Loved to Pieces

There is no end in sight for the amount of love Gunnar is getting on our trip here in Washington. He is loved to pieces.
Ezra just loves him to death. Him and Owen got Gunnar the camo outfit for my birthday gift (first sign you are a mom, birthday gifts for you are actaully for the kids) and wants Gunnar in it anytime she sees him. He convinced his dad to get him some camo pj's so they can match.

Owen is still a little unsure. Right before this picture he ask my mom to put Gunnar on the floor so she could hold him. He was informed that Grandma was capable of holding two kids at once. Owen seemed satisfied with this, but whatever Grandma did to Gunnar she better do to Owen too! Owen wanted nothing to do with the camo, he has camo sweats but refused to put them on...even for a cookie.

Papa is also a super great place to sleep. I don't know what Gunnar is going to think when we get home and there won't be so many hands around to hold him.

Gunnar's Great-Grandma Joyce came over this afternoon. Gunnar hasn't let her hold him yet, but today was her lucky day. She came and was able to hold him after a nap and eating. He got a lot of smooches and enjoyed his time with her. It was hard to get a good picture because of where the sunlight was.

Fair Time

Gunnar and I have been keeping busy this week...
Monday was my birthday. My 6 year old newphew Ezra used my camera to capture the event, he took about 55 pictures. Probably 15 of his bottom trying to get a picture of the cartoon character back there.

Tuesday my mom, grandma, and I went to Spokane to my cousin Chelle's baby shower. It was nice seeing all my cousins. The car ride up was great, however, Gunnar screamed most the way home.

Wednesday, I don't remember much from Wednesday. I know my mom had Bible Study here at the house and I think my sister and I ran some errands, nothing to exciting. Oh I was in charge of dinner, is that exciting?

Thursday, we went out to Mesa to visit with Jenny Reed. Her baby Preston was born 8 days after Gunnar. She also has 3 year old Paxton. We had a nice visit and went to eat at Burger King. Then I came back to the Tri-Cities to get the oil in my parents car changed.


Today Gunnar and I went with my dad and sister to the Benton Franklin Fair. My Dad bought a lamb for the company he works for. We had a good time and saw a lot of people we knew. I might go back tonight with my brother and his two boys, we will see how tired I am.

Back in the U.S.A.

Gunnar and I are in the US until Sept. 16!!!
Saturday morning we said goodbye to Kyle as he gets ready to head the field and Gunnar, Oma,Opa and myself got on an airplane for 10 hours. I flew in style in business class, as they messed up some information with the dogs and upgraded me. It was nice, especially with the baby. Gunnar did great on the plane, it was some of the best 10 hours of his life! Everyone was telling me afterwords what a happy and good baby I had and that they were impressed with him not crying the entire time. He just did some very minor fussing a couple of times. Mind you, I didn't sleep or even watch a movie on the plane because I was working pretty hard at keeping him happy.
My parents picked us up in Seattle, we stopped by Aunt Charlotte's in Renton and then made the rest of the trip to Pasco by car. It was nice to be back. Sunday was a good day as we went to church where Paul and the boys were. We then all came back to my parents and had a good afternoon together. We think Owen is a little bent out of shape, he is no longer the baby...poor guy! Grandma and Charlie also stopped by for a bit, Gunnar is always so sleepy when the stop by, hopefully today they will see him not doing he pre-sleep fuss!
We have adjusted well to the time-zone change...it is strange to think I was 10 hours ahead in Germany. Gunnar is waking up at 3am the last two nights. Sunday night we just got out of bed, because he wouldn't go back to sleep, but today I got him to go back to sleep until 7:50...mind you I am pretty sure he was sleeping on top of me, but at least we were sleeping!!!
Here are some pictures of us having fun with my family...
Gunnar and Mom playing outside

Ezra, myself, and Owen..they were fighting over whose "B" I was

Owen at least loves the puppies

Ezra loved Gunnar and would bring him toys and want to hold him.

Uncle Paul with his first nephew Gunnar

More pictures

Dad and his wieners!

Auntie J. with Gunnar

Ezra was making water balloons chasing Dad. He would get really mad if my dad would run and not just stand there and get wet.

Owen, Gunnar, and I are playing at the water table.

Today is my 26th birthday. These sugar cookies were the first thing I wanted when I got off the plane. I don't know why, but I thought of them in the gas station, and was bummed when they didn't have them. We went shopping last night and mom bought these. I decided since it was my birthday I was allowed to have some for breakfast!

it's to hot!

