Gwyn Visits Her First Boyfriend

Tuesday night, we all went to visit our friends, the Tanksleys. Really, Gwyn had to spend some time with her boyfriend, Rad, before flying off to Hawaii for a few years. Rad shared some of his toys with Gwyn. She checked out all his bling to make sure he was able to provide for her in the future. He had all the essentials a girl could ever need - a cute smile, great parents, and lots of stuff.

While Rad was sleeping off some dinner, Gwyn decided to excercise a little to keep up her girlish figure. She found the coffee table and did some pull-ups. Here is one of them to show off.

(I'm still trying to get a video to upload. I'll try again soon. Sorry!)

Unfortunately, Gwyn and Rad will be apart for quite a while. They will be busy growing up and becoming beautiful, little persons. (I look forward to watching Rad blossom into a Christian gentleman that his parents will teach him to be.)

Thursday, we had to say "goodbye" to Daddy. It's always disappointing to do such things, especially when it's Daddy. He was able to get off work in time to take us to the airport and help us with all our luggage. We all stood together in the line for security. We said our farewells and headed through the security. We miss him already.

I hope none of you ever have to spend weeks or even months from your loved ones. Before I was married, I never thought I would ever feel this way toward another person that I do toward Wes. And now, I cherish each moment I have with Wes because I know I may not have the time later. But I do know I will see him again soon. No matter how long I have to wait, we will always be together. I will always love him.

Daddy and Me

It's been about five weeks since Gwyn and Wes were together. She has definitely missed her daddy. She's been saying "da da da da" all the time. We arrived in CT on Thursday afternoon, and Wes was able to pick us up from the airport.

Since the weather has been very nice here (in the 80's most days), we all decided to go for a walk in downtown Mystic for one last time. The riverwalk was a great place to stroll and take in the salty air. Then, we headed to a restaurant on Holmes street that had some very good food. Gwyn even sat in her highchair and ate some dinner herself.

Sunday after church, we all headed to the park for a hike (a nap for Gwyn). There is a nice hiking trail at Bluff Point that is about 3 miles long. We hiked to the point and back, which I think was about 2.5 miles, but who knows. Gwyn rode/slept in her cool, red stroller. Afterwards, Gwyn wanted to take a walk in the Atlantic Ocean. She really likes to stand and walk.

Wes and I really missed our puppy when we were walking. Although, at the beginning of the hike, we met a beautiful Great Dane female. She was fawn and sweet. Then, on the return, we met a cute, little Great Dane puppy. He looked a lot like Zeus, for those of you who know him. There were so many dogs on the trail.

Thursday, Gwyn and I must travel back to Tennessee. I want to spend some time with my puppy, but I would also rather stay longer with Wes. I'm torn.

We hope all of you are having a great time wherever you are and the weather is as great as it can be. Hope to see more of you before we head to Hawaii.

Heading To Tennessee

Gywn and I have been traveling all over Florida this past week and a half. We started at my brother's house for a few days. Then, we moved on to Daytona Beach to spend some time with Wes's family. We were able to see several people at Holly Hill and enjoy a nice Easter Sunday lunch as a family. Afterwards, we headed on down to see Wes's dad and Dan, then on to Cape Coral. I know I have said all of this in previous posts. It's just been a whorl-wind of a trip for Gywn and I. I haven't been outside of Connecticut for a year and a half. So, it's been wonderful to travel and see friends and family.

We left Cape Coral on Saturday and drove up I-75 and Hwy 301. On the way, we stopped at a small-town Strawberry festival. They had some of the most amazing strawberries I have ever seen. I only bought a few to bring back with me. I wish I could take some to Wes, but they would never make the whole trip. I did buy Gwyn a small pearl bracelet, which she will wear a few years from now.

Tomorrow we will get in the car for one more trip. We are returning to Tennessee to relax, do laundry, play with Hera, and pack for the next trip. Gwyn and I are flying to see him this week. I know he must be very excited. When we were at Hope's house, I pointed out Wes's picture on the wall. She just went crazy looking at her daddy. She has been saying "da da da da da" so much. I am really looking forward to Wes hearing her for the first time. (She hasn't said it on the phone yet to him.)

Today has been a trying day for me, at least as an Ombudsman. I have a sailor that needs your prayers. I can't say why, but he and his family could really use some uplifting prayers. I have spent most of the day tending to their needs and hoping that some good news will come soon. I appreciate all the sailors on board who took time out of their day to donate money to the family. My heart goes out to this family. He has a long recovery ahead.

I don't want to leave on a sad note. So, I shall tell you that I am very proud of my daughter. Saturday night after we arrived at Aaron and Celia's house, she was lying on the floor. My mom looked over at her as she sat up all by herself. (Of course, she hasn't done it again with me watching; typical.) But, she is the light of my life. And, Wes is my rock. My world and my life is wonderful. I am sure this is the happiest I have ever been.

