Bragging

Just a short blog here to do a little bragging on Rendon...you thought it was going to be about Carolina, right? Anyway, he was the relief pitcher for their baseball game on Saturday. His arm had recovered from the last game, and he went in in the 6th inning. Unfortunately, I brought my camera without the memory card, so I didn't get any pictures. They were at a different field and it was great for pictures, oh well. But Rendon took over and did awesome! They went into extra innings, and a guy came up to bat that Rendon had struck out his 2 previous at bats. Well, this time the guy figured it out, and hit the ball, bringing the guy on 2nd home. I know it's all about the team, but I'm so proud of how Rendon is doing so I just had to post this :-) This is the short recap from the game.

"Warhawks Lose in 10!Although the Warhawks avoided a 2nd inning meltdown, they were unable to pull out the win. Rendon Corbin pitched lights-out following the horrendous display of control by Lachlan Galbraith. 7 walks and 3 Hb's wont win you ballgames."

You can check out the full page here.

Now for a few pics of Lina and Tanner at playgroup today.

Haley has an almost identical picture to this from almost a year ago. I was going to post it for comparison, but it's on her older computer. This version is small to avoid Tanner being cut out by the layout...








I didn't realize at first, but it totally looks like Tanner is proposing here. Really Tanner is trying to play patty cake with Carolina, and Carolina was trying to pull him up to sit with her.

It's Official

Our new home.

We are moving to Anchorage, AK at the beginning of August. We thought Rendon had until the end of the month to decide, but Rendon found out he either had to cancel the orders, or cancel the cross training package. They put him on the spot, they needed to know right then. Knowing that the cross training was not a guarantee, and if he cancelled the orders it would be next to impossible to ever get orders somewhere else again, he cancelled the cross training. It may all work out in the next four years; His current job is on the way out so he may have to do forced cross training anyway. If we stay in San Antonio, and he doesn't get the cross training now, he may not get to do it when the job 'goes away' because a lot of people that work in the hospital at Lackland are just going to be transferred to BAMC, instead of going to a new job field. So we will see.


In the meantime I am getting used to the idea of moving. I knew way back in November when we found out we might finally get orders to Alaska that I would have mixed feelings about the whole thing. Up until Rendon had to cancel the cross training I was excited. Then he called and told me that Alaska was it, and cross training was out the door. My heart kinda sunk a little bit. It surprised me, and it was then that I realized I was actually kinda hoping he would get the cross training. At the same time, I think that had cross training come back as a 'yes', I would feel the same way if we decided not to go to Alaska. I know one thing for sure, I am going to miss the friends I've made here. If only I could take Haley, Becky, and Kristy with me to Alaska! But that's military....I know it won't be goodbye forever. Hopefully it'll work out so we can all get together once a year or so to catch up. I love you girls!! And Carolina is going to miss you too!

We've been trying to go somewhere, do something different, for 3 1/2 years. It all worked out, but all at the same time! On an ironic note, the orders came through on March 17th. The very same day Rendon and I met at his frat's St. Patrick's Day party 5 years ago! Rendon can't wait to get back on the slopes on a regular basis, and I can't wait to be able to ski regularly (attempt...) to get good enough to keep up with Rendon on some of the more challenging terrain. He's considering teaching lessons at one of the ski resorts to hopefully cut down on season pass cost ($1200 at Alyeska, phew!). There are a few smaller ski areas closer to Anchorage that will be perfect for teaching Carolina to ski. We are finding so many fun things to go see and do, and can't wait to experience all the new and different things.

A few pictures from Rendon's game. They lost (12-10), but Rendon did well. He started and pitched 7 innings. The positions Rendon gets his arm in to pitch the ball mystifies me....I didn't get a good picture of when his arm looks like the elbow is going the completely wrong way, but the second one here is close.

Throwing the ball to first to cut down on the runners lead (I think that's how to phrase it....)


One of the other kids at the game brought their tricycle, scooter, and bubble machine (dedicated mom there to carry all that....Carolina gets a couple books and a little toy or 2). We thought the little girl was at least 3 or maybe even 4, but when I asked her how old she was she said "I'm 2, be 3 in May!". We were blown away, because she looked much older. Her, Carolina, and another little boy, Zaden, were playing with her multitude of toys. At one point Carolina was playing with the scooter, and the next time I looked back, she was standing on it. At first I rushed over because I was terrified she was going to fall, but then I thought well Jazzmine is 2 and she was riding like a pro. So I knelt down and pulled one of Carolina's feet off and tried to motion it in the right way. She got annoyed at me before I even demonstrated it once. But she was balancing herself great, so I let her be. I kept a close eye on her, and within a few moments she put her foot down (the opposite one I tried to teach her with) and pushed off. And kept going! She went up and down the sidewalk, and the few times that she wobbled, she caught herself! It kept my heart jumping for a lot of the game, but she had TONS of fun. I was thoroughly impressed. Once Rendon saw he was amazed too.