Wow, what a hot day! We are still sweating and we are just sitting here.
In about 2 days I will be in the US enjoying the comforts of air conditioning for 27 days. However, my poor husband will be out in the heat for about 24 days.

Today was a busy one. I went and got the dogs health certificates to fly to the states. Took Gunnar to the doctor, asked about 100 new mom questions, and confirmed Gunnar has more thrush. AHH!!! Then I ran some errands, went to an FRG meeting, watched Kyle take out the recycling that has been building up for a good couple of months, I did homework, and am currently doing laundry. A tiring day! Gunnar didn't sleep well last night (woke up every hour on the hour), so I am hoping for a good one tonight.
Tomorrow's agenda is packing for our trip to the US. I am hoping to fit all Gunnar and my stuff in one suitcase so one dog can fly for free as my second piece of luggage...wish me luck!

Apparently it is to hot for any pictures today! :(

The Babysitter

Today for the first time ever Gunnar was left with a babysitter. This was the first time he has been watched by someone other than a family member, and with me being over a kilometer away. Mind you I wasn't much farther than a kilometer, but I am positive it was at least a little more.
Our friend Gina agreed to watch Gunnar. He is pretty fussy as we are transitioning for breast milk to formula, and the good ol' thrush is back (I could just scream, but instead will take him back to the doctor, at least I hope), so I felt kinda bad. I only left Gunnar for about 1 1/2 hours so I could go to the eye doctor, but it was still pretty hard. I know its corny, but a piece of me really felt empty...how sad. Gina had the assistance of Elizabeth, who Gunnar apparently "baptized" as she described it with his spit-up. Sorry about that, but thank you ladies!!! I am sure even though he may not of acted like it at the time, he had a great time.

Kyle had a long day at work, but offered to watch Gunnar while I went to the Love and Logic parenting class. So for another 1 1/2 I was without baby Gunnar. That is 3 hours today, how sad.
I tried getting some pictures to prove Gunnar lived without his mommy today, but all he wanted to do was pull the camera string. I think I got at least one decent one in the mix, but maybe it is a little blurry.

My Lucky Day

I can't believe it, I won something. I have entered 2 giveaways ever in the blogging world and I just found out I won!
Bakerella is one of my all time favorite blogs. She has some real yummy stuff on there, and whenever I make something from the site, people give it rave reviews. So I was excited today when I got a message saying I won the cupcake toppers she was giving away...they are pretty cute!
(The pound cake and cheese cake pops are amazing, I recently made both)

I wanna sit up!

Gunnar is really wanting to sit up on his own. The reclining position is no longer satisfactory. I need to get a little chair to assist with this, but in the meantime I just use tons of pillows. If you lay Gunnar in the reclining position a lot of the time he will try so hard to lift his neck up...I think he might pull a muscle with all the effort he is putting into it.

In addition to wanting to sit up, he has figured out how to get his toys to make noises. He has gotten the frog to sing to him a couple of times this morning from his bouncer and has figured out how to get the monkey on the play mat play music. He can't always get these things to work, but I have been impressed. Honestly I think a lot of it is luck, but he is getting the hang of it all. Maybe the days of me pulling the strings on the toys and smacking the monkey are soon to be over.

RockBand--Daddy Style

Yesterday we had some guys over for dinner. We were suppose to have 4 single soldiers over, but only 2 came. This is usually how it works, so I didn't end up with an abundance of food left over, just the perfect amount...enough for lunch today. Junior kinda helped, because he ate extra telling us he wants to get fat.
We were going to play a board game, but we opted for electronic games. The boys ended the night playing Rockband. I had to go in the back room for a while, and Gunnar got to stay out with the boys, he really enjoyed Rockband. The lights on the big screen kept him entertained in his bouncy seat for a good 2 hours, then Daddy picked him up and had his assistance playing the guitar.

Today while picking up Kyle started cleaning out a drawer in the bedroom. I tend to stuff things in drawers and cupboards to make the house appear clean, but really, if you open things up you see the secret messes (this drives Kyle bonkers). Kyle found this pink hat and booties my mom had sent before we knew if we were having a boy or girl. I had Gunnar try them on, I thought he looked pretty silly, plus they were a little small.

