated!!! Crying begins.

Ethan is now 6 months old and his personality is developing. He has his first 2 teeth on the bottom and they were stinkers!! He is sitting up on his own for several minutes at a time. He loves to be held and talked to all the time but when he smiles at you it melts your heart. He is a snuggly little boy. He weighs 16 lbs currently...still below James but he is growing. We still have reflux issues and went to a specialist that was such a waste of time. That doctor was a quack...but we are trying new meds that we hope will provide him some relief. I hate to see him hurting and will do whatever it takes to bring comfort. Ethan lights up and gives his gummy little grin when James enters the room. Amazing the bond that he already has with his brother. Shawn laughs at how Ethan smiles so big when I walk in the room and how he will be perfectly content until he sees me and then feel he has to be picked up! :). Oh my spoiled little boy :).



James is such a sweet child with a dash of attitude. I always heard terrible twos but I think the threes are so much worse. James can be sassy and has began whining like he was a baby when things don't go his way. He recently was "that child" at a birthday party. I have NEVER been so embarassed. He cried and threw a fit because he couldn't open presents or blow out the candles. I know it is a phase and probably normal but it is SO hard when you are the parent. But overall he is so darn cute and lovable. He loves being outside and playing on the boat with daddy. We enjoy painting and doing crafts together. He loves his MMO and is so smart. He lights up my life and always brings a chuckle to us with some of the most off the wall comments.

These two boys are SO different. James was always chunky, loved to eat and warmed up to a schedule nicely. Ethan is smaller, fusses at every meal and makes a huge mess and makes his own schedule. I was able to pass a lot of James stuff down to Ethan but Ethan makes such messes on clothes that they all have stains....:(.

I definitely have never been one to want help from anyone or to leave my boys but I am ready for a girls only beach trip this summer. Not that I don't love my kids but that sometimes when that is all I do it can drain you. Because I don't like asking for help there are few breaks for me. My house is never up to par and I'm lucky if I fix my hair/makeup daily. This mama needs a break. I was hoping to take a vacation with just me and Shawn but not sure that will happen this year. I want eye surgery so badly and not sure we will afford both.

I recently began very part time work as a behavioral aid working with families involved with DHR. It is good money and allows me to get that bit of work in without full time committment. Right now i only have 1 case so it's not bad at all....caseload depends on referrals and funding. So far so good. But I can honestly say being a mom puts doing social work into new perspective. I don't condone abuse/neglect by any means!! But I also understand how overwhelming parenting can be and just a slight err in judgement can affect your life or your child's life.

I enjoy being a SAHM mom because i see my boys grow and change. I enjoy being near family....10 more months and off we move again. Not sure where but just doesn't seem like that is that long to be here. It has flown by. We've been here 10 months already. Our next move we will have to focus on school districts because James will begin Kindergarten shortly there after :(.

I love my family!!

Merry Christmas 2009

Wow! We had an amazing Christmas this year. Being home in Alabama was so nice and not having to worry about travel and rushing back to our house for Christmas Eve. Regardless where we are we always plan to be a family in our house for Christmas Eve, especially while Shawn is here.

We had 4 seperate festivities. The first one we hosted at our house with Shawn's dad and siblings. I cooked lasagna with takeout salad from Olive Garden. To be able to have them in our home for a change was so nice. The second was with Shawn's mom and siblings again at his mother's house. Santa made his grand appearance at Gran's house. Each child (and adult) sat on Santa's lap so this thrilled the children. The third was with my family at our house again where we cooked traditional Christmas dinner. The fourth was with Shawn's family yet again in Crossville combined with a baby shower for Shawn's cousin's wife. Whew...we were wiped out byt this point :). But we are enjoying being with family for sure this year because we said when we moved that we won't be coming home as often as we have in the past. James enjoyed spending time with his cousins.

On Christmas Eve we made Santa a double doozie cookie and put next to the tree. The reindeers got apples on the front porch. James went to bed rather easily that night so Santa was able to come early to fill stockings and put out the presents. My mom and sister came over on Christmas morning around 7 a.m. to be there to share in the excitement. James got up about 7:30 or so. We started off by talking about Jesus birth and the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Then he opened his stocking and moved his way onto the presents. He got quite a few great toys between everyone. He opened his 'blue truck with a blue trailer and pontoon boat' last....this was the toy he really wanted more than anything. Once he opened it it was all over at that point. He LOVES that toy. Ethan got some new toys as well but of course was just as happy with playing with the paper and bows. Then I made monkey bread for a special treat for Christmas morning. After our prayer we sang "happy birthday Jesus" and enjoyed a family breakfast. It was a very busy day but was very enjoyable. We went to my mom's to do presents then came back to our house for dinner that night, Shawn's dad joined us as well. I loved cooking and preparing the meal. As much as I love the Holidays I don't like the pounds it brings along with it so I am going to be hitting the gym hard soon!!

