Oh my!

Mackenzie Stories

• The other day I had on a denim jacket and she told me I looked like a cowboy. I spent the rest of the day questioning my outfit.
• While sitting at the dinner table Mackenzie noticed Nathan's tattoo of an Eagle, Globe and Anchor. She told us it was a bird and then tried to feed it one of her pretzels.
• Her favorite day of the week is Friday (can you tell her mom is a teacher?) and will sing "It's Friday, it's Friday."
• We were out to eat and a man came in the restaurant resembling a certain Christmas character and right on cue Mackenzie yelled, "Look Mama, Santa!"

Onto baby news, we found out that we are having another girl! The baby is on track for my original due date of April 24th. I have been feeling her move a lot, mostly at night. The kids at school have finally started to ask questions about my expanding belly. One girl keeps asking if "that baby" is still in there.

Walking Feet

Our daughter is a lot of fun, but she also needs A LOT of boundaries. Strollers/shopping carts are her worst nightmare. She is starting to wise up and say things like, "Mama, I walking feet." It's cute, right? It was so cute this weekend that in a moment of weakness I let her out of the stroller in Old Navy. Gasp! What was I thinking? (To my defense, it was near the end of our shopping trip and I needed her to try on a coat.) She was free to walk around with her dad or sit next to the creepy dogs placed around the store, all I needed was for her to try on a coat. Sadly, it didn't go down that smoothly. She screamed, she cried, she tried falling to the floor anytime I got near her with the coat. People probably thought we were torturing her. What felt like hours later, we got the coat on, made our purchase and left. While I would like to be angry with her, she was true to her words and maintained walking feet the entire time.

Here I am at 17 weeks.

All of my doctor appointments have been good. The heartbeat has been 165 and 150. At first I was thinking it was a girl, but I now have a strong feeling it is a boy. We have an ultrasound on the 23rd, so I guess we'll find out then.

Happy Halloween

We'll keep this short and sweet, Mackenzie loved dressing up,

trick-or-treating, and the stuffing her face with candy!

11 Days and a Wake-up

Well it has been 5 weeks since I have left the homestead for the wastelands of Yuma, AZ. The countdown is now at 11 days and a wake-up till I catch a bird back to the East Coast. Yuma is a different place to say the least, a town were desolate landscapes collide with striking mountain views and the social scene includes the dirtiest dive bars, fancy night clubs and tons of karaoke. The training we have recieved out here has been tough with weird hours and a lot of field work...but we wouldn't have it any other way. Our days consist of mission planning, a helo ride to be dropped off in the middle of nowhere, execute, and catch another flight back to the HQ. I must say that I am anxiously looking forward to November 3rd when I reunite with my girls...you are some tough women and I want you guys to know how much I love you. I have to give a shout out to Kelly who has done an amazing job managing everything going on at home...Babe, I feel blessed to have you as my wife.


I remember when I first got this job after becoming an officer, I wasn't really feeling the whole air traffic control thing, I mean it just didn't seem to be the roughneck bit I had envisioned...but I had forgot one major factor...we Marines do everything a little bit different. Too my surprise I was wrong and I have included some pics and a few short videos of some of the stuff we are doing out here.

Lastly, I want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers especially those for the military family members who carry on in our absence.


This picture is of our class, two of these cats were talking to the C-130 in the background 7 seconds before the picture was taken giving him clearance to land at the expeditionary airflield we set up.

An AH-1 Cobra attack helo landing to get some fuel at forward postition we had established.

SSgt and myself controlling another division of AH-1's as they approach our position.




A couple of Devil Dogs getting dusted by a CH-53 while performing ops.



Flyover of UH-1 Huey

Nothing crazy, just a little look at what's been going on. I'm out until next time...

Wilson Street

To the Owner of the House on Wilson Street,

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I am the crazy lady in the blue Honda that drives by your house four times a day. See this little girl sitting in my backseat?

This is my daughter, Mackenzie. She refers to your house as the "big pider house" or the big spider house. We are HUGE fans of the 6 foot, inflatable spider sitting on the roof of your house. My daughter can easily navigate her way to your house by shouting directions from her carseat..."dat way mama" or "dis way mama." Please don't be alarmed or call PMO (military police). We promise to stop stalking you as soon as you take that spider off your roof.

Your Friends on Adams Drive,

Kelly & Mackenzie

Ouch

Mackenzie woke up crying around 5:00am. I lay in bed listening to the monitor for a few minutes until I realize that she has no plans of falling back to sleep on her own. I walked into her room and the first word out of her mouth is "Daddy?" Nathan has been gone for a little over a week and we are feeling it.

I took her into the bedroom with me and she proceeded to tell me that "Daddy go bye-bye." It's breaking my heart. Despite being up two hours earlier than normal, she had a good day at school (or so that's what they tell me). On the way home Mackenzie started chanting "See Daddy!"

