It All Happens So Fast

Two weeks ago today, Matt comes home from work and Jason and I show Matt Jason's new trick! Any guesses? Ok so this isn't super suspenseful buuuuut... Jason started to walk! For a month or so baby Spartacus has been taking a step or two from one item to the next. He has been doing awesome at skirting the couches, but this day was so much more than a step here or there. Jason started out walking a few feet back and forth between Matt and I, next thing you know he is crossing the entire living room, walking the full length of the hallway, all over the kitchen. I honestly didn't expect him to pick it up so quickly. In a matter of one day he had walking down pat. He would stumble a bit but he already prefers walking over crawling.


Currently our living room has three rugs on the floor to protect his falls from standing, and all thee are different pile shag. It's so awesome to see him walk from one rug onto another and another without difficulty. For the first week and a half Jason was walking with his hands in the air like he is a some big mean monSTAR. Two weeks into it and he still has his hands out to his sides but they aren't way up in the air. He loves to carry things in his hands as he walks. A box in his right hand and a ball in the other. Back in forth all over the front room. He hasn't grasped the concept of standing up on his own, he still pulls himself up into the standing position but he will get it soon.


When I went home last month, Jason and I were at his Aunt Jenny's house, Jen and I in the back room talking up a storm when my nephew yelled out that Jason was crawling up the stairs! Brendyn grabs him and brings him down, and closes the hallway gate behind him to keep my escape artist from finding the stairs again. I brushed it off as a fluke, but Brendyn told me he had made it halfway up the stairs (not just up the first or second step!) I was amazed and sad I didn't witness it, thankful he didn't get hurt, and now nervous about him being interested in stairs. After we get back to Naples, I start letting him have a bit more freedom with his mobility. I let him go through our pantry, and he has a box of Rubber Maid containers he can play with, and he crawls (and now walks) from the kitchen to the hallway. With this new freedom Jason has managed to move the curtain that blocks our stairwell (the curtain helps the cool or hot air stay downstairs- Italy has heating and cooling issues) and next thing I know I hear little hands slapping on the marble floor in the stairwell. Instead of picking him up and putting him in the kitchen with me, I decide to follow him and see how far he makes it. I am literally every step behind him because God forbid my baby boy falls down these marble stairs and I'm not close by to stop the momentum. This boy was so excited to crawl the stairs, his giggle sounded like he was getting away with doing something he shouldn't be doing. It was a very cute moment.


Other news on baby Spartacus, on Feb 4th Jason's third tooth poked through on the bottom, still waiting for the tooth on the other side to balance it out. He had a different plan though, instead of getting a bottom tooth in, he got a top tooth on March 31. His grin is going to look super goofy with the asymmetry of his teeth. He is starting to grind his teeth- we have got to stop that! The sound drives Matt bonkers, and gives him the heebie jeebies. It's not pleasant. Another accomplishment is that Jason has learned to clap his hands yesterday while singing BINGO, and couple other songs. He is starting to bounce to music (especially the tv show Little Einsteins- he LOVES the theme song!) Jason also gives kisses now. I have to ask him for a kiss a few times, but once he starts giving them he will give a few in a row. Mommy Nirvana!


Tonight Jason and I are picking Matt up from work and going straight to the airport. We are flying to Verona and then heading to Venice to finish the weekend. We have friends who are going to Venice this weekend and we are going to meet up with them. Should be a nice vacation. Hope to get a lot of pictures!

Kirsten Tackles Italy with Spartacus

Just 3 short days after returning to Italy with Jason from Virginia, my girlfriend from high school, Kirsten, flew across the globe to spend time with us. She flew into Rome on Saturday morning, and since Matt was off work all weekend I went to Rome alone and left Jason with his daddy for the weekend. This mama had her first night without baby, and I must admit, I did surprisingly well!

Once I picked up Kirsten in Rome, we took the train to Venice, checked into our hotel and made our way to the Rialto Bridge to watch the sun set on the Grand Canal. It was stunning! We walked around and found a restaurant to dine at, Kirsten got her first taste of Italian pasta and she loved it. We walked the streets of Venice, browsing through the many stores selling beautiful hand made Venetian masks, handmade lace cloth, and so many other beautiful items displayed in these tiny storefronts. Walking through Venice had me in such a happy place. Stopped here and there for a cappuccino, sitting along the canal taking in the beauty of this city and purchasing beautiful Murano glass pieces and masks. We were in no hurry and starting off Kirsten's vacation in Venice was just the best start.

