Vacation over!

I've officially been away from blogging for way too long! It stopped abruptly right before Eric came home from his deployment last November. It definitely kept me busy while he was away, but even though he is back, it shouldn't stop! The more events that went by undocumented the more guilty I felt. Not only is it a way to inform loved ones, it also acts as a diary. So i am going to pick it up now and give you an abridged version of the last 3 months....

Since then our little Emmelyn has turned the big ONE on Christmas day. We celebrated the holidays by traveling to California to visit Eric's family. While there, I was able to meet my beautiful Niece, Claire and see Nicole and my brother Doug! She is the most loving adorable baby ever! My sister, Meredith was able to come to LA to see me while there. We had planned to see the tonight show with Conan O'Brien. I, personally was SO excited to see him, I'm a huuuuuuge fan of that guy and watch his show every night. Unbeknown-est to us, we found out weeks after going to his show that NBC decided to cancel him!!! So while we were there I was a kid in a candy store! It was an amazing experience =). Eric, Ashlee, Meredith, and myself were able to go! Grandma and Grandpa Jaeger watched Emmerson while we went for the day. Right after the show we left to drive to the River with Eric's Dad and Step-Mom, Debbie. We spent a good few days there having a blast with the doon buggies but most importantly celebrating Emme's First Birthday!! Grandma Jaeger baked her a cake and she opened some birthday gifts on Christmas Eve. It was very special and emotional for Mom! I couldn't believe how fast the first birthday came. I know everyone tells you it goes fast and I knew it myself but geez! =). So the next morning was Christmas day and we drove from the river to see more family in Phoenix! Eric's parents and his brother and sister and his Grandma were all there to celebrate another birthday bash for Emme! Lot's of loving gifts and a cake was made for her and she loved it all! Later that day we celebrated Christmas and opened gifts and stocking then later that night we had an amazing meal Eric's Mom prepared. We spent the new year with them then headed home new years day.

Since the new year, we have had some life changing decisions happen. Right before Christmas time, Eric approached me with the idea for him to go Weather Special Forces for the AF. This would be a big step for his Career and it's something that has always been in the back of his mind. After some deliberation and some great back rubs that didn't hurt, we decided as a family that's the direction we will head for the next 4 years or less. The process still takes some time to complete though. Eric has been training like crazy in preparation for the SF PAST test. Eric put in two sessions a day for a month straight and continues to do so. He ended up passing the test and now we're on to the paperwork part. He still has to complete some schooling before we go to the base where it all happens. If all goes on track, we should be to our next station by September. The base is in Florida and it was voted best AF to live last year. The base housing has its own beach front view! Nice! So that little tid bit does help the "pro" list. Since we have all along planned on him becoming an Officer, he still will put in his package to do so within a year or two of being SF. From there we will see what the AF has to offer us! This is something Eric is very passionate about and the idea definitely took some getting used to, but at the end of the day it's something that he can cross off his list of life experiences. All in all, if my family is happy- then i am.

Also, on a lighter note- guess who has reached her goal weight??? THIS GUY! That's right! Since the beginning of this tediously long journey starting May 09' all the way till February 10', I have lost a total of 55 lbs! Most days it was bearable, but some were down right evil! Through the humbling experience, I have learned a lifestyle that I am comfortable with and is achievable. I love love love my gym and the classes! I will continue to go to the gym daily and eat a sensible diet. I am now able to raise my calorie intake to be human again! I am proud to say I went from an embarrassing 16 to a fabulous 8! I did it and is so happy to say it's over! =)

Emme has said her first few words! She can say Da-da and Ma-ma- (every now and then) and Baby!! She is so cute when she says them too! She is a pro at walking and loves to give high fives and kisses. Her favorite is still her doggy, Ace. I bring him in all the time to take over for me! He is cheap entertainment...

Well, I hope that covers enough at the moment. I will from now on keep up to date these important milestones in my family's life. Stay tuned!