In this trip down the sidewalk she was saying "Weeeee, weeeeee!" every time she pushed off.

So Carolina finally learned how to smile on command. It's the same 'cheesy' smile all kids do, but Carolina adds her own little twist. Every time she smile she turns her head to one side or the other and closes her eyes. haha

Sweet Smiles

I finally discovered the trick to capturing that illusive smile Carolina is so good at hiding when I have the camera out. Put her in a bath tub, with lots of bubbles, and make Rendon jump out from behind the wall and do crazy stuff. And she smiles!











Rendon is on the Baseball Varsity League team this year. Previous years, he's just coached his squadron softball team, but finally decided to go for the base team. He had his first game Monday, although it was just a scrimmage. Not knowing him in highschool, I've never seen him pitch, so it was an exciting first for us. Although I was worried, because even with softball, his shoulder would hurt him after games. It has given him a little grief since he's started back pitching, but according to him, it's a normal amount of pain....not due to previous injuries. There were a few guys that pitched before him, based on seniority mostly, but I was very proud of him for not letting that get to him. He hadn't thrown to a batter in practice yet, just thrown bullpens. So he went up for his turn in the 5th inning and did ok, only allowed 1 hit and 2 walks. Pretty good for someone who hasn't been on a mound in years! (I think so anyway, Rendon might say differently, he was a littler harder on himself) In the 6th inning, he struck 2 out, and the 3rd guy up to bat was out at first! He was the only pitcher to strike anyone out! As he returned to the dugout the coach gave him a pat on the back and said "Why didn't I put YOU in earlier?!?". I'm so happy for him to be back playing the game he loves! Hopefully it'll be a fun and successful season. Carolina really enjoyed watching the game, although we had our close call with a foul ball already. I know now not to try and find the ball in the air, just duck and cover both of us!

By the time Rendon got up to pitch it was fairly dark so the pictures aren't too clear. But his next game is Sunday, so stay tuned.

Carolina enjoying some apple and baseball!

The Past Month

Carolina is TWO! It's starting to feel normal to say we have a 2 yr old, but only recently has it really sunk in. I wish I had some recent videos, she is talking up a storm. We had her second birthday party on the 25th. My parents (Grandmother and Grandaddy) and Rendon's mom (Grandma) flew in, since we didn't see anyone over Christmas. She loved having everyone here, and was appropriately spoiled by all. We rented a bounce house for the day, and Carolina loved it. She would jump in a bounce house all day everyday if you gave her the choice. She received more presents and play food than she knows what to do with. Again, just like Christmas, she wasn't in too much of a hurry to get the presents open, so her friend Alyssa helped a lot.

**Sorry that some of the horizontal pictures are cut off on the right side. They do that when I put them on her from Flickr, and the only way I can do the blog from work is to transfer the pics from Flickr.

The cake and many cupcakes. Same as always....vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream!




This was the face she held while everyone was singing 'Happy Birthday', and just stared at the cupcake. Funny thing is, Grandma Lori got her a Melissa and Doug wooden birthday cake set, and she always wants you to sit at the table in the playroom so she can serve you the cake, and then tells you to sing the 'Happy Cake' song to HER. And she dances and laughs as you sing. But muster the smallest smile for everyone singing for her she would not!


Nope, wouldn't try to blow the candles out either (but tries her hardest on the play candles).


Finally!! She gets to eat the cupcake! She'd been begging for one since she saw me get the mixer out.




Family portrait


Bounce House Fun!




Opening presents




This was her bath baby from Alyssa, complete with it's own hooded towel. Carolina LOVES it, and refers to bath time as "Baby Bubble Bath! Baby Bubble Bath!" now.




Her Little People Princess set from Uncle Evan, Aunt Christy, Emily and Abigail. Another favorite, but she does NOT like it if you try to make the horse pull the carriage, she always puts it IN the carriage with the princess.


Her first Tricycle, or 'bike'!


Checkin' it out.


No one told Tanner to push her. He just knew that his best bud needed a little help! So sad to think they are probably leaving us in a few months...We'll miss you!!


Grandmother and Grandaddy stayed for the whole week after her party, which was great. Carolina got to spend a lot of time with them AND they were a huge help in the final stages of moving--THANK YOU!!! We spent most days just hanging around the house. The day before they left we went downtown for the cattle drive that opens up the Rodeo. Although we missed the actual cattle drive, we did get to see the HUGE longhorns. You could take a turn sitting on one but the line was just too long. They also had pony rides, which after quite a few times of me asking "Lina, do you want to ride the horsey?" and "Are you sure, it'll be fun!", she decided that YES, she did want to ride the horsey. Although she cried and pouted when her turn was over, during the actual ride you couldn't tell if she liked it or not. The next day, there was a horse on some commercial and she turned to me and said "I need a horse".

