Happy Anniversary

Today is our 15th Anniversary. Hard to believe it has been that long, or maybe I just don't want to admit my age. Happy Anniversary, Roger. Thanks for everything!

Half way through

Give or take a day, Roger is half way done with his residency here at Bragg. While I have a hard time believing that is true, all I have to do is look at my friends Tina's daughter, Kali. She was born shortly after we all arrived here in NC and now is running everywhere. Since we are half way through, I thought I'd do a year and a half review of our time here in North Carolina. A lot has happened since we moved here in June of 2008. Shortly after we moved here we put our beloved dog, Ty, to sleep. She had been with us for 11 years, so the loss was a hard one. Since we had not wanted to move to NC, I took it as an omen. I am thankful to say it was not. While our time here has not been perfect, we have managed to learn and grow here.

We have the best neighbors. Everyone is friendly and we always have someone to watch Hershey. And Jena has a friend just 2 doors down to play with. And we love our neighborhood. We hear so many people here say they don't like their neighborhood, but we love ours. For the most part, it is quiet. It has biking/walking lanes on the streets and we always see people walking.

We didn't know a lot about the program when we got here, but it has worked out well for Roger. He feels like he has learned a lot, and his residency class has been a good one. His intern year was a good one and we couldn't imagine him working with other people. I would say he has found many true friends, including his office and team mate, Jason. The two have way too much fun on call. Being back in the Army has been an adjustment for everyone, but the friends we have made through Womack have made it easier. I have made many friends through Womack as well. The families of the other doctors have been great in helping us adjust to our time here. I could have not made it through my first summer here without Karen and Tina. They are both such good friends. And I have found a kindred spirit in fellow mid-westerner Carol. Her son, Russell is one of Jena's best friends.

Many people have asked us if Fayetteville and Ft Bragg live up to their reputation. I have to say yes, it is a true military town. The size reminds us of Augusta 12 years ago when we moved there and the military presence reminds us of when we lived at Ft Hood. I find myself surprised to meet people who aren't in the military. It is a little on the small side, which makes shopping hard sometimes. But we are learning where to find all the good deals. It is hard too, we still miss Panera and The Fresh Market. We were sad this summer to see our new home make the national news again for a new killing spree that brought to mind the one in 2002. This time all the women were military members, all killed by another military member they were romantically involved with. It was especially hard when one was, Holley, a nurse that Roger knew from work. If life had been different I would have met her when I had Lily as that was the floor Holley worked on. My nurse after I delivered Lily had been one of her friends.

Our first fall here was very busy with Roger working and me taking a class a NC State and fixing up the house. Right after Halloween, we found out we would become a family of four. That made for a very exciting first year as we prepared for the arrival of Lily. Jena also started at her preschool. At her preschool she has grown and made friends. She learned about colors and sharing. There we also found our good friends the Nelsons. Caden, Piper and Quinn are Jena's closest friends and their mom, Rebecca is like the big sister I always wanted. I can't imagine this last year and a half without them.

In the spring we got our dog, Hershey. She has been a great addition to our family and both the girls love her. I call her the stalker, since she follows me around most and is always under my feet. Not fun when you are pregnant. We continued to get the house ready and make plans for the summer, the baby and after. We did not plan on the sudden loss of Roger's father at the end of May. We went to Valdosta to see him in intensive care with the plan to help him transition home and arrange for long term care if needed. We ended up planning a funeral in two cities, both far from home. I remember being angry at the Army for moving us from Augusta. It all would have been easier if when we had returned to Augusta to bury him, we also were returning home. We will be forever grateful to Roger's aunts and uncles for helping us through this difficult time. We are also grateful to the residency for all the support it gave up through this time. Especially to Col Lammie and Capt Braun for driving to Augusta for the funeral and to everyone who sent their support with cards, emails and phone calls.

