WOW WOW

Ok so i know it's been over a month and i could go on and on about the changes we have gone through as a family of 4, the blessings we have been given and just the day to day stuff, but the most important thing going on right now is....

WERE COMING THE USA!!!!


thats right, our household gets packed up on the 3rd and moved on the 4th, we have a travel itinerary for Dec 15th, which means if all goes smoothly we will be in Pennsylvania by 6:30 pm PA time. We really had the Lord with us through all of this, for what seemed like forever, Josh came home weekly and had a new answers as to whether or not he would deploy, i became physically ill , and finally had really accepted he would be gone a year AGAIN, and i would be moving to PA with both boys, we started the process for that only to find out Gods sovereign hands were on his paperwork and he was given PCS orders. So thats what we have been up to. The boys are amazing, i already see such passion in Jacobs eyes for his brother and joy in Caleb's when Jacob enters a room. Jacob is speaking so well, we are amazed at the things he comes up with, lately they all have to do with Christmas, Hunting and Washington.

I hope God Blessed you all on Thanksgiving!!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his ^a]">[a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
is faithfulness continues through all generations

At a fun little Halloween Party, Jacob didnt want to dress in his pirate outfit but here is our little Parrot. 2nd pumpkin carved of the month~ if you look closely u can see the little smile Caleb has toward jacob talking about the "green" pumpkin

Just a really cute pic, of Jacob holding Caleb!

SO... With Caleb alsmot 3 mths old i guess i can blog again:) Actually its because we are stuck at home b/c this mama has strep throat. NOT FUN~ and praying the boys dont get it.

So anyway October hase been mild for our family, other then they anticipation of a depolyment or a pcs not much has gone on. I am happy to say as of right now we should ALL be home in time for Chirstmas, things coudl always change so i am trying not to get to excited.

We did have an ER visit with Caleb, it was a saturday and while we were getting ready do go on a day trip i had Caleb laying on the ground, i hussled to throw his diaper away and caught Jacob out of the corner of my eye just casually step on him, not out of anger, not being mean, jsut thought hey let me try u out. SO i was beside myself and scared so off we went to the italian ER- everything was fine and jacob totally learned his lesson when he realized we had to take him to the dr.

We also had 2 dr appts in a wekk with Caleb. He until last week has been a relaxed and chill baby, pefers to lay on hi sown then be held, all those traits that has mad ehaving 2 pretty easy, however on the 19th he totally changed, had a low fever and was cyring pretty much all the time, i had him checked from top to bottom (literally since when they did check his bottom he pooed all over the dr) everything seemd fine, the next day i had his ear checked all clear there, so not i can say that as of yesterday the 25th thign seem to be improving.

Caleb weighs 15 lb and is 24 inches he is alreayd wearing 6 mth clothing but i dare say that some 9mth things fit as well:) he looks jsut like his daddy:)

Jacob~ our spirited toddler is full of business right now, and potty training, he does pretty well but we are far away from underpants in public. Jacob gets such a thirll out of seeing his "business" in the potty WHAT A BOY!!!! Right now he is loving Santa and has been watching the Polar Express movie, he also love playing with dinosaurs and playdough! he plays played for up to 2 hrs a day. he asks jsut about everyday if he can go to school, he sees the schools and parks aroudn our base and the kids playing on them. He also THANKS to Grannie Garner has been caught in the middle of the night changing his PJs, he got 4 new pair and cant make up his mind which pair he wants to wear. i dont blame him thay all feel so cozy!

Jacob weighs 30 lbs and is about 36 inches if i recall right.

As for Josh and I, we look forward to weekends when we can all be together and have started planing in our heads things fo rthe possible move come dec 15th:)

We love and miss you all!

Also jsut for any firends and family who do not have facebook: recently a friend of mine here Katie Friedman passed away due to birthing complications, this was her 2nd child a boy. She now leaves behind a 20 mth olf boy -clark and the new baby Quinn with their daddy Jon. Just pleae lift the entire family up in your prayers.

Photos

Murano Island-famous for their glass.

Jacob with his friend Charlie, they kept watching this farmer, He took Jacob for a short ride however, as soon as he couldn't see daddy Jacob broke down.

Just love this pic of my boys:) they grow too fast!!
Another fav. of my boys:) the outfit Caleb is wearing was Josh's.

