I couldn't resist

I decided to take advantage of the day by going out it the yard. I have been holding out until Michael Dunn can walk so I don't have to worry about him picking up so many things and putting them into his mouth, but I gave in (Mind you Michael Dunn is so close to walking! He can now take about 8 steps at a time before falling over!) Anyway we went out and unfortunately I was the only one who enjoyed myself. I got some cute pictures though!
If you look closely you can see Michael Dunn lifting up his feet. He hated the feel of the grass on his feet and so kept them lifted so as not to touch.







Even though he didn't have a good time he HATED leaving!

At the end of the day.....I didn't even notice the room looked like this until I started getting ready for bed.....This is the usual state of the room nowadays- When I clean it up Michael Dunn thinks it is a new game to see how fast he can get it all back onto the floor.

Very Stressful Morning

I know I am posting a lot, but I have been really motivated today to post. Who knows when I will post next! (It will probably be tomorrow) I have been running out of steam as I get further along in my pregnancy and now Michael Dunn is getting more and more active! It's a little ironic. I have a huge amount of respect for all of you wonder women out there who have more then one kid.
Anyway I had a very stressful morning! It was more of the accumulation of things happening over a period of time then anything else. Here it goes:

• A week ago my sink started leaking and I tried to "quick fix" it by sticking a towel underneath to catch the drips
• Michael Dunn pulled over my lamp and shattered the glass all over the place
  
• A light went out in my living room and I couldn't figure out how to change the light bulb so I have just been getting by without light in there for the last couple of days
• and (the final straw) The pull string in my ceiling fan that controlled the light snapped off last night as I was going to bed leaving my room in total darkness and I can't turn the light back on.
  

I decided that I would try to fix it this morning and just ended up taking my fan apart and not only not fixing the problem, but making it worse, at the same time, Michael Dunn got into my food storage and was licking all the dust off of my cans. Finally after I realized that I not only could not fix the light, but that I couldn't even put the fan back together, I snapped. I called my mother crying and she came over and took Michael Dunn (Who was really concerned over the obvious mental collapse of his mother) and we went over to her house. She then proceeded to call people who could fix the problem and then proceeded to tell me that I was to prideful and I needed to let people help. It was such a relief having her take charge and to let me sit and cry. I am so grateful for all of her constant help and am really going to miss her when she leaves for New Jersey for a month!

Michael Dunn learned something new

It is crazy to me to think that my little boy can think and connect things the way he has. The other day I was sitting at my Kitchen table working on some insurance information when Michael crawls up to me and throws one of Grandma's Toy cars into my lap and pulls himself up to me. He then grabs the car and starts to run it over my thighs and legs making an "rrrrrrrrr" noise. He did that for about 5 minutes while I watched him a little in shock! He is growing up so fast and turning into such a big boy!

Here are some pictures of Michael playing so well in his room. He is such a good boy!

In Afghanistan

Michael has made it to Afghanistan! He has gone on little to no sleep since Sunday-part of which he is trying to acclimate himself to the time change (It is about a 10 1/2 hour difference between us) and I think that they have kept him really busy. He told me that the base they are reporting to had no idea that they were coming so they could be stuck at this other base for a couple of weeks. It is nice to finally know that he is there and he is OK. He would love emails and letters and his email address is: michaelhuish30@yahoo.com

My Sweet Mornings

Most mornings since Michael has been gone Michael Dunn has woken up at 7:00 in the morning. I am not necessarily a morning person and love to squeeze in as much sleep as possible. My morning routine consists of Michael Dunn waking up and playing in his crib for about 30 minutes, when he starts crying I get up, make him a bottle and lay him down in bed with me while I try to get more sleep. What started with me trying to get more sleep has turned into special time with my sweet son. He is not content with just laying there letting me doze, instead he pokes me in the face, kicks me in the stomach and tries to grab my eyelashes. He finally lets me know he is done by throwing his bottle on my face and trying to climb over me (It is getting a lot more difficult as I get so much bigger.) I have really grown to appreciate this time with Michael Dunn and realized this morning what a sweet routine I have started. I think Michael Dunn enjoys it and it gives him special one on one time with mommy that he doesn't always get while he is eating as I get busier throughout the day.

Michael's Address

I have been getting asked for Michaels new address. This will be his new address in the next couple of days. As of now he is still in Fort Bragg waiting for the word from the government that it is time for their unit to ship out. But by next week this should be his address for those of you who wish to write him.

Michael Huish
PRT Gardez
APO AEO9354

Warning! Lots of pictures!

I am warning you! There are alot of pictures! Proceed at your own risk. Michael Dunn was in heaven! Someone to play with as much as he liked!! (At least for the first couple of days:) )
Love Michael Dunns expression!
Too much love

More pIctures!

My Silly boys. Michael Dunn is wearing one of my headbands.
I just think he is cute......
I think he was getting tired of me taking pictures


I love all the pictures with Michael and Michael Dunn. Michael is such a good father and is so sweet to his son. I am excited to see him with 2 boys.