Saturday Fun

Yesterday we had a busy day. We spent most of it out at the lake with Kyle's Platoon. We had a good time, Kyle went out on the lake and rode the kayak. I stayed back on baby duty, but enjoyed meeting one of the wives and people watching. The lake is a great place for it...sometimes a not so appropriate place for it, but interesting. Plus, Kyle's platoon was drinking heavily and watching drunk people is pretty entertaining. However I did worry about some of them trying to swim across the lake while they were inebriated, and all the kids getting alcohol wasn't okay with me, but I tried not to mother everyone. None the less it was fun. We had to leave early (which apparently is a major issue) to head to Dan and Sandra's.
Gunnar's nap at the lake..it lasted a whole 15 minutes

We came home from the lake, grabbed the dogs and headed to Dan and Sandra's. We had a great time, we enjoyed dinner and a game. I can't remember what it was called, but it was fun. Kyle ended up winning much to Dan's dismay. I was just glad I understood the game, even if it wasn't until the last 10 minutes of it. It was a strategy game, and a little over my head, but by the time we were finishing up, I actaully understood the point of the game. I have bad listening skills and while Dan was explaining the game, I just pretended to know what was going on. Lucky for me they helped me along the way.
Our dog's were loving their yard and running free. I am not sure what their dog Nutmeg thought, but Suesse, Oma, and Opa had a blast and are still exhausted from running around,
Here are some pictures of Gunnar after church today! What a handsome kid.



We have 4 single soldiers coming over for dinner tonight, so I need to get busy. First I want a short nap, then a little picking up is in order, then grocery shopping. I have 5 1/2 hours...definitely doable!

My little Reader

Gunnar loves his books. This book is from Greg and Julie Hart and it has become a favorite! So, maybe he doesn't exactly read it, but he sure does love eating it!

The Thrush Monster

I have decided it is time to make matters into my own hands. This thrush was gone for a few days and is back in full force. Gunnar is fussy from it and I am cranky from it all. So, yesterday I went out and bought some formula. After extensive research on switching from breast milk to formula we have started the transition. I wanted to consult a doctor first, but apparently they don't have time for us. Right now Gunnar is drinking a bottle with 3/4 breast milk and 1/4 formula and we will transition over this week to only formula. He has enough tummy issues that I didn't want to switch completely over and upset his stomach. I am also convinced he is eating better with the bottle. I also read that powdered formula causes more gas so after consulting with Mr. Dad (Kyle) we went against powder, while it is more expensive, we would much rather pay the money than deal with Gunnar having any more gas than he already deals with...he is a gassy little boy.
Hopefully with the switch to the bottle, I can sanitize everything well and this way Gunnar and I won't be passing this nasty thrush back and forth to each other. I am a little sad about it, but the bottle is way better than being sick constantly. I want to be over this before we get on an airplane!
I also have some of his Gentian Violet from our last thrush incident as she only wanted me to use it twice. So we put some of that on his cheeks last night too and I have a little antibiotics left, so we will keep on trucking until Monday when we can hopefully get an appointment.
So putting this stuff in Gunnar's mouth is not easy. I tried once by myself and had it all over, because he was swinging his arms. So I ask Kyle to help. He got to choose between being the cheek painter or holder, he chose to paint (go figure). This was not a good idea, he was trying to make a dot on Gunnar's forehead as this stuff really dyes skin, but I caught him and he only got the nose...So we now have a purple nosed and mouthed Gunnar. (Lucky for me I was quick with washing this nose, so it isn't to noticeable).

Here is a another picture of Gunnar. Suesse was actaully enjoying being next to him and not trying to run the other way.

I am also thinking I am going to have to buy a wig soon. Holy Smokes am I losing a ton of hair. Kyle is sick of waking up in a sea of Beth hair, and anywhere you walk you have Beth hairs attaching to your feet. I am ready for this to stop.