Sept 1 2009

Caleb at Carole Beach-Adriatic Sea














Jacob Playing along the ice cold water of Lake Barcis, the water comes down the mountains.









Caleb deep in thought:)








Hello All!! You may have already accepted the fact that Blog entries are going to slow down, wiht 2 now its hard to find time to just sit and type as well as upload pics and such. I also started school again so when i am on the computer i am working like a mad woman to complete an assignment. I only have 5 classes left and hope to test out of 1, so close i can taste it:)

We have done alot over the 1st month of Caleb's Life, probably more then we should have but with a 2 year old we couldn't just lounge at home, we had playgroups to attend:) Jacob has enjoyed beign a big brother, we are tackling some hitting issues ( this i blame on a glimpse at Tom and Jerry) and sleeping problems but nothing that i could PINPOINT as being because we brought a baby home. He likes to help and tells us when Cadub is crying.

Caleb is doing awesome, at hsi 2 week appt he had gained 2 lbs, he loves to eat:)
We are having some gas issues, he hardly cries out but he grunts a groans non stop, its very hard to deal with. Mostly it begins at 4 am. We are still trying to figure out what to do and what will work to ease his gas pains.
Caleb has been to the beach, lake Barcis, Murano Island, the first two trips went well, murano island was hot and miserable, (almost anywhere is in Italy in the month of August) but Aunt Annie found beautiful jewels so i guess as a woman it was worth the trip.

We were hoping for a visit over Labor Day from our good friends in Germany with boys the same age as ours, however we will have to try for October neither of the guys were able to get a millage pass approved. DARN ARMY~ and with that we ares till waiting to hear what the future holds for us, it can go 3 different ways so we are hoping to know by this week what way it takes us. Praying it keeps us together.

The boys and i will begin Bible study on the 14th, I include them because Jacob will be in a more structured playing/teaching environment. There will plenty of free time however Jesus will be discussed and bible stories will be taught. I have agreed to be the assistant director for the childcare during the weekly bible study. so along with my own study i will just help manage the program for the children. I already feel Jacob has a passion in his heart, some days he is the first at meal time to ask for Grace to be said, he closes his hands and his eyes and mumbles as daddy says our blessing, again at bedtime he will ask for Jesus and name all the people he wants to pray for, recently he added Caleb on his own, Josh about cried, it;s so awesome to know just by living Gods word we can influence our babies.

the week in review

As you all know Caleb Joshua Garner arrived on Saturday August 1st and 8 19 am. 7lbs 13oz and 20 in long.

Since then we have spent the week loving on him and cuddling both our boys, we are truly blessed to have such amazing spirits in our family.

Caleb is very tranquil as the Italians say, he sleeps more then Jacob ever did and will suck and root on ANYTHING. Our little hoover:)

Jacob has been over all amazing with his baby brother, as i nurse a pile will accumulate on my lap of things Jacob brings to Caleb or as he referes to him Cadub. booties, a hat, a lovey are just a few of the things Jacob thinks Caleb should have. At least 4 times a day we hear "hold it hold it" and Jacob sits right beside us and holds his brother.

We took our first family of 4 outting today, near by there is a lake,Caleb slept and Jacob and i fed the fish and the hissing swan, both of us were quite scared he was going to come after us. we played on the park and the attempted ice cream, however for Jacob having it in his hand is much better then eating it.

we now anxiously await the arrival of Aunt Annie who come on tuesday to help share in our bliss.

~over all thoughts aon the new addition, i think he resembles Josh much more, although Jacob started out this way. Calebs eyes are darker and his cheeks are fuller so maybe the Garner gene did dominate this time, we shall see. we have set up a photo appt to have Caleb's newborn pics taken as well as a family photo:)

Last One!!

We are all hoping this is the last enrty as a family of 3, we are on pins and needles here knowing Caleb could enter the world any moment.

Here Jacob is trying on goggles, he looked like a little scientist!!

Anyway just a short update on Jacob, as we sat here tonight and played dinosaurs we counted how many we could fit into the back of a tonka truck, to our suprise Jacob proceeded to count as well, making it to 4 on his own and then jumping in at 7 and 9 and 10. We were AMAZED, we have practised each day when brushing his teeth, we coutn to 10 each set so to see the work paying of was blissfull.

