Been Awhile

Hello all my silent viewers...lol. It has been awhile, I have been very busy AND my camera broke. Well, I bought a new one and there are pictures on it, but I have not read how to load them on the computer yet. However, I finally recovered the last pictures I took with the old camera and I plan to post the last few to our family photo website (I have already deleted all the old, except for one).

http://www.msnusers.com/PilchFamilyPhotos

News about Avery... she has officially begun her life on the move. I laid her in her crib for nap time. She never did fall asleep, so I went in to check on her when I heard her calling for me. She was on the other end of the crib, sideways!!! So I guess she scoots around on her back. I am not surprised, for the last week when I lay her on her back she raises her entire body--except her heals, her shoulders and head--up off the ground. Really I am proud of her enthusiasm for life, but I do wish she'd slow down just a bit...lol. She's not rolling over though, which my other children had done by now, I guess she is more motivated to "back scoot."

The other kids are all anxiously awaiting the start of the sports season here. The first practices are this week and we have been contacted by everyone EXCEPT Sammi's T-Ball coach! She is disappointed by this, but I have assured her we will get the call (probably a half hour before the first practice, but ah well). For those that celebrate, happy Easter. I did give my kids a HUGE chocolate bunny, you know I could not deprive them of the treat, but no Easter bunny visits our house. I just hope the kids don't ruin it for the other kids (as they know the "truth" about the bunny).

Brian is doing well. We have had sporadic contact, but any contact is great to me! I have a web camera now, so he was able to see us and hear us in our last online chat. He really enjoyed that. A few days later we chatted with Gumpa (Brian's Dad) via the camera and he said he enjoyed it as well. Us camera hams love it! Brian has been excitedly receiving the donations for the Iraqi kids. He keeps telling me to send it as I get it. The Girl Scout troops here have really been giving me a lot to send, thank goodness it is free to mail...lol.

Well, I guess that is about it for us.

For those of you who DO celebrate today's holiday, I hope you have some delicious food and great friends/family to enjoy. For those of you who DON'T I still hope you have some great meals and great company today. We are taking advantage of the yummy meal they will be serving at the DFAC (Military Dining Facility) for lunch. Time for chow...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Today is Brian's 33rd birthday (now don't go saying he is old, because I am OLDER than him). He doesn't get the chance to check this blogger (the internet connection is slow-he hardly checks his email), but I still wanted to shout it to the world. So "happy birthday" to my husband!!! I sent him a corny but heartfelt poem today and I just checked my email and he read it and responded. So, while I would have liked to do it in person, I am glad to know that he got our birthday wishes. Here at home we can't just let the day go by, so we are making cake and having cake and ice cream in his honor tonight. We are going to video tape singing "happy birthday" and blowing out the candles. I have been making him a home video for Fathers day and will include the evenings festivities. I have posted another one of the pictures he sent us. It is similar to the first.

What is new around here? Well I took myself and Avery to the ER this Saturday (everyone went but we were the patients). I thought I had strep throat (I didn't) and was worried that Avery's lingering rash was a strep rash (it wasn't). Additionally, Avery was having a heck of a time with a cold (which I now have) and I THOUGHT she had been having trouble eating because of it. Apparently I was wrong, because she weighed even more than she had just a few days before. As of Saturday she weighs 12 lbs 8 ozs and that was before she was fed. She has now caught up to what Sammi weighed at this age (and Sam was 2+ pounds more at birth). However, she is still much smaller than both of her brothers at this age (I looked all this up in their baby books Sunday). It has occurred to me that since Avery's birth at least one member of this family has been sick. I hope we are at the tail end of that streak. On the upside regarding that, Avery's rash is finally almost completely gone. It is no longer on her head or face, but some lingers on her trunk (as in body, this is not a negative reference to her nose...lol).

Tristan, Sam, and Keagan will be getting on their sports teams this week. We got the phone calls for the parents meetings on Friday. Samantha will get assigned to a T-Ball team tomorrow (Tues.), Keagan will get assigned to a soccer team Wednesday, and Tristan gets a soccer team on Thursday. We are gonna be busy people this spring, but I am really looking forward to it. When I used to dream about having kids, those dreams always included me going to their "events." whether it be sports, plays, or musical events. It brings me great joy to watch them having such a good time!