Ft Bragg will always hold a place in our hearts as it is where Lily was born. She joined our family just over a year after the move and we changed to a family of four. This whole time has been about change. Adjusting to a new state and a new life. Roger going from Med student to intern to resident. And now here we are half way though. Can't wait to see how the other half turns out.

Merry Christmas

From our house to yours!

5 months (a few days late)

We had a busy day on Friday so I'm late getting this up. Lily is growing so fast. She is rolling over and grabbing things with her hands. She sits up well in her Bumbo seat. At her last doctor's visit a few weeks ago she weighed 12 lbs 2 ozs and was 23.5 inches long.

Christmas Cheer

We were busy this weekend getting ready for Christmas. We put up the tree and Jena loved helping put up the ornaments. Of course, they ended all up on one branch! This is the first year she has really been interested in decorating the tree. Her favorite part are the lights.

On Saturday, we went to the Residency Christmas party at Sam Anaya's house. Last year we had a intern party, but this year it was everybody. It was so much fun to see everyone having a good time. And the kids were running all over the place. I forgot my camera, so I'll have to see if I can get pictures from someone else. The kids were funny playing together. At one point, they were all falling on the floor and laughing. And the adults did a White Elephant gift exchange where you can steal someone else's gift. It was funny watch grow adults fighting over gift. You'd be surprise what was popular.

On Sunday, we had a Cookie Drop In at our house for the neighbors. We thought it would be a nice way to visit with our neighbors before the holidays. We had a good turn out and everyone enjoyed the cookies and egg nog. And of course, everyone loved seeing the girls. It is hard to believe how much they have grow recently.

They understand more then we think

I mentioned a few posts ago that we bought clothes and toys for a local child for Christmas. I had talked with Jena about it but I wasn't sure she understood until tonight. When getting her ready for bed, I showed her two pairs of pajamas I bought (on sale) at the Disney store. Princesses and Pooh & Tigger. She wanted to wear the princesses and while we were putting them on she asked if the other ones were for the boy. I was confused at first what she meant, then I realized she was talking about the little boy we bought stuff for last night. I asked her if she wanted to give them to him and she said yes. They are the right size and are "boy" colors, so I figured they would be okay. She was very excited to put them in the bag with everything else we bought. I was surprised and very happy that she gets it. It is better to give then to receive.

Christmas Pictures

I took the girls to get Christmas pictures taken. As expected, Jena was problematic. Lily, on the other hand, loved it. Every time the camera went off she smiled. You can click on the collage above to see the pictures bigger.

It is better to give

Jena has been very into birthdays lately, I think it is the cake. But she keeps talking about her birthday and getting presents. Roger and I are both concerned about the girls getting spoiled, so this year we talked to Jena about giving to people who do not have everything that we do. She has lots of toys, so I explained to her that other children are not as lucky. We got an angel from the angel tree at my gym. I tried to find a little girl Jena's age, but I found a boy instead. We went out last night and went shopping for him. Jena wasn't too interested in clothes for him, but I had fun because I don't get to shop for little boys. But she and Roger had fun with the toys. Roger was very clear about who the toys are for. And we made sure we didn't buy anything this trip for the girls. This was about buying for someone else. She seemed okay with it for now. We will see how she is when we drop them off. She doesn't quite understand yet, but I think giving is an important thing for both girls to learn. Especially right now when we see so many people in the area in need.

Newest Cousin

Jena and Lily's newest cousin is here! Colton Benjamin Sheehy-Perry was born November 17th and weighed in at 9 lbs 1 oz and was 21 inches long. My brother and sister-in-law are very excited new parents. We went to see them this weekend in Jacksonville, NC where they live. Since Ben just got back from Iraq last month, this was his first time visiting with Lily as well.


Proud Aunt Michelle


Grandma with her grandkids.

Proud new daddy.

4 months

Lily is 4 months old today! I am amazed how big she is getting and how much she is learning. She has the best laugh, and loves to laugh with Jena and Daddy. And she always has a smile for everyone. Every morning Jena wants to go tell her hello and Lily is always happy to see her big sister. She goes to the doctor in 2 weeks, so I'll post her stats then.

