Introduction to James, Elias, and Cora

The time period between New Year and Spring Break at the Naval Academy is called the Dark Ages and now I remember why. The weather here has been cold and dreary, although we haven't had much snow. James obviously doesn't let the weather get him down though! James and his buddy Abby make the most of cold days - staying in and watching movies. We have had a very busy year so far - complete with trips to CA for me and another trip to MN, which included James. Although the trips were for family health issues and a funeral, it was wonderful seeing family. In CA I was able to see my wonderful sister, Marthaa , and her beautiful family. It was wonderful to see little Gabe who is growing up so fast! James showing off his backpack and bear - he's such a big boy! While James and I were toughing out the winter weather, Tobias was in AZ for training. Tobias really enjoyed the desert and made time to explore. What a beautiful view! Can you believe how big that cactus is?! Tobias came...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with family. Our first visitor was my dad who flew out from California. My dad is a pilot too and bought a remote control helicopter for one of James' presents. The helo quickly became Daddy's toy! James is also quite the pilot! No surprise at all, of course! We were able to attend Christmas Eve service together and then James got to open one Christmas present. Here's a wonderful picture of my dad, James, and Tobias before the first present was opened. We have a family tradition of 'hiding' a pickle ornament on the tree and the person who finds the pickle gets a dollar. James was so excited to have found the pickle on Christmas morning. Hours after my dad headed back to California we were joined by Tobias' entire family from Kansas. James was spoiled by eight adults for a couple of days he loved every minute of it! A lovely picture of Tobias and his siblings with James. What a good lo...

James' daycare had a wonderful Christmas party for the kids and James was able to sit with Santa again. James is starting to understand how Santa works and James asked Santa for a football. Afterwards James said to us, "I asked Santa for a football and all I got was a candy cane." No worries though, there is already a football under the tree! It snowed a couple of inches earlier this week and James was so excited. Tobias and James each have their own snow shovel. James was going to shovel snow for me yesterday. It ended up that Daddy shoveled and James played in the snow! This morning we played at the park and played in the snow. James had a blast playing outside in the park! We hope this video turns out - it is super funny! James had a blast on this slide, he did it about 10 times!

Go Navy, Navy, Navy! Beat Army, Army, Army! I'm doing this update while watching the 111th Army-Navy game. Check out James proudly wearing Navy Blue and Gold! Definitely a future midshipmen and Tobias thinks Navy tight end. This morning we went to Tobias' squadron for the Children's Christmas Party! James was able to sit with Santa and even got an early Christmas present! This will be a very special Christmas this year, for many reasons. James is super excited about opening Christmas presents. Here he is checking out some of the presents already under our tree. This Christmas will also be special because we are mourning the loss of our baby. This is a picture of our first ultrasound at about 12 weeks. We heard a healthy heart beat and the baby was moving around. Unfortunately, at my 14 week appointment there was no fetal heart beat to be found. We are very upset for the loss of one child, but are so thankful for our James who continues to brighten our lives. My m...

James wanted a football cake for his birthday this year, so we found a local bakery who made a fabulous cake for James! We lit the candles... Sang Happy Birthday... And blew out the candles... After cake and ice cream it was time for... Opening presents - and James loved his presents! He's is so excited about coloring (he's learning to write his letters) and loves anything Diego! Of course, ripping off the pretty wrapping paper was part of the fun! It was a quiet birthday this year, but it was so much fun! Hard to believe Sweet Baby James is already 3 years old!