Talented Aunt Tina...and G-ma Tootie too!

Jon and I got an e-mail a couple weeks ago from Jon's sister, Tina, telling us to look out for a rather "large box" coming our way via the postman. So we waited, and waited, and waited some more. Finally we got the little orange slip in our box that said we had a parcel. Yippee! I love getting packages! So I promptly call the post office the next day and they told us we can come pick it up. Jon ran down the street and brought home the rather hefty item. I've been wondering what in the world it could be since the box was so huge, and we were asked to call Tina when we received it so we could get "dismantling instructions." Huh? It needs instructions to be taken apart? What in the world??

So I call Aiden downstairs and give Jon a knife so we can tear into this bad boy. To our amazement, and after an explosion of packing peanuts, we reveal the mystery.... the MOST ADORABLE diaper cake ever! Completely assembled! Jon's first comment was, "Wow, that is really cute!" Aiden said, "It's a diaper party!!" I just giggled. So fun! Dangling from the top were 2 pacifiers and a winnie the pooh super soft snuggly, and then the craziness began. We found "lollipops" which were feeding spoons and washcloths, "roses" that were baby socks on a stick, bath products, hair brush and spoon, formula holder, receiving blankets, onesies, and a secret box in the bottom layer with FIVE outfits. Yes I said five. Absolutely adorable, each and every one. I had a moment of feeling a little overwhelmed with all this unexpected generosity, and feel truly blessed and loved.

I keep telling myself this is real. I say it often, like feeling all the punching and kicking and rolling around in my belly isn't enough. We've got diapers now, baby shampoo, the tiniest onesies and outfits ever. The crib is up, the swing is downstairs. Wow, the time is near. 2 kids, an amazing daddy/husband, a beautiful home, in Hawaii no less. My cousin Suz said it perfect just yesterday, "dreams really do come true!"

Thanks again to Tina, Jim and Quintin for such an amazing OUTPOUR of gifts for Averie. And for Gramma Tootie for being there to take pictures of it all and help get the "diaper party" put together. It made our day!

Aiden is Back and Block Leave

Aiden was returned to us on Sunday the 5th, and we were very happy to welcome him home. He was definitely happy to see us as well. He has said over and over, " I missed you and am so happy." I just love when he says things like that. He's been full of snuggles and kisses and still loves his pop tart every morning for breakfast :) It's nice to have him back and just be with him all day. One of the first things he did was want to touch my belly so baby Averie can "jump." He let out a few belly laughs when he felt her move beneath his hand....I LOVED IT! I can't wait to meet her, and see the two kids together.

The unfortunate thing about Aiden's return is that he is COMPLETELY un-potty trained. It took so much mental effort on my part to get Aiden to where he was, and now it was all for not. He has no desire to use the potty, doesn't even mention it. I started using some Thomas stickers as a bribe and it seems it might work....if he feels up to it. Big bummer :( I'm not sure when to start again since he leaves in less than a month for another trip, and I don't want the same thing to happen. I guess we can just take it slow and remind ourselves that he won't go to college in Pull ups. :)

While Aiden was gone, Jon had his block leave. Its the set time soldiers in their unit can take leave before deployment. Jon took 2 weeks, and I loved every minute of it. We never were really 100% alone since before the wedding, so this was a good time to spend just being together...and sleeping in! I can't remember the last time I slept in until 11am, but Jon and I made sure that happened. Often!

We spent the time off seeing movies you would usually need a babysitter for, eating out, the military surf classic, more eating out, father's day brunch at Hale Koa then looking for sea turtles and toolin' around on a friend's boat, a BBQ, AMAZING salmon and cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki, accumulating things for baby Averie's arrival, working to sort out the garage (this was definitely a Jon thing, and it's looking fantastic), finishing up the painting of the walls and hanging pictures, golfing in Kanehoe, and just being together.

I could do nothing but sit on a sofa and stare at flies on the wall as long as Jon was there next to me. I just love being with him, doing anything. I honestly don't care what it is. It's a wonderful feeling. I loved our little bit of time alone, as this is going to be the last time before we welcome Averie and Jon leaves for the desert. Too bad it couldn't last just a bit longer!!

Magic Bullet Margarita....kinda

Jon and I purchased the magic bullet at Costco last Saturday. I'm really starting to fall in love with "as seen on TV" things. Anyway, I bought a bunch of fresh fruit for a fruit pizza (which was fabulously delicious by the way) and I decided that I should start using up the rest of the fruit before it spoils. Solution?? My new magic bullet of course! I made a YUMM-O smoothie/slush concoction with a handful of fresh berries, OJ and some ice. It took a whopping 6 seconds to whip up and I loved how I could just pop off the blade and drink it right out of the cup! I'm all for little or no clean up! The other night we made chocolate mousse in about 10 seconds. FANTASTIC! In some ways I regret doing this one. It was too easy and wayyyy naughty for the bootay! And of course I plopped a huge spoonful of cool whip on top. ahhh...heaven in a cup!

If you don't have a magic bullet and like cool kitchen gadgets, I highly recommend. I'm going to tackle some hummus and fresh salsa soon!