Child of God

On November 9th we had Lily's baptism. Here she is in her gown. This gown was the one Roger's parents used.

Here is Jena, all dressed up for the big day.

Lily, grabbing a quick nap before the service. She did very well and did not cry at all during the baptism and let Pastor hold her during the prayers.

We had a pretty good crowd to help us celebrate. My cousin Brandy, who lives here. Her dad, my Uncle Bernie and his girl friend Sharon, who live in Raleigh. My mom came up from Georgia and grandparents came down from Nebraska.

The latest in Conversations with a 2 year old

When I started to put this together last week, the funniest conversation was actually with Jena's friend Quinn. But yesterday Jena topped it. So I'll start with Quinn's and end with Jena's.

Last month we had dinner at the home of our friends, the Nelsons. Quinn, of the now famous Piper and Quinn (twins 3 weeks older than Jena), was very concerned that Jena would take one of her (Quinn's) dolls home with her. Rebecca and I both assured her that the dolls were not going anywhere. We thought it was over until later Rick came in, confused saying Quinn had told him her doll was in Jena's car. We all had a good laugh over imagining Jena sneaking out of the house, opening the car door (which she can't do), putting the doll inside and then coming back in without anyone noticing.

One day when riding in the car Jena said, "Mommy, Lily is my sister and Piper is my friend!" I then asked her who Piper's sister is and she said "Quinn" like Duh! She has been learning a lot about friends and another time when where her Dora the Explorer shirt she said "Mommy, Dora is on my shirt!" and I said "Yes, she is. Do you like Dora?" and she said "Yes, Dora is my best friend." It is cute that she still thinks Dora is real.

About a year ago I taught Jena about the hospital and more importantly how to say hospital. She kept calling it Daddy's house and I didn't want people to think we were divorcing! She still thinks that Daddy "lives" at the hospital. And one day recently she was mad at Roger and told him to "Go to the Hospital!"

I will end today with Jena's most recent declaration. She is really in to Cinderella right now. In fact she prefers the Cinderella pull ups to all others. Recently when putting on a pull up she said, "Mommy, Cinderella is my friend! And I pee in her!" I was laughing so hard that Roger came running in to see what was going on. Needless to say I had to explain that we don't pee on our friends.

The Disney Princesses have won

As I was looking online last night for a copy of the Cinderella movie, I realized the Disney Princesses have won. I'm not sure how it happened, I never encouraged it. I give her all sort of different toys, dolls to trucks. But some how Jena is obsessed with the Disney Princesses. It started simple enough, she asked for the princess diapers. Then she asked for a princess flash light. Then she noticed we had a "princess" movie, Beauty and the Beast. She began watching it over and over again. And I was okay with that. Belle is smart, likes to read and ride horses. She saves her father. Then some of her friends got Sleeping Beauty and she had to have it. She pretends she is a princess now, Cinderella her current favorite. They didn't have the movie at the Disney store or Walmart here. So I looked for it online for her so she can have it for Christmas. So, Disney, you have won. For now.

Making history

No matter what your political affiliation or thoughts, no one can deny the historic significance of tonight. This has been, IMHO, the most exciting election of my life time. Both sides were wide open, allowing us to hear the ideas of so many people. And, of course, I was excited to see a woman make it to the final two candidates for the Democratic nomination. And with the other candidate being an African-American, I knew that history was in the making. And when McCain picked Gov Palin as his running mate, the world could see that too.

I will say that elections bring out the worst in people. Over the last two years I have heard covert racism and blatant sexism. Both of which truly saddened me. I am surprised to see both still alive in the 21st century. I ask the people who have used the B word to describe both Senator Clinton and Governor Palin, would you like to hear that said about your mother. It is not funny and it is certainly not okay.