Jacob also got a hair cut~ Uncle Joe will be happy to know this. I (mom) was hoping to grow it out and see ringlets again however it seemed to stop growing downward and start becoming puffier, he seemed extra hot when running around at the beach so he went back to the big boy hair cut. He is as handsome as ever!!!

We are just so amazed by the things that are coming out of Jacob's mouth, he is for sure a little copycat so we are extra careful on harsh words around him. He loves to help daddy mow the grass and follows him like a little duck in the yard. I have to get it on film!

Though Jacob gets annoyed and scared of Sellie (the dog) he still wanted to help brush her!!

UPDATE

Ok i updated the size guesses, but i seemed to have lost my list, i am sure i am excused with only 14 DAYS to go.

if you dont see your guess please email me so i can make sure to have them all on paper for the hospital

I have my 38 week appt tmrw, check back for anynews.

On an excellent note i havent gained any weight in 3 weeks HOORAY!!!! Something for me to be happy about since when i do step on the scale i feel like someone puts a backpack full of free weights on me:)

This and That

Please continue to make your guesses either by email or commenting on the post below.


Ireland was our last big trip before Caleb arrives but we wanted to let you all know what we do to keep busy .

Our 4th of July, we spent it with 2 families who are great friends of ours, Jacob played all day with Kennedy and Isaac, the fireworks ont he base ended up being a wahs for us, since it POURED, other wise it was a great time

Isnt J the perfect example of an all american boy, in his adorable flag swim suit. He had 2 festive shirts to wear this day as well, one read "Daddys' my Hero" How perfect for our family.

Yes we decided to bring out some of the baby items: J fought and fussed all day about wanting to get in, of course we explained no he was too big and this was for Caleb, he however managed to climb in as i wasent looking and then so proud of himself Yells "LOOK LOOK LOOK" i had to snap the pic and then get him out, he hasent tried again however he can reach the speed dial, so we will have to keep a close eye on him or Caleb maybe on a roller coaster ride instead of a soothing swing.

Here playing play dough, his favorite thing to do is make snakes and he is getting rather good, yes we even add eyes.

This one was taken today, as we wait for 1 pm for the pool to open. He claims to be making a HOUSE!!!!

This one I included because i recieved such wonderful compliments on Sunday at Chruch, Josh and I along with many other were both recognized for our volunteer work in the childcare. One woman said i looked like a greek goddess, a bit extreme i know but on days like today when i feel so BIG it made me feel WONDERFUL.

Let's Play

Ok everyone 3 weeks to go lets get a guessing game going to make it pass faster.

How Big or Little will Caleb be???

Ashley Severino- 8 lb 4 oz 20.5 inches
Me- 8 lb 7 oz 21 inches
Megan W.- 8lbs 5 oz 20.5 inches
Cynthia- 8lbs 3 oz 21 inches
Tiana- 8 lbs 1 oz 21 inches

Daddy- 7 lb 8 oz 21 inches
Shari- 7 lb 12 oz 21.5 inches
Grannie S- 7 lbs 12 oz 19.5 inches
Aunt Laine- 7 lbs 11 oz 20.5 inches
Liz C.- 7 lb 2 oz 19 inches
Aunt Bonnie- 7 lbs 5 oz 20 inches

Aunt Vickie- 6 lbs 12 oz 20 in
Pappy S.- 6lbs 9 0z 23 in HAHAHA MEN!!!


Post your guess on the comments section or email them to me and i will add them.

Ireland~ The Emerled Isle

Ireland was Beautiful, thats about how u can describe it, we had wonderful weather contrary to what everytold us.
This is the site on our wild wicklow tour used in many films.

Our adventures included, many stops in Dublin: churches, a zoo, Josh was able to partake in the pubs, and a visits to the Guinness Factory as well as the Jameson WHiskey Distillery. We also visited an old prison now used in some films, such as the Tutors.

Our Saturday in Ireland borught the Wild Wicklow Bus Tour. Here we saw beautifil countryside and filming spots such as P.S. I Love You. the hills were amazing, even without the full bloom heather. we visited a monastary, and Josh got to have a shot of WHISKEY of course, on the side of a road. A road which i might mention if you go off of even an inch the ground will collapse.

Ok now Photos: This is the Church of Christ. we did not go in because there were charging an entrance fee, something un heard of in Italy, since most are catholic. Irelands churches ar emostly non denominational and simply go by Christian.

Jacob and Kennedy, locked behind the jail doors.

