Easter

Happy (belated) Easter! What a beautiful day this year. We spent ours with good friends/neighbors. We had a delicious ham dinner and the kids had an Easter egg hunt at the park. Us four Moms even snuck away and caught a movie at the base theater. Caden didn't hunt eggs but he did have fun banging the plastic eggs together and throwing everything out of his basket.

As for recent developments, Caden cut his last tooth and is fighting off a head-cold. He learned two new words: "truck" and "dog." He likes to call pretty much everything dog. These boyish words describe him to a tee...all boy. He walks/runs everywhere and would live outside if he could. He never just wants to stay at the park...he insists on exploring the entire neighborhood, playing in other people's yards, walking in the street, etc. He is obsessed with his Kawasaki four-wheeler and wants rides 24/7. Luckily Brian has endless energy.

Due to his cold, he doesn't eat much lately but would drink Brian's fruit protein shakes for every meal if possible. WEIRD. Also strange, he still hates the daycare at MOMS Group, but he loves it when we leave him with the neighbors.

On that note, we utilized our neighbors Angel and Rob for babysitting last Thursday, and Brian and I went on a date to celebrate our fourth anniversary. It was probably the best one yet. Brian left Post-it notes all over the house that morning with cute little messages. (Now is your cue to say, "Ahhhhh.") Brian picked out a unique Itailian restaurant called A la Lucia in Old Town Alexandria. After dinner, we stopped at the romatic destination of Best Buy on the way home. Since our anniversary fell on spring this year, we were hoping for nice weather but it was dreadfully windy, just like the day we got married. We hope the nice weather arrives soon. Gray dreary weather, BE GONE.

Brian's Mom returns from Rome today so we will be excited to hear about her retreat. Also, Brian's sister Shannon takes her board exams tomorrow for becoming certified as a dental hygienist. Good luck Shannon...we're thinking of you.

St. Patty's Day...little hooligan on a mission

So stinkin' cute

New discovery...the wonderful world of stickers

Virginia Beach

Caden had another new experience this past week...a trip to the beach!

For Valentine's Day and my birthday, Brian planned a weekend in a beautiful king spa suite overlooking Virginia Beach. It's only 3 hours to get there so it was a nice drive. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate as it was rainy and cold. But really, what else could we expect for a beach in Virginia in February! On the upside, the area was very quiet being it was off season.



We found a few fun things to do despite the rain. We took Caden to the Virginia Aquarium the first day. He touched a crab and got a kick out of the seals. We shopped Saturday morning (another part of my birthday present) and I bought a swimsuit at a cute boutique. We went to breakfast twice and had some excellent seafood. Brian braved the cold and got in a scenic bike ride. He also drove us around Fort Story, which is where he went to Recon school in '99. He reminisced about the good times he had there (and the pain).



And last, but not least, we walked with Caden down on the beach. He didn't initially understand the point of our cold windy adventure but he soon discovered the sand and enjoyed digging in it. (I'm sure he didn't enjoy the wet butt he had afterwards.) We hope that the next time we go to the beach, the temperature will exceed 40 degrees. It think it's humorous that all of his first beach pictures are of him in a hat and mittens.

By the way, thanks for all the birthday well wishes! My Dad's 50th birthday is in 2 days...Happy Birthday Dad! My Mom and him are celebrating it on a beach in Puerta Vallarta. Unfortunately, they have been sick since they arrived. What dreadful timing. We will pray that they feel better soon so they can enjoy this last week.

One more thing...Caden doesn't say many words, but he does say, Da Da, Ma Ma, that, and bye bye. To my dismay, he has always associated Ma Ma with needing something, so he generally furrows his brow and says it in a commanding voice. Finally today, he said Ma Ma a couple times NICELY, just when he saw me, indicating he knows it's my name and that he doesn't necessarily demand something as a result. That made me feel smile. Have a great day!

The Toddler Era

Our "toddler" surprised us with a new trick on Saturday. He can walk!

I was doing laundry while Brian and Caden played. I ran downstairs to grab something and Brian yelled for me to come back...Caden had taken a step! Then Brian said, "Walk to Mommy, Caden." Wearing a big grin, Caden took 6 steps toward me. He was so sure of himself, almost like he has known how to walk for awhile. He walked between us several times and then decided, enough. He still prefers crawling.

He looks so big standing on his own! He had his 1-year checkup last week and is 97% for height, 90% for weight. So perhaps he looks big because he IS big.

He's been very happy lately, although he is increasingly "vocal" when we take things away or don't feed him fast enough. His stranger anxiety has not improved but we'll keep trying. He got legos for Valentine's Day and loves them.

It's snowing right now. I hope it subsides by tomorrow when Brian is on the road. He's in Charleston, SC, and returns tomorrow. Work has been extremely busy lately and he will travel frequently this year for demos, field tests, and training.

On that note, it seems like a lot of people have inquired lately as to if I'm still working for Lockheed Martin. The answer is, yes! I work about 4 to 6 hours a week. They have been very accommodating with this flexible arrangement.