Well, enough outta me. Happy birthday again to my hubby and I guess my wish for you visitor today, is that someday almost all your birthday wishes come true. I wouldn't want all of them to come true, then you'd loose the joy of wishing.

Brian Sent Pictures

Well howdy doo to you! Brian emailed me some pictures so I thought I would post one here. He is "sporting" a mustache. I am not overly fond of it, but he says men in Iraq see facial hair as a sign of status. Anyway... here is the best one, but he sent me 10. Three were of his living quarters, it doesn't look that great, but it is honestly better than I had thought. Nothing else going on around here.... oh wait I do have one Avery update... I took her to the doc yesterday (she has an awful rash) and she weighs 12.3 lbs, almost a pound more than 10 days earlier. This is a relief to me, because she has been spiting up an awful lot lately, but maybe she has just been eating too much. Well I am off.

I hope there is fat free ice cream rain in your future weather report!!!

Added

I added some photos to pic site and deleted all but one of the old. Enjoy!

http://www.msnusers.com/PilchFamilyPhotos/shoebox.msnw

Sunday Treat!

Hello all!! We had a fairly relaxed weekend. We did a lot, but in a non-stressed fashion which is always best. Yesterday we decided to walk all our errands, which took five hours but nearly two were spent at a new park.

Today we cleaned house and I am so proud of the kids! Tristan, Sam and Keagan are all really big helpers and actually do a really good job cleaning. For those of you that don't know, we live in a stairwell. This means our apartment is one of eight that share the same stairwell (and washers and dryers). No one in this stairwell cleans the stairs (this is our third apartment here in Mannheim and at the other two we had a schedule and took turns). So, I pay my kids to clean it. Last week was their first time doing it, and it showed, but THIS week it looks like a grown up did it! REALLY clean!! So, every weekend that they want to do it, I am happy to pay them as I was honestly embarrassed by the condition of the stairwell prior to them cleaning it. Keagan doesn't do the stairwell cleaning, but he helps around the house and he is SUPER GREAT at cleaning up the playroom, putting everything away neatly (and quickly usually).

Avery is getting happier and happier and she talks SOOOOOOO much!!! I really have no idea where she gets that from (wait why are all those fingers pointing at me???) She loves to talk to us, but she will also talk to her mobile, her toys or whatever. I don't think we can take her to movies anymore she talks so much (though we are gonna try, cause Shaggy Dog comes to our theater this upcoming weekend).

Tonight we started what may become an occasional Pilch tradition. You are looking at it in the picture... sundays for dinner on Sunday!!! I let each kid pick an ice cream at the store (though they can eat all three if they choose), we made brownies to put under the ice cream and toppings to put on top (and a banana for Tristan and I). The kids and I LOVED it... but you would be surprised (at least I am) by how quickly they finish eating even when told they can have as much as they want. All of us ended up throwing away part of our dinner! Me, the ice cream LOVER threw away half of what I had in my bowl (and not because of any dietary restraint... it was just TOO sweet-didn't know that was possible). Anyway, it was great fun and easy cooking so maybe every third or so Sunday we will try it again. It is a nice way to end the weekend. Well, Avery needs a talking companion and I have just the person for the job...

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you don't have too many boogers in your nose (I am running out of things to hope for you).

Quick One

Really busy but wanted to share...

Avery is not as big as I thought she'd be. About 11 1/2 pounds (about because it was in Kg and I don't have the conversion right with me). Doc appointment went well besides the three shots... OUCH!

Tristan JUST (as in moments ago) lost his third tooth and that is the picture you are looking at.

Brian emailed... YEAH!!! I am relived to know he is okay and that the "no contact" time didn't last near as long as I thought it would.

Hope your day has lots of chocolate involved!!!

Back At It

Good morning all! Yesterday I finally got back to the business of running. I wont be able to do it regularly until September (when all three of the oldest go to school), but it sure did feel good to run. I ran two miles on a treadmill and it took me almost 22 minutes (whew I am pokey). Ah well.

In our last contact with Brian (via email) he let us know it was going to be awhile before we would hear from him again. So, I am running around like a chicken with me head cut off to make the time go by quickly. The kids and I have been outside daily (and it snowed again a few days ago, though it has melted since), I have been doing crazy projects around the house (like going through all the kids summer clothes to see what we have, etc.) and I am setting up a donation drive again (we did this when the deuce was deployed).

