Separation from Family.....

It stinks. Granted, I'm furthering my career in the Navy, but not being able to see Amy and Mackenzie, it just isn't all that fun. However, I'm going through the school so fast, it won't be long until I'm able to see them all the time again.

The school here in Pensacola is a self-paced school. Basically, it's do as much as you can (or want to) every day until you finish. Me, I'm halfway through the school in 8 days (some days were non-school days due to Labor Day weekend, hurricanes, etc...) I'm currently on track to become the fastest student to complete the school - 18 days is the record, I'm shooting for 16.

Learning a lot in a little bit of time.... I feel like a sponge.

Anyway, Mackenzie is now 8 months old, saying syllables (ma ma, da da, ba ba, nom nom) and walking around assisted by whatever she can get her hands on. We recently bought her a walker, but she only knows reverse. When I get another chance to go home, I'll post more pictures.

Take care all.

We're home!

We're finally back in Selma after 3 years of DC traffic, weather, etc.... and it feels good. We stopped off in ATL for a week to see my mom. She hated to see us go. We're now at Amy's mom's house, where Amy and Mackenzie will be staying for the next 3 months while I'm in Pensacola. I've updated the pictures with some we took in ATL.

Cutie!

Cutie!
Originally uploaded by Zephyrfury

Isn't she adorable in this photo? I took this one while she was sitting on the bed. We were in the middle of packing the master bedroom and was taking a break, so I was playing with her and she gave me this look.

6 month update

Ok guys...sorry this hasn't been updated in so long (at least the pictures are constantly). Anyway, many things have happened over the past month and a half.

First of all, I want to thank everyone for the support you've given my family during this time of grieving. For those of you who don't know, my father passed away from a routine hospital procedure on May 14th, 2008. Long story short - he had a motorcycle wreck, broke 2 vertebrae in his back and 2 ribs (all non-life threatening injuries). It's been hard over these past couple months, trying to get back into a normal routine. But, we're making it one day at a time. My parents anniversary just passed, so that was hard. His birthday is coming up in about 2 weeks, so it'll be rough that day as well.

Now, onto other news: We're MOVING!!!! I received my orders June 30th to Corry Station, a training school located in Pensacola, FL. I'll be there for approximately 3 months. Amy and Mackenzie will stay with Grandma in Selma while I'm there. After that, it's all up in the air. Right now, we're in the process of packing... let's just say I hate it......

Now, onto real business: Mackenzie has started on cereal and squash. She's not very fond of the cereal now that she's tasted the squash. She enjoys eating at the table in her highchair with us now. Feels like a big girl I think. She's almost 17 pounds and 26 inches tall as of her appointment a few weeks ago. She's rolling from her stomach to back very well. We've begun to notice her creeping slightly. She also loves to grab onto one of us when we're on the floor with her, rock back and forth, and try to get to her knees. I think she'll be able to stand within a month or so. It's funny how she seems to be completely surpassing the crawling phase. I guess you don't have to crawl before you walk.

Anyway, the pictures are always coming along (uploaded around 50 more Saturday), so check them out when you get a chance. Once we get everything packed and moved, I'll post again.

See ya!

6 month update coming soon....

I know it's been a LOOOOOONG time since I've updated the site (pictures are usually updated once a week). I'll post something about her 6 month checkup in the next few days, along with some new pictures

3 months

Three months.... how time flies when you're having fun! Little Mackenzie turned 3 months last week (27th) and all is well. She's learning so much now, I can't even keep up. She's able to hold her head up high now, as well as hold it up for a time when she's on her stomach (check the pictures).

I've found a new feature on Flickr... the ability to post videos! And, since my camera has the ability to make the videos, it's a win-win situation for all involved. So, now that I know that, I'll begin to post more videos as well as pictures.

We're all looking forward to Anna coming up to see Mackenzie in person for the first time! She's only staying a weekend, but I know everyone will enjoy it!

On a side note: no news on when we're leaving the area for Pensacola/Selma. Hopefully sooner than later.

Mackenzie's growing so fast now... we picked up a stuffed lamb for Easter for her, and she's almost as long as it! I'll try to get a picture of them side by side sometime today. Her vocalization skills are improving. We read to her often and she has picked out her favorite books. She enjoys the Dr. Seuss books mostly, due to the bright colors and simple words. Watch the videos to see her talking!

Anyway, her next appointment is at the end of the month (more shots), but she's a trooper and she'll be just fine. Hope to see you all sometime soon!

2 months

Well, it's been just over 2 months since Mackenzie came into the world. I know all of you are enjoying the pictures that have been posted over on Flickr. I try to update them at least once a week, if not more.

Let's see... Amy's back at work now, so our new schedule has gone into effect. I take care of Mackenzie from 8AM-230PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, all day on Friday and Saturday. Amy has her on Sundays and Mondays and afternoons during the week so I can get some sleep before going to work.

Another thing, I've been accepted to the Navy's IT (Information Systems Tech) beginner school in Pensacola, Florida, so we'll be moving (soon, hopefully) down there. The way it's beginning to shape up, however, is that Amy will move back to Selma and live with her mother while I attend the school. It's gonna be a bit hard, not being around Mackenzie and Amy for 3 months, but that's what webcams are for!!

Other than that, Mackenzie is growing stronger every day! She's approximately 10.5 pounds now (as of a week ago) and 24 inches. Dr. Yancey says she's already big for her age, so I 'm expecting her to be taller than Amy and I before her 13th birthday. She's babbling a lot more now, and trying to lift her head when she's on the floor, but she still has a bit to go. I'll be posting more pictures today, so be on the lookout!