 

We made our way back to Naples, where I was able to cover Jason in kisses (I did miss my baby boy!) The next trip on our agenda was to go to the Amalfi Coast. We drove to the town of Vietri and shopped for all sorts of ceramics. Kirsten bought a gorgeous vase that makes me wish I bought one! After spending two hours walking in and out of shops we make our way to our last shop in Vietri. The store owner asked me if I was cold and put Jason's hood up on his head. It was a nice Spring day but to the Italians it is still cold and are still wearing heavy winter jackets. Speaking my very lose Italian I tell her that it is nice weather to us, and she some how asks if I'm breastfeeding. She takes one look at Kirsten and make comments about her low cut shirt to her friend (both women are probably in their 70's) and the next thing we know Kirsten has these women poking at her boobs. It was hilarious. Italian women, especially grandmothers, are all about feeding you, making sure you are warm, and covering up! Jason definitely got some love from them before we left that store.

Driving along the coast we stop in the town of Amalfi. We grab a pizza for lunch, and I tear pieces off for Jason to eat. He gobbled up my pizza! I tried to give him some baby finger foods after a few pieces of pizza and he was not having it. Give me back my pizza! By the time we had gotten to the town of Amalfi, shops were starting to close up for riposa (1-4pm "nap" time). We did manage to find a store open who let us sample different types of cellos. We tried Watermeloncello, Limoncello Cream, and he was offering us a third cello, but we declined. As much as I love free samples, I feel guilty if I don't buy from them. Back to the car we went and finished our drive down the coast.

The next couple days we shopped the local market, and explored Downtown. I had intentions to stop for lunch at Da Michelle Pizza (where Julia Roberts ate pizza in the movie Eat Pray Love) but by the time we managed to get Downtown the placed was packed with no less than 30 people waiting outside trying to find a seat. The pizza is good, I mean delicious, but I couldn't even find a parking spot let alone the patience to deal with the mob at the front door. So we kept on driving trying to find a local pizza place to go to, of which we found many but no where to park within a short walking distance.  It was starting to get late and we had to go pick Matt up from work soon so we reluctantly went to base to get lunch.

 

Kirsten did get the chance to try pizza at a favorite among the military crowd at a restaurant called Savaris after Jason and I took her to Capua. Capua is a town that houses and awesome amphitheater that is the second largest in Europe (I believe) after the Coliseum in Rome. On our way there we drive past farm land and the road is lined with old bottles waiting for pick up. As I look out the window I see something out of the corner of my eye, slam on my brakes and put the car in park. Kirsten is caught completely off guard she thought I had hit something. Nope! Just picking up a small demijohn off the side of the road. Demijohns are glass containers that Italians use to make wine. There is an abundance of demijohns in Italy, but in the States they can be puchased from Pottery Barn for around $200. I happily put my piece of treasure in the back of the Rav4 and continue on to the arena. I personally love going to this amphitheater because it is cheap and you can walk freely through it, and under it in the underground tunnels. We were bummed to find out that the underground was blocked off for some reason- flooding? But we had the place pretty much to ourselves (you won't ever get the Coliseum to yourself) so it was like we owned the place. This amphitheater is the home of the gladiator Spartacus, so it is only fitting that Jason has pictures taken in "his arena." I just snapped a few pictures with my iPhone and I love how they turned out.

 

I couldn't let Kirsten come all the way to Naples, Italy without taking her to Pompeii. I have been to Pompeii quite a few times in the past two and a half years I have been here, so I was pleasantly surprised to see so much newly opened areas of the archeological site. It was a slow day and a tour guide had approached us and started telling us fascinating information about certain areas, like this is where they would make wine, where they would eat dinner, he picked up a piece of rock and said that it is a pebble of pumice from the explosion in 79 AD which the entire city was covered by. He also pointed out a phallic symbol which are located all throughout the city (I've always looked but never seen them before). By the end of the day Kirsten and I found 3 phallic symbols. Here is an interesting link about the brothels in Pompeii. The tour guide after showing us around for a few minutes asked for money, I wasn't sure if he was a tour guide or a bored employee, but we didn't have any coins on us to buy him a café which made us feel bad. He understood, I guess that is what happens when you give unsolicited information and we try to tell you that you don't have to show us around. Again, great information, glad he did give unsolicited knowledge.

 

 

 After a few hours browsing Pompeii, we headed off to Vietri to comb the beach for sea glass. I love the beach, and I was excited to take Kirsten to my little beach where I just feel happy and content. We snagged a bag of sea glass, that hopefully I will make a mosaic of some kind out of. I can tell Kirsten was feeling what I feel when everything in life just feels right. Surrounded by beautiful landscape, listening to the water rush up onto the beach, and picking up pieces of smooth saltwater polished sea glass. Heaven on Earth.