I have heard that there has been a record turn out today and they are predicting at least 70%. There has not been turn out like this in 100 years, though they came close in the 60's. So many people are waiting in line for hours because they know they can make a difference. It gives me hope for our future. So, tonight I will be watching the return and history being made. I hope that you will too.

Vote tomorrow

Tomorrow is Election Day. Everyone who is registered, remember to go out and vote!

Visitor from the west

My cousin Tanya came in from Greenville, SC to visit us this weekend (and also a good friend who was having a Halloween Party.) Yes, she really is my cousin and no, neither one of us was adopted.

Here she is dressed up like a cowgirl. Only Tanya can pull this off so well. We had a nice visit and hope she will come back soon.

Trick or Treat

The girls and I went Trick or Treating with our neighbors, the Garcias. Jena did pretty well and got a whole bucket of candy. We went until she didn't want to walk up to the houses any more (she road between the houses with Lily in the stroller) and then we packed it in and went to help Roger hand out candy. Jena was Tigger and Lily was a Pea Pod.

This is our neighbor Daphne. She and Jena had a good time running up to the houses to Trick or Treat.

Womack Halloween Party

Friday the Womack family group had a Halloween Party at the Clinic. We had a great turn out and everyone had lots of fun. This is my friend Carol with her youngest Issac.

Hanging out and eating lunch

Here is Jena with her buddy Russell. They always have a good time together.

Isabelle hanging out in her stroller. She didn't want to wear her bumble bee costume.

Our little Pea Pod Lily had a great time.

We found Nemo! No, it is really Gabriela.

Happy Halloween!

Cookie time!

Last weekend when Roger was on call we made cookies.

Jena loved helping make the cookies. We made chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies, a Williams family favorite.

Lily decided to supervise from her highchair. She is a manager in the making.

The fruits of our labor.

Jena did well for a little while making the little balls for the cookies. Then she decided to make a monster cookie instead. Every time I gave her more dough she just put in the big cookie. So I baked it just like that.

Here she is with her masterpiece. She said it was for Daddy. She and Roger later shared it.

Here it is next to a normal sized cookie.

Little Mommy

Jena has a baby doll she was given by my uncle and his girlfriend last year for Christmas. She is her favorite toy and she spends a lot of time taking care of her. She often takes Lily's diapers for the baby and has two bottles to feed her with.

Our new puppy

No, we didn't get another dog. My Aunt Janelle sent towels for the girls after Lily was born. A bunny for Lily and a puppy for Jena. Jena loves her towel and asks for it every time she takes bath. She runs are the house barking like a puppy.

Jena's 1st field trip

We went on Jena's first field trip with St John's preschool a few weeks ago. We went to a local farm and saw all sorts of animals. Here are some cows we saw from the wagon ride.

Here is Jena getting ready to learn about the animals with the Nelson kids and their mom, Rebecca.

Here the farmer is telling the kids about all the different animals on the farm.

Jena was very interested in the animals.

Caden, Piper and Jena decided to get a better view.

And on that farm he had a pig. Eeye, Eeye, Oh!

They made homemade ice cream in the farm and Jena really liked that best of all.

Side by Side comparison

Lily 3 months Jena 3 months

Everyone has comments on how much the girls look alike, and they do. So I thought I'd put up both three month pictures so everyone could compare. They do look a lot alike, but each has her own unique look. The one thing we noticed right away is that Jena always had more hair which was already turning blond at birth.

Homecoming

I talked to my sister-in-law this morning and my brother, Ben, is in Kuwait. He is on his way home! Just in case Al Qaeda reads my blog, I won't give all the details. But he will be home by the end of the week.

Lily 3 months

Lily is three months old today. She is growing so fast and learning new things everyday. Recently she had found her feet and is laughing out loud. She and Jena just love each other and are so cute together.

Lily's photo shot

We went for Lily's three month pictures today. It was a slow start and we had to stop so I could feed her. But the end result was good. Click on the collage above to see a larger version of the pictures. I have also post them to our family pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/Roger.S.Wms/lily3months.