We hope you had a nice Valentine's Day! That day is always low-key for us, but Brian cooked an incredible dinner and Caden gave me roses. I baked Brian a giant cookie. I think I'm done with frosting projects for a while!

My cuddle bug


Helping unload the dishwasher


Thomas the Train V-Day card makes train noises

Brian's humongous cookie


Eating can be a fight, but he always loves yogurt

Laurie and 1-Month-Old Honor Marie in Ohio

All Marine Triathlete

Good news...Brian made the All Marine Triathlon Team!

Cadence Training Company spent four days hammering 10 Marine athletes at tryouts in Florida. The first day wasn't too bad and he was excited about how much he was already learning. The second day, he cramped up during the 4-hour bike ride and afternoon swim. Not exactly the birthday he had hoped for. His incredible mettle helped him come back strong the next morning by running a fast 3200, impressing the coaches.

That night, head coach Brian Walton verbally extended an invitation for him to join the team, along with his training partner D'Arcy and his newfound friend Tripp. They loved Brian's determination and level of physical fitness. It's just his technique that flounders. Apparently Brian swims, bikes, and runs "like a football player." They refer to him as their long term project!

He received his official welcome email today and spoke with his coach Todd Parker. I read an article by his coach in Triathlete Magazine today. So I am getting the feeling this guy might know what he's talking about.

Brian will remain here at Quantico and work his regular job in addition to training. He will compete in the All Armed Forces Triathlon in California in May. He dreams bigger than anyone I know so who knows where this will take him. Congrats Brian!

Little C-Monster is doing well. His teething pain has subsided, he's happier, and his appetite has returned. He didn't allow me to stay at my MOMS Group today. I hope this stranger anxiety phase doesn't last long. He loves to give us hugs and kisses and he stands up constantly. The picture below shows him doing one of his favorite activities, shutting doors.

He also had fun last week playing with Alex (7) and Bryce (5) while their parents vacationed in Colorado (we were envious). School dropoffs and pickups, basketball, gymnastics...wow...what a lifestyle change going from one child to three! Alex and Bryce are great kids though. Caden chased them around the house like a puppy.

The kids help Brian blow out his birthday candles


Bryce, Caden, and Alex with their Disney World Countdown Chain


I got my MRI results back today and I have Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. It's a genetic problem that causes inflammation and pain at my kneecaps. I don't need surgery but I do need physical therapy. I have a terrible track record with medical stuff but I'm going to give it a good effort. I doubt Brian will be as willing to listen to my whining once I know how to fix it. The doc said running will not help but it is up to me. Of course, you all know what my decision is.

Caden and I are road tripping tomorrow to visit our friends Laurie, Jason, and 1-month-old Honor in Ohio. Yay! We'll be back Saturday and then Brian leaves for a business trip to CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA. What are the chances?! Needless to say, his family is excited. Thanks for reading...

Caden's 1st Birthday

Our "baby" Caden turned one on Monday, January 21st. Hard to believe, isn't it?! Grandpa Bob and Grandma Bernitta couldn't miss out so they flew in the 16th and stayed a full week. That helped make his first birthday extra special. He remembered them also and wasn't scared, which was a relief.

The festivities began Sunday when we threw him his birthday party. Mom helped me bake and decorate my first cake. I went with an Elmo theme since Caden loves Sesame Street. We invited all the neighbors over and had a total of 25 guests. What a house full! We all sang happy birthday and let him tear into his cake. My mom had the Dustbuster out midway. He made a HUGE mess, but that's what first birthday cakes are for, right? I organized a treasure hunt for the kids, although it ended up being anything but organized with two groups of six kids racing around the house.

Caden with all his buddies


Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...


This kid knows how to make a mess


You want some, Grandma? Um, no thanks Caden...


Triumph over the cake


Is this cleanup or are we just getting messier?


The day of his birthday, my parents took us all out for 2 meals and we walked around a pet store and a toy store. And of course, Caden opened his presents! Grandpa Bob and Grandma Bernitta gave him a little Kawasaki four-wheeler. He LOVES it. Now he just needs to walk and make it go himself! He did stand by himself a few times the past week so he's making progress.

Lemme at 'em...


Our little motorhead


Brian and I FINALLY finished painting his humongous pine toy box. His eyes got as big as saucers when we carried it in. He really enjoys being able to lean over the box and easily see his toys. I really enjoy not having toys strewn all over the great room. He got a ton of other gifts and cards from family and friends. He is officially spoiled.

He KNOWS what cake is now...

Overall, he was an extremely happy birthday boy and we made a lot of memories. The only tears shed really were yesterday over a new tooth and the "scary" photographer at Sears. Probably more tears tomorrow as he gets his 1-year immunizations.

The house is quiet now. Brian left early this morning and my parents left this evening. Brian is at the Marine Corps triathlon team tryouts in Florida for the next four days. Tomorrow he has an extensive swim field test, weight lifting, and endurance mile runs. The following day includes a 4-hour bike ride, more swimming, and track drills. The next day is no better and the last day includes a full triathlon. Let's just say I'm glad it's him and not me. He's excited. He left me a message earlier saying the US national triathlon team is also at the National Training Center! I'm sure he'd like hearing your well wishes so shoot him an email if you want (irishrrp@gmail.com). He turns 28 on Friday also. We're going to celebrate when he gets back.