 

For her last full day in Naples, Kirsten went on a wine tour in Benevento. Jason, Matt and I had a birthday party to attend while she was gone sampling wine and dining on fresh Italian cuisine. This girl, let me tell you, came back with 6 bottles of wine and a can of fresh olive oil! She is definitely going to need a larger suit case! Which she did! That night she packed all of her clothes and souvenirs because the next day we were driving to Rome!

 

Due to my lack of research (and common sense) we arrive in Rome on Sunday, head to the Vatican Museum and are excited to see that there is no line, only to find out that it is closed on Sundays. Major bummer! With the museum closed this meant she couldn't see the Sistine Chapel which I know she really wanted to see. We walk over to St. Peters Square and observe the long line that wraps around the Vatican to enter St. Peter's Basilica. It was starting to rain and the line was just too long. We head over to see the Trevi Fountain which we know is being restored by Fendi, but you can still see the fountain and even walk up to it, but for some reason (maybe because it is Sunday?) the walk way was blocked off and you couldn't get close enough to toss a coin into the waterless fountain. How do we make this day better? We start making our way back to my car which is parked by the Coliseum. Yet another long line in the rain to get in, and we are both starving. So we make way to Matt and I's favorite restaurant down the street. There is a shop that I really wanted to take Kirsten to because it makes me think of here every time I pass it. Guess what? It's closed. I feel like this couldn't have been any worse for a last day in Italy, the trip started out so good! We get to our restaurant, get some yummy yummy food in our bellies and call it a day. I drive Kirsten out to a hotel near the airport, help her with her bags and give her a big hug. Jason and I loved being able to spend time with her and showing her our town. We just wished it had been a better day (any day but Sunday!) to spend with her in Rome. We did have a fantastic time with her here though! Can't wait to see you again Kirsten. Thanks for visiting with us!

Baby Boy Needs Airline Miles

Jason has flown across the Atlantic Ocean 6 times now (3 round trips). At ages 3 months, 5 months and again at 9 months, Jason has gotten on 10+ hour long flights, some with layover and others as a straight shot. This last trip wasn't one we had been planning on, but the timing worked out just great. Matt had a big project he was working on and needed to spend more time at work, and my brother in law had a very important career milestone at the same time that I wanted to attend.

 

The weather was not in our favor, my flight was delayed 36 hours because there was snow in Norfolk the day my plane was suppose to take off and head over to Europe. Jason and I had to be checked in by noon on Saturday, but our flight wasn't until 7PM. We arrive early hoping to get checked in early, unfortunately we weren't called to get our tickets and drop off our baggage until 1:30 PM. The joys of flying Space A on a military flight is that you don't know if you have a seat on the plane until hours before the flight. Already antsy and hungry, I ask what time is boarding because I was going to leave base to get lunch. The agent told me that they want to send the plane off early so be back by 330 for a 5 PM departure. That was exciting news! Matt and I go get lunch, snag a box of Girl Scout cookies and head back. We see our plane land but the refueling tank is turned around. Matt knows something is up, and a few guys he knows on the tarmac tell him there is engine troubles. Long story short I send Matt home around 6:30 PM to go enjoy his guys night out, and we finally take off at 8:30 to head to Spain to pick up more people before going home to Norfolk. Being at the airport for 7 hours (plus two hours for lunch) was exhausting. There is nothing entertaining about the Naples Terminal on base.

 

I was just happy to have my ticket in hand, Jason had his own seat, and we were making our way to Va. We should be there around midnight. We land in Rota, get off the plane for refueling and are expected to take off in 2 hours. One thirty in the morning comes, our two hours is up and no one has heard any announcements about getting back on. I ask an agent about when we will be boarding and the response was, "Oh, no one is boarding for another 2 hours." that's 3:30 in the morning! The crew on board announced that we would only be on the ground for 2 hours and then to hear that we will be grounded for 4 hours was heart wrenching. We've been at the airport all day prior to this stop. The flight to Spain from Italy is only 2 1/2 hours, we just want to go home. A couple reasons why we couldn't take off sooner is because the original delay, followed by the engine delay had us coming in when the Norfolk terminal wasn't open (midnight to 4 am), we also had pilots change out that we were waiting on. Finally we took off at 3:30 am, Jason slept through the trip and we landed in Va. just in time for breakfast.  

 

 

 

Vacation days go by so fast, next thing you know it is the end of the week and we are at the Seal Center watching Liam go from an Enlisted Chief to becoming an Officer! My sister, niece and nephews put on his new shoulder boards, my grandfather placed his new Office cover on Liam's head, and my cousin Monica, who is also an officer in the Navy, read his oath to him. The ceremony brought tears to everyone's eyes. We are all proud of Liam and his accomplishments. Matt wishes he could have been there to show support for such a special occasion.