This is the a piece of the wall which at one point surrounded Dublin, J is fast asleep!!

Goof Ball Daddy, tryign to do a mustache. On the first day we were there, we chose a local smaller pub to eat at, Josh of course ordered a beer and Jacob decide the nice foam on top looked similar to ice cream and stuck his finger right in to have a taste, we all jsut sorta gasped as he then did it again.

The first half of June

First half of June Snipits!!!

Yes yes here i am this was at 33 weeks!

Our first Beach trip of the summer, if the weather keeps like it is we wont be going back either! Jacob filled dumbed and refilled this bucket the whole time we were there, unless i was forcing him in to the ocean:)

Jacob's first movie, Josh was tdy and i took Jacob to see UP, i figured he would LOVE the bright balloons. He made it about an hour, and then proceeded to tell me "all done" and "go home".

Check back soon for the second half of June, IRELAND!!!!

PS~ jacob told us the other day while out to eat "Dont want high chair" LOL oh goodness, to big to fast!!

Sprinkles and Showers!!

A diaper cake made by one of the guests!!

Our weekend brought a sprinkle and many showers:)

I was given a surprise SPRINKLE by my girlfriends here, they arranged to have it at the base club and went through all the steps to decorate and keep it a secrete. I was surpised! Perhaps my favorite was the invitations, they read: "Josh and Jess are having one more, big brother Jacob has plenty to share, this is only a SPRINKLE to show that we care..." I love first that they included Jacob, but also that we really do have the neccessites, as i have told others who have asked, this time around we can buy the fun stuff:) SO the celebration was lovley and i am so blessed to have these women in my life.

I have my 32 week appt. on wednesday amd Jacob has is 2 year well baby check up. We pray all is well!


This is Maggie and Tiana, they so graciously hosted the sprinkle for me!!

Now the SHOWERS, all weekend long storms storms and more storms. we spent hte entire weekend inside and with that comes a somewhat krancy kid, though it may not look it by the photos, entertaing was rough this weekend, Daddy was home and with that Jacob expects lots of time outside. However inside or outside Jacob struggles with a space bubble when it come to Daddy. In the photo above you can see he enjoys climbing ALL OVER Josh!

This photos had to be croped, because jacob wouldnt stay seated ont he potty!!! He is doing well, and goes every evening before his bath and 2-3 times a day. But still has no interest in doing away with the diaper.

Just an example of the mess, that takes palce when we cant escape the house:)

Jacob Gregory Garner

For you are fearfully and wonderfully made...Psalms 139

Jacob, the day we left the hospital!

Jacob's 1st Birthday

Jacob Turns 2!

We Celebrated Jacob's birthday yesterday with about 9 of his little friends, a jumping castle and tons of laughter. The weather was cool, but the rain held off and Jacob was in good spirits all day.

He woke in the morning and our mission was to not let him see the jumping castle because we knew he would beg and beg for it. He waited for his friends to start arriving and off to jump they went.

The first picture is classic, as you see Jacob is holding his own juice box however he did not hesitate to partake in the others on the table in front of him, None of us moms can be sure just how many each kid had but the apple juice was flowing!!!

The next picture is of Jacob helping himslef to the gift table, and he did have the right after all. He scooped this one up and headed to a seat. his ended up being a mini tonka truck race track. All his friends really know our boy, he recieve several trucks, dinos and even an electric drill.

Oh my Josh and I are amazed at the little boy we have, and are so filled with joy and thanks each day we see him smile!

Thank you to everyone who has shared his life with us!!

10 cents or a Dime

However you say it, it still was the same thing when Jacob Swallowed it. Thats right, at the very same time i laid Jacob down to change his diaper into the mouth he popped the dime. This happened Saturday the 16th around 2 30.

After the very scary choking and gaging and vomitting we called 911 to ask if we should take him to the ITALIAN EMERGENCY ROOM. They said YES we should. Off we went i have seen all i need to of that place for the rest of our stay in Italy.

The dr was nice however just claimed, it would pass on its own, WHY couldnt 911 tell me this???

So now it has passed, yes Josh foudn the dime Today!!!! Oh the Joys of Boys!!!!

Yes the photo is of Jacob holding THE dime in a ziploc bag, Daddy

What else have we been up to, we found a turtle thats right the Garner family found a turtle surprise surprise. We had HER with us for about 4 days until Rose foudn the very greatfull owner, who thanks us for her return with home made honey and honey grappa (schnapps)

The turtle was 15 years old, Jacob was hesitent of touching her but was facinated with her when she crawled around on our deck.