In our last convo (and only phone convo to date) Brian said he wants kids clothes, blankets, shoes, etc. and school supplies to give to the Iraqi kids. This is part of the reason I went through all our stuff. I went to Sammi's Girl Scout troop leader and she sent out an email to all the parents, so they are doing a drive and I went to Sam's school teacher and she is seeing if they are allowed to do a donation drive (I am waiting on this info before I approach Tristan's teacher). If YOU would like to donate some of your old things please send them along to Brian (perhaps write "donation" on the outside of the box, so he knows it is not a personal care package). You are also welcome to send him school supplies, but it is free for me to ship to him (thanks to the Military Postal Service). So if you would like to, you could send me money and I will happily spend it all on school supplies and then mail them in your name. I will keep 10% of the funds though for my labor.... JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!

Well, that is it for now. I will be updating our picture website sometime this weekend and I must say I have some cute pictures to share.

Oh wait, how could I have forgotten... Avery went to bed last night at 930pm and did not wake up until 6am. Wee haaa... and I only got up once to make sure she was breathing (yes, I am improving). She is a much calmer kiddo, she sleeps a lot, doesn't cry much and she smiles all the time. She has a doctors appointment on Monday (her two month, on her two month b-day). I will update again then.

Thanks for stopping in.

CONGRATULATIONS RHODA!

Our congrats go out to Rhoda and her family on the birth of new baby girl Kati who weighed 9lbs. 4 oz and was born on March 11th. She joins big brother Dylan. Good job Momma!

We have some news around here too. Brian called last night (this is our first phone call since he left). He is doing fine, he really likes the people he is working with. It was absolutely fabulous to hear his voice. He did get to talk to the kids. Keagan told him about the video game he has been playing on XBox, Sammi told him how chubby Avery is and Tristan asked to see a picture of him with his guns (which by the way Brian said he would take and send to us. When we get it, I will post it). It meant so much to all of us to get to talk to him and I am sure it meant a lot to him. He didn't talk much about it "over there", he wanted to hear about home. It does look like his R&R visit may be a little sooner, it now looks like it might be beginning of August, but you know how the army is... it could easily change.

Okay so, I did it. Not the night of my last blogger like I planned, but I did do it. I put Avery down to sleep in her bed last night. The above picture is the "proof." That is her at about 1030pm in her bed. She had no problem. She is such a big girl! I fed her at 930pm, put her down awake in her bed at 10pm, she fell asleep around 1015pm and didn't wake up again until 530am!! I am so proud of her. It was a rough night for me though. I couldn't sleep until almost 1am, but I got up only once to check on baby girl. I really missed being able to look over at her during the night. Well, at least I have at least 18 more years where she will be sleeping in my house, but I am sure that time will go by quickly as well.

I hope you cherish the time you have with your loved ones today!

Still a Bit of a "Sicky" Family

From the title, you know we still have sick among us. Actually Tristan has made an almost full recovery. He has no fever, but still has a runny nose and cough. Keagan also has no fever anymore, and also still a runny nose and cough. Poor Sammi has a runny nose, cough, sneezes and a fever of about 102 when the meds run out. Thankfully Avery is doing fine and I am too, so far.

The picture you see is of a knight and a dragon that my son Tristan drew for his father (it will be going out in the birthday package we send on Tuesday). I am posting it not only to share with all of you, but to share more in particular with our friend Julie. She bought him the big poster board to draw it on and all she wanted was a picture to see it... so Julie there you are. I think Tristan is a marvelous artist!

Avery has gotten too big to sleep in the little contraption I bought for her to sleep in next to the bed (not quite a bassinet). So, today I am putting her in her crib for every nap time ('till now she has only slept in there three times), so it wont be a shock to her for bed tonight. I am hoping I can do it tonight. I love to look at her at night to make sure she is okay, and now I'll have to go all the way across the hall! I may break down and put her in the contraption tonight anyway. she can fit, she just can't stretch out. I'm selfish I know... I'll try the crib.