Pictures of This past week

Us being silly

They had so much fun playing together! Michael Dunn is in the stage where he loves balls! Michael is training him to be a basketball player already. (He wants me to by a toy basketball for him next)
My two boys

You cant see us very well, but this is one of the few pictures we were able to get as a family without one of us holding the camera.

Michaels Visit

I can't believe how fast the time has gone.

Michael was able to come home for a 4 day break before they ship him to Afghanistan. He actually is on standby which means his unit is just waiting for the word and then they are shipping out. He is back at Fort Bragg while he is waiting.


His visit was wonderful. We picked him up at the Airport on Tuesday in the morning so we had most of the day. We mostly stayed home and just spent time together as a family. It took Michael Dunn a little while to warm up to his dad-maybe a couple of hours, but when he did he became a little suffocating! He would follow Michael around everywhere. At first Michael liked it, He told me that he wanted to respond well to him when he did it so he wouldn't stop coming. By the third day however he apologized to me for having such little patience with Michael Dunn. I think that came after Michael Dunn constantly would follow him into the bathroom and play with the toilet paper or try to have Michael hold him while he was in there, or when Michael would try to take a bath and Michael Dunn would come and try to climb in with him or splash the water... I could see it coming and it made me laugh because Michael Dunn loved being with his daddy and decided his daddy wasn't going anywhere without him!

One Funny story that happened while Michael was here.

I was holding Michael Dunn and sitting next to Michael on the couch. I leaned over to give Michael a kiss and pulled away to see Michael Dunn staring at me very suspiciously. I decided to do it again to see what happened. after I pulled back the second time I heard Michael Dunn make a very loud noise and he launched out of my hands onto my face. He then proceeded to give me the wettest noisiest kiss I have ever gotten, holding onto my face with both hands with his mouth wide open for about 15 seconds. During all this I was laughing and Michael said,

"I think Someone is jealous!"

I think someone was!

This was such a wonderful blessing and a wonderful vacation. I can't begin to express how much it meant to me to be able to see Michael again so soon even for such a short amount of time. I can't thank those people enough who helped us-especially my mom who went with us to the airport both times with is about a 4 hour trip both ways.

Wow it has been busy! I feel like the last week I have been going and going. Finally yesterday I stayed home and cleaned and THAT felt like a break! I guess there is nothing like life to put things into perspective. Yesterday I ended up moving Michael Dunns room around to give that room more room for another baby, and until that time comes I am trying to have it be more of a play room for him. I Also got my hair cut a little shorter. I feel like my hair grows so fast that I need a haircut every couple of months. I have been trying to get everything ready for when Michael gets here on Tuesday that I have been doing last minute shopping and a lot of cleaning. I am ready for a little break and I am grateful for the Sabbath that gives me the opportunity!


We received a sweet package from Grandma and Grandpa Huish the day after Valentines
and Michael Dunn LOVED the balloons!




This is my new Haircut, I don't know how well you can see it, it is too my shoulders and I know that it is pretty lame, but I had to take the picture myself!

Valentines Day

Today was a wonderful day It started out with me getting a sweet Valentines card from Michael. I didn't expect to get anything, and I was prepared for that, so when I got the card I was surprised and was very touched. I also received a phone call from Callie and went to a friends house where we had lunch. Coming home Michael and I went on a walk, made valentine cards and made cookies. Michael was able to call around 7:45 and we were able to talk for a long time. It was the perfect end to a sweet day.
Here is the card I received from Michael and the cookies I made

Book Review

I just wanted to let ya'll know that one book I would Highly recommend is
"Cheaper by the Dozen "
It is not like the Movie at all. It is funny and focuses a lot on family. I have read it through several times and I think almost everyone would enjoy it.

Michael Dunn having fun

Michael Dunn loves beans! He also loves to try to get me close to him so he can wipe his nasty hands on me! Actually he is a cutie and had so much fun eating and feeding himself and having moms undivided attention.

This is Michaels best friend. he loves this toy dog. He gets so excited when he sees it and will go pick it up and hug it. he also loves playing with it and his new favorite game is to drop it out of his crib and watch mommy pick it up and give it back.

Great deal at J C Penny's

I decided that I needed new maternity clothes about a month ago (that is when I started to really show-now I look like I am ready to deliver!) Knowing that I probably wouldn't go to the store i decided to order my clothes on-line. I got some things that I liked (all of them probably too big though) and was excited. Michael called me the next day and I told him what I had done and that I still needed to buy a pair of pants. A friend of mine wanted to go as well and so Michael told me that I should go and that I should "Go to J C Penny's-I know you like that store"

So knowing that I had the Ok from Michael to go buy even more clothes I went to J C Penny's. To make a long story short, they were having an amazing sale, and I got 7 shirts and 1 pair of pants for $23.00 (and that was with tax) and I ended up saving $215.00!

wonderful day of blessings

It has been a wonderful day, one full of blessings. We go to church at 8:30 in the morning and it was really good. I am learning to appreciate and enjoy primary as the time goes by. I love being in the nursery, something I had no problem adjusting to. There really is a sweet spirit bring around young children as they learn about the gospel and sing their testimonies.