 

Liam's Commissioning brought family from across the world (literally, Mom was in Hong Kong!) together. My side of the family got together for dinner and Jason got to be the star of the show. Everyone was taking pictures with him and playing pass the baby. He was loving every minute of it! During the time in Virginia Jason was able to meet some cousins he hadn't yet met, and a very special Great Grandpa for the first time. Needless to say, Jason is very much loved. Not to mention, Matt's best friend Aaron and Rachel drove all the way to Va. from Illinois to see Liam get commissioned and spend time with us for the weekend.

 

 

 

 

As quick as our week came, it also went. The airport gave us our tickets and took our luggage fairly early in the night, I had time to go back to dads house to pick up an item I had left behind and still made it back before boarding. Unfortunately once Jason and I had boarded the plane I went to make a bottle for take off and I could not find his formula!! My gut just got in a very tight knot, and I went into mommy panic mode. I politely informed a stewardess of my situation, and asked if I could pull out a checked bag because I KNEW I had extra packed under the belly of the plane. For whatever reason, they would not pull out my luggage or let me point out which bag is mine. They asked the USO if they happened to have any formula, to which they did not. In a last attempt the flight attendant made an announcement over the plane asking if anyone had extra formula. Jason currently is happy and doesn't need any but it was a 12 hour flight with a layover ahead of us. He was GOING to NEED some. I had bottles of water and snacks, but I could not find his Ziplock of formula. Did I take it out at dads house? Did I leave it on the kitchen table? How could I have missed this? I felt like the biggest failure and worse mom ever. If no one had formula they could part with, I wasn't going to make this flight. They could send my bags to Italy, but I would be making my way to Walmart to feed my hungry kid.

 

No one responded to the first announcement, or the second announcement. "Great," I thought. "This will that flight where every mom onboard breastfeeds, and Jason can't wet nurse." After the third announcement asking for spare formula, a lovely couple with twin toddlers and a newborn brought up 4 single serve packets- enough to last me. THANK YOU LORD! I ran back to my seat, made Jason a bottle for take off and called Dad to double check I didn't leave the bag of formula behind. He didn't see any. Hmmmm. After take off, Jason was sleeping and I went through his entire diaper bag. Lo and behold, his bag of formula was hiding underneath everything at the bottom. A rush of relief overcame me. I felt like the Angels were looking over me, and that guilt of being a horrible mommy faded away. I returned the extra packets of single serve to the couple who donated them, thanked them immensely and was able to catch a few hours of sleep.

 

During our time in Virginia, Jason went through a very, very, cranky phase. We weren't sure if it was teething, or if he was just sick. A few days back home and back on a schedule and he was back to normal. But just a few shorts days after returning from Virginia, we had a visitor. Jason was a trooper for the duration of her stay and all of the traveling we did while she was in town.

Savage side of the family out to dinner

Jason hanging with mommy while she gets her hair cut and colored.

Jason Gets His Chompers!

Someone call the Tooth Fairy and tell her to start saving!

A few days ago Jason started to get a little bit more irritable than we are used to. He has been drooling for the past 3 months, so we fully expect teeth in the near future. Well the other night we lay Jason down for bed and he just won't calm down. Matt figures if he isn't hungry, maybe he has gas or his teeth are bothering him. Matt goes to massage Jason's gum and feels something unusual. "Casey. is that a tooth I feel?" So I go and inspect his gums and sure enough, Jason's first tooth has pushed through!

To celebrate this big milestone, we let Jason gnaw on a piece of steak the next night. He LOVED it!

The next couple of days he was still kinda cranky. Again, Matt went to massage his gums and felt another bump. Could he possibly have his second tooth already? Sure enough tooth number two is shining through! We have been letting Jason eat "real food." He prefers it in a mesh bag, where he can feed himself and I don't have to worry about him choking on pieces.

Just the other morning I cut up a bunch of strawberries and gave them to Jason- he wouldn't take them off of a spoon, nor does he like to bite the strawberry itself. So in the mesh bag they went. He absolutely loves strawberries. So much, I had to give him seconds. The first time I gave Jason strawberries I was a nervous wreck, because there is a high rate for allergies with them. But He has not shown any signs of food related allergies. 

He loves lima beans, steak, bread (which he was chewing on at a restaurant the other night- making a slobbery mess out of the bread), strawberries, bananas, and even cheddar brats.

Matt and I had brats for dinner last night, and out of curiosity I put a chunk of bratwurst in his bag. Jason started to devour it. When I took it away (because it isn't the best food choice for a baby) he pitched the biggest fit I have witnessed from him. Lesson learned... Jason likes yummy food too!