I don't have much to post about Keagan and Sammi today, they are pretty much resting and trying to recover. Poor Sammi really got the sickest out of them all, she is just miserable. She doesn't even like Gatorade (I bought 4 flavors to try) and she is not eating really well, but she is drinking a lot of water. I have been making her favorite food to try and get her to eat, and she does... but only a few bites. Keagan is recovering by pretty much sleeping. He has gone to bed REALLY early (one night it was around 5pm) and sleeps all night and takes short naps. Hopefully we will be done with all this sickness on Monday and have a somewhat normal week.

Brian emailed, I am not sure if I put this in the last post or not (and I am too lazy to check before I post this) but he is at FOB Union III in Iraq. He is not sure if they will be staying there or not. He is doing well. He got a haircut from a young Iraqi kid the other day and he says it was probably the best cut he has ever had. The kid charged 1 dollar, Brian payed him 2.

Other than the sickness, we are all actually doing really well, in good spirits and finally getting into a routine. Everyone is less sensitive and there are a lot more smiles going around. We talk about Daddy everyday, but it doesn't make anyone cry anymore. We just talk about how we miss him and love him, though we could do without his stinky feet...lol! Everyone proudly wears a yellow ribbon pin everyday and Sammi of course wears her locket with a picture of Daddy in it. So while he is certainly not forgotten and is always on our minds, we have finally gotten down to the business of adjusting. We REALLY look forward to seeing him again for R&R sometime in September.

Just Your Average Update

Heard from Brian today via email. He is at Camp Union III. He is still pretty busy but he told me he might be settling in and he may be able to contact us more often, which is GREAT!

Other than that... ummm... Tristan is a little sick, low grade fever for the past two days with headache, so he is home with me. I did originally send him to school today because he did not have pain/fever this morning. However, a few hours later I got a phone call to pick him up. He is doing better in the fever department this evening, but he has a really runny nose.

The other kids are all fine and healthy and I hope that lasts. Avery is a little porky... she is getting awfully chunky and smiles an awful lot these days. She was really demanding there for awhile, but she is taking it easy now and relaxing more. Keagan is just a ham, always wanting to be in the videos... he dances, does "tricks" and flips. He has been really helpful while the big kids are at school. Ah yes, he started back to pre-school. They canceled the program last year and just started back up, today was his first day. Samantha is always thinking about Daddy (we all are) and she tells Avery about him and shows her pictures. Well, I guess that's it for now.

One more thing, I would like to wish Rhoda luck in having her baby soon... like NOW!

Snow, Snow, Go Away

Nah, we actually somewhat enjoy the snow. I guess one last snow dump is okay. I must admit though, that I am ready for warmer weather... talk to me again in the summer when it is really hot and we have no air conditioning! Anyway, yesterday we took a walk to the movie rental place and played in the snow on the way back. The kids also got some extra time in the snow once we got home, then we ordered pizza and had pizza/movie night. We just finally got around to seeing the new Herbie movie. The kids were cracking up almost the entire movie. It was a pleasant evening.

Other updates... not much. We haven't heard from Daddy since the last post, but he is really busy. Also my 8 1/2 year old son just lost his second tooth... bless his heart... he is so happy to be "catching up" to the other kids in the tooth department. Actually, I added (but did not delete the old) some pictures to our family picture page. There is one of Tristan and his other missing tooth. However, the new tooth was already growing in slightly behind the baby tooth, so in the pic you can see the two permanent teeth coming in towards the back. We called him shark mouth, because at first he was upset about needing braces (which he may not, both teeth are slowly moving forward to the proper location), but he liked the nickname.

pictures: http://www.msnusers.com/PilchFamilyPhotos/

I guess that's it from our house. How goes it with you?

Heard From Brian

Well, I got an EMail from Brian yesterday. I didn't expect to hear from him for awhile because he is in training in Iraq, learning more about his new job. He didn't have a lot of info to share, just wrote that he is still in training. I was just thrilled to hear from him. Really if he just sent one liner email's I wouldn't care.

