Oops!

So this is very embarassing that I haven't been able to update in a while. Various computer and other electronic malfuctions, along with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season have gotten in the way of computer time.

Everyone in our little family is doing well. Our little Gianna is growing like a weed. I'm amazed that in a matter of only a few months she has changed so much. She has so many more abilities that seem to amaze me everyday--every minute! Little Miss Blue Eyes is the sunshine of our life and nothing is greater than going into her room in the morning with my dear hubby to see her chubby face radiating one big smile as she squeals in delight. Her legs are getting strong, and she love to stand with the help of mom and dad. We are still working on our rolling. Turns out that "baby got back" like her mommy and has a hard time turning that tush.

This weekend we got our Christmas tree up and decorated. It was so much fun to see all of the ornaments that we've received so far. We even have some from our families when we were growing up. There's more 1984 and 1983 First Baby ornaments than 2008s. We had forgotten that we even made an ornament out of a massive screw that flattened our tire the night of Ring Dance at the Academy. Adorned--of course--by the red ribbon from my wrist corsage worn that night. Ahh...memories...

Fast Week

Phew! The past few days have just flown by. I'm so sorry for the delay in updating the blog! Anyhow, we have been very busy with garden work, trips to the bank and NEX, dodging hurricanes with tornadic activity, thank-you note writing, changing poopie diapers, and folding mounds of laundry! But...life is beautiful!

In the most interesting of news, we were involved in a Tornado Warning here associated with Tropical Storm Fay. We worried about having to be evacuated, but we were lucky to not have to. Of course, when the brunt of the storm hit, Craig was on duty (*typical!*), but Gianna and I had a date in the bathroom floor while the storm blew over. We listened to the radio and kept in contact with Craig. Apparently a tornado blew over Neptune Beach and tons more were water spouts over the ocean. Luckily we were safe and didn't have too much damage. But our hibiscus trees were uprooted! That Craigy Poo...he's so wonderful...he went right back out there and planted them. Fern 1 and Fern 2 are looking a little frail too. We'll have to keep an eye on them. Maybe we'll get Keeley, our next door neighbor, to take care of them while we're gone in Pennsylvania!

So speaking of hurricanes...GUSTAV is on his way! How funny is that name! LOL. Anyhow, because of that, Jonny, Camren, and Isabelle Kane are planning to drive over the pan handle to come and visit with us! We are so excited. Our little girls can have their first play date. We will have to post videos/pictures of their weekend here.

Well, our little bundle is sleeping like such a good girl, so we should think about heading to bed soon. Gianna has a "photo shoot" in the morning with our neighbor, Jennifer, and then a visit from Emilie Higgins and her Aunt Mims after lunch. Love you all!

The Hackett Family

Just thought you'd all like to check out the family resemblence. How hilarious is this!

Busy Weekend

We've had a great and productive couple of days. Craig came home to his ladies a little early on Friday so he came along with us to do a couple of errands. We did some grocery shopping, which ended in an impatient little Gianna who needed to leave the store early and nurse in the parking lot. That was interesting as it was the first time we finally got the "Parking for Mothers with Infants" spot which of course is right by the exit to the store. Everyone walks by the spot! Oh well, Craig finished the shopping, and Gianna and I nursed as discreetly as possible. She was nice and full for a good nap after that.

Beforehand, Craig and I went to the Hair Cuttery. I got a nice trim, and Craig was cleaned up too. He looks so handsome! : ) Then we stopped at Walgreens where I got my foundation "buy one, get one free!" Craig was definitely happy about that. He loves his coupons.

Saturday we went for a ride to Babies R Us and got a mobile for Gianna's playpen. It's adorable with rainforst animals and music by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Mommy plays Gianna a lot of pop music, so at least she's getting some classical tunes from her toys. Then we did stopped at Kohl's to make some returns. When we came home later that day, Gianna had some belly time, and she kept her neck up so high. She's such a strong little cookie. I love that little girl!

Yesterday, after mass, we took our Pre-Jordan class. So we're all ready for Baptism! Only a few weeks to go. We are just so excited for this celebration for Gianna. And of course, we can't wait for her to see everyone.