6 Month Dr Visit

Baby Spartacus had his 6 month wellness appointment the other day. Every appointment I fill out a questionnaire that tallies up on a scale to see how well he has developed in different categories such as: Problem Solving, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Communication etc.  Jason scored in all categories to be on schedule. He grabs both of his feet, he tries to sit up- in fact he pretty much can hold a crunch position for several seconds (I should be copying him to get a good core workout in). When he is in a sitting position he can stay there with a little bit of a wobble. He loves to bounce in his doorway Jumpy Seat.

Spartacus weighs 17 lbs 13 oz and is 26.75 inches tall- he is in the 52% for both measurements. The Dr. says he looks great and has no concerns with him.

Matt was able to get out of work and come to this baby appointment and meet Jason's doctor. Matt is very eager and hands on with Jason. He comes to help with his shots which takes away some pressure from me. Jason had 4 shots, 2 in each leg. He definitely does not like being poked. He cried hard for 30 seconds, but as soon as the 4th shot was done, Matt picked him up and he calmed down immediately. The last set of shots he didn't calm so quickly, so this was a major relief.

Baby Spartacus was back to a happy baby right away and stayed his normal self all day. When we went to put him in bed I brushed my cheek across his forehead and noticed that he felt much warmer than he did a few minutes ago. We took Jason's temperature I swear at least 10 times between an ear thermometer and a pacifier thermometer. The first reading was 102.2 with a others reading around 101.6. I had baby Motrin and baby Tylenol on hand, but I called the ER to make sure he didn't need to be seen. They ER couldn't give me medical advice over the phone so I called the nurse hotline. Since his temperature wasn't over 103.9 and he was in his normal happy mood, not lethargic, or anything out of the norm an ER visit wasn't necessary. We gave him some Motrin and waited until his temperature dropped down to 99 before going to sleep that night.

Let me tell you, baby having a fever is a tad bit terrifying. I know fevers mean that his vaccines are working properly, but he was toeing the line of a high grade fever and that is just scary! Jason fortunately was back to normal in about an hour and haven't had any problems since.

Jason's Halloween

Halloween was a very busy day for us. A good friend of ours retired, and Matt was a part of the ceremony as a Side Boy. Our friend Rob, who was retiring, is a Heilo Pilot and a dear friend. Jason and I dressed up and headed out the door to watch not only his beautiful retirement, but a surprise vow renewal! Very happy we could be there for Rob and his beautiful wife Lesley.

After the retirement, Matt and I donned our surgical attire and went to the base Spooktacular as Dr. Matson. The idea of Matt and I being YOUR doctor is a scary thought! We had gone to a birthday party back in August that was themed Star Wars, so we already had a costume for Jason. Even though we danced around the idea of changing his costume when we were at Party City in Virginia, we stuck with our original idea. Jason went as baby Chewbacca! I entered him in a costume contest, some little boy dressed as Chucky won.

We didn't go trick or treating- even though one house on base was giving out Sangria to the parents! After Spooktacular we headed out to the Agora Hotel to celebrate Robs retirement. The day was long and full of joy and we look forward to the many Halloweens to come.

Jason Goes Back to America

After a very successful trip to the States in August, Matt and I already had plans in the works to come back home in October. We were getting word that a handful of people were wanting to come out to Italy in September to visit with us. Matt, who was already homesick for America, knew he wouldn't be able to take the time off to accommodate 3 visits in one month. We decided early on that we will make the trip home, this way everyone who hasn't met Jason and can't make it across the pond will be able to love on him.

The morning came to drive to Rome, park the car and get our tickets. We had booked Jason as a Lap seat but prayed for an empty seat between Matt and I so we could bring Jason's car seat on board and free up our laps. The gate agent was kind enough to block the empty seat between us so no one could book that seat last minute, thankfully there were plenty of open seats. We flew the 10 hour flight to Charlotte, NC had a layover and then off to Norfolk. Jason did great! he got antsy the last flight, but can you blame him?

Dad picked us up, took us home and then back to the airport the following morning. We flew into Chicago and were pleasantly pleased with a warm welcome from my Aunt Julie who happened to be in town. She covered Jason in kisses while Matt and I grabbed our luggage. Jason was happy as can be to meet his Aunt Julie! Matt's dad, Bumpa, picked us up and got to meet his grandbaby for the first time. We stopped for lunch and Bumpa couldn't stop staring and smiling at baby boy.

We spent 3 very short days in Illinois- fortunately we flew which saved us major travel time. Over the three days Jason got to hang out with his Uncle Luke who bought him a very cool Blackhawks Jersey. Matt's mom, Nana came running upstairs to meet Jason and took over his wardrobe change. She was in Nana Heaven! Nana hung out for the night and got in as much cuddle time as possible. She knows very well they don't stay little for long, so she soaked up the little time they had together.