On a side note, I did get him a very late wedding present. He has been asking for it since we got married... but I never remembered about it until tax time. I let him know I finally got the present and he is quite happy. What is it? For the past twelve years of marriage, while it has been correct on my drivers license, I.D. card, on bank accounts, credit card accounts, etc. etc.... my name has been "wrong" on my social security card. That's right, for 12 years my SS Card has had my maiden name on it!!! Two days ago I got my NEW card and now I totally, officially, completely carry my husbands last name!!! Took me long enough!!! The only time it ever mattered was when we filed for taxes, because I had to file with my maiden name on our joint filing. So, once a year I actually signed something with my maiden name. NOW next year we will share a form AND a last name... weee haaaa!!!!! It was a pain when I earned income, even the Alaska dividend, because all my money came in my married name, but tax guys knew me as maiden. So we would have to send a copy of our marriage certificate in with our taxes. Not that I earn any money anymore...lol. Still I am happy to finally make the change...lol.

How's the weather where you are (am I old now that I "talk" about the weather)? It dumped a bunch of snow here last night... it even STUCK. We plan to play in it after school. Do you have any weather activities planned for today?

Update

Well, just got back from the airport. We dropped our good friend Julie off. It was really nice having her here. She spoiled the kids and helped keep me sane for the first rough week. This next month will truthfully be rough, but we have each other and we will get through.

Update on Brian. We got a call on the 25th (on the tape machine as we missed it) from him saying he was in Kuwait. Just now I got an email from him and he is already in Iraq. He said I should google a spider called a camel spider. If you didn't know, my husbands one "fear" is of spiders and he says this is one of the biggest he has ever seen. "They" briefed him on it and he saw a picture, but he hasn't actually seen a live one yet. If he does he told us he'd take a pic and send it. I googled it and above is what I got.

Well, I will add more to this blogger more often probably now. Like Paul Harvey says "Good day."

Saying Goodbye to Daddy

Though Brian hasn't left country yet, we did say our goodbye's to him yesterday (the 21st-and side note, today the 22nd is our 12th anniversary). We will not get to see him again until he comes home for two weeks on R&R (it looks like September). The ceremony was very nice, and after it was over we had about 2 1/2 hours to visit, then it was time for us to go home (the farewell was about a 3 hour drive from here). Though it was rough and some tears were shed, we are all doing fine. Now we will just stay in touch with Dad as best we can, in part by sending lots of carepackages, and we will be praying all the time. I have posted a bunch more pictures again on the website of the last 3 days with dad here. The website again:

http://www.msnusers.com/PilchFamilyPhotos

In the one with us all eating you will see our good friends Tina and Eric. You may also notice another "new" face. That is my best friend Julie. She arrived two days ago and has thankfully been here to help us get through this time. She has been a great help, good company and wonderful distraction.

In the pictures of the ceremony, Brian is impossible to find... except for the one where Tristan is waving... look into the fuzzy background and you will see Daddy waving back. The bazzillion of pictures of Avery during the ceremony are of her making funny faces at Julie. The one of Avery in the pink shirt is not so great, but it was the evening of her ONE MONTH "birthday" (can you BELIEVE IT????) and I had almost forgotten to take a picture. She was hungry and fussy but I had to get the one month (and thanks again Laura). The last pic's I want to mention are of Tristan and Keagan sleeping in the bed. That was the last night Brian was home (we had the beds rearranged because Julie was here). Keagan had never done this before, but after Tristan had gone to sleep, he crept in and laid down next to him, then fell asleep too. I thought it was adorable.

Well, I hope your days are sunny and bright and when you think of it, I would appreciate some prayers for my husband. Thanks so much!

--Meghan

Brian's Address

Nope, Brian hasn't left us yet but I do have his downrange mailing address. Here it is:

Brian W. Pilch (DO NOT USE RANK)
2 BN 3rd Commando Brigade SPTT
APO AE 09348


Additionally, there are some new photo's on our picture page

http://www.msnusers.com/PilchFamilyPhotos/

The ones of Avery in a stripe outfit with Daddy are her laying in her "niche." Whenever Avery needs to sleep, we place her there on Daddy and she goes right to sleep. There are a few pictures of Avery in the shower with me (she loves the shower) but don't worry they are strictly G rated!

In the above picture Avery is in a lovely outfit given to us by Brian's Mom. I thought maybe she would like to see her baby holding our baby in the outfit she got.

Here's to you having more than a "G-rated" shower in your future... wait did I just say that??? LOL!