Later, we got a visit from Cody Rapp and Matt Fannin. They are now stationed here at NAS Jax as Naval Flight Officers (NFOs). They seem to be having fun and still doing some partying. It was wonderful to catch up with them. We had a blast talking about old stories, and it was nice for them to see Gianna. Cody brought his white Golden Retriever too, Aspen. She is so sweet and had fun sniffing Gianna. We knew Aspen when she was just a tiny puppy in Annapolis. She is so big now!

Craig should be home soon, and Gianna will want to eat. So I should be going. I'll write again soon!

Apparently I spoke too soon yesterday when I implied that Gianna was sleeping like a little angel. She decided not to sleep until midnight yesterday. Silly girl. Back to the drawing board, as we say. Hopefully she go to be earlier tonight. Here is a video of our little Gigi playing kickball. I think you'll enjoy it! : )

Gettin' in the groove

I'm very pleased with how Gianna has been. She is such a good little girl. Although we don't really have a "set schedule" persay, we're developing a rough one. We wake up (normally) only once at night and have a morning nap and an afternoon nap. Gianna is also a lot less fussy going to bed or lying down to take a nap. She seems to know, "Ok...this is my crib. And this is where I sleep. I think Mommy and Daddy want me to sleep now." Such a good girl.

We are still very involved in watching the Olympics. We've been checking out the beach volleyball, swimming, synchronized diving, gymnastics, and everything else! We are kind of bummed that we haven't seen wrestling though. Craig thinks Freestyle starts the 20th, so we'll have to check the schedule. Speaking of athletecism, Craig ran a 10k today and came in 3rd out of about 25 people. Wow! At least it wasn't 4th place, right? Hehe. And I began my pilates today. Gotta get this little potbelly off of me!

Yesterday was nice. Even though Craig had to stand duty Sunday through Monday, we did get to catch up at lunch time over at the galley. I forgot to wear closed-toed shoes! Eeek! Luckily Gianna's stroller concealed my flip-flops. Well, we're going to relax and watch some more of the Olympics. The last time we watched the Summer Olympics we were in a hotel in Orlando in the middle of Hurricane Charlie. Can't believe it's been 4 years.

"No belly time! No dat!"

Well, it's been a busy few days. "Aunt" Marie was here visiting, and we had a very nice time. I think Marie was very excited to see our little Gianna. I'm sure it was a eye-opening experience seeing Craig and me with a little baby. Thankfully the walls are thick enough that she didn't wake up when Gianna did. Speaking of which, there is still no pattern to our dear little girl's sleeping habits. Oh well, we're still working on that. All in due time, right?

I'm excited to get into a good schedule now that we won't have visitors for awhile and won't be traveling for another month to Pennsylvania. I'm going to try to start working out a bit to shed my pregnancy weight now that I've gotten the OK from Mrs. Yarnell at the clinic. She said my scar is healing well, but to take it easy. I think I'll do some pilates tomorrow morning : )

I'm posting a video I took of Gianna today. The doctors say we have to make sure Gianna is doing her belly time so we can get strong muscles like daddy!

Happy Birthday, dear Duby!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy BIRTHDAY, dear Duby!

Happy birthday to you!

Kiss, Kiss, from Gianna.

Keeping Connected

The other day, Craig and I were having dinner with neighbors of ours, Josh and Ashley Taylor. At this very moment--as I can see across the street--they are in the middle of their "pack-out" for their big move to Japan. While talking to Ashley that night, she explained that she and her husband started a blog to keep family and friends in the loop while they are far away. I thought that was a pretty neat idea. Family and friends mean the world to Craig and me, and so I thought, "Hey, not a bad idea." So here I am, starting our blog. Hopefully Craig will like this idea too! He may not have as much time to participate as I will, but either way, it will be a means for all of you to see what is going on in our life.

I suppose I should sign off. Our little Gianna will be waking up shortly, I'm sure, from her mid-day nap. God bless and have a wonderful day!

- Gracie