Weekly Update

Jackson playing in the walker
Jackson and Jaiden
Jackson with Jordan and Jaiden
He hated trying peaches for the first time. I guess he's more of a banana and apple guy.
Doing what he does best. Putting something in his mouth.



This week has been crazy. And exceptionally hard, difficult, and challenging. All for reasons I can't say. I did come out on the other side stronger and I'm thankful for that. On top of this, it's been busy around the Pauley House. I ma becoming a pro at being the single mom. I'm not actually single, but it sure feels like it for about 8 months out of the year. I am learning so many tricks to do things with one hand and have been pretty inventive. Here is a little glimpse of what's gone on.

My good friend Jessica, and her 2 kids Jordan (3 1/2) and Jaiden (1 year) came to stay with us for a few days. Ok almost a week. The house was packed. Fun was had. But when they went home it felt good to get my house back to normal. Jackson had a great time playing with the kids. He loves Jordan, he is quite the little entertainer. Jaiden freaks him out on so many levels. She is mobile and somewhat violent in her playing. Keeping her away from Jackson was a challenge. All in all we had a good time.

Brandon was able to call a few times. He got our box of fun that Jackson and I sent him. He was pretty excited about all of the goodies and snacks. I guess the ship food has been making him sick. He said he can't tell if he's losing weight because he works out so hard everyday, or from how sick he gets every time he eats the food. He was just promoted at work. His new job title is Brig LPO and Brig Counselor. It's ok if you have no idea what that means. Just know that it's a huge deal and he's the only one on the ship that holds that title. He's working hard on his qualifications for getting his surface warfare pin. He'll be testing for advancement in March. He's up for 1st class. Also a huge deal. Some people go 20 years in the Navy and make it to 1st class. Brandon has been in for 4 1/2 years. If he pulls first this time around he will be well on his way to making chief before we leave Japan. Which was the purpose for moving here in the first place. All of my Navy Wife dreams are coming true! And right on schedule. He's doing very well on this deployment and Jackson and I are so proud of him. We can't wait for him to come home.

Jackson is growing and changing by leaps and bounds this week. He's almost 5 months old and is well over 17 pounds. He is getting to be so big. Lately we've been mowing through the baby food. He loves to sit in his high chair and eat. This week he tried peaches for the first time and hated them. He cried and cried after just 3 bites. He does however love carrots, applesauce, sweet potatoes, and bananas. He is becoming more mobile now. Trying to escape from things like his bouncy seat. He slept in his own room this week for the first time and is still sleeping around 9 hours every night. He has suddenly found his loud voice. He loves to yell at me. And he shakes his fist while he's doing it, like a little dictator or something. It's pretty hilarious. I have spent everyday rolling around on the floor with him. He's getting good at scooting around to be in the position that he wants. I love watching him change. It feels like he's different everyday. I only wish that Brandon were here to share it.

This week we also found out that Jackson's passport should be here on Tuesday. The passport guy guaranteed it, but because he's "guaranteed" it so many times, and I should have been home a month ago, I'm not sure how much I believe him. But if it is the case, and it actually does come, I will be home very soon.

Jackson's Daddy Doll arrived. The only thing is, I sent it to my mom's house in anticipation that we would be there. Just one more thing we will have to wait on. My mom says the doll is adorable. I can't wait to see it and give it to Jackson.

That's just a few highlights. I hope you all are having a good week. Hopefully I'll be sharing all of this with you from your side of the world very soon.