Sammi's Party

Sammi's birthday is on February 14th, but yesterday (the 11th) we had her party. Once again we made a castle cake. I am not very "right brained" so it is not a "lovely" castle, but Sam and I had fun making it. Her party went pretty well. Little girls can be very easy. I set up a craft project for them (making valentines cards for mom and pop), fed them diner (pizza) and served cake and ice cream. The boys stayed back in my room watching movies (coming out for food and sweets). So, I spent most of the party reading a good book. Thankfully Avery was really good. It was funny when it was time to feed her though, while I was certainly covered by a blanket I had a few inquisitive girls wondering what the baby was doing under the blanket... lol!

Our great news of the day is the Daddy is coming home today for his last "visit" then he is off (the visit part is the great news not the "off" part...lol). So, probably my next post will not be until he has left.

Well, I have deleted all the old and put up some new pictures on our family photo website. Check 'em out at your leisure!

http://www.msnusers.com/PilchFamilyPhotos

Hope your february is filled with sweets from your sweetie!

Baby's Doc Appointment

Well, little love had an appointment yesterday (too busy to post about it yesterday though). She now weighs in at 8.3 lbs. So, she is a good little eater, already gained over a pound from her birthweight! Doctor said she is doing fine. This lil' squirt eats every two hours during the day like clockwork... but I get long breaks at night (most times) so it is worth it. Plus she and I have the hang of it now, so feedings on the go are no problem. Well, not much else going on with us... I hope you have more to talk about!

Picture

OKay I finally got the picture upload to work! Well, here's Daddy and Avery. Daddy left very early this morning, he should actually already be back at training. He comes back for one final visit here shortly and then he will deploy. I am just greatful he doesn't mind coming home for such a short period when he has to drive 3 hours one way to get here (or 2 1/2 if traffic is good as he is a speed demon). We enjoyed out short visit and look forward to the time he will be home again. Well, Avery needs fed.

Enjoy your day... I comand thee! LOL

Side note... I must be having difficulties, because I sure did post yesterday and the post is gone (and I sure didn't delete it). Anyway, in it I said how we had another quick surprise visit from daddy (late fri night until early sun morn) and that he was up early and ran around taking care of all the "man" jobs around the house. Well, perhaps one day that post will magically reappear?

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I would like to take a moment to congratulate our friends Scott and Debbie on their great news. Debbie is pregnant!!!! Yeah!!! Congrats!!! This new little guy/gal will be joining older siblings Jack, Shea and Maddox. Congrats to the whole family. Now Debbie, you told me how far along you are, but please don't make me do the math... when is baby due to arrive?

A little note about us, last night Avery did sleep for a five hour stretch, so I am slightly more rested today!

Congrats again guys!

Wow a New Post

Well, as you can imagine, I have been quite busy! But I thought I should take a moment to post a new blog for all my adoring fans. In case you are wondering, that is suposed to be funny... it's okay if you want to chuckle. Well, maybe only I find it funny... anyway...

We are all doing really well. Tristan, Sammi and Keagan are amazing older siblings, Avery is one lucky girl. They all dote on her so much, sometimes I feel like I am just her feed bag...lol. Avery was sleeping really well; however that changed last night, but I hope it is not a permanent change. She was sleeping anywhere from 5-7 hours a night. Last night she wanted to eat every two hours! Ah well, at least she went right back to sleep after eating. I am SOOOOO hoping that we don't have a repeat tonight as I am VERY tired. I posted a few new pictures on my picture website, though I couldn't bring myself to delete all the old ones. Check 'em out at:

http://www.msnusers.com/PilchFamilyPhotos

The very last picture I just took moments ago and it is Avery's favorite way to go to sleep (well, her favorite way is latched on to me, but I try to prevent that as my philosophy is a baby should be laid down awake-but that's just me). She loves to have a blanket on her head, a binkie in her mouth and a soft teddy bear next to her nose. Picky kid I know, but hey she is a red headed Pilch, and Pilch's know exactly what they want! Avery is a joy. She is a peaceful baby and of course she is so smart. I have sent out the birth announcements, you should be getting one soon. I hope you enjoy the pictures, I took them myself and then had them printed in wallet size.

Brian is doing well, he is in the field shooting all sorts of weapons and will be doing that for a total of 2 weeks I believe, though he is at the tail end of that now. We are fast approaching his farewell and while it will be a difficult time for all of us, we are all confident that everything will work out as it should and we will all be just fine.

Again thanks for stopping in, I hope I have satisfied all my fans.... nope still not funny... darn!