We eat dinner every Sunday afternoon as an extended family. It was great (Though half of the members are coming down with pink eye, and I feel like we will shortly follow) and towards the end Michael was able to call. he was doing well. He was able to go to church, which is such a blessing for him. I am grateful that he gets these opportunities to get spiritually filled. He had a meeting to go to because he is going through 2 simulations tomorrow and has to be prepared for both. He finishes up with everything on Thursday and pack up and head to the main base. After that he comes home next Tuesday!!!!

I went on a walk afterwards. It is such wonderful weather right now. Perfect time of year. It is probably in the 70's and there is wind blowing and only a couple clouds in the sky, pretty soon it is going to warm up considerably so I have to get all the good outside time now that I can.

Suprise phone call

Michael surprised me and called me this morning! He hasn't been able to do that for a long time so it was a nice treat. He said he had some time before his meeting in which They are going over what they are going to do tomorrow-another simulation I think. He sounded really good and in high spirits (even though he had Guard duty yesterday morning at 2:00 and was going on little sleep) He is excited to see Michael Dunn who looks different from the last time he saw him, I am excited to watch them play together as Michael Dunn has entered that stage where he loves to play!

7 mile Hike

Michael is doing really good. He has been working hard at learning the language and passing off classes. He is only in North Carolina for another 12 days! They have been pretty busy. They went on a 7 mile hike on Tuesday early in the morning with all of their gear. I believe that they have been doing that fairly often, though the last one I heard about was only 5 miles. Michael said he wanted to get in better shape and I am glad they are giving him that opportunity!

It has been such a blessing to have been able to talk to him as much as I have and to know how he is doing and what he has been up to.

Grandpa Ross's Birthday!

It was a Fun day at Grandpa's office!
Michael Dunn kept that hat on so well! I was really surprised!
Gavin was so funny. it was hard to get him to take a picture so we have a silly one!
Playing with Grandpas! His office has so many things that the kids wanted to play with.

This was before we left to visit Grandpa. I thought this was a cute picture so I posted!

Michael Dunn and the peas

Baby moving, super bowl and silly boys.

Here are some updates in the whole family.

Michael is doing good. He was able to call on Sunday while the rest of the soldiers were watching the super bowl. We were able to talk for about 30 minutes. He is still really busy with classes, training and guard duty. He did guard duty yesterday, but his relief never came so he ended up doing double guard duty. He also found out where he can go to have a warm bath (He has yet to have one) He has been going to the trailers, but they are freezing, and he was told that those in the tents were warm. When he went there however something was wrong and it was just as cold. When he was leaving though, he heard someone yell, "We Fixed it!" I hope he has been able to have a warm shower:)

I (Laurie) am doing really good. I had a little cold but it seems to have moved on and I am only left with the yucky runny nose and deeper voice. I have been working on ways to curb my appetite. It seems like I can never get full now! (The joys of being pregnant) I am trying to fight my 45 pound weight gain that I am sure will be coming, by refusing to get on a scale and pretend that I am not eating as much as I have been. I have finished off all of my cookies and goodies and have replaced them with fruits and vegetables. I feel like I am on a diet however and so if anyone has any advice on how to forget that you are always hungry when pregnant I would love to know! I have also started back on my walks. It has been a little more difficult since the weather has been so bad here.

Michael Dunn is such a cutie. I realize I love every stage he enters. He is trying to walk, but can't find the balance. He has become such a cheerful baby full of personality. He sits and talks to me or himself in a happy little voice, and loves to push things, then chase after them. We found that he likes peas that I have cooked and prepared, he could eat the whole batch if I would let him! He also loves bananas (Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Huish:) and I have to be careful to not give him that everyday, because he gets so excited when he sees one. He has learned what the piano does, and loves to bang bang bang! And loves to follow his mommy around and try to do the things that she is doing.

Baby Huish is doing good to. He kicks more and more and always seems to be awake in the middle of the night. I have really enjoyed feeling the baby move. I am not a big fan of being pregnant, but this is my favorite part. Such a special thing between mother and baby.

Simulations

Michael is still in classes. He said that they are cramming more and more into their days and that he just gets busier and busier. Yesterday he said they did simulations again, but this time they were in a place that was set up like a town (representing where they would be stationed) Civilians would walk around and they would all be speaking Poshtu. They would be acting out their duties when they would get "attacked" He says there are machine guns firing and civilians running around. I imagine it is pretty chaotic. It is trying to teach them the things they should do if they get into these situations.

He is sounding good, and getting very excited to come home.