Introduction to James, Elias, and Cora

Tobias left for deployment about a week and a half ago and we're doing well so far. We hear from him almost every day via email. He'll be gone for about 7 months, but we're already anxiously awaiting his return. The day before Tobias left his squadron had a change of command ceremony, which is why he was all dressed up in chokers in the above picture. He looks pretty impressive with the medal and ribbons. The morning Tobias left we were able to escort him aboard his ship, USS BOONE ( FFG 28). This picture was taken by one of the Sailors. James seems to be more interested in looking at the flight deck than the camera, but Tobias looks great! For a baby who once hated being on his stomach, he's sure grown to love it. This is how I found James when he woke up from a nap last week. He is now able to roll over to from his back to his stomach and his stomach to his back. Pretty exciting! Sweet boy! This past weekend James and I flew up to New Hampshire to visit w...

Today is the season opener for our very own Jacksonville Suns, which is the minor league baseball team here. Tobias really wants to take James to his first baseball game, so we're going. In honor of the occasion I put James in his little baseball outfit - doesn't he look cute?! Yesterday we went to the zoo with our friend Joanne and her 22 month old twins, Naomi and Julius. Aren't they the sweetest looking kids ever?! These kids are destined for greatness - both their parents were varsity athletes at the Naval Academy and very intelligent (Joanne was a math major and Dan was a computer science major). Not only are they smart and intelligent, they're also so nice and very funny. My wonderful roommate, Stephanie, from the mighty warship, USS PRINCETON (CG-59), was in town from San Diego for a conference and came to visit. Stephanie was only here for one night, but watched James for us so Tobias and I could enjoy a date before he leaves on deployment. Look at Steph with ...