Jason was showered in gifts, ranging from a horse onsie from Mia, Sam, Rachel and Aaron, to a balloon and Blackhawks hat from Uncle Phil, Sue, Maddie and Sam. By the way- he loved his first balloon! He bounced it, swatted it and just loved to stare at it. It was pure entertainment for everyone. Almost everyone from Matt's side of the family was able to come and spend time snuggling and loving on Jason. He finally got to meet his cousins Devin and Skyelar, who adore him.

Much of our time was spent staying low key, enjoying to company of family, snapping pictures. The time in Illinois went by fast and we had to say "see you later" with tears in our eyes. Hopefully we will be flooded with Illinois house guests when we buy a house as soon as we transfer to our next duty station.

Flight number 4 of this entire trip was back to Virginia. Dad picked us up again, and while he waited for us to get our luggage he played with Jason. The one thing I think my dad loves more than being a dad, is being a grand-daddy! He is the happiest person on this planet when he talks to Jason. Matt and I settled in quickly at dad's house. We have a routine down now. My Aunt Mary invited us over for dinner which was nice. We weren't ready to dive into fast food, especially since Matt had his weigh in as soon as we got back to Italy. It was another night of just family, filled with laughter and happiness. While we were back in Virginia Beach, we checked out a couple of neighborhoods that we may have interest in when it comes down to buying a house in the near future.

Dad and his neighbor Susie offered to watch baby J for us one night so we could go on a date. It was much needed to get some "just us" time. I feel I did very well leaving baby boy so I could go on a date with Matt. Neither of us called or texted to see how he was doing, and I didn't feel anxious about the situation at all. I know if they need me, they know how to reach me. As expected Jason was happy and in one piece when we returned home.

Dad had a cookout, and invited a bunch of friends to come over, meet Jason and hang out. It was a very nice turn out. Uncle Chase was holding Jason and having a "brewski" when Jason grabbed hold of his bottle and started to gnaw on it. It was kinda precious and funny.

 As usual, the time flew by and we were boarding our plane to go back to Italy. Again, Jason did exceptionally well and slept the entire flight back. So to the lady who was sitting beside me and got up and moved... Thank you for the elbow room. Hope the people behind you didn't kick your seat too much, because Jason was an angel. As my mom says, if a cranky child is the worse thing on a flight- it's a good day! AMEN

Four Month Check Up

Took Jason in for his 4 month check up this week. He had a small patch of rough skin on his shoulder that didn't bother him for a couple of weeks now. Since it didn't hurt or itch, it wasn't of much concern. Dr Norwood gave us a steroid cream and after two days the rough patch was gone. 

Other than that Jason is very healthy. He weighs 15.73 lbs and is 26 inches tall. He marks in the 80th percentile for height and 64th percentile for weight.

Yesterday Jason received his 4 month immunization shots. Only two shots this time instead of three. Both of them in his right thigh. I placed a soothing machine that vibrates against his thigh before the shot to help "numb" his leg. The corpsman poked him quick and startled Jason very bad. She went pretty deep too. Jason cried pretty hard and loud. Matt couldn't console him this time like he did at the two month appointment. So I took over and was able to bounce and distract him to calm him down. He recovered well and didn't shed a single tear the rest of the day.

I wanted to give him a lollipop for being so good about his shots! We gave him a couple mL of Tylenol just incase. He was in great spirits all through the night. This mommy was loving the extra snuggles! 

Hoping his next round of shots go smooth in a few months!

Jason is on a roll!

I didn't realize how difficult it was going to be to sit down and write a blog with a baby. I thought I would get my blog in while Jason naps. That just doesn't happen. Hopefully I can take advantage of being awake before Jason and get some more updates in.

Enough with the rambling, Jason had a big weekend. Thursday around 2:30 pm I had him on his play mat, doing "tummy time" when I hear a thud. Not a loud one, just a noticeable one. I look up from what I was doing and saw Jason had flipped over! From his front to his back. This means I can't have Jason on the couch and run to get a drink without moving him to the ground first. It's a big milestone for babies, and at 4 months 1 week he caught us off guard. Matt missed it because he was at work, but over the weekend Jason showed his daddy his new trick. We even got it on film.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=722329964482652&set=vb.100001169642264&type=2&theater


Jason also got to try his first solid foods on Saturday. He loved his first option of Sweet Carrots. Turned his face orange =] He was not fond of Beef in Beef Broth (I tried it, it was disgusting). After having some carrots I switched to beef and he gagged on it. I tried it before giving to him, and let me tell you... groooooooss! But I wanted to see what he thought about it. The decision is unanimous, and it went in the garbage. I'll give him some real beef and make sure it's mushed good so he can eat it.