We are so blessed to have Shawn home with us this year. The soldiers who are serving overseas as well as their familes are never far from our thoughts. I know that it is such a mixture of emotions for these brave people. Carrying on traditions while a huge hole is missing in your family is so difficult. We are so thankful for all our soldiers and their families. We know that our time will come too soon that Shawn will once again be gone so we are cherishing each minute as a family.

I know I complain about all the food, visiting, etc but I know we are blessed to have family and ample food on our table. There are so many who are struggling this time of year and I know we are so fortunate. James got money for his birthday and we adopted a 4 year old angel from Salvation Army Tree in which he spent his money on the little boy. He wanted to deliver the presents to him and play with him. It was so sweet and innocent that he just didn't understand how a child has no mommy or daddy or even toys. :). it is a tradition we definitely will continue in the years to come.

Ethan- 4 month

Ethan had his 4 month check up today. He weighed almost 14 lbs and was 24 inches. He was in the 50th percentiled for both. SO odd b/c James was always in 95th or so. Ethan is just a more petite baby I guess :). While I was there I voiced our concerns and frustrations with Ethan's constant crying. I told the dr. that if they check him and if they find nothing medically wrong then I will be ok with letting him cry it out but only if they can tell me. Our doctor conferred with the head doctor and they agreed that Ethan is just a high maintanence baby...aka SPOILED :). Although they tell me this I am not 100% sold on it. He just cries ALL the time it seems. It is definitely taking its toll on our family...exhaustion, james is kinda put on back burner, etc. Just hard but we know it will get better.

I am just glad for a healthy growing baby boy. He smiles all the time, well when held and talked to. He started cereal with some bananas and he loves them. He lets me know when it is time for it at night.

Winter Wonderland

Last year we discovered that Bass Pro Shops hold a Winter Wonderland at their stores each Christmas. It is such a great place to take kids, especially boys and everything is free. They have remote controlled trucks, race tracks, moving trains, target practice, craft/coloring centers and of course SANTA!!! This Santa is the most authentic Santa I've seen. There are so many great picture opportunities while it is decorated and no lines like at the mall. So this year we took the boys for their annual Christmas picture with Santa and Ethan's first Santa picture. I again was NOT disappointed in them. I loved them. James enjoyed playing with the boy toys set up while Shawn looked around at the fishing stuff. Shawn put Ethan in the Baby Bjorn and carried him while James and I spent time together....it is so rare for us to have alone time b/c Ethan is very needy (aka SPOILED).

James is such a great kid. Granted he is only 3 but he doesn't have this long unrealistic list of what he wants for Christmas. I find myself wanting to buy him so much stuff but have to refrain. He has only asked for one thing for the last month or so. When it came time to tell Santa what he wanted he simply told him the same thing he has been telling us. "The blue truck with the pontoon boat". He saw it in the Bass Pro Catalog and has not forgotten about it. So needless to say I think "Santa" added that to his sack of toys to be delivered at the Dalrymple home :). Even on the way out of the store an employee asked if he gave Santa his list of Christmas wishes and he said "no I only want 1 thing"!! How great is that?? So this year I think it will be a light Christmas which we are fine with for many reasons. The most being that he is satisfied with a $25 toy and not these outrageous things......YET :). We know as he gets older this will change but for now we are going to enjoy our sweet, innocent little boy.

All Aboard the Polar Express

This weekend we went to the Heart of Dixie Railroad in Calera, AL to ride the "Polar Express". We bought tickets for James birthday and he has talked about it ever since. Finally the day arrived and he couldn't wait to put on his Christmas Jammies and board the train. My favorite part of the entire trip was while we were unloading from the van I turned around and he was holding his Pooh Bear out, looking him in the eyes ,and with such magical excitement said "we get to ride on the train". I will NEVER forget that moment.

So we got our tickets and waiting in line to get on the train. James walked up to the train conductor and handed him his ticket. Then asked why he didn't "click" it like in the movie with a word. So we got on the train and got into our seats. He was so excited to look out the window. As luck would have it after a few shots of James and Ethan on the train our camera decided to act up again and quit working :(. So we had no shots from that point on which I was bummed. The people behind us said they would email us a copy of our boys with Santa but I doubt we see it :(. Then the train ride began and we traveled towards the "north pole". The story of Polar Express was read as we traveled. As we rode James would squeal with excitement..."we're off to the North Pole". The actual train ride was only about 15-20 min total. The other time was filled with the visit from Santa. Santa had to visit about 5 train cars so that took a bit of time. After Santa, came the cookies and Chocolate milk. James was so excited b/c they do that in the movie too (except with Hot Chocolate). Then the Elves come thru with bells for everyone from "santa's sleigh" and a really cute keepsake Train Ornament. All the time we are on the train Christmas carols are playing and James is singing along so sweet.