Love and Logic

Kyle and I went to the parenting class "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent." Kyle thinks the concept is great, I still need to be sold on it a little more. Basically the love and logic method teaches parents to hold their children accountable. It causes the child to see the parent as the "good guy" and the child's poor decision as the "bad guy." Last night was the first two modules and there are 4 more modules.
Besides the parenting class we also had a pre-deployment thing last night. I have been pretty numb to this deployment up until this point, and it has hit me this is really happening. We have known about it basically since the day he set foot on the ground from the last deployment, but it seems so unreal still. Saying goodbye to your husband for a year is not an easy thing, especially knowing he is going to an unsafe place. This is our third deployment since we have been married, and his fourth overall, it is crazy how much he is gone. I am thankful that we have a strong marriage to withstand these times apart as they are not easy. He has now been home a little over a year and the time has flown by and what changes we have had. I spent 9 months of it pregnant and now 3 1/2 months of it have been spent loving our little Gunnar. Kyle and I are fully relying on God to get us through this. It is especially hard on Kyle this time, having to say goodbye to not just me, but Gunnar. Gunnar will change so much while he is gone, and I will do my best to keep him updated through email, pictures, and videos it won't be the same. He also doesn't look forward to spending another year dirty and hot.
More fun stuff, Gunnar and I are still battling this thrush. I have tried all week to make an appointment at the health clinic, but keep getting told they are booked for the day and they aren't scheduling any appointments in advance. So frustrating. I even set the alarm to call them right at seven so I can be first in line the last three days. Today I sat on hold for 15 minutes, and apparently I called a minute to early so I was going to be sitting on hold all day. When I tried again at 7:15 I was caller #5. When she got to me, she said "sorry, I just booked the last appointment for the day." I feel horrible for Gunnar and really hope it doesn't hurt. I am in a little pain from the infection, but I worry more about Gunnar than myself.
Enough sad stuff, here are some pictures from yesterday. We really were busy, running around pretty much all day. Gunnar did great all day, and only got fussy at the parenting classes when he was exhausted.
Gunnar loves putting anything in his mouth he can get his hands on, even his own hands.

Here is some proof that Gunnar does sleep in his own crib at night, but the swing is his favorite for naps. He is pretty good about holding on to things now and likes his snuggley bear and doggy.


This cracks me up, it is a few days old, but oh well. Kyle was sitting in the back with Gunnar on the way home from the Black Forest. Gunnar like I have mentioned hates the car and was screaming his little head off. Kyle was doing everything he could think of to calm the boy down. Finally, it got quiet I turned around and he had the blanket over both of their heads and both were sound asleep, Kyle with his head in Gunnar's lap.

Relaxing Day

Today was just a chill day. I stayed up late helping Kyle finish some paperwork that he was sent with home over the weekend, and in true Kyle fashion he waited until the last possible moment to complete it. So we worked on it from about 11pm-1am yesterday.
So, I was exhausted most of the day. Gunnar did have a much better night sleeping, so that was a relief. He also took his long nap in the morning, so that allowed me to catch up on some zzz's too!
Tomorrow I have a lot to get done, so we enjoyed the day of being lazy and playing together.
Gunnar loves his play-mat, and I am so glad we got it. It keeps him entertained for a long time (sometimes up to about an hour). Today Kyle got home from work and Gunnar was fussing so he set him on the mat. Gunnar was holding the monkey's legs trying to pull himself up and laughing. Of course when I went over to take a picture, he got serious and just stared at me.


Here is Gunnar enjoying tummy time. He usually hates it, but today, he had an alright time. He has figured out how to roll himself over so that makes it all the more fun. He has to work really hard and it takes him awhile, but he gives big grins when he gets flipped over.

Gunnar is growing so much. He is finally in 3-6 month old clothing...well some of it at least. He can also wear some newborn clothes. I had to share because I know babies that are a lot younger than him who have been wearing 3-6 month old clothes for a while.
Well, Gunnar is snoozing and I have clothes to fold...I think laundry is never ending! I better get busy while I have some free arms.

From Mrs. Pettit to Mommy

Today and I went in and they finally had paperwork for me to sign for be officially done. So, I am officially a "Stay at Home Mommy." I still have mixed feeling about this, but I know that being here for little Gunnar is most important.
After signing the paperwork, we got to work getting my personal items out of the classroom.

Even Kyle worked hard. He carried the big tupperware out of the room to the car. I have tons of children books that were given to me by teachers retiring, and they didn't make for a light load.

Gunnar fell asleep from all the hard work, and Kyle thought the box was the safest place for him. Poor baby. He did however sleep in there for a good 30 minutes.

We think this might be a more effective way to get Gunnar to the US than on the plane! (Please notice that he is no longer just in the box which isn't to safe, he is in the box on a rocking chair...SUPER SAFE!!!)

I will always be Mrs. Pettit, but my new official job title is Mommy...all for this cute little guy!

Black Forest

Today we got up fairly early and left for the Black Forest. It was beautiful, and overall we had a pretty good day, just a lot of driving. We ended up just walking away with pictures, no cuckoo clocks and no black forest cake. I guess we will have to go back! We went and spent most of our time in Triberg, where we got to check out the Gutach River waterfall.
Here are some pictures of us with the waterfall, the Black Forest!




Thanks Junior for hanging out with us, taking all the pictures, and for listening to Gunnar scream in the car with a smile on your face! (Gunnar hates car rides, I am hoping he likes plane rides a little more or it is going to be a very long 10 hour flight!)