After a lot of bribing with candy from Grandmother, Carolina decided she would sit still for a photo or two.


She has this new thing where she will kiss you to wake you up if you 'Go sleep!' This time Granddaddy actually did doze off for a minute, and Carolina 'shhhhh'ed' us, then walked over to wake him up. Very cute!


Grandmother's gonna get Lina!


Not too sure about the pony at first.


Liking it better.



After that we went to the Annual Bar B Q cook off. It was very interesting to walk around and see all the elaborate set ups all the participants had. Only in Texas, haha. Lina enjoyed riding in her stroller, especially after we got her a cone of popcorn, and she ate the whole thing herself.

Walking around with her milk and fuzzy green purse full of books.


Tickling Daddy


Telling us a detailed story about the 'Bar b toot'


Thursday Feb. 12th, we went to the doctor to see what's going on with her kidneys. The test they ran came back normal, but it was quite the ordeal. The test is called a 'VCUG', and in my opinion they should never do it on an awake 2 yr old. Originally, the doctor said they would sedate her, but then the nurse said they didn't need to. Once they explained how it all would work, Rendon and I were very skeptical. But they proceeded with her totally awake. I had second thoughts halfway through, but didn't stop them. Pretty much as soon they were done, I regretted not stopping it, and still wish I hadn't allowed them to put her through that. They had to strap her down with huge velcro straps, and hold her legs in a frog position as they inserted a catheter. She's been cathed before multiple times, but it was always quick. For this they had to insert radiation into her bladder and take xrays in a CT type contraption continually until she peed. The nurse who insisted that Carolina not be sedated was rude and abrupt the whole time, first complaining that Carolina was 'pushing the catheter back out every time I almost get it' and then that Carolina wasn't peeing fast enough. I'm currently working on submitting a complaint about her, it's just unacceptable to us that a nurse have those expectations of a 2yr old that is strapped down and doesn't have any concept as to why. Carolina was sobbing and struggling the whole time, and couldn't hardly catch her breath even after we were holding her. We didn't even bother trying to put her clothes back on. Just grabbed everything and got out as quick as possible. Luckily it was warm outside, and her Valentines Party was right after. So we headed over to playgroup, and let her eat whatever she wanted! Which, of course, was cupcakes. Her lunch that day was 2 cupcakes! We felt so bad for her. I'm really worried that it's going to cause some kind of emotional trauma from being held down for 35 minutes; sort of claustrophobia or a fear of being trapped. Hopefully, she will have no recollection of it at all.....

Flying high at the Valentines Party


Random cuteness after waking up from a nap one day recently.


Sleepy smile and flushed cheeks. Love it.


One day, due to the humidity or something, her pigtails both made one lil spiral each. I haven't been able to get them to do it again.

Happy Valentine's Day!

~Happy Valentines~, originally uploaded by andreal_c.

We've had an eventful month; Moving, Carolina's birthday party, family visiting, and more doctor visits. All topped off by Carolina's Valentine's party with all her (and mine!) best buds. I made vanilla AND red velvet (white and red of course!) cupcakes topped with vanilla buttercream, sugar crystals in red or pink, and handmade white chocolate hearts. Of course, the kids couldn't care less about all the fancy-ness, but I have fun making them :-) And eating them isn't too shabby either.

We're finally settled in good to the new house, and we're loving every minute of our extra space. Carolina has learned to count to 15, thanks to our stairs. She has a little trouble with 'eleven', although I believe she continues to say it 'elev-lalalala' because she sees that it gets a laugh out of us.

Hopefully I'm going to find some time here soon to update everyone with some recent pictures. Stay Tuned!

01/52

01/52, originally uploaded by andreal_c.

A couple ladies from my fave photography group on Cafemom started a project called 52/52 on Flickr. Similar to the 365 project (a photo a day for a year), you take a photo a week for a year. The goal is to take a self portriat of your child and you. So this was my first week! I wasn't planning on doing it today, but I was already attempting to do Carolina's 2 year photos at the park, and this moment was just right. Rendon was my tripod, haha, meaning I set all the settings, set the focal point, and had him push the button! I love the pic, just wished I had been more prepared (you know, hair, makeup, clothes that didn't require editing bright yellow Appalachian graphics out.....). I'm really excited about the project. I'm always the one behind the camera. There are so few photos of Carolina and me, it'll be nice to have some of us to put up in the house. Also, I think it will be something really special that we can look back on when she's older!

I'm considering doing her and Rendon as well, but I'll have to discuss that with him first, he's not big on posing for photographs....