I realized today that Mackenzie truly believes that Daddy is still in town and they just keep missing each other. How I wish that were the case. Hurry home Daddy.

That hair

Mackenzie FINALLY has enough hair that requires me to do something with it. I'm not complaining, I'm actually very excited about it! Unfortunately, she is not allowed to wear any bows or clips in the pre-toddler room she is in at the daycare because there are some young ones that still put everything in their mouth.

This is what she looked like this morning.

And this is her hair after a nap, the poor thing has my wavy locks. You can just imagine what she looks like after a day at daycare. Note the new "cheese" face she's been giving me, I'm sure we'll be seeing this a lot.

We flew into Indiana yesterday and I swear all this girl has done is eat! Not that she is too upset about it. We're getting to spend some time with my parents before I return to work and life gets crazy again. Mac calls my mom "Gigi" and my dad "Bubba". I'm not sure where Bubba came from, but I think it is hilarious. Nathan flies in next week for our 10 year high school reunion.

Who takes priority?

It was nearly two years ago that Nathan and I sat on our front porch with a bottle of wine discussing our future with the Marine Corps. It was a fall night and we could hear one of the local football games being held in the distance. We were settling into our new role as parents, Mackenzie was only a few months old. I remember looking at Nathan, most likely through teary eyes, asking him how he would make our family a priority if he went back in. I had no concept of military life, but it seemed miserable. He had a great answer, I just can't remember it because I was busy refuting everything he said in my mind. It was during this conversation that I began to feel that anxious, nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach because I knew this was the path we would take. So who does take priority these days? Well, most of the time we do. What I didn't understand that night sitting on the front porch is the amount of pride I would feel towards my husband, the military and our country. While this doesn't make up for the time spent apart, it does make it a little easier. Nathan gives 110% to this family, all the time. There are trips to the pool, trips to the park, trips to the aquarium, trips to the beach, trips to the grocery store. And if the trips weren't enough, there are endless refills of juice, numerous episodes of Dora, books before bed, Hello Kitty bandaids, and the list goes on. I guess he does know what he's talking about every now and then.

Someone please remind me to read this post in a few months when he's gone.

Yum

She is so sweet.

Why I love summer

Fingerpainting outside while dad grills dinner.

A weekend with good friends.

Meeting Boston Blake, he is adorable!

Watching dad make everything better when a big wave

washes in a scared toddler.

Big smiles on the boat ride out to Shackleford Island.

Enjoying a 4th of July parade with a bag of Cheetos.
Does it get any better?

How about enjoying the parade with a bag of Cheetos

and a fly swatter?

Lots of updates

It's been such a long time since I posted anything that I'm struggling to find a place to start. My family came down for a visit in May and we experienced our first air show. We had a great time and Mackenzie generated a lot of attention. She wore bright orange ear plugs, but was still bothered by the jets. Every time one flew by she would shake her finger saying, "No, no, no!" Nathan was interviewed by the local news station and I was interviewed for the local newspaper. The Miller's are famous here in Havelock! Okay, not really.

Mackenzie is changing so quickly that it's hard to keep up with all of her developments. She is talking more and more; some of it we understand, some of it only she understands. We are starting to hear her put two words together like, "doggie poo", "baby fishy", "pretty flower", "hi doggie" and "big rock". She loves to sing, play ring around the rosie and watch D-D-D-D-D-Dora. I have started talking to her about using the big girl potty, and she likes to sit on it and make the "psssssss" sound. Ha! Where did she learn that? Then I'll ask her if she has to potty and she quickly responds with a NO. We have been taking advantage of the warm weather by going to the beach. Mackenzie likes playing in the sand, but avoids going near the water.

The three of us traveled home this past weekend for a wedding. We were able to see lots of friends and family. I love seeing Mackenzie with her grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Oh, did I mention there are 6 more days of school left? Can't wait!

Girly Girl?

It's been a long time since I've seen Mac looking so girly and I love it. The headband lasted about 3 minutes, but I'll take what I can get. Nathan's parents are in town for a visit and my daughter has turned into the little entertainer. Anytime Grandpa is in the room she falls to the floor and waits for him to "check" on her to see if she is okay. She has also been eating like a grown man and mornings wouldn't be the same if she didn't ask for a hot dog before 9:00am. Her favorite person in the world right now would be her dad; they truly have a special bond. Nathan had to work this morning and you could see the disappointment on her face when she walked around the entire house looking for him. Sorry kid, you're stuck with mom.

Kind of boring, kind of cute

The video is kind of long, but I knew the grandparents would appreciate it. This is Mac playing the Wii. Nathan usually kicks my butt on about every game we play, which is why I've been secretly practicing at night when he is at work. Am I pathetic or what?

