Pic update

Matthew is 8 months old now. Time has flown!

Miles and his best lil' bud, Jackie.

Just me.

Family pic for Brad.

My neighbor and dear friend, Jaime and family.

Fallen Hero

This is a beautiful video of a fallen hero from Brad's unit 2/4. He died last week serving in Afghanistan. I can't believe we've lost so many guys. So sad to think this guy was almost home. Please keep 2/4 in your prayers. We're almost done.

Sergeant William Stacey Tribute from Alex Kirkwood on Vimeo.

Why I never co-slept

Matthew takes 1, 2 and 3.

January

January is a GREAT month! Lots of exciting things going on!

I went to Vegas last week with my neighbor. We had such a great time. The first night we dressed up and hit the town. The second night... well, we got into our PJ's at 6pm, rented a movie, laid in bed and relaxed! That was just as good as getting out.

I won almost $40 at slots. I won it on the first push of the button. So my gambling experience lasted all of 10 seconds.

My little black dress. It was SO nice to get out! We were good girls, don't worry. Vegas is beautiful at night!

This is at my neighbor's house. We have some hard-core ping pong tournaments going on and seem to be happening more frequently. I have been cursed with the Baker-competitive gene. I play til I win. Just call me Forest Gump.

The boys! Matthew is getting so big. He recently had his 6 month check up and he is 19 pounds and at the 95%. Just like his brother was!

We've been playing outside on a daily basis. You just can't beat this weather.

The other good news is that mail is being cut off for Brad! The 15th is the last day to send anything because otherwise you run the risk of it not getting there in time. That makes me very excited!

We also booked a cruise to Hawaii as well as another trip to Vegas. The trip to Vegas is actually mandatory for his work. We're having a big Marine Corps ball there for all the men of 2/4 and their dates. They get to wear their fancy blues and we wear formal dresses. It's going to be so much fun and I'm looking forward to it very much!

My mom is leaving soon. Although her trip got extended due to my cousin's unfortunate death. While I'm not excited about her leaving I am excited that it's another milestone checked off before Brad's ultimate return.

Finally, Miles started soccer and gymnastics which will hopefully help fill these days. I want to busy-busy and have March be here before I know it!

Christmas

We enjoyed Miles' and Matthew's first So. Cal Christmas! Yesterday we drove to Hemet to see some extended family. Today we opened presents at home and went to the neighbors for a big dinner. We missed Brad but today marked a double milestone: Christmas is out of the way and only 3 months left!

Here's some pics from the past few days. You know what I just realized today? I never use my Nikon anymore. Ever since moving to the States and owning an iPhone it's like I lost my passion for pictures. I'm definitely going to try to get back into it with the New Year!

Some interesting videos from Brad

First let me say... HALF WAY DOWN BABY! I've been dying to say these words since he left. 105 days down and 105 days to go!

Here is Brad standing on the roof of some building. Nice little view of Musa Qala.

The walk from his tent, which he shares with several Marines, and the chow hall.

This last video is the 4 P's of the Wag Bags. This new system is actually a lot nicer than what they were having to do. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as gross as I'd imagined.