Jason kicks his feet and gets very excited when he sees food on his spoon. He opens his mouth and leans in for the bite. The food will swish in his mouth a bit and he spits a tiny bit out with almost every bite, but Mom and Dad are here to catch his mess. Really, he isn't that messy, SO FAR! He's blown a few bubbles, splattering here and there, Or he will stick his hands into his mouth with food on his tongue. Nothing baby wipes and some Lysol can't handle. He is allowed to eat anything we eat except honey. Even peanut butter and strawberries. Apparently during the years of delaying foods that cause allergies for babies saw an increase of food allergies instead of a decrease, so Dr. says to let him try them. Makes me nervous and want to buy an Epi pen, but I'll introduce them slowly.  Below is a link to watch him eat.



https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10103297924999342&l=5514924182590040678

Operation Papal Visit

After having my dad fly out to Italy to see Jason and explore with us, I wanted so badly for the rest of my family to meet baby Spartacus. I asked Matt about going home in August a few months ago but told him not to sugarcoat it and tell me his honest opinion about Jason and I flying to the States. Well I asked for honest, and I got honest. "I'd rather you wait until October," he said. Fair enough. You are my husband, and the father of my child, you have a say in this and I respect your wishes, and I never brought it up again.

Well that last part isn't true. I didn't bring it back up, until a week before I wanted to fly home. I had been talking to my mom and my sister earlier that day and I got an aching to surprise my sister the day before my nieces' first birthday. It was Wednesday and her party next Saturday. I know my sister wants to be able to drop everything and fly out to Italy to love on Jason but it just isn't possible with her job being a full time gig (no last minute call outs are allowed for her). On top of that she has a soon to be 1 and 3 year old as well as her oldest who is a preteen and thinks he can run the world no problem (love you B!)

My mom was able to make it out here fortunately when Jason was born but I know she didn't get enough lovin' in; honestly, is there ever enough time to love on a baby? So I know she would be thrilled to see baby J too. And lets not forget that I am a daddy's girl and would love to be able to surprise him as well with a visit.

Back to the not bringing up flying home in August thing again. I dropped the subject for a couple of months, and after talking to my mom and sister I figured I would bring it back up. Matt had been out with the guys for "Man Night" and had a couple drinks, I had no intention on changing his mind but wondered how easy it would be after he had a drink or two. "Hey Maaaaaaatt. What do you think about me flying home next week?" I'm thinking there is no way in hell he will agree to this. "Only if you don't fly standby," he responded. Wait a minute. Did he just give me permission to buy a ticket and go home?! Is he out of his mind?! "I don't do full price tickets, standby is the only way I will go," I rebutted. We talked about flying home on a Military flight which was my preference since there was a flight home next Friday but my chances on making that flight were low. I brought up flying stand by under my mom's benefits from Rome to DC (which is what I did last year to surprise my family for my sister's C-section). We called it a day and went to bed. I was okay if I didn't go home, but it sure would be nice.

Thursday morning Matt goes to work, when he comes home I asked him if he started the paperwork for me to catch the military flight. He did not. It wouldn't get up his chain of command quick enough. Well I guess flying standby from Rome to DC is my only option left but Matt wasn't having that. He had researched flights while at work and found a couple of affordable options. I'm not paying full price for a ticket. So I called mom and she told me that the flight I wanted was over sold by 28 seats, but there were seats still for sale. Matt was sold, I wasn't. I couldn't pay full price for a ticket. I was going to be nauseous if I had to enter my credit card number and click confirm. I didn't have it in me to be so selfish when we were going to fly home in just two more months. Matt told my mom to buy the tickets then I would HAVE to transfer her the money. Ultimately Matt turned to me and said, "If you don't make a flight home, you will be devastated." And he was right. Mom booked my flight and Jason and I were flying to DC in a WEEK!

Since no one knew we were coming home, mom and I called the surprise Operation Papal Visit.

Matt took off work and drove us to the airport, I really didn't want to take the train with the baby, his car seat, his diaper bag, and two bags of luggage. He was able to go past Passport Control to Security with us. I was so nervous about going through security because I was wearing Jason in an Ergo Carrier, and I didn't know if I needed to take him out of the carrier and put it through x-ray. Putting on an Ergo Carrier one handed is not something that I have mastered while holding Jason and I wasn't planning on the Italian TSA agents to be super helpful. On top of that I was nervous about the process of having 2 bottles of pre-made 8 ounce formula, that once opened is only good for two hours. I crossed my fingers that I could wear him through x-ray and the formula would not be a hassle. Apparently Italian TSA is not as strict as TSA in America. They took the formula, x-rayed it, let me walk through with Jason in his back pack with just a little pat down between the two of us and that was it. I stressed over nothing!