Bad Blogger

I've been such a bad blogger lately. Sorry and it's probably going to happen again....just being honest. Going back to work has been a huge adjustment for everyone. Mackenzie had a difficult time going into daycare and is still insisting on carrying around her damn blanket all day. I might let it go until this summer and work on that for next year. We told the daycare that we were thinking about not letting her bring it and they looked at us with fear in their eye.

Mackenzie and Grandma LaVine back in March

So cute, so stubborn.

We seem to have entered into a phase I like to call "toddler hell" and let's just say it isn't pretty. Sometimes we get this.....

....other times we get this....

...and every now and then this.

How long does this phase last? Can someone please tell me? Did I mention that she has also starting waking up throughout the night? This morning I walked into the kitchen to find her dumping the dog's water and food bowl onto the floor. She looked at me and said, "Uh-oh!" Last time I checked, uh-oh doesn't apply when you do something on purpose. I will admit that she quickly ran to the nearest laundry basket, found a towel and began to clean up the mess.

Work has been.....um, interesting?!? Some days are great, other days are like a never ending nightmare. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but the school systems down here are about 10 years behind where I came from. Oh, and I was hit in the face this week. My jaw is still recovering and there was no bruising, so that's a good thing. Here are a few of my favorite quotes that I've heard since starting.....

"Mrs. Miller, I have sand in my butt."

"It's okay for boys to play with girl toys if it's just for a little bit. Like sometimes I wear girl dresses.....but just for a little bit." (Said to me by a 6 year old boy)

"Hey sweetie!"

"I WANT CHICKEN, FRIED!" (Said to the cafeteria worker by a 5 year old girl)

Yogurt Face

Yes, we are still here. Mackenzie has been sick with a double ear infection and sinus infection. Nathan came home yesterday and things are looking up. I hope to post more later.

Mama got a job and Dad came home for a visit!

So, I realized that I never posted an update on the job situation. After meeting with the Occupational Therapist (OT) and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) I was offered the job! I start March 2nd and can only describe this as bittersweet. It's great that I am going back to work, but not so great that I'm leaving my babe. Today was tear filled, for both of us, as I dropped her off at daycare for a couple of hours. I almost didn't know what to do with myself as I walked around Target all alone. Mackenzie and I have been together all day, everyday, for the past 9 months. I don't think I can talk about this anymore....still too emotional.

Nathan was able to come home for the long weekend and it was FABULOUS. I love these two people more than anything. Thanks for making the trip.

Story Time Dropout

My girl, Mac, is a mover and a shaker. Not much will keep her down, other than a DVD by the name of Happy Feet (which I have seen 4519 times). I am aware of this, so why did I think something as simple as story time at the library would be a good idea? We arrived a little early so she could run around and get that out of her system. She was doing the usual, climbing stairs, dancing, laughing, looking cute and devilish all at the same time. The mother sitting next to me smiled and asked, "Is she always like this?"

Why yes, my daughter is a ball of energy that keeps me going at all times. I looked at her daughter that was a little older than Mac and she was sitting next to her mom. I could have been jealous of that mom and her docile little girl, but as I looked over to see Mackenzie scaling the steps and then celebrating with a little jig, I couldn't help but laugh and feel my heart fill with love.

Story time started with a little song and Mac enjoyed this part as she continued to sing out "yea, yea, YEA!" for a good 30 seconds after the song was over. This made me a little nervous, as I wanted to be respectful of the other parents and children. I guess Mackenzie didn't realize that she was only part of the pre-game show. The woman started reading a story, that was completely inappropriate for this age group, and Mackenzie wanted nothing to do with it. Fortunately, I had my mother-in-law with me so she helped with a swift exit. Good times with the Miller family!

As for the job situation, I received a call on Friday from the school and was asked to come in Monday morning for a second interview with the OT and SLP that I would be working with. Not sure what to think of this......

The Interview

The interview went well.

However, I do not think I will be offered the job. I have not actually spoken with the school, but the job posting was taken down and I can't imagine they would do that if they had not already offered and had someone accept the position. At first I felt annoyed and slightly disappointed, but I'm okay with not working right now...or am I just telling myself that since I didn't get the job? It felt pretty darn good putting a suit on and walking out of the house with a purpose. I felt like my old self, before the military, before moving 4 times in one year, before spending 6 out of 12 months away from my husband. It's not that I like my old self better, it's just that I'm still getting acquainted with my new self. Did I lose anyone?

I spoke with Nathan on the phone tonight about not getting the job and his response was-

"Who cares....you already have a job, you're the mother of our daughter."

And THAT is why I love my husband.

Who does this?

I have an interview Monday morning at an elementary school near base.

I'm sort of freaking out about it. Too many things to think about...daycare, waking up early, looking presentable before noon, and actually working. I was complaining to Nathan about having to leave Florida three weeks earlier than planned.

