Hello Rowan!

Well, there have been a lot of changes since my last post. Here's a quick photo display of our cherub, Rowan Nicholas, at about 3-month intervals. Wow! He has changed a bit. Enjoy!

Born September 29, 2010: 7 lbs, 15 oz, 19 & 3/4 inches long. Twelve hours of labor, two hours of pushing, priceless. Mark was luckily between underways. We had been worried he'd be out to sea when Rowan decided to show up. Very good timing as he was about 10 days early.

Rowan was a hit with the animals from the start. Ellie is the most likely to be near him. Unless he's eating, then Winston is his best friend.

Rowan has also been a ridiculously happy baby. He is very even tempered and likes interacting with all sorts of people and animals. We're totally spoiled parents.

Hard to believe how quickly he is growing and developing. This is the hardest part of Mark's deployment. But we keep in touch daily via email and send photos and videos whenever possible.

Catchin' up

Well, the past few months have flown by. I've had some challenges, but there have been good times too, even with Mark thousands of miles away. Probably the saddest change has been relinquishing ownership of Mick, the sweet dog we shared our home with for a few months. He was a very good dog, but got frustrated with being left home while I was at work and started acting out destructively. We tried to make appropriate changes, but ultimately couldn't live happily together. Life is more peaceful at our house now and I hope Mick has found a family who can spend the time and energy he needs.

On the brighter side, our house is proving to be the comfy home we were hoping for. Our yard continues to surprise. I'm gardening challenged, so I can't wait for Mark to come home and try his hand at landscaping. Here's a couple pics of our figs and some pretty yellow flowers.

I'm loving life, reading and hanging out with the kitties. Mark has made life apart much easier by being so good about corresponding at least daily. I feel pretty lucky to have such an amazing husband. And the support of such warm, caring friends and family, near and far.

And now some wetter news...

Here's a few pics Mark has passed on to me as he is able.

A lovely shot of his cruiser, Anzio.

He found my favorite two characters and is posing as my man, Han, in Cannes, France. =)

Sailors! With Greek islands in the background. Mark is on the far right, red hair disguised with a knit cap.

A spectacular view in Haifa, Israel. Sweet!

The Elsie Show

I was able to sneak in a short visit with the Unger children (oh, and their parents!)

Owen and the twins (Elsie & Isaac) were in a happy and active mood.

Elsie was a little shy at first, and snuggled with Susanne.

Isaac is generally shy and quiet, but I was able to tease a grin for a quick moment. So cute!

Elsie gets more bold as she realizes a camera is involved. Look at that smile!

Owen and Seth were having an exciting game of toss Owen. These kids are fearless.


Finally it was pj-time for the twins and off to bed!

It was so cool to get to see these fast-growing kiddos in person rather than just by the pics on their blog. There's no accurate way to imagine the activity level in this household or experience the sweet interactions between these young sibs. It was crazy fun. =)

Picnic at Kelley & Bill's

I got to spend some time with Mark's side of the family at a BBQ at his Mom's house for Grandpa Pat's birthday. Great food and delightful company!

The host dogs, Moxie and Rosie... I didn't get the guest dogs' pics, sadly.

Waiting for the grilled goods - Jane, Alice, Sarah & Mary

The birthday celebrant Pat & lovely Noreen

Got to see Grandma Alice too!

Craig & Kristi look on as Jane hams it up for the camera. =)

And the host humans, Kelley & Bill (the grillmaster).

What a lovely afternoon!

A few pics from the visit home so far...

Walking through the International District to get to the M's game - Me, Mary, Brad & Elizabeth - in front of the gate.

I was able to see Bill & Kelley a couple of times - including dim sum in the international district - with Brad & Elizabeth.

Dad & Kimberly were the first to see me, as Dad was able to pick me up from the airport.

Cousin Erin & Jonathan getting into the game. As usual, I always leave feeling like I have not gotten nearly enough time talking and laughing with these two!

Cousin Gretchen, Aunt Karen & cousin Lucy enjoying the M's game. It was so great to see them, even though it never feels like enough time!

Got to meet Mary's new beau, Barrett. He's a total sweetie and a Marine (we don't hold it against him, much). He made it to a few of our activities, so we got a good bit of visiting in. =)

Spent most of my time with Mom & Mary, which was awesome! Lots of good catching up and helpful advice. And promises of visiting.. don't forget!

Finally got to a game! And the M's were kind enough to win for me against the Minnesota Twins.

No green thumb, but dumb luck!

So, one of the things that I love about our new house is that the previous owner was an avid gardener. Every couple of weeks since early spring, new things pop up and/or bloom unexpectedly.

Here's just a few pics of the pretty things in our yard. The pink is our roses, having been beat up by a recent storm. The white is a flowering tree, I know not which type. The orange are our Tiger lillies. And one more white flowering bush I can't identify. I only regret I didn't get pics of our dark and light pink azaleas and the fabulous irises. Darn my procrastination.