I asked the gate agent if they board families first,  to which they do; however, they never called families to board first, so I cut the line after first class boarded and was given the okay to go ahead on the plane. I met some wonderful flight attendants that my mom emailed prior to my flight, and a couple of them worked with my mom or knew her from Facebook. Jan, my favorite person on the flight recalled my mom posting on Facebook about me delivering Jason even though I told her not to post anything. She was so happy to meet Jason after having read all of moms "non-updates."

I sat window seat with Jason on my lap, and two Italian teenagers sat beside me. They weren't of any help when it came time to Jason getting hungry and me not being ready for him. Asking the kid next to me to open a bottle and pull off the aluminum cover was just the first headache while dealing with a hungry crying baby. It didn't help that he had no concept of personal space and also elbowed Jason's head while he was sleeping not once but twice, putting him into a crying fit. I made sure the return flight was an aisle seat so I could get up and move about with Jason whenever I needed to console him.

Other then that, Jason did amazingly well on his first flight. It was 10 hours long, he was in my lap the entire time with the exception of a sweet lady behind me wanting to hold him for 20 minutes while I got everything together for landing, and of course amazing Jan the flight attendant entertained him, let me be kid free for a few, and helped me clean bottles. Did I mention she was amazing? My angel in the sky for sure.

Once landed mom picked me up in Dulles and we went to her new house to spend the night. Mom was soaking in her Mimi time. He's much chunkier than he was at a week old, weighing almost twice his original weight, and a couple inches taller. Jason was full of smiles and giggles. We headed down to Virginia Beach (it only took 6 hours instead of 3 1/2). Jason was born to travel. He was so calm the entire trip down, he didn't even complain about Mimi listening to Dr. Laura Podcasts =]












First up was surprising my sister. Mom and I kept coming up with different plans to surprise her, and when we pulled into the driveway, all plans went out the window as mom snatched up the car seat and ran off with Jason into the house. As I chase behind her and get into the house I hear my sister ask my mom why does she have a car seat? My brilliant nephew B chimes in "It's Jason!" One look from across the room and he knew it was him. I pop my head around the corner and see Jen burst into tears. She was sitting at the table with her husband working on party decorations for Emmy's birthday tomorrow. Needless to say decorations took a back seat. Not even five minutes of loving on him was Jen already changing a diaper, she was so happy to do so! Now THAT'S love!

Next up was dad! Mom "wanted to stop by and see his renovated kitchen." I walk through the back door and dad jumps out of his chair to the sound of my voice. I don't know what it is about surprises, but I love to do them! Dad grabbed Jason right away and pranced around the kitchen with him. Yes, he pranced. He then proceeded to take him to the bathroom and look at their reflections in the mirror. This was a frequent event during our stay. "Who's grand daddy's buddy? Are you grand daddy's buddy?" The bucket in my heart was over flowing with happiness and joy from just the first 36 hours being stateside.

Mom had to go south to North Carolina but would be back for the birthday party tomorrow. I claimed the guest bedroom and made myself at home. Chase had almost blown my cover about being home because he saw a picture my sister had posted on Instagram of her and baby J. So he wasn't surprised, but dad still was despite Chase dropping hints 4 minutes before I walk through the door. 

It was getting late and I needed to go see my Aunt and Uncle so I could snag their spare vehicle. Aunt Mary was smitten over Jason, so much that I hated telling her we had to leave and get dinner and sleep. 

Saturday morning we go to Jens house for the birthday party. The birthday girl loved seeing her cousin and just wanted to pet him and stick her finger in his mouth. She was so curious about him! Jen out did herself with Emmy's precious Strawberry Shortcake themed party. It was a great opportunity for Mimi to snuggle with Jason on the couch and Aunt Donna got her cuddles too. I was able to give my sister a helping hand in the finishing touches before everyone arrived. I was just so happy to be there. I let the world know how awesome my husband is for letting me make such a spontaneous trip. He claims that he is getting a 2 week break from my crazy but he just wants me to be happy. 

Over the next week and a half, Jason got to meet his Aunts and Uncles: Jenny, Chase, Alan, Mary, Donna, Mike and Jackie, his cousins: Brendyn, Camdyn, Emersyn, and Aimee. As well as adopted Aunts: Kirsten, Kim, Amanda, Mercedes, Susie, and Gigi.

We stopped by grand daddys office to meet his co-workers. Everyone thought Jason looked smashing in his new hat. He and grand daddy even matched! They could have been twins if it weren't for the age difference!

Overall, the two weeks home was spent with friends and family, whereas I am normally out shopping or eating! It was so worth the money spent on tickets to be surrounded by so much love and happiness. Jason definitely missed his daddy. His eyes lit up when Matt picked us up from the airport.   Matt and I are over the moon that he adjusted to the time change immediately, both there and back! Ready for round two in October to go see our friends and family in Illinois.