Thanks for all Caden's gifts and cards! And a special thanks to my parents for flying out here. Miss you already...

The New Year

Even though traveling can be a pain, it was worth the effort as the holidays were a blast. We saw so many friends and family which is really what the holidays are all about.

We spent Christmas morning at my parents house opening gifts. Caden was really getting the hang of ripping open gifts at this point. But, he got distracted easily. Apparently the paper is more fun sometimes than the gift itself.

Uncle Jeff helps Caden open his gift
(a JD tractor of course)

Jen and her dog Casey,
the newest member of the family

We went to Aunt Cindy's that afternoon. More gifts for Caden...he sure is loved. He got to know his second cousins. Kaleb seemed to like having some testosterone around for a change.

Caden shares corn puffs with cousin Kaleb
(all of them, actually)


Sleeping across Iowa...what an sweetheart


We headed east on the 27th. Pat, Pam, and Shannon all had work off so we got to spend a lot of time with them. I nominated myself to be Shannon's wedding planner so we spent hours on the Internet looking at tulle and pew bows. Pat was anxious to get his credit card back. Meanwhile, Pam spoiled us with all sorts of candy and yummy meals. They also babysat New Years Eve so Brian and I could enjoy a night out on the town with Shannon and Dane. I gave Dane a lot of crap over the course of the visit and he fed it right back, so he gets my seal of approval as future brother-in-law!

Shannon and her fiance Dane

We made a visit to both Great Grandma's. I had never been to Grandma Geraghty's condo before so it was nice to see where she lives. Grandma Teresa is in the Manchester nursing home right now. It's a struggle for her but they take good care of her and we will continue to pray for her.

Hello Great Grandma Geraghty

Four Generations
(Caden, Brian, Grandma Pam, and Great Grandma Teresa)

We got a lot of time with the Hasleys...YAY! Wow, our nieces Gabrielle and Allie are both becoming beautiful young ladies. But, they're still kids at heart as they found plenty of opportunities to rough-house with Uncle Brian. Brian threw Allie in the snow at one point. Lawson is 3 and comes up with some of the funniest one-liners. His favorite Christmas present was a toy vacuum; what a riot. Isabella is a doll; she's so mellow and loves to eat. Then, there's our Caden who is anything but mellow and finds food to be an inconvenience to his playing.

Bella and Caden, 11 months old

Caden and his cousins Allie, Isabella, Lawson, and Gabrielle

We drove back to Avoca on the 1st and flew back to DC on the 2nd. My parents had to get in one last picture with the grandson. Luckily they will see him again soon. They fly in January 16 for a week to help him celebrate his 1st birthday.

Caden with Grandma Bernitta and Grandpa Bob

Caden tries grapes...questionable at best


Helping make supper (Sort of)

Upcoming events include my two boys' birthdays and Brian's USMC tri-team tryouts in 2 weeks. He flies to Florida on the 23rd and will return the 27th. The itinerary includes hours upon hours of working out EVERY day. INSANE. He did a lot of work tonite on getting all his gear ready. He's getting excited.

Happy New Year to all. We hope it's off to a good start.

First Airplane Trip

Caden survived his first airplane ride from Virginia to Iowa! It actually went surprisingly smoothly. Our awesome neighbors Angel and Bryce took us to the airport and dropped us off. We took advantage of curbside check-in and got through security easily. Both flights were delayed but it was nothing terribly inconvenient. Caden squirmed and played most of the first flight and we stood with him at the back of the plane for the second flight. The pressure changes didn't seem to affect him and he was generally happy. It was still stressful but could have been a lot worse! He even smiled for Grandpa Bob and Grandma Bernitta when he saw them. They were thrilled to see him, to say the least.

Being home is great. We already had Christmas at Grandma Klindt's. We got to meet Morgan Muller and Collin Harder on Saturday...so cute! And so little compared to Caden...what a difference a year makes. Today we had family pictures. Caden (and Jeff) pretty much hated that but I think we got a few good shots. Tomorrow is Christmas here and at Aunt Cindy and Uncle Dean's. Then off to Cedar Rapids for a week with the Geraghty clan. Sounds like a lot but it hasn't seemed too busy or anything. My mom has been spoiling us with all kinds of good food. She baked a million cookies and Brian has had his fair share of them!

Caden tries to take a photo with Great Grandma and Grandpa and his cousins


Family picture


Mohawk boy loves his Clifford book


Steph, Collin, Meg, Morgan, Me, and Caden


Caden has been a little difficult lately. He is more attached to me and Brian than we realized. He tends to want us to hold him versus everyone else, but I'm sure unfamiliar faces and environment has everything to do with that. He is sleeping at night and was generally in a good mood yesterday. Let's hope that trend continues.

Caden saw Santa Claus last week at the Quantico housing office. He wasn't in the mood to sit but did enjoy Santa's fuzzy beard.



Thanks for all the Christmas cards and a very Merry Christmas to all of you.