I wish you all a safe and happy week. We miss each and every one of you. Hopefully we will see you (or hear from you) all soon.

Love, Jen.

Guess Who's Standing!

We have finally hit a milestone! Take a look at Miss Gwyn standing in her "crib" at Uncle Mike and Aunt Hope's house. Like her crib she slept in at home in CT, this crib has the bed at about 8 to 10 inches from the top. While I was cleaning up my room a little, I turned around to look at Gwyn. She had grabbed the side rails of the crib and pulled herself up!!!




Of course she looks like she is doing a strange push-up in this picture. I didn't get the camera in time to catch the really good shot. I will keep snapping pictures like a proud parent should.

Traveling in the South

Gwyn and I have been making our rounds to see all the family and friends we can. After we returned from Hawaii, we headed down to Florida to see everyone. We first stopped at my brother's house in Jacksonville. Gwyn had a wonderful time visiting with her cousin Conner. He is two and fiesty! I will have to add a picture of them together later because neither wanted to have their picture taken together. Aunt Celia bought Gwyn the most beautiful Easter dress for church on Sunday. Gwyn looked absolutely adorable in it.

Next, we traveled down to Daytona Beach to visit Grandma. Luckily, Uncle Mike, Aunt Hope, Cousin Ethan, Uncle Kirk and Aunt Dawn were there also. Gwyn and I were able to go to church on Sunday with everyone and show off her gorgeous dress. And, little Ethan dressed up in his cute little Easter outfit (which was also provided by Aunt Celia). We had the two, cutest little ones in church. Of course, Gwyn fell asleep in the car on the way and then slept in my arms half-way through service. Below are Gwyn and Ethan in their Easter outfits.

Next, we drove to Grandpa's house to see him for awhile. This is the first time Grandpa has seen little Gwyn. She just loved her Grandpa and sat in his lap. Mr. Dan had a great time visiting with her, too. We didn't get to stay long because we had to drive on to Cape Coral where Uncle Mike and Aunt Hope live. Poor little Gwyn had a long car day, today.

Gwyn and I are still traveling. We are staying in FL for a short while longer. We're heading to Ct to see daddy very soon. I know Gwyn just misses her daddy. She has been saying "Da da da da da" all the time. I can't wait for him to hear her. Also, she has been doing a little walking. She will pull herself up when she holds my fingers. We will take a few steps everytime she tries. Gwyn isn't interested in crawling. She might be getting there, but I think she would rather just wait and walk. As soon as she starts, you will all know because I will post pictures.

We hope you are all doing well. Please feel free to post comments or send us an email anytime. We miss all our friends and family. We love you all and hope to see (most of) you soon.

No Green Beans for Me!

I have been so proud of Gwyn and her eating habits. So far, she has liked everything that I have put in front of her - at least until yesterday. At the grocery store, I thought I would continue to expand her foods to more vegetables. I bought her some green beans. Mommy loves them; daddy hates them.

Judging from the picture, can you tell if she likes them OR NOT? The first bite was okay. The second resulted in a little gagging. The third, she kept her mouth open, wanting me to scrape out all the green beans. "Me no like green beans." Like father, like daughter.

YUCK!!!

Back in the States

Jen and Gwyn in Hawaii

Well, we are actually back in the continental United States now. We arrived in Tennessee last night at about 10pm. We left Hawaii at about 5am eastern (11pm Hawaiian time). It was a very long trip home. Gwyn slept most of the first flight from Honolulu to Phoenix. The plane was packed full with no room to lay her down in the seat. That made sleeping for me alomst impossible. To add to the discomfort, the plane was an hour and a half late getting to Phoenix, where we almost missed our connection to Kansas City.

After arriving in Kansas City, I waited and waited for the stroller to be brought up to the gang way. The agent finally came up with no stroller. It never made it on the plane in Phoenix. US Airways was wonderful by providing a loaner stroller for Gwyn. From Kansas City, we went to Charlotte. I just want to say Thanks! to the people at the USO for being so wonderful. I am grateful for the USO who allowed us to hang out and let Gwyn play.

The last and final flight was from Charlotte to Chattanooga. I was so happy to get off that plane and see my parents waiting for us just outside security. I was also amazed when both our bags popped out at baggage claim. I just knew with the tight connection in Phoenix that neither would make it. AND, Wednesday morning, the stroller was FedEx-ed to the house.

I know I promised some pictures of us in Hawaii. So, here they are:

Gwyn on the plane to Honolulu

Gwyn at the Beach

Gwyn at the Pool

I hope you all enjoy the pictures. We love you all and miss you very much!!