Oh yes it is Summer here in Italy, Jacob is becoming covered with bumps and brusies, as all little boys do, even his BF Isaac has his share. We're sure it isnt the last of them.

WE are counting down to Jacob's Birthday Party, with plans to rent a jumping castle and put out the pool. Turtle Theme of course, we;re so thankful Daddy is here this year so we are doing it right!!

We had our 28 week dr. appt and i am measuring just right, only 80 days left!!!

Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we try and figure out what the Army Future holds for us. Once we know details you all as well. Until then just pray for the best for us.

Guess whos' back

Hello All, as most of you know we have arrived back here in Italy. Upon our retrun Josh was there to meet us, thanks to the awesome men he works with they were able to send him home early to be with his family during our family's loss of an uncle.

While we were away Josh took the liberty of entering each of us into a power wheel drawing at our local base grocery store and guess who won!!!!!

Jacob is now the Proud owner of a Range Rider!!!! Oh you al lknow Jacob you should have seen his face when we picked it up.

We also made a trip to the zoo, though i am always confused at the site of no elephants we still had an amazng time and if asked about his experience Jacob will tell you all about the goat that nibbled his finger!!

It is also Birthday Month here among the Garner boys!! We have a party in the works for Jacob and Daddy treated himself to a new bike!

aside from the stress, we are blessed!!

If we take away the stress of finals and promotion board studying we are truly beyond belssed.

We are 22 weeks pregnant, proud parents of a 22 month old and Josh was mentioned in the Stars and Stripes Newpaper. http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=61707
I cant say enough how proud I am of my husband and they way he has totally embraced fatherhood and husbandhood, since being back. He is successful and work and comes right home and aims to please us here as well.
Jacob and Josh could be seen yesterday playing in the mud, well Jacob was playing Josh was digging our veggie garden. Seeing those two together make me so thankful another boy will join our family, they will be the three muskaters!!!

I couldnt help but express my thankfulness today, we have had the opportunity, though being separated from our families to build our own loving and strong family based of the Lord and we are so thankful for this.

Registry

Hello Family and Friends,
So another boy to add to our beautiful family, and i know some of you ahve been wondering if we need anything. I have done up a small baby registry on http://www.target.com/
Type in Jessica Garner, most things we chose are online only but nothing has to be the exact, these are all ideas! Feel free to shop around, i would if i were stateside:)
Just some odds and ends we think we may need to care for Caleb as well as we have been doing for Jacob.
For those of you who love to shop for baby clothes, we are hoping to get use out of Jacobs again but of course all new babies need their own clothes and blankets. I didnt register for any so you are all on your own. we like the typical blues, yellows, and greens.
Calebs room will also be the blue and green turtle theme Jacob had.

Thank u and God bless all our family and friends, we're so blessed you get to share with us in this experience.

IT's a......

BOY!!!!!

Thats right we had our 20 week appt today and we are having a full fleshed boy, he was bareing it all to the camera.

The appt went well, tech didnt see anyhting abnormal, we meet with the dr at the OB clinic for my 22nd week appt.

I know some are interested in seeing the baby bump, so here it is!!!

Does Anyone Still Read This?

J in his bug glasses, His BF Kennedy bought them for him, he puts them and says cool dude, he calls them cool dudes as well.

Not sure if this is checked anymore, i havent done a great job in keeping up with it but here goes.

Jacob is Wonderful, we are actually up in Germany for a few day and he has taken to being afraid of the pool. I guess we'll see what summer brings.

I am officialy half way done with this pregnancy, we find out Monday the 23rd the sex of the baby, assuming it is willing.

Jacob has started to wake up screaming and crying 2-3 times a night, i have read up on nightmare and night terros, i think he is having nightmares, he has to learn to soothe himself back to sleep but here in the Hotle it is difficult because i see his scared face and the tears so i of course pick him up.

Here are a few adorable photos of my little man!!!

My cute little man, cheesin the camera

Not much else to report. we have a Finland trip in the works however Josh has a bunch of upcoming work related trips going on so everything is dependent on those.

His Carnevale Hat, he just loves the little bells!!

hmm

These photos wouldnt attach in the last blog but go with what i was talking about!!