This was a time with James that will always be special to us. He waited so patiently for this time and was not disappointed with the wait. Little boys and their love of trains amazes me but I absolutely LOVE it. The simple things in life makes him happy.

This truly was a magical train ride that will live in our memories forever

Small Glimpse into the Future

This weekend Shawn has been in the field doing the FTX with ROTC. don't you love acronyms for the Army stuff :). On Friday I told James that Daddy wouldn't be home for a few days b/c of work. Well Friday evening rolled around and James asked "when is daddy coming home?". To which I replied..."Daddy is doing the Army thing this weekend remember?" and James pretty much read my mind and said "I don't like the Army." The innocence of children is precious. So Saturday morning rolled around and James woke up nice and early at 6:30 a.m. and walked to Shawn's side of the bed and was shocked when it was just me and Ethan. Again I reminded him. I tried to occupy him by playing games and yes--even putting up the Christmas tree. But James wanted to talk to Shawn so I called Shawn hoping he'd answer and he did. James was excited to talk to him. Shawn got to sneak out and come home for about 45 minutes tonight so James so happy.

Of course at this time I asked Shawn if he was ready to go ahead and get out and look for civilian job. His reply with no hesitation...NO. He said in 12 years he can retire and he is very close to making Major in the near future. He knows that he will deploy and that it will be SO difficult on all of this time b/c neither of our boys will be "babies"....they both will understand and question where is daddy. But I also know if all soldiers got out because of deployments or missing family then we wouldn't have the strong army we have today. Sadly we won't be able to pick up the phone and call just to hear that voice. And worry will consume me on top of being a single parent during that time. This isn't the first time Shawn's spent the night or been away but I guess James is jsut noticing he is gone more b/c there are 2 kids now and it is SO hard to split my time. I go to bed exhausted and in tears a lot b/c i see that I lack in patience so much with them at times. Between Ethan's constant need to be held or he cries and James just wanting to play or swing it drains me. I have to learn to enjoy the little things because soon they'll be in school and I'll miss it. Granted I do NOT have the desire to have any more babies :). I love being a mom but I miss being an adult at times. I need my peace and quiet and lately it is few and far between.

Happy 3rd Birthday James!!

3 months old vs 3 years old

James turned 3 on Nov. 9, 2009. I can't believe that he is three. I admit I get misty eyed just thinking how fast it has gone by. I never understood it when my mom would say "it felt like yesterday that I had you" but now I truly understand. I remember that I was induced at about 5:30 p.m. on the 8th of Nov and you made your arrival at 9:15 p.m. on the 9th! Yes it took forever but it was SO worth it. I remember seeing you and thinking how amazing it was that we created you (of course with God's help :))!! Holding you and loving you was amazing. Your daddy left for what we thought was 12 month tour to Afghanistan when you were barely 2 months old. It was such a rollercoaster of emotions for me....hormones from birth, emotions from Shawn leaving and getting ready to move to AL for a few months. As army life has it your daddy's tour was extended by 3 months so once he left for R and R it was 11 long months before we saw him again. You were a good baby...quite chunky but I loved it. I loved how you made me smile when times were hard although you had no idea how much I needed it. You transitioned into thing so easily and were a great traveler! Then when daddy came home you took very well to him adn we began our life as a family of 3 finally!! You were 18 months old when he came home. Then the moves began..first to GA then to AL within a year time.


Now at age 3 you are such a SMART child. You know your alphabet, numbers, sounds, memory verses, songs, colors and so much more! You started really talking well at about 18 months. You speak so clearly and pick up on things so fast. You are fast learner and always bring a chuckle to our lives. You have adapted to another baby in the house so well and are so gentle with Ethan. I think I had the harder time adjusting :) You are all boy but not in the rough house kind of way...just full of energy. You are a thoughtful, caring, sweet boy with a dash of attitude mixed in :) We pray each day that we raise you in the way God intended and that you will know Him and come to rely on Him. When I look at you I see that you are perfect in every sense of the word to me. You are my world and because of you I am a better person. I love your hugs and kisses....your cute little comments. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you b/c it is wide open for you. Remember that mommy and daddy always and forever love you and are proud of you!!


Happy 3rd Birthday to my sweet angel boy!!

For your birthday friends and family celebrated with us at the park. We will go to Polar Express at the end of this month for your gift from mommy and daddy.