Gunny Geraghty

We have good news...BRIAN GOT SELECTED FOR GUNNY! He was up for promotion last year and it didn't work out, so this year was pivotal. I knew he would get it but he is never as confident.

To clarify, Brian will be a Gunnery Sergeant, an E7. There are 9 levels in the enlisted ranks, so I teased him that he's getting old. He will not actually be promoted until later this year, but at least we know he's selected. I'm relieved because he definitely deserved it. (Not to mention, the pay raise is welcomed with the baby on the way! Now we can spend all that new money on fun stuff, like, um, diapers.)



I guess this put him in a good mood because he got ambitious and took care of some loose ends this weekend.

I mentioned in the last blog that Caden is attached to his pacifier and it needs to go. Otherwise, there will undoubtedly be arguments when he tries to steal the baby's pacifier, or begs for his pass 24/7 since the baby has one...etc. So, I brought this up with Brian, pointing out that it was good timing now that we're both here and we don't have any guests for a while. We both knew it needed to happen, and we were both dreading it. Caden straight up adores his paci. He LOVES going to bed, and we know that is partially because he gets his frog and his pass.

Needless to say, we assumed this would probably be several days of h*ll, maybe more. Great.

The pacifier dependence annoyed Brian even more than me, and I guess he just decided to take it upon himself and get rid of it. I went to dinner with friends on Friday and returned home to a very smug husband. After asking about my dinner, he said, "So, guess what...?" I didn't have a guess even remotely close to what he revealed. "Caden is sleeping without his pacifer." Um, what?! How?! WHAT?!!!

I was dumbfounded. During his bedtime routine, Brian simply informed Caden that big boys don't have pacifiers. He used some examples..."Landen doesn't have a pass. Bryce doesn't have a pass." And so on. Caden repeated, "Landen no pass...Bryce no pass..." and finally threw it in the sink. He immediately regretted it and cried for it back, but Brian kept repeating, big boys don't have pacifiers.

So that was pretty much it. He didn't fall asleep immediately...I ended up laying with him from 11:30 until midnight...but he fell asleep after that and didn't wake till 7. We did have a couple meltdowns when he found some long-lost pacifiers around the house. He would grin impishly with it in his mouth and bolt. Of course those were immediately confiscated and deposited in the trash, and that did NOT go over well. But aside from those 2 incidents, I'd say we're home free!

Well, unless my Dad intervenes. Here is an email he sent Caden:

"To My Grandson Caden... I will send you a new Pass UPS ..You better hide it reallllllllllllllllllllly good though..Your mom might find it and get mad at me...GPG"

Caden at 3 weeks, showing his undeniable love for his pass

His last photo with his beloved pass


Brian, THANK YOU. You never fail to surprise me.

On top of that, I finished sanding Caden's new dresser, and Brian took it upon himself to do the first stain. We have some fixes to make, but we've made progress. Maybe we WILL be ready for the baby after all. On that note, my 33-week appointment was boring and pointless (but necessary). Everything is good. I go again in 2 weeks and then every week after that. So I guess that means I'm getting close. I officially weigh more than Brian, so that's cool. (Sigh.)

My friend Paige is on the homestretch too. She's due two weeks after me. We threw her a baby shower last week and our four boys got in some hardcore playtime.

Brunch on the deck

The boys may be enjoying the shower more than us


Getting drenched (So is this before or after Caden bit Jake? Proud moment.)


My Grandma Klindt is feeling well, and had a CAT scan this week to assess how her cancer treatments are going. I'll let you know the results. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

Last but not least, Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there, especially to my own amazing Dad and father-in-law. Can't wait to see you both in August!

Oh, and of course, Happy Father's Day to my husband. Taking away Caden's pacifier single-handedly secured you the father of the year award. So does that mean you deserve a really good gift?! Crap.

Caden loves to put his hand on my face and give me soft kisses