He looked at me and said, "Do you want to go back to work?"

I looked at him and replied with, "I don't know."

I have a nasty habit of doing things, just to see if I can. Once I know I can do something, I'm over it. So I'm left wondering, do I really want to go back to work or am I just trying to see if I can get a job? I think I want to go back to teaching, but I am not looking forward to putting little Mac into daycare. I did it before, so why is it so much harder now?

Wish me luck:) And enjoy the funny picture of Mac, it was taken around Christmas.

This and That

It feels like so much has been going on, but when I sit down to write about it, I can't seem to think of anything important. Mackenzie and I are currently in Florida visiting Nathan. We made it a whole three weeks at Cherry Point before deciding to leave. I know some people would just tough it out, but I realized that if we have the opportunity to be together as a family, we need to take it. Next time we are apart will probably be for a deployment and getting the fam together then won't really be an option. Military families spend so much time apart and I'm learning just how stressful it can be.

When Mackenzie saw Nathan she didn't really want anything to do with him. It made us both a little sad. She was very clingy and acted annoyed when Nathan and I were sitting next to each other. Mac would position herself in between us or on top of my lap. Their relationship is so important to me and I want to do everything I can to help foster it, but she's still too young to discuss Daddy. What to do, what to do.

Nathan, Mackenzie and I went to the beach this afternoon. I watched as father and daughter ran around in the sand and everything felt right. I love the beach, it's the one place I can go and forget about every worry. I probably had a smile on my face the entire time. I hope I never forget this afternoon.

See those animals Mac has in her hands? She is OBSESSED with these things. We have found ourselves strategizing on how to get them away from her without a full blown tantrum. Distraction is usually the best route. Sometimes I'll find her playing with them and they will be kissing or she will kiss them, or they will kiss one of her other barn yard animals. Kissing is big right now, I also saw her trying to make the crayons kiss.

Did You Eat Sand?

I don't even know what to say.

Mackenzie answers almost every question with "yea" or some kind of grunt.

Where have you been all my life?

True Military Wives Confessions

Did I confess? Of course!

First Impressions

Mackenzie had her 15 month check up yesterday with a new doctor. She is actually 16 months old, but who's counting? Since it was our first time at this particular office I had a million forms to fill out. The waiting area wasn't busy so I didn't feel too bad letting Mac run around, as long as she stayed away from the sickies. At one point I was talking to the receptionist when I heard a few girls behind me snicker, next I heard Mackenzie's little giggle she uses to get my attention. I turn around to see her standing on top of a picnic table. She smiled and did her little "haha, look what I'm doing" dance. We were ushered to the examination room a few minutes later. Mac was weighed, measured, and pricked. Her stats have finally leveled off in the average range; weight 24lbs, height 31in. The doctor didn't have any concerns and said I could start using time outs. He also referred to her as a spitfire and told me she'll make our lives more fun. I think that was a polite way to say we're going to have our hands full. I'm okay with that, I wouldn't have it any other way.


Here is some good news for ya, my friend's husband returns from Iraq in March and guess who gets to capture those special moments? That's right, ME!! I can't wait!

Home at Last

Well, we're back home from our 7 week road trip. It was great seeing family and friends, and now I am looking forward to settling down in North Carolina. I have a huge list of things to do, boring things, like finding a pediatrician, signing Mac up for daycare, scheduling the move. Blah, blah, blah, the list goes on and on.

Something happened tonight that really pulled at my heart. Mackenzie and I were taking the dog out when our neighbor was getting home from work. I didn't pay much attention to him since I was juggling the dog and Mac. As he walked up the drive way, Mackenzie about jumped out of my arms. She started yelling, "Daddy! Daddy!" When I set her down she marched right across our yard and into their driveway, the neighbor was already inside, thank goodness. As I took her hand and walked her back to our house she started crying; she thought I was keeping her from seeing her Daddy! My heart ached and still does. How do I explain to a 16 month-old that her Dad is in Florida and we'll see him next month? I wanted to cry with her, tell her I understand how she feels and that it's okay to miss him. But since she has no concept of time or place, we did the next best thing-went inside and built a tower out of blocks.

Onto some Mackenzie happenings, a much more uplifting topic. Her new behaviors include...

1) Shaking her finger at mom, dad, or anyone when they do something she doesn't like. It started with her doing it to the dog and has now transferred over to us. The little girl next door got real close to Mac today and she started waving that finger around.

2) Anytime we are somewhere that she doesn't want to be, she starts saying "bye-bye" and heads for the door. She did this twice today, once at the housing office and again when we walked through the new house.

3) She literally asks for a cookie or "doodie" 25 times a day.

4) For some reason the rooster on the toy barn (not to be confused with our real barn) really irritates her.

5) Mackenzie will always yell "MA" when she is climbing on something. I don't know if she is proud or just wants to see my reaction.